Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Archives for Recreation / Entertainment

Keep yourself safe from ticks this summer with The Tick App from UW-Madison

By

A UW-Madison research team is working to help make it safer to be outside with a program to find and identify ticks.

It’s called The Tick App and researcher Bieneke Bron says they want to prevent the spread of tick borne illnesses like Lyme Disease. 

There are several features to help you figure out what steps you need to take to protect yourself. Bron says you can even get a tick forecast from your phone before you go out. 

“If you have your GPS location on it will find out in what county you are and it pulls from a database what activity level we expect for the deer ticks.”

You can also upload pictures of ticks you find and researchers will identify them for you. Bron reminds people that ticks are excellent at hiding inside of things like clothing and other debris.

It’s also important to make sure you check your pets for ticks after they come back inside. 

“After going outside or after running into leaf litter or out in the backyard if you have the time and opportunity.”

You should also keep a close eye on any bedding your pet uses in order to be sure ticks aren’t hiding in there either.

You can download the app for both Apple and Android at The Tick App.

DNR state park campgrounds open on Wednesday

By

Wisconsin state park campgrounds reopen Wednesday. But Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole advises it’s going to be a little different than pre-pandemic.

“Changes around public safety are going to be in place, only because we’re worried about folks. We’re worried about social distancing, and we have to pay attention,” Cole said. “There will be park staff at each and every site, to remind folks about social distancing.”

Campgrounds were closed in March as a COVID-19 precaution.

Restrooms will be open, however concessions will not, so you’ll need to bring your own bug spray and firewood. Also, campground hosts, who are typically older adults at greater risk for COVID-19, won’t be there to greet campers.

Reserve a site and get more information on the DNR website.

State Parks to open for camping on Wednesday, with some restrictions

By

The D N R is set to reopen the state’s campgrounds on Wednesday.

DNR section chief Missy VanLanduyt says that while restrooms will be open, bubblers are turned off and no staff are on site, so trash cans have been removed.

“So just remember to bring your own water and to pack in and pack out and that there may be capacity restrictions but if you go to our web page and search Park capacity you’ll be able to plan your trip ahead of time before you get there just in case the capacity restriction is put into place.”

VanLanduyt says that you’ll still need to buy a park pass online, and do online registration and reservations. 

“And we still will have a number of the tools in place to limit overcrowding and to promote social distancing but we still wanted to keep this as an opportunity and as a tradition to really get people out and explore outdoor recreation on our state properties.”

One more thing to remember is that there will be no onsite firewood sales at parks. “So people should plan ahead and purchase firewood outside of the property prior to entering and it actually is a requirement that fire would be purchased only within 10 miles of their camping location.”

That’s part of the state’s effort to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer and other infectious diseases.

You can register for a campsite and get your parks passes online at http://dnr.wi.gov. 

 

Bummerfest: pandemic causes cancellation of Milwaukee’s music festival

By

Milwaukee’s Summerfest is canceled this year. The board of directors made the decision to cancel at its regular meeting Thursday morning.

The COVID-19 pandemic makes large gatherings risky.

Milwaukee’s sprawling lakefront music festival had already been postponed from June to September. People who’d bought tickets through Summerfest.com or Ticketmaster can get refunds.

No cream puffs: 2020 Wisconsin State Fair cancelled

By

Cream puff (PHOTO: Wisconsin State Fair)

The Wisconsin State Fair has been officially called off due to COVID-19.  This is the first time in 75 years that the fair will not be happening.

The decision was made on Thursday by Fair Board chairman John Yingling. In a statement, Yingling says the decision was not made lightly, and that he’s got everyone’s safety in mind.

The Fair attracts over a million visitors every year and organizers said it would be impossible to enforce social distancing on the grounds. The other issue would be putting on the fair only for no one to show up due to fears over COVID-19.

Tourism officials say this will be another $200 million loss to Milwaukee and the suburbs, but that they’re hoping more summer events will be happening to help ease the financial impact.

Be courteous and careful while visiting state parks this summer, says DNR

By

It’s going to be a great few weeks to get out and enjoy the state parks, but the DNR is asking that you do so safely.

DNR Section Chief Missy Vanlanduit says there may be closures or restrictions in place to help keep people socially distanced. 

“And you can go on to our web page and type in park capacities and you’ll be able to see in real-time if there are any closures at any of our properties related to high attendance.”

Campgrounds will remain closed for at least a few weeks, and wardens will examine how safe it is to reopen those at that point. Vanlanduit says they’re striving to keep people safe and are asking visitors to do their part as well. 

“We’re just encouraging people to travel within their household to maintain that 6-foot distancing between other visitors and to travel within their own communities as well.”

Vanlanduit reminds people to bring their own cleaning supplies like hand sanitizer, and to be ready to pack in and pack out themselves. 

Summer attractions start to open, but not without some concerns

By

Some summer attractions in Wisconsin are back in business, but not without some controversy.

Riviera Beach at Lake Geneva opened Saturday after the coronavirus shutdown. However the city’s longtime beach supervisor resigned.  George Steffen says he quit because he didn’t want to make it seem as if he approved of putting employees and the public at risk. He’d supervised the area since 1980.

The downtown farmers market in Manitowoc also opened Saturday. Booths were a bit further apart, and most people wore masks. Manitowoc’s market manager says safety restrictions may stay in place for the entire market season.

Decision on Wisconsin State Fair at end of month as Minnesota fair is cancelled

By

Organizers with the Wisconsin State Fair are waiting until the end of May, to make a decision on whether or not to move ahead with August’s fair. That’s according to an email obtained by the Milwaukee Business Journal.

“As the State Fair Park Board of Directors continue to work with staff and government officials on the safety of mass gatherings related to COVID-19, we have decided to put a hold on sending agreements until a decision has been made regarding the 2020 Wisconsin State Fair,” the email said.

John Yingling of the fair board said earlier this month that the sticking point is crowd size. The fair can draw 140-thousand people on a good weekend, which would make social distancing impossible.

On Friday, officials in St. Paul announced that this year’s Minnesota State Fair, which is popular with many residents from western Wisconsin, has been cancelled.

Fees waived at Wisconsin State Parks

By

Managers of Wisconsin’s state parks are suggesting that people get their social distancing groove on in the great outdoors. The Department of Natural Resources is dropping all fees at any state park that’s still open.

Most parks, lakes, and hiking trails are still open under Governor Evers’ “Safer at Home” order. Park offices and campgrounds, however, are closed.

Be sure you don’t get ripped off looking for a gym this New Year’s

By

New Year’s resolutions often include losing weight and getting in shape, but be sure you’re not about to get ripped off at the gym.

State consumer protection director Lara Sutherlin says there’s specific rules that gyms have to follow when they sell memberships. 

“And the membership cannot be sold for more than two years. So if anyone’s trying to get you to sign up for more than two years, that’s illegal, they’re not allowed to do that.” 

A gym also has to give you three days to back out of a membership contract. Sutherlin says the best thing to do is to ask for a trial and make sure the place is a good fit for you, before you commit. 

“You don’t obviously want to sign up for a membership and then not be able to do the kind of workout you were looking forward to doing.”

As always, make sure to read the fine print and be comfortable before you sign that contract.