News & Events
May 2010 - Attorney Janssen Presents to the Green Bay Police DepartmentAttorney Robert Janssen recently presented at the Green Bay Police Department a summary of the claims available to officers who are injured in the line of duty. He specifically addressed uninsured and underinsured claims available to officers who are injured on the job. He also addressed Worker’s Compensation benefits and Duty Disability benefits that are allowed to be pursued when an officer is injured.
February 2010 - Attorney Janssen Quoted in Wisconsin Law Journal
Attorney Robert Janssen was quoted in the February issue of the Wisconsin Law Journal. The article discusses the controversy created by the new rules relating to Medicare set-asides. To read more click on the link below.
New rules create controversy over Medicare set asides
November 2009 - Taste of the Town
Stellpflug Law is a table sponsor for the upcoming 17th annual Taste of the Town benefiting the children, “the littles”, of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin. Children involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program have shown increased self-confidence, a better sense of the future, a better attitude towards school and better decision making skills.
The Taste of the Town evening begins with the Chef Showdown featuring Chef Larry London from Big Tomatoes vs. Chef Abbey Steffen from Republic Chophouse. Caterers from the best establishments in the area team up with local celebrities to create culinary sensations for all to enjoy. Local celebrities help serve the food, there is a silent auction and a Taste of the Town Cookbook available. Food and fun for a great cause!
October 2009 - Supreme Court Arguments
On October 13, 2009 Attorney Sandra Hupfer will appear before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Wiscosnin Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in Pawlowski vs. American Family Mutual Ins. Co. and Seefeldt.
In 2003, Walter Waterman and his two dogs were living at in Nancy L. Seefeldt's home without paying rent. One day, Waterman exited the home with the dogs to go to the store. However, the dogs immediately charged out the door and one of the dogs bit Colleen Pawlowski, who was walking by the home. Pawlowski sued Seefeldt, alleging strict liability under Wis. Stat. sec. 174.02. The circuit court granted summary judgment in Seefeldt's favor, holding that she was not a "keeper" of the dog within the meaning of the statute. Pawlowski appealed, and the Court of Appeals reversed in a decision authored by Judge Lisa S. Neubauer. Judge Richard S. Brown wrote a concurrence, and Judge Harry G. Snyder dissented.
Under WI. Stat. 174.02, an "owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal or property." Section 174.001(5) defines an "owner" as "any person who owns, harbors or keeps a dog." Judge Neubauer found that by permitting Waterman's dogs to reside at her home over a period of months, Seefeldt provided them with both shelter and protection on an ongoing basis and was therefore a keeper. The court held that "the keeper status ends when the keeper relinquishes not only control, but also shelter or custody--such that the custody, care and control of the dog are all exercised by the owner. It is then that the keeper's "authority" over the dog is at an end" (emphasis in original).
There are 2 issues before the Supreme Court:
1. Was the defendant a “keeper” of the dog who bit the plaintiff, and therefore subject to liability under Wis. Stat. § 174.02, when at the time of the plaintiff’s injury the dog’s owner had control of the animal?
2. Does public policy dictate against finding the defendant liable for the injuries inflicted by the dog where the dog was still under the control of its legal owner at the time it bit the plaintiff?
Each side is given 30 minutes to make their case and answer questions from the justices.
September 2009 - Mark Bartels Elected Chairperson of
Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation
Attorney Mark A. Bartels was recently elected chairperson for the Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation.The Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital are a group of local citizens who support the mission of St. Mary’s Hospital. Through their efforts, new programs and services are funded, and financial support for charity care is provided.
Contributions enable St. Mary’s Hospital to continue providing up-to-date services, additional staff training, and better technology. The Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital are a positive force in the quality of health care in the Green Bay community.
Congratulations, Mark!
August 18, 2009 - Brown County Fair
Stellpflug Law is sponsoring two cars in the Demolition Derby at the Brown County Fairgrounds Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 7:30 PM. Join the Pit Crew as we cheer on our experienced drivers to a crushing victory and the checkered flag. Free fireworks follow the derby and we hope to have a good crowd making some noise!
The Brown County Fair Associations mission is to provide an opportunity for youth and adults to gather in a family oriented environment to learn from each other by sharing experiences and accomplishments through exhibits and demonstrations and to bring urban and rural residents of all ages together to learn about Brown County’s history, traditions and accomplishments through agriculture, family living, and business. For more information on the Brown County Fair and events visit the following link http://www.browncountyfair.com/
July 30, 2009 - Urban Market
The De Pere Urban Market, sponsored by the De Pere Chamber of Commerce began Thursday, July 30, 2009 and is held in the Stellpflug Law parking lot from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. This annual summer market offers locally grown fresh produce, flowers & herbs, gourmet popcorn, teas & accessories, jewelry & gift items, handmade soaps, herbal products and crafts. You will also be able to enjoy food, beverage and entertainment. The Urban Market is every Thursday night and ends on September 24, 2009.
June 26, 2009 - Brown County Court House Marker
Stellpflug Law, S.C. joined in sponsoring the rededication of the Brown County Court House Marker at the corner of Wisconsin and George Street in De Pere. Below is an excerpt from The History of Brown County Wisconsin, Volume I by Deborah B. Martin.
At the first session (October 25, 1836) of the Wisconsin legislative council a determined effort was made to secure the seat of justice for Brown county for the new town of De Pere. John P. Arndt championed the bill and Henry S. Baird, the other member of the council from Brown county, opposed it.
The dispute over the county seat of Brown came up again at the second session of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature. By an act "to change the seat of justice in Brown county," approved in December, 1836, it was provided, that an election should be held on the third Monday of January, 1837, to decide whether Navarino, Astor or De Pere should be awarded that honor. Governor Dodge was to certify the returns and issue a proclamation declaring the result.
