Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Three Lakes, Florence and Forest County.
District Dialogue
October 9, 2015
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Listening Sessions Well Attended
Last week Senator Tiffany and I held listening sessions in three communities in the 34th Assembly District. We started the listening sessions in Florence, followed by Three Lakes and Arbor Vitae. Each listening was well attended especially Three Lakes, where an extra seat was hard to find. I want to thank everyone for attending the listening sessions so I could hear your thoughts and concerns. It was very nice to see some familiar faces along with meeting others to discuss issues that are pertinent to state government. I appreciated the open discussion.
Listening Session in Florence. Listening Session in Three Lakes.
Last week my staff and I had a chance to meet with Governor Walker to discuss the fall session. We had a great discussion concerning issues that face the Northwoods as well as the remainder of this session. I would like to thank Governor Walker for taking the time to meet with me one on one.
On October 7, the Wisconsin State Building Commission held its monthly meeting to discuss administrative and UW-System building projects. The Higher Education Subcommittee, which I chair, held discussions on three projects for the UW-System. I feel it’s important to carefully look at every state project to determine its need and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
The University of Wisconsin Madison (UW-Madison) was the sole university that presented projects to the Building Commission on Wednesday. The first proposal for UW- Madison is to exercise the purchase option within an existing lease at 702 West Johnson Street in Madison. The location and unit has served the University well since the initial lease in 2009. It has proven to be easily assessable and convenient for future and current students.
The second proposal was to approve the design report and give authority to renovate and construct the school of veterinary medicine clinical skills lab. UW-Madison is requesting to renovate existing storage rooms along with constructing a new School of Veterinary Medicine Building. Additionally, UW-Madison is requesting the removal of solar heating system and panels that have failed. Finally, new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be installed.
Building Commission Chaired by Governor Scott Walker.
Lastly, the
building commission supported a number of maintenance projects for
various UW campuses. Five campuses submitted maintenance and
repair projects to the Building Commission. The five campuses
include UW-Green Bay, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point and
UW-Whitewater. Projects ranged from hot water system replacements
to energy conservations projects and parking lot reconstruction.
In August, Speaker Vos appointed me to serve on the Speaker's Task Force on Youth Workforce Readiness, chaired by Representative Bob Kulp (R - Stratford). The Speaker’s Task Force will explore new ways to encourage Wisconsin youth to pursue careers in the trades, manufacturing industry and technical fields. Priorities of the task force include:
· Improving collaboration between schools, technical colleges and local
employers.
· Better informing parents and students about apprenticeship and
internship programs.
· Expanding career-focused counseling to more comprehensively include
technical careers.
· Studying creative models in schools throughout the state that are
already incorporating technical education and workforce into curriculum
· Examining future industry needs and challenges in Wisconsin
· Reducing barriers for students to participate in a dual enrollment
program with high school and technical colleges.
· Exploring additional programming at UW System for CTE certified
instructors.
· Remarketing the perception of the manufacturing field from “dark,
dirty and dead-end” to family-supporting, challenging and stable
careers.
· Leveraging the Labor Market Information System (LMIS) to provide real
time data on current and projected workforce pipeline.
Ben Niehaus presenting in Wausau Legislators on the task force during the discussion.
Our taskforce traveled to North Central Technical College in Wausau in late September for another round of testimony. I invited Ben Niehaus, Florence County School District superintendent, to address our group. Ben has worked with local business leaders, Florence County Economic Development, and state government departments to open a Fab Lab in the Florence County School District. His efforts have been successful and Florence County School District will be opening a Fab Lab to students and the Florence community in November.
I want to thank Ben and all other speakers for taking time out of their busy day to travel to Wausau to address our group. Great discussion!
