Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Three Lakes, Florence and Forest County.
District Dialogue
June 19, 2015
New Speed Limit in Effect
This week, many Wisconsin highways got a new speed limit. Highway crews put up signs along roadways indicating the new 70 mph speed limit. This change has been many months in the making. In May, Assembly Bill 27, which raises the maximum speed limit to 70 mph, was signed by Governor Walker. This legislation (now 2015 Wisconsin Act 19) gives the Department of Transportation (DOT) the discretion to raise the speed limit to a maximum limit of 70 miles per hour on roads they deem safe. According to a Wisconsin DOT study, the department recommended the consideration that the state raise its maximum speed limits on certain Wisconsin highways.
Please view the image below. The roads highlighted in green will have a
maximum speed of 70 mph. Throughout June, the DOT will continue to put
up signs along suggested highways. Unless you see a "70 mph" sign, the
maximum speed limit remains at current rates. I supported this measure
in the Assembly committee on transportation and during an Assembly floor
period.
Opioid Treatment Grant Kickoff
Today, I attended the Opioid Treatment Grant Kickoff in Minocqua with my colleague Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette). The North Central Region Opioid Consortium (NCROC) presented the Family Health Center of Marshfield Inc. with an annual $700,000 grant for the next five years. This grant is meant to provide funding for programs that will assist in opioid drug addiction and treatment options.
The NCROC is a group of county human service departments (Price, Iron, Vilas, Oneida, Forest), tribal behavioral health agencies, health clinics, treatment centers, and law enforcement agencies.
Drug abuse continues to be a major problem not only in urban Wisconsin, but also in rural areas. I applaud Rep. John Nygren for taking the initiative last session with his H.O.P.E (Heroine, Opioid Prevention, and Education) agenda, which passed the Legislature with large bipartisan support.
Pictured From Left to Right: Rep. Swearingen, Rep. Nygren, Rep. Czaja, Sen. Tiffany and Dr. Michelle Bensen of Marshfield Clinic, Minocqua Center
Below are the bills that were included in last sessions H.O.P.E agenda.
Assembly
Bill 445: Relating to: identification presentation and monitoring
for certain prescription drugs.
Assembly
Bill 446: Relating to: training and agreements for administering the
drug naloxone, requiring emergency medical technicians to carry naloxone,
and immunity for certain individuals who administer naloxone.
Assembly
Bill 447: Relating to: granting immunity from certain criminal
prosecutions for offenses relating to a controlled substance or a
controlled substance analog.
Assembly
Bill 448: Relating to: programs for the disposal of drugs, including
controlled substances, and certain medical or drug-related items, and
the regulation of prescription drugs.
Assembly
Bill 668: Relating to: providing grants to counties that offer
substance abuse treatment and diversion from incarceration and making an
appropriation.
Assembly
Bill 701: Relating to: opioid treatment programs and making an
appropriation.
Assembly
Bill 702: Relating to: development of a system of short-term
sanctions for individuals who violate conditions of extended
supervision, parole, probation, or a deferred prosecution agreement and
granting rule-making authority.
State Affairs and Government Operations Committee Update
On Tuesday, June 16, the State Affairs and Government Operations Committee held an executive session and public hearing. Below you will find links to the two bills that were discussed during the meetings. Assembly Bill 217 received unanimous support (14-0) during the committee's executive session.
Executive Session:
Assembly Bill 217: Relating to: practice requirement for licensure as a clinical social worker.
Public Hearing:
Assembly Bill 116: Relating to: limiting the authority of a city, village, town, or county to create new occupational licenses or fees or to continue to regulate certain professions. (FE)
The Assembly Committee on State Affairs and Government Operations
There’s been
an important change to the state’s unclaimed property program. Here’s a
press release detailing the new matching process to connect residents
with their forgotten property.
Dept. of
Revenue: To match approx. $14.7 million in unclaimed property to
taxpayers
6/11/2015
CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-2300
DOR sending checks and claim letters to unclaimed property owners
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has launched its unclaimed property
matching program which matches unclaimed property in Wisconsin against
the agency's tax records. Some owners will get a check for their
unclaimed property, while others with larger property value amounts will
get a letter with information about how to file a claim.
