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

District Dialogue

July 10, 2015

State Budget Passes Both Legislative Houses, Awaits Governor's Signature

I want to begin by thanking everyone who provided input in regards to the budget deliberations over the past six months.  I was able to fight for your thoughts and concerns by drafting over ten budget motions.  Below are highlights of the budget for the following two years.  Our state budget focuses on transforming education, growing the economy, developing our workforce, investing in infrastructure, and reforming healthcare.  

On Wednesday July 8, the full Assembly voted to promote several initiatives from the Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools, increase funding for public education, SeniorCare and Family Care. It also funds Department of Natural Resources capacity grants and a full time District Attorney in Florence County, both areas which I submitted budget motions for.

I am very encouraged that my colleagues in the Wisconsin State Legislature voted in favor a number of my recommendations from the task force report last session. Additionally, Republicans restored the Governor’s proposed cuts to public education, and will increase funding in the second year of the biennium to $250 per pupil. It is clear that Republicans are committed to helping Wisconsin’s rural economy, as well as our small rural schools.

Below are the recommendations that were included from the Speaker’s Task Force on Rural Schools.
 

Speaker's Task Force on Rural Schools Approved Recommendations

· Allow school districts to share certain grades without consolidation
· Increased funding for broadband
· Create a new version of the TEACH program
· Increased funding for transportation aid
· Increased funding for sparsity aid
· Allow flexibility in teacher licensing for tech-ed

In regards to the UW System, I voted to reduce the $300 million cuts to the UW System by $50 million, while providing flexibilities and reforms that the UW System requested.  Tuition will remain frozen for Wisconsin students, which will continue to keep the costs of education low for Wisconsin residents.  This freeze will ensure that additional costs are not shifted over to Wisconsin families and will keep tuition costs constant for at least two more years.  The reforms and flexibilities that were given to the UW System include: ability to pay faculty on a merit based scale, tools for chancellors to run effective and efficient campus operations, and the removal of the Building Commission process on certain projects.
 

Majority Leader Rep. Jim Steineke and Rep. Swearingen during Assembly Floor Session

 
In addition to increased public education funding, Republicans also expanded Family Care statewide and saved the SeniorCare program.

I am extremely excited that the Family Care program will be expanded statewide, which will now include the 34th Assembly District. Prior to this biennial state budget, Oneida, Forest, Florence, and Vilas counties were excluded from the program. In regards to SeniorCare, Republicans fully funded SeniorCare, which will keep prescription costs low for our seniors on fixed incomes.  This is a huge win for northern Wisconsin!
 

Prevailing wage reform was another important issue that was addressed in the state budget.  Republicans reformed the state prevailing wage laws to exempt local governments, technical colleges, and school districts.  This will help local governments and schools to stretch their taxpayer dollars further by keeping project costs lower.  The prevailing wage laws will still be in effect for state level projects.  I was encouraged that the prevailing wage law was largely debated, and a consensus of reform was reached by my colleagues. 

During the budget process, I submitted a number of budget motions to restore funding for Department of Natural Resources capacity grants and conservation groups.

A number of capacity grants and conservation groups were set to lose funding when the Governor’s budget was first released. My office worked with a number of constituents and the Joint Finance Committee to restore funding for the Florence County Wild Rivers Interpretive Center, the Natural Resources Foundation, County Forest Administrator Grants, and the Master Logger Grant.

The Wild River Interpretive Center was a priority of mine as I worked closely with Wendy Gehlhoff of Florence County Economic Development.  The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center located in Florence, is a very unique combination of all the natural resource related agencies sharing space, resources and collaborating on projects.  Under one roof the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), United States Forest Service (USFS), County Forestry & Parks, visitor center for travelers and DNR licenses, Wild Rivers Interpretive displays, UW-Extension, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a public conference room that many groups, agencies and legislators use.   
 

My  office also worked with the Joint Finance Committee and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) to submit a budget motion to provide Florence County with a full time District Attorney.

All of Florence County is serviced by a part time district attorney. Currently, the part-time district attorney is responsible for all tasks that a full time district attorney position includes. For example, part time district attorneys must run an office, address the public, protect victims, address law enforcement concerns, and handle juvenile matters as well as mental health issues. In addition, the part time district attorney must be available to the media and public, similar to a full time district attorney.

Considering that Florence County only had a part-time District Attorney, the state paid private attorneys to help with the workload when the county was overburden with cases. By making the position full time, the state would no longer need to hire a special prosecutor to assist the county. I was proud to submit a motion to assist the Florence County DA.

Other budget motions I submitted to the JFC include; restored funding to Wisconsin Public Radio and Television, increased surcharges on DUI convictions to be used for the SafeRide Home Program throughout the state, restored funding for forestry roads, out-of-state public school tuition reform, and the Premier Resort Area Tax for Rhinelander road infrastructure. 

The budget bill passed the Assembly with a 52 – 46 vote.

If you have any further questions on the state budget, please feel free to contact my office. 

Sayner/Star Lake street fair GETS MARKETING BOOST WITH second year tourism grant
Wisconsin Department of Tourism presents $6,606 ceremonial check

SAYNER Wis. (July 7, 2015) – The Sayner/Star Lake second annual Street Fair is getting even more marketing power the help of a $6,606 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce will host the street fair between the pristine waters of Plum and Star Lake on Aug. 2. The festival features a craft show with handmade Wisconsin items, train rides through town, local food and live music. The first year of the festival generated an economic impact of more than $85,900 and this year’s event is expected to generate $90,000 from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants, and stores.

“We are thrilled to continue to support the Sayner/Star Lake Street Festival for a second year,” said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “Located in the heart of Vilas County, the festival is yet another reason to visit this beautiful Northwoods hidden gem. The continued growth of the event will create a positive economic impact in the communities and keep people coming back.”

In fiscal 2014, the Department funded 60 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million dollars. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $28 million dollars. In 2014, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled $18.5 billion, a more than five percent increase over 2013. Total business sales in Vilas County topped $264 million in 2014, supporting more than 1,960 jobs and over $21 million in state and local taxes. 

The Sayner/Star Lake Street Fair is a great way for visitors to experience charming downtown Sayner. The fair is offers different activities throughout day including a craft show featuring work  produced by Wisconsin artists. Additionally, the public park will be full of children’s events, including face painting, bounce houses, train rides around the town, and rock climbing. In addition, there will be a classic car show and performances from local musicians. The Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce seeks to increase the number of attendees by 20 percent this year and establish the street fair as an annual event. Grant funds will go towards print, radio and television advertising.

"We are so excited to host the second annual Sayner/Star Lake Street Fair. It was amazing to see all of the people come to our town and enjoy a day full of fun activities,” said Jessica Drallmeier, with the Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce. “We can't wait for this year and we are so grateful to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for the support of the JEM grant.” 

JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The State can fund up to 75 percent of a project's first year advertising and marketing costs and provides support for second and third year projects, but with decreasing amounts for funding each year until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination for fun. By executing industry-leading marketing programs, providing reliable travel information and establishing strategic partnerships, we will play a significant role in delivering exceptional customer service and generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.

[PHOTO CAPTION: The Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce was awarded a tourism grant to promote the upcoming street fair.]
 

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From Wisconsin Department of Tourism:

Move Over, Michigan...5 Ways Wisconsin is Winning the Tourism Game!

It's no secret there's fierce competition among Midwest states to attract travelers. Our out-of-state visitors have a very high opinion of Wisconsin -- in fact, when compared to our Midwest neighbors, Wisconsin ranks #1 in:
· Affordability – Wisconsin is seen as more affordable than Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa.
· Family Atmosphere – Travelers view Wisconsin as the most family friendly, a good place for adults and kids to vacation.
· Sports and recreation – Our state parks, trails, fishing, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, as well as professional sports beat the competition.
· Worry free – Visitors think Wisconsin is the most worry free; our guests feel welcome and safe here.
· Uniqueness – When it comes to showcasing different cultures, local and ethnic foods, and interesting accommodations, Wisconsin rises above other Midwest states.

Want the full report on how Wisconsin is winning the tourism game? Email us and find even more traveler insights on our research page. On Wisconsin!

Click the image above for a Wisconsin Tourism PSA!
 

Additional rainfall this week is continuing to keep rivers and streams in good summer paddling condition, especially in the north where the Bois Brule and wild Pine and Popple rivers are all flowing above average, and waterfalls at Amnicon Falls and Copper Falls state parks are roaring. However, in the south, the lower Wisconsin River has continued to drop and additional sandbars are now available for camping.

Word has apparently gotten out about biking in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, where thousands of bikers have been seen this summer enjoying the many miles of paved bike trails through the forest. Most other parks, forests and state trails are also reporting good conditions and use this summer.

Bikers make their way along the Crystal Lake campground section of a paved bike trail in the Northern Highland-American Legions State Forest.
Kimberly Krawczyk Photo

Walleye, catfish, and smallmouth bass were still being caught on the Menominee River by boaters and shore anglers alike and smallmouth were being caught on the Oconto River. Anglers fishing Green Bay continued to report some success for walleye off Oconto and farther south off Suamico and along the east shore off Chaudoir's Dock.
The water temperatures On Green Bay are still slowly climbing with smaller bays reporting 70 degrees and the Sturgeon Bay channel holding near the mid 60-degree mark. Anglers along the Door Peninsula had mixed success for smallmouth bass, with the best success coming for anglers who followed alewife schools and used baits that mimicked their appearance. Perch success continues to be spotty both on Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

Anglers in the Sturgeon Bay area have been doing well fishing for chinook salmon out on the bank. Anglers returning to Baileys Harbor and Rowley's Bay reported good success with both chinook salmon and steelhead trout.

Anglers fishing Lake Michigan out of the Kewaunee and Algoma ramps had good luck over the past week fishing for chinook salmon and rainbow trout. Anglers at the Manitowoc ramps have been having success fishing for both chinook and lake trout. Anglers out of Two Rivers were also targeting chinook salmon and reported the bite as generally best in the early morning. The north and south piers in Two Rivers stayed busy this weekend, with anglers catching brown trout especially in the late evening around sunset. Trollers out of Sheboygan reported mostly rainbow trout, while pier anglers were catching brown trout. Fishing pressure was high in Port Washington over the holiday weekend, with boats averaging six to seven fish, primarily lake and rainbow trout, followed by chinook. Action slowed some out of Milwaukee and Racine this week, but Kenosha trollers were averaging about five fish per boat, with coho salmon and lake trout most commonly caught.

Loon chicks are swimming more independently now with their parents in the Northwoods, Goose and crane young are nearing the size and coloration of adults. Osprey young can be observed on their tall nests, mainly on power poles and cell phone towers in our area. Young turkey and pheasants are busy gobbling up insects to pack on weight and grow to their adult size by fall. Fawns are following their mothers around; be prepared while driving if you see a doe cross the road, there's likely young fawns around that aren't very familiar with traffic. Bucks are growing out their antlers and some good-sized velvet covered antlered deer have been seen lately.

Northern roadsides are speckled with yarrow, daisies, trefoil, many different varieties of clover, wild roses and hawkweed. Twin flower and partridge berry are blooming if one wants to look for the tiniest of bloomers. In the south, prairie flowers in bloom are purple coneflower, purple prairie clover, black-eyed susan, culver's root, coreopsis, and leadplant.

Wild strawberries are ripe for the picking and blueberries and Juneberries are ripening in the north. Blackberries and raspberries are just starting to ripen in the south and showing potential to produce well if we continue to get rain.

Northern Region

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - Rains early on in the week brought River levels above average for this time of year according to the USGS stream flow rates for the Brule River. Weather faired out to be absolutely spectacular for the Fourth of July weekend and we are expecting yet another gorgeous week ahead. We have had a record number of campers staying on our property so far this year. Mosquito numbers are seemingly lower than previous years and being able to now reserve a campsite on the property has added that peace of mind for visitors wanting to know that they have a spot to stay. Anglers are hitting the river in hopes of catching a few fish on the fly. Trout are more active during the frequent insect hatches that occur throughout the summer. You can call your local tackle shop or stop in at our office if you have any questions on what types of flies may be hatching at a specific time. Birds are beginning to fledge. Various species, of warblers, nuthatches, thrushes, and other birds that have found our area a suitable place to breed, can be seen throughout the forest tops, singing and dancing their way around looking for food to feed their young. Cow parsnip, tall meadow rue, and yarrow are just a few of the plants that are currently blooming in the area. Blueberries and Juneberries are ripening so it's time to dust off those buckets, and start doing your back exercises! In preparation for berry season. Berries should be starting to ripen within the next couple of weeks. Fawns are growing fast, and you will start seeing more and more of them hanging out with mom as they are now strong enough and fast enough to move around freely and readily on their own. There will be a Barrens Fest July 15 from 3 to 10 pm at the Douglas County State Wildlife Area. Activities include: Guided hikes, trail riding (bring your horse) and wolf calling. Demonstrations and seminars on local history, Native American culture, natural history of the Barrens, furbearers and their secrets, and restoring the barren landscape in Wisconsin. Check out the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary website for more information about this and events held there in the future. - Edwin Koepp, visitor services associate

Ashland DNR Service Center area

Amnicon Falls State Park - All trails are open. Enjoy the beautiful views along the Amnicon River as you hike the Thimbleberry Nature Trail. Trails are in good condition. Pets are allowed on all trails throughout the park, but remember that they must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. Due to some recent heavy rain, the water levels are very high and the falls are roaring! Hurry out and catch the awesome power while you can! It is illegal to jump into the waterways at Amnicon, but swimming in the river and around the falls is allowed. We ask that you use caution and keep in mind that water levels can change very quickly and they are currently high, so swimming is not advised until water levels go down. - Kevin Feind, property supervisor

Copper Falls State Park - All trails are currently open for hiking and/or biking. Due to the frequent rain, mowing has been hindered as the trails are wet in areas. Loon Lake has water temperatures in the low 70s and many people are enjoying the sandy beach. The rivers are flowing at a very good rate. Water levels are slightly up due to all the precipitation. Waterfalls are gorgeous right now.

