Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Streetwise: Fat Mama's dishing up more soul food at Church Avenue eatery

I love this place, glad to see them doing well!  The story is here.

City of Oshkosh Releases Gift Policy Memo

The memo is linked here.


See all City of Oshkosh News & Updates here.

Streetwise (OshNW) Asks: What Does Oshkosh Need?

Click here to add comments the the OshNW blog, or add them here.

From Streetwise (Jeff Bollier)'s blog post:

What does Oshkosh need?

Get all the favorite jokes and jabs out of your system and then take some time to think about what stores, businesses, improvements or enhancements you think would make life better here in Sawdust City.

You'd like some examples? Why, we thought you'd never ask!

A partial Streetwise wish list:
1. A downtown bakery/deli would be excellent.
2. A basic network of bike paths (even paths marked on existing roads would be nice) that feed into the river walk on both sides of the river. 
3. An expansion of the Downtown Business Improvment District to include Oregon Street and Ohio Street.
4. A convenience store of some sort where basic food items would be available. Or a co-op.
5. The Farmer's Market on Main Street. (That's an easy one yes, but should be awesome.)

Positive ideas welcome!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Oshkosh Christmas Tree Collection

“Public Notice” Christmas Tree Collection

Weeks of: January 3rd 2011 to January 17th 2011

For curbside collection: place out on the same day as garbage collection. A separate truck will collect those items on your normal garbage day each week.  Trees must not be buried by snow, must be removed from plastic bags, and must have all decorations and tree stands removed.

Or

You can bring them to the Drop off site: Entrance is on Idaho Street - just off of Witzel Avenue
“Permit Required”
Hours open: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

Trees must be removed from plastic bags, and must have all decorations and tree stands removed.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sanitation Division of the Department of Public Works




See all City of Oshkosh News & Updates here.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Ice Rink Opens on Thursday

Oshkosh Ice Rink Opens on Thursday

(Oshkosh, WI.)  The city of Oshkosh Parks Department has created an ice skating rink in Millers Bay at Menominee Park.   The ice rink is located east of the parks department maintenance shop and south of the boat launch and will open on Thursday, December 23rd.

The rink is open daily during daylight hours on a skate at your own risk basis.  

In cases of snowfall, the rink will be cleared as time permits following snow removal on roadways and sidewalks.  The rink will remain open for the winter season as long as the ice conditions are safe.

If you have any questions, please call the Parks Department office at  (920) 236-5080.


See all City of Oshkosh News & Updates here.

Oshkosh Parks Dept now on Facebook

Oshkosh Parks Dept Official Facebook Page


See all City of Oshkosh News & Updates here.

Disabled Veterans in Oshkosh Ride Free on OTS Buses

Disabled Veterans in Oshkosh Ride Free on OTS Buses

(Oshkosh, WI.) The Oshkosh Transit System (OTS) is proud to announce that effective January 1, 2011 disabled veterans will be able to ride OTS buses for free. To qualify for the free fare, disabled veterans need only present their Department of Veteran Affairs Service Connected identification card each time they board.

The Free Fare Program for Disabled Veterans applies to all OTS bus routes, including Route 10 service to Neenah, WI. The program does not include OTS’s paratransit services.

“I would like to applaud the Oshkosh Transit Service in their decision to provide transportation service to the disabled veterans who served us,” said Robert Stone, Winnebago County Veterans Service Officer. “We are excited about this added service and feel it will greatly improve mobility around the valley.”

Disabled veterans needing assistance with obtaining the identification card can contact the Winnebago County Veterans’ Service Office located at 504 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901.

The Free Fare Program for Disabled Veterans was unanimously approved by the Oshkosh Common Council on November 9, 2010 (Resolution 10-344).

For more information on OTS or any OTS services please visit www.oshkoshtransit.com or call the OTS offices at (920) 232-5340.


See all City of Oshkosh News & Updates here.

Monday, December 13, 2010

OshNW asks: What does Oshkosh need?

OshNW asks: What does Oshkosh need?

Granted, they are asking is a slightly sarcastic manner...

But, it is still a relevant question. If you have an answer, go here to comment on the OshNW site. I have also turned on comments below for this post.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

City of Oshkosh Declares Snow Emergency

City of Oshkosh Declares Snow Emergency

(Oshkosh, WI.)
The city of Oshkosh has declared a snow emergency for Oshkosh effective at noon today (December 12th).

During a snow emergency odd-even parking rules apply for a minimum of 48 hours for everyone. Overnight parking restrictions remain in effect.

On odd days, vehicles must be parked on the odd numbered side of the street.

On even days, vehicles must be parked on the even numbered side of the street.

Today, December 12th, vehicles must be parked on the even side of the street from noon today until noon tomorrow. On December 13th, vehicles need to be moved to the odd of the street.

“Even though we can only enforce the odd-even parking rules we strongly suggest that all vehicles be removed from both sides of the street to ensure safe and efficient snow plowing operations,” said City Manager Rohloff.

The snow emergency will be lifted at noon on December 14th.

Please check the city website, www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us, for updates.

###
City of Oshkosh
City Hall
215 Church Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54901
www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
For Immediate Release: December 12, 2010
Contact: Dean Leisgang, Communications Coordinator
(920) 236-5269
dleisgang@ci.oshkosh.wi.us

Friday, December 10, 2010

Reminder of Winter Parking Rules on City Streets

Reminder of Winter Parking Rules on City Streets

(Oshkosh, WI.)
In anticipation of a significant snowfall, the Streets Division would like to remind residents of the winter parking rules on city streets.

In all cases, overnight parking is prohibited.

If you have purchased a permit, odd-even overnight parking rules apply.

Also, please be aware of a possible snow emergency declaration. If a snow emergency is declared odd-even parking rules apply for a minimum of 48 hours for everyone. Overnight parking restrictions remain in effect.

On odd days, vehicles must be parked on the odd numbered side of the street.
On even days, vehicles must be parked on the even numbered side of the street.

As an example, on December 10th vehicles would be parked on the even side of the street. On December 11th, vehicles would need to be moved to the odd side of the street.

Snow emergency information will be posted on the city website, www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us.

Your cooperation is appreciated as crews perform snow plowing operations throughout the winter season.

###

Thursday, December 9, 2010

I just crossed 100 signatures!

If you have any, for me - please let me know - jef@jefhall.com

If you would like to help me by circulating some petitions, please download a sheet here!

Big thanks to Travis Swanson for getting more than I have so far!

Made in Oshkosh - Electric Plane Takes Maiden Flight

Made in Oshkosh - Electric Plane Takes Maiden Flight: http://goo.gl/ipP0W

From the OshNW:

Electric airplane? And they flew it out of Wittman Regional Airport?

John Monnett (pilot) and Jeremy Monnett (right, in the above photo) and the rest of the team at Sonex Aircraft LLC spent four years leading up to their historic flight on Friday, Dec. 3 at Wittman Regional Airport. 
That's a standard Waiex airframe modified with a 54Kw electric motor that the staff says gives the e-flight prototype a little more oomph than many of the other companies at work on electric-powered aircraft. E-flight still has a likely fliying time of about 60 minutes, but battery technology is about the only thing Team Sonex hasn't worked on. The crew designed the safety systems, the flight controllers and other equipment to run off the different power supply. 
Sonex still has a ways to go before you can buy this setup from them, but nonetheless, it's still pretty cool to see aviation innovation take shape here in Oshkosh. 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Post Office Letter - Please Send Today

Hello! 

Time runs out tomorrow!  Please send this in today!

Here is a printable letter to send to help save the 549 (Oshkosh & entire Zip Code) area.

Please print and send in today! They need to be in the mail tomorrow!


-jef-

Monday, December 6, 2010

A Sample Letter in Support of the Oshkosh Post Office

Please send the letter below to:

----------------------

Lisa Androus
Manager, Consumer Affairs
Lakeland District
PO Box 5011
Milwuakee WI 53201-5011

Ms. Androus,

Please add this message to the many you have received in support of mail processing in Oshkosh, WI. I would like to voice my opinion regarding the Area Processing Study (AMP) that commenced on August 2, 2010 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I am opposed to the consolidation of the Oshkosh, Wisconsin Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to Green Bay, WI or elsewhere.

