http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tony-evers-s-sos-2022-s450.jpgGovernor worked to build economy, fix the roads, make smart and strategic fiscal decisions, do what’s best for our kids and our schools, and to ensure the will of the people is the law of the land, especially in the face of unprecedented challenges.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/donald-trump-rally-milw-s5.jpgTrump vice grip on the Republican Party is weakening.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/domestic-violence2-s454.jpg$400,000 federal Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security (SAVES) grant launches five-year demonstration project here in Wisconsin.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/homeless-winter-s445.jpgNew Recovery Voucher Program will use Opioid Settlement Funds for affordable, safe, stable housing.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/high-voltage-lines-farms-s450.jpgSenator Smith writes about priorities for the upcoming legislative session and looks forward to introducing legislation to improve the quality of life of Wisconsin families.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/broadband-town-mtg-cross-s450.pngGovernor is getting out of the Capitol to meet with Wisconsinites where they are, at school, in their business, on their farm, and everywhere in between.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced his appointment of Adam N. Payne to serve as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) effective Jan. 3, 2022. The appointment fills the vacancy created by former Secretary Preston D. Cole’s retirement.

“Adam has deep Wisconsin roots and understands that our vast and valuable resources—from our waterways to our farmlands—are core to who we are as a people and a state,” said Gov. Evers. “He is an outdoorsman, a conservationist, and has been a strong, successful leader for Sheboygan County. I know he will bring that same dedication and spirit of service to this role as secretary.” 

Payne currently serves as the county administrator for Sheboygan County, a position he has held for more than two decades. As county administrator, Payne has served as the chief administrative officer, coordinating and directing countywide administrative and management functions, initiating program and policy changes, working with state government for the betterment of the county, and leading Sheboygan County’s annual budget development process. Prior to serving as county administrator, Payne was the executive director of the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association and served for five years at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection from 1990 to 1995, including as the director of the Farmland Preservation Program.

“It is an honor to accept Gov. Evers’ appointment to serve as Secretary of the DNR,” said Payne. “I have always had a passion for protecting and enhancing our natural resources and am an avid outdoorsman. I look forward to working with a strong and diverse team of DNR staff, the Board and its many partners and stakeholders to problem-solve, protect, and enhance our natural resources for people today and for generations to come.”

Payne is from Plymouth, where he raised his family and as a boy, worked on his grandmother’s farm. Originally from Stevens Point, Payne grew up learning how to fish, trap, and hunt from his father along the Wisconsin River, and as an active outdoorsman to this day, Payne understands the importance of protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources for generations to come. During his time as county administrator, Payne led the County through two major conservation projects, including cleaning up the Sheboygan River and Harbor and purchasing and preserving the Amsterdam Dunes, which encompasses 328 acres of undeveloped shoreline along Lake Michigan.

Payne has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Communications and Urban and Regional Planning, respectively.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/disability-old-s5.jpgInvestment to serve seniors and individuals with disabilities.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/apartment-for-rent2-s5.jpgAwards to support more than 1,700 beds and housing units in 43 communities statewide.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Ryan D. Nilsestuen to the Dane County Circuit Court – Branch 10. The appointment will fill a vacancy created by Judge Juan Colás’ retirement. 

“Ryan has been a strong advocate for the people of Wisconsin, and I’ve appreciated his candor, thoughtfulness, and his dedication to service,” said Gov. Evers. “I know he will make a great addition to the Dane County bench and will work to treat everyone with dignity and respect.”

“Ryan is a dedicated public servant who strongly believes in justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Having served at the highest levels of state government, Ryan understands and appreciates the impact judges have on our friends, family, and communities,” said Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet. “With his empathy, calm demeanor, and knowledge of the law, I know that Ryan will be an excellent judge.”  

Nilsestuen has served as chief legal counsel for the Office of the Governor since 2019. During that time, Nilsestuen also served as the chair of the Pardon Advisory Board. Prior to serving as chief legal counsel for the Office of the Governor, Nilsestuen was the chief legal counsel and an attorney for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  

“It has been an honor to serve with Ryan on the Pardon Advisory Board. Whether it was during pardon hearings or in our deliberations, Ryan’s compassion, calm leadership, and knowledge of the law greatly benefited the pardon process for everyone involved. These same attributes will benefit everyone who comes before him as a judge,” said Noble Wray, the former police chief for the city of Madison. 

Nilsestuen is a graduate of DeForest Area High School and Luther College. He graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School. 

“It has been a great honor serving Gov. Evers and the people of Wisconsin. I am proud of the work that the Evers Administration has accomplished to make Wisconsin a better place,” said Nilsestuen. “As a judge, I will remain dedicated to making our communities a better place for all.”

Nilsestuen will complete a term ending July 31, 2024.