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

District Dialogue

January 16, 2015

State of the State

On Tuesday, January 13, Governor Walker addressed the citizens of Wisconsin with his fifth State of the State speech.

I am very encouraged by Governor Walker’s State of the State address. The Wisconsin economy continues to grow, unemployment is at its lowest level since 2008, and the state has gained back all jobs lost within the recession. I applaud Governor Walker’s efforts for responsible governing and reform.

Like Governor Walker I want to make state government smaller and more efficient. The Forward Agenda released by the Assembly Republicans will help us reform state government by improving education, creating jobs, and fighting fraud.

Along with reforming state government, Governor Walker remains dedicated to promoting worker training programs in Wisconsin.  If the Northwoods wants to continue to be attractive to manufacturing and other industries, we must invest more into work training. Currently, the workforce is growing older and dwindling without new workers to replace those who retiring. By investing in worker training, more of our youth will continue to live, work, and contribute into their local communities.

As Governor Walker stressed, "The State of the State is Strong!"

Governor Walker delivering the State of the State.

Please click the image above for a quick message!

On Thursday, January 15, members from Nicolet Technical College paid my office a visit to discuss the Wisconsin Technical College System.  It was great to sit and talk with members of the Rhinelander community as the 2015-16 state budget approaches.  Thank you for taking the time to visit me in my Madison office.

From Left to Right: Sandy Kinney, Nicolet College President -Ken Urban, Brian Diel, Rep. Swearingen, Ron Zimmerman

On Wednesday, January 14, I attended my first Building Commission meeting and was appointed to Chair the High Education Subcommittee.  At our first meeting the full commission enumerated a number of projects including renovations and remodeling to the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest visitor's center.  Please see the press release below.  

Building Commission Approves Projects

Madison—Today, the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved several key projects across the state including, but not limited to:

• The construction of a Fire-Control Storage Building in Waupaca;
• The purchase of new digital radio equipment at several Department of Health Services facilities including Southern Wisconsin Center and Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center;
• Emergency generator upgrades for multiple buildings at UW-Stout and UW-River Falls; and,
• A fire alarm replacement at the UW-Green Bay Union

“The projects approved today continue the Building Commission’s tradition of being good stewards of taxpayer resources,” said Governor Scott Walker. “I would like to thank Building Commission members for taking action on these projects, which will efficiently improve state facilities all across Wisconsin.”

The Building Commission is chaired by Governor Walker and made up of the following members:

• State Senator Terry Moulton;
• State Senator Jerry Petrowski;
• State Senator Janis Ringhand;
• State Representative Rob Swearingen;
• State Representative Mark Born;
• State Representative Gordon Hintz; and
• Citizen member Bob Brandherm.
 

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Rep. Swearingen receiving an award from the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association for voting pro-dairy in his first legislative session.

The following is the weekly outdoor report from the DNR.

DNR again offering Winter Free Fishing Weekend Jan. 17-18
Whether you prefer a high-tech, low-tech or no-tech approach, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can help you hook into some fun this ice fishing season.

If you haven't visited the aisles of your favorite sporting goods retailer lately, you'll be amazed by the array of underwater cameras, sonar fish finders, portable ice shelters and high-torque augers available for ice fishing enthusiasts. With participation in the sport growing - some 590,700 state residents now take part, up from 479,900 in 2000 according to the most recent National Survey on Recreation and the Environment - it's no wonder the gear options continue to expand.

"There's a lot of innovative equipment out there that makes ice fishing more comfortable, particularly in extreme winter conditions," says Justine Hasz, DNR section chief for fisheries services. "But all you really need for fun during the hard water fishing season is a pole, a bucket and some bait. And a fishing license, of course. I actually go for the low-tech approach myself because it means you don't have to haul as much out on the sled. "

In addition, Hasz notes, anyone who would like to give ice fishing a try can pursue a completely no-tech option by borrowing equipment through DNR's tackle loan program during the third annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend on January 17 and 18. Ice fishing gear is available at 19 loaner site, eight of which are at state parks with fishing access. Augers are in short supply, however, so you may have to make friends with someone who can drill you a hole once you get out there. Call ahead to verify equipment is available, with numbers listed on the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov by searching "fishing equipment for loan."

While you can fish without a license or Great Lakes salmon stamp on all Wisconsin waters during the Free Fishing Weekend event, state park entrance stickers are required and other fishing rules still apply, such as limits on the number and size of fish anglers can keep. Theresa Stabo, Wisconsin's angler education director, said the event offers a great opportunity for families to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin's waters without a boat.
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/anglereducation/freefishingweekend.html
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly/article/?id=3173

Ice Safety
If you head out to one of Wisconsin's many lakes or rivers to ice fish, snowmobile, ATV, cross-country ski, or just to enjoy a winter day, we want you to have fun and be safe. A bit of advance planning and practicing basic ice precautions can help you return home safely.
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/outdoorrecreation/activities/icesafety.html

Wisconsin DNR New State Parks and Forests Recreation App
This all-inclusive app offers a new way to explore Wisconsin's State Parks and Forests. Users can decide which park to visit using a comprehensive list of activities or search for nearby parks or parks within a particular region of the state. Advanced GPS map technology invites users to track trails, mark waypoints and locate landmarks in Wisconsin's great outdoors.
http://www.pocketranger.com/apps/wisconsin
 

Be sure to dress warm and head over to Eagle River this weekend for the World Championship Snowmobile Races in Eagle River!  If your planning on attending, arrive early because races start daily at 9:00 a.m.  I am looking forward to another great weekend for snowmobiling competition in Eagle River and all the Northwoods.  For more information regarding the derby, please see the link below in the Community Events tab.  Good luck to all competitors!

Good Luck this weekend to the Green Bay Packers as they take on their NFC Rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.  GO PACK GO!

Please click the following links for upcoming community events!

AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby: January 15-18, Eagle River

The Woodruff Winter Market & Crafts: January 16, Woodruff

Sno-Eagles Torchlight Parade: January 17, Eagle River

Pete "Toad" Church Annual Ice Fishing Derby: January 17, Florence

Mapleview Resort presents: Jim Scott memorial Scholarship Fundraiser: January 17, Eagle River

Boulder Junction Snowmobile Club Breakfast: January 18, Boulder Junction

Northwoods Share's Community Dinner: January 20, Eagle River

Eagle River Farmers' Market: January 21, Eagle River

Three Lakes Women's Club Chili Luncheon: January 21, Three Lakes

Chamber Annual Dinner: January 22, Rhinelander

Fiber's Annual Ice Fishing Tournament: January 24, St. Germain

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