Hi, my name is Taylor Kramer.

I am the 2020-21 Brooklyn Dairy Queen. My parents are Nick and Jennifer Kramer. I am 15 years old. I will be a sophomore at Oregon High school.

In my free time I enjoy playing softball, showing cattle, baking, campfires and spending time with friends and family.

I am looking forward to representing the Brooklyn Community for 2020-2021. I am also looking forward to sharing my knowledge in agriculture with you. I hope to see you at community and county events.

I would like to thank the Green County Ag Chest for this opportunity.

June 26, 2020

MADISON, Wis. – As the Independence Day holiday approaches, ReadyWisconsin is encouraging everyone to keep their celebrations safe this summer.

“With several communities canceling their public Independence Day events this year due to concerns about COVID-19, many people may think it’s a good idea to set off their own fireworks to celebrate,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “Fireworks can be extremely dangerous if not used properly, and there’s a good reason large displays are best left to the professionals. While it may be hard to imagine an Independence Day without fireworks, don’t jeopardize the safety of those around you.”

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, there were 91 total emergency department visits in the state during 2019 due to fireworks-related injuries. Of those, 70 percent of patients were males, while 25 percent were under the age of 18. Nationally, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission says an average of 180 people go to emergency departments with fireworks-related injuries every day in the month around the July 4^th holiday.

The easiest way to stay safe is to watch community fireworks shows run by professionals. However, if you choose to set off your own fireworks, ReadyWisconsin encourages you to consider the following safety tips:

·         Only buy and use legal fireworks that are allowed in your community, and only buy from reliable sellers.

·         Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even sparklers can be extremely dangerous for kids to handle.

·         Adults igniting the fireworks should always wear eye protection and never have any part of their body over a firework.

·         Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

·         Always have water (a garden hose or a bucket) ready in case of a fire.

·         Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves and flammable materials. Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

·         Never throw or point fireworks at other people or animals.

·         Keep your pets indoors to reduce the risk that they will run loose and get injured.

·         Be considerate of your neighbors – especially those with pets or young children.

In addition to fireworks safety, ReadyWisconsin offers these additional tips ahead of the Independence Day holiday:

·         If you are attending a public gathering, wear a mask. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

·         While you are out celebrating, remember to drink plenty of water. Limit your alcohol use and never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

·         If you are traveling, pack an emergency kit in your car with items such as bottled water, snacks, and a cell phone charger. Check 511Wisconsin for traffic-related information using the free mobile app or online at 511wi.gov.

·         Never leave a child, disabled person or pet in a parked car – even briefly. Temperatures can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80-degree day the temperature inside a car, even with windows cracked slightly open, can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

·         When cooking outdoors, remember to set up grills away from your home or any structure than can catch fire. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and keep a child-free safe zone around the grill while it’s hot.

·         When spending the day outdoors, make sure you know the forecast before you head out. Carry a battery-operated weather radio so you can receive alerts about any severe weather in your area.

Find more tips on summer safety at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. 

Have a safe and happy 4th of July, but please follow the Village Ordinance below.  Thank you for your cooperation.   

Village Ordinance Sec. 20-7. – Regulation of fireworks.

(a)  No person shall use, keep, discharge, explode, sell, expose or offer for sale any fireworks within the limits of the village unless he shall be authorized by a fireworks permit as provided in this section. The term “fireworks” in this section shall be defined so as to bring within the prohibitions of this section all fireworks prohibited by Wis. Stats. § 167.10 as amended or renumbered from time to time. Nothing in this section shall prohibit fireworks specifically exempted from regulation by Wis. Stats. § 167.10 nor shall this section be construed so as to conflict with that statute.

(b)  Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the use of fireworks for pyrotechnic displays given by fair associations, amusement parks, the village recreation committee or civic organizations under a fireworks permit granted by the village board nor shall the provisions of this section prohibit the use or sale of colored flares or the use or sale of blank cartridges for theatrical purposes or for signal purposes in athletic contests or sports events, or by railroads for signal purposes, or for the use by militia, police or military organizations.

