SW Wisconsin News

The Wisconsin State Assembly passed Senate Bill 520 on February 15th, a bill that allows children in need of a guardian to receive care from someone who is 'like-kin'. State Senator Joan Ballweg, who authored the legislation, explains that "enactment of this legislation will allow children in need of guardianship to be placed with someone with whom they have an existing relationship." This bill aims to protect children from potential emotional trauma by ensuring they are placed with someone they already trust.

The bill defines 'like-kin' as an individual who has a significant emotional connection with the child or the child's family, similar to a familial relationship, and who is not and has not previously been the child's licensed foster parent. This legislation will be particularly beneficial for teenagers who are often placed in group homes when needing guardianship.

Senator Ballweg, who is a member of the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, is passionate about protecting children and families. She states, "For years, I have been working on policies that strengthen families in the state." The bill will now be sent to the governor's desk for consideration.

In other news, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has opened the application period for the Meat Processor Infrastructure Grant. The grant aims to grow Wisconsin's meat industry and improve the long-term viability of the state's livestock industry. Eligible meat processors must operate or intend to operate a DATCP or USDA licensed meat-processing establishment in Wisconsin and be engaged in livestock harvest or processing.

Applicants can request grants up to $50,000 for projects that increase harvest capacity or production. The funding can be used for operating expenses directly related to the project, including engineering, construction, equipment purchase, and food safety consultation. The grant application deadline is March 8, 2024, and recipients will be announced in May.

Additionally, the DATCP is accepting applications for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grants. These grants focus on enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crop industries through research, education, or market development. Non-profit organizations, producer groups, government agencies, universities, and other agricultural organizations are encouraged to apply. The selected projects will be included in Wisconsin's state plan, which is submitted to the USDA for approval and funding. The application deadline is February 27, 2024.

In local events, there are several activities happening in the coming weeks. On February 16th, there will be live music at 410 County Rd E in Ripon. The Winter Polka Fest will take place on February 17th at Knuth Brewing Company in Ripon. On February 19th, there will be storytime for preschoolers at the Princeton Public Library and an Euchre Club gathering at the Portage Public Library. Trivia Night will also be held at the Goose Blind in Green Lake on the same day. Finally, on February 22nd, there will be a Pickleball 101 session at Rusch School Gym in Portage, and an M&Ms Tasting event at the Portage Public Library.

For more information on these events and to stay updated on Senator Joan Ballweg's work in Madison, you can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, or visit her website.