By the end of the year, the Department anticipates it will return
approximately $13.6 million to more than 97,000 owners in previously
unclaimed property because of the new matching program, after offsetting
delinquent taxes and other debts.
CHECKS: If the matched unclaimed property value is $2,000 or less, you
will receive a check that you may cash because the agency has already
verified you are the owner of that unclaimed property. The department
expects that individuals will begin to receive checks after June 14.
LETTERS: If the matched unclaimed property value is more than $2,000,
you will receive a letter with instructions on how to claim the
property. Follow the instructions on the letter to make an official
claim.
With the modernized matching initiative, the agency is able to process
claims more efficiently: the $13.6 million that is being returned
through this automated initiative is slightly more than 50% of the total
returned in last year ($26.4 million) through routine processing by
staff. In addition to creating efficiencies for the department, it is
also beneficial for taxpayers who may have otherwise been unaware of
having unclaimed property.
"We want to thank State Representatives Tyler August and Michael Schraa
for supporting a law change last session that laid the foundation for
streamlining this program," said Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Secretary Richard Chandler. "The changes will help the Department of
Revenue connect even more owners to their unclaimed property."
The unclaimed property identified includes funds from savings or
checking accounts, un-cashed dividends, insurance policies or other
accounts that the owner may have forgotten. Institutions such as banks,
credit unions, insurance companies, or other businesses are required to
report unclaimed property to the Department each year by November 1. The
Department then holds the property for safe keeping until it is claimed
by the owner.
Visit the department's
Unclaimed Property
webpage for more information about the program.
Assembly Committee on Tourism
The Assembly Committee on Tourism held a meeting on June 17 to discuss one piece of legislation. A public hearing was held on Assembly Bill 256 (AB 256), introduced by Rep. Kleefisch (R-Oconomonwoc) and Sen. Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) which relates to water skiing regulations.
Please click the link below to read the bill and follow its progress.
Assembly Bill 256: Relating to: restrictions applicable to persons operating a motorboat towing a person on water skis
This legislation is being modeled after regulations currently in place in Minnesota. AB 256 allows for a boat driver to tow a skier without a spotter in the boat if the watercraft is equipped with a wide angle mirror. Committee members requested that the chairman provide more information from the Department of Natural Resources and the author to further analyze the legislation.
Considering that questions remain, it is unlikely that this legislation would receive a vote before the fall session.
The Assembly Committee on Tourism
Northland Pines School District Capitol Visit
On Friday June 5, elementary schools from the Northland Pines School District visited the Wisconsin State Capitol for a tour. It is always exciting to have schools from the Northwoods travel to Madison to tour the Capitol and learn how state government operates. Please visit again next year!
Students from Eagle River Elementary School
Students from Saint Germain Elementary School
If school groups plan to visit the state Capitol, please feel free to contact my office at (608) 266-7141 and my staff will help arrange a tour and photo opportunity.
Wisconsin Public Service Job Opportunities
During the summer months, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) employs college students as summer field technicians to perform a variety of tasks throughout its service area to help keep the electric and natural gas infrastructure safe and reliable. They perform inspections of WPS equipment and meters on customer property and also install informational signs on poles.
Therefore, customers may see them in yards and on the
roadways. All of the students have WPS ID badges, wear WPS vests and
drive WPS marked vehicles. Students are inspecting WPS meters and
services to ensure they are in good working order. Customers may see
the students and/or vehicles in their neighborhoods and are advised to
call WPS if they are unsure of anything regarding their electric or
natural gas service. Also of note is that WPS summer workers are not
able to take bill payments.
http://www.integrysgroup.com/news/view_article.aspx?reckey=02698
Northern Region:
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Pattison State Park - With the recent rainfalls the park has received,
some of the trails are a little wet and have not been mowed, so bring
the proper footwear. Pets are able to join visitors on the hiking trails
but please remember they must remain on a leash and owners should
thoroughly check for ticks, as there have been many reports of people
finding them after hiking. When visiting Pattison State Park make sure
to bring the bug spray, as the mosquitos and flies are in full force
right now. Many whitetail deer have been spotted throughout the area,
some with fawns. We have had a couple reports of black bear sightings in
the area as well. When visiting the park make sure to keep your eyes and
ears open for the many hummingbirds that frequently visit our feeders
outside the office windows. Many visitors have been enjoying the
swimming area in Interfalls Lake. Big and Little Manitou Falls are
providing wonderful photo opportunities for park visitors. Visitors are
reminded that there is no swimming below Little Manitou Falls and
climbing in the gorge of Big Manitou Falls is prohibited. - Kevin Feind,
property supervisor
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Governor Knowles State Forest - With the first day of summer right
around the corner, there is no doubt more families will be seen enjoying
the outdoors here at Governor Knowles State Forest. Visitors can enjoy
many summer recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking,
horseback riding, fishing, and camping in our Trade River Equestrian
Campground and our St. Croix Family Campground. For visitors interested
in camping in the Sioux Portage Group Camp please contact our office
headquarters at 715-463-2898 for a reservation form. Visitors interested
in primitive camping will also have to contact our office to obtain a
camping permit seven days prior to occupying the campsite. - Brandi
Larson, visitor services associate
Straight Lake State Park - Iris, ox eyed daisy, and wild geranium are
all blooming in the park. Turtles are searching for places to lay their
eggs. Several different bird species have been seen in the park
including swans, eagles, king fishers, various duck species, and several
different species of warbler. Deer, bear, and otter have been seen in
the park in recent days. A family of beavers has been busy damming up
the Straight River. You can see their work from the Ice Age Trail on the
eastern side of the park. The Ice Age Trail is in good shape, with a few
muddy spots with the recent rain. Make sure to use some bug spray
because the ticks are out in full force. Other trail annoyances, such as
mosquitoes and deer flies, have been almost nonexistent so far this
summer. As a reminder, Straight Lake is open to foot travel only.
Fishing on Rainbow and Straight lakes has been slow. Boat access to the
lakes is carry in only and all motors are prohibited on Rainbow and
Straight lakes. - Matthew Densow, ranger
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and
inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The constantly changing weather has
continued to make for variable fishing success on lakes in the
Northwoods. Musky fishing seemed to be the highlight of the week and
quite a few anglers have been out trying their luck. But, action has
been on the slow side with just a few reports of 32 to 40-inch fish
being caught. Most of the fish are being seen along the deeper weed
lines, and smaller bucktails and stick baits have been the favorite
lures. Mayflies continue to hatch on many northern lakes and this has
upset the walleye bite on most of these waters. The jig and minnow
combinations are no longer being successful and most of the action is
taking place on leeches or night crawlers. Panfish action has been
generally good, with bluegill and crappie providing some excellent
action. Crappie have been found along any emergent weed lines, suspended
over mid-depth structure and deeper weed beds. Quite a few bluegill have
still been found on the spawning beds and look for their spawning period
to start winding down in the coming weeks. Northern pike action has
continued to be good, with fish still being found in shallow water
around and over any new weed beds. Most largemouth and smallmouth bass
have completed their spawning period, though some males can still be
found guarding their schools of young fish. Anglers are reminded that
the smallmouth bass season opens in the Northern Zone this Saturday,
June 20. One word of caution to all recreationalists coming to the
Northwoods - the biting insects have started to come out in force so
bring your insect repellent. The deer flies, horse flies and gnats have
been a big nuisance during the day time hours and, at dusk, the
mosquitoes and gnats have been coming out in increasing numbers. - Skip
Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Blue flag iris,
bunchberries, starflowers and columbine are adding to the summer bloom
of oxeye daisies, hawkweed and trefoil. Lots of flowers and blooming
shrubs await the hiker looking for the little joys in every day. Babies
of all sorts are starting to show their little heads and animals are on
the move, both slow moving ones and fast ones. There is an ample supply
of mosquitos and horse flies or deer flies. The lakes and streams within
the forest once again have close to normal water levels. The water level
along shore is high enough to flood the saplings and shrubs that have
grown in during the 2000-2010 drought. The Manitowish River water level
is normal to high. Use of canoe sites and boat landings has increased
along with camper registration associated with kids being out of school
for the summer. All campgrounds on the forest are in good summer
condition and use is beginning to pick up. Mosquitoes and other pests
are currently plentiful, but not nearly as bad as they were at this time
last year. A large bear has recently been spotted a few times in the
Crystal/Musky/Firefly lakes area. It has not been reported to have
caused any problems in the campgrounds, but please make sure you are
taking garbage to the dumpsters promptly and storing food in your
vehicle at night so bears are not attracted to your campsite. Lots of
recent rain means that our grass and other vegetation is very lush right
now. Campground maintenance crews are spending every spare moment mowing
to try to keep up with the mowed areas. We still have one opening for a
volunteer campground host for this season, at South Trout Lake
Campground from July 31-September 8. Contact Joe Fieweger at
715-385-3355 ext 113 or joseph.fieweger@wi.gov if interested. - Kimberly
Krawczyk, Visitor Services Associate
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - Recent heavy rain events have caused water levels to
rise rapidly on local rivers and streams. While this is great for
recreating people should use caution when deciding to enter these
waters. Local wildlife are busy raising their young. Enjoy viewing them
from a distance. Adult female wildlife can be very protective of their
young. Avoid putting yourself in a position that might provoke them.
