Town of Rhine, Weekly: I-43 Work Underway, April 7 Election Ahead
Spring construction season and the April election are front and center for Town of Rhine residents this week, with regional public safety news also drawing attention.
I-43 Construction Now Impacting Sheboygan County Drivers
Major resurfacing and bridge work along Interstate 43 is now underway in Sheboygan County, part of a $21 million state project that began earlier this month.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation project covers more than 10 miles of I-43 from Wilson/Lima Road in the town of Wilson to WIS 42 in the town of Sheboygan. While the work zone is east of the Town of Rhine, many local residents rely on I-43 for commuting to Sheboygan, Manitowoc, or Milwaukee.
Drivers should expect reduced lanes, intermittent ramp closures, and shifting traffic patterns through fall 2026. Nine bridges in the corridor are receiving maintenance, along with pavement milling and new asphalt overlays. WisDOT says the improvements are designed to extend the life of the roadway and improve overall safety.
With warmer, mostly sunny weather this weekend and highs near 60 on Sunday, more drivers are expected to be on the road. Residents should allow extra travel time, especially during weekday peak hours.
April 7 Election: What Rhine Voters Should Know
The spring election is set for Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Town of Rhine voters will head to the polls to weigh in on statewide and local races.
Residents are encouraged to confirm polling hours, review ballots in advance, and ensure voter registration information is up to date. Absentee voting deadlines are approaching quickly, and ballots must be returned on time to be counted.
With several regional issues on ballots across Sheboygan County, turnout is expected to be closely watched. Anyone with questions about polling location or registration status should contact the town clerk as soon as possible.
Plymouth Fentanyl Sentencing Highlights Ongoing Opioid Concerns
In nearby Plymouth, a man was sentenced this week in connection with a 2022 fentanyl overdose case, according to regional reporting. The case underscores the continued impact of opioid-related crimes in western Sheboygan County.
While the incident did not occur within the Town of Rhine, law enforcement officials have repeatedly stressed that fentanyl trafficking and overdose risks affect communities countywide, including rural areas.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of drug take-back programs and community prevention resources, particularly as warmer weather approaches and community events increase.
Regional Sales Tax Proposal Could Affect County Projects
In Plymouth, local leaders continue discussing a proposed half-cent sales tax tied to a large-scale community investment initiative. While still under legislative consideration, any countywide or regional tax change would affect Town of Rhine residents through retail purchases.
Town residents who shop or do business in Plymouth or elsewhere in the county may want to follow developments as the proposal moves through the state approval process.
Looking Ahead
With road construction season beginning, election day just over a week away, and continued regional attention on public safety and infrastructure funding, the next several weeks will bring important decisions and travel adjustments for Town of Rhine households.
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