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Governor Knowles State Forest - The ticks have slowed down; however, the mosquitos and deer flies are biting like crazy and it's just the beginning. The Trade River Equestrian Campground is now open to all campers until August 15. Hot temperatures and many bugs tend to steer the equestrian campers away. Please note we currently have an impassible spot on our Sioux Portage Route by mile marker 34. A group of volunteers have been busy with miscellaneous maintenance projects for the past few weeks and continue to do so. They have done very nice work doing projects such as, clearing trails to building boardwalks. Remember to contact the State Forest Headquarters at 715-463-2898 for a special camping permit if you are interested in camping in our primitive campsites. Permits should be obtained seven days prior to occupying the site. - Brandi Larson, visitor services associate

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - It's a bumble bee and butterfly's paradise out there! The roadsides are speckled with yarrow, daisies, trefoil, many different varieties of clover, wild roses and hawkweed. Twin flower and partridge berry are blooming if one wants to look for the tiniest of bloomers. Wild strawberries are ripe for the picking. Babies are hard to spot there since the undergrowth is so thick, moms are hiding them well. It's lush out there. Camper wildlife sightings this week: lots of deer, fawns and bucks, a beaver, and two river otters in the Musky lake campground. We've also had reports of wolves howling at night. Looks like the word has gotten out, it is a bike riding dreamland up here. Thousands of bikers are enjoying the miles and miles of paved bike trails that wind through the forest. Riders go past campgrounds, lakes, rivers, picnic areas, vistas, and through small towns, all on well-maintained paved trails that are separate from roads. Even if you are not camping, there is plenty of parking along the trail (for example, on the corner of Hwy M and N), and no trail pass is required to ride. If you are looking to camp and bike, the following NHAL campgrounds are along the bike trail: Crystal Lake, Firefly Lake, Musky Lake, North Trout Lake, South Trout Lake, Plum Lake and Big Lake. There is also a lovely seven mile paved trail that runs from the Clear Lake Picnic area (across the road from the Carrol Lake campground) through the Clear Lake campground and on to the Indian Mounds campground on the southern part of the forest. Don't forget the 18 mile Bearskin State Bike Trail is also in the area, a Wisconsin State Trail pass is required on the Bearskin. Recent rains have kept water levels on lakes and streams fairly constant. Water levels will normally go down slightly this time of year due to vegetation and trees taking up water, evaporation and evapotranspiration. Water levels for boating canoeing and kayaking are in the "good" range. Canoe sites are busy with youth camps and visitors who like to paddle to their campsite. Boat landings are also busy so we would like to remind people to avoid power loading by coasting on and trimming the motor up to greatly lesson the damage power loading can do. As expected, campgrounds were very busy for the holiday weekend, with nearly 90 percent of campsites across the forest occupied on Friday night! Campgrounds are not as busy as the holiday weekend right now, but July and early August are traditionally the busiest time of the year in our campgrounds. If you can't get a reservation, or the campground that you want to go to is full (or fuller than you prefer), know that there are always sites available in some of our outlying campgrounds. Ten of the 18 campgrounds on the forest are entirely first come-first serve and all campgrounds have some non-reservable sites. Also, some of the outlying campgrounds rarely exceed half of the sites occupied. You can check our campsite availability (updated twice daily) on our iPhone app. - Kimberly Krawczyk, visitor services associate

Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

Concert In The Park/Celebration Brass Quintet: July 16, Minocqua

Chain Skimmers Ski shows: July 11 & 14, Land O' Lakes

Minocqua Farmers Market: July 10, Minocqua

Min-Aqua-Bats Ski Show: July 12, Minocqua

Friday Flea Market: July 10, Presque Isle

Rhinelander Farmers Market: July 11, Rhinelander

FREE Water Ski Show: July 11 & 15, Manitowish Waters

Chequamegon Adventure Company Presents Tuesday Paddle Nite: July 14, Minocqua

St. Germain Flea Market: July 15, St. Germain

Hodag Country Festival: July 9-12, Rhinelander

Hodag Breakfast: July 9-12, Rhinelander

Florence County Kids Hooked on Fishing: July 11, Florence

Badwater Bass Tourney: July 11, Florence

Blue Ox Trail Riders Golf Fundraiser: July 11, Florence

Phelps Farmer's Market: July 11, Phelps

Grace Lutheran Church Rummage Sale: July 10-12, Three Lakes

Wabeno 29th Annual Steam-Up Days: July 10-12, Wabeno

WinMan Interpretive Hike: July 10, Manitowish Waters

Annual Northwoods Hynm Festival: July 11 & 12, Minocqua

Fish & Game Club: July 14, Land O' 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