Wisconsin
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlights Great Lakes ports in Wisconsin trip
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg explains Great Lakes ports value
Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg was in Manitowoc, Wis. to see Navy Cranes built at Konecranes to grains of barley made into malt at Briess Malt.
MANITOWOC – In the port cities that line Wisconsin’s eastern coast, access to Lake Michigan supports a broad swath of industries including cargo transportation, heavy machinery manufacturing, agricultural exports and the malt supply for some of Wisconsin’s iconic craft brewing operations.
In a recent visit to three of those ports, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was traveling in his official capacity, despite reports indicating he is likely in consideration as a potential running mate for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris is expected to meet this weekend with several candidates as she takes the helm of the Democratic presidential ticket, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race late last month.
While Buttigieg — a former mayor of South Bend, Ind., and 2020 presidential candidate — adhered to the constraints of traveling as a representative of the federal government rather than a campaign, his message was clear: the investments he was highlighting exist in the context of an administration that enacted the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $17 billion of which was directed to ports and waterways.
“The last administration (under Republican former President Donald Trump) talked a good game about infrastructure but failed to get a package through,” Buttigieg told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel during a Tuesday stop at Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. “This is different. This is a season of infrastructure, not just a so-called Infrastructure Week, which was getting to be a bit of a joke in Washington in the last administration. This is an infrastructure decade, and we’re in the middle of it.”
The $1.2 trillion package, which Biden signed into law in 2021, addresses nearly every facet of American infrastructure, including public transportation, roads, bridges, ports, railways, power grids, broadband internet, as well as water and sewage systems. It marked the largest investment in the country’s infrastructure in decades and, Buttigieg said, will make streets safer, improve the climate and save lives.
“Everything about this excites me. And it’s just so powerful to look at the difference between talking and doing,” he said.
Buttigieg had made his way down to Manitowoc from Menominee, Mich., and visited Milwaukee the following day.
The Menominee Harbor port received $21 million in federal funding in June to reconstruct deteriorating port infrastructure and boost rail capacity.
In Manitowoc, Buttigieg toured Broadwind Heavy Fabrications, which processes more than 100,000 tons of steel each year, enabling the production of a variety of components and machinery including large cranes used by the U.S. Navy, mining equipment and wind turbines.
He then visited Briess, a family-owned business of more than 100 years that produces malts, or malted barley, used by breweries including New Glarus, Central Waters, Great Dane and Milwaukee Brewing Company.
“Our real goal here is to look at another side of America’s supply chains. Container shipping at the coast is important, but that’s only part of the story. Another very important part of the story is our Great Lakes ports, and the economy that connects into them,” Buttigieg said.
In the Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan area, Buttigieg said, he saw how much the port has grown and noted the influence of the wind industry and pulp movement on the supply chain and the creation of good-paying jobs.
“Here (in Manitowoc), we saw these enormous, colossal cranes that are such an important part of America’s defense system, and the range of products from that, to the barley that we’re looking at as part of this malting process, that they’re all only possible because of goods movement,” he told the Journal Sentinel. “And that’s why we’re investing in the ports as well as the railroad improvements, the roads and bridges and highways and everything else. That’s part of the Biden-Harris infrastructure package.”
Asked what, as transportation secretary, he would like to see from Congress to further support infrastructure funding, Buttigieg noted the government is “smack in the middle of the life of this five year bill, (so) we’re already starting to talk about what will happen in 2026.”
“We need sustained support for meaningful infrastructure investments,” he said. “Some of these, including the port infrastructure development programs, are funded with year-to-year appropriations. So it’s not just the Biden-Harris infrastructure package; we need support every single year to keep these programs going, to make investments like the ones we’re making in Wisconsin.”
Buttigieg said it’s also important for lawmakers to stay engaged with the federal government to ensure local projects are receiving the support they need.
