Saturday, August 28, 2010

Oshkosh Area Humane Society to be at next Gallery Walk

Here's your chance to meet Our Nature's Works of Art, when the Oshkosh Area Humane Society participates in next weekend's Gallery Walk in downtown Oshkosh. Details on the Catapalooza event are included in the attached "poster." Click on it to enlarge. Hope to see you there!!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Red Cross Urges People to Get Prepared

Red Cross Urges People to Get Prepared
September is National Preparedness Month

August 26, 2010…Many people in this country have experienced a significant crisis in their home or neighborhood, but less than half of the people surveyed by the American Red Cross have taken steps to be prepared for emergencies.

National Preparedness Month is a month set-aside to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. The Red Cross, among others, urges everyone to take steps now to be ready when emergencies happen.

In a survey conducted late last summer, the Red Cross found that although 89 percent of those surveyed believe being prepared is important, far fewer people are ready for when that happens. In fact, twenty percent of those surveyed have not done anything to get prepared, and aren’t sure where to get started.

“Being prepared today can save lives tomorrow,” said Steve Hansen, Regional Chapter Executive. “You are your best defense against emergencies. The Red Cross can show you what simple steps you need to take to prepare yourself and your loved ones for emergencies.”

There are three things people should do to be prepared – build an emergency preparedness kit, make a plan as to what your family will do in an emergency, and be informed about what resources are available in your community and what types of disasters could occur there.

Your emergency preparedness kit should contain enough supplies for three days in case you need to evacuate. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents.

Your emergency plan should be a joint effort, including the members of your household. Make sure each person knows how to reach household members, including an out-of-area emergency contact person, and knows where to meet if they can't go home.

Being informed is important. Learn about what resources are available and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play. Take a first aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.

You can also give blood to help keep your community prepared. It is the blood already donated and available on hospital shelves that is available in an emergency. To give blood, you must be healthy, be at least 16 years old, have parental consent and weigh at least 110 pounds. If you have given blood before, it must be 56 days since your last donation. For more information on giving blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

All Red Cross Chapters are urging area residents to make a renewed effort in September to prepare for emergencies such as fires, floods or storms. The Red Cross has created a free online education program to make it easier for people to get prepared. The Be Red Cross Ready program walks people through three key preparedness steps: getting an emergency kit, making an emergency plan and being informed.

A few of the specific programs happening throughout the Region include:

* Disaster Action Team volunteer, Joyce Keyes continues work on the Disaster Advisory Council. The Fond du Lac area is one of Chapters nationwide piloting a Jumpstart to Recovery Kit and “Moving Forward After a Disaster” booklets. She represents one of 15 Chapters from around the nation to serve on committee to review prevention, preparedness and response policies and procedures. Within the past month, a Director from our National Headquarters was in Fond du Lac to the training required for this project.

* On Saturday, September 11, the Scenic Shores Chapter partners with the Two Rivers Fire Department and Point Beach Nuclear Plant (Next Era Energy) to train Boy Scouts from cities throughout the Region for their “Emergency Preparedness” Badge. The plant also sponsors a Disaster Supplies Kit, assembled by the Red Cross, for each troop for them to use as an example. Last year, 100 Scouts participated and they were given information on all three Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit components. In addition, each Boy Scout Troop will complete a kit containing items such as canned food (with the pop top lids so you don’t need a can opener), bottled water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a whistle, a dust mask, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, toilet paper, and a complete list of items they should include in their own kits.

* On Friday, September 16, the Forever Young Group will host a Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors presentation and distribute Red Cross disaster kits at the Grace Lutheran Church at 913 Nebraska Street, Oshkosh. The kits are made available due to a Ladies Benevolent Society grant to support Senior Citizen preparedness.

