Honoring a life of service

On Tuesday, April 13, the state legislature took time to honor the life and public service of Sheboygan County native and former state Rep. Walter “Butch” Ireland, who passed away on March 21, 2010, at the age of 86.

Butch and his wife Mable are good friends, and I appreciate the stories Butch shared with me regarding his term in the State Assembly. We can all be inspired by his lifetime of service to his country, state, county and community. I was humbled to join state Rep. Steve Kestell and other area representatives in authoring Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 120.

Following is the text of AJR 120.

Whereas, Walter J. “Butch” Ireland was born on June 15, 1923, in Kohler, Wisconsin to Walter J. Ireland Sr. and Flora Ireland, and died on March 21, 2010, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin; and

Whereas, following graduation from Kohler High School, Mr. Ireland furthered his education at Marquette University; and

Whereas, Mr. Ireland served honorably in the United States Air Force during World War II; and

Whereas, Mr. Ireland was united in marriage to Mable F. Spatzek of Sheboygan on December 28, 1946, and the couple was later blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sandra; and

Whereas, Mr. Ireland served in the Wisconsin state assembly from 1958 to1960; and

Whereas, during his tenure in the assembly, Mr. Ireland served on the Assembly Committee on Labor, and authored bills that related to subjects such as motor vehicle instructional permits and insurance premiums; and

Whereas, as a committed public servant throughout his life, Mr. Ireland also served on the Sheboygan County Board, Sheboygan County Airport Building Committee, Sheboygan County Association of Commerce, Lightfoot School Committee, Rocky Knoll Building Addition and Conversion Committee, and the Building Committee for Sunny Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center; and

Whereas, Mr. Ireland owned Kullman Insurance Agency and worked as an insurance agent until his retirement in 1986; and

Whereas, Mr. Ireland was passionate about his faith, family, community, and politics, and also enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and watching the Milwaukee Brewers; and

Whereas, Mr. Ireland also served as secretary of the Kohler Fire Department for 45 years, was a member of the Kohler Police Athletic League, and was a life member of American Legion Post 83; and

Whereas, Mr. Ireland served with principle and integrity, and his legacy will surely serve as an inspiration for those whose lives he touched; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, that the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend the devoted public service that Walter J. “Butch” Ireland contributed to this state and his community, express their sorrow at his death, and extend their condolences to his family and friends.

Business planning class offered in Manitowoc

As someone who believes we need to do more to encourage entrepreneurism and new business start-ups, I am pleased to inform you of an opportunity that will be offered next month by the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County (EDCMC). Starting on May 5, the EDCMC will offer a business plan class for entrepreneurs and new business owners. Instructors of this class include local accountants, attorneys, marketers and lenders. All individuals are welcome – from those who are just dreaming about a future business to those who have a viable business idea. To learn more about this opportunity, I would encourage you to check out the following Web site http://www.edcmc.org/E-Seed. html or call (920) 482- 0540.

As always, it has been a pleasure communicating with you. Please remember to communicate with me and share your input by calling (888) 295-8750, writing to me at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882, or by e-mailing me at Sen.Leibham@legis. wi.gov. You can also logon to the 9th Senate District online office at www.leibhamsenate.com.

It is an honor representing the residents of the 9th District in the state Senate.