Black bears are on the move as breeding season has begun. In addition
backyard bird feeders are becoming a popular feeding area for some
bears. As a precaution bring your feeder in at night or take measures to
make these feeders inaccessible to bears. - Eric J. Borchert, wildlife
technician, Antigo
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Funky Junk N' More "Welcome Summer" Sale: June 18-20, Three Lakes
2015 Rhinelander Boom Lake Log Jam: June 19-21, Rhinelander
Florence Market Days: June 19 - September 29, Florence
Rhinelander Farmers Market: June 20 & 27, Rhinelander
Community Rummage Sale: June 19-20, St. Germain
2nd Annual Salute The Veterans Golf Tournament: June 20, Arbor Vitae
Arbor Vitae Bike Rodeo: June 20, Arbor Vitae
4th Annual Wounded Warrior Project: June 20, Minocqua
2015 SOLSTICE FESTIVAL – Paved Trail Ride – Family Fun: June 20, Manitowish Waters
Chain Skimmers Ski shows: June 20, Land O' Lakes
Free Fishing Seminar – Fly Fishing Smallmouth Bass: June 21, Boulder Junction
Lion’s Club Take-A-Kid Fishing: June 21, Conover
Music in the Park: June 21, Manitowish Waters
St. Germain Flea Market: June 22 - September 7, St. Germain
Chequamegon Adventure Company Presents Tuesday Paddle Nite: June 23, Minocqua
Lions Club Weekly Summer Flea Market: June 23, Boulder Junction
Pine Country Fair: June 24, Minocqua
Lake Superior Fish Boil: June 24, Presque Isle
Summer Concert Series: June 24, St. Germain
Hodag Water Show: June 24, Rhinelander
Summer Markets: June 25 & July 2, Land O' Lakes
Free Guided Nature Hike: June 25, Manitowish Waters
Flea, Craft & Farmer’s Market: June 25, Manitowish Waters
Concert In The Park/Trillium: June 25, Minocqua
11th Annual Camp Luther Golf Challenge: June 26, Rhinelander
Minocqua Farmers Market: June 26, Minocqua
Min-Aqua-Bats Ski Show: June 26, Minocqua
Professional Musky Tournament Trail: June 27-28, Eagle River
Charlie Baker Memorial Musky Tournament: June 27-28, Rhinelander
Lake Tomahawk Town-wide Rummage Sale: June 27, Lake Tomahawk
Minocqua Island Swim Challenge: June 27, Minocqua
YMCA Presents Hodag Run For Your Life 5K Run/Walk 10K Run: June 27, Rhinelander
Independence Day Celebration: June 28, St. Germain
TASTE OF CONOVER: June 28, Conover
6th Annual Founding Father's Golf Tournament: June 28, Phelps
The Country Fair – 38th Annual: June 28, Presque Isle
Music on Main Street – Big Road: July 1, Boulder Junction
July 3 Celebration: July 3, Land O' Lakes
Summer Salute Land O' Lakes Fireworks: July 3, 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