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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jun 23 2008, 09:17 AM
The gradually improving weather is good news for Wisconsin anglers. One of the state’s great pastimes, the inland fishing season opened on May 3.
Each fishing license that is sold in Wisconsin means another participant in a longtime Wisconsin tradition that hopefully can pass the time-honored ritual down to another generation. According to the Department of Natural Resources DNR), For every license sold, the state receives an additional $10 in federal aid for fish restoration.
Here is more information from the DNR:
The hook-and-line game fish season opened May 3 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide.
The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opened May 3, while the northern bass zone runs for catch and release only from May 3 through June 20. Anglers are reminded that artificial lures and barbless hooks must be used if fishing for bass during the catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and any other waterbody that has bass catch-and-release regulations. From June 21 to March 1, 2009, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29.
The musky season opened May 3 in the southern zone and May 24 in the northern zone, with Highway 10 the dividing line.
The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year.
Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.
People can buy licenses: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at any DNR Service Center; at DNR license vendors; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Jun 20 2008, 09:29 AM
Wisconsin
has a new pier protection law that could create confusion for many Wisconsin residents.
The most critical question pier owners may have is if their piers comply with the new state law. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a fact sheet with complete information about new pier regulations.
The DNR says on its website, “Piers that meet the size and location requirements that have stayed essentially the same for nearly two decades continue to be exempt.”
Pier owners can go here for a special online tool to get assistance figuring out if they need to register, get a permit, or if their pier complies.
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Jun 20 2008, 08:44 AM
The U.S. Treasury is advising Social Security recipients who live in flood-affected areas to make arrangements for their checks to be deposited directly into their accounts.
Here are the details.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jun 19 2008, 10:02 PM
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has set up a flood resources page on their website full of helpful information for flood victims.
You can see the page here.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jun 19 2008, 08:33 AM
Wisconsin Emergency Management of the Department of Military Affairs has issued a news release containing flood health and safety tips.
It says, “Whether you are repairing your home, helping someone with theirs or helping as part of your job, you will need to protect yourself against the hazards you may encounter.”
Read the news release here.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Jun 18 2008, 09:07 PM
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reporting scam artists are going door-to-door in flood ravaged Iowa, claiming to offer speedy assistance on claims and repairs..
The scammers are also surfacing in Wisconsin.
The Janesville Gazette is reporting that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a scam in Racine County where individuals posing as FEMA agents were knocking on doors. The fake agents claim they’re assessing damages for the homeowners and a charge will be issued for their services.
That’s a scam because FEMA doesn’t charge for assessment services.
Residents are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately if they suspect anyone posing as a FEMA agent. Homeowners are also advised not to pay anyone claiming to be a FEMA representative for any services.
Here’s more from FEMA.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jun 16 2008, 01:24 PM
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has issued a warning about food safety after massive flooding in many parts of the state.
DATCP is the state agency responsible for food safety, animal and plant health, protecting water and soil and monitoring fair and safe business practices.
Read their warning here.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jun 16 2008, 12:45 PM
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says flood victims in five Wisconsin counties, including Milwaukee County could receive tax relief.
Here is more information from the IRS.
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Jun 13 2008, 08:10 AM
The state Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has issued a consumer alert, warning senior citizens to be aware of and question sellers of insurance and annuities. There is a chance the seller is only in it for himself.
The Insurance Commissioner’s Office offers the following suggestions to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
• Question the credentials of “experts.”
Individuals often boast designations and credentials using terms such as “certified,” “accredited,” “retirement planner,” “senior advisor” or “senior consultant” to convince people they have special expertise to help seniors choose investment strategies. This may not be true. While some organizations require members to complete a difficult study program and pass extensive exams to earn designations, other organizations have much less stringent requirements that can be completed in a three- or four-day course. In the worst cases, some senior “expert” designations are earned simply by paying a monetary fee. Ask about the person’s qualifications and training, and check them out for yourself. Find out how the person earned the credential, and whether the credential actually requires learning more about older adults’ financial needs and/or more about the product being sold.
• Beware of the “Free Lunch” Seminar.
