Local Man Working Hard to Make Colby Cheese Wisconsin's State Cheese
Friday, January 24th, 2020 -- 12:02 PM
-A local man is working hard to make Colby Cheese Wisconsin's State Cheese.Matthew Oehmichen has been meeting with Wisconsin assemblymen and senators as he works to make Colby Cheese designated as Wisconsin’s State Cheese. Created by Joseph Steinwand in 1885 right here in Clark County, in Colby, of course, Colby Cheese has a strong connection to the state as well as the local area. Matt, from Colby, has visited around 30 state offices and provided them samples of Colby Cheese. He also had the 4th grade class at Colby Elementary make pictures for them to keep. Matt said he received positive feedback from the assembly side, having all but one office tell him they were in favor of the bill. Matt, unfortunately, had a little tougher time with the senators, but he did receive a smattering of support from some. So, Matt is continuing to push for Assembly Bill 579 and Senate Bill 519 and see them make their way through the necessary committees, then to the full senate and assembly, before making their way to the Governor’s desk.
Next week, January 29th, SB519 will be getting a public hearing at 10:30am. Matt will be going down to provide testimony and you can show support by heading down to Madison to provide testimony as well, or you can watch the hearing through his Facebook Live Video on that Wednesday. Otherwise, call your local congressman or senator and show your support for the bills. Recently, the Clark County Tourism Committee and the Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Board of Directors signed letters in support of both the Assembly and Senate bills.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.