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Republicans propose American Family Field funding plan

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Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly have proposed a $614-million plan to keep the Brewers in Milwaukee and upgrade American Family Field. The new plan would raise income taxes on MLB Players and staff, including the Brewers.

“Unfortunately, the amount of money that was generated and has been spent so far, doesn’t even allow the team to remain in Wisconsin unless something is done as quickly as possible,” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester).

Under the plan, the Brewers will chip in for repairs to American Family Field, including winterizing the park for use year round. “We’ve asked the Brewers to step up and they have the Brewers are going to contribute an additional 100 million dollars over the term of the contract. And that is in addition to their current rent and other capital investments,” said Representative Robert Brooks (R-Saukville).

The plan also requires investments from Milwaukee city and county.

The plan unveiled Monday was greeted cautiously by Democrats. In a statement, a spokesperson for Governor Tony Evers said it’s unfortunate Republicans rejected a proposal Evers’ made earlier this year, to spend $290 million in state money to fund Brewers ballpark renovations. Evers looks forward to reviewing the Republican proposal and continuing conversations.

Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer of Racine and Assistant Leader Kalan Haywood of Milwaukee said the Republican proposal falls short of recognizing the regional benefit of AmFam Field and places too great of a financial burden on the city and county of Milwaukee.

Many ATV/UTV fatalities are older operators without training

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There have been 16 deaths of ATV & UTV riders in Wisconsin this year. DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Lieutenant Jake Holsclaw says many UTV deaths are preventable if riders were the seatbelts the vehicles are equipped with.

In addition, many of those killed were not wearing helmets. Holsclaw says many victims are older adults who did not complete the certified safety course which is required for operators born after 1988. Holsclaw notes alcohol is also a factor in many ATV/UTV fatalities.

DNR recommends getting passes online

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Get your vehicle or trail pass before visiting one of Wisconsin’s many outdoor recreation areas. Wisconsin has 50 state parks, 15 state forests and 44 state bike trails. If you’re headed to one this weekend, you’ll need a daily or annual admission sticker for your vehicle.

The annual pass is $28 for Wisconsin residents. If you’re headed to a state trail, make sure you have a state trail pass, as wardens will be out checking passes this weekend. Annual passes are $25, and daily passes are $5.

The Department of Natural Resources says you can save time by buying these stickers and passes online.

WJMC

Researchers say invasive carp are a good food source

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Southern Wisconsinites may soon have a new source of local fish: invasive silver and bighead carp.

Tim Campbell with the UW Sea Grant program says those carp, called copi, aren’t like the common carp you usually find at the bottom of inland waters, feeding in the mud.

“Silver and bighead carp aren’t doing that they’re, you know, filter-feeding higher up in the water column. So they tend to have that really kind of clean, mild taste that takes well to a bunch of different seasonings.”

Campbell says there’s plenty of upsides to eating carp. 

“It’s a local fish, oftentimes, you can get it never frozen. So it’s super fresh. And just its nature as an invasive species can also be less expensive than some other fresh fish products that you might be able to get.”

While there aren’t enough copi in Wisconsin waters to justify commercial fishing, groups are busy pulling them out of the water in Illinois. If you’re looking to add carp to your diet, contact your local grocer or fish market.

DNR now recruiting seasonal workers

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How would you like to work in the great outdoors this summer? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is now hiring seasonal staff for Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.

Every year, the DNR recruits about 400 seasonal employees to work at state properties during the summer season.

Positions are available across the state, from the forests of northern Wisconsin to the islands and shores of the Great Lakes. To apply, visit Wisc.Jobs and search “Parks.”
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DNR urges snowmobile safety

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges safe snowmobiling. The DNR reports five snowmobile fatalities so far this month and urges all snowmobile operators to make safety the top priority for every ride.

The five fatalities involved single adult operators, ranging from 42 to 68 years old. Four of the five victims were men. These crashes are under investigation.

Harley-Davidson will celebrate 120th Anniversary in Milwaukee

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Harley-Davidson is putting together a big celebration for its 120th anniversary. The American motorcycle manufacturing firm announced Homecoming Festival events to happen July 13th through the 16th to celebrate the company’s anniversary.

Those events will happen at venues across the Milwaukee area, including the Harley-Davidson Museum, and Veterans Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront, with family-friendly activities and music from headliners Foo Fighters and Green Day on the 14th and 15th.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/event-calendar/homecoming/ticket-options.html

Harley-Davidson Museum Vice-President Bill Davidson tells Fox 6 Milwaukee that the event is going to be spectacular. “I hope that my future relatives will be able to walk through the Harley-Davidson Museum and read about this epic event,” Davidson said

More information can be found online.

Lucky in Luck – big Megabucks winner claims prize

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We now know the name of a Lucky Megabucks winner. Mark Cunningham, a regular player of the Wisconsin-only lotto game purchased a $15.1 million winning Megabucks ticket from Wayne’s Food Plus in Luck, for the January 4th drawing.

Cunningham came to the Wisconsin Lottery office in Madison on Monday to claim his winning ticket. “Dreams really do come true,” said Cunningham, whose prize is the largest Megabucks jackpot since a $22.2 million prize in 2015.

Super Bowl can be super tough on problem gamblers

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Super Bowl weekend is a big one for gamblers – including those with a problem. “It’s probably the biggest event of the year.” said Rose Blozinski, Executive Director with the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. “There are millions and millions and millions of dollars that are spent, on betting on the Super Bowl.”

The American Gambling Association projects more than 31-one-million of us will pony up some $7.5 billion on the Rams– Bengals matchup. Blozinksi said some will be trying to make good on losses

“If you’ve been betting all season, and all of a sudden you’re losing, this is going to be the make it or break it.”

If you or a family member are struggling with a gambling crisis, call the Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLE-5

Get your loved ones Something Special from Wisconsin this holiday season

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 If you’re looking for a special gift this holiday season, why not get your loved ones Something Special From Wisconsin?

That’s the state program that helps you find locally made and grown products. Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes says it’s a great way to beat those pesky supply chain issues. 

“Lucky for us that Something Special From Wisconsin program has options really for anyone on your Christmas shopping list and it’s a great place to go. And if you use the local mail service I’m sure it’ll arrive before the holiday season.”

Nunes says it’s a great way to find unique gifts with a Wisconsin flavor. 

“When shoppers are looking at their products or shopping online they can know that anything in the Something Special From Wisconsin program is supporting local businesses and keeping our dollars here in Wisconsin.”

New this year, you can get specially curated gift boxes. “Those are perfect if you’re looking for something for someone who isn’t from Wisconsin and you want to send them a piece of Wisconsin goods.”

You can find those boxes and a complete list of products in the program online at https://somethingspecialwi.com/