Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional teacher in northeastern Wisconsin who retired this summer after decades of dedicated service in education.

Mrs. Carolyn Brown began teaching at my alma mater, Notre Dame Academy, in Green Bay, in 1996, following nearly three decades in education. She taught English and journalism and was notably Notre Dame Academy's first International Baccalaureate-trained teacher.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Brown was known as the school's biggest cheerleader. She could be found at games, plays, musical performances, and just about every other school event, always showing up to support her students.

She also started the school's annual Fall Fest Week and the Academy Awards talent show, giving students a chance to share their school spirit and talents while, of course, being there to cheer them along the way.

Mr. Speaker, we are so blessed to have educators such as Mrs. Carolyn Brown in northeast Wisconsin. I thank her for her many years of service to the youth of Green Bay, and I wish her the very best as she begins her much-deserved retirement.

Recognizing Brown County Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brown County Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil as she enters retirement after years of dedicated public service.

For three decades, Deputy District Attorney Lemkuil has served the people of Brown County in the courtroom, doing work that is often difficult, demanding, and unseen by the public.

Throughout her career as a prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Lemkuil has primarily handled drug- and homicide-related cases, successfully prosecuting hundreds of cases in her commitment to protecting our communities and keeping Brown County safe.

Through her service to northeastern Wisconsin, she has made a lasting impact not only on our communities but also on the people with whom she has worked. Those who know her and have learned from her have said that it will be nearly impossible to fill her shoes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil on her retirement and on thanking her for her years of honorable service to Brown County and northeastern Wisconsin.

Recognizing Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz as he enters retirement after serving 16 years as sheriff and a total of 36 years with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Matz has lived a life defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to helping others. He served in the Wisconsin National Guard for 30 years and worked as a deputy throughout that time. During his service, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired as the command sergeant major of Wisconsin's 120th Field Artillery Battalion.

Few people have devoted as much of their lives to their nation and community as Sheriff John Matz.

Through decades in the military and law enforcement, he has shown his dedication and commitment to serving the people of Winnebago County and has made a lasting impact on countless lives across northeastern Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sheriff John Matz on his retirement and thanking him for his decades of honorable service to Winnebago County, northeast Wisconsin, and our Nation.

Recognizing Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski as he enters retirement after more than 33 years of dedicated public service.

Sheriff Joski's career reflects a deep commitment to serving his community, his State, and his country. Before his law enforcement career, Sheriff Joski served for 11 years in the United States Marine Corps. He later continued that life of service as Kewaunee County sheriff and through his dedicated work with the Wisconsin National Guard.

Throughout his career, Sheriff Joski has been known not only for his dedication to public safety, but also for his writing on mental health, physical safety, and community issues, and for his mentorship with first responders and military personnel. The trust he built between law enforcement and the communities across Kewaunee County has made a lasting impact on northeastern Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sheriff Matt Joski on his retirement and in thanking him for his decades of honorable service to Kewaunee County, northeastern Wisconsin, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Thomas Lemke and Deputy Triston Beauchamp of the Door County Sheriff's Office, along with Gary Robert Rasheed Daughtery, for their actions that helped save a driver's life following a serious crash.

The crash occurred after the driver experienced a medical emergency, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway. Without hesitation, Mr. Daughtery stopped to help and removed the driver from the vehicle so he could receive immediate care.

Sergeant Lemke and Deputy Beauchamp quickly began CPR and used an AED until ambulance crews arrived to begin patient care.

Their decisive response and teamwork played a critical role in giving the driver a chance to survive. Faced with a life-or-death emergency, each of these individuals stepped forward, without hesitation, and did everything within their power to save a life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending their courage and expressing our profound gratitude for their service to the people of Door County in northeastern Wisconsin.

Recognizing Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Founded in 1946 by Carl and Garnet Pagel, Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy began with just eight milking cows on their family homestead in Kewaunee County. What started as a small family farm has grown across generations into one of northeastern Wisconsin's most respected dairy operations.

Over the last 80 years, the Pagel family has helped strengthen Wisconsin's proud dairy tradition. Under their stewardship, Pagel's Ponderosa currently milks thousands of cows, employs more than 150 people, and remains a leader in northeastern Wisconsin's agriculture and dairy industries.

The Pagel family continues to maintain a strong commitment to caring for their animals, land, employees, and their community, reflecting the very best of northeastern Wisconsin agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy on 80 years of hard work and service to the Kewaunee community in northeastern Wisconsin. I wish them continued success for many generations to come.

Honoring Dave Schmidt

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dave Schmidt, a dedicated servant of the Clintonville community.

Dave sadly passed away on June 8 after a courageous battle with cancer. For many years, he gave his time and energy to the Clintonville Area Food Pantry, helping make sure local families had food, support, and someone willing to answer the call when they needed help.

Dave was not someone who served for praise or recognition. He simply saw a need, and he stepped forward. In recognition of that legacy, the Clintonville Area Food Pantry will now be known as Dave's Pantry.

This name is a fitting tribute to a man whose kindness touched countless lives across northeastern Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join the people of northeastern Wisconsin and me in thanking Dave Schmidt for his life of service. My prayers are with his family, his friends, and those who knew and loved him.

Congratulating Deacon Mike Vander Bloomen

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deacon Mike Vander Bloomen on his retirement from the parish staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and for his 25 years of faithful service.

Deacon Vander Bloomen began serving in Our Lady of Lourdes in 2001 and was ordained in 2003. Since then, whether visiting the elderly, offering guidance through troubling times, or using personal stories to connect with parishioners, he has supported countless people and helped strengthen their faith.

Although he is retiring from the parish staff, Deacon Vander Bloomen will continue preaching and lending a hand at Our Lady of Lourdes where he can. His willingness to continue serving speaks to his love for his faith and his dedication to the community that he has served for 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Deacon Mike Vander Bloomen on his many years of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the last day of National Dairy Month to ask my colleagues to support my newest bill, the Recognizing Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created Butter Act, or the REAL Butter Act.

It is unbelievable that legislation like this is even necessary, but unfortunately, that is the reality we face today.

Billionaire food experiments are no longer hypothetical. Bill Gates is funding a lab-grown butter project made from carbon dioxide instead of milk from a cow right in Illinois, right in the backyard of America's Dairyland.

This creation is an attack on American farmers, the dairy industry, and the Trump administration, which recently recognized butter as a healthy food under its newly announced dietary guidelines.

The REAL Butter Act would simply require that this fake butter be clearly labeled as ``lab-created butter'' directly on the product.

America's dairy farmers put in the work every day to keep our families fed, our rural communities strong, and our agricultural heritage alive. They should not have to compete with products that hide behind vague or misleading labels.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in standing with America's dairy farmers and supporting this commonsense legislation.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Elmer W. Ragen

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a true pillar of our community in Wisconsin's Eighth District and one of my inspirations for getting involved in public service, Elmer W. Ragen.

Born in Oconto County in 1929, he enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served from 1950 to 1954 in the Korean war, during which he rose to the rank of petty officer first class.

In addition to his military service, he volunteered with the Pulaski and Little Suamico Fire Departments; was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion, and the VFW; and served as an Oconto County veterans service officer, helping his fellow veterans.

If that wasn't enough, Elmer served on the Chase Town Board and the Little Suamico Town Board and as an Oconto County Board supervisor.

Mr. Speaker, Elmer Ragen's life is a testament to public service. From serving our country in uniform to serving in northeast Wisconsin as a volunteer, veteran advocate, and local elected official, his legacy will never be forgotten by me and so many others. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Congratulating Kaukauna High School Baseball Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate northeast Wisconsin's very own Kaukauna High School baseball team on winning the WIAA Division 1 State baseball championship.

The Galloping Ghosts defeated Madison Memorial 11-5, earning Kaukauna's first State baseball title since 1953. This historic win was the result of an incredible team effort, with Kaukauna recording 13 hits and eight different players contributing at the plate.

This championship title did not come easily. After falling behind early, the Galloping Ghosts refused to let the moment get away from them. The team battled back, took control of the game, and delivered a performance worthy of a State champion.

Mr. Speaker, this victory is a proud moment for the entire Kaukauna community. After more than 70 years, the Galloping Ghosts are, once again, State champions.

I extend my congratulations to Head Coach Mike Jenkins, the entire coaching staff, and the team on this incredible accomplishment.

Congratulating Fox Valley Lutheran High School Softball Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fox Valley Lutheran High School Foxes on winning the WIAA Division 2 State softball championship.

After ending an undefeated season in a heartbreaking loss at the sectional finals last year, the Foxes came back this season determined and with something to prove. That determination led them all the way to the finals, where they delivered a decisive 9-1 victory over Pewaukee to claim the first WIAA softball State title in school history.

This achievement is a proud moment for the players, Fox Valley Lutheran High School, and the entire Fox Cities community. Through their hard work and dedication, the team has made school history and has given northeast Wisconsin another championship team to celebrate.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to Head Coach Gunner Pfrang, the entire coaching staff, and the team on this incredible accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Brent Reimer of the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department for receiving the Wisconsin Professional Police Association's 2026 Certificate of Merit.

This honor recognizes Deputy Reimer's lifesaving actions on November 29, 2025, when he helped rescue a choking individual during a medical emergency.

Acting quickly alongside local first responders, Deputy Reimer used an airway suction device to clear the obstruction and help save the individual's life.

What makes this story even more extraordinary is that before this incident, it was Deputy Reimer who took the initiative to research the device and recommend it for use in the department. Because of that foresight, not only was he able to save this individual's life, but now patrol officers, schools, and nursing homes have access to this lifesaving tool.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deputy Reimer on this well-deserved award, and I thank him for his service to Kewaunee County and northeastern Wisconsin.

Recognizing Local Leaders

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize local leaders across northeastern Wisconsin who have worked tirelessly to support communities impacted by recent flooding.

In April, communities throughout Wisconsin's Eighth District experienced record rainfall with severe weather over several days, causing rivers to overflow their banks, damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Since then, I have remained in close contact with local leaders and witnessed firsthand how people come together to support one another. Their resilience in the face of devastation has been truly inspiring.

I especially thank the leaders in Shiocton, New London, and Fremont, which were among the hardest hit, for their unwavering dedication to helping their communities recover.

From county executives and sheriffs to emergency management officials and first responders, we are lucky to have such dedicated leaders in northeastern Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, when times get tough, Wisconsinites come together. I commend our local officials for their leadership, and I want them to know that I will continue to stand with them every step of the way.

Recognizing Officer Kelin Charles

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Kelin Charles of the Kewaunee Police Department who recently received an award for his lifesaving actions during a medical emergency in Kewaunee.

On November 12, 2025, Officer Charles responded to what appeared to be a routine call from a man who had passed out. Out of an abundance of caution, he brought Narcan with him in case the situation involved an overdose, a decision that proved critical when he found the man unresponsive.

Officer Charles immediately began lifesaving care. Working alongside other first responders, CPR was performed, an AED was used, and Narcan was administered. These actions gave the man a chance to breathe on his own again.

In a moment of crisis, Officer Charles' decisive actions gave this individual a second chance at life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Officer Kelin Charles for his quick action, service, and dedication to the people of Kewaunee and northeastern Wisconsin.

Recognizing Luke Schroeder

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a northeastern Wisconsin native, who recently finished his UW-La Crosse track career with a national title.

Luke Schroeder won the NCAA Division III national title in the 110- meter hurdles with a record-breaking time, finishing in a stunning 13.42 seconds.

This is not the first time Luke has gone out on top. During his high school athletic career at Ashwaubenon High School, he won the WIAA Division I State 300-meter hurdles title in his final race.

Schroeder had to overcome many odds to get to this championship victory, from a bulging disc in his back during his sophomore year to the COVID-19 pandemic in his junior year to running on a pulled quad during his senior year. His perseverance shows just how dedicated he is to this sport.

Mr. Speaker, as Luke's career comes to an end, I want to congratulate him on this record-breaking achievement and wish him the best of luck as he begins training for the 2028 Olympics and in all future endeavors that he may pursue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of EMT students at the Fox Valley Technical College Training Center in northeastern Wisconsin for their quick thinking and their lifesaving action.

On March 25, 72 year-old EMS instructor Karl Arps was acting as a patient during a simulated chest pain scenario when the emergency certainly became real.

The students recognized that Mr. Arps was experiencing cardiac arrest and immediately put their training into action. After nearly 5 minutes of CPR, his heart began beating again.

As students who are still preparing to enter the field, their ability to recognize the emergency and respond with such speed and confidence is truly extraordinary.

Mr. Arps has spent 25 years in EMS and has dedicated himself to preparing the next generation of emergency responders. In this remarkable moment, that exact training helped save his own life--a true testament to Mr. Arps' teaching abilities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Arps a speedy recovery and recognizing these students for their courage, composure, and lifesaving work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Green Bay Packers legend, Bob Harlan, who passed away last month at the age of 89.

Bob was born on September 9, 1936, in Des Moines and graduated from Marquette University in 1958. He spent 6 years as the sports publicity director at Marquette before joining baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1971, Bob was hired by the Packers as the assistant general manager. Over the next 18 years, he held various administration positions with the team before being elected president and CEO in 1989, a role he held until 2008.

Under Harlan's leadership, the Packers achieved significant success, including a victory in Super Bowl XXXI, an NFC championship in 1997, and 13 winning seasons over a 16-year span from 1992 to 2007.

