Saturday, November 29, 2008

Airport informational meetings scheduled

For years many people have believed, even complained, that Wittman Regional Airport is dead and a drain on Winnebago County taxpayers. Various county officials, when appearing on Eye on Oshkosh, have explained otherwise and have even presented precise facts and figures to show the airport, while no longer an airport which boasts a commercial airline, is still a bustling commercial entity that holds its own financially. It is probably one of the county's best kept secrets; but no more.

Wittman Regional Airport will host two public information meetings in December to introduce the public to the operations and finances of the county-owned airport. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet some of the people responsible for the operation of the airport, learn about airport land use and the physical layout of the airport and have a chance to tour some of the facilities. Information about the airport's finances, including how it is funded and how it creates income will also be presented. In addition, several of the airport-based businesses will have representatives on hand who can discuss with attendees the importance of the airport to their businesses; and people will have an opportunity to learn how other local companies, though located off-site from the airport use the airport's facilities and services in their own business operations.

The program will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 at the Wittman Regional Airport terminal building, located at 525 W. 20th Ave. The program, which includes a light snack and beverages, is free, however reservations are required. More information can be obtained or reservations can be made by emailing Robert Mark at rmark@wittmanairport.com or by calling the airport office at (920) 236-4930.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Governor Doyle Announces Web Site Enhancements to Keep Communities SAFE from Sex Offenders

Governor Jim Doyle announced today the state’s Sex Offender Registry Web site now offers a mapping feature as well as an e-mail notification system for residents through collaboration with Family Watchdog.

“Thousands of parents, grandparents and neighbors have looked to our Sex Offender Registry Web site for information about sex offenders who reside in their communities, and our new mapping and electronic notification features will equip users with more information than ever to keep their children and loved ones safe,” Department of Corrections Secretary Rick Raemisch said. “We are pleased to be partnering with Family Watchdog to provide these new options for the public to stay safe.”

The new features are the latest enhancements to the Sex Offender Registry Web site under Governor Doyle’s Sex Offender Apprehension and Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Initiative, an agenda launched in 2005 to hold sex offenders accountable and to prevent them from becoming anonymous in Wisconsin communities.

Under an agreement with the non-profit Family Watchdog, users of the state’s Sex Offender Registry Web site at www.WIDOCOffenders.org can link directly to www.FamilyWatchdog.us, where they can map the location of sex offenders within a certain distance from their homes or other locations. In addition, Wisconsin users can enroll in Family Watchdog’s automatic e-mail notification system, which will send enrollees a notice when the registry is updated with new information about a sex offender’s move to a particular neighborhood. As part of the agreement, Family Watchdog will receive Wisconsin’s registry data daily, so map and email notification information will be as current as the Sex Offender Registry Web site.

“Family Watchdog is happy to partner with the state of Wisconsin,” said Steve Roddel, President and CEO of Family Watchdog. “Our service is trusted by millions of Americans because of its simple, easy-to-use interface and because we keep our data as current as possible. This partnership enhances both of these features and provides a better solution to Wisconsin residents seeking to find registered sex offenders nearby.”

Friday, November 07, 2008

From the WisDOT: November law of the month - Drivers must not get within 200 feet of the rear of a snowplow

With winter on its way, it won't be long before snowplows are out in force on streets and highways. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds motorists that snowplows are built for power-not agility-so they need plenty of space to do their job.

"Most of the collisions between snowplows and other vehicles occur when the snowplow is rear-ended," said Superintendent David Collins of the WisDOT Division of State Patrol. "Snowplows may have to slow down or stop suddenly if they encounter an obstacle, like a stuck or stalled vehicle. When visibility is poor, you might not see the snowplow's taillights until it's too late. To avoid rear-end collisions, you have to slow down and stay back at least 200 feet from the rear of the snowplow."

According to state law it is illegal to "follow a snowplow closer than 200 feet upon any highway having a posted speed limit of more than 35 mph if the snowplow is engaged in highway winter maintenance snow and ice removal."

A citation for violating this law costs $160.80 with three demerit points assessed on the driver's license. A second or subsequent offense within a year costs $198.60 with three demerit points."

Superintendent Collins added, "If you approach an oncoming snowplow on a two-lane road, it's wise to slow down and proceed with caution because the snow blowing from the plow may limit your visibility."

With their power and size, snowplows can clear paths for motorists even in the most extreme weather conditions. In return, drivers can help snowplows perform this important traffic safety task by giving them room to maneuver.

Public information meeting Nov. 13 for North Main Street (US 45) in Oshkosh

November 6, 2008

Second meeting to focus on design plans

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) Northeast Region in Green Bay is announcing a public information meeting to discuss plans for the reconstruction of North Main Street (US 45) from the Fox River bridge to Irving Avenue in the city of Oshkosh in Winnebago County. The meeting is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 at City Hall, Room 404, 215 Church Avenue, Oshkosh. A brief presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m.

The remainder of the meeting will follow an open house format. WisDOT and city of Oshkosh representatives will be available during this time to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the proposed project and schedule on an individual basis. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, view displays, and provide input.

The proposed improvements to North Main Street are extensive and include reconstruction of the pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, storm sewer, water main, and sanitary sewer. Streetscape enhancements will include decorative street lighting, street trees and plantings, and enhanced crosswalk pavement treatments.

Construction of the estimated $5.7 million project is planned for 2010.

Citizens interested in the project but unable to attend the meeting, or who would like more information, please contact project manager Bill Bertrand at (920) 492-5708. Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Bill Bertrand, WisDOT-Northeast Region, P.O. Box 28080, Green Bay, WI 54324-0080. Citizens who are hearing-impaired and require an interpreter may request one by contacting Bill Bertrand at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay system (call 711).

For more information, contact:
Kim Rudat, Regional Communications Manager
(920) 492-5743, kim.rudat@dot.state.wi.us