This article was written by the
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association
By Lane Kimble
DE PERE, Wis. — Joy Goeben – the former teacher-turned state representative – found herself the studentwhen she pulled into a Walbec Group quarry in De Pere on Thursday morning.
Nearly two hours later, Goeben (R-Hobart) walked away with a greater understanding and appreciation for aggregates, contractors, and the transportation construction industry as a whole.
“There’s so much science going on here,” Goeben said. “I never thought how much really was put into the thought processes behind the roads and trying to make them be as long lasting as possible and considering the costs. They’re really trying to find efficient, cost effective ways for the citizens of Wisconsin.”
The group, led by Walbec’s Director of Government Affairs Brandon Strand and Northeast Asphalt Area Manager Taylor Tauer, discussed quarry operations, blasting, water quality, and reclamation with Goeben, answering dozens of her questions. They also talked about transportation funding, the gas tax, and work zone safety before venturing down into the quarry itself.
“Just to educate our officials and Joy, specifically, on the amount of people that something like this serves,” Tauer said. “From the taxpayers to the people that are working for the different industries, the concrete, the asphalt, the aggregates, the contractors and how impactful something like this can be.”
Tauer stressed the importance of building strong relationships with communities where quarries are sited, noting it’s critical for contractors to have access to aggregate resources when working on projects like the nearby I-41 expansion.
“The company is working hard to ensure that (the quarry) isn’t causing adverse impact, so it’s good to see that so that if that issue arises, I am able to speak to it and say they’re doing a good job,” Goeben said. I love to meet with constituents who are working in the system who are so knowledgeable.”
In Madison
I was thankful to be able to attend the memorial service that honored the men and women of Law Enforcement who lost their lives in the performance of their duties. The fallen who were honored are:
- Officer Hunter Timothy Scheel, Cameron Police Department
- Officer Emily Breidenbach, Chetek Police Department
- Traffic Officer Starre Miles, Pepin County Sheriff’s Office
- Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office
In-District Doings
Real Government in the Classroom
Thank you to Cottontail Candy, LLC and Bay Port High School’s AP Government class for inviting me to provide insights into the legislative process and how students can shape policies aligning with their values. We discussed the process by using a bill that was presented this session. The bill sought to remove unnecessary requirements on the production and sales of cotton candy and apply the same licensure requirements to cotton candy as enjoyed by popcorn, honey, maple syrup, and the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables. Students were able to see how they can engage with local leaders to have their voices heard and influence positive change.
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| CO-SPONSORSHIP MEMORANDUMDATE: 11/21/2023 TO: Legislative Colleagues FROM: Rep. Joy Goeben and Sen. CowlesRE: Co-Sponsorship of LRB-4838/1 relating to: license requirement exemption for retail food establishments that sell or process cotton candy.DEADLINE: December 7, 2023 Cotton candy is not hazardous, but that’s exactly how bureaucrats across Wisconsin see it. Counties across Wisconsin are conflicted on how they interpret and apply Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) regulations to the Mom & Pop cotton candy producers.Requirements vary by county and by public or private venue. Some counties may require production in an enclosed food truck or mobile trailer, a push cart with a two or three compartment sink with pressurized hot water, or they may require renting a commercial kitchen with a certified food manager to wash a bowl, sugar scoop, and the tub machine, the use of a tent and netting, and obtaining catering (with limits on people served), transient, or mobile & service based licenses.Other counties allow freshly made cotton candy to be spun and served from under a canopy. The machine is set on the table, and cones of cotton candy are handed across the table to the customers.This legislation standardizes DATCP cotton candy retail food regulations. LRB-4838 requires DATCP to treat cotton candy to the same public and private sales exemptions enjoyed by popcorn and many other types of simple food products.Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau Under current law, retail food establishments must obtain an annual license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or one of its agents. Current law exempts certain retail food establishments from the annual license requirement, including retail establishments that are primarily engaged in selling fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, cider, or maple syrup, and retail food establishments where popcorn is popped, if these retail food establishments are not required to obtain a license to sell or process other food. This bill adds retail food establishments that sell or process cotton candy, if the retail food establishment is not required to obtain a license to sell or process any other food. |
Above, <click> NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR to open the nomination form.
Heroes of Hope, under the Farm Neighbors Care campaign, is focused on shedding light on rural heroes who have helped others through a tough time – i.e., helping harvest crops while going through a tough time, providing positivity in their day-to-day careers, uplifting other farmers to get through a tough season, etc. Heroes of Hope aims to identify people who have helped bring hope to farmers or businesses, either in large or small ways. Members of the agriculture community are encouraged to nominate individuals who have made an impact on the way they conduct business, both ordinarily and extraordinarily.
Blue Books Are Still Available!
District #5 Residents, please contact my office for your copy while supplies last.
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Upcoming Events in District 5
Seymour City-Wide Rummage Sale
Saturday, May 18th
Kaukauna Farmer’s Market
June 5 – August 28
Every Wednesday 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
AND
September 4 – 25
4:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Centennial Center Neighborhood Garage Sale
June 13, 14, 15
Thur-Sat 8am-4pm
Pebblestone Cir, Castlestone Ct. Isabella Cir, Adriana Ct. Hobart
50th Annual Oneida Pow Wow
Saturday, June 28th – June 30th,
Norbert Hill Center
N7210 Seminary Road, Oneida
3rd Annual Hobart Summer Celebration
Saturday, June 29th 4:00-8:00
Four Seasons Park, Hobart
Family Fun Fest at Doyle Park
Tuesday, July 30th
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Little Chute
3rd Annual Hobart-Lawrence Police & Hobart-Fire Rescue Golf Outing
Monday, August 12th
9 AM
Thornberry Creek Country Club
4470 North Pine Tree Road
Hobart
Gun Raffle Hosted by the All-American Garage
Maloney’s
Saturday, September 7th
N1994 Malony Rd., Kaukauna
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Do you know of an event in District 5?
Please contact my office with any upcoming events. I look forward to sharing your event details in the next Goeben Gazette.
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Contact Information
My staff and I are here to serve you. If you have general questions or concerns regarding legislative matters, or if you need assistance with a state agency, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you!
We are also happy to schedule a meeting with you, either here in Madison, or in District 5.
Representative Joy Goeben
State Capitol, Room 209 North
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
Rep.Goeben@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 237-9105 or Toll Free (888) 534-0005
