By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
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Marshfield,WI - The Utility Commission will consider a draft Dark Fiber Policy during its upcoming public meeting scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

The policy review continues a discussion that began during earlier Commission meetings, where members examined how the utility’s dark fiber — unused fiber-optic strands within its network — should be managed, priced, and made available to customers.

In previous discussions, commissioners weighed whether dark fiber leases should be structured using a market-based pricing model or an internal rate-of-return approach aimed at recovering long-term infrastructure costs. Staff previously reported that the dark fiber system serves a relatively small customer base, estimated at fewer than 50 potential users, while replacement costs for the network were projected at approximately $2.5 to $2.6 million.

Those figures prompted questions about how to ensure that specialized services do not place a financial burden on general utility ratepayers. The draft policy expected to be discussed Monday is intended to address customer eligibility, lease terms, and pricing principles.

The meeting will include a public comment period, during which members of the public may address the Commission after stating their name and address. The Commission may also take action on emergency matters introduced by the public.

Additional agenda items include governance and operational matters such as general manager contingency and succession planning, commission key performance indicators, job orders, bills and payroll, financial reports, and approval of minutes from the December 12, 2025 meeting.

The Commission is also scheduled to recognize Erick Boon for 25 years of service to the utility.

The Utility Commission meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in compliance with open meeting requirements.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Joint Municipal Court Judge. The municipal court judge shall be a resident of the City of Marshfield, Village of Spencer, or Village of Stratford. In addition, the municipal court judge shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin and in good standing with the Wisconsin State Bar.
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A Letter of Interest and Resume should be sent to City Clerk Jessica Schiferl, 207 W. 6th Street, Marshfield, WI 54449, or emailed to [email protected].  The deadline for applying for this position is Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

WOOD COUNTY, Wis. — Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker announced he will seek re-election this fall, citing continued commitment to mental health initiatives, community engagement, and public safety across the county.

Becker made the announcement during a recent appearance on County Connections, saying he and his family decided earlier this year to pursue another term. The sheriff’s race will be on the November ballot, with nomination papers due this spring and a possible primary later in the summer
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“I’m truly grateful to be in this position,” Becker said. “I still want to be part of this team and the community.”
Becker has served as sheriff for nearly eight years and said his campaign platform will remain focused on mental health services, community-based policing, and continued partnerships with schools and local organizations

During the interview, Becker also addressed a recent drive-by shooting in the Village of Rudolph, confirming that investigators have a potential suspect in custody. He said the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“Thankfully, nobody was hurt,” Becker said, noting that multiple rounds were fired at a residence. He credited investigators for quickly gathering information with the help of community tips and social media outreach

Becker announced the addition of a new therapy dog assigned to School Resource Officer Jesse Nells through a partnership with the Auburndale School District. The dog will support students and staff and may also be deployed during community crises.
Therapy dogs, Becker said, play an important role in mental health support and have proven effective in both schools and correctional settings

K-9 Fundraiser and Jail UpdatesThe Wood County Sheriff’s Office will host a K-9 bingo fundraiser on March 26 at the Wisconsin Rapids Elks Lodge, with proceeds supporting training and equipment for law enforcement dogs. Becker said the department’s K-9 program relies heavily on community support, noting that a single dog can cost approximately $15,000 before ongoing training and equipment expenses

Becker also marked nearly one year since the opening of the county’s new jail facility, praising corrections staff for adapting to the modern building and its technology.
“Our staff has done a phenomenal job,” Becker said, adding that the project is about 95 percent complete

With winter recreation underway, Becker urged snowmobilers to stay on marked trails, respect private landowners, and follow safety guidelines. He warned that riders who leave designated trails risk citations and jeopardize future trail access

Becker also clarified the sheriff’s office’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under a longstanding 287(g) agreement. He said ICE detainers only apply to individuals arrested for crimes in Wood County and emphasized that ICE has not conducted operations locally.
“We’re not out there picking people up for ICE,” Becker said, explaining that any involvement would be limited to mutual aid in emergency situations

Becker announced several staff updates, including the promotion of Jenna McDonald to office manager, the hiring of Lori Keena in the front office, and the addition of Deputy Jacob Van Ert, who is completing field training

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD, Wis. — Marshfield Common Council members on Jan. 13 discussed how to revive momentum for downtown housing and debated next steps for the city-owned former Weinbrenner shoe factory as the company’s move-out date nears.
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Public comments urged council to return to prior planning goals that called for expanding downtown housing, including market-rate and owner-occupied options, and to assess what progress has been made since earlier strategies were adopted.

