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.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/vote-47-milwaukee-mb4-s5.jpg4th Congressional District public hearing rescheduled to January 14.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kroger-warehouse-ocado-s5.jpgNew Kroger center expects to add 700 new jobs after County H reconstruction.

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #97 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., Dec. 7, 2020 on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu took the lives of 2,403 Americans and injured 1,178 more. 

“The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point not only for World War II but for our country, deeply impacting Americans across our state and nation,” said Gov. Evers. “Each year, Wisconsin remembers the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by Americans on O'ahu that day, and honors the enduring legacy of our veterans, including the more than 5,800 World War II veterans currently living in Wisconsin, who fought to preserve and defend the freedoms and quality of life enjoyed by folks across our country today.” 

Executive order #97 is effective from sunrise to sunset on Mon., Dec. 7, 2020, and can be found here.

A second chance granted to 33 more who earned it on Friday.

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers today announced he has granted another 33 pardons. The new 33 pardons granted this week brings the total of the governor’s pardons to 107 during his first two years in office.

“Here in Wisconsin, we believe in the power of second chances and the doors it can open not only for an individual but their family and their communities,” said Gov. Evers. “From pursuing their career goals, whether in nursing, divinity, or becoming a hunting and fishing guide, to simply finding peace of mind after making amends, a pardon opens those doors for folks to move forward.”

Gov. Evers granted pardons to the following people:

