Bill Signed Into Law

I am honored that my bill that benefits the Washington Island Observer and other newspapers across the state was signed into law this week.

Under current state statutes, a newspaper is defined – with certain exceptions – as a publication that is printed at regular intervals and at least once per week, containing, on average, 25 percent news content per issue. A newspaper must meet this definition to be considered eligible to receive payments for publishing legal notices.

The Observer is the only newspaper that is printed directly on Washington Island, but it falls short of the 52-week requirement because it publishes fewer issues in the winter when some residents and visitors leave for the season. Wisconsin Act 32 incorporates the Observer into the state definition of a newspaper, thereby allowing the local news outlet to collect payments for printing legal notices.

I am pleased that my legislation will help the Washington Island Observer promote government transparency by ensuring the community has easier and more regular access to legal notices. In this day and age when local newspapers are constantly folding or shedding staff to stay financially viable, Act 32 will also assist the Observer with bringing in more revenue, which will give them more opportunities to keep our residents informed.

In addition, Act 32 aims to benefit all other newspapers in the state by modernizing the process for sending affidavits to those who purchase legal notices. Under current law, an affidavit must include a printed copy of the legal notice clipped from the newspaper and must specify the date of each insertion and the paper in which it was published. My legislation embraces newer technological advancements by authorizing newspapers to send out the affidavits in either hard copy or electronic form.

Now that we have the technology available, we shouldn’t be putting up roadblocks and forcing newspapers to do something that is, by and large, more costly and cumbersome. I am proud that my bill will allow newspapers to choose whichever option works best for them.

TAD Funding

I am extremely grateful that Door County will be receiving funding for its Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program through the 2019-2021 state budget.

TAD programs allow district attorneys and judges to offer offenders a different option other than confinement in jail or prison, thereby saving taxpayer dollars. These programs include voluntary substance abuse treatment and case management, as well as other types of risk reduction services.

TAD programs are not about being soft on crime. Instead, they provide an opportunity for non-violent offenders to integrate back into society, rather than repeating the cycle and going back to prison.

Door County has been awarded $140,000 to create an adult drug court, which will hear selected cases that involve substance-dependent offenders. Depending on which phase the participants are in, they must routinely meet with a judge throughout the duration of their cases. Every step and measure of the program is to ensure offenders are taking the correct road to recovery.

A number of TAD programs have been implemented throughout the state in recent years, and now more counties are getting involved thanks to the state budget we passed this summer. Diligent work is required to receive funding for these programs, and those who work with the participants must be dedicated and believe that this initiative will lead to favorable outcomes.

I would like to recognize Judge David Weber, District Attorney Colleen Nordin and Sheriff Tammy Sternard for going above and beyond to ensure Door County received this funding. Their hard work will help those who battle addiction in Door County by giving them the opportunity and support to recover and reach success. They will be working with the program’s participants every day, every week and every month. I am so thankful for their dedication to our community and the adult drug court.

Groundbreaking Ceremony 

It was a tremendous honor to participate in a recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Maritime Museum’s planned lighthouse tower, where I was joined by members of the museum board, volunteers and donors to commemorate the start of this important project.

The lighthouse tower will feature 10 stories of exhibits, technology-based interactive displays, a community space and a 360-degree observation deck. That deck will provide a full view of Sturgeon Bay and the surrounding waterfront. The goal of the project is to educate and captivate the minds of everyone who comes to visit.

I am confident this tower will generate a positive economic impact throughout our region. By attracting more visitors to the local institution, the lighthouse structure will create a further sense of stability for the museum and benefit businesses throughout Door County.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, I spoke about the Community Development Investment grant the Maritime Museum received to help reach the fundraising goal for the lighthouse tower. The CDI program assists small cities, urban cities and rural cities with funding redevelopment projects.

It is important that those who visit the tower understand how vital maritime is to our area’s history. The lighthouse tower will be a great addition to our community and I look forward to the completion of the project so I can experience it for myself. 

Upcoming District Events

What: Christmas by the Bay
Where: Throughout Sturgeon Bay
When: Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 24
Details: "Sturgeon Bay is getting ready to announce, 'Happy Holidays!' at the annual Christmas by the Bay event November 22-24, 2019. You don’t want to miss out on the numerous family holiday activities and memories that will be made."

What: Viewing Night
Where: Crossroads at Big Creek - Astronomy Campus, 2200 Utah St., Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.
Details: "The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society opens the observatory and planetarium to the public. Should the sky be clear, DPAS members will use their laser pointers to point out the fall/winter constellations. Free and open to the public."

What: Christmas Tree Lighting and Chili Supper
Where: Throughout Ellison Bay
When: Sunday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m.
Details: "Join in the spirit of the season and gather around the tree for the lighting, to sing carols, and enjoy a warm bowl of chili. Meet at the entrance to the Bayview Marina for a tree lighting and caroling. A community chili dinner will be held at the Mink River Basin after. Sponsored by the Ellison Bay Service Club. Visit doorcountynorth.com for more information. Free to all in the community, donations of canned goods for area food pantries encouraged."