State News

Apply To Be Next Alice in Dairyland

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
(DATCP) invites individuals with a passion for promoting agriculture to apply for the position
of 78th Alice in Dairyland through January 31, 2025.
As one of the most widely recognized marketing communications professionals in Wisconsin
agriculture, Alice in Dairyland travels extensively, promoting Wisconsin’s agricultural
industry and its impact on the state economy. In this highly visible and fast-paced position,
Alice in Dairyland serves as a full-time spokesperson; cultivates relationships with television,
radio, and print media outlets throughout the state; writes and delivers speeches at events; and
uses social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture. Additional duties include
developing and executing marketing plans, delivering classroom presentations, and networking
with industry professionals. Alice must also learn and retain information about the diversity of
Wisconsin agriculture and be able to tailor that information to educate both urban and rural
audiences.
“The Alice in Dairyland program may have started as a beauty pageant following World War
II, but the role is now about so much more than wearing a tiara—it’s about being a voice for
Wisconsin’s agriculture, sharing the stories of our agriculturalists, and inspiring the next
generation to continue the legacy,” said 77th Alice in Dairyland Halei Heinzel. “I am excited
to work with the top candidates throughout the next several months as we lead up to the 78th
Alice in Dairyland Finals.”
Alice in Dairyland applicants should have an interest in Wisconsin agriculture, public speaking
experience, and at least three years of experience, education, or training in communications,
marketing, education, or public relations. Applicants must also be female, Wisconsin residents,
and at least 21 years old.
This one-year, full-time contractual position starts July 7, 2025. The chosen candidate will
travel solo extensively throughout the state and be required to have weekly in-person office
time at DATCP’s Madison office. The annual salary for Alice in Dairyland is $45,000 and
includes holiday, vacation, and sick leave, and use of a vehicle while on official business.
Reimbursement is provided for an individual health insurance premium up to $450 a month
and professional travel expenses.
To apply, provide a cover letter, completed application form, resume, and contact information
for three professional references to DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov by 4:30 p.m. on January 31,
2025. Application materials are available on the Alice in Dairyland website.
Qualified applicants will participate in a preliminary interview on February 22, 2025, at
DATCP’s Madison office or via Microsoft Teams. The resulting Top Candidates will be
required to attend a two-day program briefing and press announcement March 7-8, 2025, and
the three-day final interview process May 15-17, 2025, in Crawford County.
Questions about the position or application process can be directed to
DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov. For more information about the Alice in Dairyland program,
visit https://www.aliceindairyland.com and follow Alice online on Facebook and Instagram.
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Gov. Evers, WisDOT Announce $1.5 Million Transportation Economic Assistance Grant to Support Nearly 400 Jobs

 
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced an over $1.5 million Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant to the village of DeForest. The grant will help the village complete the road construction needed to serve the new Kwik Trip Inc. (KTI) distribution center and assist in supporting 398 jobs in South Central Wisconsin.

“This investment will not only benefit Dane County and the surrounding communities, but it will help generate jobs, bring in revenue that will bolster our statewide economy, and benefit communities all across the state,” said Gov. Evers. “I look forward to seeing the results of this project as we continue our work improving and building the 21st-century infrastructure Wisconsin needs to support a 21st-century economy and improve the quality of life for folks across our state.”

The DeForest KTI distribution center is only the second of its kind in the state, with the first located in La Crosse. The project will expand Metro Drive, North Towne Road, and Pepsi Way on the village’s west side. The center will help reduce distribution costs, lower prices for consumers, assist the La Crosse center with growing production and delivery operations, and includes a truck maintenance facility.  

“This project is another example of how TEA grants have helped economic expansions all across the state,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “We are excited to see the village of DeForest succeed with this project and want to thank all local partners involved for their hard work to make this project a reality.”  

The TEA program provides financial assistance to communities to support transportation infrastructure improvements that will help attract new employers or encourage existing employers to expand. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has awarded more than $11.9 million in TEA grants, contributing to an estimated more than 2,294 new jobs. The TEA grant program has also helped retain 5,608 jobs across the state.

“The village of DeForest is grateful for our partnership with WisDOT in providing essential support for one of Wisconsin’s most beloved companiesKwik Trip,” said DeForest Village President Jane Cahill Wolfgram. “Kwik Trip’s new distribution facility and employment campus will bring valuable jobs to the region and spur further economic development, some of the key goals of the TEA grant program.”

“The TEA grant program is a crucial financial investment tool for the village of DeForest to attract great businesses like Kwik Trip,” said DeForest Village Administrator Bill Chang. “The grant award will facilitate the construction of critical roadway infrastructure, ensuring that increased truck traffic is safely accommodated.”

A municipal or county unit of government must sponsor a TEA application. The project must have the local government’s endorsement, and it must benefit the public. More information about the program, including instructions to apply for a grant, can be found here. 
 
An online version of this release is available here.

Sauk County Drug Take Back Day Coming Up

 National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26. Local law enforcement is working with community partners to host three drug take back sites in Sauk County:

  • Sauk Prairie Police Department from 9am – 12pm
  • Spring Green Police Department from 10am – 2pm
  • Plain Municipal Office from 10am – 2pm.