I am concerned about having to sacrifice the mail service I currently receive and have grown to expect. The Oshkosh facility currently has the most First Class overnight commitments in the whole State of Wisconsin. Moving the mail would mean a lot of these overnight commitments would now become two day commitments, that which is the standard in Green Bay.

As well as the possible compromising of levels of service, I am also concerned about the loss of local jobs in the 549 area and the effect it will have on the local economy such as loss of revenue and loss of property tax payers.

Furthermore, I believe that the post office is a necessary part of the business infrastructure for Oshkosh, Winnebago County and the entire 549 zip code. Additional bulk mail costs will be figured in to the calculus made by potential employers moving to the area, and current employers as they manage their business.

Let it be put on record that I have responded in opposition to this AMP study. USPS has a responsibility of maintaining the current service standards and of making improvement in service and to not degrade that service as would be the result of closing the Oshkosh Post Office.

Sincerely,

----------------------

You can also mail a copy to our legislators:

Sen. Herb Kohl
330 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
202-224-5653 (Washington)
800-247-5645 (District)
http://kohl.senate.gov/contact.cfm


Sen. Russ Feingold
506 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington dC 20510
202-224-5323 (Washington)
920-465-7508 (Green Bay)
http://feingold.senate.gov/contact_opinion.html


Rep. Tom Petri
6th Congressional District
2462 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20510
202-225-2476 (Washington)
920-231-6333 (Oshkosh)
https://forms.house.gov/petri/zip_authen.shtml

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Information on the Oshkosh Post Office Closing/Consolidation Study

Post Office Inspector General: Postal service deficits disappear if normal accounting rules were applied.
Read the full report.

OshNW: Residents demand answers of Post Office on consolidation

OshNW: Editorial: Petri's call for postal audit appropriate
Rep Petri's Letter to the Post Office Inspector General

Informational Brochure from the Postal Workers

Watch the public statements and town hall meeting.

What you can do to help:

1. Go to: www.save549mail.com to find important links to your legislators, write to them to voice your concerns. A Usable sample letter is available.

2. WRITE to:
Lisa Androus
Manager, Consumer Affairs
Lakeland District
PO Box 5011
Milwuakee WI 53201-5011
A form is available at the web site for this, too.

3. SEND a signed copy of the above letter to Oshkosh Area Local APWU 178 (American Postal Workers Union) so that it is accounted for in the AMP study and to be presented at town hall meetings.
Oshkosh Area Local APWU 178
PO Box 2321
Oshkosh WI 54903-2321

4. SHOW your interest in the facility by arranging a tour ofthe plant: 920-236-0269 This could be your last chance to do so.

Oshkosh Honored as a "WI Bird City"

The OshNW has all the details here

A conservation group is honoring 15 Wisconsin communities for helping protect urban birds.

The Milwaukee Audubon Society has started the "Bird City Wisconsin" project that recognizes efforts to improve bird habitat, manage woodlands, limit hazards and educate citizens about birds.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Oshkosh Northwestern Blogs about the Council Election

According to his Twitter account and his website, Winnebago County Supervisor and former Winnebago County Democratic Party chairman Jef Hall has started campaigning for an Oshkosh Common Council seat.

And it looks like Hall has the support of some big names in local politics behind his campaign. Former Oshkosh Deputy Mayor Bryan Bain is the treasurer of his campaign and he has listed on his website supporters such as Mark Harris, Winnebago County Executive, Christian Gossett, Winnebago County DA, sitting council members Steve Herman and Jessica King (who isn't seeking re-election to council), State Rep. Gordon Hintz, former mayor Steve Hintz and former council member Shirley Brabender Mattox.

the whole story, including an update on the Oshkosh Mayor Race is here: http://goo.gl/5QIhs

City of Oshkosh Press Release: False Facebook Pages Posing as City Services

False Facebook Pages Posing as City Services

(Oshkosh, WI.) The city of Oshkosh would like to notify residents and the media about false Facebook pages claiming to be city operated. The pages are not facilitated through the city and are distributing inaccurate information about city services and staff.

The city does not currently have any authorized Facebook pages relating to the Parks Department or Menominee Park. The city suggests that participants remove themselves from these pages, as the operators may be phishing for personal information.

