AGP Executive Report

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.

School & Family Travel Safety: WisDOT and DPI are teaming up for School Transportation Safety Week (Aug. 17-21), with a statewide social campaign focused on safe driving in school zones, bus stop etiquette, and pedestrian safety as students head back. Northwoods Conservation: Wisconsin is set to conserve about 1,250 acres in the North Woods through a nearly $1M DNR conservation easement deal, protecting forest land from subdivision and development. Forest Wellness for Visitors: Vilas County’s first certified forest bathing trail is now open, offering a phone-down, mindfulness-style nature experience for travelers looking for slower, calmer outdoor time. Local Tourism via Sports Culture: The Milwaukee Brewers unveiled a new “Seventh Inning Stretch” mural at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg, adding another family-friendly stop for baseball fans and visitors. Getting Around Wisconsin: Port Green Bay earned a national U.S. DOT Great Lakes Seaway award for major international cargo growth, underscoring the region’s travel-and-trade connections.

Deer Season Prep: Wisconsin DNR opened sales of bonus antlerless deer harvest authorizations Aug. 17, rolling out by zone (Northern/Central Forest Aug. 17; Central Farmland Aug. 18; Southern Farmland Aug. 19; remaining zones Aug. 20) with a random line assignment for logins between 9:45 and 10 a.m. Travel Safety for Families: WisDOT and DPI launched School Transportation Safety Week (Aug. 17-21) with daily reminders for drivers, students, and families on school-zone driving, bus stop etiquette, and stopping for buses’ flashing red lights. Outdoor Health Watch: Sheboygan County’s tick risk modeling flags Elkhart Lake as highest risk, followed by Mitchell, Cascade, Greenbush and Russell—useful intel for anyone planning hikes or lake days. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says the aurora could be visible Monday night across parts of northern Wisconsin and other northern states, with a Kp index of 4 out of 9. Weekend Getaway Idea: A fresh travel write-up spotlights Baraboo and Devil’s Lake State Park as an easy, outdoorsy Wisconsin escape—perfect for a quick camping-and-hiking weekend. Local Nature Art: Antigo Visual Arts and Wild Ones installed a new monarch butterfly bottle-cap sign at the Wild Ones butterfly garden in Antigo, adding a colorful stop for visitors along Springbrook Trail.

Northern Lights for Wisconsin: NOAA says the aurora could be visible Sunday night across parts of the U.S.-Canadian border, including Wisconsin, with the best odds around 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Wisconsin’s first forest bathing trail opens in Vilas County, adding a new slow-travel option for visitors who want to get outside. Local Attractions: Kirkwood’s National Museum of Transportation in Wisconsin’s region continues to draw interest with a new book spotlighting its “Origins.” Milwaukee Visitor Ideas: A self-guided Milwaukee Coffee Crawl is coming in September, using a digital pass with a map and $5 credit at participating cafes. Family Fun & Community: Milwaukee-area school supply drives and community calendar items are ramping up for the back-to-school season. Travel Safety Watch: Drivers in Rusk County are seeing the lowest premium gas reported at $5.17 (week ending Aug. 8), a small but useful planning note for road trips. Sports Stops in Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers drew a season-high crowd in Cedar Rapids, and Beloit Football Academy is kicking off its season with home games at Jacobson Field.

Northern Lights Viewing: NOAA says the aurora could be visible Sunday night across parts of the northern U.S., with Wisconsin included; best chances are roughly 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and NOAA recommends heading to darker, higher spots. Door County Travel/Local Change: Sevastopol-area neighbors in Door County are debating a hamlet name change from “Institute” to “Sevastopol” to reduce confusion and boost tourism visibility. Lake Michigan Beach Getaway: Whitefish Dunes State Park on the Door Peninsula highlights Wisconsin’s biggest Great Lakes dunes, including “Old Baldy” at 93 feet, plus sandy shoreline and forest scenery. Family Fun on the Water: Green Lake Sailing School is getting a donated sailboat after nearly 50 years of sailing by a longtime local, keeping lessons and summer adventures going. Community Events: Mosinee’s LogJam Fest returned with free family activities tied to the city’s logging heritage, including demonstrations and log rolling. Rural Tourism/Access: UW-Platteville will host a 2027 regional round of the Wisconsin Civics Games, bringing high school students to campus and adding a built-in “tour the UW” travel draw.

