Free Program on Energy for Business and Local Governments, January 6, 2009

Free Program on Energy for Business and Local Governments, January 6, 2009

Building Community Sustainability

Don Wichert of Focus on Energy will discuss on-site renewable energy systems at government, business and school facilities. He will describe how solar, wind, biomass and anaerobic digestion systems work and then review price, potential energy savings, how to know whether a site is appropriate, and what incentives are available to make feasibility studies and installation cost-effective.

The program will be presented Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the UW-Extension offices, Room AE 205/206, at UW-Fond du Lac, 400 University Drive.

(Each session is approved for Continuing Education Credits from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association.)

RSVP is appreciated. 920-929-3170

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Council come shoot my squirrels

I planted a garden last year, and squirrels came into my yard and ate everything - all of my peas, and beans, and even my orange peppers. I saw 40 or 50 of them, eating away at my garden. I yelled at them angrily, but they just kept coming back.

I climbed up on my neighbors tree to really get a better idea of just how many of those ravaging monsters there really were. I could only see 9 or 10, but I know at least 4 times that number are in my yard somewhere.

I talked to my neighbors about the problem - it seems almost 90% of them actually like the squirrels and want them to stay. They suggested putting up deterrents or even a fence! Are they crazy? A Fence! Around MY garden? This is my yard, and I should be able to do and kill whatever I want. This isn't the jungle we're talking about - this is the city. Urban life. If I plant a squirrel's favorite food in my yard, there is no reason why a squirrel should come and eat it. And if they do, well, shoot'em.

Everything I've read from people who actually know what they are talking about suggests that killing the squirrels in my yard won't stop future squirrels from coming in. But I don't care. Maybe I want to play ignorant. Or I need revenge for the monetary loss. Or maybe I just don't like the notion that I, the great human, have to recognize anything in nature, that I can do whatever the hell I want.

We'll see how the council's vote to kill off deer in Oshkosh goes on January 13. Since the vote to kill has already gone through 6-1 several months ago, I suspect no councilors will suddenly change and decide to review the concerns of the city at large or to review the expert's indication that killing is only a short-cited postponement of what naturally happens when landowners don't take the available and responsible steps to curb the "issue".

Once the deer vote goes through, hopefully I can get my squirrel complaint on the board.

And you know, those damn geese...

Weigh in on this matter with your "representatives" here: http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/City_Council_Directory.htm

It probably wouldn't hurt to call City Manager Mark Rohloff at 920.236.5000.

*Disclaimer - I'm not going to kill squirrels. I feed them my leftover bread.

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Food Safety Alert- Sprout Recall

SPROUTS RECALLED AFTER TESTS TURN UP CONTAMINATION

Release: 12/22/08

Contact: Jane Larson
Office(608) 224-5005
Cell (608) 212-3094


MADISON—A Wisconsin-based sprout grower has notified their customers to remove their alfalfa sprouts and certain sprout mixes from store shelves after routine food safety tests by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection turned up positive for Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food-borne illness.

Sunrise Farms, Inc., Neenah, is recalling their packaged Alfalfa Sprouts, Spicy Sprouts, Crunchy Sprouts and Onion Sprouts. These sprouts and sprout mixes are sold in 4-ounce packages at grocery stores and retailers throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. The other sprout mixes produced by Sunrise Farms are not part of the recall.

At this time, there have been no reports of illness.

Sunrise Farms routinely tests sprouts grown at their facility to ensure that the sprouts are free of Salmonella and E. coli, another food-borne pathogen, in addition to testing by the state agriculture department. The company is working closely and cooperatively with the department’s Food Safety Division to determine how these sprouts became contaminated.

Consumers who have Sunrise Farms Alfalfa Sprouts, Spicy Sprouts, Crunchy Sprouts or Onion Sprouts should throw away the package. Credits will be given with a proof of purchase receipt.

Symptoms of salmonellosis, an infection caused by Salmonella include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps that occur 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness lasts four to seven days and most recover without additional treatment. However, in severe cases, medical intervention may be required. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are most at risk. Contact your physician if you suspect that you may have symptoms.

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Winter Travel Information

December 18, 2008

New 511 Traveler Information System now available in Wisconsin

Dial 511 to receive traffic and road condition information for main highways

Just in time for a major winter storm in the southern half of Wisconsin, there’s a new way to get information about road conditions in Wisconsin: Just dial 511. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has initiated the launch of a new 511 Traveler Information System, a one-stop source for timely and easily accessible traffic and road condition information on Wisconsin’s main highways, including the Interstate system.