* On Wednesday, September 21, Volunteer Recruitment event and Fulfilling Our Mission course will be held at the downtown Neenah office, 181 E. North Water Street, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

* On Saturday, September 25, the American Red Cross, the Fire Department and more will partner with Lowe’s in Oshkosh for Safety Saturday. Offices in Iron Mountain, Michigan and the Oshkosh, Wisconsin office have also just completed Disaster Exercises. The first was with the regional airport and the latter in collaboration with Winnebago County Emergency Management with simulated disaster event at UW Oshkosh.

* Additional programs, partnerships and training are happening throughout the Region, please check with your local Chapter for additional details.

The Northeast Wisconsin American Red Cross is a regional grouping of four Chapters serving 20 counties by providing relief to victims of disaster and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. This regional grouping strives to maintain both consistency and momentum in serving this purpose across the multiple Chapters including the East Central Wisconsin, Lakeland Chapter, Outagamie and Scenic Shores Chapter. For more information about local activities during National Preparedness Month, contact your local Chapter or by visiting our regional website www.newredcross.org.

(1) The general preparedness findings are based on an online survey of 1,306 U.S. residents 18 years and older conducted July 24-August 7, 2009 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Red Cross.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org/.

Fri, August 27, 2010 1:47:57 PMWisDOT media alert - US 41 Project lane closures the week of August 29 in Winnebago County

August 27, 2010

For more information contact:
Kris Schuller, US 41 Project Communication Manager
Kris.Schuller@dot.wi.gov (920) 492-4109


US 41 Project lane closures the week of August 29 in Winnebago County

Traffic impacts between 9th Avenue and Breezewood Lane


(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region Office in Green Bay is announcing lane and ramp restrictions for the week of August 29 – September 3 on US 41 in the Oshkosh and Neenah area. Motorists can expect closures between 9th Avenue and Breezewood Lane.

Sunday, August 29 through Friday, September 3:

US 41 northbound on-ramp at US 45 closed for construction of temporary bypass lanes.


Sunday, August 29 through Thursday, September 2:

Various lanes of US 41 northbound between WIS 21 and US 45 closed Sunday through Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Thursday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Required because of construction of new Lake Butte des Morts overpass.


Monday, August 30 through Thursday, September 2:

Various lanes of US 41 northbound and southbound closed between 9th Avenue and WIS 21 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. These closures needed for the staining of the reconstructed Witzel Avenue overpass.

Various lanes of US 41 northbound between US 45 and Breezewood Lane closed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Additionally, the left lane of US 41 southbound between Breezewood Lane and US 45 is closed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. The project involves widening US 41 northbound lanes.


Monday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 1:

US 41 northbound off-ramp to Breezewood Lane interchange closed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for temporary shoulder widening.


All lane restrictions are weather dependant and subject to change. Motorists should use caution and remain alert when driving through any work zone.


ABOUT THE US 41 PROJECT

WisDOT is initiating expansion and improvement of 31 miles of US 41 in Brown and Winnebago Counties. The project will include road expansion to accommodate increased traffic volume, up to 44 new roundabouts, improved interchanges and expansion of the Lake Butte des Morts Causeway.

Current construction information and details about the project can be found at http://www.www.us41wisconsin.gov/ or by calling the project hotline: (920) 492-4120.

Oshkosh Plan Commision member, former Common Council candidate facing sexual assault charges

According to this story from the Oshkosh Northwestern and court records, Kent Monte, a former candidate for the Oshkosh Common Council and a current member of the city's Plan Commission, is facing sexual assault charges. He is suspected of repeated sexual assault of a child, child enticement and exposing genitals. According to the article, if convicted, Monte faces 65 years, nine months in prison and $210,000 in fines.  While presumed innocent until proven guilty, and whatever the actual circumstances surrounding this case, the one true victim in this situation is the child - not only for having to be subjected to the alleged assault, but also for having to undergo police interviews and all else that may follow. It would be a lot for anyone to deal with, but especially for someone of such a tender, innocent age.

