Common Council approves Doyle initiative

The Milwaukee Common Council yesterday approved an initiative 10-5 that supports Gov. Jim Doyle�s efforts to make the state smoke-free. The measure instructs the Milwaukee Department of Administration Intergovernmental Relations Division to support passage of state legislation that would implement a statewide smoking ban. The state initiative would ban smoking in all public buildings, workplaces, restaurants and taverns. It could also increase the cigarette tax by $1.25 per pack, from 77 cents per pack to $2.02 per pack, and provide money for new stop smoking programs. The bill now heads to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett�s desk, where it awaits approval or veto.

Minority association to host crime coverage panel

The Minority Media Association of UWM is sponsoring a panel discussion of race and crime coverage from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25. The event will be held in Merrill, Room 131, and will focus in part on the subject of suspects� descriptions. The recent Don Imus controversy also will be discussed at the panel of media and campus professionals. The panel includes UWM spokesman Tom Luljak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Pat McIlheran, El Conquistador Editor Victor Huyke and others.

Bradford lifeguards hopeful for summer �08

Bradford Beach could be getting lifeguards for summer 2008, if corporations help support the project. Joe Roszak, a Milwaukee County Park System representative, said he is �fairly confident� they will get the monetary support they need. Through the Adopt a Beach program, companies are asked to donate money to the beach. They then get a plaque, placed near the beach, that acknowledges their support, Roszak said. Lifeguards were last on the beach in 2001, and since then Roszak said he has heard a lot of people complain about safety. �That�s where lifeguards come in,� Roszak said. Despite the absence of lifeguards this summer, Bradford Beach has events planned such as volleyball tournaments and a movie night on the beach.

Milwaukee pools open extended hours for summer

After plans to close half the Milwaukee County pools failed, all but one Milwaukee County pool will be reopening this summer with extended hours. Last year the pools were open from 1 to 5 p.m. This year they will be open 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The only pool with an uncertain future is the Hales Corner pool on New Berlin Road, just west of 116th Street, within Hales Corners Park. The Friends of Hales Corner Pool are still working on gaining community financial support after the County Board denied its funding.

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