MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers Wednesday released the statement below following the crash of a F-16 Fighting Falcon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Tuesday night.  

“I was devastated to learn last night that a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard was involved in an F-16 crash in the Upper Peninsula. As search and rescue operations continue, Kathy and I are hoping and praying for the pilot’s safe return. Our hearts go out to pilot’s family as well as the members of the 115th Fighter Wing as they continue working to bring the pilot home.”

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison. The incident is under investigation. The search for the pilot is ongoing and the pilot's status is unknown.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/hurricane-harvey-s5.jpg"As a task force member, it was heartening to get so much input from the public,” said Wisconsin Conservation Voters Executive Director Kerry Schumann.

45 U.S. Army medical personnel to help state fight COVID-19.

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers today announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) will deploy approximately 45 U.S. Army medical personnel to assist the state’s efforts to combat COVID-19 in Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin’s healthcare system is strained, and our frontline healthcare workers are doing amazing work under extraordinary circumstances,” said Gov. Evers. “Many of them working back-to-back shifts in head-to-toe PPE, putting their health and safety on the line to take care of our vulnerable COVID-19 patients. This additional support is crucial and I thank the Department of Defense for providing these resources to the state.”

The incoming medical personnel will support Marshfield Medical Center facilities in Marshfield, Eau Claire, Beaver Dam, and Rice Lake. The Marshfield Clinic system has been utilizing volunteers from the Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry (WEAVR), but the need for more staff to meet patient demand remains a challenge.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Department of Defense as we continue to deal with the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin,” said Dr. Susan Turney, Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO. “Because of the prolonged and intense nature of this crisis, many hospitals are near full capacity and medical staff is exhausted. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen the importance of partnerships in meeting this momentous challenge. We look forward to partnering with military medical personnel to provide the care our patients need.”

The operation will be overseen by the U.S. Army North (ARNORTH), the Joint Force Land Component Command of U.S. Northern Command in support and coordination with federal and state efforts.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/molson-coors-milw-s5.pngPackage saves more than 500 Milwaukee jobs, adds 377 new jobs.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wisconsin-senate_s5.jpgThe COVID-19 relief package introduced by Governor Evers to support Wisconsinites through this pandemic was introduced in mid-November, and the Republican-led Legislature still hasn’t acted on it.

Report solutions range from creation of state office to address environmental injustices to statutory changes to help energy sector transition to cleaner energy.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-restaurant-empty-s5.jpgMayor, County Executive, Chamber of Commerce head team up to ask Congress to address the severe economic harm the pandemic is having on small businesses and our community.

MADISON — Gov. Evers announced Monday that he is appointing Patricia Baker to the Portage County Circuit Court. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Thomas T. Flugaur.

“Patricia Baker is an excellent attorney who will bring a wealth of experience to the bench. I know that everyone in her courtroom will be treated fairly and with dignity, regardless of background,” said Gov. Evers.

A former assistant district attorney and past president of the Portage County Bar Association, Baker currently represents clients in family law and criminal defense matters. Baker has over 20 years of experience as a family law mediator and frequently serves as guardian ad litem. She has been repeatedly elected to the Stevens Point Area Public School District, where she has served as Treasurer, Clerk, and chair of two committees. Baker was previously president of Mid-State Independent Living Choices, Inc., an organization dedicated to serving people with disabilities, and the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides scholarships and grants to improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara Counties.

“Trish has a broad base of experience in the areas of law that she will see as a trial court judge. She also has the patience and empathy necessary to make the difficult decisions she will encounter every day,” said Judge Thomas Flugaur.

“I am so pleased to be appointed to serve as the Portage County Branch III Judge” said Baker. “I have spent my entire legal career working in the law to achieve justice; whether it is for a victim of a crime, a person with a disability, or an abused child; my goal has always been to apply the law fairly. I will continue to work to treat every person who enters the courtroom with respect, dignity, and fairness.”

Baker will be the first woman to ever serve as a circuit court judge in Portage County. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison Law School and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

MADISON – Today, Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) announced his legislative office staff for the 2021-22 session.

Emily Pritzkow will continue on as Hintz’s Chief of Staff. Pritzkow has worked for Representative Hintz in the State Assembly since the spring of 2011, including two sessions on the budget-writing Joint Committee on Finance. Prior to working in the State Assembly, Emily worked as a legislative aide in the office of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

Dave Groshek will continue to serve as Hintz’s Legislative Director. Groshek has worked for Representative Hintz since 2019, and has worked in the State Assembly since 2011. Prior to working in the Assembly, he served as senior campaign staff for Congressman Ron Kind during the 2008 and 2010 election cycles. Dave and his wife live in McFarland with their son and their very good dog.

Joanna Beilman-Dulin will serve as Communications Director for Representative Hintz. A 2011 graduate of UW Law School, she has worked in Wisconsin politics since 2004, including eight years in the Wisconsin State Legislature and two years as Research Director at One Wisconsin Now. She recently worked in the Department of Administration and for the Wisconsin State Treasurer. Joanna lives with her husband and two children in Madison.

Shianyia (Shinya) Thao joined Representative Hintz’s office in 2019 and will serve as Digital Director. She joined the legislature in 2017, and worked in the Capitol for former Representative Fred Kessler and Representative Tod Ohnstad. Shianyia is a first generation Hmong American.

Brett Halverson has served as Deputy Legislative Director for Representative Hintz since February 2019. He has worked in state and federal politics since 2007 and received his Master of Public Affairs from UW’s La Follette School in 2014. Brett lives in Mount Horeb with his family and two dogs.

Supawit (Zen) Kitisook will serve as Constituent Outreach Director for Representative Hintz. He most recently worked for the Senate District 32 Office. Previously, Zen served in the Office of Governor Tony Evers and began his career in the Capitol as an intern in the State Senate.

MADISON — Gov. Evers announced today that he is appointing LaKeisha Haase to the Winnebago County Circuit Court. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Karen L. Seifert.

“The people of Winnebago County and Wisconsin deserve judges who apply the law fairly and equally,” said Gov. Evers. “LaKeisha Haase will do just that. She will be an excellent judge for the people of Winnebago County.”

Haase is currently in private practice, where she represents individuals and families in criminal and family law matters. She previously represented indigent clients as a state public defender. Haase is a member of the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers, both the Wisconsin and National Associations of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Winnebago County Bar Association. Haase is also active in the community, including serving on the Outagamie County Racial Disparity Committee.

“I have known LaKeisha for many years and I have no doubt she will be a thoughtful and compassionate judge,” said retired Winnebago County Judge Thomas Gritton. “Gov. Evers made a strong appointment and the people of Winnebago County will benefit with Lakeisha’s appointment to the bench.” 

“I am honored and grateful to be selected by Gov. Evers to serve Winnebago County as a circuit court judge,” said Haase. “I am excited to serve the citizens of Wisconsin and am committed to providing equal access to the court.”

Haase will be the first African American to serve as a judge in Winnebago County. Haase is a graduate of Marquette University Law School and the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh.