On Monday January 7, the 104th legislative session began with the inauguration of the new legislature and Governor Evers. I am extremely humbled and honored to have been elected to once again serve as your State Representative. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I look forward to hitting the ground running as the new session gets underway and advocating for solutions to the unique issues facing the Northwoods.
Thankful for my wonderful family for all their support.
My staff, Sascha Glaeser (left) and Joe Mesec (right) are more than happy to assist you with any state government related issues.
The Assembly is sworn in as members take the oath of office.
Governor Evers Inauguration
I had the opportunity to attend Governor Tony Evers' inauguration in the Capitol Rotunda. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and the Evers' Administration to build on the great progress we've made in the last eight years to ensure that Wisconsin remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.
Governor Ever's gives his inaugural speech in the Capitol rotunda after being sworn in as the 46th Governor of Wisconsin.
Attended Gov. Evers' and the new state officers inauguration with Speaker Robin Vos, Majority Leader Jim Steineke and Rep. John Nygren.
Statement on Drs. Foster and Smith Closing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2019
Rep. Swearingen and Sen. Tiffany Release Statement on
Drs. Foster and Smith Closure Announcement
Madison, WI – Representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua) released the following statement regarding an announcement by Petco that Drs. Foster and Smith pet supply company will close operations at its Rhinelander location on February 12, 2019.
“We are disappointed to hear about Petco’s recent decision to cease operations at Drs. Foster and Smith pet supply company in Rhinelander. The company has been a major employer in the community for years, and this loss is very unfortunate. Our primary concern now lies with the 289 employees and their families affected by this announcement.”
“We are working with city and state officials and stakeholders to help the community and the families who are impacted. We have been in contact with Governor Tony Evers, Mark Hogan, the Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Stacey Johnson, the Executive Director of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation, Daniel Guild, the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Rhinelander, Chris Frederickson, City of Rhinelander Mayor, and Caleb Frostman, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). We must do all that we can to address this challenge facing area families and our entire community. A DWD Rapid Response Team has been organized and will begin its efforts to assist those affected with informational outreach and job search assistance during this difficult transition period.”
“For those employees affected, please feel free to contact our offices with any questions or concerns.”
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Please see the statement below by the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation regarding the Drs. Foster and Smith closure announcement:
For immediate release
Oneida County Economic Development Corporation
Contact: Stacey Johnson, OCEDC Executive Director
January 11, 2019
Worker Assistance for Pending Layoffs a Collaborative Effort
The Oneida County Board of Supervisors, Oneida Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC), and the regional economic development corporation Grow North are partnering in a multi-agency effort to coordinate and provide assistance to the nearly 300 employees of Drs. Foster and Smith, a Petco company, who face layoffs in mid-March. Petco’s decision to close the business was made public Wednesday morning. Affected employee assistance discussions began immediately.
Layoffs are expected to occur during a two-week period commencing March 10, 2019. The list of 289 positions includes 101 customer service representatives, 36 pharmacy technicians, and 83 warehouse workers, as well as almost 30 employees with supervisory or managerial roles. Live Aquaria operations will remain in Rhinelander.
We are working to coordinate efforts and resources from our state and local partners as part of a collaborative effort with Petco to ensure as great a level of support as possible for the employees and their families. On Thursday we met with the leader of the Rapid Response Team for Workforce Development. Also, we have been in contact with Representative Rob Swearingen and Senator Tom Tiffany, both of whom are actively working to pull resources and information together.
The North Central Workforce Development (NCWD) Board has convened a “community response team” that consists of local elected officials, OCEDC, Grow North, Nicolet College, and representatives of other agencies. This community response team will assist in the coordination of all aspects of a Dislocated Worker-Rapid Response program. The team will first meet on Tuesday, January 15. The Oneida County Board of Supervisors will discuss workforce support at the next county board meeting, also on Tuesday, January 15.
Petco stated Wednesday that they will provide severance and transition support for the employees affected. Tony Brothers, the Human Resource Director for the Rhinelander Petco, and his counter-part, Rich Johnson, are appreciative of this state- and community-support, and they will partner in coordinating efforts. Additionally, Petco has contracted an outside company to meet the needs of the employees, and we will work with this company as a partner.
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Wisconsin Assembly GOP Letter to Governor Evers
Every member of the Wisconsin Assembly GOP recently signed a letter congratulating Governor Tony Evers on his inauguration and highlighting issues we believe have strong bi-partisan support. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and with the Governor to ensure that the issues pertaining to the Northwood’s, such as broadband expansion, transportation and infrastructure funding, and workforce retention remain at the forefront of the legislative agenda.
Please click the following link to read the letter in its entirety:
56th Annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby Week
Eagle River will be hosting the 56th Annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby Week starting today! The week will include the world renowned Vintage World Championship Derby Jan. 11-13 and the Championship Snowmobile Derby Jan. 17-20.
The community is very proud to have the premier snowmobile race in the country right here in the Northwoods. It is truly a great tradition and a lot of fun for the whole family. Best of luck to the new owners of the Derby Track and all the racers. I hope everyone enjoys the event!
