Earlier this week, a tornado tore through the Fox Valley, including Appleton, leaving behind significant damage – homes impacted, trees down, and infrastructure disrupted. Communities are still assessing the full scope of the damage.
As we assess the damage, I am committed to working with state and local officials to ensure our communities have the resources they need to make a full and swift recovery.
From the moment this storm hit, I have been in contact with local officials on the ground, and my office and I are standing by to assist in any way we can. While these are still early days, here is what you can expect in the coming weeks.
On Tuesday, Governor Evers declared a state of emergency, and that is the first step to ensure that our communities receive the resources they need. The declaration unlocks state resources, allows the Governor to mobilize assistance to our region, and positions Wisconsin to request federal support.
At this time, the most important thing you can do if you were impacted is report any damage by calling 211 or visiting https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/damage-report/. That reporting is essential, as it will be used to help determine the scale of impact and whether federal funding is necessary.
The next step is for the Governor to request FEMA’s help conducting a Preliminary Damage Assessment. That assessment determines whether the damage meets the threshold for a Major Disaster Declaration. If the damage qualifies, the Governor will submit a request to the President for a Major Disaster Declaration.
Once the Governor submits that request, the congressional delegation will support it and urge the President to approve it – just as we did this spring following the April storms and flooding.
Northeast Wisconsinites saw this process play out earlier this year, and we were able to secure federal funding from the Trump Administration to help communities recover. I am ready to do everything I can to make sure those affected by this storm receive that same support.
Although this process can take time, rest assured that I will work with the rest of our delegation and do everything in our power to get federal assistance for those who need it.
Wisconsinites are tough, and in times of crisis we come together to help our neighbors, and it is part of what makes it the best place in the world to live. If you were fortunate enough not to be impacted by the storm but can assist your neighbors in need, I encourage you to do so.
My prayers are with everyone who was affected by this storm. I want everyone across Northeast Wisconsin to know that we will get through this together. We will rebuild, we will recover, and I will be there with you every step of the way.
Thanks again for starting off your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of The Wied Wire.
Click here to watch my interview with Newsmax about Monday’s tornado.
District Update
Trip to Twig’s Beverage
[see featured photo above] I enjoyed touring Twig’s Beverage in Shawano and seeing their impressive facility firsthand, including their museum, which showcases generations of the Hartwig family’s success. Thank you to Ben and Jacob Hartwig for having me and for your continued commitment to growing your family business right here in Northeast Wisconsin!
World Class Care
It was great to visit ThedaCare’s world class Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center in Appleton. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with leadership team members to learn more about the services they provide at the facility from orthopedic walk-in care to physical and occupational therapy. Thank you to all of our healthcare heroes and to the ThedaCare team for showcasing your impressive facility!
A Day at the Farm
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting so many family farms throughout Northeast Wisconsin. This week, I visited Jeremy and Elizabeth Nennig and their family at Murraydale Farm in Ogdensburg. It was great to join the Nennig Family, team members from Organic Valley, and other community leaders for a tour of their operation and to discuss how I can continue to be a partner for them in Congress. Thank you to the entire Nennig Family for hosting me and for your hard work!
Cops at Culvers
Men and Women in law enforcement will always have a partner in me. I stopped by the Cops at Culvers event in Shawano and connected with so many of our great law enforcement officers to thank them for their service and support of the community. Thank you to Sheriff Lenzner and his entire department for your unwavering service and for all that you do for the Shawano and Northeast Wisconsin!
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 a slower-moving aircraft being overtaken by another over Shawano during last week’s AirVenture Air Cup. 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.