Preservation architect Mark Settler of Settler Design Studio told council the former factory is a strong candidate for conversion to apartments, citing features such as high ceilings and large windows. He also cautioned that demolition of parts of a historic property can affect eligibility for historic tax credits.

Finance Director Jennifer Selenske updated council on steps aimed at preventing capital-project cost overruns, including improvements in how projects are tracked and plans to implement requisitions and purchase orders designed to flag or stop spending when budgets would be exceeded.

City Administrator Steve Barg said two special council meetings scheduled for strategic planning on Jan. 17 and Jan. 31 were canceled due to a lack of quorum.

Barg also said the airport terminal building contains asbestos and mold, which could affect whether it can be used for a fire training burn. He said the city still plans to proceed with removing the building.

Alderman Tompkins reported the council’s housing committee is focusing on infill home construction on scattered city-owned lots and is working to define “affordable” homeownership as it explores incentives to bring to builders.

Human Resources Director Sarah Dresel presented a request to seek proposals for professional recruitment services for the vacant public works director position, along with a budget resolution to set aside up to $50,000 from contingency for recruitment and related expenses. Tompkins criticized the proposed spending during discussion.

Barg said Municipal Court Judge John Kruse resigned effective Jan. 9 and that the city clerk prepared a notice seeking qualified applicants for a temporary appointment, with coordination involving the villages participating in the joint court. Council also moved to appoint representatives to review applications and make a recommendation.

Council discussion returned to the former Weinbrenner factory on West Third Street, reviewing redevelopment paths that included continued recruitment for a mixed-use project, interim tenancy, community-oriented uses, sale, or demolition and redevelopment. Barg noted Weinbrenner is scheduled to be out of the building by March 31.

Council later discussed strategic planning logistics, including meeting format and whether remote participation is workable for breakout-style sessions.

The council also entered closed session to discuss negotiations related to city property and public funds and later authorized actions related to an amendment to a development agreement and an extension of a lease for city-owned property.

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD, Wis. -- Volunteers with the Tax Aide program will begin preparing federal and state tax returns in Marshfield starting the first full week of February, offering free help for eligible residents at the Senior Center, 211 E. 2nd St.
Ed, a local Tax Aide volunteer, shared details about the service during a recent episode of the Marshfield Now! show on the Marshfield Now! channel, hosted by David Ballerstein. Tax Aide is sponsored by AARP and the Marshfield Recreation Department, and is aimed at moderate- and low-income filers, with a focus on people over 50, he said.

Appointments required
Tax returns are prepared on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, and appointments are required, Ed said. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 211 or 877-947-2211, which routes through United Way in Wisconsin Rapids. Residents can also schedule an appointment in person during Tax Aide operating hours at the Senior Center, he said.

He encouraged residents not to call the recreation department to book appointments, saying staff there cannot schedule Tax Aide visits.

Who must file
​Whether a person must file depends on age, filing status and income, Ed said. He outlined several income thresholds discussed during the program, including:

• Single: over $15,000 (under 65) or $17,000 (65 or older)
• Married filing jointly: over $30,000 (both under 65); $31,600 (one 65+); $33,200 (both 65+)
• Head of household: over $22,500 (under 65) or $24,500 (65+)
• Qualified surviving spouse (spouse died in 2024 with a dependent): over $30,000 (under 65) or $31,600 (65+)
  
  

He also noted two common exceptions: people with marketplace insurance must file regardless of income, and self-employed individuals generally must file if they made more than $400.

What Tax Aide can’t prepare
Because of IRS rules and the limits of the volunteer program, Tax Aide cannot prepare certain returns, Ed said. Examples he listed include married filing separately in Wisconsin, returns involving bankruptcy or divorce in 2025, farm income, depreciation and many situations involving business inventory, along with virtual currency, most K-1 forms, Medicare savings accounts and session gambling.