• Kelly Adams-Fant was struggling with a substance use disorder in her early twenties when she was convicted for her role in drug sales occurring out of a hotel room rented in her name. Ms. Adams-Fant has since completed intensive treatment and maintains her sobriety. She resides in Sussex with her family, with whom she operates a lawn care company.
• Matthew Barth was in high school when he stole a laptop computer. He has since obtained his bachelor’s degree and has built a career in information technology and security. He resides in Encinitas, California, and hopes a pardon may help him to secure employment here in Wisconsin.
• Gerald Brown was a student at UW-Whitewater in 2008 when he sold marijuana to a confidential informant. Residing in Oak Creek, Mr. Brown obtained his bachelor’s degree and now works as an account sales manager.
• Nicole Brown is now 48 years old and has worked with Milwaukee Public Schools as a paraprofessional since 2009. When she was in her early 20s, Ms. Brown failed to disclose income while she was receiving government assistance, which resulted in an overpayment of assistance. Ms. Brown resides in Milwaukee.
• Michael Caban was convicted of selling marijuana nearly 13 years ago. Since then, he completed his probation, continued his education, and is hoping a pardon will help him advance his career in IT. Mr. Caban lives in New Berlin.
• Damion Campbell was working his first job out of high school when he stole items from his employer, a local gas station. Now 48 years old, Mr. Campbell has maintained employment with the Otis Elevator Company for 28 years. He lives in Mukwonago with his wife and children.
• Trevor Colby was the passenger in a fleeing vehicle 26 years ago that struck a curb before he and the driver fled on foot, after an attempted stop for illegally shining deer. Now 48 years old, Mr. Colby resides in Poynette and works in asbestos remediation. He hopes a pardon will allow him to follow his dream of being a hunting and fishing guide.
• Jeremy DesJarlais was 19 when he and two friends stole $3,000 in rolled quarters from the trunk of a vehicle 23 years ago. Since then, Mr. DesJarlais has been a member of the Bonduel Fire Department and a medical first responder with the Bonduel EMS team. He resides in Pulaski with his family.
• Eddie Hayes was convicted of receiving stolen property in 1980. He retired from Milwaukee County in 2008, having been employed for nearly 28 years as a custodial and maintenance worker. Mr. Brown resides in Milwaukee.
• Jenny Jordahl is now 37 years old and living with her husband and children in Eau Claire, but over ten years ago, she was struggling with a substance use disorder and intermittent housing insecurity. She has since completed intensive inpatient treatment and maintains her sobriety. Jordahl is a nursing student, with hopes of becoming a registered nurse.
• Earma Jordan was 18 when she was caught with cocaine. Ms. Jordan has maintained employment as a caregiver and hopes to continue her education. Ms. Jordan lives in Milwaukee.
• Richard Kaminski was a teenager when he sold marijuana to an undercover police officer almost 40 years ago. He has furthered his education with two degrees. He is a proud father of two adult children, and he hopes to obtain his U.S. citizenship. Mr. Kaminski lives in Renton, Washington.
• Wallace Klusken lied to a judge about his knowledge of an incident in which he and another man pushed over a parked motorcycle 27 years ago. He has been a member of the United States Navy for 21 years and now serves in the Air Guard. He lives in Watertown.
• Matthew Krol was 20 years old with a newly purchased motorcycle when he led officers on a late-night chase through multiple jurisdictions. Now 43, Mr. Krol has maintained a career as a union sheet metal journeyman and lives in De Pere with his wife and five sons.
• Alan Louis was struggling with substance use disorder when he sold cocaine to an undercover police officer over 30 years ago. He is now an active member of the La Crosse community, where he also operates two jewelry stores with his wife, with whom he shares two children and five grandchildren.
• Shanique Marizette was in her early twenties when she was working as a bank teller and fraudulently withdrew monies from multiple client accounts over three weeks. Twenty years later, Ms. Marizette is a bus operator with the Milwaukee County Transit System. She resides in Milwaukee.
• Bert Moede, Jr. was 17 years old when he and a friend drove their families’ ATVs to two cabins in the area, ultimately breaking in to take small items. Twenty years have since passed, and Mr. Moede is employed by his tribal community and lives in Bowler with his family.
• Scott Mullikin was a teenager and experiencing housing instability when he was caught selling marijuana within 1000 feet of a park. The offense occurred over 25 years ago. Mr. Mullikin has worked as a machine operator since 2006 and resides in Sun Prairie with his family.
• Benjamin Olivier was a UW-Whitewater student when he sold marijuana to a confidential informant. Mr. Olivier obtained his bachelor’s degree and is a manager at a medical device company. He is now 44 years old and lives in Waukesha with his family.
• Kenneth Phillips, now nearly 59 years old and retired from a career in the commercial fencing industry, was in his early 20s when he sold marijuana to an undercover police officer. Mr. Phillips now lives with his wife in Mulberry, Tennessee.
• Shawn Pitsch was 22 years old when he sold marijuana to an informant over 20 years ago. He completed his probation, has maintained employment, and is an active member of his community. He resides in Neenah.
• Therese Randall did not disclose employment while collecting public assistance 25 years ago, which resulted in an overpayment of benefits for which she paid full restitution. She has earned her undergraduate degree and MBA from Concordia and devoted her career as a public employee, serving the Milwaukee community, where she lives.
• Ben Rauls was a teenager when he and a group of friends committed a series of crimes during the winter of 1997-1998, which included forcing entry into a construction company property to steal items and damage property, including doors, light fixtures, and windows. He has worked as a truck driver since 2009 and lives in Fond du Lac with his family.
• Samuel Ross was convicted for his role in the theft of monies from a victim’s bank account nearly 15 years ago. Now 49 years old, Mr. Ross works as a ride-share driver and an independent DJ and audio technician, splitting his time between Milwaukee and Miami Beach, Florida.
• Cleo Russell, currently 82 years old, was 19 when he and two friends stole a car from a dealership to take it joyriding. He has a passion for hunting and is looking forward to resuming those activities. Mr. Russell lives in Sheboygan Falls.
• Tyrone Scott, over 30 years ago, burglarized an unrented apartment of tools and building supplies and was caught around the same time dealing marijuana. Now almost 60 years old, Mr. Scott lives in Milwaukee and is a driver for an area hotel chain.
• Nikolas Simonson was a teenager when he participated in a series of burglaries in Wausau, primarily stealing gasoline and miscellaneous items from residential garages. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree here in Wisconsin and now resides in Seattle, Washington, where he is pursuing a graduate degree in civil engineering.
• Nicholas Svetlauskas was 20 years old and struggling with a substance use disorder when he and another assaulted an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement. Twenty years later, he has since obtained and maintains his sobriety, earned his bachelor’s degree, and has a career in mental health and addiction services. He resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Jerry Watkins, Jr. was 17 and homeless when he and another young man robbed a woman while brandishing a fake weapon. After turning himself over to police, Mr. Watkins served a prison sentence. Upon release, Mr. Watkins immediately started on a path towards education. While still on supervision, he started at the Milwaukee Area Technical College, then transferred to UW-Whitewater where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and gained employment as a counselor. He lives in Milwaukee and plans to start on his Ph.D. candidacy upon receipt of a pardon.
• Steven Watson was 21 years old when he broke into a bar and stole alcohol and cigarettes. The offense occurred over 30 years ago, and since then Mr. Watson has maintained his sobriety. Mr. Watson now lives with his wife and children in Lancaster.
• Chad Welch was the principal of a Wisconsin high school in 2008 when he used school funds for personal expenses. Mr. Welch has since sought to address and manage the mental health issues that led to the offense and has obtained his Master of Divinity degree, with hopes of becoming an ordained Lutheran pastor. Mr. Welch resides in Green Bay.
• Shaquita White was caught with cocaine 12 years ago. Ms. White has since maintained employment as a caregiver and medical aide and hopes to use this pardon to help her continue her education in nursing. Ms. White lives in Killee, Texas with her children.
• Brad Zoellick was 18 years old when he was intoxicated and led officers on a chase in Waukesha County. Since then, Mr. Zoellick has maintained employment and is active with his union and faith community. Now 42 years old, Mr. Zoellick lives in Watertown with his wife and children.

The Wisconsin Constitution grants the governor the power to pardon individuals convicted of a crime. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness that restores some of the rights that are lost when someone is convicted of a felony, including the right to serve on a jury, hold public office, and hold certain professional licenses. A pardon does not result in an expungement.

Under Executive Order 30, individuals convicted of a Wisconsin felony may apply for a pardon if they completed their sentence at least five years ago and have not committed any new crimes. Individuals currently required to register on the sex offender registry are ineligible for a pardon.

The pardon application, instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the pardon process are located on the Governor’s website: www.evers.wi.gov/Pages/pardon-information.aspx

The Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board will continue to meet virtually monthly and will be reconvening again on Dec. 11, 2020. That hearing will air on WisEye.Org/Live from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/anthony-fauci-s5.jpgNews comes as coronavirus cases spike across the country during holiday season. Fauci urging Americans to avoid travel and large gatherings, practice social distancing, and wear a mask.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/coronavirus-small-business1-s5.jpgRepublican legislative inaction in Madison is a "dangerous game" says Green Bay Senator.

Injecting funds into local lodging and tourism partners provides a lifeline and some stabilization to local economies, businesses and jobs.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that COVID-19 Lodging Grants have been awarded to 663 Wisconsin lodging operators. The grants aim to provide stabilization to our state’s lodging industry as it continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related reductions in travel across the nation. Grantees were awarded an average of approximately $350 per eligible room in Wisconsin.

“The folks in our hotel and lodging industry have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as folks have reduced their travel this year to help stop the spread of the virus,” said Gov. Evers. “The tourism industry will be core to our state's economic bounce back, and these funds will help provide some economic stabilization now so visitors to enjoy their favorite destinations later.”

In 2019, visitors to the state spent $3.7 billion on lodging but recent surveys by the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association indicate that nearly half of Wisconsin hotel and lodging properties will close within six months without loan or grant assistance.

Funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), the grant program assists hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast operators whose facilities have been negatively affected by COVID-19.

“The economic recovery for many Wisconsin communities depends largely on the tourism and lodging industries,” said DOA Secretary Joel Brennan. “By injecting these funds into local lodging and tourism partners, we hope to provide a lifeline and some stabilization to local economies, businesses and jobs.”

More information regarding the COVID-19 Lodging Grant Program is available here. A full list of grant winners is available here.