Monday, February 29, 2016

"The Big Share"

The Big Share is TOMORROW! On Tuesday, March 1st, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired will be partnering with Community Shares of Wisconsin in this special 24-hour online giving day.

You can be a part of this awesome community-wide event! Consider making a donation to the Council between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at http://tinyurl.com/h9bpcxb. If the Council has the most donors during that hour, we will receive an additional cash prize! Your donations during this time will help the Council win the "Power Hour" prize, and winning helps spread the word on social media. And that means more people will learn about the Council and how we can help people with vision loss.

Following your donation you will receive a receipt and much gratitude from the people of Wisconsin who count on the services provided by the Council.

Check our Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the day to stay up to date with our progress! We'll feature fun photos and quotes to keep you entertained and updated.

Thank you for your continued support and for considering a donation to the Council through The Big Share 2016!

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"Man arrested for 2nd OWI allegedly almost 4 times the legal limit"

From RacineUncovered:

02/29/2016 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Posted by: racineuncovered

Michael Barton-RCJ

"Michael Barton, 35 of Wautoma, has been charged with OWI (2nd), Disorderly Conduct, two counts of Resisting or Obstructing an Officer. He was given a $500 cash bond along with a $2,000 cash bond.

"According to the criminal complaint on February 29th, Deputies with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department were patrolling the area of 4 Mile and Douglas Ave, when they observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. The Deputy using his radar documented the vehicle doing 52 mph in a 35 mph zone.

"Deputies were able to stop the vehicle and make contact with the defendant, when the defendant stepped out the his vehicle, the Deputy could smell a strong odor of intoxicants. When asked how much the defendant had to drink he replied he had 'one beer', he was asked to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Test, the complaint states.

"According to the complaint while doing the test, the deputy observed several signs of impairment. The defendant performed a Preliminary Breath Test, the result was a .308. The defendant was then arrested and transported to Wheaton Franciscan for a legal blood draw, when the defendant became disruptive and a signed warrant was served on the defendant and he began to resist more. The blood draw was completed by hospital personnel and turned over to authorities.

"While being transported to the Racine County Jail, the defendant allegedly began yelling profanities and threats to the Deputy and began banging his head onto the plastic headrest, he was turned over to Racine County Jail staff without incident, the complaint reads."

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/02/man-arrested-for-2nd-owi-allegedly-almost-4-times-the-legal-limit/

I hope he got the "special" ride in transport.

I blew a .24 during my first, only, and last, OWI. In AA, you can hear people who claim to have blown over .4. I believe that much is death for most people, but maybe an alcoholic could work up to it.

Open Blog - Monday

Enjoy!

Sunday, February 28, 2016

"2 fall through thin ice on Eagle Lake"

From The Journal Times.com:

2 hours ago • By

(1) Comments

"DOVER — For the third time in a month, people have broken through thin ice on Eagle Lake."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/fall-through-thin-ice-on-eagle-lake/article_9631a94b-1957-51a2-833b-4512ff63553d.html

We should start a pool on the latest date that a person and/or vehicle breaks through the ice on a Racine County lake this winter/spring. The person who comes closest to the actual date without going over it wins.

"On Site with Lueb Popoff"

Very pretty!

"Sausage Kitchen has served area for nearly 60 years"

From The Journal Times.com:

20 hours ago • By

"RACINE — Like their regular customers, the Miller family boys just keep coming back to the Sausage Kitchen.

"The Sausage Kitchen, 1706 Rapids Drive, has been feeding north-side workers, neighbors, retirees and students since 1958. Situated a few blocks east of Horlick High School, the unpretentious combination sandwich shop, deli and grocery store has been a neighborhood fixture for almost six decades.

"The current operators are Dave and Pat Miller. Dave is the son of the original owners, the late Ted and Lil Miller.

"Originally the Sausage Kitchen had no seating area and was about half its present size. The family opened the eastern end in 1975, just as Ted was in the hospital, dying of cancer.

"'He never saw the restaurant,' Dave said. However, the family did film the new section — which they originally called the House of Sandwiches — and showed it to Ted at the hospital.

"The House of Sandwiches name for the 30-seat diner persisted until roughly 10 years ago, the Millers said, until they reunited both areas under the Sausage Kitchen name.

"Lee’s Deli, 2615 Washington Ave., was a Sausage Kitchen offshoot. Its founder, Lee Neu, worked at Sausage Kitchen from the time he was 'a kid' to about age 30, Dave said, then went off to start his own deli.

"Neu’s departure was Dave’s cue. Unbidden by his father, Dave quit college during his second year and rejoined the family business, sliding into Neu’s spot as assistant manager.

"Had he not, Dave said, 'I think I was going to be a teacher.'

"Not sounding very serious, he added, 'Every June 10 I’m irritated that I didn’t do that, because I would probably have the summer off.'

"The conclusion of Dave’s story about joining his father’s business involves his and Pat’s own son, Chris. 'I never asked Chris to come in,' Dave said.

"But just as Dave had, during Chris’ second year of college, he answered the Sausage Kitchen’s siren call, quit college and joined the family business.

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/business/local/sausage-kitchen-has-served-area-for-nearly-years/article_9224d308-ee5f-57ff-864d-4eff1bd8f5b4.html

http://www.sausagekitchenracine.com/

When I was a kid, my parents stopped by the deli regularly. It had all sorts of weird shit like blood sausage and headcheese and very dark rye bread that my parents, as eastern Europeans, loved. They'd also go to the original Houmann's Fish Market on State St. and buy shit like a small keg of herring. I could never eat the stuff they did.

At the old apartment building, there was an elderly Polish man named Wes who took a liking to me. Occasionally, he'd give me weird, exotic (to me) food he had picked up in Chicago while visiting his sister. Talk about ethnic cuisine! Because of my heritage, Wes assumed I would like the food. I always thanked him profusely and then gave the food to my mother, who loved it.

Wes was also a rather little man who would occasionally get drunk and look for trouble in the lobby. I saw him go up to a large black resident one time and start shouting, "Baboon! Baboon!" in the man's face. The man could've swatted Wes like a fly, but he was cool enough to realize Wes was drunk and just ignored him. Wes is a whole 'nother story.

"Racine County Supervisor Monte Osterman Still Owes The City of Racine $1,951.11"

From News the JT Can't Use:

"Making Charcoal"

This is a job I may be able to do part time. Orbs Premium Charcoal Briquettes. Handmade to perfection. I can take out all my aggression on busting those sticks/small logs into smaller pieces.. With a rock. Burn, Baby, Burn!

You see that guy walk around the forest barefoot - Jesus, I always wore my boots in the landscape. I"m surprised he didn't say, "Ooga! Booga!" and pound his chest. I would.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Open Blog - Weekend

With a penguin and a trampoline, how could I not?

Friday, February 26, 2016

"City, SCJ hosting forum on bed bugs"

From The Journal Times.com:

"RACINE — You likely remember the headlines: 'Bedbugs gaining ground,' 'Bedbugs Bite Their Way Across the Country,' 'Bedbug reports on the rise.'

"It’s been more than five years since the scourge of bed bugs re-entered Americans’ consciousness and furniture.

"In the last couple years, national and local news stories about the bugs have been reduced to a trickle but local health officials and area exterminators say the pests remain a real issue.

To help educate people about the bugs, the City of Racine Health Department will present a free community interest program on the pests at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater, 1525 Howe St.

"Funded by SC Johnson, the 'Bed Bug Blues' will feature experts in the areas of bug biology and behavior, bug prevention and control and related family and housing laws.

"Speakers at the forum will include SCJ Urban entomologist Jennifer Gordon; Randy Rupert, the team leader for Bed Bug Services at Batzner Pest Control, and Gai Lorenzen, the managing attorney for Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Racine office.

Still a problem

"Bed bug populations in the United States began increasing around 2010. More affordable air travel and increased urbanization were two possible causes for the spike, scientists said at the time. Although they are not known to spread disease and should not be considered a medical or public health hazard, they are an incredible nuisance, Racine Public Health Administrator Dottie-Kay Bowersox said.

"That’s why she wanted to host a public information forum on the issue — both to clear up misconceptions and to remind people that the pests remain a problem.

"The Health Department, which only inspects licensed facilities like hotels for the pests, gets several calls a week about bed bugs, Bowersox said. But often times, the people who contact the department are unclear about what the bugs are, or whether they should be concerned.

"The fact that the bugs haven’t been in the news lately also has given people a false sense of security about the pests, Bowersox said, which can lead to more infestations.

"'As long as it is not being reported or they are not hearing about it, people think the problem has been eradicated. So then they walk down the sidewalk and there is a mattress laying there that somebody tossed. It looks pretty good to them. They pick it up. They bring it home. It’s full of bed bugs,' Bowersox said.
Rupert said Batzner, which is headquartered in New Berlin and serves most of southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, continues to get calls about bed bug infestations.