This is an opportunity to get rid of leftover or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications.

“People often have unused or expired medications at home and may not know how to get rid of them safely. By dropping off your leftover medications at a drop box location, you protect yourself, family, friends, our community, and the environment,” says Hannah Erdman, a Health Educator at Public Health Sauk County.

All accepted items must be in sealed containers or zip lock bags. For security, people are encouraged to black out their names and other personal information listed on a prescription label with a marker.

Accepted items:

  • Any prescription or over-the-counter medication, including capsules, creams, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, ointments, patches, pills, vials, and liquids in original containers and vapes with removable batteries

Not accepted:

  • Aerosol cans, anything containing blood or bodily fluids, batteries, cosmetics, eyeglasses, household hazardous waste (e.g., paint, pesticides, oil, gas), iodine containing medications, thermometers, personal care products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions, moisturizer, sunscreens), vapes/e-cigarettes with built in batteries

 

 

 

 

For residents that cannot attend Drug Take Back Day, medications can be dropped off at year-round drug take back sites at the Ho-Chunk Nation House of Wellness, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department, and police departments in Lake Delton, Reedsburg, Sauk Prairie, Spring Green, and Wisconsin Dells.

In addition, Public Health Sauk County has other options for disposing of unused medications at home:

  • free medication disposal kits and
  • special envelopes to mail your medications to a safe disposal site.

“Safe storage and safe disposal saves lives,” says Erdman. “Make a plan today to get rid of medicines you no longer need.”

 

About Public Health Sauk County

 

Public Health Sauk County supports the well-being of all people in our community. Through wellness programs, environmental health initiatives, and a focus on creating systemic change, we cultivate healthier places and people so that Sauk County can thrive. For more information on our programs and services, visit https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth.

Dump Truck Tips Over Near La Farge

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Tuesday morning, July 9, 2024, at approximately 11:00 AM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified that a dump truck overturned on private property, in the town of Union.  Carl Henry Haugrud, age 63, of rural Viola, WI was operating a 1991 International dump truck in rural La Farge, WI, unloading gravel.  While traveling uphill and rounding a curve to the right, the dump truck tipped over and came to rest on its right (passenger) side.

Haugrud was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured, but extricated from the vehicle by the La Farge Fire Department.

Assisting the Sheriff’s Office were the La Farge Fire Department and La Farge Area Ambulance.

DATCP announces new cattle testing requirement for Avian influenza


A new requirement is aimed at checking the spread of avian influenza in dairy cattle. Acting on a recommendation
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is
requiring Influenza A testing prior to the movement of lactating dairy cattle to fairs or exhibitions. This will be effective
June 19th, and producers must receive a negative test for Influenza A at an approved laboratory with samples
collected no more than 7 days prior to movement. USDA already requires Influenza A testing for interstate movement
of dairy cattle, and this latest announcement will limit the risk of commingling infected animals. Avian influenza has
been detected in dairy cattle in 12 states including neighboring Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan.

Evers proposes $800 million UW System budget increase

The largest budget increase ever proposed for the Universities of Wisconsin System. Governor Tony Evers announced that Friday to the Board of Regents. He said in his next biennial budget, he will ask the legislature to provide an increase of over $400 million in each year of the biennium for the UW system. Evers said the big boost is needed to prevent “further degradation” of the UW System, and that being 42nd in the nation in support of public universities “doesn’t cut it.” Seven four year campuses are facing budget shortfalls and UW Oshkosh has exhausted its reserves. Republicans on the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee have rejected the Democratic governor’s previous UW budget requests.

DATCP Says College Students Moving Out Should Inquire About Security Deposits

DATCP advises renters on getting security deposit  If you’re moving out of your college apartment, be sure you’re getting back as much of your security deposit as possible. It is time to move out for college students. Wisconsin consumer protection administrator Michelle Reinen says renters should do a checkout and take pictures of the apartment so they can get back their security deposit. She said a landlord needs to provide an itemized deduction list, telling renters how much they are withholding and why they are withholding that amount. Consumer protection says landlord tenant disputes are one of the top complaints they handle every year. If you run into trouble, contact them at DATCP. WI.gov or call (800) 422-7128.

Bellin and Gundersen Health System to become Emplify Health

 For more than a century, Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System have been trusted, steady members of communities throughout Wisconsin, Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota and Northern Michigan embodying dedication, compassion and excellence in care. The two strong, industry-leading health systems finalized their merger of equals in December 2022, and today have announced they will become Emplify Health to continue serving our community healthcare needs.

Meet Emplify Health

“Drawn from ‘empathy,’ defined as ‘feeling aware of another’s emotions’ and ‘amplify,’ which means ‘increase,’ Emplify is a new word created to reflect a united goal of increasing access, creating a culture of empathy and enhancing population health outcomes for the patients and communities we serve,” says Scott Rathgaber, CEO, Bellin and Gundersen Health System.

