SW Wisconsin News

This week, Wisconsin is observing Crash Responder Week, a time to raise awareness about the importance of slowing down and moving over when approaching an accident or traffic incident on the road. State Senator Joan Ballweg, who authored the legislation making this a law, reminds drivers that it is not just a suggestion but a legal requirement in Wisconsin. Using a handheld device when passing emergency or roadside response areas is also illegal. The State Patrol emphasizes these guidelines to protect first responders and workers who are responding to a scene. Last year, 326 officers were injured and five were killed while responding to crashes or highway incidents.

In other news, the Wisconsin Senate passed Senate Bill 380, which provides significant modifications to the financial aid system in the state. This legislation was necessary to align Wisconsin statutes with changes made by the Federal Student Aid Simplification Act. Higher education leaders across the state expressed their gratitude for the passage of this bill, stating that it will help students navigate federal and state financial aid processes and make the system more student-focused and student-friendly.

As hunting season approaches, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to prioritize safety. Lt. Mike Weber, DNR Hunter Education Administrative Warden, stresses the importance of muzzle control to prevent accidental self-inflicted injuries. The DNR also emphasizes the four basic rules of firearm safety: treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of your target and what's beyond it, and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are safe to shoot. Hunters are also reminded to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink clothing to increase visibility, follow tree stand safety precautions, and adhere to hunting regulations.

The DNR has set up a Violation Hotline for reporting any natural resource violations. Anyone with information can file a report confidentially through the hotline's website or by calling or texting 1-800-847-9367.

Local events taking place in Wisconsin include a Financial Literacy Night in Waupaca, Berlin's 38th Annual Holiday Parade, Homespun Holiday in Markesan, Deer Widow Holiday Shop in Adams, and various craft shows and vendor events.

For more information on these topics and to stay updated on Senator Joan Ballweg's work in Madison, follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and visit her website.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://mailchi.mp/legis/crashresponderweek