Under the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' (WDNR) newly expanded Well Compensation Program, property owners may now be eligible for a grant to help cover the cost of abandoning a well located on their property.

The grant program, like most, is based on income guidelines and is limited to families with an income of up to $65,000, with the reimbursement proportional to the income. The program provides reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the cost to abandon a well. In cases where hardship is established, the program may pay 100 percent of the cost.

The expansion of this program is aimed at properly filling and sealing the estimated 250,000 unused or contaminated wells located throughout the state. An unused or non-conforming well presents a contamination risk to the groundwater supply, as it acts as a direct path to the underground water aquifer. This is a terrific program for many property owners located throughout the City of Glendale who have yet to abandon their well due to financial or other reasons.

A Well Abandonment Grant Application form can be downloaded from the WDNR's website - or by contacting either Tom Riewe (608) 266-8697 or Mark Putra (608) 267-7649. Information and applications are also available at the City of Glendale Building Inspection Department. If you plan on abandoning a well, you must also notify the Inspection Department at (414) 228-1711.

Test your home for radon. The North Shore Health Department has easy, accurate test kits for only $5.00. They also have information on the health effects of radon and how to reduce elevated radon levels. Call the North Shore Health Department at (414) 371-2980 for more information.

The year-end holiday season - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's - is also fire season, a prime time for residential fires. The North Shore Fire Department encourages people to follow these important tips to ensure safe and memorable holidays.

• Consider artificial trees which are much safer and cleaner.
  
• Select only fresh trees that are deep green in color, have a strong scent of pine, and do not lose their needles readily.
  
• Do not rely on chemical sprays to make your tree flame resistant.
  
• Keep trees in water-holding stands and keep stands full of water.
  
• Place trees away from heat sources and a safe distance from exits.
  

• Buy and use lights approved by a national testing laboratory.
  
• Discard any lights that have frayed or worn cords, broken or cracked sockets, lose connections, bare wires, or operate intermittently.
  
• Never use indoor lights outdoors.
  
• Do not overload electrical outlets (three sets of lights per single extension.)
  
• Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
  
• Unplug lights when you leave your home or before going to bed.
  

• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children's reach.
  
• Never leave candles unattended.
  
• Keep candles in sturdy holders and away from combustibles.
  
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing near open flames of a fireplace, candle, or stove.
  
• Burn only well-seasoned, dry wood in your fireplace.
  

• Provide smokers with deep, non-tip ashtrays and check under furniture and in trash cans for smoldering cigarettes.
  
• At a party, be sure the exits are clear.
  
• Use chafing dishes with caution.
  
• Attend professional fireworks displays.