"'It seems like it is plateauing, but it is plateauing at a pretty high peak,' Rupert said. 'Don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re gone. Believe me, they’re not.'

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/city-scj-hosting-forum-on-bed-bugs/article_7122c1ff-9f63-5f5f-9d48-43c8f3b4abb8.html

Since I moved in, I know of five other cases of bed bugs here. You can tell when you walk down the hall and they have the portable furnaces going.

Indeed, bed bugs are the reason why I live here now. I assume they've finally cleaned out the old apartment building. I should see if there's any openings.

The big problem is the shit they spread everywhere. I'm so glad they're gone - for now.

I'd be afraid to attend this presentation because I assume some people with bed bugs will be there.

Four for Fridays!

I think the weeks are going faster and faster on me. Yesterday I told Drew that I had to think of my four questions for today so he helped me with them. Here are your questions for today.

1) Do you think that it is right for the game shows to leave out people from other countries?

2) Have you or do you use a space heater in the winter?

3) What kind of crafts do you like to do?

4) Do you plant flowers or vegetables in the Spring?

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Well, that will blind you.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

"Retired Racine judge calls out Walker on Lincoln Hills incident"

From The Journal Times.com:

4 hours ago • MARK SCHAAF mark.schaaf@journaltimes.com

"MOUNT PLEASANT — Retired Racine County Circuit Court Judge Richard Kreul was caught off guard when he heard a 2012 letter he sent to Gov. Scott Walker about a sexual assault at Lincoln Hills had surfaced.

"That surprise turned to outrage after learning the governor never saw the letter and that years passed until investigations into problems at the Irma youth prison began.

"'I guess the expression would be, "They swept it under the rug," Kreul said this week in a phone interview from his home in Texas, where he moved after retirement.

"The revelation of the letter and memo about the sexual assault involving a Racine County youth added more fuel to the firestorm over Lincoln Hills, which was part of a discussion Thursday during a Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC) legislative breakfast at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring St.

"State lawmakers representing Racine County sparred on Lincoln Hills while pointing to the county as a potential model for statewide juvenile corrections reform"

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                                                       Contact: Ken Otwaska 262/6643680
                                                                                                                          Gary Feest 262/9302667
                                                                                                                         Jon Hansen 262/4988954

                                           MT. PLEASANT EMERGENCY RESPONSE
                               Are All Resources Available Being Considered By Fire Chief?

MT. PLEASANT, WI February 25, 2016 In a recent presentation before the Mt. PleasantVillage Board of Trustees, South Shore Fire Chief Robert Stedman discussed the issue of emergency response times. This presentation was offered in light of a contract negotiated in December for additional service in Elmwood Park and public criticism over increased emergency response times in certain areas of Mt. Pleasant.

“We do the best job we can,” Chief Stedman said. “We use the resources we have.”

Stedman did not take questions that evening. We would have liked to ask him if South Shore Fire Department is using all the resources that are currently available beyond just the ones we have?

Mt. Pleasant resident and former Village Technology Committee member, Rees Roberts wrote an OpEd this week detailing a meeting he had with Chief Stedman during the summer of 2015. In the meeting Mr. Roberts says he discussed at length the PulsePoint smartphone app which alerts certified citizens of a person within close range who is in need of emergency CPR.

At the time of the meeting, the Madison Fire Department had just implemented PulsePoint with great success. Last week, Mr. Roberts writes, the Greenfield Fire Department announced it is introducing the program to Milwaukee county and the city of Milwaukee is seriously considering PulsePoint as well. .

PulsePoint is low cost and requires no extra steps for dispatchers. The software runs in the background of the emergency dispatch computer system. PulsePoint first responders are volunteers, trained and certified in CPR. Their training and close proximity to an emergency cardiac arrest incident has been used over 100 times in Wisconsin.

Unfortunately, Mr. Roberts reports his idea and conversation with Chief Stedman resulted in no action or further discussion. We believe this was a missed opportunity in which Mt. Pleasant could have led the state with an innovative idea to save lives.

In Chief Stedman’s presentation, he remarked that large portions of Mt. Pleasant particularly in the southeast and northeast areas are outside the American Heart Association recommended 4 minute lifesaving response zone. The Elmwood Park Fire/EMS contract adds roughly 200 more' households to our area of coverage.

The risk of fatality from cardiac arrest increases 10% for every 60 seconds that CPR is not administered. Just a few minutes longer can mean the difference between life and death.

As candidates for Mt. Pleasant Village Trustees, we believe “the best we can” is only good enough when you have exhausted every idea and resource available. Programs like PulsePoint are worth pursuing and discussing if we are going to be serious about lowering emergency response times and providing better service to the people of Mt. Pleasant.

As Village Trustees, each of us is committed to listening, respecting and engaging with the ideas and questions of residents in our community. Public safety is and always will be a top priority and no idea is too small if it means we function more effectively as a village. We believe Mr. Robert’s idea is a valid one and we would seek to join Madison, Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee in pursuing PulsePoint as a possibility for Mt. Pleasant.

                                                                    ###

Ken Otwaska
Candidate for Mt. Pleasant Trustee/Seat #2

Gary Feest
ReElection Candidate for Mt. Pleasant Trustee/Seat #4

Jon Hansen
Candidate for Mt. Pleasant Trustee/Seat #6

Top 10 Media Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

I'm not sure I want to live in a world where an animated piece of candy knows more about technology than I do.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my thawing friends. How are you? Are you enjoying the sudden spike in temperatures? It's supposed to happen again this weekend. Give it enough time and enough warm days, and buds will break. For the landscape's sake, we need more snow and cold. This is April weather. It's really creepy. It gets creepier every year. Don't tell me we haven't messed up the environment.

We better get going on a solution. So far, political accord has not been reached because of rogue nations like China and North Vietnam. They may "agree" to certain terms, but there will be no enforcement once the delegates have dispersed. So cut them off completely from foreign aid. No arguing, no haggling, no sabre rattling, just cut them off. I bet we'd see a drop in their emissions then. I believe that we could use this tactic with many nations, particularly the ones that profess hatred for us. You hate us and call us the devil, to be shot on sight. But you accept the $50 million in aid from us "devils." Cut them off, completely. Watch how quickly things change.

The warm weather has compelled Señor Zanza to do some roof repairs, with Junior as his assistant. We have an A-frame roof, so it's quite steep. Mostly, Señor Zanza was replacing shingles. The old fashioned way: with hammer and nails. Junior was content to simply be the weight on the end of Señor Zanza's ladder.

At least Señor Zanza tries to teach Junior some skills. So far, they haven't found anything that Junior is particularly skillful in If only they paid you to eat junk food and watch girls all day long, Junior would be rich. For some reason, it seems very difficult for Junior to understand this notion. When I ask him who is supposed to pay him for watching girls, he says, "Who cares? I'm not picky."

No wonder that sometimes I feel like burying my head in a pile of junk food. Ice cream, cheese balls, and chocolate are calling my name. I hear them now . . .

No, I'll remain strong. Stuffing my face is not a solution for my son's stuffing his face. I've talked with him, many times, about weight gain and proper nutrition. He always says, "Look who's talking." The little (big) brat! I hate it when they use the truth and logic against you. "Do as I say, not as I do," I say. Then he sticks his tongue out. Brat, brat, brat! Sometimes the load of being a single mother is more than I can bear. That's when my JTI friends chime in with help and advice. Thank the Lord for Señor Zanza and the JTI!

What do you thank the Lord for? Tell madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

Be careful of the melting snow and ice that refreezes overnight. I'm starting a movement to rename Black Ice to African American Ice. Enjoy the ups and downs of the week to come. I love you all!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Just a little more oomph!

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

"RCCC has received numerous comments about it's content."

From Racine County Court Corruption:

"We really wish you would use the comment section of this blog instead of hiding behind emails.

"Many thought that the DSAT shot on Brian Whathisname was offensive. Too bad, It was a joke! what was offensive was the incompetent, malicious, selective prosecution of bullshit zoning ordininaces because a nosey neighbor didn't like bees."

Read more: http://racinecountycourtcorruption.blogspot.com/2015/02/rccc-has-received-numerous-comments.html

Otwaska - Feest - Hansen for Mt. Pleasant

https://www.facebook.com/Otwaska-Feest-Hansen-for-Mt-Pleasant-1507805366193756/?fref=ts

Red Tailed Hawk!

