According to a recent story in the Fond du Lac Reporter, Fond Du Lac County is on the road to becoming completely wireless-capable, putting the region in elite company nationally. Earlier this month, county officials inked a deal with Dotnet, a local internet service provider, to lead the project.

 

As part of the agreement, Dotnet, based in Fond du Lac County, has access to six county radio towers in exchange for construction of high-speed wireless infrastructure. Fond du Lac County government is being provided the service at no cost, while citizens and businesses will have to contract with Dotnet to utilize the service.

 

County officials hope the wireless system will serve as a selling point for the region. Cost for Fond du Lac county residents will range from $29.95 to $45.95, depending on the speed of the service.

 

The advent of the internet has changed almost every aspect of our lives – from how we are now able to get instantaneous information, to connecting with people around the world. Wired Wisconsin believes that the capabilities of the internet are far from being fully utilized; thus, a competitive environment which fosters further technology development is in everyone’s best interest. Continued innovation will result in better products and services from which each consumer and business will have their choice.

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Check out this interesting editorial from the New Richmond News:

 

New Richmond News

Published Friday, June 19 2009

 

Old computers, televisions, fax machines and more are gathering dust in many homes.

 

Many people don’t want to pay county recycling facilities to get rid of the items, so they are often stored in a basement or garage. Some are even dumped in the garbage that is eventually taken to a landfill.

 

That’s why a current proposal in the Wisconsin Legislature is picking up steam.

 

State Senate-passed Senate Bill 107 would provide a convenient means of properly disposing of old computers, televisions, printers and other electronic waste (e-waste) containing toxic substances.

 

The measure, if approved, will require electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle such toxic e-waste for consumers. If electronics manufacturers have sold the products, they should be a part of the solution to the problem.

 

E-waste often contains toxic mercury that pollutes our state’s lakes, streams and rivers. The mercury threatens the state’s fishing industry and endangers human health.

 

The old electronics equipment can also contain cadmium, lead, chromium and bromated flame retardants. When these items are sent to a landfill, these toxic substances leach into the ground and water.

 

That’s why the state needs a better way to dispose of such hazardous e-waste.

 

According to recent reports, the current system for disposing of e-waste is inefficient with only 10 percent of electronics properly recycled.

 

The bill was recently approved by the Wisconsin Senate. It now is in the Assembly for debate and a vote. If they approved the idea, Governor Jim Doyle would need to sign the legislation to put it into effect.

 

This should be a slam dunk for lawmakers. If not, the e-waste problem will only continue to get worse.

 

It is no longer a surprise that our environment is in trouble. By encouraging responsible behavior such as electronic waste recycling, Wired Wisconsin will strive to set an environmentally conscious and friendly example for technology consumers, businesses, and policy makers.

Hat tip to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel technology reporter Stan Miller at Gear, Games and Life Online:

American TV and Appliance is offering a electronics recycling program, accepting many items at no cost.  Items such as cameras, camcorders, cell phones, MP3 players, stereo equipment, DVD players and VCRs can be dropped off at any American location free of charge.  Laptops, monitors and TVs larger than 27″ will be accepted at a $10 fee, but the store provides a $10 dollar rewards card in return.  Also, if you are having a new TV installed, American will haul away your old TV of any size to be recycled for free.

Wired Wisconsin strives to set an environmentally conscious and friendly example for technology consumers, businesses, and policy makers.  We recognize the importance of responsible e-waste mangement and encourage all Wisconsin residents to recycle their old electronics responsibly.

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A recent AP story reports that five hearings across Wisconsin are scheduled to get input on how to implement a state-wide electronic medical records system. The system would allow Wisconsin and health care providers to compete for $36 billion in federal stimulus funds.

 

According to the story, many doctors in Wisconsin already use e-records:

 

The state Department of Health Services says a 2008 survey showed that about 79 percent of office-based doctors are currently using, or are in the process of implementing electronic health records.

A fully integrated system would allow any doctor in the state to share patient information with another doctor through the click of a button.

With the cost of health care rising year after year, expediting access to medical records and ensuring accuracy and reliability in health care delivery is crucial when lives are on the line. Medical innovation can save lives and money, but only if those technology advances are available to those who need it. Wired Wisconsin supports an open discussion on the implementation of an effective and secure state-wide electronic medical records system.

Most educators will tell you that adequate technology is vital to a quality education. Unfortunately, some communities are often left with insufficient and out of date equipment. A new state-wide program, however, aims to give low-income Wisconsin schools a boost in harnessing technology to help educate kids. 

 

The Microsoft-Wisconsin Cy Press Program will donate between $75 and $80 million statewide to improve technology in low-income schools. The program is a product of a class-action lawsuit settlement between Wisconsin consumers and Microsoft Corp. 

 

A recent story in the Journal Times reported that over $2 million in state vouchers will likely be awarded to elementary and middle schools in Racine.

 

“We were expecting some money but not this amount,” (Unified Spokeswoman Stephanie) Hayden said. “We are pleasantly surprised to have an extra $2.1 million for technology.”

Unified officials are assembling a committee now to decide how to spend the money. The committee will include representatives from district departments including information technologies, information systems, special education and curriculum and instruction, Hayden said.

 

We at Wired Wisconsin recognize the importance of affording our young people the technological tools they need to succeed. One of our core issues is 21^st Century E-learning, utilizing the internet for educational and training purposes.  We hope these grants will help give Wisconsin kids a better shot at success.

 

Watch our Interview with Milwaukee County Supervisor Chris Larson.

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