5th Assembly District Update: May 6, 2024

I-41 Project Update

The I-41 project is underway and may cause those living in the 5th district some travel delays. Being informed and prepared ahead and using alternate routes when possible will hopefully mediate the challenges.

The following is a project update from the Department of Transportation regarding the I-41 corridor.

Beginning May 6, 2024, Rose Hill Road over I-41 in Little Chute will be closed to traffic and reconstructed. Drivers can expect a few nights of full closures on I-41 during demolition, and traffic will be detoured using County OO, WIS 55, and Edgewood Drive. Area residents may experience nighttime noise during the overnight demolition operations. In Outagamie County, our next round of scheduled closures will be at the County N interchange in July. In Brown County, French Road/Southbridge Roads are scheduled to close between Creamery Road and Lawrence Drive this fall.

In Madison

Children and Families Committee Hearing on Act 78.

A joint hearing of the Assembly and Senate Children and Families Committee was held. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) presented the 2022 Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect, Report, 90-Day and 6-Month Summary Reports of Incidents of Child Death, Serious Injury, or Egregious Incident, and Quarterly and Annual Reports of Sexual Abuse of Children Placed in Out-of-Home Care.

This is one of the hardest, gut-wrenching days of the year. The Committee learns more about and discusses the horrific situations that some Wisconsin children experience. This hearing brought to my attention the need for DCF to provide additional information to the Legislature more often and continually about what is happening to children in Wisconsin.

We have dedicated people working diligently to protect the children of Wisconsin. Unfortunately, in some situations, even after multiple referrals and visits, nothing happens to protect the child. Later we find the child has died due to abuse and neglect. We need better and more timely solutions because our current model and processes are failing children.

Click this link to read the 2022 report:

Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Report, DCF-P-5693

In-District Doings

Outagamie County Law Enforcement Citations

At the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department (Left to Right) Outagamie County Sheriff Kriewaldt, Rep. Goeben, Sergeant Megan Braun, and Sergeant Michael Fitzpatrick.

Sergeant Megan Braun

WHEREAS, Sergeant Megan Braun has served the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office with honor and distinction since 2014; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Braun models a devotion to excellence in her current and former roles as an ERT Negotiator, School Resource Officer, Correctional Officer, Sensitive Crime Investigator, and as a State of Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Officer; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Braun is a tireless and compassionate advocate for vulnerable children and her ability to navigate complex situations with compassion, fairness, and a commitment to justice reflects the highest standards of law enforcement; and,

WHEREAS, Sergeant Braun diligence, benevolence, and genuine desire to seek justice for children exemplifies the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence; now, therefore,

Representative Joy Goeben on behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly under Assembly Rule 97, hereby thanks Sergeant Megan Braun for her outstanding efforts and years of public service devoted to the safety and wellbeing of her community.

Sergeant Michael Fitzpatrick

WHEREAS, Sergeant Michael Fitzpatrick has served the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office with honor and distinction for over 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fitzpatrick’s selfless dedication in the fight to protect children from exploitation , “Officer of the Year” for the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office in 2007 & 2014, Outagamie County District Attorney’s Office Best Badge in 2015, and Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) Investigator of the Year in 2020; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fitzpatrick received the 2023 Midwest Organized Crime Information Center Award for Outstanding Cooperation and Performance in Law Enforcement, while serving as an Officer for both the State of Wisconsin’s ICAC Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Cold Case Task Force; and,

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fitzpatrick diligence, compassion, and genuine desire to seek justice for children exemplifies the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence; now, therefore,

Representative Joy Goeben on behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly under Assembly Rule 97, hereby thanks Sergeant Michael Fitzpatrick for his outstanding efforts and years of public service devoted to the safety and wellbeing of his community.

Fox Valley Metro Law Enforcement Citations

At the Fox Valley Metro Police Department (Left to Right) Lieutenant Mark Ulman, Rep. Goeben, and Chief Daniel Meister

Lieutenant Mark Ulman

WHEREAS, On April 26, 2024, Lieutenant Mark Ulman, after 25 years of service, retired from the Fox Valley Metro Police Department. He is known for building the Fox Valley Metro Police Department’s (FVMPD) mission and guiding principles and exemplifying unwavering dedication and commitment throughout his tenure in law enforcement and public safety; and,

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Ulman’s dual expertise as both a law enforcement officer and a paramedic has been instrumental in his ability to serve the community; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Ulman’s steadfast dedication and selfless commitment to overseeing the FVMPD honor guard for more than two decades and his consistent leadership in managing the motorcycle patrol unit; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Ulman’s pioneering roles, such as serving as the first tactical EMS officer on the Outagamie County Emergency Response Team, his leadership as the Founder and President of the Outagamie County Chaplain’s Program, and as a board member of the Outagamie County Peer Support Team reflects his commitment to holistic support within the law enforcement community; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Ulman’s lifesaving initiatives include securing the funding to equip each squad car with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and collaborating with a medical director to establish the Narcan program which has saved 23 lives to date; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Ulman’s exemplary service has been duly recognized through numerous awards and commendations, including the Humanitarian Award, Life Saving Award, Officer of the Year (4x), Meritorious Service Medal, and Chief’s Commendation; now, therefore,

Representative Joy Goeben on behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly under Assembly Rule 97, hereby recognizes Lieutenant Mark Ulman for his outstanding efforts in the Fox Valley community, and thanks him for his years of public service, and wishes him well in his retirement.