According to a report from FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), four out of five investors 69 years and older received at least one invitation to a free lunch investment seminar in the past three years and three out of five received six or more. There is often a catch to a “free” seminar, even those advertised as unbiased and educational. Federal regulators examined 110 firms that offer free lunch seminars and found that every seminar was a sales presentation. While certain information provided at seminars may be useful, a seminar may end up being a sales presentation for life insurance, annuities, other insurance products, or investments. Such seminars often use enticements, including free meals and door prizes, or claims of “urgency” or “limited space,” in order to encourage you to attend. You should be aware that if you give contact information on a registration form, that information will be used to solicit you for future sales and marketing efforts.
• Does this product make sense for you?
Always be sure you understand what is being sold. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Financial products can be complicated even for the most informed consumer. You should be able to explain this product in your own words to someone (other than the salesperson) in a way that makes sense to both of you. The product must be right for you, your lifestyle, your financial goals, and your tolerance for risk. It’s rare that one product will meet the financial needs and goals of everyone attending a seminar. Be cautious about any promises that one product can meet all your financial needs. If the presenter doesn’t know your personal financial situation, he/she can’t know if the product is right for you.
• Never make a final decision at a seminar.
A Boston Globe article reported that “more than a third of ‘free lunch’ seminars aimed at seniors focused on unsuitable or fraudulent investments.” If you attend a seminar, you may be exposed to high pressure tactics, frightening stories about individuals who don’t have enough money to live on in retirement, and promises of amazing financial returns. Consider obtaining a second opinion from an accountant or other professional who will not benefit financially from the sale.
• Report scams.
If you feel that you may have been pressured into purchasing a product that is not right for you or if you feel that you may have been misled during a sales presentation about the product you purchased or if you simply don’t understand the product, do not hesitate to contact your state or federal regulator for assistance. Regulatory agencies are available to assist you. Financial scams happen to all kinds of consumers, including seniors. Do not let fear or uncertainty keep you from contacting the proper regulatory agencies.
Important Contacts
In all cases, before you disclose any personal or financial information, call the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance at (800) 236-8517 or the Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities at (608) 266-1064 to verify that the person is licensed to sell insurance products or securities products, and that there have been no complaints or enforcement actions against the person. If a company hosted the seminar, contact the Better Business Bureau (or check their website at www.bbbonline.com) to learn about any complaints. To check for complaints against securities brokers, visit the Web sites of the NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association) at www.nasaa.org, or FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) at www.finra.org.
Here is the Boston Globe article referenced above.
If you know a senior that could benefit from this information, please forward it to that senior.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Jun 11 2008, 09:05 AM
Wisconsin recently commemorated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Victims of crimes in Wisconsin have many rights, as listed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
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By Mary Lazich
Sunday, Jun 8 2008, 07:28 AM
Governor Doyle signed into a law a bill I co-sponsored that creates a toll−free telephone number to receive reports from Wisconsin citizens about fraud, waste, and mismanagement of tax funds. The toll-free hotline is operated by the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau and is now up and running.
Here is a Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel article, details from the Legislative Audit Bureau on how the fraud hotline works, and the history of Senate Bill 86 that contains links to Legislative Council memos and the enacted law.
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By Mary Lazich
Saturday, Jun 7 2008, 08:32 AM
Cell phone numbers can now be added to Wisconsin’s No Call List. The number of consumers using cell phones as opposed to land lines is growing. While cell phone users now have the option of registering their cell phone numbers, I urge thoughtful consideration because there is generally not a reason to do so.
There currently is not a cell phone directory but the state is about to create one. If you already refrain from giving your cell phone number to credit card companies, retail stores and businesses, think twice about giving it to a No Call registry.
Cell phone numbers are unpublished. If you provide your cell phone number to a registry, it becomes a published number. The lists of numbers must be purchased by telemarketers so they can comply with the do not call registry. It would be extremely easy for unscrupulous entities and foreign, international entities to get their hands on the numbers. Your best bet is to avoid registering your cell phone.
On the other hand, if you regularly provide your cell phone number and it has become part of the electronic world, you may want to register it on the No Call List.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a news release stating:
“Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. The national associations representing telemarketers have stated that their clients do not intend to start calling consumers’ cell phones.”
I continue to urge consumers to register residential land line numbers on Wisconsin’s No Call List.
There are two ways to sign up for the Wisconsin No Call List. You can sign up over the phone by calling 1-866-9NOCALL (1-866-966-2255), toll-free in Wisconsin. You can sign up at the Wisconsin No Call List website at: https://nocall.wisconsin.gov/web/registration.asp.
Only one adult in each household needs to register. Registering for the Wisconsin No Call List is free.
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By Mary Lazich
Saturday, Jun 7 2008, 08:02 AM
Outdoor enthusiasts, take advantage of some wonderful offers from the state of Wisconsin.
The weekend of June 7-8 is Free Fishing weekend. Fish in any of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes and 42,000 miles of rivers and streams without a fishing license. Here are more details.
Sunday, June 8, anyone can visit any state park, forest or trail for free during Wisconsin State Park Open House Day. Read more about it here.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, May 26 2008, 07:45 AM
Operation Tele-Phoney is the largest sweep of telemarketing fraud cases ever conducted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Details of the extensive investigation were announced at a news conference at FTC headquarters in Washington D.C.
One of the cases highlighted in this national sweep was the successful prosecution of a fraudulent charitable telephone solicitation practice in Wisconsin. Donors were duped into believing their contributions would immediately go toward noteworthy charities.
Read more about the crackdown here.
The FTC has announced the “Who’s Calling?” consumer education campaign that encourages consumers to: 1) Recognize the signs of telemarketing fraud and 2) Report fraud to the FTC and state attorneys general. Here are more details.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, May 26 2008, 07:25 AM
The state Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has issued a consumer alert, warning senior citizens to be aware of and question sellers of insurance and annuities. There is a chance the seller is only in it for himself.
The Insurance Commissioner’s Office offers the following suggestions to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
• Question the credentials of “experts.”
Individuals often boast designations and credentials using terms such as “certified,” “accredited,” “retirement planner,” “senior advisor” or “senior consultant” to convince people they have special expertise to help seniors choose investment strategies. This may not be true. While some organizations require members to complete a difficult study program and pass extensive exams to earn designations, other organizations have much less stringent requirements that can be completed in a three- or four-day course. In the worst cases, some senior “expert” designations are earned simply by paying a monetary fee. Ask about the person’s qualifications and training, and check them out for yourself. Find out how the person earned the credential, and whether the credential actually requires learning more about older adults’ financial needs and/or more about the product being sold.
• Beware of the “Free Lunch” Seminar.
According to a report from FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), four out of five investors 69 years and older received at least one invitation to a free lunch investment seminar in the past three years and three out of five received six or more. There is often a catch to a “free” seminar, even those advertised as unbiased and educational. Federal regulators examined 110 firms that offer free lunch seminars and found that every seminar was a sales presentation. While certain information provided at seminars may be useful, a seminar may end up being a sales presentation for life insurance, annuities, other insurance products, or investments. Such seminars often use enticements, including free meals and door prizes, or claims of “urgency” or “limited space,” in order to encourage you to attend. You should be aware that if you give contact information on a registration form, that information will be used to solicit you for future sales and marketing efforts.
• Does this product make sense for you?
Always be sure you understand what is being sold. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Financial products can be complicated even for the most informed consumer. You should be able to explain this product in your own words to someone (other than the salesperson) in a way that makes sense to both of you. The product must be right for you, your lifestyle, your financial goals, and your tolerance for risk. It’s rare that one product will meet the financial needs and goals of everyone attending a seminar. Be cautious about any promises that one product can meet all your financial needs. If the presenter doesn’t know your personal financial situation, he/she can’t know if the product is right for you.
• Never make a final decision at a seminar.
A Boston Globe article reported that “more than a third of ‘free lunch’ seminars aimed at seniors focused on unsuitable or fraudulent investments.” If you attend a seminar, you may be exposed to high pressure tactics, frightening stories about individuals who don’t have enough money to live on in retirement, and promises of amazing financial returns. Consider obtaining a second opinion from an accountant or other professional who will not benefit financially from the sale.
• Report scams.
If you feel that you may have been pressured into purchasing a product that is not right for you or if you feel that you may have been misled during a sales presentation about the product you purchased or if you simply don’t understand the product, do not hesitate to contact your state or federal regulator for assistance. Regulatory agencies are available to assist you. Financial scams happen to all kinds of consumers, including seniors. Do not let fear or uncertainty keep you from contacting the proper regulatory agencies.
Important ContactsIn all cases, before you disclose any personal or financial information, call the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance at (800) 236-8517 or the Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities at (608) 266-1064 to verify that the person is licensed to sell insurance products or securities products, and that there have been no complaints or enforcement actions against the person. If a company hosted the seminar, contact the Better Business Bureau (or check their website at www.bbbonline.com) to learn about any complaints. To check for complaints against securities brokers, visit the Web sites of the NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association) at www.nasaa.org, or FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) at www.finra.org.
Here is the Boston Globe article referenced above.
If you know a senior that could benefit from this information, please forward it to that senior.
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By Mary Lazich
Sunday, May 25 2008, 06:44 AM
Governor Doyle signed into a law a bill I co-sponsored that creates a toll−free telephone number to receive reports from Wisconsin citizens about fraud, waste, and mismanagement of tax funds.
The toll-free hotline is operated by the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau and is now up and running.
Here is a Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel article, details from the Legislative Audit Bureau on how the fraud hotline works, and the history of Senate Bill 86 that contains links to Legislative Council memos and the enacted law.
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By Mary Lazich
Saturday, May 24 2008, 11:53 AM
Wisconsin is raising awareness about its Move Over Law.
The state Department of Transportation (DOT) is putting up information signs on the interstate.
Governor Doyle has signed a bill into law that I supported that will require instruction about the Move Over Law in driver education classes.
Here is a history of the bill that has a link to a Legislative Council memo and the enacted law.
Please check out the DOT website for audio and video public service announcements that tell why the Move Over law is so important Wisconsin.
If those public service announcements aren’t convincing enough, maybe this emotional news piece from WISN-TV Channel 12 will get the message across.
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By Mary Lazich
Saturday, May 24 2008, 09:35 AM
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has compiled a list of Wisconsin’s top events at state historic sites from May through December.
Here’s the list.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, May 7 2008, 10:09 AM
The National Crime Prevention Council has issued an alert, warning about tax rebate scammers.
The federal government has begun to mail out economic stimulus checks to taxpayers. Scammers are calling people, claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) asking for personal information so the check can be deposited directly into the taxpayer’s account.
Don’t fall for this scam.
The IRS will not telephone or e-mail taxpayers. The only way to secure a stimulus check is to file a 2007 income tax return.
Here are more details.
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, May 2 2008, 08:34 AM
Senate District 28 that I represent has a great number of boaters and waterfront property owners.
There is great concern about invasive species, especially hydrilla and milfoil.
Hydrilla is described as a prolific, rapidly-growing submerged aquatic plant that forms dense mats of vegetation. Milfoil is an invasive plant that forms thick mats at the water’s surface that is easily snagged and carried on boat motors and trailers. A single fragment can colonize a new body of water.
To prevent the spread of these and other invasive species and disease, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging boaters to follow these steps:
· Buy bait fish only from a Wisconsin bait dealer.
· Drain lake or river water from boat, live wells and bait containers before leaving a landing.
· Do not move live fish away from any water, except for live minnows purchased from a Wisconsin bait dealer and kept under certain conditions.
· Inspect your boat and trailer and remove all fish, mud and plant matter.
The DNR says invasive species and disease spread to new waters aboard boating and fishing equipment, so the best form of prevention is a clean boat. The DNR strongly recommends boaters never leave a lake or river with water, plants or live fish in or on a boat, trailer or boating and fishing equipment.
Conservation wardens and paid and volunteer watercraft inspectors will be out on the water during the fishing opener.
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