The drier soil conditions over the past few weeks have enabled farmers in most regions of the state to prepare their fields and plant crops on a more normal spring schedule, unlike last year when planting was delayed several weeks due to unusually wet field conditions. This spring, however, the drier conditions that have been more suitable for field work, also have increased the danger of wildfires.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2020 6:46:59 AM - SOURCE: Wisconsin State Farmer

A fire that broke out Wednesday caused significant damage to the old town hall in Eden, located in southern Fond du Lac County. Deputies from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's office were called out shortly before 12:30 p.m. for a structure fire reported at 119 Sheridan St. in the village. Construction was occurring on the historic building and it is believed a piece of equipment being used caused the blaze, said Sgt.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Reporter

When the first U.S. case of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, was confirmed on Jan. 21, it appeared to be contained — the patient was a man living near Seattle who had recently returned from Wuhan, China and immediately isolated himself, and the local health department had conducted contact tracing to make sure that anyone he had encountered was now quarantining at home.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: People

Police Chief Eric Clifford fears the city could again become addled by gangs, drugs and double-digit homicides if the department is forced to lay off about 40 cops because of a deepening fiscal crisis brought on by the coronavirus. “Quite frankly, we go to the bare bones minimum of what we do – protect life and property – and we have to start scaling back on what we do as a department,” he said.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Albany Times-Union - Metered Site

Minneapolis’ police officers and firefighters deserve a “significant portion” of emergency federal COVID-19 aid, union officials said, arguing that an infusion of potentially millions of dollars is needed to avoid cutbacks or layoffs. In a letter to lawmakers, the unions made their pitch for a bigger cut of funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act — with Minnesota receiving $2.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Star Tribune

The opioid epidemic is getting worse, and the COVID-19 pandemic could be to blame. For many folks who may be struggling, times of social isolation drive feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, and drug abusers use opioids to relieve this stress. Sara Goldsby, the director of the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, says they have seen about a 30% increase in EMS response to overdose in the last few months.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WRDW-TV CBS 12 Augusta

VIDEO: One artist is using his talent to create a reimagined version of iconic American images to honor essential workers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Scott LoBaido is popular for his murals of the American flag across the country. For more than 25 years, he's painted renditions of the flag on police stations, homes, cars, veterans buildings and more in all 50 states.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A 35-year-old man is in critical condition after being found unconscious in Beaver Lake on Wednesday morning. According to Jason Roberts, a safety specialist warden with the Department of Natural Resources, law enforcement was dispatched at 10:39 a.m. to the Beaver Lake Public Access. "He was in a kayak," Roberts said of the man.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 11:40:17 AM - SOURCE: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

PHOTO: Retiring Chief Steven Schreiber was recognized by the State Assembly for his years of service in the Black River Falls community. Schreiber was presented the award by Represenative Treig Pronschinske on Tuesday. Schreiber will be retiring after 40-years of emergency service work in the area and has served as the Fire Chief in Black River Falls since 2003.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 8:29:02 AM - SOURCE: WEAU-TV NBC 13 Eau Claire

Using paint, an empty closet and the help of scientists from three Wisconsin universities, the leader of the Kenosha Fire Department’s emergency medical services created a decontamination system for coronavirus for protective masks. Jim Poltrock, KFD division chief of emergency medical services, has been working since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to try to keep first responders safe when they are handling medical calls, including making sure staff have N95 masks/respirators used by medical personnel for protection against the virus.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Kenosha News

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has signed an agreement with a New York-based testing company to provide large-scale antibody testing, the kind intended to determine whether a person has been infected with the novel coronavirus. The partnership between UNMC and COVAXX, a subsidiary of United Biomedical, launched with last week’s testing of Omaha firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Daily Nonpareil

What is red and white and shows up with flashing lights and sirens sounding in times of need? The answer is York Ambulance Association, celebrating its 48th year serving the communities of York, South Berwick and Rollinsford, New Hampshire. May 17-23 is national EMS Awareness Week, which, according to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians’ website, “brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s ‘front line.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Sea Coast Online - Metered Site

The call comes over their radio — the patient is having trouble breathing, they need an ambulance. Then, “call the center for special patient information,” says a Westmoreland 911 dispatcher. The paramedics know it’s likely they’re heading toward the invisible threat that everyone else is trying to stay away from — the coronavirus.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Facing criticism from the Mansfield firefighters union, the city announced Tuesday that two fire stations will not be closed at the same time when not enough personnel are available to work. "Speaking to the mayor, he would prefer to have one maximum closed," said Safety-Service Director Lori Cope, referring to Mayor Tim Theaker.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Mansfield News Journal

As one of the country's first cities impacted by COVID-19, Kirkland was initially given the undesirable distinction of being the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States. Yet, the way in which the city has handled the crisis has garnered positive press, launching Kirkland into the spotlight as a role model.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Seattle Refined

A construction crew using Bobcat equipment struck a gas line in downtown Okauchee on May 12, according to Western Lakes Fire District Chief Brad Bowen. "There was active gas flowing so they evacuated the houses, basically a 300-foot perimeter until the gas company could arrive and shut down the flowing main," Bowen said.
- PUB DATE: 5/12/2020 1:04:35 PM - SOURCE: Lake Country News

PHOTO: A heart-wrenching moment from the scene of this weekend’s devastating house fire in New Glarus demonstrates the impact a firefighter can have – even when they aren’t battling the flames. The New Glarus Fire Department shared the powerful photo on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon, showing a little boy embracing the firefighter as his family was getting their first look at their burned-out home.
- PUB DATE: 5/12/2020 11:58:43 AM - SOURCE: WMTV-TV NBC 15 Madison

Two buildings suffered significant damage and a third was completely destroyed in a fire along the 3100 block of West North Avenue on Milwaukee’s west side Tuesday morning. Dan Lipski, a deputy chief with the Milwaukee Fire Department, said it appeared the buildings had been burning for a while before fire crews were called to the area at 3:45 a.
- PUB DATE: 5/12/2020 5:48:26 AM - SOURCE: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The 115th Fighter Wing is going to pay tribute to all of America’s heroes, including health care workers and first responders with a flyover with four F-16 Fighting Falcons, over the skies of Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 12. The flyover is part of Operation American Resolve, a nationwide campaign, designed to show appreciation for the thousands of heroes on the frontlines, as well as, citizens and neighbors who've been battling and supporting the COVID-19 response.
- PUB DATE: 5/12/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WSAW-TV CBS 7 Wausau

In the middle of a pandemic that has taken the lives of 26 firefighters, the nation is losing more firefighters. COVID-19 related budget cuts -- in communities large and small – have resulted in the layoff or furlough of at least 935 fire department employees, including front-line firefighters, EMTs & paramedics.
- PUB DATE: 5/12/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: IAFC.org