NORTHWOODS - Most Wisconsinites wished they saved more. Part of the problem is a lack of education about personal finance. But some local high schools are hoping to change that for the next generation.
Jake Richards teaches personal finance at Lakeland Union High School. He believes better technology has improved the curriculum, specifically the website "Next Gen Personal Finance". He loves it for its help inside and outside the classroom. Richards is hopeful new resources like Next Gen will help not just finance students, but also finance teachers.
"I think that as all the financial literacy teachers are able to build on each other [with Next Gen, financial literacy] will come to let's say a science or a math teacher," said Richards.
State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski said a reason for state financial literacy shortcomings is a lack of quality education in the past.
"One of the critical barriers for financial literacy in whether that elementary, middle, or high school is that teachers don't even feel comfortable teaching some of this stuff," said Godlewski.
Godlewski said a course for teaching teachers about personal finance could help. Northland Pines Principal Dan Marien would support Godlewski's course for teachers.
"If we do that through educating our staff members through professional development on financial literacy, I do believe that's going to have a positive impact on our students which is the ultimate reason why we're here," said Marien.
Lakeland teaches an eight-week course. At Northland Pines, the course is 18 weeks. Seven out of every ten school districts in Wisconsin require a personal finance class. That's up from 44 percent in 2013.
- The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans' self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak.
With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states, governors and local officials have ordered the wearing of masks in public, and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home. Even then, they were told to keep their backyard cookouts small.
NORTHWOODS - Wisconsin's lakes have a lot to offer their visitors. But some, like aquatic invasive species, are unwelcome due to the damage they can cause to native ecosystems.
There's a growing effort to prevent, contain, and control the spread of these aquatic invasive species, especially this holiday weekend. As part of the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, volunteers will be stationed across popular boat landings, doing inspections and educating boaters on how to properly clean their boats.
"Any type of holiday weekend, especially the fourth of July when there's a lot more boat traffic, there's an emphasis on getting more awareness out there," said DNR recreation warden Justin Bender.
Aside from volunteers, most boat landings also have information posted on aquatic invasive species and the laws regarding boat cleaning. Citations for not properly cleaning your boats typically run $200-300.
CRANDON - The Forest County Humane Society works around the clock to help animals find forever homes. But taking care of those animals during their stay doesn't just take a lot of time; it takes a lot of money, too.
The shelter got a helping hand, thanks to a $35,000 grant from the ASPCA. It's part of an initiative to help brick-and-mortar shelters improve their animals' quality of life.
Shelter director Angie Schaefer says that money paid for 20 new cat-condos, fencing for two new dog yards, and several other much-needed supplies.
"We're small, we're in a small community, so to raise that kind of money to get these items would have been quite a task. For them to step in and do that for us is amazing," said Schaefer.
Schaefer said the extra yards will allow dogs to spend more time outside and socialize with each other.
If you're interested in volunteering or donating to the humane society, visit its website for more information.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - President Donald Trump will begin his Independence Day weekend on Friday with a patriotic display of fireworks at Mount Rushmore, an event expected to draw thousands where masks and social distancing aren't required as coronavirus cases spike across the country.
Trump is expected to speak at the event, which has issued 7,500 tickets to watch fireworks that he says will be a "display like few people have seen."
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