Have the ID you need to vote? Check. If not, start the process for free ID to vote now

The presidential election is just seven weeks away, and the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wants the public to be clear on how to obtain identification, free of charge, that is valid for voting.

Most persons already have valid identification for voting purposes (driver license, identification card, military or student ID card, etc.). If you are not sure if your identification meets the requirements, please visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission website.

For persons who need to obtain new identification to show at the polls for voting, the DMV offers free IDs and has a voter ID Petition Process to help if the required documents are not readily available. Start now at wisconsindmv.gov or at a local DMV customer service center. The DMV’s website has a locator to help you find the nearest DMV and check wait times.

To obtain an official ID card, there are documentation requirements such as a birth certificate, but if all documentation is not available, the ID Petition Process (IDPP) can be used to quickly obtain a receipt valid for voting while the remaining documents or verifications are obtained.

DMV offers this IDPP service free of charge if needed for the purpose of voting.

Avoid the last minute rush, and get started on obtaining your free identification today.

* Editor's Note: And please plan to vote. No matter how you may feel about the candidates or your choices of candidate, not voting is not an option. This is your country and your voice should be heard. And remember, in addition to the presidential election, there are a number of local races where your voice matters and is needed, also.

You can also vote early, either in person or by absentee ballot. Contact your city or town clerk for details for your specific area. You never know what can happen on election day: You could have car trouble; you might be sick; etc. Why chance the unknown. Vote early and eliminate those concerns, while avoiding the long lines.

Confirmation of West Nile virus in Winnebago County, Wisconsin

The following is a press release issued by the Winnebago County Health Department...

The Winnebago County Health Department reports a dead crow found in Winnebago County has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first crow that tested positive for West Nile virus in Winnebago County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1, but is not uncommon from recent trends of the West Nile virus. The presence of West Nile virus has been confirmed in about half of all Wisconsin counties. No human cases have been reported in Winnebago County yet this year.

“The positive bird means that residents of Winnebago County need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites,” Doug Gieryn, Health Officer/ Public Health Director said.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

“Winnebago County residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” Gieryn said. “The West Nile virus appears to be here to stay, so the best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”

The Winnebago Health Department recommends the following:
 Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
 Apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
 Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
 Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.
 Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
 Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
 Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.
 Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
 Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
 Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.

The majority of people (80%) who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. Less than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing central nervous system illness that can be fatal.

The Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes, and people. During 2002, the state documented its first human infections and 52 cases were reported that year. During 2015, 9 cases of West Nile virus infection were reported among Wisconsin residents. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most reported becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September.

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.

For more information on West Nile virus:
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm

Traffic and travel impacts anticipated for Packer/Lions football game on Sunday, September 25

Packer Travel Advisory

Traffic and travel impacts for Packer/Lions football game on Sunday, September 25

 

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region reminds motorists heading to Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 25, for the Green Bay Packer/Detroit Lions football game that I-41 and adjacent roadways from Oneida Street north to Lineville Road in Brown County are under construction. 

 

Sunday’s game may have a significant impact on traffic operations. WisDOT encourages those traveling to the game to pre-plan their trip. Other tips include using alternate routes, adjusting your leave to ensure you reach the destination on time, and following the traveler information on the message boards.

 

I-41, WIS 172 and I-43 could experience significant backups near the stadium, as could the I-41 interchanges at Oneida Street, WIS 172 and I-43. Barrier walls, orange barrels, and narrow lanes will affect travel.  Due to the I-41 Project construction, Ashland Avenue through De Pere and Ashwaubenon will also experience increased traffic congestion as additional motorists use this as an alternate route. The heaviest congestion is expected three hours before and after the game.

 

Here is a list of the major highways in northeast Wisconsin most Packer fans will be traveling as they head for Lambeau Field, and the road conditions they should anticipate.

