By Heather McDonald

Governor Scott Walker stopped in town of Hull as one of three visits to award $1.5 million in state grants for broadband expansion.

Amherst Telephone Co., which has a partnership with the town of Hull, received $170,000 of that – more than 10 percent – to expand broadband in the towns of Hull and Dewey, bringing high-speed access to more than 200 homes.

“Our goal is to get the whole gap filled,” Walker said during a brief stop at the Town Hall Friday, Aug. 18. “It’s important not just for attracting talent in expanding business and encouraging businesses to grow … it’s important for education … and as odd as it seems it’s even important for tourism.

“You’ve got a great partnership here,” he said. “You’re invested, you’re going to make it work. There’s a real demand.”

This is the second such grant awarded the Amherst company and town of Hull for broadband expansion. Last year, the town secured $150,000 to expand broadband into the towns of Hull, Dewey and Sharon, adding 167 households to the network. This new grant will continue where the last one left off.

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette/ to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.