“This is something that we talk to (Wisconsin Democratic Sen.) Tammy Baldwin a lot about,” he said. “She was there for us when we were trying to get the (infrastructure) bill passed. She’s also very focused on things like ‘made in America’ and project delivery that are going to help make sure the projects are successful.”
As Harris and Trump face off for the presidency, Baldwin faces a challenge from Republican businessman Eric Hovde as she seeks a third Senate term.
In a call with reporters ahead of his Wisconsin visits, state Republican officials called Buttigieg’s events a “taxpayer-funded trip for the secretary to come out and audition for vice president.”
“What he’s not going to do is talk to voters, show up at a grocery store checkout counter and understand the frustration that people have with the Biden-Harris administration,” U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil said.
Asked about federal grants for infrastructure that Buttigieg is highlighting in Wisconsin, Steil said “logical investments in our state infrastructure is a positive thing.”
“(The) concern that all of us have with the Biden-Harris administration is the overall amount of reckless spending,” he said. “When you see the secretary come in, he’s going to cherry-pick key investments. What he’s not going to do is highlight the number of flawed investments that his administration is trying to shove through, in particular electric vehicle charging stations, the inability of the FAA to operate efficiently.”
Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brian Schimming referred to Buttigieg’s visit as “the Democrat vice presidential Olympics” making an appearance in Wisconsin.
Asked what kind of role he’d like to hold in a potential Harris administration, Buttigieg said, “All I’ll say is I’m proud to be doing the work that I’m doing.”
Buttigieg said he’s honored the Biden-Harris administration trusted him with the opportunity “because there’s never been a more dynamic or exciting time to be the Secretary of Transportation.”
Hope Karnopp of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed.
Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.
The search for a pet kangaroo that escaped from its home outside of Necedah has captured media attention across the country.
Chesney is a 16-month-old kangaroo owned by Debbie Marlund, who operates Sunshine Farm Petting Zoo. He and his brother Kenny live in Marlund’s home, along with her five labradors, and often visit the residents of nursing homes and senior centers in the region.
“Chesney actually sleeps in bed with me every night,” Marlund said. “They’re both home bodies. They do get plenty of outside time when it’s nice. They don’t particularly care for cold weather.”
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The kangaroo was in his outdoor enclosure Wednesday morning when he was spooked by an unfamiliar dog and escaped. He’s been spotted multiple times in the area around his home but has so far evaded several attempts to catch him.
News of the search has been picked up by several TV news stations, including as far away as Seattle, and even made a British-based publication.
Marlund said she has not stopped searching for Chesney since Wednesday morning.
“I have been asking neighbors to let me go on their property and walk trails, walk paths, and get close to the vicinity,” said Marlund, adding that friends have been driving local roads to make sure he isn’t spotted leaving the area.
Colton Johnson of Midwest Aerial Drone Services has also aided in the search using a drone and thermal camera.
He often uses the equipment to search for lost pets but said tracking a kangaroo is more difficult because of its speed.
“It’s hard to keep up with him,” Johnson said. “He slipped us last night, but we’re going to head back out there tonight and see if we can get eyes on him.”
Johnson said there have been plenty of people in the area showing up to try to get a look at Chesney. But he urged residents to avoid going after the kangaroo because it could drive the scared animal further into the wooded area.
Marlund asked locals to keep an eye out for Chesney and report any sightings.
“He’s not going to come to a stranger, he’s too spooked,” she said. “But I think it is beneficial for people who are staying in the area or driving by to keep their eye out.”
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2026, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
If you’re looking to make reservations for an Easter meal, check out these Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Calendars are quickly filling up with Easter services, egg hunts, photos with bunnies and brunch plans.
If cooking isn’t your thing, or you’ve been too busy to plan and cook this year, you have options in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Several local restaurants and businesses have you covered with all of your favorite Easter treats.
The following Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants and businesses will be offering Easter breakfast, brunch or dinner.
- Branding Iron Supper Club will offer an Easter Dinner from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 at 9721 State 13 S. in Saratoga. The Easter menu includes a ham dinner, a prime rib dinner, Branding Iron’s full menu, salad bar and a fresh fruit mimosa bar. The Easter Bunny will also visit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are available at 715-325-8102.
