WISCREPORT.COM (11/3/07) - A former Central Wisconsin man, Joshua Wescott, who graduated from UW - Stevens Point with a Bachelor's Degree, is the new Dane County press liason; Students for Obama at UW-Madison were set to participate in a region-wide “Canvass for Change” on Saturday, November 3; and, 59 people died in 51 Wisconsin traffic crashes in October.

UW-POINT GRADUATE DOING WELL IN MADISON:
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk has appointed Joshua Wescott as her press liaison. Falk said: “Josh brings excellent experience as a journalist and as a spokesperson for elected officials. He has a strong sense of community and public services, demonstrated by his seven years of volunteer service as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He will provide journalists and citizens timely, accurate, and honest information about Dane County government.”

Wescott has been serving as Communications Director for State Senator Judy Robson. He has also been the News Director for Clear Channel Communications in Madison and a reporter and columnist for local magazines and newspapers. He has won several awards for his radio journalism.

Wescott has excellent experience in county government. He has served on the Portage County Health & Human Services Board and is currently in his fifth year of service as a member of Dane County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee. He has served as an EMT in Middleton, Waunakee, and Belleville.

Wescott has a B.A. degree in Political Science from UW-Stevens Point. He lives with his wife and two children in Belleville. Wescott’s starting date is November 19th; his starting salary is $71,032.

UW-MADISON STUDENTS CAMPAIGN FOR OBAMA:
Students for Obama at UW-Madison were set to participate in a region-wide “Canvass for Change” on Saturday, November 3. With just two months to go until the caucus, members of Students for Obama from Madison, Milwaukee and Beloit left Madison from the Memorial Union at 10 a.m. Saturday to participate in the canvass on behalf of Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

“Our last trip to Iowa was a huge success, and this time we’re going to be part of an even larger movement to take Iowa by storm,” said Ami ElShareif, chair of Students for Obama. “Senator Obama’s message is resonating with Iowa voters of all stripes, and we look forward to helping spread that message on Saturday.”

59 PEOPLE DIE ON WISCONSIN ROADS IN OCTOBER:
In October, 59 people died in 51 Wisconsin traffic crashes, according to preliminary statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. In terms of traffic deaths, last month was the fourth safest month of October since World War II. The lowest total occurred in 1997 with 53 traffic fatalities. The deadliest month of October was in 1971 with 127 fatalities

The 59 deaths in October were eight fewer than in October 2006 when 67 people died in 60 crashes and 10 fewer than the five-year average for the month of October of 69 fatalities in 65 crashes.

As of Oct. 31, a total of 634 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes during 2007, including 105 motorcycle drivers, five motorcycle passengers, eight bicyclists and 48 pedestrians. Traffic deaths through October were 41 more than during the same period in 2006 but 23 fewer than the five-year average.

“Later this month, deer hunters and Thanksgiving holiday travelers will increase traffic on Wisconsin highways,” says Dennis Hughes, manager of safety programs for the State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety.“ In addition, decreasing hours of daylight and rapidly changing weather conditions in November can make driving more treacherous."

The State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety offers these suggestions:

To prevent crashes, you should not drive faster than road conditions permit. Speed limits generally are safe when pavement is dry and driving conditions are good, not when roads are slick or visibility is reduced. Because you never know what other motorists might do, you need to pay strict attention to your driving and not get distracted.

You also must not drive when drowsy or if you’re feeling buzzed or even slightly impaired by alcohol. To protect yourself and your family against death and serious injuries, make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up.