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

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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.

‘Alice in Dairyland’ selection to be delayed by Safer at Home order

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Wisconsin’s Ag Secretary says the coronavirus has impacted the Alice in Dairyland program. Acting Ag Secretary Randy Romanski says, “We do have to change the process this year.”

Romanski says the Stay Home, Stay Safe orders mean the final selection process that was to take place in Walworth County May 14th through the 16th can’t happen, and Walworth County will likely host the event next year instead.

“We are going to extend the current contract we have, so you’ll see our current Alice in Dairyland virtually for a while, so we’re going to extend her for a little bit of time, and then we are going to postpone this year’s finals, and then we are going to do something more local and lower-key so we’re not bringing a bunch of people together.”

With the later selection, Wisconsin’s 72nd Alice in Dairyland Abigail Martin will likely become the longest-serving Alice in program history.

The six top candidates for the 73rd Alice in Dairyland are Rachel Gerbitz of Milton, Erica Helmer of Plymouth, Stephanie Hoff of Thorp, Kaitlin Konder of Glenwood City, Julia Nunes of Chippewa Falls and Grace Schroeder of Cashton.

Larry Lee, Brownfield

UW-Stevens Point Trivia Contest put on hold

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The annual UW-Stevens Point Trivia Contest has been put on hold thanks to COVID-19, and it’s just one more ripple that could hurt the local economy.

Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza (WE-zah) says this is going to have a significant impact on Portage County businesses. 

“Whether they’re putting up on signs on their billboards, or offering Trivia specials, they’ve come to expect that you’re going to have another 12-thousand people here eating, buying groceries, buying groceries, all of those things.”

“The trickle down effect of that financial loss is going to be felt for months to come.”

Campus officials had banned large gatherings, which would have prevented registration and operation of the event. The Contest will now be held in October, after homecoming. 

Snowmobile safety is a focus this week

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A reminder for safe snowmobiling. Captain April Dombrowski, DNR Recreational Safety Section Chief, says smart, sober operation is the lesson of International Snowmobile Safety Week. “It’s really about practicing that zero alcohol,” she said. “It’s a personal choice to refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverage, until you’re done operating any motorized vehicle for the day.”

Staying sober makes it easier to know what you – and your snowmobile – are safely capable of. “Riding within your capabilities, riding at safe speeds for the users’ capability, and the machine’s capability.” The DNR recorded 16 fatal snowmobile accidents in 2019. Eleven occurred on public trails and roads, four were on frozen waterways.

Year ends with several Evers’ cabinet picks unconfirmed by Senate

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The year is ending with many of Governor Tony Evers’ picks for his administration still not confirmed by the state Senate. All were tapped to serve by the Democratic Governor a year ago, but several have yet to be confirmed. “We have to get these people approved, that’s the bottom line,” Evers said in a year-end interview.

Sen. Scott Fitzgerald (WRN)

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald noted that only one of Evers’ selections to head state agencies was a former legislator. “I think the governor – not on purpose – made a couple of judgement calls that maybe didn’t go his way,” Fitzgerald said.

Peter Barca was quickly confirmed as Revenue Secretary after representing the Kenosha area in the Assembly. Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan, Department of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Mary Kolar have also been confirmed.

But Fitzgerald said some of his members have “concerns” – not all clearly specified – regarding some of Evers’ remaining picks. “But there are others that have garnered enough support, so I think we’ll definitely have a couple more (confirmation votes) on the calendar in January.

Craig Thompson (WRN)

Appointees yet to be confirmed include Craig Thompson at DOT, Caleb Frostman at Workforce Development, Andrea Palm at the Department of Health Services, and Sara Meaney at Tourism. During a year-end press conference, Fitzgerald was asked if some of those people may not be confirmed by the time the legislative session ends.

“Yeah, I think that is a possibility,” he said. “I do anticipate though, every month that we’re in, very calendar will include some secretaries. I know there’s some great concern with a couple of them still.”

