Wis. gov.'s spokesman among those given immunity in probe

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's spokesman and two others have been granted immunity in an investigation of the Republican governor's current and former aides, according to this story from the Associated Press. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has previously reported that investigators are looking into whether Walker's aides conducted political activity on the taxpayer dime.

City Accepting Applications for Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program

(Oshkosh, WI) The city of Oshkosh would like to remind rental property owners that the city has a rental housing rehabilitation program. The program offers a zero percent deferred interest loan that is available to qualified rental property owners with one to four unit properties located in low and moderate income census tracts or redevelopment areas within Oshkosh city limits.

Projects must impact the exterior appearance of the property and require a one to one owner investment match. Funds up to $10,000 per structure plus $5,000 per unit are available. There is a $10,000 project minimum.

Interested rental property owners must complete an application and be approved before any work is done. The application deadline is October 15, 2011. The application can be found on the city website,
http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale Sept. 27; annual meeting Oct. 22

Sept. 23, 2011 – A recent surge in donations from the public means a renewed selection of books, music and movies at this month’s Friends of the Library Used Book Sale on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the lower level of the Oshkosh Public Library.

With so many new items coming in, the Friends are offering special deals to pare down their inventory. For $1 get two Bargain Bags of mystery, fiction, biography, health or romance books. VHS tapes are free during this sale and music CDs are 25 cents each. As always there is a wide selection of fiction, large print books, DVDs and books for children.

Highlights of this month’s sale include:

• More than 100 added DVDs and 50 videos that are new since the July sale
• Large new selections of westerns and books on war
• An expanded selection of science fiction books
• Shelves full of “How-to” books and selections to help you get ready for the holidays

The Just Wisconsin section continues to expand, with added titles by local and state authors, Wisconsin biographies and books focusing on gardening, history and travel in the dairy state. Books have also been added to the section on U.S. Presidents.

In the interest of going green, the Friends ask that shoppers bring a reusable bag to carry their purchases. Canvas tote bags also are available for purchase at the Friends Store at the library.

Mark your calendars for the final 2011 sale on Nov. 29.

Friends Annual Meeting

The Friends will hold their annual meeting on Sat., Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. in the lower level meeting room at the library. Anyone interested in joining the Friends is invited to attend to learn more about the group and the work they do in support of the Oshkosh Public Library.

The program will include an update on library activities from Library Director Jeff Gilderson-Duwe; a presentation: Advocacy – Building Support for the Library; and a tour of the building. There is no fee for the luncheon, but a free will offering will be accepted. Deadline to register is Oct. 15. Registration forms are available at the library.

For membership information or to register for the Friends annual meeting contact Dana Stolley, Coordinator of Volunteers, at 236-5206. 

US 41 Project lane closures for September 25 - September 30

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region in Green Bay is announcing US 41 lane restrictions for September 25 - September 30 in Brown and Winnebago counties. Traffic impacts in Brown County involve lane closures between Scheuring Road and Velp Avenue with reduced speed limits. The Scheuring Road interchange opens to traffic on Saturday, September 24. Drivers in Winnebago County are reminded of the 21-day closure of all northbound US 41 ramps at WIS 21, beginning Monday, September 26.

Winnebago County
WIS 21
Monday, September 26 - October 16:
Northbound US 41 on-and off-ramps at WIS 21 closed through October 16, for construction of a temporary bypass. For traffic heading from WIS 21 to northbound US 41 and alternate signed route has been established: WIS 21 to southbound US 41 to eastbound WIS 44 to northbound US 41.

WIS 44 - WIS 76
Monday, September 26 - Friday, September 30
* Various lane closures on northbound and southbound US 41, from 20th Avenue to WIS 76, Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Friday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. for placement of barrier wall.

US 45 - Breezewood Lane
Monday, September 26 and Tuesday, September 27:
* Various lanes of northbound and southbound WIS 76, between Green Valley Road and Indian Point Road closed Monday and Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for painting of the US 41 bridges over WIS 76.
* Various lanes of the northbound and southbound US 41 ramps at WIS 76 closed Monday and Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for painting of the US 41 bridges over WIS 76.
Thursday, September 29:
* Various lanes of northbound US 41, between WIS 76 and WIS 114, closed Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for ramp work for Breezewood Lane.