While the new system is being made available to provide basic information, including winter road conditions and incident information, additional features will be available as it evolves.

511 replaces the state’s toll free 1-800 ROAD WIS number with a system that not only provides considerably more information, it provides more than five times the number of lines (increasing from 48 to 267), reducing the possibility that a caller will get a busy signal when seeking important traveler information. As the system expands, more than 1000 lines will be made available, virtually eliminating the possibility of getting a busy signal.

“The 511 Traveler Information System is an enhancement that benefits travelers by providing them with more information than they’ve ever had, not only on Wisconsin’s highway system, but other travel modes, as well,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi said. “By dialing 511, motorists will know what road conditions are like, if there are
any incidents or crashes that may slow their travels, and if there are any lane closures due to road construction.”

The 511 Traveler Information System uses voice recognition software to prompt callers through a list of options that provide information on traffic incidents and road conditions; transit services, including bus, rail, ferry, and taxi providers; roadside services, including rest areas; as well as links to the Division of Motor Vehicles, the State Patrol, sheriff’s departments, and commercial airports. In addition to using voice recognition software, callers can use the keypad on their phones to input information.

511 also provides a feature that allows all users, or only users in a targeted area, to hear a message about special conditions that may affect their travel or to receive an AMBER Alert. Users can also be linked to traveler information services in Iowa and Minnesota, which also provide 511 services. Michigan and Illinois do not yet offer 511 services.

While 511 service is free, normal cell phone airtime charges apply. Users of the new 511 system are urged not to use it while driving. Call before departing or have someone else in the vehicle make the call. When behind the wheel, the focus should be on DRIVING.

Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing will be able to access and use the entire system through the Wisconsin Relay Service (available by dialing 711 – and asking the operator to dial the alternate toll-free number: 866/511-WISC [9472]). That number is also available to users whose cell phone provider doesn’t offer direct access to 511.

The system will also allow users to report any discrepancies they notice and provide feedback on the system. During the early stages of the launch, the system may take a little longer to provide information as the computer software pulls together the relevant information, so the DOT is asking for the public’s patience as the system is fine-tuned.

Winter road condition information remains available at the Wisconsin DOT’s Web site:
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/road/winter-roads.htm


For more information, contact:
Chris Quesnell
(414) 225-3727, chris.quesnell@dot.wisconsin.gov
Doug Dembowski
(414) 227-2149, douglas.dembowski@dot.wisconsin.gov
Mike Goetzman
(608) 266-2520 michael.goetzman@dot.wisconsin.gov

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LIFE Report

Below is the link for the updated 2008 Winnebago LIFE report. Included is a wealth of info about our community, including health, education, employment, family, housing, safety, environment, and more.

Thanks to the United Way, the individuals who worked on the project, and those that supported it.

CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORT.

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Oshkosh Holiday Music

This fall the Oshkosh West High School Madrigals, Chorale & A Cappella Choirs recorded a CD of Christmas music at the St. Joseph Center Chapel in Milwaukee. The acoustics there are incredible so the CD turned out beautifully! It was a great experience for all of the students to be part of this event.

The school is selling them for $15 with 100% of the profits going to the West Choral Dept. Contact Oshkosh West at 424.4090 or Jane Spietz (mother of a Madrigal) at 424-1483 if you are interested in purchasing a “Carols of Christmas” CD.

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Is Oshkosh Ready for Wind Power?

From: http://ecos-fv.blogspot.com/

Wind energy development could mean $1.1 billion for Wisconsin

From a report by the U.S. Department of Energy:

“The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America Program is committed to educating state-level policy makers and other stakeholders about the economic, CO2 emissions, and water conservation impacts of wind power. This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in Wisconsin. Although construction and operation of 1000 MW of wind power is a significant effort, six states have already reached the 1000-MW mark. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Wisconsin to be $1.1 billion, annual CO2 reductions are
estimated at 3.2 million tons, and annual water savings are 1,476 million gallons.

Building and operating 1000 MW of wind power requires a significant investment. But this investment will generate substantial direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits for Wisconsin. Direct benefits include jobs, land-lease payments, and increased tax revenues. Indirect benefits include benefits to businesses that support the wind farm. Induced benefits result from additional spending on goods and services in the area surrounding the development.”

