I-39 Overpass to be Closed

The I-39 overpass on Second St. North will be closed for reconstruction June 4 – Aug. 30. Detour maps and other information will be posted as it becomes available.

Release of Sex Offender

A Sex Offender will be released in the Stevens Point area on June 5. Albert C. Wymer was convicted of 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child, completed his required sentence, and will be released from prison under the supervision of the Dept. of Corrections.

The Stevens Point Police Department is releasing the attached information pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 301.46(2m) which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offender’s release when, in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety, awareness and protection. The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense.

This sex offender has served the sentence imposed on him by the courts. He is NOT wanted by the police at this time. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities, but it was not until the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Law was enacted that law enforcement was able to share this information with the community. Citizen abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated.

Please feel free to call Sgt. Timothy Davy at 715-346-1519 with any questions you may have.

Absentee Ballots Available

Ballots are available for City of Stevens Point residents who wish to vote early for the June 5 Recall Election.

Voters have two options for voting absentee: the first is to vote at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall, 1515 Strongs Avenue, now through June 1; the second option is to submit a written request/application to receive an absentee ballot through the mail.

Requests to receive an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 31. The completed ballot must be postmarked no later than Election Day in order for it to be counted.

City Clerk John Moe reminds individuals who have not already registered to vote, and those who have either moved or changed their name, that they will need to re-register before they will be allowed to vote. Applications for absentee ballots and voter registration are available at the Clerk’s office and here on the City’s website.

Please note that there are exceptions for military voters and indefinitely confined electors. Please contact the Clerk’s office at 715-346-1569 for more information.

Click It or Ticket!

The Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office will participate in the Click It or Ticket Mobilization effort, intensifying enforcement of Wisconsin’s seat belt law from May 21 to June 3. Additional dedicated traffic patrol shifts will be paid for by the Wis. DOT.

Master Key Consulting Builds Community Business & School Spirit

Keshena, WI: The students at the Menominee Indian High School, in Keshena, Wisconsin have something to cheer about, thanks to Bethesda, Maryland-based Master Key Consulting.

For many high schools across the US, the idea of a school store is a common notion.  But for the 198 students at the Menominee Indian High School on the Menominee Indian Reservation in north central Wisconsin, a school store that sells t-shirts, baseball caps, hoodies and other apparel items with their high school logo has been a perennial goal that could never seem to get off the ground.  That is until Corey Webster, a dedicated teacher at Menominee Indian High School, decided to make a phone call that would transform this dream into reality.

Webster, a deeply involved Art Teacher, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, Senior Class Advisor, Yearbook Advisor and M.E.D.I.A. Advisor, decided to add another hat to his collection when he took on the role of developing a school store for the Indian reservation high school.  Since Webster arrived at the school four years ago, he has supported the idea of a school store to build school spirit.  “School spirit in the form of spirit wear is not readily available here,” said Webster.  “You don’t see many students walking around with items supporting our school.  A few years ago we offered some school t-shirts and sweatshirts and they sold out in a few weeks.  The students, parents, and community members were so excited.  I knew then that a school store with clothing, hats, spirit items, back packs, school supplies and various logo items would be a huge success for our school and community.”

With this revelation, Webster approached the school Principal and Superintendent and received their enthusiastic support.  “The only thing standing in our way was the money to make it happen,” said Webster.  “That’s when I decided to call Jonathan Wilber at Master Key Consulting to see if he could help.”

Wilber, Menominee Tribal member, former student of the Menominee Indian School District and CEO of Master Key Consulting has been a long standing supporter of Menominee Nation institutions and charities.  When Webster approached Wilber with a request for a $2,000-$3,000 cash donation to get the project off the ground, Wilber responded with a $10,000 donation from Master Key Consulting, giving the Menominee Eagles the wings it needed to start their high school store.

Wilber, an active proponent of small Native American businesses, wanted to do more than just make a donation.  He wanted to connect the new school store with a small Native American apparel supplier to ensure that the company’s donation would benefit students, community and small business in equal parts.  Native Genes Apparel, owned by a Menominee Indian High School graduate, was selected to supply the new school store with quality apparel products showcasing unique American Indian designs.

When asked about his generous school donation and efforts to benefit small Native American businesses, Jonathan Wilber commented on Master Key Consulting’s core beliefs.  “Targeted giving is part of our Key Principles, developed by our employees in 2003 to positively impact our clients, our community and our company.   Schools and colleges serving American Indian students have given us so much and continue to develop leaders from our native communities,” said Wilber.  “Giving back to these schools and encouraging tribal entrepreneurship is a clear priority for our corporate giving.   Prosperity will only come to Menominee and other reservations when individual members own and run businesses that benefit their communities.  Government run businesses are not going to get it done.   If our gift inspires just one student to open their eyes and their minds wide enough to dream about someday owning their own business, creating local jobs and benefitting the entire community…then this is money well spent.”

