Wisconsin State Journal from Madison, Wisconsin • 15

3B Saturday, May 27, 2000 Wisconsin State Journal REGION IN BRIEF mm Wmw ails But Republicans say foes are too optimistic About half of the Senate and all members of the Assembly are up for re-election in November. "People are saying, 'Good, we don't have to wipe our brow about the Senate anymore. We'll be in to help you more," said Assembly Minority Leader Shirley Krug, D-Milwaukee. Republicans, not surprisingly, have a different view. "I think the Democrats are a little overconfident" said Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen, R-Waukesha.

Most of the retirements in the Assembly, including Porter's, are in conservative parts of the state with long histories of electing Republicans, he noted. Chvala, D-Madison, predicted. "The Republicans' small window of opportunity in the Senate has collapsed," he said. Rep. Cloyd Porter, R-Burlington, also announced Friday he is leaving the Assembly, bringing the number of Republican departures in that house to six.

By comparison, no Democratic incumbents plan to leave the Senate and only two are likely to exit the Assembly, leaders said. Incumbents, historically, are hard to unseat Democrats now control the Senate by a slim 17-16 margin. Republicans have a 54-45 advantage in the Assembly. ate is a toss-up, and Republicans should easily hold their majority in the Assembly, he said. "We are very upbeat," Jensen said after a campaign swing through northwestern Wisconsin on Friday.

"Our incumbents are solid, and we might even pick up a couple of seats." Senate Democrats hope to take over Rude's seat and knock off incumbent Sea Gary Drzewiecki, D-Pulaski. "Certainly, groups that are oriented to Republicans have been looking at the Senate as a lost cause," Chvala said. "I think that may drain significant independent resources that look for opportunities to make a difference." Republicans also have had increasing success in medium-sized cities in recent years, Jensen said. That should help Republicans hold onto Rude's spot in the La Crosse area, he predicted. Rude, who announced he was leaving public office on Thursday, was the No.

2 Republican leader in the Senate. Rep. Mark Meyer, D-La Crosse, is expected to leave the Assembly to run for Rude's Senate seat That could open up Meyer's Assembly seat for a Republican candidate, Jensen said. Republicans also have a good shot an knocking off incumbent Sen. Alice Clausing, D-Menomonie, Jensen said.

The speaker thinks control of the Sen A clean sweep i i 7 I 1 Sf T- 11 Jp 1 MADISON Jocko's suspect nabbed in California The last of nine people indicted in a federal drug probe at Jocko's Rocket Ship bar in Madison has been arrested in California, authorities said. John Salmon, 41, was arrested Wednesday in an unidentified California town, U.S. Attorney Peg Lautenschlager said. Lautenschlager had no details of the arrest Friday, although she said Salmon has indicated he would not fight extradition to Wisconsin. "He'll probably be here in a week or two," she said.

Salmon, a former bartender and part-time substitute teacher for the Oregon School District, faces three counts in federal court of distributing cocaine and operating a drug house. He was among nine people indicted in March after a four-month undercover operation at the bar, at 430 W. Gilman St Seven of the defendants were arrested in an initial sweep, and an eighth was picked up earlier this month. Most have since been released on bail pending further court proceedings. Governor appoints Krutsch to Regents governor appointed a northern Wisconsin woman to the UW Board of Regents on Friday.

Phyllis Krutsch of a small community about 50 miles east of Superior, will serve on the UW System's governing board until 2007, Gov Tommy Thompson said. She fills a vacancy left by former board president San Orr, whose term ended May 1. "I believe that the lay board has an essential role in improving the quality, cost-effectiveness and responsiveness of higher education," Krutsch said in a statement Krutsch, who earned undergraduate and master's degrees at UW-Madison, is a member of the National Council for History Education. She also serves on the Board of Curators of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Krutsch served as a regent from 1990 to 1997 and was chairwoman of the education committee from 1994-1997.

"We're delighted to have her back," said UW System President Katharine Lyall. The appointment requires state Senate confirmation. Building's antenna could block signals Unless the antenna is moved, radio signals from ambulances, fire trucks and police cars eventually will be blocked by the State Justice Center under construction at Doty Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Jimmy Patty, director of the Dane County communications center, said a microwave dish antenna is mounted too low on the City-County Building roof.

