UW-Parkside launches artificial intelligence fluency initiative

From The Journal Times.com:

Ryan Patterson

SOMERS — The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is starting an initiative to help students, faculty and staff become fluent in artificial intelligence by 2028.

The university plans to integrate artificial intelligence into curriculum and campus operations to prepare graduates for the workforce through partnerships with companies including Microsoft and Ordify AI.

Mike Egan, Microsoft TechSpark general manager, said in a news release that the initiative “shows how institutions can prepare students to use AI responsibly and effectively, strengthening both the workforce and the regional economy.”

The university defines AI fluency as the ability to use AI tools critically, ethically and effectively, according to the release.

It also means discerning when these tools add value and when they do not. The initiative aims to ensure that human judgment remains the final authority.

Akey

"Artificial intelligence isn't an appropriate substitute for learning; it is a tool,” said Matt Cecil, Parkside interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, in the release. “At UW-Parkside, we are committed to leveraging these tools where they make sense to advance teaching and learning and enhance the efficiency of our organization.”

As part of the initiative, the university is establishing an AI fluency task force. The group will recommend policies, design professional development programs, identify best practices for classroom integration and recommend training to ensure that students graduate with a competitive edge.

"Equipping our students and workforce with AI fluency directly invests in the economic vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin," Chancellor Lynn Akey said in the release. "By training our graduates to use AI ethically and effectively, we provide regional employers with the high-level talent they need to remain competitive. This initiative extends our mission to serve as a catalyst for growth, ensuring our region leads technological shifts with integrity and vision."

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/education/article_141ec8e3-0764-4092-9d40-7a0a91116258.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Franksville man sentenced in sexual assault of a child case

From The Journal Times.com:

Milana Doné

RACINE — A Franksville man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday in connection to the sexual assault of a teenage girl.

Joshua Fleeman, 33, also was ordered to serve 10 years of extended supervision.

He was charged with one count of repeated sexual assault of the same child (at least three violations of first or second degree sexual assault) and one count of second degree sexual assault of a child.

Fleeman pleaded guilty to the first count Aug. 5, and the second count was dismissed but read into the court record.

On July 4, officers with the Mount Pleasant Police Department were sent to a Franksville residence and spoke with a woman who alleged that she found the girl and Fleeman in bed together.

According to a criminal complaint, Fleeman reportedly told police he was not cuddling with the girl but had gone to her room to say goodnight.

On July 10, the girl reportedly told child advocacy interviewers the sexual assaults began when she was 11.

She alleged Fleeman would buy her things, take her places and supply her with THC cartridges, according to the complaint.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_7c0f738e-0c73-4485-a1db-e96c5f400009.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Franksville man sentenced for child porn charges

From The Journal Times.com:

Milana Doné

RACINE — A Franksville man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison in connection child pornography charges from 2024.

Thomas Firmani, 79, was found guilty of one count of child pornography possession, which is a felony.

He also was ordered to serve three years of extended supervision.

Firmani originally was charged with nine additional counts of child pornography possession. Those counts were dismissed but read into the court record.

Firmani was identified as a person of interest during an investigation by the Racine County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children unit.

During a search of his home, investigators seized multiple electronic devices, which reportedly contained numerous images and videos of child pornography, according to RCSO.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_77050465-3257-466c-82e7-b0ca5e32c902.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Racine COVID vaccine incentive program begins

From Fox6Now:

RACINE, Wis. - City of Racine health officials say roughly 40% of those eligible have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

For the rest, Wednesday, Aug. 18 was the first day of a new program to reward Racine residents who get the shot.

"We still have 60% of the eligible population in the city of Racine that are unvaccinated for COVID-19," said Dottie-Kay Bowersox, Racine public health administrator.

For Racine, the coronavirus is a major problem.

"If I take a look at the numbers here in the city of Racine, we’re very close to the numbers that we were last year at the same time. After Labor Day is when our numbers started to increase," Bowersox said.

Trying to combat the rise in cases, city leaders have followed suit in what is becoming a popular approach to encourage vaccinations.

"It’s a $50 gift card that city residents will get for each shot. So if it’s a two-shot vaccination you’ll get $50 for each shot, so $100 total if you’re fully vaccinated," Racine Mayor Cory Mason said.

The money is coming from federal pandemic relief funds.

"We have a variety of options that people can use. Whether it’s a gas card, a grocery card or a big box store card," said Mason. "People will have their options of which gift card they want, but it does create a number of options for people."

For those who are already vaccinated, there is a chance to cash in, too.

"If you’ve already been vaccinated and want to know how you can participate in our incentive program; if you bring a friend or a family member who is a city resident to get vaccinated you will also get the $50 gift card incentives," Mason said.

How to get incentive

Racine's gift card incentive program is available at the following clinic sites:  

• Racine Public Health Department’s vaccine clinic at City Hall; appointments can be made online atracinepublichealth.as.me/schedule.php; walk-ins are allowed every Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• AMI Health vaccine clinic at Regency Mall; walk-in hours on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• City or AMI Health’s supported pop-up clinics throughout the community; a list of those pop-up clinics can be found at vaccinateracine.org

City residents looking to get vaccinated and Good Neighbors will need to verify their addresses with clinic support staff and fill out an entry form to receive the gift card incentive. Should a clinic run out of gift card stock, the entry forms will be used to contact and deliver gift cards at a later date. 

The gift card incentive program goes into effect on Aug. 18, and will be in place as long as gifts cards are available.

For more information about the location of eligible clinics and the gift card incentive program visit vaccinateracine.org.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/racine-covid-vaccine-incentives

Once again, Racine rewards bad behavior.  As long as this type of thinking predominates, Racine will remain a toilet.

"GoFundMe campaign supports slain delivery driver's family"

From The Journal Times.com:

PATRICK LEARY patrick.leary@journaltimes.com  9 hrs ago

"RACINE — In the wake of delivery driver James Norris’ death in a Friday night shooting, a Racine woman with ties to his family has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family.

"Corey Durik, 28, leads a Girl Scout troop that includes one of Norris’ daughters, Samantha. Norris, 37, was shot and killed Friday night in the 3900 block of Green Street while making a food delivery.

"Durik’s sister Jamie spoke with Samantha’s mother on Saturday, and that inspired Corey to create the GoFundMe.

"'I don’t believe they have insurance, so they’re going to need help with the funeral,' Corey Durik said.

"Corey Durik pledged to give all of the money the campaign raises to Norris’ family to use in whatever way they see fit.

"Corey said that while she didn’t know Norris extremely well, she knew him to be a giving person: He once fixed Jamie Durik’s car for free.

"'He offered to fix it for free to help get her by,' Corey said. 'He’s helped other people out like that, too.'

"Jamie, whose daughter is also in Corey’s troop and is close friends with Norris’ daughter, agreed with Corey’s assessment of Norris and emphasized his love for his children.

"'Those kids were his world,' Jamie said. 'He would give the shirt off his back just so they would have something to put on.'

"And it’s because of Norris’ children that Jamie thinks people should donate as much as they can.

"'Whether it’s to help with the family or the funeral arrangements, at least you donate to the kids,' she said. 

"'A mother (has) to raise four kids by herself, at least give her a little extra help.'"

How to Donate

To donate to James Norris' family, visit https://www.gofundme.com/w8w29kk4.

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/gofundme-campaign-supports-slain-delivery-driver-s-family/article_2936ffe3-c782-5ef6-8d99-0f65f9c9826e.html

"7 Seats Open On Racine Common Council In Spring"

From Racine County Eye:

Denise Lockwood in Elections, Government · December 2, 2015

Credit - Racine County Eye

"Seven positios are upfor the taking on the Racine Common Council in the spring election on April 5, but only five people have submitted campaign registration papers.

"The even numbered seats will be on the ballot, which are currently held by:

•  Mollie Jones, 2nd District Alderman
• Jim Kaplan, 4th District Alderman,
• Sandy Weidner, 6th District Alderman
• Q.A. Shakoor, 8th District Alderman
• Dennis Wiser, 10th District Alderman
• Henry Perez, 12th District Alderman
• Ronald Hart, 14th District Alderman

"All of the incumbents, except Jones, Kaplan and Wiser returned their campaign registration papers. Political newcomer Jen Adamski-Torres also returned her campaign registration papers. The filing deadline to return the campaign registration papers is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5 to file them.

"The Common Council positions pay $6,900 per year."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/6-seats-open-on-racine-common-council-inring/-sp

"Update: Mayor Cast Deciding Vote to Reject CVS Pharmacy"

From Racine County Eye:

By Heather Asiyanbi in Business, Government · September 2, 2015 

**Updated 8:30 p.m.

"The deciding vote to reject once and for all a new CVS Pharmacy was cast by Mayor John Dickert.

"Despite his best efforts to get fellow alderpersons to reconsider, Henry Perez was unable to garner the necessary support to approve a new CVS Pharmacy at the corner of Ohio Street and Washington Avenue.

"The Journal Times reported that a vote was held Tuesday at the Common Council meeting and the proposed store was rejected again, but the original count of who fell on which side was unavailable. Wednesday afternoon, the newspaper listed Dickert’s vote as the tie-breaker.

"CVS was rejected 8-7.

"The new store was planned at more than 13,000 square feet and would have replaced its current store a half-mile east at West and Washington and that store would close.

"CVS had an option to purchase the buildings housing Racine Cyclery, American Coin, the vacant building in between and the empty cash store next door to Racine Cyclery. The store also was going to buy at least three homes and level it all to make way for the new pharmacy and parking lot.

"After an August 3 vote denying the necessary rezone request, Perez attempted to introduce a reconsideration measure, but because the discussion was not noticed on an agenda and wasn’t compelled by an alderperson who was on the winning side of the denial vote, the rest of the council could not legally address it.

"During the meeting Tuesday, Perez asked for a vote sending the matter to the Committee of the Whole, but board President Dennis Wiser instead directed the issue to a vote, the story continues.

"Perez and several other council members expressed concern about holding the vote so quickly because Jim Kaplan, a key supporter of the store, had to leave early and was unable to vote.  [My emphasis - Orbs]"

Read more:  http://racinecountyeye.com/cvs-vote-fails-at-common-council/http://racinecountyeye.com/cvs-vote-fails-at-common-council/


 Stinker!

Open Blog - Weekend

Zzzzzzzzz...

"Racine- First Baptist Church Pastor Holly Anderle sends out a plea for help

From Racine Community Media:

 

"In A City With The State’s Highest Unemployment Rate, We Have A LOT Of Hungry People. 

We Have Fed Them For Over 25 years! 

- Pastor Holly Anderle"

"Racine- First Baptist Church Pastor Holly Anderle sends out a plea for help.

"Last year we chose to partner with the Hospitality Center of Racine to bring the Monday Night Hot Meal Program back to our downtown roots.

"This partnership has allowed the Hot Meal mission to reach many more people and has opened the door for our members to get even more closely involved with those in need. Recently, however, 2-3 downtown business owners have complained about the Hospitality Center being downtown, believing that the Center attracts homeless and poor people who are 'having a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood.'

"These 2-3 complaints caused the City of Racine to contact the Hospitality Center about supposed violations of the current Conditional Use Permit. Most of those violations either were never a problem, an exaggeration of a one-time occurrence, or have been corrected long ago.

"The Hospitality Center has met with city officials following these complaints and submitted an application to amend the Conditional Use Permit. The original permit allowed snacks to be served three days each week. Since that time, because of a growing need, they have become Racine’s Largest Meal Program serving over 1000 meals each week – noon meals four days each week, the weekly Monday Night Meal Program, and on the last Thursday of each month.

"In a city with the state’s largest unemployment rate, we have a lot of hungry people. We have met a need of feeding the hungry, responding to what we believe by God we are called to do.

"In a city with the state’s highest unemployment rate, we have a LOT of hungry people. We have fed them for over 25 years, responding to what we believe God has called us to do. And we want to continue to feed the hungry. The Conditional Use Permit HAS to be approved if our sisters and brothers are to be fed. Denying our ability to serve a hot meal to the poor at the Hospitality Center sets a frightening precedent that could affect ALL of the hot meals/community meals in the city of Racine.

"In order for the Planning and Development Commission to understand how important the Hospitality Center and the Monday Night Hot Meal Program is to the community they must hear from all of us.

"WHAT CAN YOU DO?

"Call and write the members of the City of Racine Planning and Development Commission and tell them how important it is for us to feed and care for the hungry in Racine. Tell them to approve the new Conditional Use permit. (If you know any of the members personally, speak to them about the importance of the programs!)
 
"Come to the Planning and Development Commission hearing on JULY 29 at 4:15 PM at the Racine City Hall.
 
"Join us for our weekly prayer vigil every Monday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church sanctuary (corner of 7th and Main Sts); individual prayer and reflection from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, and clergy led group prayer at 6:30.
 
"Pray throughout each day as you feel led!!
 
"THANK YOU for your support!

"Rev. Holly Anderle
Coordinator of the Monday Night Hot Meal Program"

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS CONTACT:
 
John Dickert – Mayor (262) 636-9111
Rev. Melvin Hargrove zoeministries@sbcglobal.net; 262-681-1691
Molly Hall mollyjjhall@sbc.global.net 115 Illinois St.; 262-635-0520
Tony Veranth tonyracine1@gmail.com; 262-637-0115
Tom Durkin durkin@beckerfrench.com; 262-633-7530
Dennis Wiser Dennis.Wiser@cityofracine.org; 262-554-6918
Vincent Esqueda esqueda65@yahoo.com; 262-344-1965