The city believes that social media is a positive way of sharing information and has several authorized Facebook pages. A link to city operated Facebook pages can be found by going to the city website, www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us and clicking on the Facebook icon.

For more information please contact Information Technology Director Tony Neumann at (920) 236-5148.

###

The release is here: http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/assets/pr/PR_False_Facebook_Pages_Posing_as_City_Services2_11-30-10.pdf

“Good Drugs Gone Bad”


“Good Drugs Gone Bad”
Nov. 30, 2010
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
North High School
Jesse Hooper Auditorium

“Armed robber hits pharmacy”; “Resident hospitalized in home invasion”; “20 year old dies from overdose”…….these are recent headlines from Northeast Wisconsin, all with one thing in common….prescription drugs.

National studies have identified a growing concern regarding the use of prescription and over the counter drugs to get high.    Pharmaceuticals currently rank as the third most abused drug behind alcohol and marijuana.  In the past year, there were 36 drug related deaths in the Fox Valley.  Twenty seven of these were the result of the abuse of pharmaceuticals.  In addition, 46% of all drug related emergency room visits were pharmaceutical related.

According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey taken last spring by Oshkosh high school students, 26.7% said they had taken a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription at least one time.  In the last year we have seen an increase in the number of juveniles in Winnebago County being charged with drug and alcohol related violations.  In 2008 159 or 8% of all of the offenses referred to the Winnebago County Juvenile Intake office were drug and alcohol offenses.  That compares to 102 or 5% in 2007 and 118 or 5.5% in 2006.  Information gathered by the intake staff suggests that an increasing number of Winnebago county juveniles have experimented with or abused prescription drugs. 

Law enforcement agencies have seen an alarming increase in crimes associated with pharmaceuticals.  Prescription drugs are the #1 threat in the Fox Valley.  In 2007, there were 8 armed robberies of pharmacies in the Fox Valley.  This accounted for nearly a third of the total armed robberies of pharmacies for the entire state.  In 2008, there were 4 home invasions in the Fox Valley in which pharmaceutical drugs were the primary target.

With the assistance of national organizations such as The Partnership for a Drug Free America and the National Office for Drug Control Policy, and pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma; a campaign “Good Drugs Gone Bad” has been developed to combat this growing problem.

Parents please join us on November 30 or December 2, 2010 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. to see what we can do to combat the abuse of pharmaceuticals and keep our children safe.  Together we can make a difference.




Dorry Wilner
Community Programs Coordinator
Oshkosh Police Department
420 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920)236-5714
(920)236-5087 Fax
"We encourage citizens to join us as volunteers, partners and donors and thank you for your support and commitment to our partnership for a safe and strong community."

Signatures

Help Jef for Oshkosh get on the ballot!

Click here for Jef for Oshkosh signature sheets.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Oshkosh Fire Department rating within top 1 percent

Oshkosh Fire Department rating within top 1 percent

A recent audit placed the Oshkosh Fire Department among the top 1 percent of fire departments in the nation when it comes to the level of fire protection provided to the community.
...
The rating takes into account not only the fire department — including equipment, manpower and training — but also how fire calls are handled at the Winnebago County 911 Communications Center.

It also looks at the capacity of the city's water supply system, the number of fire hydrants, and the\condition of the water system.

Oshkosh scored a near perfect 39.38 out of 40 points in the water supply category.
...
The ratings are also used to help insurance agencies set property insurance rates and can also be used as a tool to help attract new businesses to the area, Franz said.

"It's not just a feather in our cap," he said. "It has value."

Read it all here:

OshNW: Event City host to world's largest fishing tournament

OshNW: Oshkosh Event City host to world's largest fishing tournament

Wednesday the Cabela's National Team Championship and the Masters Walleye Circuit's Lake Winnebago Central Division Qualifer was officially named the world's largest fishing tournament by Guinness World Records.
The two-day event put 714 anglers in the water of Lake Winnebago and offered more than $350,000 in cash and prizes, with Oshkosh's own Michael Galligan and Stuart Wells taking home the top prize for the NTC event.

Read it all here: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20101129/OSH0602/11290375