Students at the Menominee Indian High School will have the opportunity to work in their new student store, increasing critical sales and business management skills.  “The new student store will be a great opportunity for our students to put business skills into practice and learn what it takes to make a business run,” said Webster.  “Parents and fans of the Menominee Eagles will also have the opportunity to buy spirit wear that supports the Eagles’ Basketball, Football, Volley Ball and other teams. “

The $10,000 donation from Master Key requires the school to reinvest store profits to continually maintain product inventory and add more items on a regular basis.  The store is waiting for its first delivery and will open soon to offer school spirit wear and other school logo merchandise.

“I can’t wait to finally have school spirit wear on the shelves and ultimately in the community,” said Webster.  “This donation from Master Key has made all the difference and will give our community something to cheer about.”

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About Master Key Consulting

Founded in 2001, Master Key Consulting provides professional services and consulting services in management and information technology to five agencies of the federal government in eleven states and the District of Columbia.    Master Key has also supported Indian Tribal Governments and Colleges.

Master Key Consulting is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland as has offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Keshena, Wisconsin.

Contact: Jonathan Wilber, CEO: 240-223-1453: email: jwilber@masterkeyconsulting.com

Governor Walker Statement on Actual Jobs Data for 2011

Madison–On May 16th, the Department of Workforce Development released actual 2011 job count data based on responses from approximately 160,000 Wisconsin employers. DWD has submitted the data to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The new jobs data is drawn from more than 96% of all Wisconsin businesses counting each and every employee they have and reporting it to DWD. The jobs estimates that are reported each month represent a survey of approximately 3.5% of WI employers, which is subject to considerable revision and is much less accurate and more volatile than the actual job count released today.

In reaction to the actual job count data, Governor Walker released the following statement:

The actual data clearly shows that Wisconsin gained thousands of jobs in 2011. Contrast this to the more than 100,000 jobs lost in the three years before I took office when unemployment peaked above 9%. Now, the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 2008.

While there has been mixed information regarding previously reported estimates, the actual data released today shows Wisconsin experienced job growth in 2011. Today’s data aligns with other signs that our economy is improving such as falling unemployment, increased tax revenues, and household employment surveys which have consistently shown more Wisconsinites are working.

It’s clear that from actually counting jobs for more than 96% of Wisconsin businesses we are headed in the right direction.

The actual job count data can be accessed at: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2012/120516_dwd_quarterly_data.pdf.

AAA Projects a 1.2 Percent Increase in Memorial Day Travel

MADISON, WI  – AAA projects 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent – or 500,000 travelers – from the 34.3 million people who traveled one year ago. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28.

In Wisconsin, nearly 680,000 people are expected to travel for the Memorial Day holiday, a slight .3 percent increase compared to last year, according to the AAA forecast. Of those, more than 612,000 people plan to travel by auto while 36,000 will travel by air. The remaining 30,000 travelers will go by rail, bus or ship. Travelers in Wisconsin will find gas prices averaging $3.74 per gallon, down 26 cents from a year ago.

“The economy has improved slightly, however, consumers faced a new challenge this year as steadily increasing gas prices throughout the spring significantly squeezed many household budgets,” said AAA Wisconsin President Tom Frymark. “People will still travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but many will compensate for reduced travel budgets by staying closer to home and cutting entertainment costs.”

Automobile adds to dominance as lead transportation choice, up 1.2 percent
Approximately 30.7 million people plan to drive to their destination, an increase of 1.2 percent from last year. Almost nine out of ten holiday travelers (88 percent) will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend keeping automobile travel in the traditional lead as the dominate mode of holiday travel transportation.

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
A survey of intended travelers found that 53 percent said recent increases in gasoline prices would not impact their Memorial Day holiday travel plans. Of the remaining 47 percent of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, nine percent are planning to take a shorter trip, four percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation and 34 percent will economize in other areas. Those who intend to economize in other areas plan to reduce spending on entertainment (65 percent), stay at a lower priced hotel (34 percent), stay with friends and relatives instead of reserving a hotel room (31 percent) or stay in a hotel that includes value-added amenities like free breakfast and internet (27 percent).

National gasoline prices may have peaked in April despite seasonal highs in early spring when motorists experienced average price increases for all but four days in February and March. April experienced a full reversal as prices fell for 23 of 30 days during the month, helping break a streak of 911 days since the national average price was lower than the previous year.

Increase in sales of inclusive vacations sets emerging trend
As travelers seek to economize budgets, a trend has emerged. To trim costs and maximize travel experiences, an increasing number of travelers are choosing cost-inclusive vacation options like cruises and tour travel packages. These valued added travel options provide consumers an effective way to budget, pay vacation costs up front and decrease entertainment costs during their holiday weekend. Value-added AAA Travel Preferred Partner tours and cruises sold through March 2012 have increased by 11 percent and four percent, respectively, over the same period in 2011.

Number of air travelers expected to decline by 5.5 percent
More than 2.5 million leisure air travelers (over seven percent of holiday travelers) will fly during the holiday weekend, a 5.5 percent decrease from last year’s 2.7 million air travelers. The remaining 4.5 percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes.