Governor Scott Walker Appoints Judge Rebecca Bradley to Wisconsin Supreme Court
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2015
Contact: Laurel Patrick, (608) 267-7303
Madison – Today, Governor Scott Walker announced the appointment of
Judge Rebecca Bradley to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Judge Bradley
will replace Justice N. Patrick Crooks, who recently passed away.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to appoint Rebecca Bradley to
our state’s highest court,” said Governor Walker. “Judge Bradley has
truly lived up to her promise to be a judge that demonstrates unwavering
commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law in every case that
comes before her.”
Governor Walker appointed Judge Bradley to the Milwaukee County Circuit
Court in 2012 and District I Court of Appeals in May of 2015. She was
elected in a contested election to retain the Milwaukee County seat in
2013 with bipartisan support and a wide range of endorsements. As
Milwaukee County Judge, Judge Bradley presided in Children’s Court,
where she handled a large caseload of complex matters involving
guardianship and parental rights, juvenile delinquency and criminal
matters, and children or juveniles in need of protection or services.
Prior to her service on the Milwaukee bench she had a successful career
in private practice for sixteen years at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek,
Hinshaw & Culbertson, and at the international software firm RedPrairie
Corporation, where she served as in-house counsel. During her years in
private practice, she frequently participated in pro bono work.
“I warmly welcome Judge Rebecca Bradley to the Wisconsin Supreme Court,”
said Chief Justice Patience D. Roggensack. “Her experience as a judge
on both the circuit court and the court of appeals will assist her in
making a smooth transition to the Supreme Court. I look forward to
working with her as a colleague. I also am grateful to Governor Walker
for placing a high priority on the work of the Court, and promptly
making this appointment. The Wisconsin Constitution provides for seven
justices, and we are best able to effectively and efficiently serve the
people of Wisconsin when that constitutional directive is fulfilled.”
Racine County Circuit Court Judge Eugene A. Gasiorkiewicz also spoke
very highly of Judge Bradley: “Her academic and work history credentials
are impeccable and with Wisconsin roots. Her private practice
experience has been of the highest caliber, and her decision making on
the bench has been exemplary.”
Judge Bradley has a juris doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin
Law School and an honors bachelor of science degree from Marquette
University. She is a native of Milwaukee and currently resides in
Wauwatosa.
###
Department of Tourism Awards $1.1 million for Marketing
Like the name
implies, Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grants are all about the combined
efforts of the Department of Tourism and non-profit tourism
organizations. We partner directly with destinations to help bring big
ideas to life. Whether it’s a one-time music festival, new food event or
holiday fair, JEM Grants are the way Travel Wisconsin can infuse dollars
to drive tourism on a local level.
In fiscal year 2015, the Department funded 59 Joint Effort Marketing
projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million, which will result
in estimated visitor expenditures exceeding $31 million!
View the FY 2015 Grant Report to see which communities we partnered with
last year, and follow along to see our travels delivering the grants!
You can also see a complete list of grants available from the Department
of Tourism, along with deadlines for upcoming grants.
(Green Bay, WI) Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is once again accepting scholarship applications from students who live within the company’s service area and plan to attend technical or 4-year college programs. Scholarships are offered to students who are high school seniors or returning adults. One year honoree scholarships of up to $1,500 per year are 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:
High school students can visit their guidance counselors for additional
information. Timeline for Applications:
· Adult student technical college scholarships will be accepted from
October 1 to November 1, 2015.
· Attending a 4-year College scholarships due February 1, 2016.
· Agribusiness/Forestry scholarships due February 1, 2016.
· High school student technical college scholarships will be accepted
from March 1 to April 15, 2016.