Brown County
Scheuring Road - Velp Avenue
Monday, September 26 - Friday, September 30:
* Various lane closures on southbound US 41, between Velp Avenue and Scheuring Road, Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. for shoulder widening.
* Various lane closures on northbound US 41, between Scheuring Road and Velp Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and Friday from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. for shoulder widening.

WIS 172
Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30:
* Northbound US 41 on-ramp from eastbound WIS 172 closed Thursday and Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for shoulder widening.

Lombardi Avenue
Monday, September 26:
* Northbound US 41 on-ramp from Lombardi Avenue closed Monday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for ramp paving.

WIS 29
Sunday, September 25 - Tuesday, September 27:
* Northbound US 41 on-ramp from Dousman Street closed Sunday through Tuesday, from 9 p.m. to 5 a. m. for box culvert work.
Monday, September 26 - Friday, September 30:
* Various lane closures on eastbound and westbound WIS 29, between Packerland and County FF, Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to noon for access to the County J construction site.
* Various lane closures on eastbound WIS 29, between County FF and Packerland Drive, Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., for installation of overhead sign structure.

All lane restrictions are weather dependent and subject to change.

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[Brown - all, Winnebago- all]
NOTE: News releases located on the Web at: http://www.us41wisconsin.gov/

CNN ‘Manipulated’ by the Tea Party?

Was CNN manipulated by the Tea Party in partnering with it during its recent presidential candidate debate? According to this article from Media Bistro and TV Newser the network definitely was, and many journalists are outraged about what they perceive as a huge ethical problem. What's more, the American Journalism Review says the partnership represents a conflict of interest for the network. What do you think?

Work begins on US 41/ WIS 21 interchange in Oshkosh September 26, First phase of construction requires three-week closure of northbound ramps

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region office is announcing work starts Monday, September 26 on the first phase of the reconstruction of the US 41/WIS 21 interchange in Oshkosh. The initial work involves the construction of a temporary bypass, designed to carry northbound and southbound US 41 traffic, when the WIS 21 interchange closes for reconstruction on March 19, 2012.

The contractor for the $54 million project is Lunda Construction, Black River Falls.

This first phase includes significant traffic impacts starting at 5 a.m., September 26:

*       Northbound US 41 on-and off-ramps at WIS 21 close for 21 calendar days for construction of a temporary US 41 bypass

*       US 41, WIS 21 and US 41 southbound on-and off-ramps at WIS 21 remain open to traffic during construction

*       Following this 21-day construction period, the WIS 21 interchange will remain open to traffic through the winter.

The second phase of construction begins in March of 2012 when the interchange, including WIS 21 between Washburn and Koeller streets, closes to all traffic until November 2012. The project reconstructs the interchange so that WIS 21 passes over US 41. It includes the construction of multilane roundabouts along WIS 21 at the frontage roads and at the ramp ends. The work also includes the reconstruction and expansion of US 41 between Witzel Avenue and US 45, as well as construction of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations providing access across Lake Butte des Morts.

All lane restrictions are weather dependent and subject to change.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Please use extreme caution and remain alert when driving through this or 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, 40 new roundabouts, improved interchanges and expansion of the Lake Butte des Morts Causeway. To find current construction information and details about the project visit www.www.US41wisconsin.gov<http://www.US41wisconsin.gov> or call the project hotline: (920) 492-4120.

 [Winnebago- all,  Brown, Outagamie - media]

NOTE: News releases can be viewed on the Web at: www.US41wisconsin.gov<http://www.US41wisconsin.gov>

State Patrol to review bus companies' safety practices statewide

To ensure that commercial buses and motor coaches in Wisconsin meet state and federal safety requirements, investigators from the Wisconsin State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Investigation Unit will examine the safety practices of more than 20 bus companies throughout the state from September 23 through October 7, 2011.

In partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 20 State Patrol and federal investigators will analyze commercial bus companies' safety procedures to identify potential problems and specify corrective actions to prevent crashes, according to Bud Coxhead, manager of the State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Investigation Unit.

"Commercial bus and motor coach operators in Wisconsin generally work hard to maintain compliance with all safety regulations. But there's always room for improvement," Coxhead says. "Along with our enforcement of traffic safety laws and thorough inspections of buses, the safety compliance reviews help reduce crashes.