Beyond these accomplishments, Bob is remembered for his approachable and personal leadership style. He was a caring leader who inspired trust and confidence in those around him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Madeline, with whom he was married for nearly 67 years, his three children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Packers fans and everyone across northeast Wisconsin, I extend my sincere gratitude to Bob Harlan for his leadership and send my prayers to his family during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bill to rename the United States Post Office in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in honor of Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich, a Waupaca County native, a Medal of Honor recipient, and a hero who served our Nation in both World War II and the Korean war.

In August 1950, Master Sergeant Handrich and his company faced overwhelming enemy forces attempting to overrun their position. Despite intense and sustained fire, he voluntarily moved to an exposed forward post where he directed mortar and artillery fire for 8 hours as enemy soldiers advanced to within 50 feet of his position.

When he saw elements of his company preparing to withdraw, he crossed open, fire-swept ground to rally and reorganize his men, restoring the line and enabling them to continue the fight.

Though severely wounded, he refused evacuation and returned to his forward position to continue directing fire. He remained there until the enemy overran his post, and he was mortally wounded.

When the position was retaken, more than 70 enemy dead were found in the area he had so courageously defended.

Master Sergeant Handrich's extraordinary bravery, leadership, and self-sacrifice reflect the highest traditions of our military and of the State of Wisconsin. Naming this post office in his honor ensures that his legacy will be remembered by future generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two incredible athletes from Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District who will represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Deedra Irwin of Pulaski and Paul Schommer of Appleton will compete in the biathlon this month in Milan and hope to be the first to bring home a medal for the U.S. in biathlon.

This is not the first Olympic trip for these two outstanding athletes. Both represented Team USA in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. This is not an easy feat to achieve, and competing in biathlon requires athletic skill, precision, and mental fortitude.

This event combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Athletes have to race on skis through a course and stop to shoot at targets from different positions and at varying distances.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Deedra and Paul the best of luck in the upcoming Olympic Games. As they get ready to compete, I hope they know that everyone across northeast Wisconsin and our great country will be cheering them on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of January as National Blood Donor Month. Each winter, blood centers across the Nation experience reduced donor turnout, while the need for blood remains constant.

In the United States, someone requires a blood transfusion every 2 seconds to treat patients facing trauma, surgeries, childbirth complications, cancer, chronic conditions, and so much more, yet our blood supply remains critically low.

Because of the urgent and ongoing need for blood donations, I recently introduced H.R. 5791, the Boosting Lifesaving Operations, Opening Donation Centers Act, or the BLOOD Centers Act, alongside my Democratic colleague, Congresswoman Schrier.

This commonsense, bipartisan legislation would streamline the bureaucratic burdens of opening a new blood center while still ensuring oversight and safety in donation facilities and of the blood they collect.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the BLOOD Centers Act so we can expedite the ability of blood centers to open new locations and collect lifesaving blood for those who need it.

Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I also want to encourage everyone listening today to consider taking the time to donate blood if you are able to. First-time donors are always welcome, and every donation has the power to save a life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young woman from northeastern Wisconsin who recently saved her mother's life by performing CPR.

While at home sick from school, 11-year-old Josie Pethan was confronted with a nightmare scenario that no child should have to experience. Josie had been reading on the couch next to her mother when her mother had a sudden medical emergency. Josie quickly realized something was very wrong.

Without hesitation, Josie jumped into action, calling nearby family members for help and then contacting 911. She soon spoke with dispatcher Brenda Dawes, who started guiding her on how to perform CPR.

Brenda was able to walk Josie through the proper CPR technique while they waited for EMTs to arrive. When asked about who was in her mind during this traumatic experience, she responded: Jesus.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable young woman. Because of her decisive actions, her mother is alive today and doing much better.

I also want to recognize and thank Brenda Dawes for her service to our community. Because of her calm guidance and sound advice, a tragedy was prevented. Northeast Wisconsin is blessed to have such compassionate and dedicated 911 dispatchers just like her.

Josie's quick thinking and faith in God will carry her very far in life. On behalf of everyone in Wisconsin's Eighth District, I want her to know how proud we are of her and how happy we are that her mother is doing okay.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ernest Stevens, Jr., a proud citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, who sadly passed away recently.

For more than two decades, Ernie Stevens served as chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, where he was elected to 13 consecutive terms. Under his leadership, Tribal government gaming grew into the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry, generating more than $43 billion annually and supporting healthcare, housing, education, and jobs in Native communities.

He also served his own Nation as a member of the Oneida Business Committee and was a steadfast advocate for Tribal sovereignty, always reminding us that Tribal gaming was about building nations, not just business.