- Lake Arrowhead Association will host an Easter Brunch Buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 at Lake Arrowhead, 1195 Apache Lane in Rome. The menu will include a variety of options including a carving station for prime rib and smoked ham, mahi mahi with a Korean glaze, sliced pork loin, chicken Alfredo, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, french fries, baby red potatoes, carrots, a build-your-own omelet station, biscuits and gravy, french toast sticks, pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, vegetables and more. Reservations are required, including a $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot and can be made at 715-325-2915 or banquets@lakearrowheadgolf.com or events@lakearrowheadgolf.com.
- Nekoosa Court will host an Easter Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 4 at Nekoosa Court, 145 N. Cedar St. in Nekoosa. Breakfast will include all-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, pancakes and beverages with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow.
- Olympic II will host Easter Weekend Specials from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at 2520 Eighth St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The Easter specials include a breakfast special of an 8-ounce New York strip steak and eggs, hashbrowns and toast, as well as a tenderloin and jumbo shrimp dish, a roast turkey and ham combo, chicken breast and four shrimp, ham steak, roast chicken and roast turkey. Reservations and orders for takeout can be placed at 715-424-4744.
- Quality Foods is offering a complete Heat & Serve Easter Dinner, including a ham dinner for eight people with off-the-bone ham, mashed potatoes and beef gravy or eight three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, homemade stuffing, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and eight slices of cheesecake. The store also will offer an Easter prime rib dinner for four, including prime rib, four three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and cheesecake while supplies last at 1021 W. Grand Ave. and 1811 Baker Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Orders must be placed by April 1 at 715-423-8350 for Baker Drive and at 715-423-9750 for West Grand Avenue. Orders must be picked up by noon April 5.
- Slice of Heaven Bakery will host a free Easter dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at 1158 Snow Pass in Rome. Guests can eat at the event or order for takeout. Reservations are not needed, but those who need a delivery should contact rebeccalacount@gmail.com or call 608-449-0702.
- The Whitney will offer an Easter Breakfast Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Hotel Mead Resorts & Convention Centers, 451 E. Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. Hot dishes include pancakes, pumpkin spice pancakes, french toast casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, quiche, frittatas, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and chicken and wild rice soup. Cold dishes include a yogurt bar, fruit skewers, deviled eggs, muffins, cranberry bread, croissants, biscuits and an English muffin. Desserts include fruit pie, carrot cake, peach cobbler and coffee cake. The buffet is available by reservation only at 715-423-1500.
Want to add your business to the list? Please email cshuda@usatodayco.com with the name of your restaurant, your Easter hours, what your Easter menu will include, and whether reservations are required.
March continues on the ice as Dartmouth Big Green takes on Wisconsin Badgers in a regional semifinal matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.
MORE: How to live stream NCAA men’s hockey tournament 2026: TV channel, schedule
How to Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth
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Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
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Wisconsin enters the tournament as one of the more complete teams in the field, combining strong defensive structure with high-end offensive talent. The Badgers have leaned on forward Cruz Lucius, a dynamic scorer capable of creating chances in transition, along with Kirsten Simms, who has been a consistent offensive presence throughout the season. On the blue line, Wisconsin’s physicality and ability to limit quality scoring chances have made it a difficult matchup.
Dartmouth arrives as a disciplined and well-coached group that thrives on structure and goaltending. The Big Green will look to slow the game down and rely on key contributors like John Fusco and Cade Webber to control play in their own zone while generating offense through efficient puck movement.
This matchup will likely come down to pace and execution. Wisconsin prefers to push tempo and create scoring opportunities off the rush, while Dartmouth will aim to keep things tight, limit mistakes, and capitalize on special teams opportunities.
Fans can watch the NCAA hockey tournament across the ESPN family of networks, with games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, while select matchups stream exclusively on ESPN+.
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