Marcus Wydeven Memorial

The Northwoods of Wisconsin mourns the loss of one if its citizens last week. Marcus “Marc” Wydeven, age 50, passed away tragically on July 14, 2015

Marc was employed by the Lincoln County Highway Department and was working on STH 17 when he was struck by a vehicle. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, in Merrill, where he later died on account of the injuries sustained from the crash.

Marc was born on February 22, 1965 to his parents Julius & Barbara Wydeven in Merrill. He married Mary Mattson on June 17, 2005, in Tomahawk. Marc was the hardest worker you’ll ever meet. When he came home from his job with the county, he would work with his horses, make hay and other various jobs around the house and for his “Skanawan Neighbors”. He worked dawn until dusk. Two of Marc’s most treasured memories are his trip to Alaska and his trip to Mexico. He enjoyed watching Nascar and spending time with family.

Marc is survived by his wife, Mary Wydeven, of Irma, his mother, Barbara Wydeven, of Tomahawk, his sister, Leisa Wydeven, of Tomahawk, and his step-children, Gary (Tarsie) Goes, of Tomahawk, Kyle Goes, of Irma, Caleb Krueger, of Irma. Marc is further survived by a grandchild on the way, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his dad, Jul.

The Funeral Service for Marcus “Marc” Wydeven will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 11:00AM at the Krueger Family Funeral Home. Pastor Larry Mathein will officiate. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, July 24 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM and again on Saturday from 10:00AM until the time of service at 11:00AM.

The Governor has issued an Executive Order that the American flag flying over the Capitol building in Madison will be flown at half-staff this Saturday, from dawn until dusk, in memorial of Marc.

In the wake of this tragedy, I ask that everyone slow down and be more attentive while driving, especially through construction zones where lanes are narrower, objects obstruct line of sight, and road workers are near.
 

For additional information regarding Marc's service or memorial click here.

Storm Chaser's DATCP Warning

Summer storms in Wisconsin can be brutal. If your property is damaged due to severe weather, it’s good to remember that another kind of storm may be brewing: transient home improvement workers who rip off homeowners. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) warns Wisconsin residents to be on the lookout for these “storm chasers.”

“Every year we hear from consumers who have been conned by storm chasers,” said Frank Frassetto, Division Administrator for Trade and Consumer Protection. “Don’t be hasty when doing your homework on the contractor you hire.”

Storm chasers charge high prices for shoddy work, or offer a low price to get an upfront payment and then run off with a victim’s money. The workers are often from out of state and move quickly from town to town, making them difficult to track. The workers pressure homeowners for a down payment, and sometimes increase the price of the job when they ask for the final payment.

“Never let these workers into your home and don’t give in to high-pressure tactics,” said Frassetto.

A Wisconsin state law – “The Storm Chaser Law” – gives DATCP enforcement tools to protect consumers and honest businesses and aims to prevent insurance fraud. Highlights of the law include:

•Contractors cannot promise to pay all or some of a property insurance deductible.
•Contractors cannot represent or negotiate with the customer’s homeowner’s insurer on behalf of the customer. The contractor can, with the consent of the customer, discuss damages and costs associated with the repairs with the insurer.
•Before entering into a contract with a customer, the contractor must give the customer a questionnaire to determine whether the work requested is related to an insurance claim.
•Customers have a right to cancel the contract within three business days of being notified that their insurer has denied all or any part of the claim for work. Contractors must notify customers of this right.

Here are additional Consumer Protection tips for homeowners with storm damage:

•Hire a contractor based on referrals. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations and ask contractors for references. Before you sign a contract, contact DATCP to see if we have received complaints about the business.
•Try to get a local contractor. Ask contractors if they are subcontracting your job. Be careful if local contractors are using outside subcontractors.
•Get lien waivers from anyone you pay for home repairs. Lien waivers protect you if the person collecting the money does not pay the suppliers or workers.
•Get a written contract with a start and completion date and warranty information. Also, make certain that the contract states exactly what work is to be done and what materials are to be used. Never rely on a verbal commitment.
•Ask to see the contractor’s state registration card. Make sure that any contractor you are considering hiring shows you their state registration card.
•Have someone watch the work being done. Check with your local building inspector to see if the work requires a permit. Make sure an inspector visits the job site before you make a final payment.
•Request a copy of the contractor's certificate of liability insurance.

For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.
 

Unemployment Numbers for Wisconsin

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) released the newest employment numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics last week. Wisconsin has a preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.6% in June 2015.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is below the national unemployment rate of 5.3 percent for the month. Additionally, the state's labor force participation rate of 67.6 percent in June outpaced the national rate which sits at 62.6 percent.

One year ago, our state unemployment rate was 5.4% and in just the past twelve months, our efforts and policies have dropped that number nearly 1% proving that Wisconsin is continuing to move forward!

Lincoln County Fair