š° June 27, 2025, | Vol. 1, Issue 17(Approx. 1909 words ā a 10–minute read)
š° The Pulse of Janesville and Rock County ā Hypothetically Speaking
June 27, 2025, | Vol. 1, Issue 17 (Approx. 1909 words ā a 10–minute read)
š® Whatās Ahead?
Christmas in July and the Rush to the Grand Opening:
Janesvilleās July ReckoningāTime to Lead, Not Linger
After a June recess, the Janesville City Council returns to chambers on Monday, July 14 at 6 p.m. with a docket that reads more like a crisis management manual than a routine agenda. The stakes? High. The timeline? Tight. The consequences of inaction? Potentially disastrous.
Commentary:
First up: the Woodmanās Center liquor license scramble. The cityās decision to firewall itself from direct alcohol sales at the soon-to-open Woodmanās Sports & Convention Center has created a bureaucratic maze. The Councilās June approval of a third-party management structureāvia Sports Facilities Management and its subsidiaryāwas meant to align with state law and public optics. But it also triggered a cascade of complications, including the need to amend the Janesville Jetsā operating agreement, which previously included alcohol sales revenue.
Now, with the September opening looming, the city must ensure that license applications are submitted to the Alcohol License Advisory Committee and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by July 15. Any misstepāespecially if the state balks at overlapping license requests from the city and its agentācould delay the entire operation. That is not just a hiccup. That is a full-blown stall.
Meanwhile, the mid-year budget review opens the door to long-overdue community investments. The Boys & Girls Club faces a $900,000 environmental cleanup bill after discovering lead and petrochemical contamination at its future youth center on South Jackson Street. Yes, the city conveyed the land, but the nonprofit organization still faces a deficit of one million dollars. If ever there were a moment for the Council to step up, this is it.
Other community needs are no less urgent: public restrooms and storage at Oak Hill Cemetery, lighting, and turf upgrades at the Youth Sports Complex, and the quiet but critical funding needs of JATV, Janesvilleās public access media outlet. While JATV may not top the City Managerās priority list, its role in civic transparency and community storytelling is irreplaceable. And then there is the future of the entire GM/JATCO siteā¦we know so little and it may cost us oh so much!
And then there is the elephant in the chamber: public participation. The cityās handling of the Wall Street Housing Projectāmarked by procedural confusion, limited public input, and a lack of clear communicationāhas eroded trust. The absence of a comprehensive public participation plan is no longer a bureaucratic oversight. It is a democratic failure. Without a framework for engaging residents on everything from surplus property to housing and corridor planning, the city risks further alienating the very people it serves.
Hypothetically Speaking:
This Council session is not just a return to business. It is a referendum on leadership. Will Janesvilleās elected officials rise to meet the moment, or will they let process paralysis and political caution jam the gears of progress?
The clock is ticking. The community is watching. And the time for decisive, transparent, and inclusive action is now.
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Groundbreaking for The Childrenās Museum — Reigniting Janesvilleās Civic Flame
Janesville stands at a crossroads. This weekās groundbreaking of the Childrenās Museum of Rock Countyātransforming the long-vacant Chase Bank on West Milwaukee Streetāis a remarkable milestone. With $14.5 million raised and a new executive director stepping in, the museum represents more than just a facility. It is a beacon of what vision, generosity, and follow-through can achieve when driven by community conviction.
Yet across the rest of the downtown landscape, the civic energy feels scattered. Yes, we celebrate the perseverance of the Americaās Dairyland Town Square Grand Prix, now seven years strong thanks to champions like John Westphal and Paul Murphy. The Rock Aqua Jays, closing in on 50 years, and the Rotary Pie Ride nearing twenty-five, prove that tradition matters. But tradition alone does not sustain momentum.
Where are Janesvilleās next great ideas? What is in the pipeline to make our city irresistibleānot just to ourselves, but to visitors with families, time, and wallets to share? The silence surrounding bookings at the soon-to-open Woodmanās Sports and Convention Center is deafening. With a state-of-the-art facility waiting to come alive, we hear no murmur of anticipation, no hint of a marquee event to stake our place on the regional map.
