There were 238 people killed and 3,793 people injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2009 in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. There were more than 45,000 convictions for drunken driving offenses last year in Wisconsin, the agency reported.

The campaign doesn’t mean extra officers will be patrolling the roadways. Kronenwetter Police Lt. Terry McHugh said officers will put off work that is not a high priority, such as a misdemeanor property crime investigation or administrative paperwork, to spend a few extra minutes or hours on the road.

“We take whatever extra time we can get to be out there for a more concentrated effort, even if we have to put other things on the back burner,” McHugh said.

Officers will focus during the campaign on areas of high traffic and where the most crashes occur, Marathon County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Selby said. Some of the areas deputies will focus their attention include Highway 29 between highways J and 107, Highway K, Highway 51 in Rib Mountain and Business Highway 51, Selby said.

This is the first statewide crackdown on drunken driving since a new law took effect July 1 that increased jail time for many drunken driving convictions.

The new law requires first-offense OWI drivers who were convicted with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher and all repeat drunken drivers to install an ignition interlock device on every vehicle they own or have registered in their name. An IID, which measures breath alcohol levels, makes drivers prove they are sober before they can start a vehicle.

“Every law enforcement officer hopes that people will choose to drive sober,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent David Collins said in a news release. “But if they make the irresponsible choice to drive while under the influence of alcohol, we’ll be ready to arrest them.”

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20100820/WDH0101/8200472/Police-to-begin-OWI-crackdown-today

Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker says he would exempt public safety positions like prison guards and state troopers from furloughs.

CONTACT: Darrin Schmitz (608) 661-0777

(MADISON, WI.) – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today, the endorsement of the Wisconsin Troopers Association (WTA).

The Wisconsin Troopers Association is a non-profit organization comprised of active and retired Wisconsin state troopers, inspectors, division supervisors, and police communication officers. Their mission is to support law enforcement initiatives and sponsor public safety programs that benefit the community.

In a letter of endorsement, WTA President, Glen Jones, wrote, “Your record during your first term as Attorney General has demonstrated your dedication to supporting law enforcement officers and we are grateful for your efforts. Under your leadership, the Department of Justice has established a strong partnership with the Troopers’ Association to provide expertise in evidence collection and crime scene mapping, and we look forward to expanding this relationship.”

The letter continued, “You have a distinguished record of increasing public safety in Wisconsin and you have followed through on your commitments to law enforcement. We look forward to working with you during your second term.”

“I am truly honored to have earned the support of the Wisconsin Troopers Association. Together, we have built strong relationships in increasing public safety in Wisconsin,” Van Hollen said. “Their recognition of my candidacy validates our record of achievement and I appreciate their confidence in our efforts,” Van Hollen continued.

Attorney General Van Hollen also received the endorsement of the Wisconsin Troopers Association in 2006. Additionally, he is currently endorsed by 62 sheriffs and 50 district attorneys from across Wisconsin, including Democrats and Republicans. Van Hollen is also endorsed by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Milwaukee Police Association, the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association, the International Union of Police Associations, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=205555

Shane Nottestad brings considerable experience to the position he is seeking.  He has been a lifelong resident of Vernon County, and has worked as a jailer, dispatcher and patrol deputy with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department.  Shane is currently a police officer with the Viroqua Police Department.  His wife, Emilee Nottestad, is also a Viroqua Police Officer.

Shane Nottestad is a successful businessman, operating a convenience store in LaFarge, and a trucking firm along with his wife, Emilee.

Shane Nottestad has pledged to build partnerships with other agencies, to provide the most effective use of resources for Vernon County residents.

“Shane is a hard-working, honest, and ethical law enforcement officer.  The management of his businesses is indicative of his ability to successfully manage the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department,” said retired State Trooper Darrell Hill.  “Shane’s ability to work with other law enforcement agencies will greatly add to the overall service provided to county residents.”

Shane Nottestad’s experience makes him the right choice for Sheriff of Vernon County, and his service has earned the respect and endorsement of the Wisconsin Troopers’ Association.

http://www.nottestadforsheriff.com/2010/07/wisconsin-troopers-association-endorses-shane-nottestad-for-vernon-county-sheriff/

There are still tickets available, but our max of 6000 tickets is drawing near.  In fact there are less than 350 books remaining!

Please consider selling five (5) books of tickets or more!  Contact Mark Andraschko at raffle@wisconsintrooper.org.

For more information on our raffle, click HERE.

The WTA has established a new Fallen Heroes Fund to support families of and honor troopers killed in the line of duty. 

Nearly 3/4 of the tickets have been distributed to WTA members for sale in their home areas.  Thank you!

We still need your support, please help us sell raffle tickets today! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Grand Prize:  2009 Polaris Sportsman 400 ATV

The WTA has a loyal fan following with over 230 fans and growing. 

Please become a fan of the WTA!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WTA FACEBOOK PAGE