Legislative Breakfast at Mid-State

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – The Legislative Breakfast took place at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids on March 21, 2025. Four local and state officials attended to give residents an update on their work and to take questions.

Senator Testin

Senator Pat Testin represents the 24th Senate District. Testin spoke to his efforts to attract more people and businesses to Wisconsin. Whether this is changing the tax system to be more competitive with other states or partnering with organizations that help bring talent to the state. “We are in direct competition with 49 other states and we have to position ourselves to make the case as to why this is the best place to come and relocate, rehabilitate, start a new career, start a new business.” He said we need innovative ideas to bring people here from other states or bigger cities.

Representative Krug

Rep Scott Krug from Assembly District 72, said Wisconsin Rapids has a lot of strengths despite losing the paper mill as an employer.  “If you’re working in Stevens Point and you can’t find a starter home, where are you looking? Come to Wisconsin Rapids. If you’re looking for work from home opportunities and you’re looking for a place that’s got great high speed internet, where are you going? You’re coming to Wisconsin Rapids because Solarus can get you 1 gig service. Or if you’re in Marshfield and you’re not really digging that you don’t have any water to live by anywhere, where’re you coming? Right here. We got all the lakes and all the things possible.”

Mayor Zacher

Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher said in his first eleven months in office, he’s worked to reach out to surrounding communities to increase communication. “Within the city itself, just really breaking down the silos between departments and getting the department heads to work together to mainstream the services to make it as efficient and effective as possible.” Mayor Zacher said they’re also working to upgrade the city website to be more smart phone friendly for easy communication.

Senator Tomczyk

Sen Cory Tomczyk represents the 29th Senate District and is in the middle of his first term. He said he’s reintroducing his nine bills from last year Governor Evers vetoed. “I am very interested in fixing our tax brackets and fixing the tax burden for people in the state of Wisconsin to improve our standing in the Midwest and improve everyone’s lives.” 

Highway 186/10 Intersection

Senator Tomczyk is Chair of the Transportation Committee. A question was asked about the safety concerns at the Highway 186 and State Highway 10 intersection in Wood County. Tomczyk said community members need to be a “squeaky wheel” to the Wisconsin DOT. That would help promote the need for increased safety measures at that intersection.

Senator Testin said there was a recent meeting with the Wisconsin DOT and community members. Tomczyk had a prior commitment and was unable to attend. The meeting included family members of 17-year-old Kasey Ramthun who lost her life at the intersection in December of 2024. Senator Testin stated, “I was rather optimistic walking out of there that I think DOT realizes that intersection is a problem. At bare minimum we should at least establish a J-turn so that you don’t have that cross traffic coming through.” Testin said that the DOT seems willing to have discussions about making that intersection safer to avoid more tragic incidents.