The election was held, and on the first day of February, proclamation was made by the governor, that, "the town of Depere has received a large majority of the votes, and the seat of justice of the said county of Brown is established at Depere, from and after the first day of April, 1837." The miniature cities of Navarino and Astor were deeply chagrined at the result of the election and at the following session of the legislature petition was made that the two be incorporated as "the town of Green Bay" and this in turn was amended to "the borough of Green Bay," and approved by the governor on January 17, 1838.
No suitable building had been erected in which to hold court at De Pere, so opportunity was taken while Fox river was frozen over to move thither on the ice from Menomineeville, two and a half miles away, the log court house which for eleven years had served Brown county as a judicial centre. The growing importance of Wisconsin Territory demanded, however, within a year's time that Brown county have a larger and more appropriate building for its courts of justice and the De Pere court house was erected in 1838 at a cost of $5,740, Matthew Washburn, contractor. The building was of frame, the upper story being used for a court room and the lower for the jail and living rooms for the keeper's family.
(The county seat was moved to Green Bay in 1854. The building was still used as the jail and the top floor was rented to various community groups, including the First Presbyterian Church which held services until a church was built. The court house building burned down in 1871.)
The bronze court house marker was dedicated on June 13, 1930 by the Jean Nicolet Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It was removed when Wisconsin Street was widened. With the help of many people, the bronze marker plus the drawing of the court house is being returned to the original location of the court house building.
For more information about the history of De Pere visit www.deperehistoricalsociety.org.
June 20, 2009 - Camp Batawagama Golf Outing
Stellpflug Law, S.C. was proud to sponsor a hole in the 12th annual Friends of Camp Batawagama Golf Outing at the George Young Golf Course in Iron County Michigan.
Camp Batawagama is a youth camp in Iron County that consists of six one week sessions. One week is dedicated to Band Camp and the other five for regular camping. Campers learn about water activities such as swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. Camp Batawagama is a place for kids to go each summer to play with friends, learn about nature, swim, hike, and sing songs around the campfire. The camp focuses on helping children learn how to get along with others, take turns, share in the workload, eat well and leaves lasting childhood memories.
May 31, 2009 - The Business News 2009 Book of Lists
The Business News ranked Stellpflug Law, S.C. as the fourth (4th) largest law firm in The Business News 2009 Book of Lists. The Business News has been in existence for six (6) years. It is published every other Monday and serves Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, and Winnebago counties. The paper features articles on people, employers, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, stock trends and much more in every issue.
May 21, 2009 - Green Bay Botanical Garden Taste Bud
Stellpflug Law, S.C. is the lead sponsor for the Green Bay Botanical Garden Taste Bud event on May 21, 2009. The event is an outdoor culinary experience to dine on delicacies from local restaurants and caterers, listen to sounds of classical music from local artists and bid on rare and unusual plants during a silent auction. All proceeds support the mission of the Green Bay Botanical Garden which opened to the public in 1996. The Green Bay Botanical Garden captures the beauty of Northeastern Wisconsin with 47 acres of display gardens and natural areas to tour and offers a variety of educational programs to its members and the community.
May 13, 2009 - Hats Off to Women
Stellpflug Law is a proud sponsor of the Hats Off to Women event on May 13, 2009 in Green Bay. Hats Off to Women is a benefit breakfast for the Regional Cancer Collaborative of St. Vincent Hospital, sponsored by the St. Vincent Hospital Auxiliary.
The breakfast is a celebration of women cancer survivors which included an educational session by breast surgeon Dr. Jules Blank, words of inspiration from Jerry Parins, Security Director for the Green Bay Packers and cancer survivor, a silent auction and motivation. More than 530 people attended, and the event raised more than $30,000 for the cancer center. The funds will be used by the Regional Cancer Collaborative of St. Vincent Hospital for cancer care coordination, equipment/advanced technology, diagnosis, treatment, education and much more.
Attending the event were Attorney Evan Y. Lin, Attorney Sandra H. Hupfer, Attorney Christina L. Peterson and Paralegal Rachel A. Charles.
March 20, 2009 - Wisconsin Association for Justice Seminar
Robert J. Janssen recently presented to over 100 attorneys at the Wisconsin Association for Justice (WAJ) Spring Seminar at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. His topics were: Medicare Setaside Agreements and their impact on 102.29 worker's compensation distribution agreements and Claiming Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits under auto insurance policies.
The WAJ is the largest voluntary statewide bar organization in Wisconsin. The organization's principal objectives are to promote continuing legal education for the betterment of the trial bar profession; and to preserve Wisconsin's civil justice system by working with the state legislature and other governmental bodies, as an advocate for the legal rights of all Wisconsin citizens.
For more information on either topic, contact Attorney Janssen or visit our LawClips archive article on Uninsured Motorist, April 2007.
February 21, 2009 - Volunteer of the Year
Dave Stellpflug was named “Volunteer of the Year” at the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras Community Ball on Saturday, February 21, 2009.
Dave has been active on the Main Street De Pere program since the beginning, a long time member of the Economic Enhancement committee, a Chamber Ambassador and recently served two consecutive terms as President of the Board of the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce while being involved in many other community activities.
In the spirit of the event Dave was crowned “Mardi Gras King”.
Stellpflug Law, S.C. would like to congratulate Attorney Sandra Hupfer for being selected as a “2009 Women in the Law” honoree by the Wisconsin Law Journal.Sandy has been practicing law in the Green Bay area for 22 years and has continued to pursue her education. She was recognized for her passion to study, her willingness to work and her desire to help others and received her award in Milwaukee.
Her practice focus is insurance defense, personal injury, social security disability
and business litigation.
We are proud of Sandy’s achievements and applaud her for her values as a person and a lawyer.