The compliance reviews also help educate bus companies through enforcement on ways to improve the safety of their vehicles and their drivers."
###
NOTE: View this document on the Web at: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news/index.htm.

Closures slated for Hwys 21 and 41

[We have received this information from the Oshkosh Police Department and are happy to pass it along...]


Here is some information regarding ramp closures to begin next week on State Highway 21.

The Wisconsin DOT has advised that the north bound exit & entrance ramps from STH 21 to USH 41 will be closed for 21 days, tentatively scheduled to begin Monday, September 26th (weather permitting). There are advisory signs posted now.

Other items mentioned were - In March (19th?) of 2012, STH 21 at USH 41 will close for work. The intersection of N Washburn & STH 21 & Brooks Ln will also be closed for the first three months, with a right turn only allowed onto N Washburn.

The Westside Association is working with the City and will be putting up business informational signage during the construction period.

Ebooks for Kindle now available at Oshkosh Public Library

Sept. 22, 2011 – The Oshkosh Public Library is pleased to announce that its ebook collection is now available for download on the world's most popular ebook reader, the Amazon Kindle.

Amazon and digital book distributor Overdrive launched Kindle Lending Library on Wednesday. Now library users can choose from the ebook titles offered at www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org and download them to a Kindle using the free Kindle app.

Oshkosh Public Library has been offering ebooks, digital audio books and other downloadable media via its web site for about ten years. During the past year, the library has seen a tremendous increase in public demand for assistance using ereaders and other mobile devices to download books. Until now, customers could download to a variety of popular devices, but not to the Amazon Kindle.

“We have customers who have been anxiously waiting for this day to come,” said Janice Dibble, Head of Reference and Adult Services. “When Kindle and Overdrive announced this partnership in April, the library world – and our customers who use Kindles – were very excited that access to library ebooks would finally be available to this large group of readers.”

Oshkosh Public Library opened a new Technology Learning Lab earlier this year in response to the growing public demand for assistance with technology on many levels. One of the driving factors was the growing popularity of ereaders and the related demand for assistance in downloading library ebooks to the devices.

“E-readers were one of the hot gifts of Christmas 2010 and since then we’ve seen a steady increase in people interested in downloading books from the library web site,” Dibble explains. The library offers one-on-one assistance and has started scheduling small classes for customers who want to learn how to download library ebooks, digital audio books and other media.

The library also offers instructions for downloading, as well as device- and format-specific tips at www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org. A library card is required to download.

Oshkosh Public Library continues to add to its downloadable collections and also participates in a statewide purchasing consortium. Libraries in the Winnefox Library System have made a commitment to increase the number of ebook titles and other digital media available.

“Libraries are about books and reading and we’re changing to meet the demands of today’s readers,” explains Library Director Jeff Gilderson-Duwe. “OPL and libraries throughout Wisconsin are committed to continuing to make reading experiences available to the public, whatever the format.”

New Online Food Map Makes Finding Fresh Produce Easier

New Online Food Map Makes Finding Fresh Produce Easier Coalition launches community resource to promote National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

[Winnebago Co, WI]—In recognition of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, re:TH!NK, Winnebago’s Healthy Living Partnership, is unveiling a new resource that will help Winnebago County residents locate places where fresh fruits and vegetables are available.

The Winnebago County Food Map is part of re:TH!NK’s efforts to reduce adult and childhood obesity and ensure awareness and access to nutritious, healthy food options. The Food Map is an inventory of all grocery stores, convenience stores, and food pantries that sell fresh produce located in Winnebago County.

Accessible on re:TH!NK’s website, www.rethinkwinnebago.org, the map shows locations where fresh fruits and vegetables are available all year long. The map markers are also color-coded to show users at a glance how much variety each location offers.

"Increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables is something our group is trying to address," said Denise Krueger, interim Health Officer with the City of Oshkosh Health Department and public health liaison for re:TH!NK’s Nutrition, Obesity and Diabetes committee. "Sometimes, the first step in making it easier for people to choose healthy foods is by letting them know what’s out there."

