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Citizen Portal News Wisconsin
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FoodShare benefits are back on track after the federal shutdown, but community demand has skyrocketed, highlighting the incredible efforts of local staff and volunteers.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #FoodSecurity #EconomicResilience
Officials: FoodShare restored after federal shutdown; county staff and volunteers stepped in during gap
County staff said FoodShare/SNAP benefits were distributed and funding restored; economic-support staff and volunteers described call-center work, a 12-county consortium response, and higher food-shelf and pantry usage during the shutdown.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 7:17 PM
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Public health initiatives in Ashland County are thriving, with record immunizations, expanded naloxone distribution, and new recovery housing grants—yet uncertainty looms over federal oversight!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #ImmunizationOutreach
Public health: immunization clinics, naloxone distribution expand; recovery housing grant awarded but federal oversight uncertain
Public health staff reported higher immunization turnout, approval for naloxone direct program allocation and continued vending-machine distribution, and new recovery-housing and contingency-management grants; staff also said a SAMHSA project officerfiring has created uncertainty about long-term federal oversight despite current funding.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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Kenosha County just approved a groundbreaking $12.28 million contract with Axon to revolutionize law enforcement technology, enhancing officer safety and crime-solving capabilities!

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#KenoshaCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TechnologyModernization #CivicAccountability
Kenosha County board approves $12.28 million, 10‑year Axon contract to modernize sheriff technology
The county board approved a $12,283,125, 10‑year contract with Axon to replace body and squad cameras, Tasers, AI reporting software and cloud evidence storage; supervisors discussed data‑retention terms and budget treatment; vote was unanimous (20‑0).
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 3:13 PM
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St. Croix County is revitalizing its FoodShare program with new technology and strategies to reduce payment errors—find out how this will impact local residents!

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#CroixCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #TechnologyInnovation #FoodSecurityInitiatives #WorkforceDevelopment #StCroixCounty
St. Croix County updates FoodShare operations and outlines technology, AI plans following APHSA conference
County economic-support staff said SNAP benefits were restored after the federal funding pause and outlined phased work-requirement implementation, ongoing quality-control work to lower SNAP error rates, and conference-driven plans to pilot AI and low-code tools to reduce administrative burden and support caseworkers.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:42 AM
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St. Croix County is on the brink of a behavioral-health transformation with new funding and legislation that could reshape crisis care and support for the incarcerated.

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#CroixCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #BehavioralHealth #MedicaidReform #CrisisCare #StCroixCounty
St. Croix County HHS outlines behavioral-health funding opportunities, restructuring and state policy developments
County HHS leaders described a series of state and federal developments they say could expand regional behavioral-health capacity — including a $10 million Rogers Behavioral Health grant, a $10 million legislative allocation for crisis-care startups and pending bills to restore Medicaid coverage for people nearing release from incarceration.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:37 AM
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Saint Croix County just approved a bold 2026–2030 Outdoor Recreation Plan aimed at transforming parks, expanding trails, and boosting grant opportunities for vital community projects!

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#CroixCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #TrailConnections #EnvironmentalProtection
Saint Croix County Adopts 2026–2030 Outdoor Recreation Plan to Unlock DNR Grants
The county adopted the 2026–2030 Outdoor Recreation Plan to guide park investments, trail connections and natural resource protection and to maintain eligibility for Wisconsin DNR grants supporting park projects including Eckert Blufflands and Glen Hills.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:34 PM
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The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has unanimously approved a significant rate settlement for Madison Gas and Electric, mandating a new transparency requirement for low- and moderate-income programs.

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#WI #CitizenPortal #PublicUtility #CommunityTransparency
PSC approves Madison Gas & Electric's 2026-27 rate settlement, adds LMI reporting condition
The Public Service Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive settlement for Madison Gas and Electric's 2026-27 rate case while requiring MG&E to submit a coordinated plan on how $500,000 per test year for LMI programs will be allocated and evaluated.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:14 PM
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Wisconsin's Public Service Commission just approved WEPCO's 2026 fuel cost plan, but not without a controversial decision to exclude costly Elm Road co-firing charges!

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#WI #CitizenPortal #CostTransparency #EnergySustainability #UtilityRegulation
PSC approves WEPCO's 2026 fuel cost plan but excludes Elm Road co-firing charges
The Public Service Commission on Nov. 20 approved Wisconsin Electric Power Company's 2026 monitored fuel cost plan after adopting staff's audited estimate and maintaining a contested adjustment that removes Elm Road natural-gas co-firing and related demand charges from 2026 rates.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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The Wisconsin Arts Board's grant-review panel praised innovative community outreach while calling for better data and strategic planning from small arts organizations.

