Take the right steps to cut food waste (UNDATED)
Take the right steps to cut food waste. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to reduce food waste during Food Waste Prevention Week. A state study found food waste was the largest component of trash sent to Wisconsin landfills, totaling about 854,000 tons in 2020. The DNR says wasted food creates methane emissions when it breaks down and costs the average American consumer more than $700 a year. Officials recommend meal planning, proper food storage and learning the difference between food quality dates and actual food safety concerns.
DMV launches new tool to help find service locations (UNDATED)
A new tool is helping drivers better find DMV centers. Finding a Division of Motor Vehicles office in Wisconsin just got easier. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has launched a new interactive online map called “Find My DMV.” The tool lets you search for nearby service centers, check hours, filter locations by available services, county, or days open, and get directions through Google Maps. State officials say the new platform is designed to make in-person DMV services more accessible and convenient. Each location listing also includes links to online services that may help customers avoid a trip altogether.
Milwaukee County supervisor wants to nix Flock Safety contract (MILWAUKEE)
A Milwaukee County supervisor wants to sever ties with Flock Safety. Supervisor Justin Bielinski wants the sheriff’s department to end its contract with the security firm, saying it is not a trustworthy actor. The county currently has the automated cameras in several parks, and Bielinski says residents should not feel worried about having their privacy violated just for enjoying county services. He would rather have the funding for the cameras go towards other programs like improving lighting, and adding more staff to the parks.
UW-Madison investigating drugging, sexual assault incidents (MADISON)
UW-Madison is investigating reports of sexual assaults at off campus fraternity housing. The report comes just days after two men were arrested for allegedly leading the hazing of thirty pledges at Alpha Epsilon Pi. According to campus officials, one victim was drugged and assaulted at two different locations last weekend while another was assaulted on campus earlier this month by someone they knew. UW-Madison Police spokesperson Marc Lovicott says they have been notified of both incidents but there’s no word on any investigations as of Tuesday afternoon. UW-Madison police have not released which fraternities were involved, not have they given any information about the victims.
DHS announces new & expanded mental health partnerships (UNDATED)
Expanding suicide prevention efforts to reach more people in rural Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is extending its partnership with Aspirus Health and launching a new partnership with CALM America. Aspirus will expand training on the Question, Persuade and Refer method, teaching people to recognize suicide warning signs, talking with individuals in crisis and connecting them with help. There will also be more training for mental health professionals, including support for telehealth. According to DHS the effort will focus in part on rural communities with limited access to mental health care. If you or someone you know needs help, support from trained counselors is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.