Around Town

Around the County

RENAMING MANAWA POST OFFICE: Congressman Tony Wied introduced legislation to rename a post office in Waupaca County after local World War II hero Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich. M/Sgt. Handrich’s sustained personal bravery, consummate courage, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect untold glory upon himself and the heroic traditions of the military service. For his heroic acts, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He is buried at Little Wolf Cemetery in Manawa, Waupaca County, Wisconsin.

Around the State

MEDICAL CANNABIS BILL: Wisconsin Republicans have introduced SB 534, a bill to legalize medical cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and terminal illnesses. If enacted, the law would permit registered patients aged 18 and older to access non-smokable cannabis forms, including oils, edibles, creams, and vapors. Minors could qualify with written consent from all parents or guardians. The bill establishes an Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation and mandates on-site pharmacists at dispensaries. Sales would be tracked through the state’s prescription drug monitoring program to ensure oversight and compliance. Read the Wisconsin Examiner story here.

SEN. TOMCZYK FAVORS CAMERA BILL: Sen. Cory Tomczyk, a Republican from Mosinee, says he fully expects to take criticism from his own party for helping author a bill that would allow Milwaukee police to use cameras to ticket drivers going at least 15 mph over the speed limit or blowing through red lights. The bill would allow Milwaukee, where reckless driving is rampant, to set up what amounts to a five-year “pilot program.” Ticket revenue would be used only to implement the program and pay for other traffic-related uses. Read the Badger Institute article here.

PREDATORY TEACHERS: Vague Wisconsin laws have allowed teachers who are sexual predators to groom children without fearing either appropriately severe criminal penalties or sufficient scrutiny of their teaching licenses, according to testimony Thursday, Oct. 23, from law enforcement and education administrators. Read the Badger Institute story here.