Fall in Wisconsin Means Fall Colors

Every year, this season brings with it a host of new ways to appreciate the natural beauty of our state. Observing the colorful foliage of Wisconsin's forests in the fall is one of my favorite things to enjoy in autumn. I was excited that this week, I saw my first colorful tree of the season on my travels to Madison. As the fall colors begin to appear, I strongly encourage you to take a day or a full weekend to venture out with your family and friends and enjoy the amazing scenery and fun fall activities  in communities throughout our state. The Travel Wisconsin website provides resources to help you plan a fun autumn vacation or activity, as well as a guide to the best times and places to observe the fall colors.

Colors as shown on the Travel Wisconsin site.

Upcoming Kenosha County Job Fair in Bristol

Kenosha County will host a job fair in Bristol on October 4, 2011 from 12:30 pm-3:30 pm at the Kenosha County Center. If you are looking for a job, bring copies of your resumé, dress for success, and plan to come meet potential employers in the area. The Kenosha County Center is located at 19600 75th Street in Bristol. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website provides additional resources for job-seekers.

Paris School Named a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School

This week, Paris Consolidated School in Kenosha was named one of only eight Wisconsin public schools to receive the 2011 National Blue Ribbon School distinction. The award is based on its students' high academic achievement. This year, only about 300 schools nationwide were awarded for their achievements with this recognition. This is a great achievement for Paris and for our community to know that they have been nationally recognized for the high level of education they provide to children on our area. Congratulations Paris School!

Art in the Office

I've been thoroughly enjoying the beautiful artwork by Kenosha-area artists that decorates the walls of my Madison office. Through the generosity of the Lemon Street Gallery in Kenosha, I have received a number of different artworks

on loan to decorate the walls here in the Capitol building.

The Lemon Street Gallery is not just a traditional gallery,

but a non-profit arts organization that also provides art classes, hosts events, and provides resources to local artists

 and art enthusiasts. If you find yourself in Madison, feel free to stop by my office and see what's on display!

The new 2011-2012 State of Wisconsin Blue Books will arrive in my office soon.  A limited number of copies will be available in mid-October to those who are interested. You may request one to be sent to you  free of charge.  They contain the contact information for all of your state and federal legislators, detailed information about the three branches of our state's government, statistical data, elections information, and a special feature article on a topic important to Wisconsin history.  The content of previous editions of the Blue Book is available to view on the Legislative Reference Bureau website. If you would like a hard copy of the new edition, please contact my office.  Thank you! 

Legislature Recognizes Gateway Technical College

on its 100th Anniversary

Earlier this week, both houses of the Legislature adopted SJR 39, a Senate Joint Resolution commending Gateway Technical College on its 100th anniversary. Gateway is an asset to Wisconsin's economy, preparing our citizens for the workforce and responding to specific needs of our state's economic climate. As a co-author of this resolution, I  was proud to join with my legislative colleagues to formally recognize this milestone in Gateway's distinguished history. We hope that it will continue providing the same level of high-quality education in Wisconsin for the next 100 years.

Local Teacher Named Middle School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Donna Sturdevant on being named the 2011-2012 Wisconsin Middle School Teacher of the Year! Sturdevant is a seventh-grade math teacher at Karcher Middle School in Burlington. She stood out in a pool of 700 nominees and was selected to receive the award for her unfailing dedication to her students and her community, and her clever and engaging teaching style. Sturdevant was honored by State Superintendent Tony Evers this week in his State of Education address in Madison.  Again, congratulations to Donna Sturdevant!

2011-2012 Wisconsin Middle School Teacher of the Year, Donna Sturdevant, accepts a plaque from Superintendent Tony Evers in the Capitol Rotunda.

If you are interested in tracking the progress of legislation introduced this session, please visit http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ and click on the Notification Service link found on the homepage.