Serving the Greater Northwoods  

 Oneida - Vilas - Florence - Forest

District Dialogue

January 8, 2016

January will prove to be a busy month for the Assembly State Affairs and Government Operations Committee.  On Wednesday, January 6, a public hearing and executive session was held to discuss four pieces of legislation.  Most of the discussion centered around two bills authored by Representative Dave Steffen from Green Bay.

As you may have heard, the Village of Ashwaubenon is developing plans for the Green Bay Packers Titletown District.  The new development will feature lodging, restaurants, and several new bars and taverns.  Considering that the Village of Ashwaubenon has met its quota for liquor licenses, the new bars and taverns would be unable to serve alcoholic beverages in the new Titletown District.  Assembly Bill 612 will help alleviate these concerns by allowing adjacent municipalities to sell unused liquor licenses to communities that request them.  To be clear, this bill will not create new liquor licenses, but will allow adjacent communities the option of buying unused liquor licenses from a neighboring municipality.  The committee had a great discussion during the hearing. 

If you would like to read more about Assembly Bill 612 or any of the other bills we discussed, please see the links below or visit our Committee Website. 

Executive Session:

Senate Bill 251:  Relating to: terms of office for members of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.

Assembly Bill 534:  Relating to: biennial budget requests of state agencies.

Public Hearing:

Assembly Bill 612:  Relating to: municipal quotas for retail intoxicating liquor licenses.

Assembly Bill 624:  Relating to: retaining invoices for the sale of malt beverages and intoxicating liquors and the local option for issuing liquor licenses.

It seems like the winter weather is finally here to stay, now it is time for the snow to follow suit.  With little snow in the Northwoods, snowmobile trails have only now begun to open.  Currently, snowmobile trails in Oneida, Vilas, and Forest counties are open, but conditions may vary due to little snow accumulations.  To keep track of the trail conditions in neighboring counties please use the Travel Wisconsin - Wisconsin Snowmobile Report website.  This website will keep snowmobile enthusiasts updated with the most recent trail condition information.

Be sure to be safe on the trails this winter season!

Nicolet College released news in December, that it is approving a project that will significantly assist students in surrounding counties to attend college free of charge.  The Nicolet Promise, provides eligible Northwoods students an exceptional college education at Nicolet without the burden of student loans and debt that hinder students from continuing their studies. 

I believe that this will serve as a incentive to not only receive an education, but also keep more students in their home communities to help grow our local economies. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Graduate from high school in 2016 with a grade point average of at least 2.0 or earn a GED\HSED in 2016.

• Reside in the Nicolet District.

• Complete the federal financial aid application form (FAFSA) by March 15, 2016, and be eligible to receive federal Pell grants.

• Students must accept all state and federal grants along with other scholarships not awarded by the Nicolet College Foundation.

• Apply for admission to Nicolet by March 15, 2016, and register for Fall Semester classes as a full-time student with at least 12 credits. Nicolet Promise will fund up to 15 credits for each semester of eligibility.
   

• Achieve a score of 16 or greater on the ACT test by May 1, 2016.Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or greater and full-time student status while attending Nicolet.

• Enroll in an academic program that meets eligibility requirements for federal and Wisconsin financial aid.

For more information, click here.

This past year was one for the record books!
 
For the first time in recorded history, all 72 counties posted a positive increase in visitor spending.

· The Department awarded more than $1.1 million dollars in Joint Effort Marketing Grants with estimated visitor expenditures exceeding $31 million.
· The number of visitor sessions on TravelWisconsin.com reached an all time record of 7 million, a 38% increase from 2014.
· When compared with other Midwest states, Wisconsin was ranked #1 in affordability, family atmosphere, sports & recreation, worry-free environment, and uniqueness.
· The Department’s social media presence surpassed expectations with more than 400,000 Facebook fans and 80,000 Twitter followers, and our newly created Instagram page is approaching 6,000 followers.
 
Visit TravelWisconsin.com and like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with our adventures and celebrations in 2016!

The Rhinelander School District will hold a binding referendum on February 16, 2016.  In an effort to keep the residents and taxpayers of the Rhinelander School District informed, please follow the link below for more information.  The website will update periodically to include the newest information.  The link will help inform residents on all aspects of the referendum this Spring.

Rhinelander School District Referendum

Recently the School District of Rhinelander released dates for community presentations to inform the public about the upcoming referendum.  Please see the dates below.

