Wisconsin
Madison man who brought gun to Wisconsin Capitol twice, demanding to speak to Gov. Evers identified
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The Wisconsin State Capitol Police released the identity of the Madison man who they said brought loaded guns to the state Capitol, twice in the same day, looking for Governor Tony Evers.
According to Capitol Police, Joshua Pleasnick, 43, entered the Capitol building shirtless, with a handgun and demanded to see the Governor at the security desk in front of his office just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Police first arrested him, he was booked into Dane County Jail, then posted bail and returned to the Capitol seven hours later at 8 p.m. holding a rifle.
Thursday morning, the Wisconsin State Legislature Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms shared a flyer with lawmakers and Capitol staff on behalf of the Capitol Police Department containing Pleasnick’s photo and description.
The flyer included the following quote about the suspect: “Pleasnick stated he did not own a vehicle and it is likely he has access to a large amount of weapons and is comfortable using them.
The flyer also said Pleasnick is also known as “Taco”.
Governor Evers was not at the capitol Wednesday afternoon or evening and he credited Capitol Police for protecting him.
”I’m okay,” Gov. Evers said. “To their credit the Capitol police took control of the situation and it’s over but that’s always something that is… It’s always things you don’t want to see happen but that’s why we have good people in the police department and Capitol police and State Patrol. They’re doing their great work.”
The governor declined to share if law enforcement has any specific plans to increase security at the state Capitol.
”I never, ever talk about what my security detail does or what they’re planning on doing. But anytime something like this happens, obviously they reevaluate,” Gov. Evers said. ”I’m sure they’re looking at that as we speak. But again, it’s not something that we ever talk about, that I ever talk about is what sort of security is available on my behalf.”
No formal charges have been brought against Pleasnick yet. The latest update from police said he is in custody at a hospital.
Also according to Capitol Police, he first showed up with a dog on a leash, which is now at animal control.
The Wisconsin Capitol is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone to freely enter for tours and spectators to look at the historic building.
Traci Paul traveled from California to Madison to tour the building on Thursday.
The California State Capitol has metal detectors and security guards at the entrance, the Wisconsin Capitol does not, which came as a slight surprise to Paul.
”Yeah I guess it does, but we were in Vermont and it was the same way,” she said. “New Mexico was the same way. So maybe because in California because it’s more crowded they want more security there.”
This is a developing story and NBC15 News is working to find out how why Pleasnick was let out on bail so quickly, only to return to the Capitol with another loaded gun.
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Copyright 2023 WMTV. All rights reserved.
Wisconsin
How much does a Thanksgiving meal cost in Wisconsin this year?
MILWAUKEE – Some good news for Wisconsinites this year: According to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, the traditional Thanksgiving meal will cost 2% less than last year.
According to the WFBF’s survey, the price tag for a typical Thanksgiving meal in Wisconsin is $57.61 this year. The survey tabulated the total cost at $58.86 a year ago.
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That meal includes turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and more.
For comparison, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s survey of the same items showed a 5% decrease from 2023 with prices nationally at $58.08 this year.
Wisconsin
Minnesota leading nation in voter turnout, with Wisconsin still counting votes
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota will once again be one of the top states in the country for voter turnout.
The State Canvassing Board said 3,272,414 Minnesotans cast ballots in the 2024 general election, which is 76.41% of eligible voters in Minnesota.
According to the University of Florida, that’s the highest turnout rate in the country right now. Wisconsin, which is currently ranked second with a 76.37% turnout rate, is still working to certify its election results.
The turnout rate for Minnesota this election is slightly lower than the 2020 election, in which 79.96% of eligible voters in Minnesota voted.
On Thursday, the board certified the election results of contests for president, vice president, U.S. senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota.
The board also approved plans for Monday’s recount in the race for Minnesota House District 14B and noted the publicly funded recount that took place Thursday in Scott County for House District 54A.
After all recounts are complete, the board will meet and certify the results of the two house races.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Weekend in a Minute: Trainfest, SnowGlobe Holiday Festival, Domes Holiday Parade and more
Winter has finally shown up here in southeastern Wisconsin and that might have you in the holiday spirit! Check out Adriana’s complete list of fun things to do for the entire family.
FRIDAY
2024 Holiday Folk Fair International
Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair Park
8200 West Greenfield Avenue,
West Allis, WI 53214
Country Christmas Illuminated Walking Nights
The Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road,
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
Fiserv Forum
1111 N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue,
Milwaukee, WI 53203
SATURDAY
Domes Holiday Parade
524 S Layton Blvd,
Milwaukee, WI 53215
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Marcus Performing Arts Center
929 N. Water Street,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Trainfest 2024
Baird Center
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue,
Milwaukee, WI 53203
SnowGlobe Holiday Festival
Franklin Field7035 S. Ballpark Drive,
Franklin, WI 53132
USS Beloit Commissioning
Veterans Park
1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
SUNDAY
Paint Your Own Pet Bowl
Black Husky Brewing
909 E. Locust Street,
Milwaukee, WI 53212
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