He said the Justice Center eventually will block signals coming from the town of Rox-bury tower in western Dane County. Patty said the county Public Works Department is analyzing whether it's possible to mount the dish antenna, which is four feet in diameter, higher on an antenna pole on top of the building. I If that isn't possible, Patty said, a new tower may be needed. "We've got to have a little engineering study done to make sure we don't topple the tywer," he said. WSJ staff, wire reports Students from Horning Middle School in Waukesha lend a hand this week at the sixth annual Fox River Cleanup.

The middle schoolers picked up debris with the help of volunteers from GE Medical Systems. The event was sponsored by GE Medical Systems and by International Truck and Engine Corp. to broaden marriage program By Scott Milfred Legislative reporter Democrats are talking tough in the wake of Republican Brian Rude's retirement from the Senate this week. "It's quite clear that the Senate will come back with 18 or 19 Democrats" after the fall elections, Senate Majority Leader Chuck DeForest seniors say rousing farewell By Naomi R. Patton Wisconsin State Journal The threat of rain moved the DeForest High School graduation inside, but it didn't dampen the spirits of those inside the packed gym Friday night The 228-member senior class was all smiles as it processed into the gym, straining to catch a glimpse of parents, friends and teachers.

National Honor Society members and fellow seniors Joseph Philip and Paul Ruder harmonized and sang the National Anthem beneath a sign bearing the words to the school fight song that "old DeForest pep" and all. They were indeed the "bunch with a hunch," as the song says, with mortar boards trimmed in pink fur, smiley faces, year 2000 emblems and various mosaics. A history of the class was given by class speakers, who included Melissa Paulson, Julie Homuth, Melinda Phillips and Darcy Molt-zau. Paulson noted that they were the "first class of the new millen- Waunakee graduates celebrate top honors By Phil McDade Wisconsin State Journal WAUNAKEE A class initially known for its mischief-making celebrated a career of accomplishments Friday night at Waunakee High School. The Class of 2000 arrived at Waunakee High School with a reputation as potential pranksters, Principal Brian Kersten told a packed audience at the high school.

But they graduated with a wealth of successes, he said. Among them: state football champions; state boys soccer champions; top honors at state forensic competitions; and yet another critic's award for the school's one-act play troupe at state finals. The senior class also helped collect nearly $14,000 in donations from district residents for the Waunakee Scholarship Fund Drive. A longtime Waunakee tradition, the fund drive helps provide scholarship money for any senior who applies for aid to offset college expenses. "This class is certainly talented," Kersten said.

Of course, the class couldn't totally live down its initial reputa- especially for an aphorism, "The arts are for everyone; support, enjoy." The foundation that manages the theater was named after him. "Jerry Bartell was a tremendous influence on those of us who grew up around the arts in this area," said David Lawver, president of the foundation. The Esquire has two theaters: the 218-seat Drury Theatre, with a traditional proscenium stage, and the 96-seat William T. Evjue Theatre, a flexible "black box" performance space. The Esquire received a grant of $500,000 from the Overture Foundation to pay off the last of its construction debt, to buy the theater and to renovate the facade.

giving money to a program to help clergy develop marriage standards violates the First Amendment The law is unconstitutional because it pays a state employee to help only clergy. Judges and court commissioners, who also can marry people in Wisconsin, were left out. Jensen, who tucked the program into the state budget to become law last year, blamed the omission of judges and court commissioners on a drafting error. furniture ltd. Jensen wants Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen, R-Waukesha, said Friday he agrees that clergy, judges and court commissioners all should be able to participate in a state program designed to strengthen marriage.

