Wisconsin Act 164: Restrictions on Cell Phone Use in Motor Vehicles

The Stevens Point Police Department reminds everyone that Wisconsin Act 164 goes into effect on November 1 and will prohibit anyone who holds a Probationary or Instructional Driver license from using a cell phone while driving any motor vehicle. Anyone with a Probationary or Instructional license may only use a cell phone in a motor vehicle to report an emergency.

Fines for violating the new cell phone law are $20-$40 for the first offense; and $50 to $100 for subsequent convictions within a year. The ban applies to all cell phone use (handheld or hands-free) except in emergencies. Texting while driving is already outlawed for all drivers in Wisconsin.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Wisconsin teenagers.

Public Health Groups Name Lassa Legislator of the Year

Madison – Citing her “strong bipartisan leadership on public health initiatives,” the Wisconsin Public Health Association (WPHA) and the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards (WALHDAB) today awarded State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) their 2012 Legislator of the Year Award.

Each legislative session, the award is presented to a lawmaker who illustrates a deep commitment to improving public health policy and programs in Wisconsin.

“This year, our choice for Legislator of the Year was an easy one, as your work to promote effective public health policy and build a healthier, safer Wisconsin was exceptional,” wrote WPHA President Elise Papke and WALHDAB Co-Presidents Kathleen Mai and Linda Conlon in a letter to Sen. Lassa announcing the award. They wrote that their members “appreciated your strong bipartisan leadership on public health initiatives aimed at improving the health of Wisconsin citizens through disease prevention, wellness promotion and addressing determinants of health.”

The groups praised Sen. Lassa for a number of legislative proposals she spearheaded, including:

• Allowing Unemployment Insurance claimants to receive on-the-job training without losing benefits;
• Prohibiting the purchase of tobacco products on behalf of minors;
• Creating a workplace wellness tax credit for small businesses;
• Prohibiting the possession or delivery of synthetic marijuana and stimulants;
• Lifting the cap on FamilyCare.

“The health of children and families has always been one of my chief priorities as a legislator, and I’m honored that my work has been recognized with this award,” Lassa said. “I look forward to working with WPHA and WALHDAB as we continue to address the public health challenges facing Wisconsin.”

The Wisconsin Public Health Association, Inc. (WPHA) is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Its mission is to build a healthier, safer Wisconsin through policy and partnership. The Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards (WALHDAB) is the statewide leader for local governmental public health.

Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Unintentional falls are a threat to the lives, independence, and health of older adults – especially those ages 65 and older. In Portage County in 2011, 64% of accidental deaths were due to falls and 88% of those individuals were age 61 or over. Nationally, every 18 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall, and every 35 minutes someone dies as a result of fall-related injuries. Did you know that half of all falls actually occur in our own homes, the location where we spend most of our time? Please use the following information to make your home safer and hopefully prevent a tragic fall.

Floors

• Rearrange furniture to allow a clear path. If the furniture is heavy, ask for help.
• Remove rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so rugs won’t slip.
• Make a habit of picking up items that are on the floor so they won’t cause you to trip.
• Keep extension, appliance and telephone cords near the wall so you won’t trip over them.
• Keep a watchful eye as to where your pets are sleeping or lying down.

Stairs and steps

• Don’t store or keep items on stairs. Keep them clear of clutter.
• Make sure to fix loose or uneven steps.
• Well lit staircases are important; consider an overhead light at the top and bottom of your stairs or adding night-lights to enhance visibility.
• Consider a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs for safety and convenience. You can get light switches that glow.
• Promptly replace burned out light bulbs.
• Make sure carpet is firmly attached to every step or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.
• Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and extend at least the length of the stairs or longer.

Kitchen

• Keep the items you use most often on the lower shelves.
• If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

Bathrooms

• Use a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of your tub or shower.
• Consider using a bath bench or shower stool.
• Install grab bars inside your bathtub and shower and next to your toilet.

Bedrooms

• Have a lamp or flashlight and your glasses within easy reach of your bed.
• Use night-lights to brighten bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms. Some night-lights turn on by themselves after dark and off when it becomes light enough.
• Other things you can do for yourself to keep you safe
• Exercise regularly. Exercise will help make you stronger and therefore improves your balance and coordination.

If you don’t know the medications that you are taking and their side effects ask your doctor or pharmacist. Some medicines or combinations of medicines have side effects that may make you feel weak, drowsy, dizzy or light headed, causing you to lose your balance or feel unsteady on your feet.

• Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor.
• Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
• Wear good fitting shoes, both inside and outside the house. Try to avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
• Improve the lighting in your home. Put in brighter light bulbs. Florescent bulbs are bright and cost less to use.
• Uniform lighting in a room is safest. Add lighting to dark areas. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
• Paint a contrasting color on the top edge of all steps so you can see the stairs better. For example, use light color paint on dark wood.

We hope you will be able to use this information to make your home safer. For additional information on falls prevention or to schedule a falls assessment please contact the Portage County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (715) 346-1401.

