There's money to lend, local bankers say (Wisconsin State Journal) Despite dire national news reports that credit is tight, Wisconsin bankers say for them it's business as usual. In fact, community bankers say they're benefiting from lower interest rates and an influx of deposits from customers fleeing the stock market or banks they consider less safe. "Here in Wisconsin, things aren't as bad as they sound," said Steve Eager, senior vice president of Union Bank ...

Walworth County has energy aid applications (The Janesville Gazette) The Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services will accept Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program applications by appointment at various locations.

Cardinal marching band readies for state (The Chippewa Herald) For Chi-Hi senior Megan Randall, marching band is all about the competition performances.

Ex-Wisconsin governor leads racing safety group (AP via Yahoo! News) Thoroughbred racing got a set of ground rules Wednesday, a series of sweeping safety and integrity reforms that will be monitored by former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson.

RNC out of Wisconsin, Maine; focuses on red states (AP via Yahoo! News) The Republican National Committee is halting presidential ads in Wisconsin and Maine, turning much of its attention to usually Republican states where GOP nominee John McCain shows signs of faltering.

Wisconsin car wash polling favors Obama (UPI) MADISON, Wis., Oct. 15 (UPI) -- The owner of car washes in two Wisconsin cities says his amateur attempt at electoral polling has favored Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama.