Senator Vukmir, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of her staff, those that are here tonight and those who are not here and all who have worked for her in the past. Senator Vukmir thinks we all know how important it is to have a great staff. They work with us day in and day out to prepare us for the floor, for hearings, and for Joint Finance. Most important of all, Senator Vukmir appreciates their loyalty.
Senator Vukmir, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of her son Nicholas Vukmir, 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army, who just a little over a week ago became a US Army Ranger. Senator Vukmir had the incredible privilege of pinning the Ranger tag on his arm. She is incredibly proud of him.
Senator Wanggaard, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of his father, Lt. Colonel Dr. Herluf Wanggaard on the anniversary of his 101st birthday if he had lived. LYB, Dad.
Senator Tiffany, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Larry Konopacki, of the Legislative Council. It has been a great pleasure to work with him.
Senator Vinehout, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Debra Pyka and her son, Joseph Chernach. Joseph was a competitive and talented athlete from an early age. He participated in numerous extra-curricular activities such as baseball, wrestling, basketball, pole vaulting, and pop-warner and high school football. He won many medals and trophies from grade school through high school. After graduating from high school, Joseph showed signs of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) including withdrawal, depression, paranoia and mood changes, which resulted in his suicide on June 6, 2012 at the age of 25. After his death, Debra worked with the Sports Legacy Institute, to have Joseph’s brain examined. The doctors reported that Joseph was diagnosed with stage 2 to 3 CTE – out of four stages. The report went on to say that Joseph’s degeneration was the most severe they ever saw in a 25 year old individual. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative brain disease found in people with a history of repetitive brain trauma often found in athletes, veterans, and abuse victims. As a result of this repeated brain trauma, a protein called Tau slowly develops clumps throughout the brain, killing brain cells. Symptoms from CTE are similar to other neurodegenerative diseases such as memory loss, personality change, depression, suicidality, and dementia. Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed through a brain tissue analysis after death. Scientists are uncertain of how many individuals are affected by the disease and do not fully understand the causes. There is currently no cure for CTE. Joseph’s Mom Debra and his family co-founded an advocacy organization called Faces of CTE. The mission of Faces of CTE is to put a face on the mind-robbing disease of CTE and educate the public that CTE does not only affect professional athletes, but children and non-athletes as well. Debra was hoping the Senate would pass a resolution naming January 30, 2018 as CTE Awareness Day. Unfortunately, the resolution was not included in the calendar. So today let us honor Joseph Chernach and all those lost to CTE.
Senator Miller, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Mia Zutter. Mia is a Paralympic athlete competing in South Korea in the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games, in the biathlon and cross country skiing.
Senator Miller, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Renee Tennant in recognition of her retirement after 20 years in the Monona Grove School District. Renee has served as principal at Glacial Drumlin School in Cottage Grove since 2008.
Senator Bewley, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the United States Men’s Olympic Curling Team, who recently won the Gold Medal at the Winter Olympics in South Korea, defeating Sweden. Now, curling is not something a lot of us think about when it comes to Olympic competition. At least for Senator Bewley, she thinks of downhill skiing, bobsledding, and figure skating. But during the most recent Olympics, it sure seemed that everyone had become a curling fan. And with good reason. Our team defeated some of the best curling clubs in the world to reach the gold medal game and claim victory. Like Senator Bewley, she’s sure that many of you had become curling fans by the time the games were complete. And what is better yet, is that the skipper of the team, John Shuster, is from Senator Bewley’s district! He, his wife Sara, and their two children call Superior, WI home. Senator Bewley doesn’t believe she’s ever had a gold medal winner as a constituent before. So, she’d like to adjourn in honor of the team, and in honor of their remarkable run to Olympic history. Congratulations to all of them.
Senator Bewley, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Wrestler Ryan Anderson of Clear Lake who won his second state title, winning the Division 3 Crown at 106 pounds. Two of his three matches ended with Ryan pinning his opponent, including wrapping up his title run with a pin in one minute and nineteen seconds. Ryan’s championship capped a perfect season, with the senior closing out his career at Clear Lake with a 46-0 record and helping to lead the Warriors to a 5th place team finish. Please join Senator Bewley adjourning in honor of state champion Ryan Anderson, his coach and proud father Darin Anderson and all the Clear Lake wrestlers who made the most of their appearance at state.
Senator Bewley, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Officer Nathan Emmons of the Barron Police Department, thanking him for his service and fighting the good fight for needed legislation and congratulating Officer Emmons and his K9 partner Duke on Duke’s certification this past weekend.
Senator Moulton, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of his wife, Sure Kay, who has loaned him to the Legislature for the last 12 years. He wants to thank his daughter Sarah and son Will for all the work they’ve done running his business while he’s been here. He also wants to thank his 8 grandkids, who have been with him at parades, riding in his boat or truck, and helping out as much as they can. Senator Moulton thanks all of you for putting up with his antics during the floor session. It’s been a great experience.
Senator Nass, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of someone who has been very significant in his life for many years, Sheila Reiff. Sheila was the Clerk of Courts in Walworth County, and Senator Nass wants to congratulate her on her new position as the Clerk of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Appellate Courts.
Senator Schachtner, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the Hudson Boys’ Hockey team, who won their second straight state title in the WIAA State Championship game in early March. The Hudson Raiders finished the season with 28 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie in a yet another remarkable year. Congratulations, boys!
Senator Schachtner, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of a Somerset High School student who is taking school safety needs to the next level though his entrepreneurial efforts. During a training about emergency active shooter situations, Justin Rivard realized that intruders were able to push their way through in-swinging doors. Through his metals class and hours of research and study, Justin developed an innovative, lifesaving invention that can be used to jam swinging doors in an emergency. Justin is working to patent his invention, the JustinKase, and the device is already in demand. The Somerset High School has ordered 59 and the middle school has already placed an order for 50 more, and other school districts are interested. Justin has combined service to the community with his passion and interest in invention and entrepreneurship to create a growing business. Senator Schachtner is pleased to honor Justin and his family today with this adjournment.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of her son, Isaiah Taylor, who is now and adult and will be graduation from high school and going to college.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the Washington High School Basketball team. It was an amazing team that went up state and played a good game.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Lee Holloway, who passed on March 14, 2018. Holloway was elected in 1992 to represent the board's 5th District seat on Milwaukee's north side. He served as a county supervisor for 20 years and held the post of board chairman from 2004 to 2012. He was the first African-American chair of the Milwaukee County Board, and the first African-American County Executive of Milwaukee County. Holloway will be remembered always in the Milwaukee community for a number of reason’s to include leading the efforts to create a county general assistance medical program — a health safety net — that subsequently was expanded statewide as Badger Care.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the hundreds of students that came to the Capitol to ask us to hear them.
Senator Stroebel, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Hartford resident and University of Wisconsin-Parkside student-athlete Nick Becker, who won his third straight NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship. Becker began the 2017-2018 season with a school-record, 66 consecutive wins and closed out his career at UW-Parkside with a perfect 89-0 record.
Senate Sergeant at Arms Ted Blazel, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of his staff. During the 2017-18 session the following members of the Sergeant at Arms’ office have provided dedicated and professional service to the Wisconsin State Senate. Their dedication and hard work in carrying out the duties of the Sergeant at Arms’ office is appreciated. He would especially like to single out Lisa Macaulay, Dennis Burns, Cyrus Anderson, Patrick Egan, Tammy Wehrle and Chuck Johnson for their leadership. The Sergeant’s staff for the 2017-18 session have been: Colin Barushok, Bryce Grunwaldt, Matt Hansen, Chuck Johnson, Nate Olson, Olga Pristash, Will Swassing, Abby Briquelet, Halle Breske, Ben Brown, Kailyn Brown, Josh Coady, Oscar Cortes, Alexander Franke, Abigail Grady, Megan Hofmeister, Mikayla Kelz, Lena Likina, Nate Lindahl, Hannah Nass, Payal Patel, Megan Powers, Bailey Rasmussen, Seth Roca, Nicole Schreiber, Sara Sedgwick, Nicholas Shellander, Joshua Shimabukuro, Mary Siebert, Emma Stutzman, Johnny Stutzman, Steven Xiong, Philip Case, Becky Dickmann, Robert Szabo, David Harms, Sarah Holtz, William Michlig, Jordan Naramore, Aleja Ross, and Will Tucker.
Senate Chief Clerk Jeffrey Renk, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of his staff: Jeff Beighley, Sarah Burhop, Meggan Foesch, Erin Gillitzer, Cindy Marecek, Mike Marquardt, Adrienne Miller, Gina Ward, and Tammy Wehrle.
_____________
Adjournment
Senator Fitzgerald, with unanimous consent, asked that the 2017 Regular Session of the Senate stand adjourned until Thursday, March 22, 2018.
Adjourned.
10:19 P.M.