 

I-41/Velp Avenue interchange

• Brown County

• Full closure of I-41 entrance and exit ramps at Velp Avenue
• Full closure of Velp Avenue under I-41

 

WIS 172 and I-41/WIS 172 Interchange

• Brown County

• Motorists should expect heavy congestion and potential long delays at the I-41/WIS 172 interchange and on WIS 172 in Brown County from I-43 to the WIS 172/I-41 interchange before and after the game. Motorists should consider alternate routes if possible.

 

I-41 mainline

• Brown County

• Drivers can expect slow-downs within the I-41 Project work zone between Grant Street and Lineville Road. The speed limit is reduced to 55mph in this area.

• Winnebago County

• Drivers will encounter reduced speed limits on I-41 near the US 10/WIS 441/I-41 interchange. Drivers should also watch for reduced lane widths and reduced shoulder widths on northbound and southbound I-41.

 

WIS 441, US 10 and Roland Kampo Bridge

• Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties.

• Drivers should be aware of orange barrels, narrow lanes, barrier walls and reduced speed limits.
• US 10 eastbound between County CB and I-41 northbound is reduced to a single lane.

 

US 41, Oconto County

• US 41 from US 141/US 41 split to the south end of Oconto may be reduced to one lane for US 41 resurfacing prior to Sunday.

• Both lanes of southbound US 41 will be open on Sunday for Packer travel.

 

US 141, Marinette County

• US 141 southbound is closed in the village of Wausaukee from WIS 180 to north village of Wausaukee limit. A detour using local streets is posted.

 

Freeway Service Team

The I-41 Project Freeway Service Teams will be working in Brown County on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Freeway Service Team will assist motorists - free of charge - who are involved in minor crashes or are experiencing a breakdown. If necessary, the Freeway Service Team quickly relocates disabled vehicles from the highway’s travel lanes and/or shoulders to safe, pre-designated locations away from traffic.

Services the team provides include:

• Relocating disabled vehicles
• Providing small amounts of fuel
• Handling minor repairs (changing flat tires, battery jump starts)
• Removing small non-hazardous debris from the roadway
• Assisting with traffic control and crash scene clearance

 

Please note if you are involved in a crash:

The WisDOT’s Division of State Patrol advises you to immediately call 911 if you are involved in a crash.  If there are no injuries and the vehicles can be moved, report the other vehicle’s license plate numbers as you may then be advised to move off the main portion of the roadway to a crash investigation site or to a ramp out of traffic.  This will assist first responders in reaching you while helping to clear traffic delays during the critical travel times before and following the game. 

 

Additionally, if your vehicle becomes disabled in the I-41 work zone between De Pere and Suamico, notify authorities immediately, and WisDOT will send the Freeway Service Team vehicle to your location. Motorists can then contact their motor club or towing preference after WisDOT has relocated your vehicle to a more accessible and safe location. 

 

Travelers should allow extra time and can check online for real-time traffic information, including travel times, lane closures and incidents, at 511 Wisconsin online at www.511wi.gov or by calling 511. 

Urban Farming and Buying Local are discussed on latest Eye on Oshkosh

The latest episode of Eye on Oshkosh is now online. In this show, host Cheryl Hentz spends the first segment talking with Dani Stolley, president and founder of Growing Oshkosh, a nonprofit, urban farming educational program about the organization and the work it does. In the second segment, Hentz is joined by Kelly Matthews, board president for the Oshkosh Food Co-op, to talk about the co-op being developed in Oshkosh and the benefits such a co-op offers. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/SaoFDynv7jc

Racial literacy events discussed on Eye on Oshkosh

The latest episode of Eye on Oshkosh is now online. Please watch as host Cheryl Hentz talks with Fit Oshkosh executive director Tracey Robertson and volunteer Cece Brown about racial literacy events that have recently taken place in the Oshkosh area, and those which are upcoming in the next few months.  The show can be seen in its entirety here: https://youtu.be/sh9s9WohW50