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Tourism looks good as 4th approaches

July 3, 2009 By

The head of the state tourism agency is looking forward to the holiday weekend.

Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble is optimistic about the industry — not only for the Fourth of July weekend, but also the entire summer.

"Well we're really looking forward to moving into July now and the Fourth of July weekend because we move into the strongest and most important part of the summer travel season — the next six weeks."

Trumble, who grew up in Wisconsin Dells, says her office is hearing from businesses in the tourism industry accross the state that reservations look good and strong. Adding to Trumble's positivity is the fact that Wisconsin has always been an easy drive destination, and a great value.

"Gas prices are lower than they were last year at this time and because of our value, easy drive destination, and that there are such great packages and deals out there we are cautiously optimistic as we move into July and August."

And, all the hype from the new Public Enemies movie can't hurt, either. Tourism is Wisconsin's number three revenue-producing industry.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:10 MP3)

Filed Under: Recreation & Entertainment

You don't have to skip the sausage

July 3, 2009 By

Whether you're at a picnic, backyard barbecue or community event there are usually options to eating healthy, says Barbara Troy, Associate Professor at Marquette University. Troy says fruits and vegetables are plentiful this time of year.  As for on the grill, salmon and chicken are lean choices.

A lifelong Wisconsinite, she admits to looking forward eating sausage on the Fourth of July. If you want to enjoy the Wisconsin staple, do so, but limit it to just one, says Troy. The registered dietician believes portion control can "make all the difference in the world."

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :15)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine

Snakes, snakes, snakes

July 3, 2009 By

Some people in Janesville try to slither past an ordinance banning exotic and vicious pets. Following to a neighbor's complaint, Janesville police responded to a home to with 22 boa constrictors. Deputy Police Chief Steve Kopp says what makes it even more unusual is, earlier in the week, officers responded to a similar complaint. In the earlier case, the humane society got word of neglect on two restricting snakes. However the agency found no evidence of neglect.

Kopp says the residents with 22 snakes have until next week to get rid of them or else they'll be issued citations. According to the police report, the boa constrictors are only let out inside of the house and do not go outside. The police officer at the home reported the reptiles seemed to be well cared for.

The residents are trying to sell the baby boas.

AUDIO: Steve Kopp (MP3 :19)

Filed Under: Miscellaneous

Teachers unions take on economic shortfall

July 3, 2009 By

Money, or the lack of it, will be the talk at the National Education Association Representative Assembly in San Diego. Wisconsin Education Association Council ( WEAC ) President Mary Bell says adapting to the recession is on "everyone's agenda."

Despite federal stimulus money, school districts in the state will come up short financially. When that happens, teachers can be laid off and programs such as art and music often end up on the chopping block. The WEAC president says physical education, which can affect lifelong health, may also be cut.

Also on the agenda is boosting accountability and evolving education. Bell says Wisconsin has taken great steps in improving mathematics and English language standards.

The NEA conference runs July 3 to 6.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :65)

Filed Under: Education

Don't take EAB camping with you

July 3, 2009 By

Emerald Ash Borer As the holiday weekend gets underway, the DNR is warning campers about a deadly bug.

Officials at the Department of Natural Resources remind holiday travelers not to give free rides to a certain type of hitch-hiker — the dreaded Emerald Ash Borer.

“Where insects of this kind would move very slowly — or spread very slowly — on their own because they're not incredibly strong flyers, they can move great distances very quickly on loads of firewood and other forest products in vehicles.”

DNR spokesman Bob Manwell says campers should not transport firewood more than 50 miles; instead you can buy the stuff locally in order to help slow the spread of the tree-killing insect. Manwell says officials are not seeking to punish people, and there's been great compliance with the policy.

“I think most people are genuinely interested in trying to help us with this effort because they realize the value the forests are to them especially our state parks and forests, and really want to keep them healthy.”

So, Manwell says, buy only what you'll need, because you cannot take home the leftover firewood.

The deadly bug came to the US from eastern Asia in 2002, and was first discovered in Wisconsin in August of 2008 near the Village of Newburg in Ozaukee County. In April of this year the beetle was found in Vernon County.

Wisconsin has an estimated 770 million ash trees that could be at risk from the Emerald Ash Borer. Over 5 million ash trees are located in urban areas.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:37 MP3)

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation, Top Story
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