Meanwhile, many gatherings labeled as āeventsā are little more than social occasions clustered around a licensed beer tent. These are fine in moderation, but they are not the backbone of a thriving civic culture. Signature events require more than permitsāthey demand partnerships, planning, and purpose.
It is time to stop waiting for someone else to ignite the spark. If Janesville is to thrive, we need committed neighbors, energized leaders, and visionary organizers to build on what is already good and demand more. The museumās success proves we can rally. Now we must spread that willpower beyond any single project.
Hope is not a strategy. Energy must be channeled, not wished for. Let this be a clarion call to every business owner, volunteer, educator, and policymaker in our orbit: reclaim the civic pride that shaped this city. Organize, innovate, act.
If not us, then who?
If not now, then when?
Focus on Madison:
š§ Budget Gridlock in Madison: What It Means for Janesville and Beyond
As the June 30 deadline looms, Wisconsin’s state budget negotiations have hit a standstill. While Assembly leaders like Speaker Robin Vos express confidence in behind-the-scenes dialogue with Senate Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and others remain skepticalāparticularly around Governor Tony Eversā proposed spending on childcare, special education, and higher education.
The stateās Joint Finance Committee meetings have been put on hold, and the divisions within the GOP itself have cast serious doubts on whether a new biennial budget will be passed on time.
š§© Why This Matters More in Wisconsin
Here is the key: Wisconsinās unique fiscal system means this is not just a statehouse issue. For over a century, our budget has functioned less as a mechanism for state operations and more as a vehicle to fund local governments.
In fact, back in 2009, over 40% of all local government spending in Wisconsin came from the stateāamong the highest shares in the country. This āequalizingā approach was designed to help poorer communities deliver essential services without steep property taxes.
But when the state gridlocks, local governments are left waiting.
š What It Means for Local Governments and Schools
- Delayed Funding: Without a new budget, schools and municipalities operate on last bienniumās numbersādelaying critical expansions in areas like special education, infrastructure, and teacher support.
- Budget Uncertainty: School boards and city councils cannot finalize their own budgets without clarity from Madison. That uncertainty can slow down hiring, program rollouts, and capital projects.
- Education Reforms on Hold: Governor Eversā proposals to invest in K-12 schools and the UW System are stalled. Without a passed budget, reforms to class sizes, mental health services, and teacher recruitment will have to wait.
- Blurred Accountability: With state and local governments so financially entangled, it becomes difficult for residents to know whoās responsible when services sufferāleading to frustration and apathy.
š A Teachable Moment:
This impasse may feel like a political standoffābut it is also a powerful opportunity to spark civic learning and engagement right here in Janesville. Local students and residents alike can explore:
- How state budgeting works
- Why do local governments rely on state funds?
- The importance of compromise and transparency in governance
Afterall, after every storm a rainbow of inspiration and a renewed spirit of service to community should emerge.
Milton School Board:
The Milton School District has introduced a preliminary $65 million budget proposal, reflecting a balanced fiscal approach. However, officials caution that revenue projections remain tentative, pending the outcome of state budget deliberations by the Legislature and Governor for the upcoming biennium beginning July 1.
In a promising step toward transparency and community engagement, the Superintendent and Director of Business Services will host the districtās inaugural School Finance Roadmap session. This informational event is designed to help residents understand the school budgeting process and the influence of state-level decisions. The session is scheduled for July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office (448 E High St, Milton).
The event is especially timely, occurring ahead of the districtās Annual Meeting in Augustāa forum for public input on school governance that has historically seen limited participation.
Hypothetically Speaking:
Intentional efforts like the School Finance Roadmap session create accessible opportunities for public understanding of district operations, particularly the complexities of school finance. A more informed community can foster greater confidence in local institutions. If widely adopted, this practice could offer a valuable model for other districtsāenhancing accountability and clarity in how public funds are used. Credit to the Superintendent and Director of Business Services for bringing this initiative to life.
