4/30/2026

ASHLAND - At the last meeting of the Ashland City Council, City Administrator Brant Kucera informed the council that city staff has shrunk by around 13%, which prompted him to urge the council to pause new initiatives until vacancies are filled. The Ashland Daily Press reports 12 employees have left, with a 13th pending, impacting the fire, public works, and police departments. Kucera attributed the trend to generational shifts and market conditions—such as higher private-sector wages—rather than to city culture. With roughly 13% of the 97-person workforce gone, Kucera urged the council to "take our foot off the accelerator" until staffing stabilizes.

4/30/2026

MADISON - Wisconsin still has to pay nine states and Washington D.C. for security help at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.  Sixty-six law enforcement agencies from across the country helped secure the event.  Gov. Evers is asking Republican lawmakers to sign off on $10.4 million to finish reimbursing states.  A Wisconsin Department of Administration report details the size of the RNC event made this a lengthy process, since the reimbursement process requires a full review of every expense. In a statement, the Republican Co-Chair of the Joint Finance Committee state Sen. Howard Marklein said, “This type of request is routine. The state acts as a pass-through and there is no impact on state finances.”

4/29/2026

IRON COUNTY - Iron County has acquired 1,100 acres around the Gile Flowage from Xcel Energy for $5.6 million, concluding a six-year conservation project. The purchase, was funded entirely by grants and protects 18 miles of shoreline and wetlands within the Lake Superior watershed. The health and stability of ecosystems within the Gile Flowage have a direct and vital influence on the quality of downstream water and coastal resources. Supported by local tribes and municipalities, including the towns of Carey and Pence, the land will become part of the Iron County Forest and will be managed under a 15-year plan to ensure habitat preservation and permanent public access.