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Sierra Club Criticizes We Energies for Rate Hike and Delayed Coal Plant Closure

Sierra Club Criticizes We Energies for Rate Hike and Delayed Coal Plant Closure

The Sierra Club Wisconsin has criticized We Energies for announcing a delay in the closure of the Oak Creek coal plant and for planning to increase residential and small business rates by 4.7% in 2027 and 4.5% in 2028. Originally scheduled to close in 2023, the plant's retirement has been postponed multiple times, now set for 2027. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is expected to decide on the rate increases by the end of the year. The Sierra Club argues that We Energies' actions will lead to higher energy costs, increased air pollution, and negative climate impacts.
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SSM Health Promotes Organ Donation Awareness with Flag-Raising Ceremonies in Wisconsin

SSM Health Promotes Organ Donation Awareness with Flag-Raising Ceremonies in Wisconsin

SSM Health is conducting flag-raising ceremonies in Fond du Lac, Ripon, and Waupun, Wisconsin, to honor organ, tissue, and eye donors. These events are part of a national observance aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of organ donation. The ceremonies will take place on April 8, with Ripon Community Hospital, St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, and Waupun Memorial Hospital each hosting events. The theme for this year's observance, 'Leave a Legacy,' uses trees as a metaphor for life and connection, emphasizing the lasting impact of organ donation. Currently, over 108,000 patients in the U.S. are waiting for life-saving transplants, including more than 1,600 in Wisconsin. The initiative encourages individuals aged 15 and older to register as donors, regardless of their health or background.
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Wausau's Revenue Sources: Beyond Property Taxes

Wausau's Revenue Sources: Beyond Property Taxes

A claim made in a letter to the editor suggested that property taxes are the sole source of revenue for Wisconsin municipalities, including Wausau. However, state records and local budget reports indicate that municipalities have multiple revenue streams. These include a county sales and use tax, a vehicle registration fee known as the 'wheel tax,' and a room tax on short-term lodging. Additionally, state aid plays a significant role, with Wausau receiving increased shared revenue following the passage of 2023 Wisconsin Act 12. The city also benefits from state funding for specific projects, such as lead service line replacement.
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Family Remembers 8-Year-Old Boy Killed in Wisconsin Crash as Joyful and Friendly

Family Remembers 8-Year-Old Boy Killed in Wisconsin Crash as Joyful and Friendly

The family of Owen Hailey, an 8-year-old boy who tragically died in a car crash in western Wisconsin last December, is remembering him as a joyful and friendly child. Owen's mother survived the crash, but the loss has left the family heartbroken. They describe Owen as a jokester who brought joy to those around him. The family continues to struggle with the absence of their beloved son, as they navigate life without him.
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National Weather Service Warns of Severe Winter Storm Impacting Midwest

National Weather Service Warns of Severe Winter Storm Impacting Midwest

The National Weather Service has issued warnings across five states as a late-season winter storm is expected to deliver up to 12 inches of snow and widespread ice accretion. Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota are under advisories for dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and prolonged disruptions. Minnesota is forecasted to experience the most severe snow impacts, while northern Michigan and Wisconsin face significant ice storm risks. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for potential outages.
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SSM Health Organizes Donate Life Flag-Raising Ceremonies to Honor Donors in Fond du Lac Area

SSM Health Organizes Donate Life Flag-Raising Ceremonies to Honor Donors in Fond du Lac Area

SSM Health is conducting a series of flag-raising ceremonies across Fond du Lac, Ripon, and Waupun to honor organ, tissue, and eye donors. These events are part of a national observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. The ceremonies will take place on April 8, with Ripon Community Hospital hosting its event at 10 a.m., followed by St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac at 11 a.m., and Waupun Memorial Hospital at an unspecified time. The theme for this year's observance is 'Leave a Legacy,' symbolized by trees to represent life and connection. The initiative highlights the critical need for registered donors, as one donor can save up to eight lives. Currently, over 108,000 patients are waiting for life-saving transplants in the U.S., with more than 1,600 in Wisconsin alone.
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Wisconsin's Open Records Law Empowers Citizens to Access Government Information

Wisconsin's Open Records Law Empowers Citizens to Access Government Information

Wisconsin's Open Records law provides citizens with the right to request records from state and local government agencies. This law is designed to ensure transparency and inform the electorate, as a representative government relies on an informed public. The process for requesting records is straightforward, allowing requests to be made verbally or in writing. Various tools and resources are available to assist individuals in making these requests, including templates and letter generators provided by organizations like the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council and the Student Press Law Center. These resources help streamline the process and minimize potential fees. Additionally, many records are already available online through government websites or can be accessed through a simple phone call to the relevant agency.
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Fight over University of Wisconsin system president's future draws heat from Republican leader

Fight over University of Wisconsin system president's future draws heat from Republican leader

Efforts to quickly and quietly oust the president of the University of Wisconsin system are drawing fire from a Republican legislative leader
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Fincantieri, Fraser, and Donjon Shipyards Collaborate to Boost Great Lakes Shipbuilding

Fincantieri, Fraser, and Donjon Shipyards Collaborate to Boost Great Lakes Shipbuilding

Fincantieri, Fraser, and Donjon Shipyards Collaborate to Boost Great Lakes Shipbuilding
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University of Wisconsin President Faces Potential Ouster Amidst Republican Criticism

University of Wisconsin President Faces Potential Ouster Amidst Republican Criticism

The University of Wisconsin system's president, Jay Rothman, is facing potential removal from his position, a move that has drawn criticism from Republican state Rep. David Murphy. Rothman, who has been in office since 2022, claims that the board of regents is attempting to force his resignation or face termination without providing a reason. This development has surprised university and state officials. Rothman's tenure has been marked by efforts to secure state funding, address free speech issues on campus, and manage declining enrollment. Murphy, who chairs the Wisconsin Assembly's colleges and universities committee, has expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the board's actions and has praised Rothman's leadership.
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Wisconsin Hospital Ordered to Pay $8 Million for Security Negligence

Wisconsin Hospital Ordered to Pay $8 Million for Security Negligence

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has ruled that Children's Hospital of Wisconsin must pay $8 million in damages to the family of Mary Miceli-Krupka. The decision comes after the hospital failed to prevent an attack on Miceli-Krupka by a person known to be a security risk. The incident occurred in the hospital's waiting room, where a family, including a 16-year-old identified as 'Jade,' entered the premises. The hospital staff had previously flagged this family as a security risk due to past violent disruptions. Despite this, the hospital did not alert security when the family arrived, leading to the attack. The court's unpublished opinion highlights the hospital's negligence in handling the situation, emphasizing the need for better security measures to protect patients and staff.
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North Central Health Care's IPS Program Recognized for High Employment Impact in Wisconsin

North Central Health Care's IPS Program Recognized for High Employment Impact in Wisconsin

North Central Health Care's Community Treatment Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program has been acknowledged for its significant role in assisting individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders in finding and maintaining employment. The program received an exemplary fidelity rating, ranking it among the top three in Wisconsin. It also achieved the highest employment rate in the state at 59%, underscoring its effectiveness. The IPS program serves both youth and adults across Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade counties, helping them achieve vocational goals while supporting their recovery. The state conducts an annual IPS fidelity review, assessing programs across 25 categories to ensure adherence to the evidence-based model, with higher scores indicating better program quality and employment outcomes.