Blue Books and Other State Materials

With that said, I am issuing the "last call" on ordering Blue Books, maps, and arts and crafts guides given the upcoming June 1st deadline and limit on the number of items I will be allowed to send until November 2nd.  Thank you!

Kenosha County Law Day held at the Capitol

As part of National Law Enforcement Memorial Week to honor our fallen law enforcement heroes, I recently met with Kenosha County students, parents, law enforcement officials, and members of the American Legion for their annual Law Day at the state Capitol.  I guided the visitors on a tour of the Capitol before I was joined by Sheriff Deputy Rowe and Officer Walsh in discussing our respective roles involving the law within our society.  I discussed the legislative process of creating our state laws.  Sheriff Deputy Rowe spoke on behalf of the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department and Officer Walsh spoke on behalf of the City of Kenosha Police Department in describing their roles in enforcing our laws.

In addition to their Capitol visit, the students also participated in an essay competition in which the topic focused on the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  Ray-Lynn Niles, daughter of Scott and Ray-Ann Niles of Bristol, won the competition with her essay "Freedom of Religion."  Her winning entry was selected from more than 100 essays submitted by area students.  A link to her essay is provided by West of the I.

The Kenosha County American Legion sponsored Law Day at the Capitol, and was represented by Steven Kolas and Raymond Johnson, Sr.  I would like to thank the American Legion for their generosity in supporting Law Day, which I believe is an important program in educating our young citizens about the process of creating, interpreting and enforcing laws.  Given that Law Day is held during National Law Enforcement Memorial Week, this important event also recognizes and honors those in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts to help victims of crime and in serving their communities.

A Visit with "Mega Math" Students from Paris

This week, I met with seventh and eighth grade students from the Paris School District's Gifted and Talented Program during their visit to the state Capitol.  Their teacher, Tiffany Erbentraut, escorted them on their trip, which also included competing in the Madison-area Mega Math Meet at Edgewood College.  The students were granted the opportunity to compete in the state math meet after winning the regional competition.

I met with the students and discussed the legislative process with them and answered questions they had about their state government.  They were particularly interested in discussing the federal health care bill that was recently signed into law and how it would impact Wisconsin.  It was a pleasure to meet with these talented young people, and I appreciated their enthusiasm in learning more about public service. 

Rep. Kerkman is pictured with teacher Tiffany Erbentraut and the seventh and eighth grade Gifted and Talented students of the Paris School District.

Mobile Office Hours

This week I held my mobile office hours aboard the Western Kenosha County Transit bus.  The office hours tour kicked off at Aurora Medical in Twin Lakes before moving on to Paddock Lake, Silver Lake, Camp Lake, Salem, Trevor, Antioch and Bristol before ending at Twin Lakes.  I appreciated the opportunity to meet with a number of constituents who came out to share their thoughts and concerns with me in regards to state-related issues.

For those who are unfamiliar with it, the Western Kenosha County Transit system provides affordable transportation services for area residents, particularly the elderly and those without vehicles and/or driver's licenses.  The transit system is part of a program that was established by state statute (85.21) in 1978 in order to provide the elderly with transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies and grocery stores, to name a few.

The federal government provides 80 percent of the funding needed to maintain the transit system through a grant under the Supplemental Transportation Rural Assistance Program (STRAP).  From there, the state provides no more than 0.5 percent of the total annual state appropriation for each county that participates in the transit program.  In turn, each participating county must match at least 20 percent of the total funding appropriated by the state for public transit such as the Western Kenosha County Transit System.

To learn more about the Western Kenosha County Transit system, please call 1-888-203-3498 or visit their website at www.co.kenosha.wi.us/transit. 

 Rep. Kerkman is pictured with Stephanie Phillips, Transportation Coordinator for the Western Kenosha County Transit system (left) and Carolyn Feldt, Elder and Disability Services Manager of the Kenosha County Division of Aging Services (right).

