Wisconsin News and Sports
A new report suggests Medicare recipients could have a harder time finding a doctor, unless Congress acts to prevent a 21-percent cut in Medicare reimbursement rates.
Congress approved a six-month fix earlier this year to avoid cuts, but it expires soon. American Academy of Family Physicians President Dr. Roland Goertz says a recent survey of members found many doctors could limit Medicare patients if more extensive changes aren’t made soon. [Read more...]
Visit NoCall.Wisconsin.gov, or call toll-free: 1-866-9No-Call.
Telemarketing calls dominate the list of complaints from consumers reporting possible violators to state officials. Wisconsin’s No Call list aims to reduce the amount of telemarketing calls to both land lines and cell phones.
Officials at the state Department of Consumer Protection say not all unwanted calls are violations of the law that took effect in 2003. Political and charitable organizations asking for a donation are exempt from Wisconsin’s No Call law. Consumers should also keep in mind that an increasing number of illegal telemarketing calls are made from outside the country, but the state cannot take enforcement action in foreign countries. [Read more...]
Capitol rotunda tree PHOTO: Andrew Beckett
It’s a sure sign of the season at the Capitol: the state’s official Holiday Tree in the rotunda. “It’s a unique tree this year,” said Capitol Buildings Supervisor Bill Beckman. “This is the first year that we’ve had a Frazier Fir. Almost every other year we’ve had a Balsam Fir.” Beckman coordinated things as the tree, from Northland Evergreens near Merrill, was put up in the rotunda this morning. Workers will spend the week decorating the tree with lights, and more than 1500 ornaments made by school kids from around the state. “Everybody wants to come down and see the tree,” especially on weekends, said Beckman. “Some families make it an annual event.”
Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien and defensive end J.J. Watt have been named the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, following the Badgers 70-23 win over Northwestern at Camp Randall Stadium.
Tolzien connected on 15 of 19 passes for 230 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Badgers offensive attack. All four touchdown passes came in the first half as the Badgers built a 49-17 lead at the break. Tolzien has completed 78.9 % of his passes on the season, breaking the Big Ten and school record of 67.8% of his passes set by Darrell Bevell in 1993.
Watt racked up 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and a sack while helping force five of Northwestern’s six turnovers as Wisconsin clinched a share of its first Big Ten title since 1999. The junior defensive end forced two fumbles, both of which were recovered by Wisconsin, and recorded three quarterback hurries, all of which resulted in interceptions for the Badgers. The Wisconsin native also blocked an extra point.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to give their two cents worth on proposed rules to save cave bats in our state from the fatal white-nose syndrome disease. Those nocturnal critters help control pests that harm crops, forests, and people.
According to the DNR, Wisconsin has the largest concentration of bats in the upper Midwest and, for now, the bat population is healthy and hearty. In just three years, the deadly disease has spread across the eastern U.S. and Canada. It is now about 200 to 300 miles from Wisconsin’s borders, and headed in this direction. [Read more...]
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