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Health Official: Mask Mandate Opposite of Restriction

MADISON, Wis. -- Like many other parts of the country, Wisconsin residents now have to wear a mask when out in public as the pandemic continues. And one health official says viewing it as a conduit to getting back to normal could help with compliance. Over the weekend, Wisconsin joined more than 30 other states requiring people wear face coverings when they are indoors or in enclosed spaces away from home. The mandate faces resistance from those who feel it amounts to government overreach....

DOT Seeks Input On Proposed Upgrades For Hwy. 107 In Lincoln County

DOT Helps People Get ID's Prior To Tuesday Primary Vote

Health Official: Mask Mandate Opposite of Restriction

By Mike Moen & Wisconsin News Connection • 5 hours ago

Over the weekend, Wisconsin joined more than 30 other states requiring people wear face coverings when they are indoors or in enclosed spaces away from home. The mandate faces resistance from those who feel it amounts to government overreach.

DOT Seeks Input On Proposed Upgrades For Hwy. 107 In Lincoln County

By Ken Krall • 5 hours ago

The coronavirus stopped a planned public input meeting concerning the proposed improvements to state Highway 107 in Lincoln county.

The improvements are scheduled for 2023 but the state is seeking input for the project in the towns of Bradley, Rock Falls and Merrill.

DOT Project engineer Stacy Hagenbucher outlines the project...

"On Wisconsin 107 our current project is two bridge replacements, a structure rehabilitation, and then two culvert replaces. This is all along the stretch from Merrill to Tomahawk.."

WXPR's Midday Newscast: Friday, August 7, 2020

By Ben Meyer • 6 hours ago

In WXPR news:

New ATV laws target safety in Wisconsin
The DOT hopes to get feedback on a proposed project in Lincoln County
One health official has a unique view on mask-wearing in Wisconsin
The Crandon International Raceway announced two major events are on for September

August Primary Will Be Good Practice For November

By WAOW Television Rashad Williams • 12 hours ago

Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) officials said there were issues faced during the April election, as it was the first one during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the commission was still able to serve 1.1 million voters with absentee ballots that were counted.

Research Effort Aims to Get New Type of Grain to the Masses

By Mike Moen & Wisconsin News Connection • 14 hours ago

EAST TROY, Wis. -- The Wisconsin agricultural sector could play a key role in accelerating production of a relatively new type of grain, which supporters say is safer for the environment.

A nonprofit organization based in the Badger State is taking part in research that aims to give producers more solutions.

The alternative grain, which is called Kernza, doesn't grow like traditional wheat.

DOT Helps People Get ID's Prior To Tuesday Primary Vote

By Ken Krall • 15 hours ago

A state official says most Wisconsin voters have some form of required ID needed to vote. But if you don't, you can get one before next Tuesday's partisan primary.

The administrator for the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles Kristina Boardman says if you have a Wisconsin ID card or driver's license, you're all set to vote. She says if you're new to the state or haven't voted before, the DMV can get you what you need...

Forward Three Lakes Begins 3 Month Effort To Shape Town's Future

By Ken Krall • Aug 6, 2020

Three Lakes has launched a community-wide effort to determine how to best move the town forward.

In conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Design Wisconsin Team, " Forward Three Lakes" is a three-month initiative to help design the future of the community.

John Stauner of the Three Lakes Community Foundation says they spearheaded the project....

"It's basically about the community coming together and talking about the future and what we want in our community and coming up with a shared vision of that future...."

"We're All In" Effort By WEDC Hopes To Bring Safe COVID Emphasis

By Ken Krall • Aug 6, 2020

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is out to create a “community of communities” in support of public health and safety measures.

The "We're All In" initiative aims to reach every person in Wisconsin through social media, advertising and other outreach efforts and give them opportunities to actively participate in the state’s recovery effort.

One of the outreach sessions was held in Rhinelander Thursday morning. Regional Economic Development Director Jim Rosenberg says WEDC is ramping down with it's COVID relief grants for small businesses.

Crandon Int. Raceway Races Are Set For September

By Ken Krall • Aug 6, 2020

Two races are planned in September as Crandon International Raceway announced both of it's events will take place as scheduled.

The World Championship Off-Road Races will take place September 3-5, with the Crandon World Cup set for September 6. June's rescheduled Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run weekend, will take place September 25th - 27th.

Race officials they will be releasing a final COVID-19 operational plan to local law enforcement and health officials and sharing the plans with fans, racers and corporate partners on its new website.