This case, of course, will play out in our judicial system where there are laws, rules and guidelines that must be followed as the case proceeds. What remains less clear, however, is what, if anything will happen to Monte's position on the Plan Commission while the legal proceedings play out. Will the city feel there is cause for his removal from the Plan Commission while he's presumed innocent? If so, is there a policy in place to bring about such a removal? Will he simply resign? Or will he remain on the commission with the possibility, even likelihood of his being unable to attend meetings? And if convicted, I suspect he would resign, but what if he wouldn't? Is there then a policy in place for removing him? There are more questions than answers at this point. Perhaps in time, we'll know more. In the meantime, let's hope and pray the child gets whatever help or counseling may be needed as a result of this situation.

Support for our American Postal Workers Union Local 178

We all need to help keep the Oshkosh Postal Processing & Distribution Center open and not move it all to Green Bay. This will cost us losing 100-150 jobs. This consolidiation plan will effect all cities that zip code begains with 549.

Attached is a petition (click on the image, then enlarge to print your own copies) that the American Postal Workers are collecting to show that all in the 549 zip area are also against this consolidation. you can send completed petitions to

OSHKOSH AREA LOCAL APWU 178
PO BOX 2321
OSHKOSH, WI 54903-2321

Also the American Postal Workers Local 178 is asking for your help with a informational picket they will be having on Wednesday Sept. 1, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and then again from 1: 00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. we are asking all union brother and sisters as well as citizens in the 549 zip code area to come and show support for our American Postal Workers brother and sisters and to keep open the Oshkosh Postal Processing & Distribution Center.

Larry Lautenschlager, President
Winnebago County Labor Council

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Menominee Park Beach is Open

(Oshkosh, WI.) The Menominee Park beach re-opened on Wednesday, August 25th and will remain open after a one day closure because water samples showed high levels of E. coli.

Testing guidelines require daily testing until the results come back satisfactorily after a closure, which they did after the first re-test.

The sample that was taken on Monday and reported to the city on Tuesday showed E. coli levels of 1,732.9 cfu/100 ml and the test taken on Tuesday and reported to the city on Wednesday showed E. coli levels of only 7.2 cfu/100 ml.

Another test will be performed on Monday as part of the regular testing schedule. If you would like to view the water test results you may do so by logging on to the city website, www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us and going on the Parks Department page or by clicking here.

The cause for the one day elevated levels has not been determined

If you would like more information please contact the Parks Department at (920) 236-5080.

Recycling Cart Exchange is Underway

(Oshkosh, WI.) The city of Oshkosh Sanitation Division would like to notify residents that the recycling cart exchange program is underway. This is for residents that signed up to exchange their 96-gallon recycling cart for a smaller 64-gallon cart.

Residents are advised to put their cart out on their normal recycling day with their recyclables prepared as normal. The Sanitation Division will then collect the cart and recyclables and drop off a new cart.

This exchange program is only for residents that requested a smaller cart and received confirmation from the city that they were approved for a new cart.

If you would like more information please contact the Sanitation Division at (920) 232-5383.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

One Wisconsin Now press release: Walker Claims His 84 Percent Hike in State Budget Tab 'Controlled Spending'

Walker Claims His 84 Percent Hike in State Budget Tab 'Controlled Spending'

Votes for Nearly $200 Billion in Total State Budget Spending Contradict 'Unbelievable Claim' Made to Media

Madison -- Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, under fire for hypocritically opposing the high speed rail line after voting in the state legislature for tens of millions of dollars in rail bonding and a no-bid process for rail, claimed in a news story published today his budget votes “controlled spending.” Walker voted for all five state budgets before him as a state legislator – which increased state budget spending from $26.6 billion to nearly $49 billion, an increase of $22 billion - or 84 percent.

“If Scott Walker ever has to get a job in the real world, he might consider writing fiction,” said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. “Scott Walker has show real talent in constructing a world of fantasy where he voted for an 84 percent hike in state budget costs and that this magically ‘controlled spending.’”