What to bring
To reduce fraud, the IRS requires Tax Aide volunteers to verify identity with a photo ID, Ed said. He also recommended bringing:

• Social Security numbers and any Social Security statements
• All income documents (W-2s, interest/dividends, retirement income, and documents related to selling stocks or bonds)
• The prior year’s tax return for comparison
• For homestead tax credit: a tax bill or a signed rent certificate
• Bank routing information for direct deposit
  
  

Ed said the IRS has been encouraging direct deposit and warned that people insisting on paper checks could face a longer process involving an identity verification form and additional waiting time.

Updates discussed for 2025 and beyond
During the conversation, Ed also highlighted several changes and reminders affecting taxes discussed on the program, including an additional deduction for some people over 65, new rules related to overtime premium pay and tips, and adjustments related to items like vehicle-interest deductions tied to where a new car is assembled. He also said Wisconsin did not adopt federal changes from a recently passed bill, but added a retirement exclusion with tradeoffs for other state credits.

Ed also cautioned mail filers to plan ahead, saying rural post offices may no longer postmark mail the day it arrives locally, potentially affecting deadlines.

Volunteers needed
Tax Aide is also seeking volunteers. Ed said the program uses “client facilitators,” who help organize paperwork, and “tax counselors,” who prepare returns using tax software and receive more extensive training. Those interested in volunteering can call 715-207-5601, he said.

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD, Wis. — The Marshfield Common Council is expected to spend significant time Tuesday, Jan. 13, discussing next steps for the former Weinbrenner Shoe Co. property and reviewing several administrative and policy items, according to a Council Preview program hosted by Tom Loucks with City Administrator Steve Barg and Mayor Lois TeStrake.

Barg said the city’s spring election field is set following a Jan. 6 filing deadline, with TeStrake seeking reelection and Nick Poeschel also filing for mayor. In City Council races, District 1’s Mike Feirer, District 5’s Scott Koran, and District 7’s Brian Giles are unopposed, while District 3 Alderperson Natasha Tompkins will face challenger Joe Konieczny. District 9 will also have a new representative after Mike O'Reilly did not file; Richard Kranz has filed for the seat.

On the agenda, Barg said Finance Director Jennifer Selenske will provide a staff update focused on how the city tracks and communicates project cost increases—an item requested by Alderperson Rebecca Spiros—aimed at keeping council members informed earlier in projects when bids or requirements push budgets higher.

Council members are also expected to consider a “capital expenditure reimbursement” resolution establishing a priority order for how different funding sources are applied to city projects—such as grants, donations, special funds, enterprise funds, debt financing and as a last resort, general fund dollars. Barg said the policy is intended to ensure restricted revenues are used appropriately and to clarify what happens when projects come in under or over budget.

Another major item involves filling a municipal judge vacancy after Judge Cruz tendered his resignation effective Jan. 9. Barg said the council will be asked to authorize a notice seeking applicants and to appoint a five-member group—comprised of the mayor and two council members, plus one representative each from Stratford and Spencer—to review applications and conduct interviews for a temporary appointment until an election can be held later this year. Applicants must live within Marshfield, Stratford or Spencer and be licensed Wisconsin attorneys in good standing, he said.

Barg said the Weinbrenner property discussion remains open-ended after two attempts to find a redevelopment partner did not pan out. Options discussed include returning to a previous developer for affordable housing, issuing another RFP/RFQ, pursuing alternate uses such as a business incubator or community/nonprofit space, seeking temporary occupancy ideas, or potentially demolishing portions or all of the building—though he noted the structure’s historic significance. TeStrake encouraged residents to attend and share ideas during citizen comment.

The council will also be asked to discuss how to move forward with citywide strategic planning after multiple attempts to schedule sessions fell short of a quorum, Barg said.

While the open-session agenda is relatively short, Barg noted the council has four closed-session items planned—three involving amendments to existing development agreements and one involving an extension of a lease for city-owned property.O'Reilly

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

​Marshfield Medical Center has been officially rebranded as Marshfield Clinic Sanford Health, a visible change that leaders say reflects the organization’s merger with Sanford Health and a renewed focus on growth after a period of financial distress.