Read about the Economic Benefits, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions
Reductions, and Water Conservation Benefits from
1,000 Megawatts (MW) of New Wind Power in Wisconsin here:

http://www.renewwisconsin.org/wi_wind_benefits_factsheet.pdf


Job creation, lease income, tax revenues, surrounding area development---
Is Oshkosh Ready for the future?

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WisDOT Seeks Public Comment on Long Term Plan

WisDOT Seeks Public Comment on Transportation Plan

December 16, 2008

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public comments on its draft long-range transportation plan, Connections 2030. Public meetings have been scheduled in ten locations throughout the state.

The meeting in Oshkosh is February 26, 2009 at the Park Plaza Hotel.

All meetings will be held from 5 - 8:00 pm. WisDOT also welcomes comments and questions via phone at (608) 266-8108, or on the Connections 2030 Web site at: www.wiconnections2030.gov. Comments will be received until February 27, 2009.
Connections 2030 is a statewide, multimodal transportation plan that provides a vision for highways, local roads, air, water, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit through the year 2030. Its policies and recommendations direct WisDOT's activities in areas such as preserving transportation infrastructure and services, promoting transportation safety, and supporting economic growth.

The plan will guide transportation decisions over the next 20 years. It focuses on the transportation system's ability to support the preservation of transportation services and infrastructure, safe travel on all modes, mobility for all citizens, security and efficiency in all areas of operation, and economic growth throughout Wisconsin. 

For more information, contact: 
Aileen Switzer, WisDOT Bureau of Planning & Economic Development 
(608) 266-3662, aileen.switzer@dot.wisconsin.gov

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/modules/news/news_1096.html_786229440.html
 

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Oshkosh Celebration of Diversity Award

One Oshkosh is pleased to present the Celebration of Diversity Award at the 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, January 19, 2009

The Celebration of Diversity Award recognizes an individual in Oshkosh who has shown an outstanding commitment to tolerance, fairness, and an environment which supports diversity in the community.

One Oshkosh would like to invite everyone in the community to assist in the selection of the Award recipient. If you know of an individual who has shown an outstanding commitment to diversity in Oshkosh, please consider nominating her or him for this award.

The nomination form is available in 3 formats:
Microsoft® Word format (.doc)
Plain text format (.txt)
PDF format (.pdf)

Send completed form to: Jan Viste, Diversity Award Committee, 100 Stoney Beach Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902

The required information may also be attached or included in an email message and sent to Jan Viste at janviste@aol.com

Completed nomination forms are due Saturday, December 20, 2008.

The award will be presented at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on the evening of January 19, 2009, at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Note: All individuals in the Oshkosh community, including those affiliated with the city or University, are eligible to be nominated. However, accomplishments that are a part of an individual's paid employment will not be considered.

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Oshkosh Police Public Comment Opp

Now that the family is healthy again, I may have a moment or two to resume posting. I'm glad to see everyone else picked up the slack........

Anyway:

OSHKOSH POLICE DEPARTMENT CALEA ACCREDITATION ON-SITE
December 13-17, 2008


The Oshkosh Police Department is scheduled for a re-accreditation on-site assessment from December 13th through the 17th, 2008. This assessment is conducted by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). As part of this ongoing process of improvement CALEA will verify the Oshkosh Police Department meets specific professional standards and uses the best police practices in law enforcement today.

The Oshkosh Police Department is one of only four law enforcement agencies in the State of Wisconsin currently accredited by CALEA. The CALEA accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in areas such as Policy and Procedure, Administration, Operations and Support Services.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Monday December 15, 2008 at 7:00pm. The session will be conducted in Room 404 of the Oshkosh City Hall at 215 Church Ave. , Oshkosh , Wisconsin .

Agency employees and the public are also invited to offer comments by calling the accreditation assessment team at (920) 236-5753 on Monday December 15, 2008 between the hours of 1pm and 5pm.

Comments at the public information session or by telephone are limited to 10 minutes and must address the Oshkosh Police Department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. The standards are available for viewing at the Oshkosh Police Department by contacting Lt. Kevin Konrad at (920) 236-5758.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Oshkosh Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for re-accreditation may send them to the Commission.

Visit the OPD at http://www.oshkoshpd.com/

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