In July, a tornado tore through the Fox Valley, including right here in Appleton, leaving behind significant damage – homes impacted, trees down, and infrastructure disrupted.
From the moment the storm hit, I was committed to securing the federal assistance our communities needed to recover as quickly as possible. As I did after the flooding that impacted Northeast Wisconsin earlier this year, I stayed in close communication with local and state officials and the Trump Administration to advocate for the resources our communities needed.
In August, Governor Evers submitted a request for a federal disaster declaration after a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment found that storm damage exceeded the state’s ability to respond on its own. Following that request, I joined my colleagues in the Wisconsin delegation in urging President Trump to approve the declaration.
Last week, the President announced he had approved the request, unlocking nearly $18 million in federal assistance to help Wisconsin families and businesses rebuild and recover from this devastating storm.
This funding will go a long way towards accelerating recovery efforts across the Fox Valley. It will help families rebuild their homes, businesses restore operations, and communities repair the infrastructure residents rely on every day.
I am grateful to President Trump for approving our request and helping bring these critical resources to our region.
As your representative, it will always be a top priority to fight for Northeast Wisconsin and ensure our communities have the support they need to recover and thrive.
Whether it’s securing funding for local community projects or advocating for federal disaster relief, I will keep fighting to bring federal resources to Northeast Wisconsin and ensure our communities have the tools they need.
Thanks again for starting your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of the Wied Wire.
District Update
Securing Funding for Suamico
[see featured photo above] As Wieders know, I secured $12.4 million for Community Project Funding (CPF) in Northeast Wisconsin for FY2026. From infusion center renovations at the Bellin Health Oconto Hospital to support rural healthcare to improving water infrastructure for the Village of Suamico, CPF dollars will be used to positively impact so many residents throughout communities in Northeast Wisconsin. This week, I met with Village Administrator Alex Kaker in Suamico and Director of Public Works Andy Smits to discuss the water infrastructure improvement project that will meet the community’s current and future water demands while safeguarding public health. I will always fight for the people of Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District to improve their way of life and to continue for Northeast Wisconsin to be the best place to live, work and raise a family.
Backbone of the Economy
It was great to visit Diederich Farms, a fourth-generation family farm in Hobart, operated by Raymond and Daniel Diederich. During the visit, it was great to hear from the Dairy Business Association, Edge Dairy, and other local farmers about key issues facing the industry, like the farm bill, and how I can continue to advocate for them in Congress. Thank you to the Diederich Family for hosting and all of our great farmers for your continued hard work!
Innovative Industries
Northeast Wisconsin is home to some of the most innovative businesses in the country, and I had the opportunity to see that innovation firsthand during my visit to Sedron Technologies at Kinnard Farms in Casco. Their work helps lower fertilizer costs and improve water quality, delivering meaningful benefits to dairy farmers in our district and across the country.
REMINDER: Congressional App Challenge Due October 26
As a reminder, all app submissions for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge are due in the Congressional App Challenge student submission portal by Monday, October 26, 2026. Each year, Members of Congress have the opportunity to invite students to participate in this great initiative, one that provides middle and high school students with the ability to pursue an interest in STEM and computer science. If you have any questions regarding this year’s challenge, please contact my District Office at 920-301-4500 or submit a message through my website here.
Supporting Law Enforcement
I will always be a partner to our great men and women in law enforcement. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with Waupaca County Sheriff Tim Wilz and his department for a tour of their Communications Center and jail operation. Thank you to Sheriff Wilz and his department for your continued service to Waupaca County 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 was taken at Goodman 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.