Bob Chaloner, chief operating officer at Marshfield Medical Center, discussed the changes during an interview on “Hub City Times Presents” with host Peggy Sue Behselich.

Chaloner said Marshfield Clinic joined Sanford Health—based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota—about a year ago, describing Sanford as nearly four times the size of Marshfield Clinic and part of a combined system totaling about 55,000 employees and hospitals across multiple states.

He said the partnership is aimed at strengthening the mission of providing high-quality health care in rural communities.

Financial turnaround after cuts
The organization’s rebranding follows what Chaloner described as a sharp financial turnaround. He said the health system faced several years of difficulty, citing the impacts of COVID and problems tied to a computer system implementation, with the organization losing “quite a bit of money” up through about 2024.

During that period, Chaloner said the system cut nearly 500 positions and reduced or scaled back some programs as part of “belt tightening.”

He said the organization is finishing 2025 with a “very healthy” and profitable bottom line—“light years ahead” of where it had been financially—and that leaders are no longer planning additional cutbacks.

Epic implementation and facility renovations
Looking ahead, Chaloner said the system plans to change its computer platform, beginning work “this coming year” to implement Epic, a system he noted is used in many major medical centers.

He said the work is expected to be largely behind the scenes for patients but would represent a major operational change.

Chaloner also said the organization is working on facility upgrades, including renovations to the surgical and medical intensive care units and plans to renovate the neonatal intensive care unit.

He added that the improved financial position has allowed the launch of new clinical programs and equipment additions, including donor funding for a new program serving people with essential tremors.

Hiring push: doctors, nurses and support staff
Chaloner said recruiting remains a major priority. He noted that as finances stabilized, the system added 120 doctors in the past year—describing it as the best year in many years—and is working to reduce reliance on agency nursing staff through incentives and hiring.

He said staffing needs include 100 to 150 physicians across the health system and about 185 nurses in Marshfield, along with openings for radiology technicians, pharmacy staff and laboratory roles.

He also described internal workforce training efforts, including a program to train EEG technicians and training pipelines for areas such as critical care nursing.

By the end of the interview, Chaloner estimated the organization needs to hire about 500 people across the system.

Wisconsin Rapids hospital and community support
Chaloner said the system previously built a hospital in Wisconsin Rapids that had not opened, but he expects the emergency room there to open “around March 1,” with inpatient services planned soon afterward.

He also highlighted community fundraising and support efforts, including renovations that turned the former American Cancer Society Hope Lodge into Cattail’s Place, a facility the organization operates for families staying in the area while a loved one receives cancer care.

Chaloner said the health system’s NICU renovation effort is part of a campaign with a $12 million goal, and he encouraged continued community support through donations, noting the local foundation is led by Terry Wilczek.

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
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MARSHFIELD, Wis. — Paul Wassgren, a corporate attorney and fifth-generation Northwoods resident from Ashland, says he is running for Congress in Wisconsin’s 7th District to “revitalize” the region’s economy, arguing that job losses and higher living costs are pushing young people to leave northern Wisconsin.

In a “Get to Know” interview produced by Marshfield Broadcasting, Wassgren said he is seeking the seat he described as “Tom Tiffany’s open seat” and framed his candidacy around economic opportunity, affordability and what he called overdue reforms to the legal system.

“As I travel around the Northland, I see some pretty distressing signs of economic loss,” Wassgren said, citing factory closures and fewer opportunities for young people. “Our greatest export right now is our children,” he added.

Asked to describe the job of a U.S. representative “in plain terms,” Wassgren said it is to serve as an advocate in Washington. He said his background as a corporate attorney for more than 20 years prepares him for that role.

Priorities: jobs, affordability and legal reform
Wassgren listed economic revitalization as his top priority, saying concerns about jobs are a recurring theme he hears across the 26-county district. He said affordability is the second major issue, pointing to costs families face “at the pump” and “at the supermarket.”

