The nine people and events in 2009 that most shaped Waukesha and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin

Governor Jim Doyle’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett getting attacked outside State Fair turns him into a hero.
State Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson wins re-election.
Passage of a state budget built largely upon deferred expenses, raids on segregated [...]

Another year come and gone and the view from Whiterock Avenue of the Fox River remains unobstructed by a baseball stadium. The Waukesha Freeman reported yesterday that the Northwoods Baseball League will just have to wait another year before asking the Waukesha Common Council for permission to dig up Frame Park.
The plans are on hold [...]

It was near-perfect weather for a parade in Waukesha, and the crowds were out in force for the annual Waukesha Christmas Parade.
Congratulations to the Potawatomi Council Cub Scouts Pack 9 from Hadfield school in Waukesha for winning 2nd place in the Community Groups category. After winning in the “youth group” category the last [...]

Frame Park Stadium website, under construction. Must be still looking for financing.

Just heard the train horn, two short, one long. We’ve got helicopters landing in the neighborhood. (ht: Spring City) And the city is debating whether to allow Chad Bauer build a stadium in Frame Park.
Didn’t we just go through all this?

Alderman Chris Hernandez gave his explanation to the residents of Phoenix Heights why he voted in favor of the stadium at Frame Park. Based upon audio I received of the meeting, the following is a transcript of his answer:
A Phoenix Heights resident asked Alderman Hernandez why he voted in favor of the stadium. [...]

Waukesha Mayor Larry Nelson (D) is expected to announce today he is not running for re-election. Nelson tells the Wigderson Library & Pub he is taking a job as a regional mascot for the Little Caesars pizza chain.
“I always wanted a job where I could meet so many people and never wear a tie. And [...]

Went to the Waukesha Common Council meeting tonight. No announcement tonight on the radium settlement with the DNR.
Global warming has hit Waukesha. Alderman Tortomasi said the “coldest January” caused nine water main breaks, and two in February. If you see water cascading down Arcadian or bubbling up on Broadway, call [...]

Will the Waukesha Board of Zoning Appeals see it’s shadow? Consideration of Steve Edlund’s appeal regarding the permitting of a stadium for the Northwoods Baseball League has been postponed to February 2nd at 4:00 PM. Edlund reports the delay is because, “the chairperson has requested more time to study the appeal.”

Let’s take a last look back at 2008 at the eight events that shaped Wisconsin and Waukesha.
Waukesha’s Big Eight:
1. The Flood. How often does a city emergency come up where a city handles it well?
2. The Great Lakes Water Compact passes, complete with a process for Waukesha to apply for a diversion. Speaking [...]