According to today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “[A spokesperson for a rival gubernatorial campaign] said Walker was inconsistent on rail because as a lawmaker in the 1990s he voted for state budgets that included $50 million in bonding for passenger rail and allowed no-bid contracting for passenger rail service and equipment. Walker's campaign said he voted for those budgets because they controlled spending, not because of the rail elements.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/24/10]

Walker entered the state legislature in 1993 with a state's biennial budget spending level of $26,577,693,600. He then voted in favor of five consecutive state biennial budgets, including the 2001-03 biennial budget, where spending increased to $48,868,063,300. The total hike Walker supported: 84 percent. [Source: 1992 WI Act 269; 2001 WI Act 16; WI Legislative Fiscal Bureau]

Each of the five budgets Walker voted for increased spending from $2.7 to $4.7 billion. Walker voted for just under $200 billion in total state budget spending in his career in the legislature – which ranks as nearly the highest percentage increase over a five-budget period in the state’s history.

Year                Bill/Act                    Total Spending               Spending Increase                 % Increase
1993-95         SB44/Act16             $31,327,732,900           $4,750,039,300                   17.87

1995-97         AB150/Act27           $34,008,720,400           $2,680,987,500                    8.56

1997-99         AB100/Act27           $38,433,472,100           $4,424,751,700                   13.01

1999-01         AB133/Act9             $44,235,227,300           $5,801,755,200                   15.10

2001-03         SB55/Act16             $48,868,063,300           $4,632,836,000                    10.47

Total                                               $196,873,216,000         $22,290,369,700                   83.87

A previous analysis by One Wisconsin Now found that not only did Walker vote lock-step for the increases in spending, but also he voted with the majority on every single one of hundreds of roll call votes which made up the budget deliberations.

“Walker voted for the no-bid rail provision, he voted for tens of millions of dollars in rail bonding and he voted for five straight budgets that hiked spending $22 billion,” said Ross. “If an 84 percent hike in spending is ‘controlled’ for Walker, heaven help the taxpayers when he decides to stop controlling spending.”

More information about Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s long record of failure is available at: http://www.scottwalkerfailurefiles.com/.

# # #

One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

One Wisconsin Now Statements on Walker Debate Dodge

One Wisconsin Now Statements on Walker Debate Dodge

Walker Refuses Details on How He’ll Pay for Nearly $3 Billion in Tax Cuts, Loopholes, Shifts for Rich, Big Business

Madison – One Wisconsin Now released the following statements from Executive Director Scot Ross on Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s continuing call for $3 billion in tax cuts, loopholes and shifts overwhelmingly benefitting the rich and big business, and his refusal during tonight’s gubernatorial debate to once again detail the cuts to education, health care and police and fire fighters necessary to pay for it.

“Scott Walker wants to hand over nearly $3 billion in tax cuts, loopholes and shifts that overwhelmingly benefit the rich and big business, but he won’t say the cuts to education, health care and police and fire fighters necessary to pay for it. Scott Walker is distinguishing himself by offering what may be a first of its kind in American history – a tax cut solely for the top one percent – something even George W. Bush never tried.”

# # #

One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

One Wisconsin Now press release: Van Hollen: Hard on Voters, Soft on Hookers

Van Hollen: Hard on Voters, Soft on Hookers?

Chases Phantom Partisan Voter Claims, While Unable to Join 17 Attorneys General to Stop Prostitution, Child Trafficking Prevention

Madison – Republican Attorney General JB Van Hollen continues to waste taxpayers funds on his partisan witch hunt against voters accessing the ballot box, while at the same time refusing to join nearly half the nation’s attorneys general in a joint action to reduce online prostitution and child trafficking.

“JB Van Hollen has decided it’s more important serve his partisan political interests in the Republican Party of Wisconsin than join Republican and Democratic attorneys general in stopping online prostitution and child trafficking,” said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. “You can tell a lot about JB Van Hollen by the choices he makes.”