During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than fourfold among children ages six to 11. According to the CDC, more than 23 million children and teenagers (31.8%) ages two to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic.

Julia Salomon, Corporate Dietitian and Nutrition Educator with Affinity Health System, says "The growing rate of childhood obesity in our country is alarming. National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and re:TH!NK recognizes the serious threat obesity poses to the health of America’s children and the importance of decreasing its prevalence not only in Winnebago County, but across the entire United States."

Data for the Food Map was collected and compiled by an intern with the Winnebago County Health Department during the summer of 2011.

Register now for Read to a Dog at Oshkosh Public Library, reading to dogs improves literacy skills

Sept. 21, 2011 – Man’s best friend may be a child’s best bet for learning to read better, thanks to a popular and successful program at the Oshkosh Public Library.

Read to a Dog pairs children with trained reading/therapy dogs to improve literacy skills. Sessions are available by appointment at 236-5208. Registration is required. The program runs Sept. 26-Nov. 28 and is open to children of all ages.

According to Sandy Joseph, Oshkosh Public Library children’s librarian, reading to a dog is an appealing and effective way for children who struggle with reading to improve skills and feel more confident. “A child who doesn’t want to sit down and read aloud at home will settle in here with one of the dogs and before you know it, the child is reading,” she explains. “There is a comfort level that really benefits a child who typically is nervous and self-conscious about reading out loud.”

The dogs in the program are trained through the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program, a division of Intermountain Therapy Animals.

Read to a Dog is held in 20-minute blocks on Monday nights in the library’s lower level meeting room. Register at the Children’s Desk or call 236-5208.

Don’t miss these additional programs for children at the Oshkosh Public Library:

Fall Storytime: Stories, songs and activities for children ages 9 months and up, including the Tuesday night family session, Pajama Rama. Sessions available through Oct. 13. Sign up at the Children’s Desk, call 236-5208 or register at www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.

Tweens Create: After-school art programs for grades 4-7, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. Programs run through Oct. 6.  Scraplings (papercrafts and book making) on Tuesdays and Storigami (origami based on a story) on Thursdays.

For more information about library programs for children and families, visit www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.

WORLD WAR II VETERANS TO SHARE STORIES OF SERVICE, SACRIFICE DURING SPECIAL PANEL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORLD WAR II VETERANS TO SHARE STORIES OF SERVICE, SACRIFICE DURING
SPECIAL PANEL
Moderated discussion included with AirVenture Museum admission on Oct. 1

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Sept. 22, 2011) - Hear the personal, first-hand stories of heroism first-hand as a panel of World War II veterans will share their recollections of service and sacrifice during a special forum on Saturday, Oct. 1, at EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh. The forum is included with regular museum admission.

From 2-4 p.m., this moderated discussion will feature several veterans sharing their own personal stories from combat in the war-torn skies over Europe and answering questions.

Among the confirmed panelists include:

* William Bergner, who was a B-17 Flying Fortress radar operator and technician with the 327th Bomb Squadron of the 92nd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. Grounded by the squadron flight surgeon while in England, Bergner spent the duration of his overseas tour installing and repairing radar sets in B-17s.

* William Hartshorn, who was a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilot assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. He was shot down on his 26th mission on Sept. 18, 1944, while flying in
support of Operation Market Garden.

* William Meier, who was a B-17 Flying Fortress bombardier assigned to the 413th Bomb Squadron of the 96th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force.

The forum will be held in conjunction with the inaugural EAA ScaleVenture static model contest, which will feature plastic scale model builders showcasing scaled, detailed replications of aircraft as well as automobile, ship, and armor models from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Awards will be presented in several age-based categories.

The EAA AirVenture Museum is located just off Highway 41 at the Highway 44 exit in Oshkosh. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EAA members receive free museum admission year-round. For more information, call the EAA AirVenture Museum at (920) 426-6108 or visit http://www.airventuremuseum.org/.

