“Free grants” for college students are probably scams, says BBB (UNDATED)
There’s rarely such a thing as free money, especially when it comes to college students. Wisconsin Better Business Bureau spokesperson Lisa Schiller says scammers have been posing as agencies offering cash to freshmen. “Guaranteeing that they can help reduce your loan payments or offer some type of a grant.” Schiller says the scammers will likely request your personal and banking information to steal your identity, and also request a “service fee” in order to get the money they are offering. If you get one of these messages, report it to the B B B or Wisconsin Consumer Protection.
Analyst says candidate ties could shape Wisconsin governor’s race (UNDATED)
As Wisconsin’s race for governor heats up, political observers say voters may view the candidates through their connections to better-known political figures. UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky says Democrat David Crowley is closely associated with Governor Tony Evers, while Republican Tom Tiffany is widely seen as aligned with former President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. Chergosky says a key challenge for both candidates will be building political identities of their own before voters head to the polls November 3rd.
Elections Commission rules former clerk broke elections laws with double absentee ballot incidents (GREEN BAY)
The Wisconsin Elections Commission has ruled that the former Green Bay city clerk broke state law. The ruling released Wednesday says Green Bay City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys broke the law by sending out duplicate ballots for the April and August elections. The Wisconsin Elections Commission said in part, “It is uncontested that the City Clerk sent at least 244 duplicate absentee ballots to voters, and possibly as many as 390, without any justification, though the actual number appears to be unknowable.” Those numbers include the duplicate ballots issued in both elections, with WEC saying Jeffreys “abused her discretion.” However, there is no punishment for Jeffreys listed in the documents. After this upcoming November election, the city of Green Bay will need to provide another report on the absentee handling procedures.
DNR announces winners of 2027 wildlife stamp art contests (UNDATED)
The Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2027 wildlife stamp art contests. Three Wisconsin artists will have their work featured on the state’s 2027 conservation stamps. According to the DNR, Ritch Miller of Hazelhurst won the waterfowl contest, Sam Timm of Wautoma took top honors for pheasant artwork, and Douglas Schuster of Hatley won the turkey stamp competition. The stamps are required for hunters pursuing those game birds, but they’re also sold to support habitat restoration, wildlife research, and conservation projects. State officials say stamp sales generate hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for wildlife management across Wisconsin.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis active in Wisconsin (PORTAGE COUNTY)
The alert comes after a horse in Portage County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE. EEE is rare but can be serious, causing brain inflammation and, in severe cases, death. Health officials say mosquito season will continue into the fall until a hard frost arrives. Wisconsinites are encouraged to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves outdoors, and eliminate standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding.