(Dodge County) Vehicle sales in Dodge County are seeing modest gains through the first half of 2024 when compared to a year ago. According to the Waterloo-based, auto industry tracking firm Reg-Trak, there were 1,428 cars and light trucks sold through June of this year in Dodge County, nearly a two-percent increase from 2023. Car sales were down 2.8-percent to 135 while truck sales jumped 2.3-percent to 1,294. Columbia County vehicle sales saw a decline of 3.5-percent in their vehicle sales. Car sales dropped by 13-percent while truck sales dipped 2.4-percent. Just over 12-hundred vehicles rolled off dealer lots in Jefferson County through the first six months of 2024, a 1.7-percent increase from 2023. Car sales did decline nearly seven-percent while truck sales rose by 2.8-percent. For the nine-county, south-central Wisconsin region as a whole, vehicle sales were up 1.8-percent. Truck sales were just over 18-thousand, a jump of 3.6-percent, car sales were down nine-percent with 2,641 sold.
(Madison) The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently announced several Milwaukee-area facilities or properties will have full or partial closures over the next two months due to the Republican National Convention and the Wisconsin State Fair. Locations include a portion of Hank Aaron State Trail and the D.N.R. Southeast Regional Headquarters, which includes the Milwaukee Service Center. The D.N.R. Southeast Regional Headquarters will be closed July 6 through the 21. Havenwoods Nature Center will have extended hours today, Saturday July 20 from 8:30am to 4pm and tomorrow, Sunday July 21 from 10:30am to 6pm. The Hank Aaron State Trail between South 76 Street and South 89th Street will be closed through today to accommodate security operations associated with the Republican National Convention. That same section will also be closed August 1 through the 11 during the Wisconsin State Fair to ensure that safety continues to be a top priority.
(Wisconsin) The Wisconsin Department of Health wants to hear from state residents about ways to make the Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) program the best it can be. Serving roughly 26,000 Wisconsinites, the program empowers adults with disabilities and older adults with long-term health care needs to live independently and make their own choices. Participants and others involved with the program can share their ideas in and online survey from now until August 2 in English, Hmong, and Spanish. They can also participate in two online public comment sections on July 30 and July 31. The department will use all the information gathered to make proposed changes to the IRIS program. Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson says they are eager to hear from the community on how they can make the IRIS program better served for the people who need it most and improve quality of life. She adds the proposals coming from this survey will ensure they can fund services and support to help program participants stay in their homes and communities. D.H.S must submit the proposed waiver applications to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by 2025. If approved, the changes will take effect in January 2026. Feedback from groups such as IRIS participants, family and friends, caregivers and providers are essential to ensure proposed changes are equitable.
(Columbus) The Columbus City Council approved a request from the Beautification Committee to sponsor a fundraising project through the painting of garbage cans in city parks at a recent regular meeting. The committee will be providing the donated barrels, and they will be available for individuals and/or groups, such as the girl scouts, boy scouts, church groups and school related groups or clubs to paint and decorate.
(Dodge County) The Dodge County Fair will open its gates on Wednesday August 14, 2024. Opening day events include pig, duck, and goat races, the Ready Go dog show, Nick’s Kids Show and Wild World of Animals Show, showmanship competitions, as well as $30 dollar wristbands from 1pm-5pm and 6pm-10pm and conclude with the annual truck and tractor pull at 7pm presented by the Badger State Pullers. There will be approximately 50 competitors for this event across various classes including Pro-stock Tractor (PST), Limited Pro Stock Tractor (LPST), and Limited Pro Diesel Truck (LPDT). Entertainment and parking are free for Wednesday’s pull. Attendees only need to purchase their admission to the fair that day. No carry-ins are allowed, and it is encouraged to review the website for seating options before arriving. 2024 Dodge County Fair tickets are available for advanced purchase with two pass options of $15 dollars for a single day pass or $35 dollars for a five-day season pass. Season tickets may also be purchased for $35 dollars at most Dodge County banks, Beaver Dam Food Pride, Beaver Dam Piggly Wiggly or at the Fairgrounds office. Tickets are also available at the gates for $10 dollars before noon and $15 dollars after.
