This week marks the somber anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. Twelve years have passed since the attacks that struck New York City, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. While we will never fully comprehend the unspeakable evil that occurred that day, we also saw the best of America and our citizenry that pledged to “Never Forget”.

This Wednesday, September 11th the Tomahawk VFW will hold their 12th Annual September 11th memorial service. The event will pay tribute to those who were killed in the terrorist attacks, and there will be a moment of reflection for the public to remember where they were that day twelve years ago.

     Tomahawk VFW 12th Annual September 11th Ceremony
     Veterans Memorial Park (River Street next to the Wisconsin River)
     Gather beginning at 10:30 am
     Parade departs from Tomahawk Fire Department and will arrive at 11:00am
     Includes police, fire, EMS and local veterans,  and recognition of Tomahawk’s Gold Star Families.

Additional questions should be directed to VFW member Bill Burcalow at 715-612-7118.

The public is encouraged to gather and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives that day, and the many who have served defending our freedoms ever since.
 

September is ‘Don’t Text and Drive’ awareness month in Wisconsin, and the State Patrol is teaming up with Triple AAA and AT&T to hold events at high schools across the state to educate teens on the dangers of texting while driving.

Texting is one of the most dangerous activities a driver can do behind the wheel. Those who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash. Texting while driving also causes more than 100,000 car crashes on American roadways each year, according to the National Safety Council. Teens are particularly at risk. While 97% of teens say they know texting while driving is dangerous, 75% say the practice is “common” among their friends, according to an AT&T survey.

Wisconsin’s law, effective as of December 1, 2010, prohibits sending an e-mail or text message while driving and imposes a fine of up to $400. As a primary enforcement law, officers may stop and ticket drivers solely for texting and driving. Wisconsin is among 41 states and the District of Columbia that ban text messaging by all drivers.

Visit AAA’s Teen Driving for more information, and AT&T’s It Can Wait for details on future high school awareness events.

As the summer days wind down, Wisconsin’s Department of Tourism has again made available their Fall Color Report. The report is featured on the Travel Wisconsin website, and offers an interactive map to find out when leaves are projected to change and estimated peak times of fall color.

More than 100 fall-color reporters from all across the state contribute data and observations. Local chamber of commerce and tourism officials also help to keep their area’s status up to date and provide visitors with current conditions.

You can access the report on your computer, smartphone or tablet, or sign up to have the report emailed to your every Thursday as you plan weekend travels.