— Arch Electric has completed about 10 weeks of construction and installation of a new solar panel system for the city of Wauwatosa.
The project is atop the building that houses the city hall, civic center and public library. The city estimates the power generated by the solar panels will reduce the city’s energy costs by about $40,000 annually.
This project is an expansion of Wauwatosa’s commitment to renewable energy. In 2019, the Department of Public Works successfully installed solar panels on a city garage, reducing that building’s annual electricity consumption by 96 percent.
The new installation, designed and installed by Arch, will continue to provide savings and help Wauwatosa toward its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
“The decision to expand solar in Wauwatosa was an easy one, and we’re increasing our use of renewable energy while protecting taxpayers,” said Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride. “The city is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and generating at least 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.”
Read the full story at WisBusiness.com: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2021/wauwatosa-a-step-closer-to-reaching-net-zero-carbon-goals/
— Michelle Czosek will be the new executive director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin.
TLW is transitioning to AMPED Association Management beginning May 1. The Middleton-based full-service association management company works with organizations worldwide.
League President Chris Marsicano said AMPED provides a more cost-effective structure for the TLW.
“With AMPED, we will have the strength in technology, creativity, and focused management that will ensure the TLW’s value and relevance for years to come,” he said in a release.
Czosek will oversee operations and work directly with the board on strategy and budget. A team of seven at AMPED will focus on the TLW’s operations, finances, meetings, trade shows and communications.
Czosek also serves as executive director of the National Air Filtration Association and executive director of the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives, both association clients of AMPED.
— Dem AG Josh Kaul has reached nearly $250,000 in CAFO-related wastewater pollution settlements.
K&D Manure Handling Inc. and Wild Rose Dairy caused major damage to fish populations and their habitat by spilling manure into trout-populated streams, according to a DOJ statement. The two companies will pay $242,000 in fines and fees for the damage they caused with three manure spills in two different streams.
“Spills like these harm Wisconsin’s waterways and fish that swim in them,” Kaul said. “Those who contaminate our clean water must be held accountable.”
DOJ spokeswoman Gillian Drummond said the department does not need approval from the Joint Finance Committee because the parties reached their settlement outside of court.
Wild Rose Dairy, a concentrated animal feeding operation near La Farge, will pay $57,000. K&D Manure Handling Inc., a manure spreading company in Sparta that serves CAFOs such as Wild Rose Dairy, will pay $185,000, including $126,000 for damage to the fish populations.
Two of those manure spills happened in Otter Creek in Vernon County, and one occurred in Bostwick Creek in La Crosse County.
See the release: https://www.wispolitics.com/2021/dept-of-justice-ag-kaul-announces-nearly-250000-settlement-with-polluters-for-violations-of-wisconsins-wastewater-laws/
— Door and countertop manufacturer Eggers Division LLC is expanding its facility in Neenah and Two Rivers.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. expects the $16 million project to create 111 jobs over the next three years. WEDC is supporting the project with up to $400,000 in state income tax credits over the same time period. The exact amount is contingent upon the number of jobs created.
Eggers and its parent entity, VT Industries Inc., are moving some of their business from Texas to Wisconsin, prompting the expansion in Neenah and growth in Two Rivers.
In Neenah, the company is adding 45,000 square feet to house a new production line, new receiving area and warehouse space. The company is also renovating an older portion of the facility as employee spaces including lunchroom, locker room, restrooms, conference rooms, first aid room and offices for operations.
In Two Rivers, the company expects to increase sales out of their facility after moving some door production from Texas. The decision was made to move this production to Two Rivers to capitalize on the current state-of-the-art facility in Two Rivers, the workforce in Wisconsin and the close proximity of support systems for this production, according to WEDC.
— UW-Eau Claire and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are partnering to purchase high-performance computing equipment and develop the Blugold Center for High-Performance Computing.
This will result in students and faculty on campus to engage in more data-driven research, according to yesterday’s announcement.
Contributions totaling more than $700,000 from HPE, the National Science Foundation and UW-Eau Claire are enabling the university to purchase the computing cluster. A cluster is a set of computers that work together, viewed as a single system.
HPE contributed $363,426 in hardware and the university contributed $20,000 to the project. A $350,000 National Science Foundation grant also supports the center.
See the release: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2021/uw-eau-claire-hewlett-packard-collaboration-a-powerful-partnership/
— Field work in southern Wisconsin picked up steam, with corn starting to go in the ground in some areas, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The soil was too cold for corn planting in northern Wisconsin, but small grains and alfalfa planting continued. And manure hauling and fertilizer applications were wrapping up earlier than usual thanks to below normal precipitation throughout March and April.