Grand Opening of Salem Community Park

On Saturday, May 15th I had the privilege of attending the grand opening ceremony of Salem Community Park, which had been under construction for most of the past year.  Located on 256th Avenue between Highways AH and SA, the new park features a variety of different areas for activities enjoyed by park-goers of all ages.  There is a playground area complete with slides and other equipment as well as ball fields for kids of all ages, and "nature areas" for the hiking enthusiasts.  Those who are planning graduation parties, family reunions, and other summer get-togethers will enjoy the park's pavilion, complete with restroom facilities.

Please visit West of the I for a video and photos from the grand opening celebration. 

Pictured from left to right are Kenosha County Board Supervisor Erin Decker, Salem Parks Commissioner Larry Kamin, Salem Town Chair Linda Valentine, Salem Town Supervisor Dennis Faber, Salem Park Commissioner Chrysti Neuman, Kenosha County Board Supervisor Kim Breunig, Rep. Samantha Kerkman with her son Evan, Kenosha County Board Supervisor Michael Underhill, Salem Town Supervisor Pat O'Connell, Salem Park Commission Chair Jo Weidman and Salem Town Supervisor Diann Tesar.

Smoking Ban to go into Effect on July 5th

As a friendly reminder to everyone in the 66th Assembly District, the statewide smoking ban that was signed into law by Governor Doyle last year will go into effect on July 5th.  The law, 2009 Wisconsin Act 12 stipulates that smoking in bars, restaurants, taverns, and inside any public facility, retail establishment, and workplace is prohibited.   To learn more about the smoking ban, please refer to the link to the law or contact my office.

A Busy Summer Ahead for the 66th Assembly District

With the weather warming up and the school year winding down, summer is on its way!  As in years past, this summer will be no different in how busy it promises to be with festivals, events and other activities planned for the whole family to enjoy.

• Chocolate Fest:  Perhaps the biggest highlight of the year in the 66th District is ChocolateFest, which will take place in Burlington over Memorial Day weekend.  For residents who are new to the area or have never attended this event, I encourage you to do so this year and enjoy a wide variety of chocolate goodies as well as quality time with family and friends.  I will have the difficult job of judging some yummy treats on Saturday, and hope to meet with those of you who choose to attend.

• Memorial Day:  In between the cook-outs, parties, and other outdoor activities many of you may have planned for Memorial Day weekend, I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedules to remember the meaning of Memorial Day.  It is a day of remembrance as we honor our nation's brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States.  The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a Memorial Day service on Sunday, May 30th at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, beginning at 11:00AM.  Silver Lake will hold its annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, beginning at 9:00AM.  The Navy Club Ship 40 of Kenosha will hold a Memorial Day service on Monday at 9:00AM at the south end of Navy Memorial Park by the torpedo.  The Twin Lakes American Legion will host its annual parade and service beginning at 11:00AM.

• Pancake and Dairy Breakfasts: June will be a busy month with breakfast events taking place.  I will be attending the Silver Lake Pancake Breakfast, which begins at 8:00AM on June 13th.  The breakfast will be held at 209 E. Lake Street in Silver Lake.  The following Saturday, June 19th, will be the Kenosha Dairy Breakfast at the Crane Family Farm at 29320 31st Street in Wheatland.  I will be serving from 6:00 until 8:30AM followed by my husband Chad.  For more information about the dairy breakfast, please visit West of the I.  We hope you will join us for breakfast!

• Libertyfest: The Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association will again host its annual Libertyfest from July 2nd through July 4th.  One of the area's biggest events, Libertyfest is a patriotic celebration featuring food, family fun, and entertainment.  The Grand Parade will be on July 3rd beginning at 11:00AM.  Then, at dusk, the skies will light up with a fireworks display.  Please visit the Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association website for more information.

• Racine County Fair: Before we know it, fair season will be here!  The Racine County Fair will take place from Wednesday, July 28th through Sunday, August 1st with country music singer Rodney Atkins  headlining the event.  The fair will be located at 19805 Durand Avenue in Union Grove.

• Kenosha County Fair: This year, the Kenosha County Fair will be held from August 18th until August 22nd at the fairgrounds near Wilmot.  See you at the fair!

Kudos to the Proud Dads!

As this is my final edition of Capitol Insight for the 2009 - 2010 Session, I would like to wish all of the dads out there an early Happy Fathers Day.  I hope your special day is filled with celebration with family and friends in appreciation for all that you do year-round.