News & Articles

Vote like you are proud of the clean energy transition

On October 6th I walked down the streets of Bayfield with the Citizens Climate Lobby in the Bayfield Applefest Parade with the slogan ‘Vote Like the Planet Depends on it’.  We threw out Lifesaver candies chanting ‘Vote – Be a Lifesaver”.  This upcoming election is important on a global scale, but let me bring it closer to home.

In the past few months Ashland and Bayfield Counties, including the Bad River and Red Cliff Bands, have received federal funding for $40 million of clean energy projects.  There will be plenty of press elsewhere to detail all the projects.  The combined short list is 29 microgrids (solar plus battery storage) at essential tribal and municipal facilities, a “minigrid” in Bad River that will power the reservation during a power outage, energy audits and upgrades to 200 homes with energy efficiency measures, electric vehicle charging, and workforce development (jobs and training).  However, Congress needs to allocate funds each year to keep the projects moving forward, and the upcoming election will determine whether Congress is pro-renewable energy.  Vote like the local economy depends on it.

Our area has caught the eye of the State and Federal governments. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources highlighted Bayfield County in the annual Green Tier Legacy Community event in Eau Claire on September 11.  The National Renewable Energy Lab was in Washburn on September 13 showcasing Washburn’s efforts to build capacity in energy efficiency. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation filmed video of Bayfield County’s clean energy projects on October 1 for their annual summit in La Crosse. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be in Bad River on October 17 with a big cardboard check for their Climate Pollution Reduction grant. The U.S. Department of Energy will visit Bad River, Red Cliff, and Bayfield County on October 18-19 viewing future construction sites.  Our two-county area has the eye of the nation. Vote like you are proud of the clean energy transition that is taking place right here at home.
Bill Bailey, Cheq Bay Renewables
Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bowing down to the man on the golden toilet

When did the poor and middle class decide to revere a billionaire who sits on a golden toilet? Embarrassing.
Jane Whitledge
Duluth, Minnesota

A vote for either is a vote for genocide

We need to be paying close attention to what Israel is doing to the Palestinians. Israel has killed over 41,000 people in Palestine mostly women and children. Israel has bombed homes, hospitals, schools and could be ended immediately with a word from Biden. But what Netanyahu is doing is exactly what the US government wants. Hamas and the Palestinians are the victims and Israel is, since 1948, the aggressor. The Palestinians have the right to defend themselves. Hamas has a right to defend Palestine. 

The bombs and bullets that are killing and destroying are being paid for by us, the US citizens. Biden isn’t human and the US is just one big killing machine. Shame on the US president. Shame on the Senators and Representatives who are traitors to all that is good and certainly, if you are paying attention, can see that they don’t represent we the people. War is not the answer to anyone who is sane. But war is the answer of the criminals in Washington. Not all , but most of America’s politicians gave the genocidal Netanyaho standing ovations in Washington. Shades of Hitler before the Second World War.

Vote for what’s his name and you are supporting genocide. Vote for what’s her name and you are supporting genocide. How can America be a democracy when there is no real choice-mass murder from either side. Have we become the Nazis? Or do we continue to be Nazis-3 million dead Vietnamese, 1 million dead Iraqis, so many killed by the US in Latin America, Africa, Asia. America is one gigantic and evil killing machine. I’m glad (I hope) that we are waking up. There is nothing more important in the world than peace. America doesn’t seem to want it. I promise you America is not the good guy. The genocide in Palestine is 100% American sponsored. Don’t let Biden blame Netenyaho.
Steve Johnson
Ely, Minnesota

Vote for Kyle

“All around me a voice was sounding, this land was made for you and me.” Woody Guthrie’s words capture the essence of Wisconsin—a state rich in natural beauty, hardworking families and tight-knit communities. Kyle Kilbourn who is running for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, embodies this spirit. He has visited all 26 counties, connecting with people and listening to their stories, from the Lake Superior’s shores to our vast farmlands.

Kyle is committed to working families. He’s focused on affordable healthcare, lowering the cost of living, and protecting Social Security. Unlike what we’ve seen in recent years. Kyle’s priority is ensuring families can thrive and earn fair wages—not favoring corporate interests.
He’s also passionate about securing a sustainable future for Wisconsin. Investing in renewable energy like solar farms offers new opportunities for Wisconsin farmers and keeps the state green. While some oppose these clean energy initiatives, Kyle believes they are crucial for our economy and environment.

He’s dedicated to defending freedoms and safeguarding democracy. We need leadership that stands up for our rights and rejects extreme agendas that harm our communities and the people in them.
Kyle Kilbourn respects our veterans and the sacrifices they have made to the United States of America. 
On November 5th, please vote for a representative who will put Wisconsin first—vote for Kyle Kilbourn. 
Please encourage your family and friends to vote for Kyle Kilbourn during this crucial election. Thank you. 
Joyce Luedke
Mahtomedi, Minnesota (formerly of Weston, Wis.)