Beyond his professional achievements, he was a mentor, a family man, and a source of inspiration to countless young leaders. He leaves behind his wife, Cheryl; their five children; and 20 grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, the people of Green Bay, the Oneida Reservation, and all of Indian Country mourn the loss of this remarkable leader. May his memory continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the outstanding USA Men's Deaf Basketball team that recently earned the gold medal while competing at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.

The team bested every other competing country, culminating in an electrifying 69-59 victory over Ukraine in the finals.

I give special recognition to one of my constituents, Patrick Danen of De Pere, who was a key member of this team and brought the gold medal home to Wisconsin's Eighth District.

Patrick, who attended my alma mater, St. Norbert College, had to learn to adapt to basketball after becoming deaf as a result of contracting meningitis at 6 months old. Despite this, he never let this stop him from excelling as a standout player in high school, college, and now the international level.

Patrick Danen and the rest of his teammates showed incredible skill, determination, and fortitude, and their victory was well deserved.

I also recognize the USA Women's Deaf Basketball team, who earned the silver medal in Tokyo, further demonstrating the strength of American athletes on the world stage.

While these games may not have gotten the attention from the media they rightfully deserve, it is my honor to stand here today on the House floor to recognize their achievement and ensure that they know just how proud they have made our country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me once again in congratulating the USA Men's Deaf Basketball team for their outstanding gold medal victory at the Deaflympics, and I look forward to their future success.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of LCL Transit, a Wisconsin-based, family-owned company in Green Bay.

LCL Transit's story began in Sobieski, Wisconsin, when Joe Pomprowicz bought a small pickup in the 1920's to deliver groceries from his mother's store. In 1926, Joe Pomprowicz and his future wife, Helen VanderLinden, founded LCL Transit with a used REO Speed Wagon and an innovative idea to haul fresh fish overnight to Chicago--the first truck from Northeast Wisconsin to do so. Helen's business sense and Joe's innovative mindset attracted major customers and expanded rapidly after a 1927 meeting with their soon-to-be largest customer, J.L. Kraft.

Over the next two decades, LCL acquired other trucking companies, and by 1967, the company operated over 200 tractors and trailers across 11 terminals. A strategic purchase in 1971 of O'Donell Tank Lines in Elkhorn had moved LCL into food-grade liquid bulk, which

included products like milk, corn syrup, oils, and liquid chocolate, among others. As LCL celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1976, they had grown to 500 employees, and the company's leadership was passed from Joe and Helen to their daughter and her husband, Bob and Joan Schaupp.

Throughout the years, Joe and Helen's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have continued the impressive legacy they built, including the current President of the company, Hans Schaupp. LCL Transit is a true credit to Northeast Wisconsin and to the communities it serves across the Midwest and country. I commend the company's hard work and dedication that has resulted in its lasting growth and success for over 100 years.

I invite my colleagues to join me to celebrate the 100th anniversary of LCL Transit. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the company's current President Hans Schaupp and the entire LCL Transit team as they celebrate this impressive milestone. I wish them continued success in the decades ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of retired Oconto County Police Chief Mike Rehberg, who recently lost his courageous battle with cancer.

Chief Rehberg protected and served the people of Oconto County for over three decades. He was known by both the people of Oconto County and his peers for his integrity, compassion, and strong commitment to his job, family, and the community that he loved so much.

He will be remembered for his infectious laughter, mentoring of newer police officers, the stories he loved to tell, and the practical jokes he would play on his fellow officers.

Chief Rehberg represents the very best that we have in northeastern Wisconsin: someone who spent his life in service to his community and did so with a smile on his face.

My prayers are with his wife, Annie, and their four children during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Chief Mike Rehberg for his life of service to the people of Oconto County. The legacy he leaves behind will live on in our communities for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate the West De Pere Phantoms football team for winning the WIAA Division 2 High School State Championship.

Following an impressive regular season and dominant performance in the playoffs, the West De Pere Phantoms traveled to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison to compete in the 2025 WIAA Division 2 State Football Championship.

In a hard-fought matchup, the West De Pere team won its third State title in program history. The Phantoms' defense held their opponent to zero points in the second half, and the offense broke records on the way to a 28-14 victory.

I commend the coaching staff and the entire Phantoms team for their hard work and dedication that led to this unforgettable season.

I also want to give a special shoutout to the father-son duo of West De Pere Head Coach Chris Greisen and all-star quarterback Patrick Greisen, who set the Division 2 record for total passing yards in a championship game, an extraordinary achievement on an already memorable day.

Mr. Speaker, I once again congratulate the team on this accomplishment, and I look forward to seeing many more championship wins in their future. I am proud to recognize this talented team, and I urge my colleagues to join me in applauding their outstanding season.