I had the opportunity to attend Governor Tony Evers’ first annual ‘State of the State’ address earlier this week. While I appreciate the Governor’s passion, I fundamentally disagree with many of his proposals to move Wisconsin forward, and I was disappointed that he chose to ignore the positive reforms we have made in the past eight years. I am proud of the fact that Wisconsin’s unemployment rate has remained at a record low of 3% for 11 consecutive months, and that we currently enjoy the lowest tax burden in over 50 years. Wisconsin new businesses are up almost 7% over the last year, income is up and poverty levels have fallen. Vital to the Northwoods, our tourism industry has grown over 40% since 2011. This progress was made possible because of common sense, fiscally responsible, conservative reforms. I, along with my Republican colleagues in the legislature, will not allow Wisconsin to return to the failed policies of the past.
Governor Evers will unveil his official state budget in February, and I look forward to working with him and the legislature to find common ground on bi-partisan solutions to address the unique issues facing the Northwoods.
Upcoming Listening Sessions
Senator Tom Tiffany and I will be holding two listening sessions in the district next week. Please join us for an open discussion on issues related to State Government. I hope to see you there!
Protecting Wisconsinites with Pre-Existing Conditions
The Assembly held its first floor session this week, and I am proud to have been a co-sponsor of Assembly Bill 1: Relating to coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions. Protecting the ability for Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions to acquire healthcare is simply the right thing to do. I was extremely encouraged to see the bill pass with an overwhelming bi-partisan 76 to 19 vote. I am hopeful that the Senate and Governor Evers will now do their part in passing this important legislation.
Wisconsin Historical Society Meeting
Had a great meeting with members of the Wisconsin Historical Society this past week. The Historical Society is working towards building a brand new Wisconsin History Museum on the Capitol Square in Madison. Wisconsin has a rich history and the Historical Society does a great job in sharing our story with the public.
For more information on the new museum pleaseclick here.
Jim Bokern (Manitowish Waters Historical Society) and Karen Sailer (Eagle River Historical Society). Thanks again for visiting the Capitol!
Wisconsin Credit Union League Meeting
The Wisconsin Credit Union League held their annual Legislative Day at the Capitol this week. I had the opportunity to meet with several members representing the 34th District. I appreciate everything Credit Unions do to help educate our youth on how to responsibly handle their finances. A great service to the community!
Always great to meet with people who are so passionate about what they do. Thanks again for stopping by!
Rhinelander Chamber Dinner
Fantastic turnout for the annual Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce Dinner. The chamber truly puts on a great event to honor local volunteers and businesses that make our community stronger. Congratulations to the well-deserved award winners, and best of luck in 2019!
More than 250 people attended the dinner. Great to see everyone!
Wisconsin Towns Association District Meeting
I attended a Wisconsin Town’s Association District Meeting in Minocqua where we discussed many of the issues that affect the Northwoods. Expanding broadband in rural areas, fixing our roads and making sure emergency services are adequately funded are just a few of the issues that were addressed. Looking forward to making sure these issues remain at the forefront of the legislative agenda as the 2019-2020 session gets underway.
Wisconsin Towns Association Executive Director Mike Koles
Great to see so many people in attendance.
DNR Outdoor Report
Published January 24, 2019 by the Central Office
The southern Wisconsin snow drought finally came to an end this week with two snowstorms moving through over the weekend and again midweek. Almost the entire state is now snow covered, with the exception of one area in the northwest, with snow depths ranging generally from 6 to 12 or more inches.
The new snow finally allowed some southern counties to open snowmobile trails and improved conditions in northern counties on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Trails through most of the central portion of the state remain closed. Cross-country ski trails were being groomed at many state parks and forests across the state and ski trail conditions ranged from excellent to fair depending on the location. A reminder that with cross-country ski trails snow-covered and groomed they closed to hikers and snowshoers. Check park maps for trails open to foot travel.
Despite the arrival of colder temperatures inland ice conditions are still variable with areas of thin ice still being reported. Angler are fishing for walleye, crappies, perch and northern pike on northern lakes. Panfish anglers continue to have success on many of the backwaters of the Wolf River system and there have been some good reports of decent walleye catches.
Slow fishing is pretty much the report from everywhere on the West Shore of Green Bay. Anglers are not venturing too far out yet with the shifting ice and cracks forming. Anglers fishing the Fox River out of Voyageurs report catching decent numbers of walleye through the ice. Along the East Shore ice depths ranged from 6 to 22 inches with some large ice shoves still reported at many locations. Most anglers were fishing for whitefish or perch but very little action was reported.
With the new snow there is lots of evidence of fox and coyote out there, as well as turkey leaving tracks. With little snow covering in central Wisconsin, rabbit hunters have enjoyed good success. The snow is not too deep and hunters and dogs can move about easily.
While much of Wisconsin finally has enough snow for skiing and snowshoeing, the frigid temperatures in the forecast have caused the cancellation of candlelight events this weekend at the Red Cedar State Trail Friday night and Brunet Island, Hartman Creek and Whitefish Dunes state parks and Point Beach and Lapham Peak state forests Saturday night. Candlelight events are still scheduled Saturday at Stower Seven Lakes State Trail and the MECCA Trails at the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area. To check for events and cancellations search the DNR website for "Get Outdoors."
The snow events increased bird activity at many backyard feeders this week, particularly across the south, among them being cardinals, house finches, juncos, and various other seed-loving species. Woodpeckers are front-and-center at feeding stations with nuts, suet, and other fatty foods, including downy, hairy, red-bellied, and pileated woodpeckers. A flock of 800-plus Bohemian waxwings in Bayfield County was reflective of their continued influx into the northern third state.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Little by little, Mother Nature is trying to make the state forest look like winter in January. Snow depths range from 6 inches in the southern half, to a little over a foot in the northern half of Vilas County. More snow is in the forecast. The wildlife is loving the lower snow depths as outdoor enthusiasts spy many rabbit, squirrel and mouse tracks everywhere. Shrikes have been seen visiting area bird feeders; and fox and coyotes can be spotted from time to time as they prowl for their next meal. Some eagles and swans are still in the area where there is still open water on the riverways. - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate
Cross-country ski trails were groomed Jan. 22-23 and are generally in good condition. Escanaba, Madeline and Raven trails are tracked for classic skiing with a firm base with some fluffy snow covering. Good conditions overall. About 10- 12 inches of snow in the woods. Some oak leaf debris but fluff snow should cover. McNaughton trails were groomed for skate and classic skiing. Skater's loop was groomed with good conditions to the warming shelter. The loop around the lake is fair at best with some very thin spots. Overall the classic loops are in good condition. The blue loop around Helen Lake is thin. Trails still have uneven areas as well. - Dan Jacoby and Tony Martinez, park and recreation specialists
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
