Happy Leap Day.
Unfortunately the extra day brings a series of bad news reports in today’s Key Reads. We do the browsing to keep you informed, and the fact is, there are some days like today where the news just isn’t that great.
If your taxpayer-funded public school district has decent leadership, appreciate them. Throughout the state there are dedicated public servants who do a great job helping their local communities. Of course, there are also those who are overpaid and under committed to their job. It’s why voters need to be diligent and pay attention to their school board meetings and elections. A lot of districts end up wasting a lot of money because of, or in support of, failed leadership.
The latest example:
In documents released to Action 2 News, a resignation agreement states former Green Bay Superintendent Claude Tiller, Jr. will receive a lump sum of more than $250,000 as part of his separation. Both sides, Tiller and the school district, agreed not to make disparaging comments about the other. A breach from either party could result in a $50,000 fine.
A quarter of a million dollars. Not for the benefit of students. Not for new technology, a literacy program, or merit pay for high performing staff. No–$250,000 to get rid of a guy who by his accidentally candid comments, clearly didn’t want to be in Green Bay in the first place. Tiller is responsible for his words and actions, but his hiring and the expensive settlement to get rid of him–that’s on the School Board and voters in the area who empower them. Worse, in the world of Superintendent roulette, Tiller will lead another district if he wants, albeit it is unlikely he ends up in Wisconsin after this controversy.
Chippewa Valley refugee resettlement spawns now approved state legislation – The Center Square
Wisconsin lawmakers don’t want to see another refugee debate like the current one in the Chippewa Valley.
Both the State Assembly and the State Senate last week approved a piece of legislation that would force local leaders to share any plans about resettling refugees with both their communities, and with local state lawmakers.
Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Fall Creek, said the legislation is in direct response to how Eau Claire handled its plans to resettle 75 refugees in the Chippewa Valley sometime this year.
“[This plan] ensures that elected officials, the people’s representatives at the local level, are part of the consultation process when refugees are being placed,” Hurd said.
A private non-profit, World Relief, has never said just where the 75 refugees are coming from or what they will do and where they will live once they are resettled.
Locals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls say they didn’t find out about the resettlement effort until after it was a done deal.
There continues to be local opposition. Chippewa County’s board approved a resolution earlier this month that officially asks for a pause in the resettlement operation. Eau Claire County’s board rejected a similar proposal back in January.
“Community members affected by a resettlement process would feel far more confident if there are deliberate steps taken to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Rep. Rob Summerfield, R-Bloomer, said. “This bill will help make sure that the public has input into a decision like this so that everyone is aware of the steps that need to be taken.”
Governor Evers has not indicated whether or not he will sign the legislation. We will keep you posted.
Overdoses are becoming more common, and are involving stronger, more lethal drugs than ever. And they’re occurring all across the state.
EMS calls for drug overdose: “It’s kind of becoming a common theme” – WSAW
The Wausau Fire Department is seeing stronger drugs than what their life-saving medications are equipped for and it’s forcing them to use more than the standard.
Wausau Fire Department EMS Division Chief Jared Thompson said when they see an increase in overdose calls, it comes in spurts. It’s very dependent on what drugs are in the area and how strong they are.
“It’s kind of becoming a common theme,” said EMS Division Chief Jared Thompson, Wausau Fire Department.
EMS Division Chief Jared Thompson is referring to overdose calls. He said that 20 years ago when he began his career in fire and EMS that wasn’t the case.
“Years ago, it was occasionally we had calls that involved an overdose. Usually, it was an accidental overdose of prescription medications and not illegal opioids,” said Chief Thompson.
The problem grows each year though, and the department had more than 50 calls where Narcan was administered in 2023.
“What the paramedics are telling us is that it requires stronger doses of Narcan than in years past which is telling us that the substances are stronger,” Thompson explained.
He said the combination of fentanyl and other opioids is causing the overdoses.
Residents of Southwest Wisconsin who need to travel to Iowa are in for a detour that will last months.
Safety issues will close historic Mississippi River bridge between Wisconsin, Iowa for up to two months – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Transportation officials have closed the Black Hawk Bridge that connects Wisconsin and Iowa over the Mississippi River after confirming the historic bridge had moved slightly.
The bridge, which opened in 1931 and links Lansing, Iowa to Wisconsin’s Crawford County, is the only way to cross the river by car or truck between Prairie du Chien and La Crosse, which are about 60 miles apart. The cantilever bridge connects Iowa Highway 9 to Wisconsin Highway 82
Its closure means residents who live on one side of the Mississippi and work on the other will now be facing a much longer commute.
In a Tuesday update, Iowa Department of Transportation officials wrote that an inspection found there has been movement in two bridge piers. Work to stabilize those piers has begun, according to the update, but it’s expected to take up to two months.
Make the most of this extra day. Call an old friend, play a board game with the kids, or spend some time browsing Dairyland Sentinel for a refreshing dose of Wisconsin history and culture.
We’ll be back with new Key Reads tomorrow…
