News
VanderMeer Bills Signed into Law
On Wednesday, March 20th, and Friday March 22nd, Governor Tony Evers signed three bills authored by Representative Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah) into law. Two related pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 791 and Senate Bill 792, primarily allow private sector businesses to offer electronic vehicle charging stations throughout the state and allow the State of Wisconsin to be eligible for roughly $78 Million in federal infrastructure funding. Those bills are now 2023 Acts 121 and 122, respectively.
Additionally, Assembly Bill 569 was signed by the governor on Friday, March 22nd, and is now 2023 Act 202. The idea for this bill was brought forward by a small business owner in Tomah, WI, and tweaks antiquated state statutes relating to the location of driver schools and how close in proximity they can be to Department of Transportation licensing and certification offices. All three bills received broad bipartisan support in the State Assembly and State Senate.
Representative VanderMeer released the following statement:
“Senate Bills 791 and 792 represent over four years of work with my colleagues and stakeholders from all across the political spectrum. These bills represent a significant change in state statutes and now allow private sector businesses to offer electric vehicle charging services for a fee. On top of that, these bills now allow our state to receive additional transportation fund revenue from high-speed electronic vehicle charging services and represent an important first step in adapting to changes in the consumer marketplace. These bills allow the private sector to meet a demand in the economic marketplace and I’m grateful to everyone that helped move them forward.
Free Health Screenings to be held in La Valle and Elroy
Gundersen St. Joseph’s is once again offering free health screenings as part of their commitment to community health. The screenings will take place at the La Valle Center April 16 and the Elroy Clinic Community Room April 24. Appointments can be scheduled from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. both days.
Screenings will consist of a free cholesterol panel and fasting blood glucose test – both of which require a single finger prick of blood and could help indicate unknown health conditions such as high cholesterol or risk of diabetes. Individuals can also have their blood pressure and BMI checked, enjoy some healthy snacks, and chat one-on-one with staff regarding advanced care planning, social services, and financial assistance.
The free health screenings are designed to help individuals learn more about managing their health and reducing their risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure – all of which can lead to major conditions such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease and more.
Cholesterol and fasting blood glucose tests require nine hours of fasting prior to taking the test. Free health screenings last approximately 20 minutes and are by appointment only. There are a limited number of appointments available, so participants are encouraged to call early to schedule their appointment. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (608) 464-3575 for La Valle’s screening and (608) 462-4116 for Elroy’s screening.
New Lisbon Announced Citizen & Community Service Award Winners
Tom Palmer to entertain at Terrace Heights
The public is invited to join the tenants of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston on Tuesday, March 26 at 2 pm for an afternoon of entertainment! Tom Palmer will use his talents of combining folk music and storytelling to please the ears of everyone who comes. With his warm personality and singing talent, Tom is always a crowd pleaser.
This event is free and open to the public; however space is limited. Call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. Also ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
Update: Names Released in Fatal Monroe County UTV Crash
Further information is being released related to the UTV crash that occurred early Sunday morning (3/17) that left a local woman dead and a man injured.
Danielle Fields, 23, of Sparta died due to the injuries she sustained after the UTV she was a passenger in, crashed.
The initial investigation showed that Keegan Savor, 24, of Sparta was driving the UTV when it crashed. He too was injured and transported to an area hospital. On 3/18 he was released from the hospital and taken to the Monroe County Jail where he was booked on charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.
The investigation is still on-going and no additional information is planned to be released until the investigation is complete.
FATAL ATV CRASH in MONROE COUNTY
A woman is dead and one man injured after a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) rolled over early Sunday morning in rural Sparta.
On 3/17/2024 at approximately 12:13 AM, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a rollover crash involving an UTV. The UTV was traveling east on Janus Ave. in Township of Wells. The UTV left the roadway and overturned, ejecting a female passenger from the UTV. Deputies and EMS attempted life saving measures, but she was pronounce deceased on scene. The male driver was transported to the hospital for his injuries.
Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash. Names of the involved people will be withheld until proper notifications can be made. The crash remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office Sparta Fire Department, Sparta Ambulance, and the Monroe County 911 Communications Center.
No further information will be released at this time.
Shari Sarazin concert at Terrace Heights Retirement Community
On February 29, the tenants and friends of Terrace Heights enjoyed a concert given by local harpist and vocalist, Shari Sarazin. She was warmly welcomed back by those who came to hear her play soothing sounds on her Celtic harp, the symbol for Irish tradition of joy and music. Those who attended enjoyed hearing her beautiful music as she performed songs and told stories of history in light of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.
This is just one of the many public events that the retirement community hosts throughout the year. For information about upcoming events, call 608-847-2377. Also, ask about a tour – apartments are now available!
Who makes your healthcare decisions when you are not able to?
Advance care planning ensures your voice is heard.
Advance care planning is not simply about old age. Medical crises can happen at any age and leave you too ill to make your own health care decisions.
Having an advance care plan on file with your provider or local hospital is an important step toward making sure you get the medical care you want. Advance care planning also takes the burden off family members who would otherwise have to decide for you.
Gundersen St. Joseph’s is offering extended hours for advance care planning where you can complete this important paperwork under the guidance of our advance care plan team. This service is provided free of charge.
Appointments are available on Sunday, April 21, noon- 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 1 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hillsboro. Appointments are set for 30 minutes each.
To register for this free event, please call (608) 489-8280.
Participants will need to bring a form of identification with them on the day.
Debbie Richards to hold concert at Terrace Heights Retirement Community
Mark your calendars and plan to join the tenants of Terrace Heights Retirement Community in Mauston on Wednesday, March 20, at 2 pm when they welcome back Debbie Richards. Her honky-tonk attitude is sure to bring a smile to all who attend as she performs classic songs from George Strait, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Nancy Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, and more.
This event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. Call 608-847-2377 to reserve your spot today. Also ask about a facility tour; apartments are now available.