Door County Travel: Whitefish Dunes State Park on the Door Peninsula is being spotlighted for its massive Great Lakes dunes, sandy beaches, and standout features like “Old Baldy,” a 93-foot dune. Community & Culture: Mosinee’s LogJam Fest returned to River Park with free family activities, logging-history demonstrations, log rolling, food, and live music. Local Governance: Neighbors in Sevastopol/Institute are weighing a possible hamlet name change to boost recognition for tourism and local landmarks. Sports (Wisconsin): Wisconsin volleyball is nearing a return for transfer middle blocker Jaela Auguste as she recovers from injury, while Wisconsin football running back Darrion Dupree says he’s staying to help turn the program around. Road & Travel Disruption: I-94 near Menomonie briefly closed after a semi-truck lost its trailer; crews cleared it in about two hours. Arts in Milwaukee: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company announces its 2026-27 season, including a Milwaukee showcase at the Baird Center. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade and E15 deals across several Wisconsin counties, with Milwaukee midgrade hitting $3.85 and Racine E15 as low as $3.45. Safety & Health: A Wisconsin measles outbreak update and cyclospora prevention tips are circulating as health officials urge precautions.

Bridge & Roads: Drivers will shift onto the new northbound I-39/90/94 bridge over the Wisconsin River starting Aug. 19, with the old span replaced afterward; the project targets fall 2028 completion. Big-Trip Infrastructure: The $1.8B Blatnik Bridge design between Duluth and Superior is unveiled, including a 12-foot pedestrian/bike path and scenic overlooks, with demolition starting in March 2027 and the new span set for winter 2031. Public Safety on the Move: A semi-truck and combine crash in Dodge County seriously injured a 70-year-old man; WIS 16/60 was fully closed earlier. Local Help for Visitors & Residents: Community Clothes Closet expands its Traveling Closet program to Shawano, bringing free clothing to households facing hardship. Health Watch: ThedaCare shares cyclospora prevention tips as cases rise; the parasite spreads through contaminated food or water. Wildlife & Outdoor Planning: Wisconsin DNR opens bonus antlerless deer harvest authorizations for the 2026 gun season starting Monday. Gas Watch: Marinette County regular hits $3.57/gal (week ending Aug. 8), while Kenosha County’s cheapest E85 reaches $2.99. Tech & Mobility Rules: Hartford police publish a quick guide to the city’s e-bike/scooter ordinance, including where riders can and can’t use sidewalks.

Measles Watch: Wisconsin health officials report a growing measles outbreak concentrated in Iowa County, with 15 confirmed and 6 probable cases as of Aug. 13, plus a possible spread into neighboring Lafayette County—officials say more cases may follow. CWD Update: DATCP confirms chronic wasting disease at two Wisconsin deer farms—Crawford County and Portage County—both now under quarantine while investigators work with USDA. Local Travel & Shopping: Grafton is weighing a potential Woodman’s Markets site near I-43, with early DNR water-permit steps and possible annexation needed. Road Trip Infrastructure: The Blatnik Bridge replacement design is unveiled, including a 12-foot pedestrian/bike path and scenic overlooks; demolition of the old span is slated for March 2027, with new construction through 2032. Active Transportation Rules: A Madison-area explainer breaks down Wisconsin e-bike classes, speeds, and where riders can legally go—plus how “e-motos” may fall under different rules. Public Safety Tech: Green Bay police say new Flock Safety safeguards will cut default data retention to seven days and require case codes for searches. Travel-Adjacent Events: Madison College expands paramedic training at its Reedsburg campus to help rural EMS staff stay local.

Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Travel Wisconsin just named the Wisconsin State Capitol and Capitol Square the newest “Wonder of Wisconsin,” highlighting Capitol tours and observation decks plus events like the Dane County Farmers’ Market and Taste of Madison. Outdoor & Wildlife: The DNR says bonus antlerless deer harvest authorizations for the 2026 gun deer season go on sale Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. via Go Wild, with zone-specific days and updated unit borders. Food & Safety: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeno recall tied to possible Salmonella contamination, pulling dozens of prepared items (including salsa, guacamole and pico) sold in Wisconsin and other states with best-by dates Aug. 7–16. Local Travel Costs: GasBuddy reports midgrade gas hit a low of $4.29 in Door County for the week ending Aug. 8, with Wisconsin’s midgrade average at $4.50. Health Alert: Wisconsin DHS reports measles cases rising in nearby Iowa and Lafayette counties, urging vaccination since herd immunity targets aren’t being met.

