Heavy Rains and Floods Create Ideal Conditions for Breeding
The recent heavy rains and flooding have created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed in large numbers. This is important because of the risk of West Nile Virus, which is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, it is always a good idea to minimize your exposure to mosquito bites. Here are a few tips:
Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity, specifically around dawn and dusk
Use effective mosquito repellant and apply according to the label instructions
Keep window screens repaired so mosquitoes cannot enter your home
Dispose of discarded tires, cans or plastic containers left outside that may contain standing water
Turn over plastic wading pools, hot tub covers, wheel barrows, boats and canoes when not in use
Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water will drain properly
Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they drain properly
Change the water in bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every 3-4 days
Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these places to rest during hot daylight hours
Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas
Even though there are many large open pools and puddles of water left from the flooding, the issue of water that may have collected in small containers is still of serious concern. The mosquito most likely to carry West Nile virus prefers to breed in the polluted stagnant water in these small containers, so making an effort to empty these containers is highly recommended, even if there is lots of open water on your property.
For more information on mosquitoes and health see:
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mosquitosite
For information on flood-related health issues:
http://www.publichealthmdc.com/floodinfo.cfm
Burning weekends are the 2nd and 4th Saturdays and Sundays of the month. Permits are required and are free to pick up at the Administration office in the Municipal Center.
**ALL EMAIL SENT TO THE VILLAGE OF MCFARLAND IS SUBJECT TO THE WISCONSIN OPEN RECORDS LAW. **
What's New in the Village?
East Side Growth Planning Information
Village Comprehensive Plan
TIF District #3 Document TIF District #3 Maps TIF #4 Information
New Flood Plain Maps available for review...
Dane County Regional Transit Authority- Press Release
Dane County Regional Transit Authority- Intergovernmental Roles
Review the proposed update to our outdoor parks and recreation plan
BadgerCare Plus
Since February 1, 2008, all kids in Wisconsin have been able to get the health care they need at a price their families can afford through BadgerCare Plus. BadgerCare Plus allows every Wisconsin family, regardless of income, to have access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage for their kids. In addition, BadgerCare Plus also offers coverage for more pregnant women, self-employed parents and farmers, and youth aging out of foster care.
Low income families can enroll their children into BadgerCare Plus at no charge. Co-payments for health care services range from $.50 to $3.00 for families with lower incomes.
Families with higher incomes will be required to pay reasonable monthly premiums and co-payments for certain services. Co-payments for health care services range from $5.00 for prescription drugs and $100 for a hospital stay.
Under both plans, there are no co-payments for well child checkups and other preventive services.
It is easy to apply for BadgerCare Plus. Simply go to www.badgercareplus.org and fill out the online application for this program and other health and nutrition programs. The online application is a convenient way for families to access the health and nutrition benefits they need. For more information about BadgerCare Plus call 1-800-362-3002.