Evers indicated he’d like to see the process prioritized. “I think it’s time to say ‘okay, let’s get these people done'” he said. The governor was in the Senate chamber on November, when Republicans rejected Brad Pfaff to lead the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Consider Something Special From Wisconsin in your holiday shopping this season

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If you’re still looking for holiday gifts this season, why not find Something Special from Wisconsin?

It’s a program sponsored by the state Department of Agriculture that showcases Wisconsin made products.

Alice in Dairyland Abigail Martin says it’s important to shop local in a time when farmers are hurting.

“Your dollars are staying right here in our state. They’re supporting communities and local economies as well as farmers and processors who are working hard.”

Martin says one very important something is getting a natural Christmas Tree from a local grower. 

“They smell wonderful in your house, one of my favorite smells, but also trees that are real are recyclable and will decompose after the holiday season.”

Also noted on this year’s list of products are specialty soaps and lotions made from sheep’s milk that you can get from Maple Hill Farm in Ladysmith, packed cheese spreads and gourmet cheeses from Chalet Cheese Cooperative and Pine River Cheese, and ready made dessert with New York Style cheesecakes from Suzy’s Cream Cheesecakes.

You can find out more online at http://somethingspecialwi.com. 

 

More snow coming to Wisconsin this weekend

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You’re not going to escape it – there is at least a chance of snow for just about everyone in the state over the next few days.  

The National Weather Service says you should enjoy the nice holiday weather today because Friday, Saturday and Sunday figure to include snowfall throughout Wisconsin.  

Western Wisconsin could be covered by another six inches of snow, while Madison and Milwaukee can expect about an inch.

Check your hunting cabin for carbon monoxide, says WPS

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While most people have updated their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at home, a Wisconsin Public Service spokesperson says you should also check your hunting shack as well.

Spokesperson Matt Cullen tells WXPR Radio to be safe, check the detectors at the shack. “No matter if you are one of the tens of thousands of deer hunters planning to take part in the opening of the gun deer hunting season, or anyone else, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide.

“Just like in your home or apartment, every hunting cabin should have a carbon monoxide and a smoke detector installed. That way you will be aware of the presence of carbon monoxide if it does appear inside your hunting cabin.”

Cullen says a heating safety inspection should be performed at the cabin. He says that’s just as important as the other safety precautions you are implementing. “Making sure the area around the heating system is clear.

“You should check the vents and flues to make sure they are clear of animal nests or debris that could block them and cause carbon monoxide to be trapped indoors. You may want to check the flame on your furnace. You should have a blue flame coming out. If you have a yellow flame, it might need professional adjustment

Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. Warning signs of poisoning include sudden flu-like symptoms, dizziness, headaches or sleeplessness, pale complexion, and cherry red lips, nausea or vomiting, fluttering heartbeat. It could lead to unconsciousness and death.

On a separate point, Cullen also cautions hunters to be aware of power lines and electric distribution equipment.

WXPR

Milwaukee leaders making bid to host G-7 Summit

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Milwaukee city leaders seem to making a serious push to host the G-7 Summit next year.

The effort comes after President Trump was pressured into not hosting the event at one of his own resorts. 

Mayor Tom Barrett has sent a letter to the White House promoting the city, and Vice President Mike Pence told local officials Milwaukee is being considered while he made a visit last week. 

Locations to actually host the event itself could be the American Club in Kohler or one of several resorts in Lake Geneva. 

Pulling ‘Nails” – UW landmark being removed

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A widely reviled landmark on the University of Wisconsin campus is going away. “Nails’ Tales,” a pile of footballs in roughly the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, has graced the south plaza near Camp Randall Stadium and the UW Fieldhouse for 14 years.

And for all those years, Badger fans have been more or less unanimous – they don’t like “Nails’ Tales.” Contractors began prepping the site on Monday, and according to a UW press release, the sculpture will be removed Wednesday and stored off-campus.

Even the foundation should be gone by the time the Badgers’ host Central Michigan for their home opener, September 7th. The removal is part of a larger plan to reconfigure the area.