58 inches of snow so far this winter is taxing DPW's budget

58 inches of snow so far this winter is taxing DPW's budget

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee DPW crews have used 20,000 tons of salt to treat the roads so far this winter -- and the resources and manpower being utilized during this unusually snowy December is taxing the budget.We definitely had a white Christmas this year -- and have several inches of snow on the ground as we end the month of December -- and all that snow comes at a price when it comes to snow removal.Everything costs money -- including the salt, de-icing chemicals, equipment, maintenance on that equipment, and manpower involved in cleaning up the snow.The city budgeted $7.9 million for 2013 for snow and ice control, but by December 17th, $8.6 million was spent -- and that does not include cleanup from last Sunday's storm on December 22nd, which has virtually been a non-stop operation."I'm estimating we're well over 10 million dollars right now, because normally we spend, can spend pretty much a million dollars on extended plowing operations -- so those figures aren't all in yet," Wanda Booker, DPW Sanitation Services Manager said.One bright spot is the salaries from December 22nd won't be paid until 2014 -- when the pay period ends -- and the Common Council will have to take care of the rest."The Common Council does have a contingent fund that they build into the budget each year.

Traffic slow going on Monday as snow falls during rush hour commute

Traffic slow going on Monday as snow falls during rush hour commute

WAUKESHA COUNTY (WITI) -- Snow was falling across southeastern Wisconsin on Monday afternoon and evening -- and was beginning to accumulate during the evening commute on Monday.FOX6's Jenna Sachs was stationed along I-94 in Waukesha County on Monday evening -- monitoring the conditions.Law enforcement officials in Waukesha County responded to 23 property damage accidents, one minor personal injury accident, two unknown cause accidents and 13 vehicles in the ditch -- from 4:00 p.m. until 7:20 p.m.Early Monday evening, the State Patrol reported no major incidents on the roadways -- but they were ready to handle whatever popped up."We're geared up for the worst, but we're hoping for the best.

PETA offers tips to help keep your pets safe this winter

PETA offers tips to help keep your pets safe this winter

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold -- and has some tips to help keep your pets safe this winter.Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze.Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.PETA offers the following tips:

DNR building in Madison shut down after pipes burst

DNR building in Madison shut down after pipes burst

MADISON (WITI) -- The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) building was closed on Tuesday afternoon, December 10th after pipes burst in the building's heating and cooling system.A statement from the DNR says employees were instructed to leave the building effective 1:00 p.m.The state Natural Resources Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday has been moved to an adjacent building.State Department of Administration officials have begun a cleanup and damage assessment of the DNR building, where numerous floors were flooded with liquid from the heating and cooling system.

Couple narrowly avoided pileup on Hwy. 41/45 thanks to Good Samaritan

Couple narrowly avoided pileup on Hwy. 41/45 thanks to Good Samaritan

GERMANTOWN (WITI) -- A day after a huge pileup shut down Highway 41/45, a woman who was in the middle of it is thanking a stranger for helping to keep her and her husband safe.The man, who has not been identified, was trying to warn other drivers of the danger ahead.

Owners seek dog lost during massive pileup on I-94 in Racine

Owners seek dog lost during massive pileup on I-94 in Racine

RACINE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned a dog was ejected from a vehicle during Sunday's massive pileup incident on I-94 at Highway 20 in Racine -- and the dog's owners are now seeking the dog's whereabouts.FOX6 News spoke with the husband of the owner of the dog, whose contact information is listed on a "lost dog" poster being distributed.