Following a recently published study that revealed an alarming number of tested wells in southwest Wisconsin to be contaminated, Speaker Robin Vos announced his intention to create a State Water Quality Task Force. Some rural areas in our state have unfortunately seen agriculture related water quality issues, and it is my hope that the Task Force will find comprehensive solutions to ensure that such problems are permanently fixed.
Snowmobile Report
For up to date information on the status of snowmobile trails and snow conditions throughout all of Wisconsin, please visit the Travel Wisconsin Snow Report.
I hope everyone enjoys a safe and fun snowmobile season!
DNR Outdoor Report
Published January 10, 2019 by the Central Office
Mother Nature is not being kind to winter sports enthusiasts with roughly the southern two-thirds of the state snow-free and only the far north having snow depths of 6-12 inches. A snowstorm Sunday into Monday dropped from 4 to 6 inches of snow in the north and northeast, but that was followed by rain across most of the state, with temperatures in the upper 30s in the north an approaching 50 in the south. A day later it was frigid single digit temperatures across the state.
There continue to be only a half-dozen far northern counties where snowmobile trails are open on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report(exit DNR). Cross-country ski trails conditions are good to fair in about a dozen northern counties. The weather is hindering Wisconsin's popular winter candlelight events. While more than 1,700 people turned out for the first candlelight event at Mirror Lake last weekend, the two events scheduled for this Saturday have been cancelled due to lack of snow or icy trails. Learn to snowshoe and ski events and a special event Fat Tire Bike Race at the New Fane Trail at Kettle Moraine North have also been cancelled.
The warm temperatures early this week continued to deteriorate ice conditions. Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes of Buttes des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan now have many large areas of open water. Only the smaller bays along Door County such as Little Sturgeon Bay had enough ice for anglers to get out. With the return of cold weather lakes have begun to freeze again, including Lake Mendota in Madison, but many waters have areas that are dangerously thin. An ATV went through on the ice on Lake Noquebay this week but the angler got out with help of local rescue.
Ice depths in the north continue to range from 6 to 12 inches. Anglers have been fishing for crappie, walleye and perch but northern pike have been the most consistent gamefish bite. In the south, water remains open along the Milwaukee Harbor and along Lake Michigan and at the Lakeshore State Park lagoon, and anglers continue to catch brown and rainbow trout.
Deer and turkey were observed feeding in corn fields after the rain. The deer season has now come to an end with archery season finishing on Jan 6. Small game season remains open for squirrels and rabbits but an emergency rule closed grouse season on Dec. 31. In the north, bobcat tracks are being commonly observed, otter slides appear to be everywhere, and snowshoe hare populations seem to be peaking.
The mild winter is also reduced the number of birds being seen both in the field and at feeders than in most years. The reduced snow cover is likely playing a big role in reducing energy demands, increasing access to natural foods, and spreading birds more widely across the landscape. On the up side, the mild conditions have allowed some species to linger longer than usual. Water-loving species spotted this week included belted kingfishers, Wilson's snipes, great blue herons, large numbers of Canada geese, tundra and trumpeter swans. Sandhill cranes continue in some southern counties. All the open water means bald eagles are also more spread across the landscape instead of concentrating near open water on rivers, but the good news is that there are more of them as they had another record-high nesting year.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - The Escanaba cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked for classic skiing on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and are in good conditions with some thin spots under pines but no bare ground evident. There was 11 inches of snow on picnic table near research station. Snow depth variable in the woods. Madeline, McNaughton and Raven trails were groomed on Monday, Jan. 8. Madeline was groomed for classic. There are a few slush spots still but should freeze up with the colder temperatures. The trail is still in early season conditions and we need a bit more snow to cover a little debris on the Red Loop. Otherwise enjoy the first tracked groom of the year. McNaughton trails are groomed for skate and classic. The classic loops are in fair to good condition with thin spots and a fair amount of debris. Tracks are shallow and icy in areas. The skater's loop is in fair to good condition. There are a lot of thin icy spots around the lake. All Raven loops have been tracked for classic. Mostly full track set with thin shallow spots under the heavy conifers on the Red and Yellow loops. Overall good conditions. - Dan Jacoby, Tony Martinez, Beth Feind and Joe Kraetke, park and recreation specialists
Rhinelander DNR Service Center area
Fishing has slowed in the Rhinelander area with the recent unsettled weather. Fish are shifting to mid-winter patterns. Northern pike have been the most consistent gamefish bite. They are being found near the remaining green plants or in nearby mid-depth water of around 8-12 feet. Walleye are biting during low-light periods along weed edges and over beds of Nitella (sand grass). Despite the recent warm-up, ice thickness is around 10 to 15 inches on most lakes. However, areas with flow can be dangerously thin. There were several reports of trucks breaking through on pressure ridges in the last week. - John Kubisiak, fisheries supervisor, Rhinelander.
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
Thankful for my wonderful family for all their support.
