AGP Executive Report

Outdoor Getaway: Fort McCoy’s Pine View Campground and Recreation Area is open through Nov. 30, with fall hiking, fishing, and four-season activities drawing visitors to the La Crosse River and nearby trails. Local Travel & Culture: Prairie Fumé’s story is getting attention again—Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac traces how a French winemaker helped put Wisconsin wineries on the map with its signature style. Road-Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 and E15 prices in parts of Wisconsin for the week ending Aug. 15, with drivers seeing notable swings by county. Transit Headache: A United flight diversion to Green Bay turned into a nearly 20-hour travel nightmare for passengers trying to reach Chicago. Tech & Privacy Watch: Chetek and Willmar are facing backlash over Flock license-plate cameras, with residents questioning transparency and local officials defending public-safety use. Travel Safety: Severe storms are forecast to disrupt Midwest travel, including a slight tornado risk along and south of I-94. Family Fun at Lambeau: St. Francis Xavier youth football is heading to Lambeau Field after a 10-year wait for a Packers preseason halftime appearance.

Port Washington Tourism Branding: Port Washington Tourism is rolling out “Visit Port Washington,” a new destination brand and website (visitportwashington.com) aimed at boosting tourism, events, shopping, dining, and overnight stays, with a logo inspired by the harbor-to-land “porthole” view. Ozaukee County Late-Summer Getaway Ideas: A local guide highlights why late summer is prime time in Ozaukee County—Lake Michigan fishing charters, trails and kayaking, local art and live music, plus golf and disc golf for easy outdoor plans. Northwoods Stay Spotlight: Sölveig Stay near Superior is featured as a quiet-luxury retreat on 80 wooded acres, blending Scandinavian design with Northwoods nature (sauna, fireplace, and local art). DNR Outdoor Safety: The Wisconsin DNR urges waterfowl hunters and wild rice harvesters to stay safe and protect wild rice beds, including respecting date-regulated harvest waters and posted openings/closings. UWM Move-In Logistics: UW-Milwaukee says more than 3,900 students move into residence halls starting Aug. 27, with staggered arrivals and classes beginning Sept. 2. Gas Watch (Travel Costs): GasBuddy reports the lowest Washburn County midgrade price at $3.90/gal (week ending Aug. 15), offering a quick budgeting hook for road trips.

Conservation & Cleanup: A pilot project in Orrington will begin this week using barges to spread sand over mercury-contaminated tidal flats in the Penobscot River estuary, aiming to cap polluted sediment and speed natural recovery. Travel Safety: Wisconsin off-highway vehicle deaths hit record highs in 2026, with state officials urging helmet and seatbelt use after 32 RV fatalities so far. Local Openings (North of Milwaukee): New Richmond and nearby communities are seeing fresh spots open, including a Cedarburg independent bookstore and a Whitefish Bay Books grand opening. Pet Safety: Wisconsin-based Fromm recalled 5,825 cases of wet dog food after metal fragments were found in select cans. Door County Wine: Algoma’s Von Stiehl winery won gold medals at the 2026 Great Lakes winemaker challenge. Family Fun: Milwaukee’s Wellness Wonderland returns Aug. 29 with free mental health activities for families. Road Trip Planning: Labor Day is Sept. 7, and Wisconsin has free events to close out summer. Scam Watch: A BBB Scam Tracker report flagged a travel/vacation/timeshare scam in New Richmond with losses totaling $310.14 in July. Community Mobility: Waukesha County Highway E is closed for emergency box culvert repairs through mid-September.

Measles Update: Southwest Wisconsin’s measles outbreak has grown to 48 people across three counties, with an Iowa County community vaccination clinic set today (noon–5 p.m.) in Mineral Point—walk in if you need to confirm or catch up on shots. Food Safety: Wisconsin health coverage flags a widening E. coli and Salmonella alert tied to Minnesota alfalfa sprouts, with officials coordinating to trace the source. Road & Travel Safety: A new study says global road deaths fell more than 30% since 1990, while Wisconsin-area reporting highlights ongoing work to improve safer driving and intersections. Local Tourism & Culture: Wisconsin’s first film tax credits are now awarding over $1 million for six productions, with tourism potential as Wisconsin stories reach wider audiences. Outdoor Wisconsin: A new piece follows the Plover River segment of the Ice Age Trail—good news for hikers looking for a quieter stretch with marked trailheads and parking. Sports & Visitors: The Phillies’ playoff push and the Brewers’ Little League Classic spotlight keep Wisconsin sports fans planning game-day travel and watch parties.