As a third focus, Wassgren said he wants to pursue reforms to the legal system, including reducing what he described as “frivolous lawsuits.” He argued that cutting litigation costs would lower insurance premiums and improve affordability. As an example, he said a typical family of four in northern Wisconsin is paying health insurance premiums “of over $2,000 a month.”

Energy, regulation and small business
Wassgren criticized “Biden economic policy” and said reversing federal energy policy has helped bring down fuel costs, which he argued affects prices across the economy.

On small business, he said the federal government’s best role is to “stay out of their way,” adding that regulation has made Wisconsin less competitive for job creation. On tariffs, he voiced general support for President Donald Trump’s trade approach as a negotiating strategy, while acknowledging some people have been adversely impacted.

Health care, mental health and entitlement programs
Wassgren said rural health care costs have risen and called for “undoing” what he described as damage from the Affordable Care Act. He said deregulation and tax incentives could help expand facilities and attract new health care investment.

On substance abuse, he credited tighter border enforcement with reducing illegal narcotics entering the country, while describing mental health as primarily a state and local issue.

Asked about Medicare and Social Security, Wassgren said he does not think the programs should be cut, calling them benefits Americans have paid into throughout their careers.

Agriculture, forestry and broadband
Wassgren said farmers and others he has met frequently raise concerns about the “uncontrolled gray wolf population,” and he cited legislation introduced by Tiffany aimed at shifting more wildlife management authority back to the state.

He also argued that federal involvement has harmed parts of Wisconsin’s dairy industry, recounting how his grandparents’ Mountain Valley Cheese Factory in Bayfield County ultimately left the business, which he attributed to government policy and market impacts.

On forestry and paper, Wassgren said federal policy should encourage investment in sustainable products, pointing to discussion of a proposed sustainable aviation fuel facility in Hayward that he said could bring significant economic activity.

For rural broadband, he said private-sector solutions are key and pointed to Starlink as an example, arguing that deregulation and tax incentives can expand access. He also highlighted the federal Qualified Opportunity Zone program, saying it has helped spur development and job creation in northern Wisconsin.

Education, budget and accessibility
Wassgren said he would support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and returning more authority and funding to states and local communities, while encouraging technical college and trade pathways.

On the federal deficit, he said he would prioritize cutting “fraud, waste, and abuse,” while protecting programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. He also said he supports efforts to balance the federal budget, though not “overnight.”

Wassgren said he has opened a campaign office in Wausau and plans to remain accessible through town halls and other outreach, including virtual meetings.

Voters can learn more about his campaign at www.paulwassgren.com, he said.

Marshfield Broadcasting closed the program by stating it does not endorse candidates or political parties and that the interview is part of an effort to provide general information about candidates running for office.

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
Wisconsin’s outdoor and conservation landscape was in the spotlight in the latest episode of Field to Fenceline, which opened with a remembrance of longtime conservation leader George Meyer and then turned to winter safety updates, federal wolf policy, and the state’s stalled funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Remembering George Meyer
The episode noted the death of George Meyer earlier this month at age 78 after a lengthy battle with cancer, describing him as a prominent figure in Wisconsin conservation for more than five decades. Meyer served as a former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and as the first executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, and was recognized for helping bring together citizens, lawmakers, conservation groups and agency leaders around the protection of natural resources.

The program also highlighted Meyer’s more recent involvement in work connected to the Vista Solar Sands Project, where he helped guide a settlement described as balancing large renewable energy development with protections for public lands and wildlife, including the state-threatened greater prairie chicken. The episode said Meyer was honored with a national lifetime achievement award recognizing his conservation strategy and policy work.

Winter conditions prompt ice safety reminder, early trail updates
As winter conditions vary across Wisconsin, the show urged residents to take extra care on the ice, noting that warm weather and rain can create unpredictable conditions. Viewers were encouraged to use safety tools such as a spud and ice picks and to be cautious as ice thickness can change significantly from one location to another.

The episode also reported that snowmobile trails in Vilas and Oneida counties opened Friday, with reminders that early-season riding comes with hazards. Riders were urged to stay on marked trails, be prepared for rough or thin coverage in spots, and to avoid lakes until routes are clearly marked by local clubs.

