Washington

Port Washington voters react to April referendum for more fire fighters

Published

10 months ago

February 29, 2024

Port Washington voters react to April referendum for more fire fighters

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — One municipality in Ozaukee County is asking its taxpayers to vote and possibly pay up in order to add more firefighters.

This comes after Port Washington has seen a dramatic increase in calls for emergency services over the last decade. It’s a nearly $1.2M initiative first responders say is crucial.

“I support the referendum, totally,” David Frank said.

“When you need somebody to come if you had a heart attack or whatever, you want it as fast as it can be,” Joe Postl echoed.

Residents of Port Washington in overwhelming support of the referendum and want to see more firefighters in their city.

“Well I’m on the police and fire commission, so I see what’s happened,” Jim Biever said.

What’s happened is more people live in Port Washington and continue to move there, its population is aging, and overall, more people are calling 911.

City data shows from 2012 to 2022, calls for emergency services went up more than 50 percent.

“I’m a Marine Corps medic from the Vietnam era. I understand the importance of emergency care and training, and when you need it you need it,” Frank added.

Port Washington isn’t the only municipality in our region that’s seeing an increase in emergency service calls and a need for first responders. Grafton, Cedarburg, Saukville, Germantown, Delafield and Jefferson all have referendums for more law enforcement on the April ballot.

If the referendum passes in Port Washington, tax payers will see a $91 increase per $100,000 assessment value. So, for the average household of $235,000, you’d pay about $213 annually, which is about $4 weekly.

However, not everyone is on board with paying more taxes.

“I just feel there’s other ways to fund this instead of putting it on our tax rolls. Sounds like a problem for the state to help fund this, this problem,” Stewart Seidel said.

Seidel’s concern is one we’ve heard from voices across southeast Wisconsin with similar referendums.

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Washington

Washington Fire Department adds food drive to annual Santa parade

Published

13 minutes ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Washington Fire Department adds food drive to annual Santa parade

WASHINGTON (25News Now) – A new tradition was born in the Town of Washington Thursday night, on top of one that’s already been going for 11 years.

The city’s fire department used its annual Santa parade as an opportunity to collect food donations for ‘Washington Helps Its People,’ more commonly known as WHIP.

Fire Captain Jakob Spitzer said the department started its annual Santa parade in 2013 after the tornado tore through town. It was a way to reconnect with neighbors after the tragedy.

As the number of spectators grows each year, the acts of service have started to follow.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for families to come together, to donate, and to give during this Christmas season,” Spitzer said.

WHIP hosts a food pantry twice a month, serving nearly 200 families. However, one volunteer, Sharla Davis, says the number of people in need has recently grown, making community involvement more important.

“Our demand is greater, so our community is really just stepping up. This is a great way that people can just donate from right out of their house; they don’t have to drive the donation to us, they don’t have to send us a check, they can just walk out their door, say hi to Santa, and be able to put food on the truck,” said Davis.

This year marks the first time the firefighters have added the WHIP Collection to the tradition, and they said they’ll continue it from here on out.

During Thursday’s 11-mile parade route, WHIP leaders estimate people donated over 3,000 pounds of food, including canned vegetables, cereal, and crackers.

People interested in donating but missed the collection or the fire trucks didn’t drive down their street can drop off nonperishable items at either the fire department or WHIP off Peoria Street.

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Washington

Preview: December 20 at Washington | Carolina Hurricanes

Published

8 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Preview: December 20 at Washington | Carolina Hurricanes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes start a three-game road trip in the nation’s capital on Friday night against the Washington Capitals.

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When: Friday, December 20

Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network App | Learn More

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

Odds at Time of Publishing, via Fanatics Sportsbook: Canes -140

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Canes Record: 20-10-1 (41 Points, 3rd – Metropolitan Division)

Canes Last Game: 4-0 Win over the New York Islanders on Friday, December 17

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Capitals Record: 21-8-2 (44 Points, 2nd – Metropolitan Division)

Capitals Last Game: 3-2 Loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, December 17

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Washington

Washington Nationals agree to terms with Michael Soroka

Published

16 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Press Room

Washington Nationals agree to terms with Michael Soroka

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka on a one-year contract on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
Soroka, 27, pitched to a 4.74 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 79.2 innings pitched in 25 games (nine starts) for

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