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MacKenzie environmental education program could be cut

Submitted by Channel3000 Web Staff
Thursday, February 21st, 2013, 2:19pm
MacKenzie environmental education program could be cut

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' decision to restructure funding could put the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center's school programs on hold.

The Poynette facility plays host to thousands of students every year.

DNR officials acknowledge the value of MacKenzie's school-based environmental education, but the state is questioning whether the current curriculum can survive without addressing cost concerns.

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DNR announces first winter season free-fishing weekend

Submitted by Tabatha Wethal, Channel3000.com Community Reporter
Friday, January 11th, 2013, 7:31pm

Residents, nonresidents invited to try winter-time fishing without a license    

The state Department of Natural Resources announced Wisconsin’s first winter free fishing weekend, which is scheduled to take place Jan. 19-20.

Bob Manwell, DNR spokesman in Fitchburg, said residents and nonresidents are invited to fish Wisconsin waters without first purchasing a license.

Wisconsin has had a similar free fishing weekend in June for many years but Manwell said the mid-January free fish event offers the chance to  try "hardwater" fishing.

Manwell also said loaner tackle is available at some sites.

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National Preparedness Month begins Sept. 1

Submitted by Carin Morrell on Saturday, September 1st, 5:51 am
National Preparedness Month begins Sept. 1

National Preparedness Month begins Saturday, the first day of September.

As Labor Day weekend brings the end of summer, ReadyWisconsin is urging Wisconsinites to discuss emergency preparation.

“Preparing for emergency events like tornadoes, flooding and winter storms requires individuals and families to be self-reliant and ready to face days without utilities such as electricity, water and phone service, access to local businesses such as gas stations and supermarkets, and other needed services,” said a Wisconsin Emergency Management press release.

People across the country are encouraged to prepare for emergencies by getting an emergency supply kit, making a plan for an emergency, and being informed about what types of emergencies could happen in your community.

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DNR: Emergency burning restrictions in effect for 11 counties

Submitted by Adam Malecek on Thursday, June 28th, 1:25 pm
DNR: Emergency burning restrictions in effect for 11 counties

 

Emergency burning restrictions for 11 counties in southern Wisconsin will begin Friday in fire protection areas under control of the Department of Natural Resources.

All of Crawford, Richland, Sauk, Columbia, Marquette, Green Lake and portions of Iowa, Grant, Dane, Adams and Juneau counties are affected by these emergency burning restrictions, which will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Emergency burning restrictions apply to the designated areas that are outside incorporated cities and villages in these counties.

Under these restrictions, burning of any combustible material outdoors is prohibited until further notice. This includes:

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New Business, ScooterCabs, Helps Eliminate Drunk Driving

Submitted by Susie Taylor on Thursday, January 26th, 5:38 pm
New Business, ScooterCabs, Helps Eliminate Drunk Driving

ScooterCabs, a local business created by three University of Wisconsin-Madison grads, aims to provide an affordable alternative to taking a taxi home or driving under the influence. 

The service was created as an extra option for patrons that drive out to a bar or restaurant and have a few too many drinks.  The concept is similar to a taxi, except for one fundamental difference; the taxi is now the patron’s own vehicle.  There is no longer a need for patrons to abandon their vehicle at the bar or restaurant to make it home safely.

"With Wisconsin’s high rates of drunk driving, Madison seemed to have a need for this type of service," said owner Justin Sisley, "but even for the majority of people who would make the responsible decision to call a cab, our service provides a much more convenient option for them.  No more waiting around for a friend or cab to take you back to your car in the morning."

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Clean Sweep Expands With New Winter Hours

Submitted by Scott Beedy, Channel 3000 Community Editor
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012, 2:55pm
Clean Sweep Expands With New Winter Hours

The Clean Sweep Program for recycling household hazardous waste will be open with new winter hours. This is the first such seasonal expansion of the program, according to county officials.

In recognition of this, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said that "Clean Sweep is a highly successful program that has kept unnecessary and hazardous waste out of the county landfill. We're excited to announce its expansion into the winter months and encourage people can take advantage of it."

Madison mayor Paul Soglin added, “Clearly the generation of hazardous waste is not restricted to one season. I am pleased that the Clean Sweep Program is expanding, as it will not only remove the hazardous materials from our homes but help maintain the integrity of our environment.”

Dane County is trying out a limited winter season during these hours:

2012 Winter Hours:

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Dane County MedDrop Events Scheduled

Submitted by Scott Beedy, Channel 3000 Community Editor
Thursday, October 13th, 2011, 4:23pm
Dane County MedDrop Events Scheduled

Poisoning has surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of injury death in Dane County according to the latest statistics available from Public Health-Madison and Dane County.

By Taking the simple step of bringing your unwanted or unnecessary medications to area MedDrop events, residents can help curb what's been called an American epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control.

"Over 75 percent of Dane County poisonings were the result of drugs," said Cheryl Wittke, Safe Communities Director. "Young children, teens, seniors, everyone -- is safer if unnecessary medications are removed from the home. If medications are not available we expect to see a drop in accidental and intentional poisonings."

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