Broadband Expansion Grants Announced by Governor
This week, Governor Walker announced several Broadband Expansion Grants to a variety of businesses including Amery Telcom, Inc. in Clayton, GogebicRange.net in Hurley, Wittenberg Wireless, LLC in Antigo, Norvado in Cable, and ChoiceTel, LLC in Land O’Lakes .
Governor Walker created the Broadband Grant Program in the 2011-13 biennial budget and funding for these grants have increased this year in the 2015-17 biennial budget from $500,000 to $1.5 million annually. The grants provide reimbursement for equipment and construction expenses incurred to extend or improve broadband telecommunications services in underserved regions of Wisconsin. An additional $6 million is allocated from the Universal Service Fund (USF) cash reserves to fund the grants for the next four years.
The Broadband Expansion Grants give Wisconsin a valuable tool in expanding service in rural and underserved areas to not only make sure local businesses and residents can remain connected, but ensure these areas are competitive in attracting additional economic investment. These grants will help to drive businesses, non-profits, and local governments to invest in broadband, which will benefit thousands of Wisconsinites across the state.
After all the hard work that was put in by myself and my colleagues during the state biennium budget process to find additional funds for these broadband expansions grants, I am so pleased that action is being taken to improve the lives of residents and businesses who live in rural, outlying areas that suffer from inaccessibility to reliable broadband internet.
I understand that broadband expansion is a vital component to
prosperity and growth in the north which is why I am continuing
my work as a member of the Broadband Advisory Council, who will
be meeting next week in Madison to discuss increasing adoption
of rural elderly and low income citizens for broadband access,
funding options, low-cost broadband programs, etc.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Today in Madison, Governor Scott Walker held a ceremony to light the annual Capitol Christmas tree. Governor Walker was joined by representatives from the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp, the Kowieski family, who donated the tree, and members of the Rhinelander High School wind ensemble and show choir. This year's theme is Wisconsin Sports and students from across the state made hand-made ornaments for the tree to be decorated.
Every year, the Capitol Christmas tree is selected from donation requests on a first-come, first-serve basis. The tree must be a balsam fir of approximately 35-55 feet tall.
The 2015 Capitol Christmas Tree was donated by Brad and Elizabeth Kowieski of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Brad, Elizabeth, their sons, Brody and Hank, and Brad’s parents, Bill and Jane Kowieski, donated a 40-foot balsam fir tree. Brad planted the tree at his parents’ house on Arbor Day, 1985. When he planted the tree, Brad was in fourth grade at Nativity Our Lord Catholic School in Rhinelander.
Thank you to all of the students and teachers who made ornaments and a special thanks to the Kowieski family who generously donated this tree for all Wisconsin residents to enjoy.
Executive Residence Holiday Tours
Governor Scott Walker’s office has announced the 2015 holiday tour schedule for the Executive Residence. Holiday tours allow guests to view the Executive Residence’s beautiful decorations and festive scenery. The unique decorations found throughout the main rooms on the first floor are crafted by Wisconsinites from all over the state.
2015 Holiday Open House Schedule
Thursday, December 3: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Friday, December 4: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Wednesday, December 9: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 10: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
The Executive Residence is located at 99 Cambridge Road on
Madison’s northeast side in the Village of Maple Bluff.
Tours are free of charge, and cameras are allowed. Parties of 20
or more are asked to make a reservation by calling (608)
246-5501. Parking is available directly outside the residence
gates. The Executive Residence is handicapped accessible, and
handicapped parking is available upon request at the time of
arrival.
Click
here for more information regarding these tours.
Governor Scott Walker and First Lady Tonette Walker have partnered with Second Harvest Foodbank and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Big Bundle Up Campaign again this year to promote the generous spirit of the holiday season. Non-perishable food items and warm weather items, including new or gently-used mittens, hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, jackets, and snow pants are happily accepted at the residence before and after the tours and will be donated to those in need.
This Weekend's Events
Saturday, December 5th
5:00 PM
Merrill
*Following
the parade, the holiday tree with more
than 50,000 lights will be lit.
Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th
Sat 10 am - 8pm
Sun 10 am
- 3 pm
St. Stephen's Church
903 East Second St.
Merrill
