Rumor has it that recent random drug testing at Plaspack has possibly left some job openings. Supposedly, about 25 people got fired due to “dirty” drug tests. I have not seen any ads yet for jobs there, but, keep your eye out.
If you are interested in applying there, I would say it might be smart to do it now.
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Has anyone noticed the hypocrisy of this town…from our newspaper to our hospital? Don’t get me wrong, I read the daily newspaper and I go to the hospital when I need to. I am really “for” them in “most” ways. But I am very skeptical about some of the messages they are portraying. I guess, I’ll start with the “Baby of the Year”. The first baby born of the year “must” be born to wed parents. I don’t understand how this is at all right. I know it is probably because we have a Catholic hospital. But the so called Catholic hospital does not agree with any forms of “prevention”, such as “tying tubes”. I do understand that under the Catholic Religion, children should not be conceived out of wedlock. However, a life is life and our all merciful God, loves us all. Under any religion, “WE” are not to judge each other. I don’t feel it is the hospital, paper, or area businesses duty to say that my children or any others are not fit. I see that my children, who were born out of wedlock, are angels. At least, they are mine. There is no doubt that God sent them to me. Last year, the “baby of the year” had to wait for days before being announced. This year,2008, not until the 12th because all others were disqualified for that reason. Now, how is it that they can just say, “No babies were born today”. What????? I just don’t understand. First of all, our hospital has no problem allowing a doctor who abused an illegal drug come back to work there and can’t acknowledge a new life. What message does this send to our youth? Second of all, isn’t divorce against the Catholic Religion? If the newspaper is standing behind these decisions because of religion, than why is it no problem to plaster divorces all over the paper. Maybe all the people involved in the decision of “Baby of the Year” should spend less time worrying about people’s personal business and more time in church.
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Nascar’s Jimmie Johnson Former Antigo Resident?
I have heard this statement made on News Channel 7 a few times in the past. It is no secret that Jimmie Johnson used to race here in Antigo, before driving in Nascar. There is a comment that Jimmie made about the Cutlass motel, but, I didn’t think that staying in a motel would be considered residency?
This subject is touched upon in Channel 7’s Mike Jacques blog, which you can find here.
He also mentions the public comment that Jimmie made about the Cutlass, which you can find here. After doing some searching, there is no mention of Jimmie Johnson ever living in Antigo, only about his Cutlass stay.
I think it would be pretty cool to be able to say that Antigo was once the home of Jimmie Johnson, but, from the information found, I can’t say for certain that it is true. So, the question remains unanswered in my opinion.
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New Charges for Man Who Drove into Good Nite Inn
According to news reports, the man who is accused of driving his SUV into the Good Nite Inn this summer is facing new charges in court.
He is already facing charges of “Homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle” for the death of Jesus Manuel Quirios Castillo, who was asleep in his motel room and killed by the SUV that came through the building. According to the DA, the driver of the SUV had a BAC of more than .40. If convicted, this will be the drivers 3rd offense of drunk driving.
The man charged, Stephen Van Vleit, is now facing Bail Jumping charges. He had been out of jail on a $25,000 bond. He was in a treatment facility for alcohol. The bail jumping charges are being filed due the fact that Van Vleit did not show up for his daily breath test on Thursday and did not return to the treatment facility until Saturday.
He had a court appearance in Antigo on Oct. 23. Van Vleit is now in jail on a $75,000 cash bond. He has waived his Preliminary Hearing.
According to News Channel 7’s Report, Van Vleit’s lawyer is hoping to come to a plea agreement with the prosecution by the end of November. You can find Channel 7’s report here.
There are some pretty racist and harsh comments on this story on the following blog: Topix Antigo blog
******UPDATE*********
Mr. VanVleit was back in court today and posted an additional $75,000 bond. In combination with his first bond, this is a total of $100,000. It is still unknown if the first $25,000 he paid will be forfeited. He has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. He is due back in court in February 2008.
*********UPDATE 12/4/07**************
Once again Mr. VanVleit has violated rules of his bond and is now back behind bars. According to the Antigo Daily Journal, VanVleit tested positive for alcohol – against strict orders and the court has now set his bond at an ADDITIONAL $125,000. The violation occurred last Friday and as of today, the new bond amount has not been posted. It is still unknown as to whether his previous bonds will be forfeited.
**********Update 01/09/08**********
According to court records bond was posted today for the amount of $125,000 for Stephen VanVleit. It is still unclear if the previous bonds will be forfeited to the court. He is scheduled to appear back in court on 02/07/08.
*************UPDATE 02/05/08***********
According to the Antigo Journal today, Mr. VanVleit has AGAIN violated the rules of his bond. Judge Kawalski has now set bond at 1 million dollars – the highest bond ever set in Langlade County.
**********UPDATE 09/05/08****************
A Plea deal is apparently in the works for Mr. VanVleit. Read the report posted on News Channel 7’s site HERE.
************UPDATE 09/18/08*************
Mr. VanVleit has pleaded no contest to a deal with the DA. He is set to be sentenced on Dec. 3rd. You can read the story in the Antigo Journal HERE.
***************UPDATE 01/09/09**********
Mr. VanVleit had his sentencing hearing today in Langlade Cty. court. Judge Kawalski has sentenced him to 12 years in prison and 11 years of extended supervision. According to the news report on WSAW, the bond money that has been collected will be used for fines and costs, with the remaining amounts going to the victim’s family. You can read the WSAW article HERE.
****************UPDATE 06/23/10**********
Stephen VanVleit passed away – see his obituary
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