Oshkosh's Day by Day Warming Shelter Busier than Ever; Having to Turn Away Many Homeless

Now in its 11th season, the Day by Day Warming Shelter in Oshkosh has always been at capacity, forcing them to turn people away. But this season is the worst it's ever been and already have had to turn away a record number of people. And it's not even officially winter yet, as we taped this show. Hear what executive director, Molly Yatso Butz, has to say about the increased demand and how they're managing to be of at least some assistance, even to those who must be turned away. She also discusses with host, Cheryl Hentz, plans for a new, much larger shelter that can provide beds for twice the number they can now and offer more services to people in need. The shelter is always in need of donations and has a list of those items on their website at warmingshelter.com. You can see the show here, or by following this link:  https://youtu.be/TKQurvAFnxc

Strong winds expected to cause traffic hazards starting Wednesday and continuing into Thursday morning

 Got this press release from the DOT: 

Strong winds expected to cause traffic hazards starting Wednesday

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is urging drivers to be cautious on the roads when high winds blow into the state this week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts strong winds with possible gusts up to 60 miles per hour across Wisconsin Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Severe weather is also possible in parts of the state.

Sustained winds and wind gusts can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles like trucks, which are at risk of losing control or tipping over in windy conditions. Other drivers should be aware when traveling near larger vehicles and keep a distance.

Driving in high winds can be a challenge, so follow these tips:

·         Be weather aware and know before you go. Monitor NWS advisories in your area. Download WisDOT’s 511 app to monitor conditions on your route.

·         Watch for objects in the road. Loose objects and tree branches may be blown around.

·         Wind gusts may be stronger in more exposed areas like open roads, on bridges, and on overpasses. Bridges can get icy when other roads are clear.

·         Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to allow time to anticipate wind gusts, avoid debris in the road and eliminate the risk of a crash if a vehicle is pushed out of its lane.

·         Buckle up, phone down to eliminate distractions. Keep a firm grip on the wheel because strong wind gusts make it harder to steer. Slow down to maintain control over the vehicle.

·         Truckers carrying empty trailers or light loads are especially vulnerable. Make certain open or deck loaded cargo is secured properly. Be extra cautious in open areas where wind gusts could push a truck out of its lane.

If wind gusts are so strong that safe driving is not possible, drivers should pull over away from trees or other objects. Stay in the vehicle until the wind dies down.

Eye on Oshkosh - Holiday Happenings and Beyond - taped 12-02-2021

On this super fun edition of Eye on Oshkosh, host Cheryl Hentz discusses with staff members from the Oshkosh Public Library and the Oshkosh Public Museum, some of the fun things they have in store for this holiday season. The library, for example, has a Meet & Greet with Santa and some live reindeer on Saturday, December 11 in Opera House Square (near the sundial downtown).

Sandy T., a community engagement librarian at the library, gives specifics about the event, including the fact that kids of all ages, even those who are kids at heart, can sit on Santa's knee and get their picture taken. Sandy delights us with all kinds of other events and activities the library is hosting this holiday season and continuing into spring.

In the second segment of the show, Emily Rock, current Registrar and Incoming Curator of Exhibits, joins Hentz to discuss their current traveling exhibit - a tribute to the classic holiday film, "White Christmas." They also discuss a traveling exhibit that just ended - this one was all about the Titanic, complete with artifacts that had been found that had belonged to some of the approximately 20 or so people aboard the RMS Titanic from Wisconsin. Considered to be unsinkable, the RMS Titanic sank in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912 in the North Atlantic Ocean, four days into her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Rock said some 10,000 people visited the museum to tour that exhibit. If planning on visiting the museum to see the White Christmas exhibit, you are strongly encouraged to reserve your spot online, because they are currently limited to how many people can be in the building at one time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the season of giving and there are plenty of opportunities to help those in need, including veterans who are homeless. Go to either the museum's website, or that of the library, (OshkoshPublicLibrary.org and OshkoshMuseum.org) and look at information for Operation Waverly. You can also see all the varied activities and events for people of all ages that these gems in our community have to offer in coming weeks and months. There is also another site collecting food for those in need and that website is hopefridge.com.

You can see the show here or by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/Nurq95QYgLo