Air Quality Alert: Wildfire smoke from fires in southern Ontario, Canada and northeast Minnesota has moved into Wisconsin, creating unhealthy air quality conditions. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory through noon on Thursday. Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy level, with the potential to reach the Hazardous Air Quality Index level. The advisory will be re-evaluated Thursday morning and may be extended based on conditions. According to the Department of Health Services, wildfire smoke can affect anyone, but people who may notice symptoms sooner include older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, outdoor workers, and individuals with heart or lung conditions such as asthma or COPD.
On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, the Portage County Highway Department began imposing seasonal weight restrictions on various County Trunk Highways. The weight restrictions are 6 tons gross load for single axle and 10 tons gross load for each tandem axle (any two axles under 8 feet apart). The maximum gross vehicle weight is 26 tons. Portage County Highway Department will begin installing signs along all posted roads. Enforcement begins when signs are installed.