Weekend Roundup: ‘Wisconsin Seven’ At State Capitol For Climate Justice Demonstration On Saturday

Spring Is On The Horizon: Vaccines, Gardens And Gradual Return To In-Person Activities

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A man gestures as he speaks to reporters
Justin Blake, Jacob Blake’s uncle, speaks during a press conference Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, after an announcement that police offers would not be charged for shooting and injuring his nephew in Kenosha, Wis. Angela Major/WPR

Seven Kenosha volunteers, activists and elected officials have begun a 22-day fast to demand the state Legislature pass Gov. Tony Evers’ climate initiatives. The group, known as the “Wisconsin Seven,” includes Justin Blake, the uncle of Jacob Blake, who was shot seven times by a Kenosha police officer in August. They will be outside the state Capitol on Saturday to demonstrate.

“We are excited to get climate justice for our state, excited to get a livable future for my neighbors, excited to get good, family-sustaining jobs in the green economy, excited to get clean air, clean water for my neighbors,” Rev. Jonathan Barker of Grace Lutheran Church, who formed the group, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Wisconsin’s Vaccine Rollout

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Last week, the state Department of Health Services’ COVID-19 vaccine registry went live. Through the registry, Wisconsinites can schedule appointments for the vaccine if they are eligible, or get their name on the waitlist.

On Thursday, DHS announced an assistance hotline for the COVID-19 vaccine: 844-684-1064.

As of Saturday, 1,051,159 Wisconsinites have received one dose of the vaccine, and 591,186 have received both doses.

The state will be receiving 47,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine from Johnson & Johnson next week. Gov. Tony Evers said the supply is a “game changer” in the state’s fight against COVID-19.

A woman sits in a chair as a pharmacist in a face shield administers the vaccine
Pharmacist Nicole Hiltunen, right, gives a Touchmark resident the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, in Appleton, Wis. Angela Major/WPR

Milwaukee Sports Venues Welcome Fans At Low Capacity

The Milwaukee Brewers announced Thursday they’ll be allowing fans to attend regular season home games at 25 percent of total capacity. That means about 11,000 people could be in seats at American Family Field starting April 1, when the Brewers play the Minnesota Twins.

The Milwaukee Bucks started hosting paid fans at Fiserv Forum on Feb. 21. The team has welcomed about 1,800 people to each game so far.

‘Puttering In Our Green Spaces Will Be A Real Treat’ This Spring

Wondering how to tend to your garden this spring after the pandemic’s winter isolation? Joanne Kempinger Demski spoke with garden suppliers throughout the state about what’s available this season and how to make the most out of the gardening process — from buying to planting.

Garden with raised beds and water barrels.
Samantha Durfee CC-BY-SA

Appleton To Apply No Mow May For Second Year

The city of Appleton implemented No Mow May last spring, which permits property owners to delay mowing their lawns in order to promote a pollinator-friendly habitat. The initiative will take place again this year, according to the Post Crescent.

Appleton restricts grass heights of 8 inches on developed lots and 12 inches on undeveloped lots, but No Mow May puts this rule on hold until June 1.

DNR To Begin In-Person Hunting Classes April 1

Beginning April 1, hunter education classes through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be held in person. Class enrollment begins March 15.

3 Hobey Baker Award Nominees Are Former Janesville Jets

Every year, the Hobey Baker Award is given to men’s college hockey’s top player. Three of this year’s nominees (of 69 total) used to play for the Janesville Jets, a team for the North American Hockey League, reports the Gazette Xtra.

Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package

Saturday afternoon, the U.S. Senate approved President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan with an evenly divided vote of 50-49. Under the package, $1,400 direct payments, extended unemployment benefits and an increase to the child tax credit will be given to Americans enduring the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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