Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Three Lakes, Florence and Forest County.

District Dialogue

September 25, 2015

Flags Lowered to Honor Wisconsin Justice Pat Crooks

Madison – Governor Scott Walker issued Executive Order #176 today ordering the Flag of the United States of America and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff in memory of state Supreme Court Justice N. Patrick Crooks, who passed away on Monday.

“For almost two decades, Justice Crooks demonstrated his commitment to the citizens of Wisconsin through his service on the state Supreme Court,” Governor Walker said. “His service extended beyond the bench as well, as Justice Crooks also proudly served his country as an officer in the U.S. Army. I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing, and Tonette and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Justice Crooks was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1996 and again in 2006. He had previously served 19 years on the bench in Brown County and served as a U.S. Army officer at the Pentagon from 1964 to 1966. He also worked in private practice and taught business law at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

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Upcoming Listening Sessions in the Northwoods

On Monday, September 28, Senator Tiffany and I will be holding listening sessions across the 34th Assembly District.  Each of the listening sessions will last approximately one hour.  Please try to attend to voice your opinions, concerns, or questions to Senator Tiffany and me at the locations below.  I am looking forward to meeting with all of you.

9:30-10:30 a.m. – Florence
Florence County Natural Resource Center – Conference Room

5628 Forestry Drive
Florence, WI 54121

1:00-2:00 p.m. – Three Lakes

Town of Three Lakes Board Room
6965 West School Street
Three Lakes, WI

4:00-5:00 p.m. – Town of Arbor Vitae
Arbor Vitae Town Hall – Community Room
10675 Big Arbor Vitae Drive
Woodruff, WI

Over the past two weeks, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs and Government Operations, which I chair, held two meetings.  On September 16, a public hearing was held to discuss four pieces of legislation.  Discussion centered on Assembly Bill 335, a bipartisan bill which will ensure closed or decommissioned power plants will continue to receive utility aid payments for five years after closing.  This five year period will serve as soft landing for local governing bodies as they adjust their budgets after the plant closes. 

Assembly Bill 285:  Relating to: regulation of columbaria maintained by religious associations.

Assembly Bill 289:  Relating to: exempting out-of-state emergency medical services personnel from licensure requirements.

Assembly Bill 297:  Relating to: copying, making available, and required notices on, certain vital records.

Assembly Bill 335:  Relating to: utility aid payments for decommissioned or closed production plants.

Chairman Swearingen chatting with Rep. Zamarripa; the committee's ranking Democratic member. 

On September 23, an executive session and another public hearing was held to consider three additional proposals.  The executive session schedule included two bills from the previous public hearing (Assembly Bill 285 and Assembly Bill 289).  Both bills received large bipartisan support.  The public hearing focused on bills that dealt with minor changes to cider samples and exemptions for retail alcohol beverage licenses.  For example, underage persons are permitted inside bowling alleys without parental supervision, even though alcohol is being served.  Of course underage persons are not permitted to indulge in drinking alcohol, but because bowling alleys are considered an exemption, underage persons may still enter the business.  Two of the bills we heard added indoor golf and baseball facilities, as well as fairgrounds in the city of Chippewa Falls to the list of exemptions. 

The final bill we discussed would permit Wisconsin wineries to provide samples of Wisconsin-made ciders to patrons, similar to wine samples.  

Assembly Bill 315:  Relating to: the presence of underage persons on premises operating under a retail alcohol beverage license.

Assembly Bill 324:  Relating to: modifying an exception to the prohibition against underage persons being present on premises operating under an alcohol beverage license issued to a specified licensee in Chippewa Falls.

Assembly Bill 331:  Relating to: taste samples of fermented apple cider provided by a winery.

On Thursday, September 23, Governor Walker addressed our caucus to discuss potential reforms for the remainder of this session. His discussion focused on reforming Wisconsin's civil service system.  The primary objective of this proposal is to help the state of Wisconsin, as an employer, remain competitive in its ability to compete and retain the best and brightest in today’s workforce.  There has yet to be any legislation introduced to address these reforms, I look forward to the future debate. 

Rep. Swearingen with Governor Scott Walker.

Today I attended the September Northwoods Rail Transit Commission meeting at Nicolet Technical College in Rhinelander.  Prior to this meeting, my office invited a number of northern Wisconsin legislators to attend to meet with the group.  I was pleased that Representative Mary Czaja (R-Irma), Representative James Edming (R-Glen Flora), Rep. Jeff Mursau (R- Crivitz) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) were able to attend. 

Back Row: Rep. Rob Swearingen and Wendy Gehlhoff.  Front Row: Rep. Mary Czaja and Rep. James Edming. 

The discussion focused on the reduction of rail service and loss of track throughout Northern Wisconsin.  Rail preservation is vital to the Northwoods economy to assist in the movement of raw forest products as well as other manufactured goods.  Retaining rail throughout the state will alleviate strain  on our local, county, and state highways.  I appreciated the great discussion today. 

September 4, 2015

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin's 16 million acres of forests will soon transform from bright green to vibrant seasonal hues, and travelers can use the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report to find the best fall color and plan their getaway. With more than 25,000 views so far, the award-winning report has seen a steady increase in website traffic since July, nearly two months earlier than last year's Fall Color Report. The report, which officially launched today on TravelWisconsin.com, offers an interactive map with links to nearby events, lodging and dining; local travel tips, such as scenic drives and seasonal activities; and the ability to share, tag and rate photos.

FALL COLOR REPORT FACTS

Fall foliage fans interested in tracking the state's changing color can access the report from their mobile device to make travel decisions on the go, or text "WI Fall" to 468311 to receive alerts. Visitors can also sign up to have the Fall Color Report emailed to them every Thursday in time to make weekend plans. More than 100 fall color reporters throughout the state provide updates for all 72 counties, making the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report the most timely and comprehensive report available. It is updated "virtually live," meaning reporters from chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, tourism organizations, and state parks and forests can update their area's status as conditions change. At a minimum, fall color watchers update once a week.

Northern Region

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - The fall color show has begun in the Brule area. We have experienced a mixture of warm sunny days and cooler nights this past week, a reminder to pack a light jacket before heading out on any outdoor excursion. As you watch the astonishing art show unfold in the weeks to come, check out resources found on the DNR website, for "fall colors" to learn about this phenomenon that makes our area so popular. Also find information on the estimated peak season leaf change for different areas around the state. River levels are below average according to the USGS Streamflow information. Scattered reports show fish should be starting to move in to the river but are seemingly sporadic in their willingness to be caught by fisherman. Fishing reports from Lake Superior are also sporadic. There seems to be a intuitive switch that flips in outdoors enthusiasts this time of year. Colors change, cool air prompts an extra layer of clothing, and the forest floor, once covered with lush green, has now tainted to a decaying brown. Hunters have been hitting the woods in pursuit of wild game and adventure. A canoe trip down the Brule or a walk through the miles of State Forest trails is a perfect way to welcome in and observe the change of seasons. - Edwin Koepp, visitor services associate

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Washburn County - Good-sized turkey broods are being seen in Washburn and Burnett counties. Leaves are beautiful and changing colors. Weather couldn't be better to enjoy the outdoors. Archery hunters are finding the 24/7 CWD sampling kiosks located in Shell Lake at Cenex Country Pride and Speedy C's in Barronett is to be extremely convenient. - Nancy Christel, wildlife biologist, Spooner

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Flambeau River State Forest - The drive between Phillips and Winter on Highway W is starting to show quite a bit of color, especially in low lying areas. There are actually quite a few trees dropping leaves, but the maples are about 1/2 turned for the most part. Peak color for maples should be within the next couple of weeks. We are also seeing roadside sumac turning red as well. Snappers on the move looking for winter habitat. Birds are flocking up and chickadees are hitting the bird feeders. Hunters are again hitting the woods as bear, grouse and deer archery season are underway. Both the north and south forks of the Flambeau River are good for paddling with the north fork a bit on the low side. Over the next few weeks it should be a great that time to take that trip down the river to see some beautiful scenery. Both hunter walking and ski trails are being mowed. ATV trails are in good condition, ATV trail between Hwy 70 north to Co. Rd. 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

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Hints of yellows and reds are starting to show in the forest. Bracken ferns have died off and many of the smaller understory plants are starting to show summer's end. Poison ivy has a rosy glow and the grasses are turning brown. Goldenrod and Big leaf aster are still blooming along roadsides and trails. Many different types of mushrooms are still gracing the forest floor. Turkey broods are working the roadsides and once in a while you will see a coyote bounce across the road. Fall migrants are passing through and their silence reminds us of the big quiet that is to come. Forest visitors are seeing lots of wildlife while they are out and about. A big fat porcupine was seen walking down the campground road. There have been lots of deer around town in Boulder Junction and Sayner. Bikers spotted a coyote right on the trail near Firefly Campground. A couple juvenile loons have been hanging out on Crystal Lake, resting up for the rest of their trip south. Campers have also reported flocks of yellow rumped myrtle warblers around Crystal. Traffic was stopped as a bear and her two cubs crossed the road heading to the Carrol Lake Campground from the Clear Lake picnic area. An albino squirrel was seen near Nebish Lake. A camper was surprised when a chipmunk jumped on their lap to eat popcorn. The forests trail crew working on the Escanaba trail to improve trail tread. The trail pass fee boxes have been removed at the Lumberjack Trail. The Lumberjack Trail is now a non-fee trail. 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

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!

Beef-A-Rama 2015: September 25-26, Minocqua

2015 Fishing Hot Spots Hodag Musky Challenge: September 25-27, Rhinelander

Trig's Flea Market: September 25 & October 1-2, Rhinelander

Minocqua Farmers Market: September 25, Minocqua

Northwoods Model Railroad Club Annual Train Show & Swap Meet: September 26-27, Minocqua

Rhinelander Farmers Market: September 26 & October 3, Rhinelander

12th Annual Rump Roast Run: September 26, Minocqua

Prime Choice Craft Show: September 26, Minocqua

Land O' Lakes Colorama Dinner: September 26 & 27, Land O' Lakes

Colorama Breakfast & Craft Show: September 27, Sayner

Wild Game and Natural Foods Cook-Off!: September 27, Presque Isle

Florence Market Days: September 29, Florence

Parrish Highlanders ATV Club Fall Ride: October 1-3, Pelican Lake

Three Lakes Winery Cranberry Marsh & Winery Tours: October 1-4, Three Lakes

1st Annual Lakeland Area Kiwanis Walleye Tournament: October 2-3, Vilas County Area Lakes

35th Annual Midwest Musky Classic: October 2-4, Phelps

36th Annual Cranberry Fest: October 3-4, Eagle River

Greater Wisconsin Muskie Tournament: October 3-4, St. Germain

Harvest Hoedown: October 3, Rhinelander

14th Annual Friends of the Boulder Junction Public Library Wine and Beer Tasting: October 3, Boulder Junction

Woodruff Fire Dept/Pig Roast & Gun Raffle: October 3, Woodruff

Cran-A-Rama Craft Show and More!: October 3, Manitowish Waters

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: October 6, Rhinelander

Northwoods Art Tour: October 9-11, Northwoods Communities

Annual Harvest Festival: October 10, Boulder Junction

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