As we approach the end of Autism Awareness month, I had the opportunity to tour Lakeland STAR Academy this week during their open house. STAR Academy is a charter school tailored to help students on the autism spectrum reach their full potential. I was very impressed by the school, and it was clear to me that the staff and administration are all truly dedicated to creating the best possible learning environment. We are lucky to have such an important service in our district.
Lakeland STAR Academy exists largely by private funding and donations. I support efforts for schools like Lakeland to receive additional state funding, ensuring that they are able to consistently provide quality educational opportunities to all students.
Please click the video below to see how the Howard Young Foundation and the Lakeland STAR Academy are making a big difference in the community!
Thank you to the Howard Young Foundation for putting together a great video of the school!
Good to see so many in the community interested in the open house.
Ronnie gave me a fantastic tour of the PAES facility at Howard Young Medical Center. The Practical Assessment Exploration System facility allows Lakeland STAR Academy students to prepare for post-school employment and independent living opportunities. Great to see a strong partnership between the Howard Young Foundation and Lakeland STAR Academy.
Ethan gave me a tremendous tour of his school. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm, and it was great to hear how much of an impact this school has had in the lives of its students.
Great to meet Ayden, seen here with Indigo, the school's service dog. It was evident that Indigo has a good home at the Academy.
It Can Wait Campaign at Rhinelander High School
I was able to speak to students at Rhinelander High School this week about the dangers of distracted driving. The “It Can Wait” campaign is spearheaded by AT&T, the WI State Patrol, and AAA. Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen the number of distracted driving accidents increase exponentially. Our younger generations have grown up with smartphones, and it is important that they understand the real risks of texting and driving. Thank you to everyone who helped organize this successful event.
Great to be joined by Senator Tiffany, law enforcement, school officials and students. Thank you to Robyn Gruner of AT&T for inviting me to speak on this important issue.
Always happy to speak at RHS.
RHS Principal Shane Dornfeld welcomed the general assembly of students and guest speakers.
Students were given the chance to use a driving simulator provided by AAA to see just how dangerous distracted driving can be. Remember, It Can Wait!
Oneida County Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting & Luncheon
I had the opportunity to attend the OCEDC annual meeting and luncheon. It was great to see such a large turnout. Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes gave a speech highlighting the importance of economic growth in all of Wisconsin's communities. Three Lakes Fab Lab Director Dr. Steven Yahr also gave a great speech about the opportunities available for our young folks in the Northwoods. The Fab Lab program provides students with real world job skills and has been a great success. I would like to take this opportunity to extend best wishes to Dr. Yahr who will be retiring. He has been instrumental in establishing not just the Three Lakes fab lab, but fab lab programs all over the state of Wisconsin.
Congratulations to new OCEDC President Brad Kowieski, and best wishes to outgoing President Phil Albert. Phil has done a fantastic job and the community is grateful for his years of dedicated service. Phil will remain on the board of directors as a past president.
Oneida County Economic Development Executive Director Stacey Johnson spoke about the tremendous potential of the Northwoods' economy.
I appreciate Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes making the trip to speak. It is important that the economic well-being of our smaller communities is not overlooked.
Three Lakes Fab Lab Student Entrepreneur Wesley Meyer is a testament to the power of fab labs. Wesley has utilized the skills he's learned to start his own company producing fishing lures. Wesley's company is called Brick 2, and I wish him continued success moving forward!
Great to see such a large turn out for the luncheon.
Veterans Benefits Expo
I had the chance to stop by the Rhinelander National Guard Armory to see the Veterans Benefits Expo this Friday. The expo is a multi-county effort to help veterans and their families learn about the benefits they have earned by serving our country. Thank you to everyone involved for providing this tremendous service to the community.
Great to see many veterans and families taking advantage of the expo.
Great conversation with Dick from Woodruff who attended the expo. Thank you to all our veterans!
Got an update on the new National Cemetery that will be located in Harshaw. The cemetery is hopefully set to be open late this fall.
Great to see Oneida County Veterans service officer Tammy Javenkowski. Tammy is an invaluable asset to the community and does a tremendous job helping our veterans.
Wisconsin Public Radio Meeting
My staff met with representatives from Wisconsin Public Radio this week to talk about all the great programming available to the public. WPR provides high-quality educational programming for both young and old alike.
Research Assistant Joe Mesec (left) and WPR representatives. Thanks for the meeting!
Spring 2019 Survey
Governor Evers' proposed 2019-2021 State Budget has been referred to the Joint Finance Committee where it will be negotiated by the legislature. We need your input on what the budget should prioritize. My Spring Survey should be reaching mailboxes soon, but you can also take the survey online by clicking below!
Spring finally has the upper hand across much of the state this past week with temperatures in the 60s and 70s and even a day with some 80s in the south. Only the most persistent snowbanks remain in the north. Lakes are now open in most areas except in the far north where some of the larger lakes still have ice cover.
Snowmelt combined with rain this week have rivers across the state running high. On April 22, the Bois Brule was flowing at 877 cubic feet per second. This topped a previous daily record for this date of 791cfs in 2001. The Wisconsin River in Columbia County remains very high with some areas and roads still flooded.
All the water has made for some spectacular waterfall viewing at Copper Falls, Pattison and Amnicon Falls state parks, with even the "Now and Then Falls," that disappears in the summer, now running in full glory.
Despite the moisture, last week 72 wildfires burned 177 acres in DNR Protection Areas, half of which were caused by debris burning. Fire danger can vary greatly from one day to the next this time of the year, depending on weather and dryness of the vegetation.
The Lake Michigan tributaries walleye fish run is slowing down but high numbers of walleye anglers were seen this week with many full boat launches and many shore anglers. Fish were still being caught on the Menominee, Peshtigo, Oconto and Fox. The majority of walleyes being caught now are post spawn. A few whitefish were being caught by the boaters as well.
Steelhead were still being caught in some Door County creeks that had high fishing pressure throughout the week but steelhead runs on southern tributaries are tapering off and suckers and redhorses are now being caught. The Root River was still getting some steelhead fishing pressure with success both above and below the steelhead facility picking up slightly. Fishing pressure remained fairly low on Lake Michigan piers and shores as well as at boat ramps due to the windy conditions most of the days with waves crashing over the tops of the piers as well as on the shores.
Fisheries crews have been busy tagging lake sturgeon on the Wolf River this week with the sturgeon spawning run going very strong. On April 23 crews handled a number of very large fish including a 77-inch female that was captured at the Sturgeon Trail.
First season turkey hunters were met with some fairly quiet turkeys. Even so, there was good success reported locally of bagging birds. Second period hunters should have the bug spray handy as mosquitoes were already buzzing around earlier this week. Tom turkeys are still being seen fanned out and responding to decoys well.
Some early spring bloomers like hepatica, bloodroot, wood violets, and marsh marigold are blooming in the south. Snakes and turtles have been seen crossing roads with the warm temperatures.
Perhaps the single best month for birding is underway. Many species of warblers are arriving in earnest. Pine warblers were reported at many suet feeders, while yellow-rumps have infiltrated the north, including reports of several hundred birds at several locations. A few hummingbirds, orioles, and rose-breasted grosbeaks have trickled into the south with other long-distance migrants beginning to arrive including whip-poor-will and chimney swifts. Sparrow diversity is also impressive now.
This Saturday, April 27, will offer the greatest opportunities to help out at state properties with 18 Work*Play*Earth Day and related events being held around the state. Come out and help Friends Group spruce up parks and trails for the busy season and then stick around and have some fun. Many offer refreshments as well.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Great to meet Ayden, seen here with Indigo, the school's service dog. It was evident that Indigo has a good home at the Academy. 