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#WI #CitizenPortal #ArtsEducation #CommunityParticipation #CulturalFunding
Wisconsin Arts Board convenes grant-review panel; reviewers urge clearer data, strategic planning and better work-sample access
Panelists convened for a two-day review of small-budget arts grant applications, praising community reach and programming while urging clearer audience data, fundraising strategies and improved access to applicant work samples. No formal board votes were taken during the session.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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Exciting upgrades to our athletic facilities are underway, funded entirely through interest earnings from the 2018 referendum!

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#WI #CitizenPortal #PublicFacilities #CivicAccountability #CommunityDevelopment
District details pool, field and court upgrades funded by 2018 referendum interest
District staff updated the board on upgrades to the Bob Jores Aquatic Center, a new on-site softball field, and rebuilt tennis courts, saying the work was paid from interest on the 2018 referendum rather than the district's general fund and that projects came in at or under the reported budgets.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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Middleton-Cross Plains School District is making strides with its transformative "Cardinals Journey" initiative, focusing on culture, resources, and community engagement!

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#WI #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #EducationInnovation #ContinuousImprovement
District reports early progress on 'Cardinals Journey,' three district goals
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District leaders told the board their quarter-one continuous-improvement work shows early progress on three district goals — culture and belonging, aligned resources and community engagement — while launching tools such as Magma Math and an expanded online registration system.
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November 21, 2025 at 1:47 PM
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The Green Bay Plan Commission is shaking up the short-term rental scene with new owner-contact requirements and a three-strike nuisance policy, but a controversial 180-day cap on rental days has been put on hold!

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#GreenBayBrownCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Plan Commission advances owner‑contact and three‑strike measures for short‑term rentals, defers 180‑day cap
After hours of testimony from operators, workers and neighbors, the Plan Commission voted to send to City Council two recommended changes to the short‑term rental ordinance — requiring owner information on permit placards and enabling a three‑strike nuisance revocation — and to defer advancing a binding 180‑day annual cap because of enforcement and tracking concerns.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 11:33 AM
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Oconomowoc is taking a stand for safety by proposing a ban on winter lake aerators, aiming to prevent dangerous water rescues this season.

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#OconomowocWaukeshaCounty #WI #WaterSafety #CitizenPortal #OconomowocPublicSafety #CommunityOutreach #RegulatoryReform
Council approves first reading of ordinance to ban winter lake aerators citing safety
The Common Council voted Nov. 18 to advance a first reading of ordinance 25-01112 to prohibit lake aerators Nov. 15–Apr. 15 annually, a public-safety measure prompted by water-rescue incidents tied to aerator use; staff will publicize the change if adopted.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 10:14 AM
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Mayor Payne just secured an impressive $87,740 in grants to combat food insecurity in Superior, ensuring vital resources reach those in need!

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#SuperiorDouglasCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #HungerRelief #SuperiorFoodInsecurity #CommunitySupport #CivicAccountability
Council approves $87,740 in food‑insecurity grants after hearing distribution plan
The council approved a $75,000 grant to Northwest Community Services and a $12,740 grant to Faith United Methodist Church after a mayoral report on prior spending of $25,000 and discussion on ensuring food reaches Superior residents.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 9:29 AM
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Superior's new fire hall design is almost ready, but it's $300k over budget—will the council make the cuts needed to keep it on track?

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#SuperiorDouglasCounty #WI #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SuperiorFireHall #SustainableBuilding
Superior council reviews schematic design and $10 million budget estimate for new fire hall
City officials reviewed schematic designs and a cost update for a proposed new Superior fire hall. Consultants said the design is largely set, the schematic estimate is about $10.3 million (roughly $300,000 over budget), and options such as geothermal remain add alternates pending further study.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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Major education reforms are on the horizon in Wisconsin, including new parental notification laws and vital numeracy screening for K-8 students!

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#WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #EducationReform
Board hears legislative update: parental-notification, numeracy screenings and dual‑enrollment bills highlighted
Board staff briefed members on several state education bills headed to final floor votes, including proposals on parental notification for alleged staff misconduct, a numeracy assessment/-screening requirement for K–8 pupils, and a dual‑enrollment council to simplify credit transfer; staff said outcomes could head to the governor's desk if passed.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 8:42 AM
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Journey 21 is transforming lives in Oconomowoc with its booming enrichment center, innovative learning academies, and successful partnerships that turn internships into jobs!

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#OconomowocWaukeshaCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #OconomowocIDD #CommunityPartnerships
Journey 21 tells Oconomowoc council it has expanded internships, college pathways and local partnerships
Journey 21 leaders told the Oconomowoc Common Council their enrichment center has grown since April 2023 to serve 300+ participants across eight counties, expanded learning academies and converted internships into paid jobs with local employers; a residential project at Papp's Farms remains under development.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:36 AM
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Beloit School District's report card score has climbed to 55.8, showcasing impressive growth despite challenges in elementary rankings and chronic absenteeism.

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#WI #CitizenPortal #EducationGrowth #TeacherRetention #ChronicAbsenteeism
Beloit report-card score edges up to 55.8 amid gains in growth; board flags elementary, absenteeism and staffing concerns
The Beloit School District's overall report-card score rose to 55.8, driven by growth gains, but trustees and staff warned that several elementary schools slipped, chronic absenteeism remains high and staffing instability threatens progress.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:21 AM
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West Allis-West Milwaukee School District has achieved a remarkable 10.4-point improvement in its state report card, exceeding 82.9% of districts in Wisconsin!

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#WI #CitizenPortal #AcademicGrowth #CivicAccountability #EducationReform
West Allis-West Milwaukee board reviews state report card showing district growth; goals reset to new baselines
Board workshop on Nov. 17 highlighted a 10.4-point district improvement and growth that exceeded 82.9% of Wisconsin districts. Presenters outlined changes to baseline goals, subgroup gains, data discrepancies flagged with the Department of Public Instruction, and next steps for instructional supports.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:18 AM
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Sheboygan City Council just gave the green light for the Harbor Center Marina project, but local voices are raising concerns about its financial viability and community impact.

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#SheboyganCitySheboyganCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #TransparencyInGovernment
Sheboygan Council unanimously approves design contract for Harbor Center Marina amid public criticism
The Sheboygan City Common Council voted 10-0 to authorize a contract for architectural, engineering and construction-administration services for the Harbor Center Marina at 821 Bridal Drive. A public commenter urged a rethinking of marina plans and cited a consultant study the city paid about $245,000 for.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:12 AM
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The Public Service Commission just made a pivotal move to involve its legal counsel in crucial NERC project ballot polls after a secretive litigation discussion!

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#WI #CitizenPortal #EnergyAssurance #PublicParticipation #CivicAccountability
Public Service Commission authorizes counsel, staff to join NERC-related ballot polls after closed-session litigation discussion
At its Nov. 18, 2025 meeting, the Public Service Commission voted to authorize its chief legal counsel and ORM staff to participate in ballot polls related to a NERC project, following a closed-session discussion about a litigation matter under Wisconsin statute section 19.85(1)(g).
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:48 AM
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Waupaca's common council just adopted a revised 2026 budget, trimming the proposed levy and impacting future tax rates after a key retirement in the building inspection unit.

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#WaupacaWaupacaCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #FinanceReform #WaupacaBudget #CivicAccountability
Waupaca council adopts 2026 budget, trims proposed levy after inspector retirement
The Waupaca common council adopted the updated 2026 budget and tax levy after staff withdrew funding for a second full‑time residential building inspector following a retirement. The revision reduces the levy and lowers the city mill rate while preserving core services.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:25 AM
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A recent review by the Wisconsin Arts Board panel showcased the impressive artistic quality across diverse grant applications while urging applicants to provide clearer data and work samples to enhance their chances of funding.

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#WI #AudienceAccess #CitizenPortal
Wisconsin Arts Board panel praises artistic strength across applications, urges broad support
A peer‑review panel convened by the Wisconsin Arts Board reviewed dozens of grant applications and found widespread artistic quality and community impact, urging the board to fund the full slate while urging applicants to strengthen evaluation, audience data and work‑sample clarity.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 2:13 AM
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Grand Rapids residents are rallying to protect their wildflower gardens and pollinators after town crews mowed down private plantings without warning.

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#WisconsinRapidsWoodCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalStewardship
Grand Rapids residents press board to protect wildflowers and pollinators; board sends enforcement protocols back to Public Works
Residents told the Grand Rapids Town Board that town crews recently mowed private wildflower plantings and urged protections for pollinators; the board agreed to refer proposed ordinance-enforcement protocols back to its Public Works committee for fuller review and public input.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 7:27 AM
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The Kenosha Unified School District is taking a stand for student support by renewing a crucial liaison contract and urging state lawmakers to boost school funding.

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#WI #StudentSupports #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #EducationFunding
Board renews DCFS liaison contract and adopts resolution urging state to restore school funding
The board approved an 18‑month liaison contract with Kenosha County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for roughly $424,000.74 (fund 80) and unanimously adopted a resolution urging Wisconsin legislators to restore general aid and support bills allowing retired teachers to return without penalty.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 6:17 AM