- January 14th, 10:00 a.m. at the Oneida County Senior Center (Balsam Room)

- January 18th, 5:00 p.m. at the James Williams Middle School Library

- January 21st, 2:00 p.m. at Northern Coffee Haus

- January 22nd, 10:00 a.m. at Pelican Elementary School

- February 2nd, 2:00 p.m. at Northern Coffee Haus

- February 10th, 10:00 a.m. at the YMCA of the Northwoods (Multi-Purpose Room)

A full listing of community presentations can be found on the School District of Rhinelander website. 
 

Green Bay, WI – Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from students who live within the company’s service area and plan to attend technical or four-year college programs. A One year honoree scholarship of up to $1,500 is awarded based upon outstanding academic achievement, leadership in school and community activities and financial need.

Applying is easy. For more information regarding available scholarships, and for an on-line application, visit http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/company/scholarships.aspx. High school students can visit their guidance counselors for additional information.

Timeline for Applications:
· 4-year College scholarships due February 1, 2016
· Agribusiness/Forestry scholarships due February 1, 2016
· Technical college scholarships will be accepted from March 1 to April 15, 2016

About Wisconsin Public Service Foundation
The Foundation is funded by company shareholders, not by the customers of its utility subsidiaries, and is in its 52nd year. Through direct grants, scholarships and an employee Matching Gifts program, the Foundation actively supports improvements in the quality of life in the communities served by Wisconsin Public Service. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided nearly $30 million in contributions to programs that support activities in the areas of arts and culture, community and neighborhood development, education, human services and health, and care for the environment.
 

Be sure to dress warm and head over to Eagle River the next two weekends for the World Championship Snowmobile Races in Eagle River!  This weekend with feature vintage snowmobile races and events.  If you're planning on attending, arrive early because gates open daily at 9:00 a.m. 

I am looking forward to the vintage races this week followed by the World Championship snowmobile derby next week.  For more information regarding the derby, please see the link below in the Community Events tab.  Good luck to all competitors!

Ice and snow conditions continue to vary widely across the state. Some smaller northern lakes have been frozen over longer than some of the larger lakes. Trout Lake in Vilas County finally froze over this week, but some of the other larger lakes still had small areas of open water or ice thickness in the 1- to 2-inch range. Many lakes in the south remain open or have just minimal ice cover.

The entire state is snow covered, but snow depths range from just 2 to 3 inches in the south, to 8 to 10 inches in areas of the far north. Snowmobile trails are open or partially open in the northern tier of counties and in some central counties, but conditions are generally poor to fair, with a couple counties reporting fair to good conditions on the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).

Cross-country ski trails are open across much of the state, including most state parks and forests. However, conditions vary, with many properties in the south not being able to set track. Snow is in north and rain in the south is forecast for late this week, and the much colder temperatures for next week, so conditions could change.

A candlelight ski scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 9 at Lake Kegonsa State Park has been cancelled and rescheduled for Feb. 13. A decision on whether to hold a candlelight ski at Kohler-Andrae State Park on Saturday will be made after park staff can evaluate the change of conditions from any rain or snow the park receives this week. Check the "candlelight" event listing on DNR website or call the park for updates.

On lakes with ice in the north, walleye action has been sporadic. Northern pike have provided some action for the walleye anglers during slow periods. Panfish anglers haven't really been out in any numbers yet.

In the south, anglers have been fishing on Lake Wisconsin but action has been slower with some panfish, northern pike and bass caught. Colder temperatures are finally creating a layer of ice along the east shore of Lake Winnebago and ice is starting to form on southeastern Lake Michigan harbors and tributaries. Brown trout and occasional steelhead are being caught at the Port Washington harbor and an occasional brown trout was caught at the Milwaukee River and harbor.

This week wildlife biologists around the state are counting waterfowl and eagles as part of the mid-winter waterfowl survey and eagle survey. Biologists counted high numbers of Canada geese, large rafts of dabbling ducks, mostly mallards, and diving duck species including goldeneyes, buffleheads, mergansers and scaup, on larger open waters and on Lake Michigan.
Even though many winter enthusiasts would like to see more snow, wildlife biologists have noted that the mild winter has helped the deer population. Deer were still eating greens into December. Some large bucks with antlers still attached are still being seen. The weasel and snowshoe hare heaved a sigh of relief this past week as they no longer stick out like a sore thumb in the snowy landscape.

Winter birds including snow buntings, lapland longspurs, rough-legged hawks, common redpoll, pine siskin and snowy owls have been seen in the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area.