Yesterday Drew and I took a drive to Kenosha County to do some birding. On the way to where we wanted to look at some birds we seen a Red Tailed Hawk on the side of the road. So I found a driveway and turned the car around but I could not find the hawk so then I turned around again and we found it. The reason we could not find the hawk is because it was down in a gully on the side of the road. This was on Hwy 45 south of Union Grove Wi. between Hwy KR and Hwy N. The hawk was eating his dinner right there on the side of the road. Here is the picture of the Red Tailed Hawk eating his dinner.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Do as Snoopy does.

Monday, February 22, 2016

"Gas Prices in Kenosha still 20 cents to 30 cents cheaper a gallon than in Racine."

From Racine Community Media:

Open Blog - Monday

Hey, there's no reason to bring someone's heritage into this. Or is there?

Sunday, February 21, 2016

"A Peek At Visioning a Greater Racine Founder Tom Buhler"

From News the JT Can't Use:

"The ties that bind…"

Saturday, February 20, 2016

"February 29th - Coyotes in Urban Areas Meeting for residents"

From RacineUncovered:

02/20/2016 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

Mount Pleasant Police Department Informational Meeting
Open to the Public
Coyotes in Urban Areas
The police department and the DNR have been fielding a higher number of citizen calls concerning this topic and decided to host a meeting on:
Monday February 29th at 6:00PM
Ebe Auditorium at Village of Mount Pleasant
8811 Campus Drive
Mount Pleasant

(DNR) Wildlife Biologists Dianne Robinson and Martinus Johnson with Conservation Officer Brad Latza will be attending the public meeting to speak on coyote behavior; provide tips on dealing with coyotes in urban areas; and answer questions from the public. The DNR will be presenting a power point presentation on coyotes, followed by a question and answer session.

"March 1st - Recruitment event for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare"

From RacineUncovered:

02/20/2016 | Filed under: Employment & Training | Posted by: racineuncovered

You're Invited
Tuesday, March 1, 2016, 11am-7pm
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints Womens
Health Pavilion, 3821 Spring Street, Racine, WI 53405

Recruitment Event for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -All Saints
Hiring for pool, part- and full-time positions throughout our-All Saints, Racine location
Positions include RNs, CNAs, Laboratory, Radiology, Medical Assistants, Clerical, Food Service, Housekeeping,
and many more!
On-site interviews will be conducted!

Wheaton Franciscan offers competitive wages and benefits and
the opportunity to grow in a positive environment. Consider joining our team today!
To pre-register for the event, we recommend that you visit us at
http://tinyurl.com/allsaintsevent to create a profile prior to the event.
For questions, please call (262) 687-4287.
Making Our Community Stronger. Healthier. Better.

"Fox go FLOOF"

Sometimes that's what petting Charlie is like.

My email: "CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS!"

http://journaltimes.com/print_specific/listing/local-briefs-for-feb/article_b73b0b18-8b46-5dcb-beed-0cb2dd629340.html

Racine County Youth in Governance representatives will host a public input session to collect concepts and ideas that will be incorporated into designs for a new Racine County flag. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, in the Auditorium at the Ives Grove Office Complex, 14200 Washington Ave.

The public is encouraged to attend and share design ideas and symbolism with the committee. The final flag design will likely be offered to the Racine County Board of Supervisors via resolution for possible adoption in April.

For more information, contact Racine County UW-Extension at 262-767-2929, or committee Chairman Monte Osterman at 262-308-2766

Poll - "Journal Times editorial: Are the Mitchell Park Domes a necessity?"

From The Journal Times.com:

"February 17, 2016 8:00 pm • Journal Times Editorial Board

"In our households, if we’re being smart with our money, we first pay for absolute necessities and take care of standing commitments before we spend on things which can wait, or indulge on non-essentials.

"Milwaukee County is faced with asking itself whether the Mitchell Park Domes are essential."

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/print_specific/column/journal-times-editorial-are-the-mitchell-park-domes-a-necessity/article_8d066f6d-d72e-52d6-a3eb-4c6bd1269bef.html

Open Blog - Weekend

Mellow, Yellow, Hello Weekend.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Four for Fridays!

Hello everyone and I hope you enjoyed your week and I hope you enjoy this nice warm weekend coming up. Here are your questions for today.

1) Are you looking forward to the nice warm weather coming this weekend but minus the winds?

2) Have you ever put a puzzle together and then put it in a picture frame and hung it up?

3) Do you take your car to the car wash during the winter?

4) Have you ever gotten a present for your Birthday and it also considered a present for another Holiday?

I hope everyone has a great weekend!