Van Hollen refused to sign on to a letter authored by 17 state attorneys general calling for Craigslist to voluntarily remove its adult services section, which law enforcement authorities say “cannot adequately block potentially illegal ads promoting prostitution and child trafficking.”

Instead of joining his fellow attorneys general in this important call, Van Hollen has wasted scarce Wisconsin Department of Justice resources pursuing what he calls rampant “voter fraud.” To date, Van Hollen has been able to document just 11 potentially-improper votes cast out of 3 million Wisconsinites who went to the polls in November 2008 – a infinitesimal four-ten thousandths of one percent of the votes cast in Wisconsin.

Just yesterday, Van Hollen used his Wisconsin DOJ resources to send out press releases blaring about his success in obtaining a settlement against one part-time voter registration worker, whose misconduct could not be shown to have cause one improper vote to have been cast.

What’s most alarming, according to One Wisconsin Now, is that Van Hollen previously supported an agreement with Craigslist in late 2008, joining 42 attorneys general in this action.

“It looks like Van Hollen has other things on his mind than protecting kids and keeping our street safe,” said Ross. “But then again, real crime prevention has never been Van Hollen’s strong suit.”

More information about Van Hollen’s past voter suppression efforts is available at www.SaveWisconsinsVote.org. One Wisconsin Now’s partner organization, the Institute for One Wisconsin, also maintains a voter rights website, available at www.ProtectWisconsinsVote.org.

# # #

One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

Rep. Hintz to hold Office Hours

OSHKOSH– Representative Gordon Hintz will be holding office hours at the Oshkosh Senior Center to discuss issues important to Oshkosh residents. The event is open to the public and those with questions regarding state issues are encouraged to attend.

Anyone with questions or comments is encouraged to contact the office of Representative Hintz toll-free at 888-534-0054 or via e-mail at rep.hintz@legis.state.wi.us.

Who: Representative Gordon Hintz
What: Senior Center-Office Hours
When: Friday, August 27th 9:00am-11:00 am
Where: Oshkosh Area Senior Center - 200 North Campbell Road

One Wisconsin Now: Questions for Walker to Answer at Tonight's Debate

Questions for Walker to Answer at Tonight's Debate

How Will Walker Pay for Tax Cuts for the Rich? Can He Explain Rampant Failure, Mismanagement?

Madison -- In advance of tonight’s statewide television debate, One Wisconsin Now offered the following questions for Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker to answer about his tax cuts plan for the rich and big business and his failed management of Milwaukee County.

“People across Wisconsin have a right to know how Scott Walker would pay for his nearly $3 billion in tax cuts, loopholes and shift that unfairly benefit the rich and big business,” said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. “Scott Walker needs to explain his failed record of mismanagement of Milwaukee County and the consequences for his constituents.”

One Wisconsin Now’s proposed questions (sources provided below):

With a projected $2.5 billion budget deficit, how can you pay for $3 billion in tax cuts, loopholes and shifts that benefit the rich and big business without slashing education, health care, police and fire protection?

What immediate changes have you made to your current failed policies of mismanagement and short-staffing of the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex that has resulted in tragic consequences, including deaths and sexual assaults?

Do you still support your policy of housing sexually-violent males with female mental health patients as a “tradeoff” to reduce violence between male patients?

You have punted responsibility or mismanaged three job creation and economic development offices as County Executive, so how can anyone trust you to create jobs?

As a member of the state legislature, you voted for five straight budgets that increased spending 84 percent a $22 billion jump. As county executive, you proposed spending increases totaling 35 percent. How can you claim you will control spending?

Why are you proposing to slash BadgerCare benefits that provide access to health care coverage to children, expectant mothers and uninsured working Wisconsinites and how many children do you want to lose health care coverage?

Due to your failure to properly manage Milwaukee County’s food stamp call center, one in five deserving applicants was denied aid, 90 percent of calls were unanswered and the state had to take control of the program. What responsibility will you take for the failed management of the program?

How can you justify increasing your taxpayer-financed county pay by $50,000 a year in the midst of the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression?

Do you continue to think it is wise to recommend to college students to quit school early like you recently said?

You have opposed investment through the Recovery Act, so would you have rejected the recently passed federal aid to education and Medicaid which provided Wisconsin with $365 million?

“We would be thrilled if Scott Walker would answer even one of these questions,” said Ross. “Perhaps he can write them Sarah Palin-style on his little brown bag and take it with him as a cheat sheet.”

More information about Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s long record of failure is available at: www.ScottWalkerFailureFiles.com.

Question Sources:

Walker’s nearly $3 billion in tax cuts, loopholes and shifts include an first-of-its-kind income tax cuts just for the top one percent, those earning more than $225,000 a year ($287 million); reopening the Las Vegas corporate loophole for banks ($187 million); repeal changes made to the capital gains tax deduction that provides 70 percent of benefits to those making more than $200,000 a year ($243 million); shelter the assets of the wealthiest Wisconsinites even more by a radical end to tax paid on retirement income, regardless of income ($920 million); and shift tax revenue from new car sales into the transportation fund ($1 billion). [Legislative Fiscal Bureau, 2/23/09, 7/8/09, 1/25/10; “Upfront,” WISN-TV, 11/8/09; La Crosse Tribune, 11/24/09; Wisconsin State Journal, 6/20/10]

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/19/06; 3/29/06; 2/13/10; 11/23/10, 11/24/10

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/8/10

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/26/2008; Milwaukee County Executive Recommended Budgets: 2003-10

1992 WI Act 269; 2001 WI Act 16; WI Legislative Fiscal Bureau; Milwaukee County Division of Fiscal and Budget Affairs

WISC-TV, 10/09/09

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/3/09

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/19/08

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/14/08

Wall Street Journal, 2/28/09; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/1/10

# # #

One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Big Insurance, Big Oil, Big Banks Join FOX News in Financing $2 Million in Walker Negative Attacks

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2010

Big Insurance, Big Oil, Big Banks Join FOX News in Financing $2 Million in Walker Negative Attacks

Walker Support of Special Interests Over Wisconsin Families Helps Fill RGA Coffers

Madison -- Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s long career of supporting big oil, big banks and big insurance has paid off with enormous contributions for the Republican Governors Association, which has raised $27 million in 2010 alone and has already purchased $1 million in attack ads in Wisconsin. Total spending by the Republican Governors Association to support Walker’s anti-middle class priorities will likely top $2 million this year.

“Scott Walker has long supported big oil, big banks and Wall Street and big insurance and they are returning the favor,” said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. “Fox News is just the latest to join Scott Walker’s attacks against middle class working families in Wisconsin.”

According to Internal Revenue Service records, the Republican Governors Association has raised just over $27 million in 2010. Among RGA’s top recent givers are oil and gas interests, health insurance and the financial industry, including $1 million from Koch Industries, the nation’s largest privately-held energy company, and $500,000 from Wellpoint, whose subsidiary has proposed a 24 percent hike for Wisconsin customers this year. [IRS.gov; Center for Responsive Politics; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/13/10]

The Republican Governors Association has financed nearly $1 million in Wisconsin ads and has purchased additional time that will push the spending to well beyond $2 million in television ads alone.

Walker has fought on the side of insurance, oil and banks throughout his long political career to the detriment of working Wisconsinites, including:

Walker opposes prohibiting insurance companies from kicking people off their insurance plans when they get sick or if they have a pre-existing condition, and allowing young adults to access their parents’ insurance plans until age 26.

Walker opposes job creation through high speed rail and opposed the Clean Energy jobs plan to reduce dependence on oil.

Walker opposes new accountability measures for the financial industries which helped drive the economic collapse and would open a corporate loophole allowing companies to hide their assets in other states even though it would mean massive cuts to education, health care and police and fire fighters.

[“Upfront,” WISN-TV; La Crosse Tribune, 11/24/2009; Wisconsin State Journal, 02/19/2010; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 03/22/2010, 8/17/10]

“Whenever he has the choice, Scott Walker puts big oil, big insurance and big banks before the people of Wisconsin,” said Ross. “Now comes the payoff $2-million in vicious, negative ads, paid for by Walker's special interest cronies.”

More information about Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s long record of failure is available at: http://www.scottwalkerfailurefiles.com/.

# # #

One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

Friday, August 20, 2010

WisDOT media alert - US 41 Project lane closures the week of August 22 in Winnebago County

August 20, 2010

For more information contact:

Kris Schuller, US 41 Project Communication Manager
Kris.Schuller@dot.wi.gov (920) 492-4109

US 41 Project lane closures the week of August 22 in Winnebago County

Traffic impacts between Lake Butte des Morts and Breezewood Lane

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region Office in Green Bay is announcing lane and ramp restrictions for the week of August 22 on US 41 and WIS 21 in the Oshkosh area. Motorists can expect closures between Lake Butte des Morts and Breezewood Lane.

Sunday, August 22:

Various lanes of US 41 northbound from US 45 interchange to Snell Road overpass closed Sunday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for construction of temporary lanes.

Sunday, August 22 through Friday, August 27:

US 41 northbound on-ramp at US 45 closed for construction of temporary bypass lanes.

Monday, August 23 through Friday, August 27:

Various lanes of US 41 northbound between US 45 and Breezewood Lane closed Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Friday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Additionally, the left lane of US 41 southbound between Breezewood Lane and US 45 is closed Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Friday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The project involves widening the existing northbound lanes. Speed limits in the area reduced to 55 miles per hour.

Wednesday, August 25:

US 41 northbound off-ramp to Breezewood Lane interchange closed Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for temporary shoulder widening.

Right lane of WIS 21 westbound between Rath Lane and US 41 closed Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


All lane restrictions are weather dependant and subject to change. Motorists should use caution and remain alert when driving through any work zone.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

WisDOT media alert - Two Witzel Avenue intersections to close for two weeks in Oshkosh

August 18, 2010

For more information contact:
Kris Schuller, US 41 Project Communication Manager
Kris.Schuller@dot.wi.gov (920) 492-4109

Two Witzel Avenue intersections to close for two weeks in Oshkosh

Closures needed to finish construction of multi-lane roundabouts

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region Office in Green Bay is announcing the temporary closure of two Witzel Avenue intersections being reconstructed as multi-lane roundabouts. The closures impact the Koeller Street and Washburn Street frontage road intersections with Witzel Avenue starting Monday, August 23.

The construction schedule details include:

• Witzel Avenue/Koeller Street closed Monday, August 23 – Saturday, September 4

• Witzel Avenue/Washburn Street closed Monday, August 30 – Saturday, September 11

• No traffic allowed through the intersections during these times to complete the construction of the roundabouts.

The work is part of an $8.3 million project that began in August 2009, adding lanes of traffic to Washburn Street, constructing the Koeller Street bridge over Sawyer Creek, and replacing the Witzel Avenue overpass. The overall project is tentatively scheduled to be completed on September 11, at which time all roads currently closed will reopen to traffic.

Motorists are advised to remain alert and use caution when driving through this or any work zone.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

WisDOT media alert -US 45 roundabout to open in Winnebago County

August 17, 2010

For more information contact:
Kris Schuller, US 41 Project Communication Manager
Kris.Schuller@dot.wi.gov (920) 492-4109

US 45 roundabout to open in Winnebago County

Multi-lane roundabout set to handle traffic

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region Office in Green Bay is announcing a multi-lane roundabout at the intersection of US 45/Fernau Avenue/Lake Butte des Morts Drive will open to traffic by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 18.

The roundabout is part of a $3.2 million project to upgrade the US 41/45 interchange in Oshkosh. The work included the reconstruction of Fernau Avenue, Walter Street (Snell Road) and Stillman Drive, and the construction of the roundabout at the new US 45/Fernau Avenue/Lake Butte des Morts Drive intersection.

