---

Bring Your Legislator to Work

---

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to visit Nicolet College as part of Bring Your Legislator to Work Day. While there, I was given a tour by Ashley, a student who is in the process of earning her Health Care Assistant credential. She is one of five students at Nicolet College on the path to earn this accreditation. To obtain the credential students must take a semester-long course where they learn about the skills needed in the health care field such as hand washing, standard precautions, and how to handle something with blood. The Health Care Assistant credential is one step below a Certified Nursing Assistant and was created to help in an industry that is seeking workers. Nicolet College started the pilot of this program this past fall and looks to continue to offer this credential. Thank you to Ashley for instructing me about the program and taking me through the daily routine!

---

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

---

 

 

Click here to view my holiday message from the Capitol
 

---

Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board Elections

---

 

Corn growers in three Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board districts have until January 10, 2017 to vote for new members to fill open seats on the board. Positions up for election are those representing Districts 1, 2 and 7. Voting opened Dec. 15, 2016.

Nominated in District 1 is Randall Woodruff of Chippewa Falls; nominated in District 2 is Thomas Gillis of River Falls; and nominated in District 7 is Ken Rosenow of Oconomowoc.

The three districts include the following counties:

• District 1: Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Vilas, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Price, Oneida, Polk, Barron, Rusk, Lincoln, Chippewa, Taylor, Eau Claire, Clark, Marathon, Jackson, Wood, Portage and Waupaca counties.

• District 2: St. Croix, Dunn, Pierce, Pepin, Buffalo and Trempealeau counties.

• District 7: Green Lake, Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties.

 

Eligible corn growers in those districts have been mailed ballots. If you have not received your ballot by December 19, 2016, call 608-224-5116 or email Debbie.Gegare@wisconsin.gov to request a ballot be mailed to you. Voters must be careful to complete and return both sides of the ballot. Ballots without both a vote and a signature will be invalid and will not be counted. Voters may choose to write in the names of eligible representatives in the district.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) administers elections for the Wisconsin Corn Promotions Board and other commodity marketing boards in the state. Each year, three of the three-year terms expire on the nine-member corn promotions board.
Returned ballots must be postmarked on or before January 10, 2017 to: Wisconsin DATCP, Market Orders Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708. Refer questions to Debbie Gegare at 608-224-5116.

 

To learn more about the market order boards, visit:

https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/WisconsinCornPromotionBoard.aspx

 

---

Wisconsin State Park Winter Candlelight Events

---

 

Saturday, January 14, 2017 and Saturday, February 18, 2017 the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park invite everyone to explore the park trails on snowshoes. Meet at the newly constructed Friends Shelter located just past the park entrance. Plan to bring snowshoes; limited pairs will be available to borrow. Also bring flashlights or headlamps. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks afterwards. Parking is limited and carpooling is recommended. This event is free and donations are welcome to help cover costs. An annual or daily state park vehicle admission sticker is required. 5:30-7:30 p.m.