Most state employees covered by the state group health insurance program will have an average 7 percent premium increase next year, according to the Group Insurance Board. It's the fifth consecutive year the premium increase has been held to single digits.

Individual increases may be higher or lower for some local government employers and for some health plan options, said David Stella, secretary of the Department of Employee Trust Funds,

More than 230,000 state and local government employees, retirees, and their dependents are covered by the program.

Besides employees with health maintenance organization plans, rate increases were held to 2 percent for about 10,000 members age 65 and older who participate in the Medicare Plus $1 Million program, Stella said.

WOLF APPLIANCE

Madison company recalls gas ranges

Wolf Appliance, of Madison, has recalled about 24,000 gas ranges because delayed gas ignition in the 18-inch oven can cause a flash of flames to come out when the range door is opened. The company has received 97 reports of delayed ignition, including 15 reports of minor burns. The ranges were sold at home building and appliance stores around the country between January 1998 and June 2008. Details: by phone at 866-643-6408; by Web at www.wolfappliance.com or www.cpsc.gov

MENARDS

Cordless screwdrivers are recalled

About 42,000 MasterForce 3.6-volt cordless screwdrivers, manufactured in China and imported by Menards, have been recalled because the battery can overheat and catch fire while charging. The Eau Claire-based company and Consumer Product Safety Commission have received three reports of fires, including one incident of burns to the hand and another of temporary hearing loss. The screwdrivers were sold at Menards stores between April 2007 and May 2008. Details: by phone at 866-458-2472; by Web at www.menards.com or www.cpsc.gov.

BRIEFLY

Mike Grasee has been named president of DEMCO. The Madison company, founded in 1905, is a provider of library services and products. Prior to joining DEMCO, Grasee was the senior vice president of marketing at Lands' End in Dodgeville. He replaces Bill Stroner who has been president and chief executive officer since 2001. Stroner will remain CEO.