Comments sought on changes to endangered species list

MADISON – Businesses, developers, scientists and citizens with comments about the potential economic impact of adding eight plants and animals to the state endangered species list and removing 16 other ones from the list are invited to submit comments through Oct. 24.

The Department of Natural Resources will use the information submitted regarding the potential costs and benefits of the proposed changes to the list as staff prepare the economic impact analysis now required by law.

Comments about the economic impact may be submitted electronically to: DNRBureauofEndangeredResources@Wisconsin.gov or may be mailed to: Wisconsin DNR- Bureau of Endangered Resources, E/T EIA Solicitation, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments are to be postmarked no later than Oct. 24, 2012.

 

Other steps in the rule making process and opportunities for public involvement are found on the DNR website by searching for keywords “ET list” and scrolling down to the bottom of the page.

Any local governmental unit that is affected by the proposed additions and removals to the endangered species list also may request to coordinate with DNR on preparation of the economic impact analysis. That governmental unit must notify DNR of its request to coordinate when it submits comments on economic analysis.

DNR is proposing the changes to the list after a comprehensive review and in keeping with a requirement to evaluate the list of endangered and threatened species every five years. Some of the 16 species proposed for removal responded well to protections given to listed species and management efforts to increase their populations, while others were found to not be as rare as once thought or no longer occur in the state.

Those proposed for removal are: the greater redhorse, a small fish; the barn owl, snowy egret, and Bewick’s wren, the pygmy snaketail, a dragonfly, and two reptiles. The Blanding’s turtle review determined there are large, stable populations and wide distribution. In the case of Butler’s gartersnake, new genetic analysis indicated greater abundance and range than previously believed.

The other species proposed to be removed from the list are plants: the American fever-few, bog bluegrass, Canada horse-balm, drooping sedge, hemlock parsley, prairie Indian-plantain, snowy campion, yellow gentian, and yellow giant hyssop.

Eight species are proposed to be added to the list because they are in jeopardy now or in the near future. Protected status would make it illegal under Wisconsin’s Endangered Species Law for people to kill, transport, possess, process or sell the species.

Species being recommended for listing to protect declining populations include three birds — the black tern, Kirtland’s warbler, upland sandpiper; and five invertebrates — the beach-dune tiger beetle, ottoe skipper, a leafhopper, an Issid planthopper, and fawnsfoot mussel.

A preliminary draft of the rule order along with detailed information on the species proposed for listing and delisting is available on the DNR website dnr.wi.gov, keyword “ET List”. Administrative rule documents are also available at: Wisconsin Administrative Rules website (exit DNR).

Jeremiah’s Crossing Thanks Supporters for Annual Benefit

Jeremiah’s Crossing held its 4th Annual Cruise-In and 6th Annual Open House/Ride-A-Thon on August 18 & 19, to help fund their mission of providing therapeutic horseback riding lessons to those with special needs at no cost to their families. The two events, which featured local vendors and crafters, family activities, music, riding demonstrations, and great food, were a wonderful success. Jeremiah’s Crossing is grateful to all those who turned out over the weekend to support their mission.

At the Cruise-In, over 40 beautiful cars and trucks were shown, and nineteen vendors from around the area brought their specialty products to help make the event a success. This year a riding lesson demonstration was added to the activities of the day. The lesson provided an opportunity to learn more about equine assisted activities lessons and the benefit to those with special needs who ride on a regular basis. Those who attended participated in raffles, enjoyed fantastic food, including Sweet Adeline cream puffs. The weather was gorgeous and everyone enjoyed being at beautiful Dexter Park.

At the Open House, Teri Olson won the Barbecue Cook Off. Her tasty sauce convinced the judges that she was worthy of first prize. For those who were too shy to enter, or who are saying, “I didn’t know anything about the cook-off,” there’s always next year! Watch for entry information next summer.

This year, the Ride-A-Thon boasted four “Sheriffs of the Day” who worked hard to collect pledges: Jessica Jensen, Michael Krotzman, and Paul & Jonah Linn. Miss Wisconsin Rapids, Michelle Neumann, was in attendance to congratulate all of them and to sing the National Anthem to kick off our ride-a-thon rodeo. In all, 28 special riders took their horses through the rodeo events including pole bending, barrel “racing,” walk-over logs, and team penning. Twelve riders presented drill team routines with one group opening the rodeo and the second group closing our festivities.

Jeremiah’s Crossing depends on the help of great volunteers, community members, and businesses. The benefit weekend was no exception. The community came together to help celebrate what has been accomplished, and to raise funds to ensure that the organization can continue our programs at no cost to participants. On behalf of all of their special riders, the organization extends a most sincere “Thank You!”

For more information about Jeremiah’s Crossing, or to volunteer to help with fall lessons, please visit us at http://www.jeremiahscrossing.org. Or call the ranch at 715-884-2551.