(c)  All organizations obtaining fireworks permits from the village board shall take all reasonable precautions with regard to the protection of the lives and property of all persons. Before granting any fireworks permits the village board shall determine that the applicant will exercise reasonable precautions with regard to the protection of the lives and property of all persons and shall require the applicant to guarantee the payment of all claims that may arise by reason of injuries to persons or property from the handling, use or discharge of fireworks under such permit. Any activity pursuant to the permit must be supervised by the police department and/or the Brooklyn Fire Protection District. Further, before any permit may be issued by the village president, the permit must be reviewed and approved by the fire chief and police chief.

(d)  Fee. The applicant for the fireworks permit shall be responsible for any and all costs incurred by the village and/or the Brooklyn Fire Protection District in connection with the issuance and use of the permit.

June 23 is Lightning Safety Awareness Day in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – When thunder roars, go indoors! ReadyWisconsin is urging everyone to make sure they know what to do when they see lightning or hear thunder nearby. Lightning Safety Awareness Day in Wisconsin is Tuesday, June 23.

“Thunderstorms can develop quickly this time of year, creating the threat from lightning strikes to those caught outdoors,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. “Even if the sky directly overhead may be clear, lightning can travel several miles from the center of a storm. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.”

According to the National Lightning Safety Council, 21 people were struck and killed by lightning in the United States in 2019, while at least four people have been killed by lightning strikes in the US so far this year. The majority of those killed were participating in outdoor recreational activities at the time they were struck. The most recent lightning-related death reported in Wisconsin was in Minocqua in September of 2016.

When the threat of lightning strikes is near, the safest place to seek shelter is inside a sturdy, enclosed structure, such as a house. Never seek cover under a tree or think you are safe by being low to the ground. Get out of open areas and away from bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers. Even the inside of a car with a hard top is safer than being out in the open during a thunderstorm. If you are inside a vehicle, avoid touching metal surfaces that could conduct electricity.

If a person with you is struck by lightning, health officials say you should immediately dial 911 and start performing CPR. Don’t be afraid to touch the victim – the human body does not hold an electrical charge.

For more information on lightning safety, visit readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook (www.facebook.com/readywisconsin) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/readywisconsin).  

MADISON, Wis. — The arrival of June means people across Wisconsin can expect hotter temperatures across the state in the months ahead. To help encourage everyone to be prepared, Gov. Tony Evers has declared this Wednesday, June 3 Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin.

“While the warmer weather is great for spending time outdoors, the heat can turn dangerous quickly if you’re not ready,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “That’s why it is so important for everyone to be able to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and what they can do to remain safe when temperatures climb.”

In 2019, preliminary figures from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services show five people died in Wisconsin due to heat-related causes. In the last five years, at least 17 people have died in Wisconsin and thousands of residents have fallen ill or been hospitalized due to heat-related conditions.

Those most vulnerable include very young children, the elderly, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Individuals who are overweight or on certain medications may also be more susceptible to illnesses during extreme heat events.

Many victims of heat-related illnesses are elderly or have mobility issues. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important to make sure those who are socially isolated are remaining safe when temperatures climb. 

The inside of a car can be especially dangerous. On an 80-degree Fahrenheit day, temperatures in a vehicle parked in direct sunlight can climb almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Never leave a child or pet inside a parked car. Leaving a window cracked is not enough.

Tips for staying safe during extreme heat:

• Stay cool — Remain inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day and avoid direct sunlight.
• Stay aware — Watch for signs of heat-related illnesses, such as weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention.
• Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink!
• Stay informed — Pay attention to local weather forecasts and extreme heat alerts.

A copy of Gov. Evers’ proclamation is available at https://tinyurl.com/ybpvn7t2You can view ReadyWisconsin’s full Heat Awareness Day packet at https://tinyurl.com/yd79kft3For more tips on emergency preparedness, head to http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.

You can also follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook (www.facebook.com/readywisconsin) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/readywisconsin).

The Bookmobile is back on the road!

Beginning June 1, the Bookmobile will be back on the road for holds pickup and returns. 

The Bookmobile will have an abbreviated schedule, so check us out at www.dcls.info.

Visit www.dcls.info for our schedule, placing holds and contacting us with requests.

We miss you and look forward to seeing you again!