Northern Region

Flambeau River State Forest - There is a thin layer of ice on the lakes in the area, but the Flambeau River is still open for the most part. Snowmobile trails on the Flambeau River State Forest are open and have been packed but in poor condition. This trail system has access to the Tuscobia Trail and the Sawyer County Trail System. We now have only about 4 inches of snow. The Flambeau Hills Ski Trail that is 14 miles long is open for skiing and has been packed and groomed but due to lack of snow track has not been set. This trail system is located in some very hilly terrain and is presently in good condition for skate skiing. Snow is in the near forecast and hopefully we will get enough to groom and set track by the end of the week. The trail meanders through a mixture of hills of hardwoods and conifers and it crosses three bridges and provides an occasional glimpse of the Flambeau River. There is a three-sided wood warming structure with picnic table and fire ring on Pinery Grade, which is a segment of this trail system. If you are a cross-country skiing enthusiast this trail system is well worth the drive. Deer and elk have been seen in the forest, rabbits, squirrels, and weasels too. It is truly amazing what you see when you go out and sit quietly in the forest and just listen and watch. The elk seem to be settled into their winter quarters. Some of the bulls have separated from the cows and calves. Wildlife in the Flambeau are doing terrific in these mild temps and low snow levels. There is not enough snow for grouse to snow roost so they may be more vulnerable to predators. - Judy Freeman, visitor services associate

Oneida County - Anglers have begun venturing onto the ice and fishing, however ice conditions vary tremendously. Ice thickness has been reported anywhere from eight inches to 1.5 inches, so extreme caution should be used. The bite has been somewhat slow for panfish but walleyes have been doing okay. - Tim Ebert, conservation warden,

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest -

The weasel and snowshoe hare heaved a sigh of relief this past week as they no longer stick out like a sore thumb in the snowy landscape, but are just "eyes" peering as they forage and travel about. If the northern forest snow level stays the same, one can hike just about anywhere without snowshoes. It is a great time of the year to get out and observe the wild without having to be on a trail. There is probably enough snow to ski whether groomed or not. You can snowshoe or use hiking boots anywhere as well (except on groomed ski trails of course). The lakes are still freezing for ice blading. Small Lakes have a little too much snow for blading, but skiing, hiking or snowshoeing on them is great. Ice fisher people are out there too. The larger lakes are really fun for blading as there is some really smooth ice to be found. Good idea to ask someone who knows the area. Colder weather and lack of snow has resulted in the ground starting to freeze and lake ice forming. The larger lakes just froze over last week and Trout Lake several days ago. Lakes being frozen the complete distance across, does not mean they are safe. Predicted single digit highs next weeks should improve ice conditions significantly. There is currently 3-4 inches of snow in the woods around Trout Lake with higher amounts as you venture north. The rivers and streams on the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest are running higher than normal but should return to average levels in a few weeks as the ground freezes and precipitation occurs as snow instead of rain. - Kimberly Krawczyk, Visitor Services Associate
 

Upcoming Community Events

Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

Trig’s Smokehouse Vintage World Championship Derby: January 8-10, Eagle River

Indoor Farmers Market At The YMCA: January 9 & 16, Rhinelander

Freezin' for a Reason Pink Carpet Gala: January 9, St. Germain

Boulder Junction Snowmobile Club Brat Fry: January 9, Boulder Junction

Sno-Skeeter Snowmobile Breakfast Fundraiser: January 10, Manitowish Waters

AMSOIL World Championships Snowmobile Derby: January 8-10 &14-17, Eagle River

"Free-for-Wall", a community exhibition opens!: January 15-16 & 21-22, Rhinelander

Three Lakes Tavern League Poker Run: January 15-16, Three Lakes

Free Fishing Weekend: January 16-17, Wisconsin

Minocqua Winter Farmers Market: October 16, Minocqua

Minocqua Forest Riders Spaghetti Dinner: January 17, Minocqua

Boulder Junction Snowmobile Club Breakfast: January 17, Boulder Junction

Bob Metropulos Gallery Open House & Reception at the Campanile Center for the Arts: January 17, Boulder Junction

LOLA Snowflake Gala: January 19, Land O' Lakes

Women's Club Chili Luncheon: January 20, Three Lakes

Please contact me at Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov if you would like to UNSUBSCRIBE from my E-Updates

Office of Representative Rob Swearingen

Room 123 West

PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708

Office: 608-266-7141

Toll Free: 888-534-0034