Motorists are advised to remain alert and use caution when driving through this or any work zone.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

RoJo's Fish Story: The Fishing License That Got Away

For Immediate Release
August 13, 2010

RoJo's Fish Story: The Fishing License That Got Away

'Fisherman' Story Mirrors Self-Made Entrepreneur Claims

Madison -- Oshkosh businessman Ron Johnson, appearing on the Charlie Sykes radio show this morning, told listeners he was not a gun owner and instead was “raised as a fisherman.” The multi-millionaire Johnson does not currently have a $20 yearly fishing license in the state of Wisconsin, according to public records, a fact which mirrors similarly-embellished policy and biographical claims he has made during his campaign for U.S. Senate.

“Looks like Wisconsin caught Ron Johnson in a fish story this big,” said One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross extending his hands about a yard apart. “But whether it’s this, or his self-made business claims, or his calls for extension of the Bush tax cuts for millionaires, it’s one tall tale after another.”

Johnson, who has spent millions of dollars in negative campaign ads in his race against U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, joined Sykes’ show this morning and the topic immediately turned to Johnson and guns. Johnson rationalized that he misspoke about supporting gun licensing, and asserted that while not a hunter, he was an avid angler.

And, you know, Charlie, I’m very up front. I’m very honest. I’m a…I’m not a gun owner. I never have been. My father was a fisherman, so I was raised as a fisherman. I’m a big outdoorsman. And so I inappropriately used the word “license,” in referring to conceal-carry, when I should have said “permit.” And so I’m happy to admit I was wrong.

[Sykes Show, 8/13/10, http://www.620wtmj.com/podcasts/charlie_sykes_podcast/100632334.html?video=pop&t=a]

Ross said Johnson’s fishing story wasn’t particularly important, but part of a larger issue of Johnson’s evolving public positions and possible embellishment of his “rags to riches” story. Johnson’s television ads indicate his business skills make him a qualified leader.

Johnson’s website reads, “In 1979, Ron and Jane moved to Wisconsin, where Ron started a business called PACUR with his brother-in-law.” It also says, “PACUR has grown from a company supplying a single customer to the largest producer in the world of a specialty plastic used in medical device packaging and high tech printing applications.” [Johnson campaign website]

The truth about PACUR and Johnson:
PACUR was created as an off-shoot of the Curwood plastics company
Curwood was founded by Johnson’s father-in-law, Howard Curler
Having just moved to Wisconsin, Johnson went to work for PACUR when he was 24-years-old along his brother-in-law, Curler’s son.
PACUR’s sole client for years was Curwood.

“Just because your dad liked to fish does not make you a fisherman, and just because your father-in-law built you a business, does not make you an entrepreneur,” said Ross. “And unfortunately, millionaire Ron Johnson has fallen for the failed Bush tax cuts for millionaires hook, line and sinker."

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One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Rep. Hintz named Vice-Chair of the Public Aid Integrity Study Committee

Madison – Rep. Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) was appointed as the vice-chair of the Special Committee on Public Assistance Program Integrity. The Committee will be holding their first meeting tomorrow, August 4th, in Madison.

The Special Committee will be taking a close look at the current laws, rules and policies relating to fraud in public assistance programs. The committee will also review the recent audit of the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program as it tackles this important topic.

“I am pleased to have been appointed as vice-chair of the study committee”, said Rep. Hintz. “It is important, especially during these tough economic times, that we review our current public aid system. I look forward to working to come up with ideas and recommendations that can help streamline our current system and save taxpayers money.”

The full committee make-up can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lc/committees/study/2010/PAPI/files/papi_list.pdf

Meeting information – Open to the Public:
Special Committee on Public Assistance Program Integrity
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 10:00 am
1 East Main Street, Suite 401, Madison , WI

Presentations by representatives of the Department of Children and Families and the Legislative Audit Bureau