Opinions

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW: Redaction costs threaten police video access

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 6:16pm

The bill moved with lightning speed. It was introduced last December, passed the state Senate in January and the Assembly in February, and was signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers in March. Wisconsin Act 253 allows police and corrections officials to charge some requesters of video and audio recordings for the cost of redaction — that is, blurring out certain information.

Journalistic censorship not welcome here

Published by admin on Mon, 06/24/2024 - 2:23pm

There are two major types of people you deal with as a journalist — those that speak their minds to their hearts’ content in the hopes of constantly being in the spotlight, and those that speak their minds to their hearts’ content who then try to push journalists covering the event to cut their comments out of the story.

Those of you in the first category, take a deep breath, because I’m not going to offer any commentary on you today.

GUEST COLUMN: Quick pivot back to partisan talking points

Published by admin on Sat, 06/22/2024 - 10:39am

I joined millions in watching televised coverage of D-Day’s 80th anniversary ceremonies last week.

I wept.

Who didn’t?

The dwindling number of centenarian heroes on stage. The historic footage of that landing, a daring dash that literally saved the world. Rows of silent white crosses. The artillery salute. The fly-over. The soaring words of inspiration, and not just — or even foremost — by the political leaders. I was most touched when the young uniformed woman read the adapted version of “The Watch.”

LETTER: Math doesn’t add up for turf field at SCHS

Published by admin on Wed, 06/19/2024 - 12:33pm

To the editor:

The recent article about the Shawano School Board’s consideration of passing artificial turf construction costs to taxpayers contained some math that I found interesting.

Anderson now another school district’s problem

Published by admin on Thu, 06/13/2024 - 3:27pm

The news of Randi Anderson being put in charge of another school district is generating two reactions locally. The first one is that at least she’s not going to impact our schools anymore, but then the second reaction is that she’s going to be bringing another education institution to its knees.

LETTER: Student essay hits the nail on the head

Published by admin on Tue, 06/11/2024 - 12:36pm

To the editor:

I just read the essay by Makenna Bubolz, a Shawano High School student, on the opinion page. My compliments to her on an essay that hits the nail on the head regarding so many points about our country and culture that we all need to consider, especially in this fractious time.

I’ve not travelled abroad except for a noncombat stint in Vietnam, but many I know who have travelled internationally come home understanding how good we have it, compared even to advanced societies, much less those in the developing world.

GUEST COLUMN: Dairy month celebrates important Wisconsin industry

Published by admin on Fri, 06/07/2024 - 11:40am

For some, June kicks off the summer months as the weather gets warmer and school is finishing up for the year. For those in Wisconsin, June celebrates an entire industry that is central to Wisconsin’s communities, culture and history. In America’s Dairyland, our dairy industry is truly unique. Due to the hard work of industry, Wisconsinites are able to wear the title of America’s Dairyland with pride and gratitude.

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW: Officials must bear burden of proof in records cases

Published by admin on Fri, 06/07/2024 - 11:36am

Imagine I sue a school district for refusing to provide copies of records. Do I have to prove I’m entitled to them, or does the district have to prove it can withhold them?

That’s a question the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, along with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, have asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to clarify, in a friend-of-the-court amicus brief filed on May 22.

GUEST COLUMN: The determination of the American citizen

Published by admin on Wed, 05/22/2024 - 5:45pm

America is a melting pot of different cultures and individuals. Being a citizen of America can be seen as one of the most desirable things to many people in this world, and there is a good reason for that. Our country is renowned for the freedoms and incredible forms of expression that many other countries do not offer. To me, being an American citizen means being able to have the opportunity to accomplish anything you dream and working hard to better the place we call home.

GUEST COLUMN: Supporting kids’ mental health within our grasp

Published by admin on Tue, 05/21/2024 - 4:28pm

When people ask me what a major barrier is facing individual Wisconsin students today, I don’t have to think hard to come up with an answer — support for their mental health.