Fort McCoy Update: The East Barracks Project is at 99% completion, with punch-list work nearly done and commissioning/closeout steps scheduled through early September. Sports & Tourism: Wisconsin’s football program will face Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte in 2031, a neutral-site opener that adds another Wisconsin travel stop for fans. Local Travel Disruption: La Crosse is moving toward four-way stop signs at two north railroad crossings near the Amtrak depot after state pressure to close crossings met local pushback. Gas Watch: E15 hit a low of $3.66 in Chippewa County (week ending Aug. 15), while GasBuddy also flagged other county price points. Measles & Visitor Safety: Wisconsin health officials report low vaccination rates driving a southwest measles outbreak, with no public exposures reported so far. Tourism Impact: A Price County chamber report highlights how tourism promotion supports lodging, restaurants, and even gas stations—while stressing natural-resource protection. Defense Industry: Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour brings a Wisconsin stop to Oshkosh Corp. Monday.

Measles Alert: Wisconsin DHS reports 41 confirmed and 7 probable measles cases in southwest Wisconsin, tied to outbreaks in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties—officials stress checking MMR vaccination status and staying alert for symptoms. Back-to-School Prep: Western Wisconsin families are getting reminders on school start dates and what to bring, including vaccination records and other first-day essentials as districts launch between Aug. 24 and Sept. 1. Milwaukee Community Events: HeartLove Place hosts its 26th annual back-to-school giveaway, while Mexican Fiesta returns to Milwaukee for its 53rd annual celebration drawing large crowds. Local Travel & Safety: A fatal motorcycle crash shut down attention on State Hwy. 172 in Allouez, and separate reports include a serious UTV rollover in Grant County—both underline how quickly travel plans can turn risky. Oshkosh Industry Visit: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit Oshkosh Corp., spotlighting U.S. defense manufacturing and the local jobs tied to major contracts.

Road Safety: A fatal motorcycle crash in Waukesha killed one person after a three-wheeled trike crossed a median and overturned; investigators are still working to determine the cause. Rail Disruption: Lake Forest police say a vehicle was struck by a freight train near Old Mill Road and Waukegan Road, sending a man in his 50s to the hospital and temporarily stopping train traffic while roads stay closed. Outdoor & Adventure: CORBA’s Coon Fork 40 trail riding event returns Aug. 22 at Coon Fork Lake County Park, with record registrations and riders coming from across the Midwest for a “beach to beach” gravel ride. Family Travel Moments: Milwaukee’s OG Tweezy memorial event gave dozens of kids their first flights at Timmerman Airport, with backpacks and school supplies before takeoff. Health & Travel Planning: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with DHS reporting dozens of cases concentrated in the southwest and emphasizing that low vaccination pockets can fuel spread. Local Tourism Boost: Waupun was accepted into the WEDC Main Street Program, aiming to strengthen downtown revitalization and tourism promotion.

Film Wisconsin Launches: Gov. Tony Evers and the state’s new Film Wisconsin office announced the first round of film tax credits, awarding more than $1 million across six projects, with casting calls and local spending requirements aimed at boosting Wisconsin tourism and jobs. Downtown Revitalization: Waupun was accepted into the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Main Street Program, a move that brings technical help and extra grant access while tying downtown promotion to room tax and fundraising. Public Health: Southwest Wisconsin measles cases keep rising, with 41 confirmed and 7 probable reported, and officials point to low vaccination pockets as the main driver of spread. Outdoor Safety: The DNR is warning hunters to avoid ash trees for deer stands as emerald ash borer kills and weakens trees, increasing the risk of snapping or falling branches. Local Travel & Events: The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s annual hunting expo runs this weekend in Oshkosh, with proceeds supporting wetland restoration statewide. Road Watch: Waukesha County says CTH E will stay closed for emergency box culvert repairs, with reopening targeted for Sept. 14. Community & Service: Ripon Area Fire District received a state grant for a Youth Apprenticeship Program to build future volunteer and EMS staffing. Sports: Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff won’t have surgery after scans changed the plan, and he’s expected to begin a throwing progression soon. Safety on the Road: A Dodge County crash sent three people to the hospital after an SUV failed to yield and hit a semi.

