According to the latest annual Gallup ranking of state job markets, Wisconsin has been placed among the best in the nation.  According to the latest ranking (2014), Wisconsin is tied with Texas and Nebraska for best hiring climate, behind only North Dakota.

In Gallup's poll, since 2011, Wisconsin has seen a significant upward trend in its job market.

2014 - 2nd (t)

2013 - 9th (t)

2012 - 14th (t)

2011 - 20th (t)

“This is yet another indicator that Wisconsin is heading in the right direction,” Governor Walker said.  “We remain focused on opening up opportunities for the hard-working people of our state to get the training they need to secure great, family-supporting jobs, and we will continue our work until everyone who wants a good job, can get a good job.”

To read more about the Gallup poll click here.

A public hearing was held this week by the Assembly Environment and Forestry Committee to hear testimony regarding Assembly Bill 25, which relates to regulating air pollution from residential and commercial wood heaters. Specifically, this bill would prohibit the DNR from issuing a rule or enforcing a federal regulation set in place by the Environmental Protection Agency that would tighten smoke emission restrictions on wood heaters.

Wisconsin is currently among the top ten states with the highest number of wood and pellet stoves. I am in strong support of this bill and think of it as essential to the northwoods considering the propane shortage we experienced last year.

A statement made during a public hearing for the EPA's updated NSPS for wood-burning appliances last year by Jack Goldman, President & CEO of Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association points out the negatives of a more strict regulation:

"The current price tag of up to $4,000 for a wood stove has a payout that consumers can understand and realize. Consumers will conclude that investing in a wood stove that costs significantly more will not pay for itself soon enough, so the replacement of older, dirtier wood stoves will stop in its tracks and significant progress in lowering wood stove and wood smoke emissions by replacing the old polluting stoves, where the real potential for lowering emissions is, will come to a screeching halt. This unintended consequence is precisely what we do not want to happen."

Its that time of year again where temperatures drop to well below freezing. It is important to remember proper measures be taken to ensure the health and safety of you and your family.

Health Risks – With these bitter temperatures, beware of hypothermia and frostbite. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold. Dress in layers and keep dry. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes. Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear tips and tip of the nose. Limit your time outside. If you see these signs, seek medical care immediately! Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness in adults and children. In infants, symptoms can include bright red or cold skin and very low energy. If you notice anyone exhibiting any of the symptoms of hypothermia, seek medical care immediately!

Carbon Monoxide Danger - Breathing carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood and can cause death within minutes at high levels. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide are often mistaken for the flu and include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath/chest pain, nausea/vomiting, and confusion. If you or someone you know experience any of these symptoms, or your carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm, seek shelter elsewhere immediately and call 911. Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or an unventilated garage. Any heating system that burns fuel will produce carbon monoxide. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
 

Pet Precautions - It is recommended to bring them indoors during this bitter weather. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside during bitter cold weather. Cats sometimes crawl under cars and into the engine compartment, seeking shelter and warmth. Bang on the hood before starting the car on cold days to startle sleeping animals.
 

On the Road - If you are traveling make sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Items to include in the kit are candles and matches, a flashlight, pocket knife, snacks, a cell phone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing.