As you know, communities across the state are still recovering from the severe weather we experienced in April, which caused extensive damage and multiple rivers to flood their banks, destroying homes and businesses alike.
Last week, following the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA) conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management, the State officially requested that President Trump issue a Disaster Declaration. This is the next step required to make federal assistance available to impacted residents and communities.
Yesterday, I led members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to President Trump in support of the State’s request. The letter stresses the importance of federal assistance, given the severity and widespread nature of the destruction caused by the storms.
The initial damage assessments found that over 1,500 residential structures were damaged across 19 counties and the Oneida Nation, resulting in nearly $10 million in costs. Additionally, public infrastructure damage is currently estimated at over $17 million. This easily exceeds the state’s ability to afford recovery efforts on its own.
Communities across the state have shown incredible resilience in the face of this devastation, but they should not have to face the road to recovery alone. Federal assistance is critical to helping families rebuild their homes, businesses restore their operations, and communities repair the infrastructure their residents depend on every day.
I remain committed to doing everything in my power to get Northeast Wisconsin families the relief they need and deserve. It is my sincere hope that President Trump approves the state’s request so that the necessary resources can be made available for our communities to continue the road to recovery, and I will be there every step of the way.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
District Update
Memorial Day: Remember and Honor
I was honored to attend the Duck Creek VFW Memorial Day Ceremony in Howard and the Clintonville VFW Cookout on Memorial Day, where I had the opportunity to speak with so many local veterans, families, and community leaders. God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.
Visiting Great Lakes Sauerkraut Co LLC
[see featured photo above] I had a great visit to Great Lakes Sauerkraut Co LLC, located in Bear Creek. During the visit, I had the opportunity to witness the fermentation and manufacturing process of sauerkraut and other delicious products. It was also great to learn more about the impressive history of the world’s largest sauerkraut plant! I want to thank the entire team at Great Lakes Sauerkraut for your continued hard work and innovation in the industry!
Appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy
I was honored to call Erik Kosh, a senior at Lena High School, to inform him that he had been offered an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). This is an impressive accomplishment and one that Erik and his entire family should be incredibly proud of. I appreciate Erik for his willingness to serve our great country and wish him the best of luck!
The 2026 U.S. Service Academy application for my office is now available. The application deadline for the 2026 Service Academy Applications for my office is Friday, September 25, 2026. All applications must be fully completed and must be received by my District Office no later than 5:00pm on Friday, September 25, 2026. No late applications will be accepted, so please contact my District Office at 920-301-4500 with any questions. You can find additional information regarding the Service Academy Nomination process on my website here.
Photo of the Week
We have received so many wonderful pictures since we launched the Photo of the Week section of the Wied Wire, and I would love to continue seeing more. This week’s photo is of the view from Whitefish Dunes State Park. If you would like to submit a picture to be featured in an upcoming Photo of the Week, please email it to twstaff@mail.house.gov with your name and location. We look forward to highlighting more of your photos that celebrate the places and moments that make Wisconsin special.