Road & Trail Access: Waukesha County says CTH E is closed to through traffic after a box culvert failure; emergency repairs start Aug. 24 with a target reopening of Sept. 14, weather permitting. Outdoor & Conservation: The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s annual hunting expo kicks off this weekend in Oshkosh, with proceeds supporting wetland restorations statewide. Cycling & Community: Project Hero cyclists are riding into Madison for the Great Lakes Challenge’s “Thank a Farmer” theme, with an arrival Saturday at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Film & Tourism: Wisconsin’s new Film Wisconsin office has announced first film tax credit awards, including an Eau Claire production—good news for local crews, hotels, and visitor spending. Family Travel Safety: Illinois tolls are set to rise for drivers starting Jan. 1, meaning Wisconsin travelers heading to Chicago should expect higher costs. Health Alert for Travelers: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak continues to grow in the southwest; officials urge checking vaccination status, especially in under-vaccinated pockets. Local Interest: UW–Stevens Point alumni are gathering at Treehaven for the school’s first-ever alumni summer camp, with hiking and nature programming on 1,400 acres.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Funding: Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT announced more than $32 million in federal support for 49 Wisconsin projects, including bike and pedestrian upgrades, trail work, and Safe Routes to School improvements. Rural EMS Boost: Madison College is expanding paramedic training at its Reedsburg campus to help rural communities recruit and retain qualified paramedics. Trail Expansion: La Crosse’s King Street Greenway is getting a $805,000 federal boost to extend the route and strengthen the city’s bike-and-walk network. Outdoor Learning Access: Trees For Tomorrow is expanding its School Outdoor Learning Experiences program with scholarship support funded by TC Energy, helping more than 300 students get outdoor education. Forest Bathing in Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s first certified forest bathing trail is now open in Eagle River, offering a guided nature-immersion option for visitors. Travel & Tourism Spotlight: The Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce featured ZorsTravel’s Zoreedua Alayande as its August member, highlighting Caribbean and Mexico-focused planning. Local Weekend Plans: This week’s calendar includes Serbian Days Festival and Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee, plus a Behind the Gun community event with free comic books and gun lock boxes. Gas Watch: Iron County’s lowest reported midgrade price hit $4.59/gallon for the week ending Aug. 15.

Public Transit Boost: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced a $13.9M federal grant to modernize the Milwaukee County Transit System bus fleet, improve safety and efficiency, and speed trips with traffic-signal upgrades on major county highways. Road & Travel Disruption: Watertown’s Main Street (WIS 19) reconstruction is set for 2028, and the Redevelopment Authority is reviewing a Business Continuity Program to help businesses during the April–November project. Local Nature & Safety: After a fast-moving storm Aug. 18 caused major tree damage across southeast Wisconsin, Milwaukee officials clarified who cleans up what—city crews handle trees on city property, while private-property trees landing on private land stay the owner’s responsibility. Outdoor Recreation Spotlight: A canoe-building program on Madeline Island Museum’s “Canoe Journeys” is bringing visitors into Wisconsin’s living canoe culture and Treaty of La Pointe history. Tourism/Events Watch: The Wisconsin State Fair’s opening-day coverage highlighted livestock shows, rides, and Big Sky Country entertainment. Health Alert for Travelers: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with health officials urging vaccination and caution as cases rise in the southwest.

Travel & Tourism: Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a “Fly Down Memory Lane” contest—two winners get $500 in free flights, with entries due Sept. 14. Outdoor & Nature: A proposal to make the Apostle Islands a national park is sparking debate in Bayfield County, with some locals worried about tourism growth and infrastructure strain. Family Fun (Milwaukee): “Milwaukee With Kids” shares weekend picks (Aug. 20-23), including Wheels & Water at Discovery World and Mexican Fiesta at Henry Maier Festival Park. Events & Aviation: EAA Chapter 320’s Food Fest Fly-In in Watertown brings pilots and families together, with visitors flying in for the community airshow. Road & Safety: A construction worker died after a semitruck hit a forklift in an I-41 work zone near De Pere; separate crashes in Waukesha and a head-on collision in a Highway 60/I-41 interchange zone are also reported. Local Business: Milwaukee’s Lincoln Village could get funding for a new business improvement district focused on beautification, security, and marketing. Transit/Infrastructure: Gov. Evers and WisDOT announced $31M+ in CMAQ funding for projects aimed at cleaner air and reduced congestion, including bike trails and transit upgrades.

Buc-ee’s Comes to Wisconsin: Oak Creek’s Common Council unanimously approved Buc-ee’s deal, including renaming Elm Road to “Buc-ee’s Boulevard,” with a $350,000 community payment and a target opening by Aug. 1, 2028. Public Health: Wisconsin measles outbreak grows as two more Grant County cases push the total to 36 confirmed and 3 probable across three counties. Travel Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol is urging sober driving for Labor Day’s travel surge as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” runs Aug. 19–Sept. 7. Family & Community Travel: Children’s Wisconsin says it became the first center in the U.S. to deliver FDA-approved Otarmeni gene therapy for genetic hearing loss outside a clinical trial. Outdoors & Nature: Wild Ones Northwoods Gateway Chapter is expanding native-plant and pollinator gardens across Antigo-area sites, including White Lake School and Noboken School Forest. Local Tourism Spotlight: The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor highlights the rare dwarf lake iris, a threatened plant with only 165 known populations worldwide.

Conservation & Outdoors: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order banning nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a major win for protecting the Rainy River Headwaters and the waterway travelers love. Tourism & Culture: Wauwatosa’s Firefly Grove Park is getting a new Thomas Dambo-style art moment—“Sacred Rhythm Mother”—with a planned Aug. 28 dedication and Wisconsin poet laureate Brenda Cárdenas reading. Travel Economy: Wisconsin’s restarted film tax credit program has issued its first $1 million in awards, including projects tied to Northern Wisconsin stories—aimed at boosting tourism and local business. Local Travel & Events: The John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Art Preserve are joining “Visit 3, Get a T,” a fall promotion that turns museum stops into a Wisconsin road trip with a free limited-edition t-shirt. Community & Family Travel: Kalico Forest expanded its Red Signal Program with Women’s Health Specialists across multiple Wisconsin locations, adding discreet safety access during routine visits. Planning Ahead: Connect Marketplace returns Aug. 24–26 to Tampa, drawing meeting planners and suppliers for three days of networking and education. Weather & Disruptions: Severe storms hit southeastern Wisconsin, leaving more than 26,000 customers without power and causing downed trees and damage. Road Trip Practicalities: Gas prices remain volatile; Chippewa County’s lowest regular deal hit $3.64 in the week ending Aug. 8.

Severe Weather & Travel Disruption: Milwaukee was hit by severe storms Tuesday afternoon, with trees uprooted and falling onto cars, plus widespread power outages and at least five street closures. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS confirmed measles cases have jumped to 36, more than doubling in a week, with additional probable cases tied to the southwestern Wisconsin outbreak. Local Recovery & Community Support: Coulee Recovery Center in La Crosse opened its fifth annual Bridging the Gap Treatment Resource Fair, bringing recovery and mental health services together in one stop for people and families. Road & Safety Watch: A fatal crash in Saratoga involved a high-speed vehicle failing to stop at a stop sign and striking a pickup hauling a horse trailer; the 16-year-old driver died. Outdoors & Weekend Plans: Merrick State Park hosts a beginner-friendly wild mushroom foraging program Aug. 22, with hands-on woods time and tips for identification. Tourism/Events: Rock Falls’ Art in the Park returns Aug. 29 with an outdoor art gallery, live music, local food, and a new wine-tasting addition. Sports (Wisconsin angle): The Brewers welcomed Brice Turang back to the lineup after a knee absence, with the team continuing to manage his workload.

Road Safety: A crash on U.S. Highway 14 in Richland County sent a driver flying from an SUV after a collision with a milk truck; Highway 14 was shut for hours while investigators worked. Public Safety Campaigns: Sun Prairie police are joining “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” through Labor Day with extra enforcement and education. Family Tragedy: An 8-year-old died after being struck by a vehicle while checking a mailbox near County Road H and Polley Lane in Aurora township, Taylor County. Outdoor & Camping: The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest plans a temporary Day Lake drawdown in Ashland County after Labor Day for dam repairs and fisheries work, with lower water levels and possible boat-launch issues. Arts & Weekend Plans: A new “three art museums, one T-shirt” deal runs Aug. 15–Nov. 15, with participating museums and partner discounts for a fall cultural road trip. Travel Stops & Local Economy: Oak Creek will vote Tuesday on a Buc-ee’s partnership that includes $350,000 for a city project and $15,000 yearly for marketing—tied to renaming Elm Road to “Buc-ee’s Boulevard.” Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts northern lights could be visible from parts of the U.S.-Canada border region Tuesday night.