Author Archives: Jessie Opoien

About Jessie Opoien

Jessie Opoien joined the Oshkosh Northwestern as a reporter in December 2011. Politics and education issues are her specialties, but she loves to tell a good story regardless of the topic. You can find her on Twitter as @jessieopie.

Johnson’s staff to hold immigration listening sessions

May 21, 2013

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s staff will hold a series of listening sessions throughout Wisconsin to hear comments on the immigration legislation currently under debate. The senator’s office announced the listening sessions today in a news release. His staff will meet … Continue reading →

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School choice group touts spending’s impact on Gudex election

May 3, 2013

The American Federation for Children, one of the country’s most prominent school choice special interest groups, is highlighting the election of State Sen. Rick Gudex, R-Fond du Lac, as one of its biggest political successes of 2012. In a recently … Continue reading →

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Wiedenhoeft elected president of Oshkosh school board

April 22, 2013

The Oshkosh school board elected new officers Monday night, all approved with unanimous votes. Former Vice President Matt Wiedenhoeft will serve as president, with former President John Lemberger continuing to serve on the board in a non-officer role. Recently re-elected … Continue reading →

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‘Oshkosh 4 Education’ survey says teachers are top priority

March 28, 2013

The results from Oshkosh’s education visioning project, Oshkosh 4 Education, are in. Comments from more than 50 small-group listening sessions held in January and February and results from an online community survey conducted in March were compiled to rank priorities … Continue reading →

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Gov. Scott Walker teams with former Bush speechwriter for book

March 26, 2013

Gov. Scott Walker is adding fuel to the 2016 speculative fire by publishing a book this fall. “Unintimidated: A Governor’s Story and a Nation’s Challenge” will be co-written by Marc Thiessen, former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush. “This book … Continue reading →

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Polls show Sen. Ron Johnson has a tough road ahead

March 25, 2013

A new post from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s “Wisconsin Voter” blog discusses the difficult path to Sen. Ron Johnson’s reelection — despite the fact that no challenger has even been announced yet. Polls and political trends show that Johnson’s seat … Continue reading →

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School district budget committee recommends referendum

March 22, 2013

A strongly worded memo from the Oshkosh school district’s budget reconciliation committee urges the school board to hold a referendum “immediately” to reconcile a projected $3.5 million deficit and eliminate the need for budget cuts. The open letter, dated March 21, … Continue reading →

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Gov. Walker to sign workforce development legislation in Oshkosh today

March 13, 2013

Gov. Scott Walker will sign “Wisconsin Fast Forward” legislation in Oshkosh this afternoon, aimed at addressing deficiencies in the state’s workforce. The legislation includes: $15 million in state-funded Department of Workforce Development grants over the biennium to provide training to … Continue reading →

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Goats (probably) won’t replace lawnmowers at Oshkosh schools next year

March 8, 2013

Amid 10 pages of possible budget reduction measures being considered by the Oshkosh school district, one suggestion stands out: “Use goats to mow lawns.” The tongue-in-cheek suggestion was offered during a series of meetings held by an advisory committee of community … Continue reading →

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Rep. Gordon Hintz co-authors political robocall legislation

March 4, 2013

State Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, is one of three state Assembly members introducing bipartisan legislation to add political robocalls to the Do Not Call list. Hintz, along with Reps. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, and Lee Nerison, R-Westby, co-authored a bill … Continue reading →

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