As spring Thaw Begins, Frozen Road Coverage Shrinks

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is ending the frozen road declaration for southern Wisconsin Zones 4 and 5 as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 4 and enacting Class II road restrictions. As warmer weather continues, further Zones will be added depending on frost tube readings.

Class II roads include about 1,400 miles of state highways susceptible to damage from heavy trucks during the spring thaw period as frost leaves the ground. More information regarding frozen road declarations, Class II roadways, and roadway postings can be found on WisDOT’s website under “Weight Restriction Programs.”

County highways, town roads, city and village streets may also be posted or limited to legal load limits or less. Decisions to place or lift weight restrictions on those roads are up to local units of government.

Planning Underway for Return of July 3rd Lakefront Fireworks and Additional Summer Events, MILWAUKEE, WI – After a two-year hiatus Milwaukee’s July 3 firework display, which attracts over 100,000 people to Milwaukee’s lakefront each year, is expected to return in 2022.

The July 3rd display, now sponsored by American Family Insurance, has been a Milwaukee mainstay for over 50 years, with thousands of people taking the opportunity to enjoy a full day of outdoor picnicking and festivities in Veterans Park before the display.

Planning is currently underway to bring the event back this summer, and additional sponsors are being sought to help bring the community event back with a bang.

“Summer in Milwaukee revolves around the park system as so many of the activities that people enjoy in the summer take place in a park.” Says Guy Smith, Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director. “While we still face a lot of challenges with staffing and funding, we’re optimistic that with partners like American Family Insurance, that this year summer may be a little more ‘back to usual’.”

As well as the return of fireworks to the lakefront, planning is underway for a variety of additional events at Veterans Park, including the return of some popular runs, cycling events and festivals, as well as new events. Additional details will be available later in the spring.

AG Kaul Statement on Wisconsin Supreme Court Redistricting Decision

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul issued the following statement in response to the Wisconsin Supreme Court redistricting maps decision.

“This is a historic victory for democracy in Wisconsin. It will mean much fairer maps than we’ve had in place for the last decade, re-empowering many Wisconsin voters.

“To be clear, there is more work to be done: the least-changes standard effectively prevented the adoption of truly fair maps. But this ruling means we’ll be taking a big step in the right direction.

“It was a privilege to represent Governor Evers in working to make our maps fairer. Thank you to him and to those at DOJ who contributed to this victory.”

Milwaukee Film Festival

Returns to In-Person

Film announced that its 2022 Milwaukee Film Festival, presented by Associated Bank, occurring April 21 – May 5, will take place at the Oriental Theatre (on three screens), Avalon Theater, Times Cinema, and again offer a variety of titles through its virtual platform. Although this will be Milwaukee Film’s second year hosting a spring festival, the 2022 festival marks the first time the organization’s signature event will be held in person since shifting to April and May last year.

Prior to our April full reveal of 200+ films, early highlights of the festival include:

A 40th-anniversary screening of The Thing on 35mm, presented with a live episode of the Cinebuds podcast featuring Milwaukee Film’s.