Wolf delisting bill expected to advance, Senate timing discussed
The show also covered a federal push to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species Act protections, saying the U.S. House was expected to vote around the time of the broadcast on the Pet and Livestock Protection Act. As described in the episode, the measure would delist the gray wolf and prevent judicial review.

The segment noted that the wolf debate has remained contentious for years and said the issue has intensified as wolves have expanded across Wisconsin, with the program citing more than 100 conflicts per year in parts of the state where wolves are present. The episode said a U.S. Senate vote was expected either before or directly after Christmas, and encouraged viewers to contact their lawmakers if they feel strongly about the issue.

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program: “on the ropes” after zeroed-out funding
A major focus of the episode was Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, with guest Charlie Carlin of Gathering Waters (Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts) describing the program as “on the ropes” heading into 2026. Carlin said lawmakers included zero funding for the program in the state budget debated and signed this past summer — a development the episode described as the first time since 1990 that the program has lacked a funding agreement.

Carlin said the stewardship program, launched in 1989, has provided statewide support for conserving land and expanding outdoor recreation infrastructure, including trails, boat launches, campgrounds, and related public facilities. The program’s name, he said, reflects bipartisan roots — honoring former Gov. Warren Knowles, a Republican, and former Gov. Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat.

The episode said the program has supported roughly 10,000 projects across Wisconsin and cited an analysis that found most Wisconsin households live within a mile of a Knowles-Nelson-supported project. Examples mentioned included trail and recreation investments connected to the Ice Age Trail, Madison’s Cap City Trail, public amenities at Peninsula Park in Door County, and recreation projects in the Blufflands near La Crosse.

Despite what the show described as broad public support — including polling cited in the episode showing strong, cross-party backing for continued stewardship funding — Carlin said the issue remains stuck in state politics. He said narrow margins in the Legislature mean a bipartisan agreement is required, and described prior proposals as deadlocked.

Carlin said that without action, the program would run out of money on June 30, 2026. He said a one-year extension would move that date to June 30, 2027. The episode urged residents to contact legislators and pointed viewers to online tools and maps showing stewardship projects near their homes.

Field to Fenceline airs on Marshfield Broadcasting and highlights issues shaping Wisconsin’s outdoors — from conservation and land stewardship to recreation updates and policy debates.

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD, Wis. — The Marshfield Utilities Commission voted to advance four proposed “behind-the-meter” solar projects on utility-owned land, while also reviewing its nearly $2 million payment in lieu of taxes and continuing a wide-ranging discussion over how to manage and price its dark-fiber network.
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The commission approved moving forward with due diligence and permitting for all four proposed solar sites. Under the plan discussed, the projects would be owned by One Energy Renewables, and staff said future job orders would come to the commission as work progresses to interconnection costs, upgrades and other distribution-system items.

Commissioners also raised questions about contract protections if a developer is unable to complete a project, including what options the utility would have in the event of bankruptcy.

In another agenda item, staff presented an annual review of the utility’s PILOT payment, reporting it increased to just under $2 million, about a $20,000 increase from the prior year. Staff said the payment goes through the city’s general fund and noted the utility’s PILOT amount exceeds the next closest tax-paying entity listed for comparison by roughly $800,000.

During a quarterly strategic plan update, staff reported electronic bill payments were “just over 72%,” and described work tied to employee wellness initiatives, monitoring potential uses of artificial intelligence, and continued development of GIS mapping capabilities.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the commission’s draft dark-fiber policy and related financial questions. Commissioners discussed how new customers should pay capital investment costs, what “leasing” means in the context of fiber agreements, and whether rates should be market-based or tied to an internal rate-of-return approach.

In that discussion, staff described the market as small and estimated the potential customer base as less than 50. Commissioners also debated financial targets for reserves in relation to plant value and replacement costs, with discussion referencing an estimated replacement figure of about $2.5 million.

The commission later approved routine items including job orders, bills and payroll, meeting minutes and financial reports, and voted to enter closed session to discuss a land lease with One Energy Renewables, power purchase agreements with Great Lakes Utilities and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, and a general manager review.