Average travel distance significantly less than last year
According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is expected to be 642 miles, which is 150 miles less than last year’s average travel distance of 792 miles. With high gas prices this spring, consumers are responding by traveling shorter distances this Memorial Day holiday.

The decline in expected air travel is a factor in the travel distance decrease as fewer flying miles can be contrasted with the slight growth in automobile travel. Miles flown for weekend travel are typically longer than those driven. Median spending is expected to be $702, only slightly more than the $692 median spending last year.

Airfares and car rental rates drop, hotel rates rise
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, Memorial Day holiday airfares are expected to be seven percent lower than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $189 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase eight percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $160 per night compared to $148 last year. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $36, four percent ($2) less than last year.

Ground Officially Broken for New Transit Facility

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, a ground breaking ceremony was held at the construction site of the new Stevens Point Transit Office/Maintenance Facility. Jeff Schuler, Portage County Planning and Zoning Director, Patty Dreier; County Executive, Joel Lemke; City Dept. of Public Works Director, Mayor Andrew Halverson, Susan Lemke; City Transit Manager and Fred Hopfensperger; Transit Commissioner participated in the ground breaking.

Mayor Halverson addressed the crowd who gathered for this very historical event. He said 80% federal funding for the project has been secured through the 5311 grant application process. Ellis Stone Construction was awarded the contract for this project with a bid of $4,388,000. The facility is scheduled for completion in December, 2012.

The facility address is 2700 Week St., which is located in the Portage County Business Park, south of the railroad tracks, on the east side of County Road R.

Bike to Work Week May 14-18

Stevens Point and other Wisconsin cities are celebrating Bike to Work Week May 14-18 in order to encourage the use of bicycles for commuting to work.

Biking to work provides employees with valuable exercise, which often leads to better health, fewer sick days taken, and lower health insurance costs.

Employees who exercise have less stress, can focus their minds better, and are more alert – making them more productive at work.

If everyone left their car home just one day per month, employers would need five percent fewer parking spots. If everyone left the car at home one day per week, parking could be cut 20 percent.

In addition to these tangible benefits, a company that promotes biking to work is seen as a good community member concerned about the environment, land use, traffic congestion, and the health and morale of their employees.

Buying Local Means Great Food and a Stronger Economy

By State Senator Julie Lassa

Did you know you can create jobs, boost our local economy, and help the environment – all while you’re enjoying a delicious and healthy meal?

You can do all these great things when you support local farmers. Now that spring is well along, we have lots of opportunities to buy local produce and other food products. Farmer’s markets are opening throughout the area. And community supported agriculture groups (CSAs) are taking subscriptions for weekly boxes of produce throughout the summer and fall months. Roadside produce stands, pick-your-own and other on-farm sales are other opportunities to buy local food as well.

Buying local is the hot trend among foodies; “locavores,” as they’re called, know that buying local means getting fresher food that requires less processing, which all leads to better quality and flavor. Buying local also lets us know where our food is coming from and gives us a chance to get to know the people who grow it.

But the benefits of buying local don’t stop at your dinner table. Because locally-grown produce doesn’t need to be shipped across country or stored in temperature-controlled warehouses, it can require less energy to bring to market, reducing our demand for fossil fuels and resulting in less pollution. Farmers who raise produce for CSAs and farmers markets often avoid the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which makes the food safer for consumers and also lessens its impact on the environment.

And then there are the economic benefits. The local food movement has created an entirely new market for local farmers and small food producers. Many restaurants now make a point of building their menus around locally-available food products, supermarkets are beginning to feature local items in produce sections, and even schools and other institutions are seeking out local sources for the food they serve. This growing demand for locally raised and produced food is making small agricultural and food product operations financially viable once again and creating jobs in our agricultural sector.

As a leader in local food systems, Wisconsin has developed a vibrant local food economy. Wisconsin is home to the largest producer-only farmers market in the country, and SavorWisconsin.com lists 184 farmers markets statewide. We’re also ranked in the top five for states with the highest number of CSA programs, and the state has seen an increase in retail and institutional purchasing of local food products.

One of the reasons for this growth is Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin, a program I introduced in 2007. Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin is a comprehensive economic development program that includes a competitive grant program along with technical assistance to farmers, communities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations seeking to increase the sale of Wisconsin produced foods. In the first two years of its existence, Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin benefited more than 1,200 producers and 500 markets, and had a total impact of $4.2 million in increased sales.

I’ve also been active in promoting partnerships between school districts and local food producers. In 2010 I was able to pass a law that created the Farm to School program in Wisconsin. This program connects schools with nearby farms to provide children with locally-produced fresh foods in school meals and snacks, help children develop healthy eating habits, provide nutritional and agricultural education and improve farmers’ incomes and direct access to local markets.

A great resource to help you find local CSAs, farmers markets and other sources of local food in Central Wisconsin is the Central Rivers Farmshed website, www.farmshed.org.  Eating fantastic food while you help create jobs and grow the economy – what could be better than that?