“We are standing on the shoulders of the enduring legacies of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System and the thousands of people who have helped grow and nurture the system brands. Today, we are embracing the journey to something new, strong and shared. By unifying under one brand, we align our teams and our resources to provide the best possible care and experience for our patients and community,” Rathgaber says. “Emplify Health is more than a name. It’s a promise. It’s a symbol of trust. It is a continuation and evolution of our shared legacies. It prepares us for the future.” 

‘This change will take time’

New identities take time to build. Transitioning Bellin and Gundersen to Emplify Health will not happen overnight. Over the next several months the new brand will be slowly and thoughtfully incorporated into the health system. 

“We anticipate it will take several years to fully migrate to Emplify Health,” Rathgaber says. “Do we expect everyone to immediately embrace this journey? Certainly not. But we will journey together. Change takes time. And we must honor our legacy names into the future. I know we have the best people in the industry working at our organization, who will help to build this new identity in the right way while respecting our rich histories.” 

Same great care close to home

While the health system’s name is evolving, the commitment to compassionate care close to home remains unchanged. Patients of Emplify Health will still receive their care with the same providers and staff at the same locations they know and trust. The health system’s most fundamental commitment is to care — for the whole person, across boundaries and barriers, rooted in empathy and amplified through the collective efforts of 15,000 team members system-wide. 

 

 

 

Not all names are changing

 

While all Bellin and Gundersen hospitals and clinics will, over time, change their name to Emplify Health, entities such as the Gundersen Medical Foundation, The Bellin Health Foundation and the foundations associated with the other hospitals will not change at this time. As it was shared when Bellin and Gundersen merged in December 2022, the funds received by each Foundation will remain designated for intended areas as directed by donors.

Yuba Woman Facing Charges after Driving Erratically at School

Richland County Sheriff Clay Porter and Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson report the arrest of Tasha Elaine Sittig, age 32, of rural Lone Rock, WI. On Wednesday morning, April 17, 2024, at approximately 10:00 AM, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a Hit & Run crash that occurred at the intersection of County Road C and Pine Road, in the village of Yuba, in Richland County. No injuries were reported; however, the striking vehicle, described as a black SUV, reportedly left the scene and was last seen traveling north on County Road H, toward Vernon County. A Richland County deputy sheriff arrived at the scene of the crash and met with the victim who reported that the SUV was being operated in a reckless manner and the crash may have been intentional. At approximately 3:30 PM, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received multiple reports of a black SUV being driven recklessly in the village of Viola in both Richland and Vernon Counties. One of the callers reported the vehicle drove through a barricaded portion of North Commercial Street (State Highway 131) that was under construction.
The SUV, bearing the same license plate number as the Hit & Run victim reported, was located in the village of Viola, and the operator was identified as Tasha Elaine Sittig, age 32, of Gotham, rural Lone Rock, WI. Sittig was taken into custody just before 4:00 PM and transported to the Richland County Jail and booked on charges of Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting or Obstructing an Officer. Sittig appeared in Richland County Circuit Court the following day for a Bond Hearing and bail was set $500.00 Cash.
Formal charges were filed by Richland County District Attorney Jennifer Harper. Sittig was also cited for three traffic infractions.
On Monday, April 22, 2024, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the operator of a black SUV had driven recklessly through the Kickapoo Area Schools campus on April 1 st and again on April 17th. During the investigation, video evidence and multiple witness statements were obtained. There was no school on April 1st, but students were present on April 17th and in the vicinity of the suspect vehicle that traveled through the campus at a high rate of speed, in the wrong direction of a one-way portion of the road in front of the school.
Charges of First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety are being sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher. On April 23rd, at 10:00 AM, Sittig appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court, via Zoom from the Richland County Jail where she was still being held on the cash bond ordered in Richland County. A $500.00 Cash Bond was also ordered in Vernon County. Three special conditions of bond are:
1) The defendant shall not come within five hundred (500) yards of Kickapoo Area Schools.
2) The defendant shall not possess or consume any controlled substances unless prescribed by a physician.
3) The defendant shall comply with random drug testing by law enforcement upon reasonable suspicion of recent drug use or possession.
Tasha Sittig is due back in Vernon County Circuit Court on May 7th, at 8:30 AM, and Richland County Circuit Court on the same day, at 1:00 PM, for initial appearances. At the time of this news release, Sittig remains in the
Richland County Jail Sheriff Porter and Sheriff Torgerson would like to thank their deputies and staff for bringing these incidents to a safe conclusion, the Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad, Kickapoo Area School District, and the many citizens who have come forward with information. If you have any information on this crime, please contact the Richland
County Sheriff’s Office at 608-647-2106 or the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office at 608-637-2123. You can also contact Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 608-647-CLUE or Vernon County Crime Stoppers at 608-637-TIPS. You
can also submit an online tip at www.p3tips.com. The incidents remain under investigation.

ATV Safety Class this Saturday in Juneau County

The Juneau County Sherriff and Castle Rock Family ATV Club are offering an ATV Safety Class.  Saturday April 27 from 9am to 12noon and May 2 from 6-9pm at the Mauston City Hall(students must attend both sessions) cost is $10.

Anyone born after January 1, 1988 must successfully pass the course to operate an ATV in Wisconsin.  Must register at gowild.wi.gov safety education.

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