Tourism Spotlight: Wisconsin’s State Capitol Square was named the newest “Wonder of Wisconsin,” a Travel Wisconsin push that highlights the Capitol’s marble, historic grounds, and year-round events. Local Travel Upgrade: The SS Badger’s onboard museum space at the Lake Michigan Carferry has been refreshed with new maritime-history panels and interactive features for travelers. Road-Trip Planning: WisDOT says all I-39/90/94 traffic will shift to the new northbound Wisconsin River bridge Aug. 19 in Columbia County, with the project targeting fall 2028 completion. Milwaukee Staycation: The Milwaukee Boat House’s lighthouse is back in service after a full rebuild, and the iconic property continues as an Airbnb. Outdoor & Fishing: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced expanded hunting and fishing access at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Family Fun: Milwaukee County’s Traveling Beer Garden tour is extending into fall with stops at Greenfield Park and McCarty Park. Quick Note: A potential wildfire was contained in Pembine.

Tourism Spotlight: Wisconsin’s State Capitol and Capitol Square in Madison have been named the newest “Wonder of Wisconsin,” joining top draws like Apostle Islands and Lambeau Field, with Travel Wisconsin planning new marketing and road-trip itineraries. Local Events: The Friends of Kettle Moraine are hosting the final Summer Sunset Concert at Mauthe Lake State Forest on Aug. 22, featuring the Milwaukee-area Stirling Latelys (freewill donation suggested). Outdoor & Wildlife: The Wisconsin DNR is accepting applications for a special Sandhill State Wildlife Area trapping season (deadline Sept. 18), plus a separate DNR warning urges deer hunters to avoid ash trees for stand safety. Nature Getaway: Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area near New Auburn highlights undeveloped forest, remote camping, and the David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center and Ice Age Trail access. Milwaukee Nightlife for Travelers: The Iron Horse Hotel is turning Thursday nights into a motorcycle-fan destination with weekly Bike Nights at The Yard. Road Safety: A fatal two-vehicle crash in Wood County involved a speeding car that failed to stop at a stop sign and hit a pickup hauling a horse trailer.

Airport Tech for Travelers: Milwaukee Mitchell is expanding TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, letting more flyers use a face-scan option at security; officials say adoption is growing fast and photos/data are deleted within 24 hours of departure. Road Safety Watch: Madison road rage calls are already outpacing last year, with recent incidents escalating from honks to gun threats and vehicle ramming. Local Crash Updates: Two pedestrians were hit near State Fair Park after a driver ran a red light; separately, a fatal I-94 crash near Roberts killed one driver. Health Alert for Families: Wisconsin health officials confirmed two new measles cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties, not linked to earlier Dane/Waukesha reports, and are tracking possible exposures. Storm Recovery: FEMA began preliminary damage assessments in the Fox Cities after an EF-3 tornado, reviewing hundreds of homes and businesses across four counties. Sports & Travel Tie-In: The Milwaukee Bucks released their NBA Cup schedule, with Group A home opener vs. Toronto on Nov. 6 and other Cup games against Brooklyn, Orlando, and Detroit.

Wisconsin Travel & Tourism: The S.S. Badger keeps the Lake Michigan road-trip option alive, running daily Manitowoc–Ludington crossings through Oct. 11 (with overnight trips through Sept. 7), offering a four-hour sail plus onboard dining, bingo, and a museum. Family Fun & Local Events: Pyrotechnics Guild International is gearing up for the sold-out Friday Grand Finale at the 2026 Wisconsin Fireworks Festival at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Door County Getaway: Sister Bay is spotlighted as a classic Door County base—harbor views, Waterfront Park beach and pier, and easy access to the peninsula’s “necklace” of villages and orchards. Outdoor Rules for Visitors: Wisconsin officials remind travelers that electrically powered “Go-Float” motorboats need registration on state waters, after a Barron County citation tied to Red Cedar Lake. Travel Planning Note: If you’re heading out for the Aug. 12 eclipse, the U.S. won’t see totality—Ohio gets only a partial view—so plan around partial-sky viewing. Big-Name Entertainment: Dave Matthews Band announces a Fall 2026 tour stop at the Kohl Center in Madison on Nov. 4.