Corn is reported 6 percent planted, three days behind last year but a day ahead of the 5-year average. Oats are reported 45 percent planted, four days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the average. Eighteen percent of oats are emerged, a week ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the average. Potatoes are 37 percent planted, three days ahead of last year and a week ahead of the average.
Winter wheat condition was rated 85 percent good to excellent statewide, up 1 percentage point from last week. Spring tillage was reported at nearly 50 percent complete, five days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the average. Pasture condition was rated 62 percent good to excellent.
— Vaccinations continue to increase as 31.5 percent of Wisconsinites are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
More than 42 percent of residents have at least started their vaccine series. More than 2.4 million people have gotten at least one dose of either the single-dose Johnson & Johnson or the two-dose series of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.
Over 80 percent of Wisconsinites 65 and older have received their first dose. About 74 percent are fully vaccinated.
Wisconsin has put more than 4.2 million shots in people’s arms.
More information about where you can sign up to get the vaccine is available here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-get.htm
Find a local vaccine provider: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-map.htm
— The Evers administration kicked off World Immunization Week with a video message encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated.
“I’m proud Wisconsin continues to be a national leader in getting shots in arms and that our administration is leading by example in encouraging folks to get vaccinated so we can put this pandemic behind us,” Gov. Tony Evers said. “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I know folks are looking to return to normal life. Now that Wisconsinites ages 16 and older are eligible to get the vaccine, it’s critically important to make a plan to get vaccinated and help us ensure that our state and our economy can bounce back and better than we were before this pandemic hit.”
The Badger State ranks No. 3 in the nation for administering its vaccine supply, according to Bloomberg. The global database Global Change Data Lab places Wisconsin in the top 10 for COVID-19 shots administered per 100 people.
Watch the video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W-OvWh_wYI
<i>For more of the most relevant news on the coronavirus outbreak, reports on groundbreaking health research in Wisconsin and links to top stories, sign up today for the free daily Health Care Report from WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/o8FtqTLviGJPja8C9 </i>
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<b>TODAY: ‘Dealing with China’ virtual event </b>
<i>Join us for a WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com/Wisconsin Technology Council panel discussion on U.S.-China relations under a Biden administration, focusing on national security, economics, and higher education
The program is set to run via webinar from noon to 1 p.m.
Panelists include:
* U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse
* U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay
* Bonnie S. Glaser, director of the Asia program for The German Marshall Fund of the United States
* Steve Ackerman, vice chancellor for research and graduate education at UW-Madison
REGISTER HERE:
https://forms.gle/QfRMLiJSUHMenFRw8
See trade resources and other upcoming trade events here:
https://www.wisbusiness.com/trade-policy/ </i>
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#TOP STORIES#
# Wisconsin families to receive $171 million in food benefits this summer
# With Wisconsin Population Up Roughly 4 Percent, State Won’t Lose Congressional Seats
https://www.wpr.org/wisconsin-population-roughly-4-percent-state-wont-lose-congressional-seats
# Conservative group challenges Madison School District over racially segregated meetings
#TOPICS#
# ADVERTISING
– New Advertising Campaign Positions Milwaukee as Top Destination to Safely Host Meetings and Events http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/curated/new-advertising-campaign-positions-milwaukee-top-destination-safely-host-meetings-events/
# AGRIBUSINESS
– Officials: Agriculture can help with climate change https://www.leadertelegram.com/country-today/environment/officials-agriculture-can-help-with-climate-change/article_256e9968-b22d-56ac-ae35-78eb64e92081.html
# BANKING
– More Milwaukee-Area Banks Add Certified Safe & Affordable Accounts https://communityjournal.net/more-milwaukee-area-banks-add-certified-safe-affordable-accounts/
