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Laser aimed at UW Med Flight

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The crew of a UW Med Flight helicopter were targeted during a Tuesday evening run. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department is trying to find out who aimed a laser pointer at the chopper at about 5:00 P-M.

The flight attempted to circle the area and the laser beam followed their flight path. Med Flight was forced to abort the landing and had to return to its home base. The seriously-injured 17-year-old patient was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

The pilot was checked out at the UW University Hospital emergency department and was deemed OK after the incident.

Shopko sells off pharmacies to Roundy’s, Pick N’ Save stores

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Kroger-owned Roundy’s stores has bought 42 of Shopko’s pharmacy locations.

The deal was announced Tuesday.  Twenty-five of the affected Shopko stores are in Wisconsin.  Shopko is said to be changing its business model in a search for profits and Kroger can increase the foot traffic at its stores with the purchase.  

Although the official transfer won’t be done until next month, Shopko customers can fill their prescriptions at some of the pharmacies immediately.

Red Cross faces ‘severe blood shortage’

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The American Red Cross  faces a “severe blood shortage” in the Badger-Hawkeye Region, Wisconsin and Iowa. Blood donors are needed urgently.

“The blood products are going out to hospital patients faster than they’re coming in the door,” Spokeswoman Laura McGuire McGuire said. “Obviously, we never want to be in a position to tell somebody we do not have blood. We strive to have a five-day blood supply on hand and I hate to say it, but right now, we are at a three-day supply.”

All blood types are needed, but a few types are in critically short supply. “What we’re really trying to put the message out there for is type O-negative and O-positive blood,” McGuire said.

“I would recommend going to RedCrossBlood.org and you’ll be able to find eligibility requirements,” McGuire said. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS to find your nearest donation location.

Radio Iowa

Advocates hope for loosening of state laws on marijuana

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Will Wisconsin eventually say “yes” to medical marijuana? Advisory referendums passed Tuesday with solid majorities in 16 counties and two cities where they were on the ballot. Also on Tuesday, Republican Governor Scott Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel. Both have opposed any change to state laws on marijuana.

“I think now Governor Walker and Attorney General Schimel are out of the way, perhaps the caucuses will be a little more active on this,” medical marijuana activist Gary Storck said. “They’re being pushed by their constituents, too.”

Storck, who writes at Cannabadger.com thinks GOP legislative leaders who oppose relaxing state law on pot will have to face the reality of other states benefitting from jobs and revenue. “It’s a win across the board, and I don’t know how long Wisconsin Republicans can keep ignoring that.”

Advocates hope the joint success of those local referendums will get legislators to take a look at legalization.

Marijuana is on the ballot in Wisconsin

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Marijuana is on the ballot in many Wisconsin communities Tuesday. Voters will join in a national debate for or against legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use.

Advisory referendums are on local ballots in 16 counties and two cities – Waukesha and Racine. All were approved by county boards or city councils.

Marijuana legalization advocates claim these referendums will provide a measure of public opinion that can be shared with the state Legislature. Governor Scott Walker, Attorney General Brad Schimel and Republican legislative leaders all oppose legalization of pot.

Enrollment now open for ACA health insurance plans

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Enrollment is now open for health care plans from the insurance marketplace.

Adam Van Spankeren with Covering Wisconsin says anyone who needs to find a plan on Healthcare.Gov likely has some help coming.

“Most consumers, eight out of ten people at least, get tax credits which is what brings down the premiums to make the insurance affordable.”

Even if you’re currently on a plan, you need to log in and enroll for 2019.

“Make sure that your plan is still there for next year, that the benefits are still right for you and your family, make sure your information is up to date, and do it all before December 15th.”

If you want some help finding the right plan for you, there are people that can navigate the Marketplace with you to help you pick a plan and get registered. Find help in your local area by dialing 2-1-1.

Check home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend

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We’ll be turning back the clocks this weekend, as Daylight Saving Time ends November 4th. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services wants to remind Wisconsin residents to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

When you turn back your clocks, it’s also a good practice to check both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

“When the temperature drops, we begin to see an uptick in carbon monoxide poisonings,” said Dr. Jon Meiman, Chief Medical Officer. “To prepare for winter weather, Wisconsin residents should make sure their heat sources and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.”

And Andrew Beckett with Wisconsin Emergency Management says those home safety alarms do need to be replaced periodically. “Carbon Monoxide detectors it’s recommended you replace them every 5 years, smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.”

Daylight Saving Time ends this coming Sunday at 2:00 a.m.

Feds approve Wisconsin Medicaid work requirement

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The Trump administration has approved Wisconsin’s request for a Medicaid waiver. That will allow a strict 80 hour per month work requirement for childless adults with incomes below poverty level, in order to participate in Badgercare.

The state can also charge recipients premiums, and lock them out of coverage for 6 months if they don’t pay.

Wisconsin’s is the first work requirement the Trump administration has approved, among states that did not accept federal Medicaid expansion dollars. That’s the direction Governor Scott Walker’s Democratic opponent Tony Evers has said he’ll go if elected.

The administration did not approve Walker’s request to implement mandatory drug testing for all Medicaid beneficiaries.

Rare childhood neurological disease affecting Wisconsin kids

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A very rare but serious neurological disease has reached Wisconsin. It’s called acute flaccid myelitis or AFM, and it mainly affects children.

Department of Health Services Epidemiologist Susann Arami-Fard says the disease can mimic the effects of other illnesses that infect the central nervous system.

“Weakness and paralysis in the arms and legs, facial droop, trouble swallowing, and sometimes severe cases can result in respiratory failure.”

The CDC has tracked 62 across the country so far this year, and DHS is tracking cases here as well.

“Currently we have 2 confirmed cases, and we are actively investigating any other potential cases with our clinical and public health partners,” says Arami-Fard.

She says the disease can act quickly, so if you spot any of those symptoms in your child, bring them to their medical provider immediately.

Red Cross seeking blood drive hosts

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The American Red Cross is looking for places to hold blood drives this winter. “We’re asking individuals and organizations to help us, and host blood drives,” said Laura McGuire is External Communications Manager with the Red Cross.

All that’s needed is a 1200 square foot space, the Red Cross can pretty much do the rest. “We’ve got some excellent donor recruitment staff that’s going to help you throughout the whole process,” McGuire said. “So they’ll handle the logistics.”

Blood shortages are not uncommon during the winter months. By hosting a drive in December, January or February, individuals and groups can help ensure patient needs are met all winter long. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.