CONTACT: Laura Taylor, (608) 661-6700
Madison, Wisconsin – As part of the 4th Annual Local Spark Award, WEA Trust awarded the City of Marinette to fund a granite memorial in the Menekaunee Harbor.
The location of the Menekaunee Harbor, at the mouth of the Menominee River, separates Wisconsin and Michigan. It is also the origin of the Menominee Indian Tribe. The granite memorial will honor the five tribes of the indigenous people.
Brian Walters wrote in his proposal, “This will serve as a reminder of their roots to any and all who use the Menekaunee Harbor Boat Launch.”
“Each year the number of submissions to the Local Spark Award increases and this year has had some of the best yet,” said Jon Klett, the Trust’s Vice President of Sales. “It’s so inspiring to see the vision and dedicated that our 2017 winners have,” said Klett.
In partnership with League of Wisconsin Municipalities, WEA Trust created the Local Spark Award to recognize and reward innovation in Wisconsin’s cities and villages. This summer, WEA Trust received over 70 project proposals from around Wisconsin, which were reviewed by a panel of four judges:
Jerry Deschane – Executive Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Dan Hill – Local Government Specialist at the UW-Extension
Terry Estness – Executive Director, Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce
Shawn Reilly – Mayor, City of Waukesha and former Local Spark Award Winner
The City of Marinette was one of three Local Spark Award winners chosen by the selection committee. Other winners include the City of West Allis for a sidewalk poetry initiative and to Aiming for Acceptance, a non-profit in the City of Fennimore.
