News

McCutcheon case opened political ad floodgates

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 11/27/2024 - 1:55pm

In 2024, eight people donated $1 million or more to a political party in Wisconsin.

Some of them gave much more.

Before 2015, the most a person could give in annual political donations in Wisconsin was $10,000.

Shawano CoVantage, SAM25 team up for Giving Tuesday

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 11/27/2024 - 10:20am

The CoVantage Cares Foundation annual two-week fundraising campaign will run from Dec. 3-17 in all areas served by the credit union.

Every dollar donated will be matched up to $175,000 by the CoVantage Cares Foundation, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution. This matching gift will support local nonprofit organizations that provide essential services, such as food, shelter, education and health care.

The Shawano CoVantage branch is partnering with Shawano Area Matthew 25, whose mission is focused on helping those struggling with poverty and homelessness.

Wittenberg youth to perform in Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre’s ‘Seussical the Musical’

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 11/27/2024 - 9:58am

Halley Innes, of Wittenberg, will be among those taking to the stage to perform in “Seussical the Musical” Nov. 29-30 at the Veningat Theater inside the UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau.

Performances are put on by Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre.

Innes will play the part of the Young Kangaroo.

The family friendly production features beloved characters like Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and the Cat in the Hat, in a song-filled adventure that combines elements from several of Dr. Seuss’ most famous stories.

Protect yourself from holiday scams

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 2:01pm

During the winter holidays, many Wisconsinites exchange gifts to bring joy and show their appreciation for others. Unfortunately, scammers also know that gift buying and giving is a holiday tradition and will try to take advantage of consumers’ good intentions.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is asking consumers to remain on alert for common holiday scams.

Package Delivery Scams

Holiday toy tips: Consider safety and avoid scams

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 2:00pm

Shopping for gifts this holiday season? There are many factors to consider when searching for the perfect present, especially when the recipient is a child. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) encourages shoppers to keep safety in mind while searching for the best holiday deals.

Safety Considerations

Explore more with Wisconsin State Park System 12-month pass

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:36am

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the Wisconsin State Park System will be moving to a 12-month admission pass model. The new 12-month admission passes will be available for purchase beginning Dec. 2.

The new pass model is valid for 12 months following the month of purchase, rather than expiring on Dec. 31. The 2025 passes purchased in December 2024 will be valid through January 2026.

Harvest your holiday tree in a northern state forest

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:31am

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsinites that they can harvest a holiday tree from a northern state forest.

Trees can be cut down in the Brule River, Flambeau River, Gov. Earl Peshtigo River, Gov. Knowles and Northern Highland-American Legion state forests.

97% of winter wheat crop has emerged

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:29am

Wisconsin had 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork statewide for the week ending Nov. 24, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Much of the state experienced rain or snow, slowing progress on remaining field activities. Fieldwork included late corn harvest, manure and fertilizer applications, fall tillage and cranberry bog maintenance.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1% very short, 18% short, 72% adequate and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7% very short, 29% short, 60% adequate and 4% surplus.

Can you find Lena’s Elf on the Shelf?

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:27am

The Elf on the Shelf is ready to begin his holiday journey to the local businesses in Lena.

Follow the “Elf” around the village starting Dec. 7 — the kickoff of the Village of Lights.

Find Elf daily as he travels around the village to a different location each day. Record all businesses correctly on the official contest sheet; return the sheet to the village hall with your name and phone number for a chance to win a prize.

State egg numbers down slightly from a year ago

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:04am

Wisconsin egg production during October was 209 million eggs, down slightly from the previous October, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The average number of all layers on hand during October was 7.8 million, down 2% from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for October was 2,680, up 1% from a year ago.