Oshkosh Truck Employees need our help, says local labor council

Good morning to all,
Oshkosh Corp. (Oshkosh Truck) UAW Local 578 is in the middle of contract negotiations with the company and talks are not going well. They need our help and support. They will be holding an informational rally and march on Sunday September 25, 2011 beginning at 11:30 a.m. The rally will start at the UAW HALL 2920 Oregon St. in Oshkosh. From there they will march to a lot at the Oshkosh Truck facilities. In today's times where the Governor and big corporations want to strip all unions and their workers of all their rights they have had for decades. We need to stand strong and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and demand that our working rights be honored. Please come out if only for a short while we need to show the Oshkosh Corp. that the community stands behind the workers and their rights.

Larry Lautenschlager, President
Winnebago County Labor Council

9-11: We will never forget

As we reflect on the horrific images and memories of the terrorist attacks 10 years ago today, I hope we each take a moment to say a prayer for those who lost loved ones in the cowardly attacks on our nation, and to say thank you – either physically or silently – to those who protect us and our country, and to the families of those who have lost their lives doing so. We should also remember and give thanks to all the heroes of that day, and in the days and weeks that followed: Those who searched for victims; those who trained and brought in search and rescue/recovery animals; those who donated time and equipment used in those efforts; and to those who helped design and rebuild Ground Zero into the striking memorial that it is today. We should also thank our nation’s leaders for doing what they believed was necessary to protect our beautiful country and for making difficult decisions that most of us couldn’t possibly fathom making. September 11, 2001: A day that lives, families and our nation were forever changed, but not beaten; not ever. God bless America, her people, our resources, and all that we as a strong, persevering nation can do and have to offer.

Westhaven Storm Water Management Project Starts Sept. 6

(Oshkosh, WI.) The city of Oshkosh would like to notify residents that construction work on the Westhaven Clubhouse Area wet detention basin and storm sewer project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 6th. The work is part of the storm water management plan for the Sawyer and Campbell Creek watersheds.

The scope of the work includes pond excavation, storm sewer construction, concrete paving, pond restoration, and terrace restoration. There will be some lane restrictions on Westhaven Circle, Maricopa Drive, Westhaven Drive, Newport Avenue and Newport Court during the construction. Access to residences will be maintained until the street paving starts. While the street is being paved, there will be times that residents will be unable to access their driveways.

It is anticipated that the work will be completed by November 1, 2011.

For more information on the project please contact the Public Works Department at (920) 236-5065.

Oshkosh Holiday Parade Coverage Wins National Award

(Oshkosh, WI.) Oshkosh Community Media Services (OCMS) is once again the proud winner of a national broadcasting award from the Alliance for Community Media (ACM). OCMS’s coverage of the Oshkosh Holiday Parade was recognized as the best community events coverage by the ACM at the recent Hometown Video Awards Festival in Tucson, Arizona.

Winners of the 2011 ACM Hometown Video Awards were chosen from more than 1,100  entries from across the country.

This is the second straight year OCMS programming has been honored with this prestigious national award. Last year the public affairs program Oshkosh Today was named the best entertainment talk show by the Alliance for Community Media.

Earlier this year OCMS programming was honored with 16 overall state awards, including a state record eight Awards of Excellence (first place), by the Wisconsin Association of Public Education and Government Channels (WAPC).

OCMS staff would like to extend a special thanks to all the volunteers that worked on this year’s parade and other productions.

For more information on the awards or OCMS services, please contact Communications Coordinator Dean Leisgang at (920) 236-5269 or

No Garbage or Recycling Collection on Labor Day

(Oshkosh, WI.) The city of Oshkosh Sanitation Division would like to remind residents that because of the upcoming holiday there will be no garbage or recycling collection on Labor Day (September 5, 2011).

Collections for the remainder of the week will be one day late. Garbage and recycling collection scheduled for Friday, September 9th moves to Saturday, September 10th.

Additionally, the city’s yard waste drop-off center located on Idaho Street (off Witzel Avenue) is also closed for the holiday on Monday, September 5, 2011.

Because of the holiday, September brush collection will start on the week of September 12, 2011.

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

No OTS Bus Service on Labor Day

(Oshkosh, WI.) The Oshkosh Transit System’s bus service will not be operating on Monday, September 5, 2011 because of the city’s observance of the Labor Day holiday. Oshkosh Transit’s office at 926 Dempsey Trail will also be closed on September 5th.

Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, September 6th. For more information on the Oshkosh Transit System please visit, http://www.oshkoshtransit.com/ or call (920) 232-5340.