"Our purpose was to involve all authorities who can marry in this program, and that was the legal trip wire," Jensen said. U.S. District Judge John Shabaz ruled Thursday that a state law Shelf Dining Best Selection Best 48" Computer r- Desk 'pL DEFOREST Number of graduates: 228 Valedictorian: Jason Kohout Salutatorian: Stephanie Heyroth Class president Jason Kohout Class speakers: Melissa Paulson, Julie Homuth, Darcy Moltzau and Melinda Phillips nium" and regaled the audience with tales of their freshman year, which included a typically fresh- man showing that means they lost in the annual Powder Puff football game. Harvard University-bound class president and valedictorian Jason Kohout briefly gave the "class farewell." His reminder to classmates that they "live in the greatest nation the world has ever known" was met with a rousing chant of "USA! USA! HO!" Kohout said his generation has a greater responsibility to humanity but can already "be proud of the time we've spent in all the worthy causes." Stephanie Heyroth was the class salutatorian and is heading to the University of Minnesota. The small sea of purple and black graduations gowns was highlighted by the 73 honor society students wearing gold ribbons.

Three sets of twins also were included among the honor students. This class of 2000 bore as its motto, "In our hands we hold today. In our dreams we hold tomorrow. In our hearts we hold forever." WAUNAKEE Number of graduates: 191 Valedictorian: Jamie Meyer Salutatorian: Margaret Elvekrog Class president: Elizabeth Holmes Class speakers: Michael Haverly, David Maas receiving the diplomas, the nearly 200 graduates pulled cans of silly string from underneath their robes and sprayed each other. Social studies teacher Charlie Fuller, chosen by the graduating seniors to speak to them at graduation, also congratulated the class for its success.

"We couldn't be more honored and more pleased to be part of the adventure we've all experienced in the last four years," he said. Class valedictorian Jamie Meyer encouraged the graduates to remember all the small accomplishments that got them this far. "Life is filled with little things things we are so accustomed to, we take for granted," she said. "Remember and appreciate those little things that may not be so little after all." For class salutatorian Margaret Elvekrog, graduation serves as a reminder of the journey to come. It's a journey that will take all of the graduating seniors on an unpredictable path, she said.

"Our journey is just beginning, our ship is ready to sail," she said. "We cannot direct the wind, but we can move the sails." and renamed The title to the property was acquired by the Madison Cultural Arts Support Trust the entity created to handle finances for the Overture project, the Downtown cultural arts district The theater groups, under their blanket operating title of the Gerald A Bartell Community Theatre Foundation, will pay rent to the trust The rent proceeds, an estimated $4,000 per month, will go into a reserve fund that will be available for theater improvements. The Esquire previously housed a movie theater. Over a period of more than a year, it was renovated by the theater groups and opened in August 1998. Quality Best Prices GUARANTEED Associated Press Jensen said he will push to change the law to the judge's liking, with the hope the Legislature can approve it next year as separate legislation or as part of the new budget "This is a worthwhile program to try," Jensen said.

"We have a history of experimenting in Wisconsin with new and innovative programs, and I'm hopeful we'll approve another version of this in the correct form in the future." Scott Milfred 23 mmmsm Mi Super Desk Oak Oak Plywood $QQQ99 as shown li "5 i x.v i 60" Mission Computer Work Center Hulcn ilk: lea 699 I Keyboard PuIIout 4 CD ROM Storage Solid Oak Oak Plywood 60" Wide 25" Deep 55" High Solid Oak Oak Plywood Letter or Legal File Drawer Traditional Oak Bookcases Solid Oak Oak Veneer Dentil Mouldings Fluted Pilaster All 32" wide 13" deep 36" High 'lZSP Esquire to be renovated 48" High '19 60" High 169M 3 72" High 89" 04 iaF Solid Complete M-F 1 0-9 Sat. 1 0-5, 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE By John Aehl Wisconsin State Journal i. The Esquire Theater will have a new name by this fall, after the facade of the community theater at 113 E. Mifflin St. is renovated.

i It will become the Gerald Bar-tell Theater, named after a well-known Madison supporter of the arts. TJie Esquire is home to six acting companies: the Madison Theatre Guild, Strollers Theatre, Mercury Players Theatre, Millennium Theatre, Mazomanie and Reprise Theatre. Bartell, usually known more informally as Jerry, was a broadcaster and publisher, known Shelf Sun. 1 2-5 CSt C2 PBH 3757 Madison (608) 222-7702 "fitrnitUrC Cttf madison west madison east 4637VeronaRd- Madison (608) 276.