Methcathinone

Superintendent to face trial on theft charges

Siren There is sufficient evidence to prosecute the superintendent of the Siren School District on theft and misconduct charges, a judge has ruled.

Gerald Mikunda, 56, has been bound over for trial at a preliminary hearing in Burnett County Circuit Court. Mikunda, who has taken an unpaid leave of absence from his job, is charged with theft, concealing stolen property and eight counts of misconduct by a public official.

The Sheriff's Department said a February search of Mikunda's home uncovered more than 50 items belonging to the school district, including tools, a dehumidifier, an outboard motor and a roll of fencing.

Two women killed in Vernon County crash

Viroqua Two women were killed in a one-car crash early Sunday, according to the Vernon County Sheriff's Department.

Jennifer L. Burckhardt, 20, of Viroqua, and Shannon I. Burke, 20, of La Crosse, were killed when the car they were in overturned on Highway I in the Town of Kickapoo shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday.

Jason W. Dore, 21, of Reedstown, was injured in the crash and was taken to Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, where he was in fair condition Sunday afternoon, a nursing supervisor said.

A Vernon County sheriff's spokesman said officials didn't know who was driving the car. The accident remained under investigation.

In other traffic fatalities, Lloyd A. Remington, 37, of Escanaba, Mich., was killed Saturday when a car hit him as he walked in his hometown, state police said Sunday.

Sun Prairie man sues over burns from coffee

Madison A Sun Prairie man claims in a lawsuit filed against Burger King that he suffered burns from coffee spilled on him at an Eau Claire outlet.

Robert G. King's lawyer filed the suit in Dane County Circuit Court, claiming that the restaurant sold a dangerous product.

King, who was traveling through Eau Claire on business on May 21, was burned when a cup of coffee was spilled on him at a drive-up window, his attorney Robert Gingras said.

The serving temperature of the restaurant's coffee was checked and was "found to have exceeded 170 degrees," Gingras said.

Mike DeRosa, owner of Burger King restaurants in Eau Claire, said he could not comment because he had not seen the suit.

Gateway Technical names new president

Racine Carole Johnson, chancellor of the Minnesota Technical College System, has been named president of Gateway Technical College.

The Gateway Technical College District Board voted unanimously Thursday to offer Johnson, 49, a three-year contract with a starting annual salary of $98,000. She is expected to start July 10.

The board had narrowed the search to three candidates last month.

Four men sent to prison for making, selling CAT

Marquette, Mich. Four men have been sentenced to federal prison terms for operating a methcathinone business out of a secluded cabin and selling the inexpensive, highly addictive drug.

Ronald Stapleton, 42, of Iron River was sentenced to 13 years in prison for selling the recipe, maintaining lab equipment and conspiring with more than 15 people in Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois to make the drug.

Also sentenced to prison were Paul LeClaire, 37, of L'Anse, four years; Robet Lundy, 36, of L'Anse, four years; and Scott Skibo, 32, of Chetopa, Kan., nine years.

Methcathinone, which is known as "cat" and is cheap to make, is made from battery acid, lye and acetone.

From Journal Sentinel staff and wire reports

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