Trees are still down on Monday, Aug. 3, one week after the tornado devastated Menasha. Aug., 3, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has shared how residents can report and protect themselves from price gouging in the aftermath of the Fox Cities tornado.
On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers declared the state would enforce the prohibition on price gouging in Winnebago County and Outagamie County.
One resident said her motel bill for a three-week stay was more than twice what she knows the typical rates to be.
“I got that price tag and I was like ‘Holy, moly,'” said Carrie Lane, a Menasha resident and tornado victim. “It’s certainly not fair. you can tell that it’s up, I mean and this was Tuesday morning (July 28), right away.”
The state can now penalize businesses if they’re found to engage in price gouging, defined as charging more than 15% over what it charged pre-tornado for the same consumer good or service.
“If they believe they’re a victim of price gouging,” said Michelle Reinen, DATCP Division of Trade & Consumer Protection Administrator, “they can file a complaint with DATCP.”
- File a complaint with DATCP here
- Learn more about DATCP’s enforcement of Wisconsin’s price gouging laws
The law applies to consumer goods and services, so it doesn’t apply if you’re repairing your business. A vendor is also exempt if it can prove its own costs rose in the time since the tornado hit.
Reinen says there are ways a tornado victim can protect themselves from price gouging.
“They should really just note what the price was as best they can before the declaration and then now document that,” said Reinen. “If they believe that their price has increased inappropriately or is excessive, they can file that complaint, and then DATCP investigators will go ahead and do the research behind that.”
Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond shared his recommendation for residents.
“Look for referenced and recommended contractors for people you trust,” said Hammond. “Ask around, I think that’s important. Get things in writing, and make sure that it’s backed up.”
And also, report it to DATCP if you think you’re a victim of price gouging.
The enforcement runs for 45 days in the two counties.
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