In Spring 2015, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation awarded over 135
scholarships, with the recipients receiving more than $100,000.
http://www.integrysgroup.com/news/view_article.aspx?reckey=02723
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Amnicon Falls State Park - Fall is finally starting to show its true
colors. While some trees have already lost their leaves, others are just
starting to turn. Trails are all in excellent condition and are a
perfect way to view the river surrounded by beautiful fall colors. Come
check out the hummingbirds at the park office or the snowshoe hare that
lives in the campground. You might even see the white-tail deer near the
park office picnic area. Enjoy the beautiful views along the Amnicon
River as you hike the Thimbleberry Nature Trail. The water levels are
low, but still normal for this time of year. Now and Then Falls has
dwindled down to a small trickle. It is illegal to jump into the
waterways at Amnicon, but swimming in the river and around the falls is
allowed. - Natalie Brown, ranger
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The forests are flaunting their vibrant
colors as fall progresses. There was incredible weather this past week.
It is peak season in Wisconsin. With the lack of rain over the past
couple of weeks, river levels are below average for this time of year
USGS. Temperatures are dropping, leaves are falling, and acorns are
dropping. As result, deer and other game animals will become more active
in the months to come as they try to fatten up for the winter. With the
Brule River State Forest being located in such a geographically rich and
diverse area, you are sure to find a variety of vegetative cover to
support a healthy wildlife community. Be sure to visit dnr.wi.gov,
Keyword "hunting" to find links to regulations and tips that pertain to
the type of hunting you are planning to do this fall. Copper Range
Campground has been full the last couple of weekends with fisherman
after fall-run trout and salmon. Fishing this time of year can provide
both a challenging and rewarding experience for those willing to wade
the cool waters this time of year. State forest staff broke ground on a
project to build a new warming shelter at the afterhours ski trail. With
plans for a larger facility it is exciting to anticipate the way it will
aid in making your time on the Brule a more rewarding experience.
Construction of the new warming shelter is scheduled to start in the
spring of 2016. - Edwin Koepp, visitor services associate
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Sawyer County - Leaves have turned and are falling, covering the ground
in some areas. All wildlife are becoming easier to see with each passing
day. Deer are moving at dawn and dusk, but very little, if any rutting
activity has appeared yet. Food and water sources are best option at
this point for hunting deer. Rivers and creeks are low due to little
rain the last few weeks. This is putting most waterfowl on lakes, larger
rivers and active beaver flowages. Migratory waterfowl and woodcock
numbers have been low yet due to lack of severe cold snaps to push
numbers south. Goose hunters are reminded that they are to report each
goose harvested within 48 hours of the kill by calling 1-800-994-6673
(1-800-99-Goose). Hunters are reminded that all those hunting this
weekend, except waterfowl hunters, are required to wear at least 50
percent blaze orange outer clothing above the waist and a hat if worn
must be 50 percent blaze orange as it is the youth deer hunting season.
This included bear hunters, partridge hunter, archery deer hunters etc.
and includes both private and public lands. - Thomas Heisler Jr.,
conservation warden, Winter
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Crex Meadows State Wildlife - A warm weekend is in store but that won't
stop the birds from migrating. Expect cooler evenings and warm sunny
days. Lots of fall migrants are moving through, and the seasonal color
change is well underway, with aspens and maples nearing peak color and
oaks just beginning to show signs of turning. Sandhill cranes numbers
are getting close to peak, with several thousand in the area. They are
moving around from field to field looking for food during the day. A
good place to look for them in the wildlife area is the crop fields on
the north side of the refuge. You can also drive around the country
roads south and east of Grantsburg to see them in the crop fields.
Station yourself on Main Dike Road along the south side of the refuge
before sunset to watch their evening return to their roosting sites in
the sedge marshes of the refuge. Sparrows are migrating in large flocks;
you can see them along most roadsides. Many diving ducks moved in last
week, and Canada geese are present in good numbers. Trumpeter swan
families remain in the wildlife areas until ice covers the flowages. You
should see families along Main Dike Road and other wetland areas in Crex.
Hawks are moving through - many bald eagles are present, sharp-shinned
hawks, broad-winged hawks and others stopover in the wildlife areas to
hunt on their way south. Duck, ruffed grouse, fall turkey, and archery
deer season is underway. There is a youth gun deer hunt this weekend, so
we recommend wearing bright colors (blaze orange) if you are out in the
woods Saturday and Sunday. All hunters (except waterfowl hunters) MUST
wear blaze orange according to the hunting regulations this weekend.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and
inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The continued mild and dry weather
has made for a very pleasant fall - but fishing success has been rather
slow. Fall colors are almost two weeks behind last year's pace and water
temperatures have still been holding in the low 60s. Most of the fishing
pressure in the last week was for musky and action could be termed fair
at best. Many anglers have started to drag live suckers around and their
success has been on the low side. Walleye fishing has shown some
improvement but action has still been fairly erratic. With the
shortening day length, a few more walleye have been moving up into the
shallows and in/around the dying weed beds. A jig and minnow or a minnow
on a slip bobber fished on the deep edges have been the most successful.
Most of the walleye have been in the 11 to 15-inch size and the best
action has been in the hour before dark. With the water temperatures
still in the low 60s, both largemouth and smallmouth bass have still
been fairly active - but a bit finicky in their biting. Quite a few fish
are still being found on the weed edges and near heavy cover, with soft
plastics and a slow presentation being the key to catching these late
season bass. Panfish action has been fair, with some nice crappie still
being found near shallow water and close to cover and any weed edges. -
Skip Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls
Flambeau River State Forest - Fall colors along the river should
be peak during the next week or so. The drive between Phillips and
Winter on Highway W is a beautiful now. There are actually quite a few
trees dropping leaves, but the maples are turned and we are at peak
color. Both the north and south forks of the Flambeau River are low,
with the north fork still okay for paddling but wouldn't recommend the
south fork. Over the next few weeks it should be a great time to take a
trip down the river to see some beautiful scenery. The elk have been
bugling but slowing down now, but they have been more visible lately. We
are seeing a fair amount of grouse and lots of turkeys. Geese are on the
move and it is definitely looking and feeling like fall. Asters are
still blooming, but most flowers are done for this year. Both hunter
walking & ski trails are being mowed. ATV trails are in good condition.
The ATV trail between Highway 70 north to County Road EE is being
renovated. First stage is removing trees adjacent to the trail, which
will involve heavy equipment. The trail is posted, use caution when
passing equipment; make sure you make eye contact with operator before
passing. Connors Lake Campground is closed for the season but Lake of
the Pines is beautiful and open till December 15. - Judy Freeman,
visitor services associate
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Oneida County - Leaf color in the Northwoods in beginning to change, but
not yet at peak color. Hunters are reporting seeing moderate numbers of
grouse and woodcock. Turkeys numbers are looking very good and young
birds are being seen commonly. - Tim Ebert, conservation warden,
Woodruff
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - The autumn
colors vary from one area in the forest to another in terms of
intensity. Early morning and late afternoons are great times for
witnessing dramatic lighting on the landscape. Turkeys are feeding along
roadsides and flickers are working the roadsides also as they head
south. Groups of robins are feeding and passing through. Family groups
of chickadees, nuthatches and blue jays are starting to check to see if
the bird feeders are out for them! The bracken ferns have died back and
now the yellow of the hazelnut and rosy pink of the pin cherry and
dogwood are adding to the color pallet of reds, yellows and oranges of
the birch and maples. Tamarack are starting to turn yellow and white
pine are dropping some of their needles to create a soft rust cushion on
the forest floor. Hermit thrushes are moving through and juncos are
starting to show up. Grouse are still pretty hidden. Crystal Lake
campground campers have been serenaded by coyotes every night for the
past 10 days. Every afternoon a group of does and this year's fawns make
their way past the Crystal Lake Ranger Station. For those of you
enjoying the fall colors on bicycles be aware that the paved trails may
be getting slick with leaves. We will be blowing trail on Fridays to
clear the pavement of leaves. Campgrounds closing on October 13 are:
Buffalo, East Star, Starrett, Upper Gresham, and Sandy Beach. All others
(except those already closed; South Trout, Plum Lake, Cunard) remain
open until the snow falls. Jag and Musky group are open (by reservation)
through the end of the month. Shower buildings close and will be drained
for the season the week of October 12. Starting midmorning to midday on
the buildings will close for "deep cleaning" and then draining. We will
start with Musky first, then Crystal. Firefly and Clear should remain
open until Tuesday. Campground use has been pretty low so there are lots
of opportunities to find a great campsite. Fall project work in the
campgrounds is in full swing. Hazard tree cutting has been done in
several campgrounds and will continue over the next few weeks. Campers
are welcome to collect this down wood for use while they are here
camping. Campgrounds will open to home firewood gatherers (with a
permit) on November 1. - Kimberly Krawczyk, Visitor Services Associate
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - Fall colors will likely peak this weekend across much
of the area. Conditions for this year's Youth deer hunt in the Antigo
Area are a bit better than 2014. The deer herd is beginning to rebound
after the severe winter of 2013-2014. Fawn production was good this
summer and the deer are in very good condition. Hunters should seek out
areas with red oak. The acorn crop is excellent this year and the deer
as well as other wildlife are feeding heavily in those areas. Decent
numbers of Canada geese can be found throughout the area as well as
other waterfowl. Wood ducks are also feeding in wetlands surrounded by
red oak due to the acorn availability. - Eric J. Borchert, wildlife
technician, Antigo
Florence DNR at the Florence Natural Resource Center
Florence and Forest counties - Fall is here and the colors are in full
swing right now. We have a lot of folks coming up here for this as well
as the start of fall fish runs, hunting, ATVing, and general wildlife
viewing. Archery and grouse season has started and this coming weekend
is the youth gun deer hunt. Make sure to have your required licenses,
double check this year's new rules and regulations changes, and remember
that practice makes perfect. - Jason Cotter, wildlife Biologist,
Florence
New Wisconsin State Blue Books Are Available
The new Wisconsin State Blue Books have been delivered to my office in Madison. The Blue Book includes information about Wisconsin state government, including profiles of the current members of the legislature, district maps, demographics as well as information on both the Executive Branch and State Supreme Court.
My office will be happy to provide you with a copy. Supplies are
limited, please send me an e-mail or call my office to reserve your
copy. My office number is 608-266-7141 or call toll-free at
888-534-0034. As always, feel free to e-mail my office at
Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov.
Please provide your name, home address, and phone number when you request your Blue Book.
Upcoming Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Northwoods Art Tour: October 9-11, Northwoods Communities
EVIL FALLS - HAUNTED HOUSE: October 9 & 10, 16 & 17, Three Lakes
Fall Activities out at Hanson's Garden Village: October 10-22, Rhinelander
Rhinelander Farmers Market: October 10 & 17, Rhinelander
Annual Harvest Festival: October 10, Boulder Junction
Annual Harvest Festival: October 10, Florence
2nd Annual Three Eagle Half-Marathon & 5K: October 10, Three Lakes
Three Lakes Fall Classic Muskie Tournament: October 10, Three Lakes
Pumpkin Fest: October 10, Three Lakes
6th Annual Rhinelander Ice Association Face Off Banquet: October 10, Rhinelander
Fish & Game Club: October 13, Land O' Lakes
Trig's Flea Market: October 15-16 & 22, Rhinelander
WXPR Presents -Jeffrey Foucault: October 16, Rhinelander
24th Annual Women's Traveling 3-Person Singles Pool Tourney: October 17-18, Three Lakes
Fall Fest 2015: October 17, Rhinelander
KAMO Youth Pheasant Hunt: October 17, Florence
Harvest of Holidays/Bring On The Bling: October 17, Minocqua
Arbor Vitae Fire Department Annual Open House: October 17, Arbor Vitae
Relay For Life/Bark in the Dark: October 17, Rhinelander
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