May 16, 2012

Lyme not the only thing to watch out for

More deer ticks mean more Lyme disease cases but that's not all you need to worry about. UW Entomologist Susan Paskewitz, says climbing number of Lyme Disease cases is tied to an increased deer tick population. But that is not all the ticks can carry. Although a doctor may give you a clean bill of health on a Lyme test, she advises you ask about other pathogens the insects may carry. An example would be anaplasma which may lead to flu like symptoms.

The Wisconsin Health Department is reporting 2,028 cases of Lyme Disease occurring in the state last year, the highest amount ever. Numbers show a steady increase since they began tracking the disease decades ago.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :57)

Wisconsin State Fair gets underway

The Wisconsin State Fair kicks off today at 8:00 am.

Are you looking to save some cash at the fair? Bring along some nonperishable food. Opening Day at the great state fair is Hunger Task Force Day.

“You can come on in with two nonperishable food items and get in for $2.00 during Hunger Task Force $2.00 day. That runs until 6pm.”

Patrice Harris, spokesperson with the Wisconsin State Fair, says in these poor economic times, event organizers are giving you a discount when you help others.

“Now more than ever the food pantries need food that’s gonna go to help people.”

Also, the State Fair welcomes members of the U.S. military. Harris says GIs can go to a participating Wal*Mart store to get a coupon good for $3.00 off the regular admission price any day at the fair before 3 pm.

This Wednesday is the Salute to Wisconsin Scouts Day. Boys and Girls scouts get in free if they’re in uniform. Scout leaders in uniform get two bucks off the price of admission.

NOTE: Once you’re in the gates on opening day — Hunger Task Force Day — Harris says you’ll find $1.00 rides starting at 10:00 going through 6:00.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:15 mp3)

Johnson Controls recieves battery development grant

A federal grant to a Wisconsin company is a boon to the economy – in Micigan. Glendale-based Johnson Controls has recieved a $299 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, to build domestic manufacturing capacity for advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. The award represents about half of the company’s total planned investment of $600 million dollars in domestic advanced battery manufacturing and infrastructure development.

In April, Johnson Controls and its joint venture partner Saft announced that Johnson Controls-Saft recieved $148.5 million from the State of Michigan for the establishment of a facility at an existing plant in Holland, Michigan. The company expects to have the Holland plant in operation before the end of 2010. The Holland facility will serve the company’s global customers, including Ford, Daimler AG and BMW.

Big stash of guns and ammo

A lengthy investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the US Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms, and several state and local law enforcement offices, resulted in the arrest of three male suspects late Tuesday morning at the Waupaca Post Office.

Following the arrests, a federal search warrant was conducted at a rural Waupaca residence, by the Waupaca SWAT team, and the DCI SWAT team, yielding numerous weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Two suspects arrested will be referred for federal prosecution on uniform controlled substance and weapons charges. The third suspect is not being held, with possible charges in the future.

The Waupaca Sherrif’s Department and City of Waupaca Police aided in the investigation, which continues, names of the suspects have not yet been released.

Contributed by Larry Stevens-WDUX

AUDIO: Larry Stevens reports (MP3 :47)

Big stash of guns and ammo

A lengthy investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, The US Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms, and several state and local law enforcement offices, resulted in the arrest of three male suspects late Tuesday morning at the Waupaca Post Office.

Following the arrests, a federal search warrant was conducted at a rural Waupaca residence, by the Waupaca SWAT team, and the DCI SWAT team, yielding numerous weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Two suspects arrested will be referred for federal prosecution on uniform controlled substance and weapons charges. The third suspect is not being held, with possible charges in the future.

The Waupaca Sherrif's Department and City of Waupaca Police aided in the investigation, which continues, names of the suspects have not yet been released.

AUDIO: Larry Stevens reports (MP3 :47)