# CONSTRUCTION
– Wisconsin Dells council approves construction of new crosswalks, other public works projects https://www.wiscnews.com/wisconsindellsevents/news/local/govt-and-politics/wisconsin-dells-council-approves-construction-of-new-crosswalks-other-public-works-projects/article_f6934593-bc32-5f4e-b8c9-eec5a3de297e.html
# ECONOMY
– WI Officials See Opportunities Under Biden Climate Plans https://www.wxpr.org/post/wi-officials-see-opportunities-under-biden-climate-plans#stream/0
# EDUCATION
– 4 SW Wisconsin school districts land $120,000 in grants for advanced manufacturing prep https://www.telegraphherald.com/news/tri-state/article_39554b76-5d77-5d4b-8655-c920932e003e.html
# ENVIRONMENT
– UWM researchers work to establish simple tests for ‘forever chemicals’ in Wisconsin’s waterways https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2021/04/26/uwm-researchers-developing-device-monitor-pfas-waterways/7285066002/
# FOXCONN REPORTS
– Capitol Notes: New Foxconn Deal Amounts To Any Other Jobs Incentive Package For Wisconsin https://www.wuwm.com/podcast/capitol-notes/2021-04-26/capitol-notes-new-foxconn-deal-amounts-to-any-other-jobs-incentive-package-for-wisconsin
– Walters: Foxconn gets flexibility, but much less cash https://www.gazettextra.com/opinion/columns/walters-foxconn-gets-flexibility-but-much-less-cash/article_6e8c135d-d6ff-5b0c-9815-eb218e389974.html
# HEALTH CARE
– ‘Let’s get vaccinated, Wisconsin’: Evers and administration promote COVID-19 vaccine during World Immunization Week https://waow.com/2021/04/26/lets-get-vaccinated-wisconsin-evers-and-administration-promote-covid-19-vaccine-during-world-immunization-week/
# INSURANCE
– Malnar’s Tap & Restaurant Sues Insurance Company in Wisconsin https://patch.com/illinois/joliet/malnars-tap-restaurant-sues-insurance-company-wisconsin
# INVESTING
– Revitalizing Main Streets: Governor Tony Evers Plans $100m Investment in Equitable Recovery Program http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/revitalizing-main-streets-governor-tony-evers-plans-100m-investment-equitable-recovery-program/
# LABOR
– Help Wanted: Summer workers stalled, including some heading to Wisconsin https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/help-wanted-summer-workers-stalled-including-some-heading-to-wisconsin/
# LEGAL
– Supreme Court approves mandatory appellate e-filing https://wislawjournal.com/2021/04/26/supreme-court-approves-mandatory-appellate-e-filing/
– What sort of gun reform is being talked about in Wisconsin? https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/madison/politics/2021/04/26/where-is-wisconsin-at-when-it-comes-to-gun-reform-
# REAL ESTATE
– Madison’s zoning debate is a distraction from a meaningful affordable housing strategy https://www.tonemadison.com/articles/madisons-zoning-debate-is-a-distraction-from-a-meaningful-affordable-housing-strategy
# REGULATION
– Supreme Court Eyes Rich Activists, Their Anonymous Donations And Tax Breaks https://www.wpr.org/supreme-court-eyes-rich-activists-their-anonymous-donations-and-tax-breaks
– CLEAR Act returns, sighting PFAS https://www.ehextra.com/news/clear-act-returns-sighting-pfas/article_98bb48af-afa5-506c-bb30-e64159f450d1.html
# SMALL BUSINESS
– Restaurants and bars should prepare now to apply for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/entertainment/dining/carol-deptolla/2021/04/22/prepare-now-apply-restaurant-revitalization-fund/7327245002/
# SPORTS
– It took a hustler, a native son, a priest’s blessing and a city hungry for sports to bring the Bucks to Milwaukee https://www.jsonline.com/in-depth/sports/nba/bucks/2021/04/26/milwaukee-bucks-born-1968-city-hungry-professional-sports/7092245002/
# TOURISM
– Travel Wisconsin: Shawano https://wtmj.com/travel-wisconsin/2021/04/26/travel-wisconsin-shawano-7/
– Oneida Nation turns to ‘Harry Potter’-style talking portraits to promote virtual tourism ahead of 200th anniversary https://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/native-american-issues/2021/04/26/oneida-nation-digital-portraits-inspired-harry-potter-films/7326837002/
# TRANSPORTATION
– TMJ4 Exclusive: DOT Sec. Pete Buttigieg on federal infrastructure upgrades in Wisconsin
– New traffic light coming to Highway 16 and Emerald Drive next week https://wxow.com/2021/04/26/new-traffic-light-coming-to-highway-16-and-emerald-drive-next-week/
# COLUMNS
– Bill Berry: Wisconsin’s grazing history has long-term benefits https://madison.com/ct/opinion/column/bill-berry-wisconsins-grazing-history-has-long-term-benefits/article_f3b4390b-6530-5203-b5f0-170dc3abdd01.html
# PRESS RELEASES
<i>See these and other press releases:
https://www.wisbusiness.com/press-releases/ </i>
– WHEDA: Set to announce $35 million in 2021 housing tax awards
– AbbyBank: Donates $1,000 to Riverview Gardens
– Milwaukee Rep: A celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander culture, art & activism
– Rogers Behavioral Health, Children’s Wisconsin: Teens with chronic pain benefit from new collaboration