City of Beloit ā Community Development Authority:
This is the season when area CDAās go through the process of accessing community needs. Part of that process is soliciting input from the community they serve. In a previous issue, we highlighted the Janesville Community Development Authorityās efforts to solicit input from the public on its upcoming federal grant year Plan. This time around, we highlight the efforts of Beloitās Community Development Authority who are going through the same process of soliciting public involvement and comment. The difference in methodology between the two authorities is notable. The very framework for public input and service are descriptions, missing in Janesville, appear in the agenda and notices to the public. Beloit makes it a point to identify the service area it is responsible for pursuing and provide a brief explanation of what is involved. The purpose in providing this partial listing is to give you an example of the framework for intelligent public comment and input that was created to facilitate community involvement. Kudos, Beloit.
Hypothetically Speaking:
It is important that in the areas of community development, Beloit has been doing an exceptional job of gaining public input, creating action-oriented plans for specific activities, then actually exercising the activities they have planned. This is particularly true in the creative approach they have demonstrated in the arena of affordable housing options. Their work is a positive model of how if willing to invest the effort, superb results can be achieved in a partnership with the community. This is an excellent example of demonstrative democracy in action. What a refreshing change if every community embraces demonstrative democracy principles and honestly embraces transparency and engaging actively their stakeholders.
An upcoming guest on our News Makers program is Drew Pennington, City of Beloit Economic Development Director, and Greater Beloit President/CEO. In recent years, Beloit has had considerable success in its Affordable Housing. Our hope is he is willing to share some of secrets to Beloitās success that has become a showcase for what can be accomplished when an informed community is fully engaged in an important public policy matter.
Rock County Board of Supervisors:
We would be remiss if we did not take a moment to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Betty Jo Bussie, long time former Clerk of Court and Rock County Supervisor who passed away this past week. Betty Jo was an amazing role model to so many of what selfless public service is all about. She truly made a difference in the quality of life we all enjoy today. Thank you and rest in peace.
š¤ Newsmakers Preview
Spotlight on Community Voices
We are thrilled to share the momentum behind Newsmakers, a recently launched public affairs series featuring 15-minute one-on-one interviews with local individuals making a difference.
From civic leaders and arts advocates to nonprofit pioneers and globe-trotting athletes, each episode highlights compelling stories of perseverance, innovation, and deep-rooted community pride. Featured guests have included:
- TheĀ Rock County Public Health Officer, addressing the urgent need for renewed focus on vaccinations against preventable diseases such as measles and mumps.
- TheĀ Principal of Milton High School, introducing a groundbreaking civics education practicum launching this fall in partnership with a private civicsā education organization.
- AĀ local farmerĀ who completed an astonishing featāseven marathons on seven continents in just six days.
- ExecutivesĀ from the chamber of commerce, cultural services leaders, and many others who are shaping the civic and cultural fabric of our region.
Looking ahead to this fall, we will launch a series of conversations with locally elected officials from across the area, exploring not only the roles they play but the motivations that drive their commitment to building a stronger, more engaged community.
šŗ How to Watch & Listen:
- Fridays at 9:30 AMĀ ā JATV Community Access Channel 994 (Spectrum)
- Fridays at 9:15 AMĀ ā WCLO Radio:Ā Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel
- Anytime, On-DemandĀ ā YouTube: Search āJATV Mediaā or āRock County Civics Academyā
ā Community Spotlight: Havana Coffee
Fueling Dialogue, One Cup at a Time
Looking for a space to connect and reflect? Visit Havana Coffee at 1250 Milton Avenue true Janesville gem where civic energy meets excellent espresso. With hearty food, warm service, and a strong commitment to local journalism, Havana Coffee proudly supports the Rock County Civics Academy and all who believe in informed engagement.
š¬ A Call to Leadership
Every advancement in our community begins with someone choosing to act. If you have asked yourself when the right time to get involved isāthe answer might just be now.
Ways to contribute:
ā¢ Volunteer with a civic group
ā¢ Apply to serve on a local board or commission
ā¢ Run for public office and lead the change.
āIf not me, who? If not now, when?ā ā Hillel the Elder
š Hypothetically Speakingā¦
- What if transparency was standard in local government?
- What if civic engagement became Rock Countyās defining strength?
That is the mission of Hypothetically Speaking. And with your voice in the mix, it is closer to reality than ever.
š Stay Engaged with the Rock County Civics Academy
š [Visit Our Website] Rockcountycivicsacademy.org
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šŗ [Subscribe on YouTube] @ JATV Media or @ Rock County Civics Academy
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