The Hephner Papers primarily relate to his last term in the Assembly, 1985-1986. Like many legislators, Hephner disposed of the majority of his constituent correspondence and working files at the end of each session. The chief exception to this pattern was that he retained files for a few topics in which he had a strong interest or for which his responsibilities spanned more than one session. As a result, there is no material in the papers covering his first term in the Legislature and the period from 1969 to 1982 is very incomplete. There are also no campaign files in the collection from either his Assembly races or from his unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor in 1986. The scattered biographical clippings and press releases probably represent only a fraction of the press material that he generated.
The papers are arranged as biographical material; files on groundwater management, the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, and Operation Touch; and a general file primarily concerning the 1985-1986 Legislature.
The BIOGRAPHICAL MATERIAL, 1972, 1982-1984 contains a few newspaper articles about Hephner, a 1982 appointment calendar, and correspondence concerning several awards. This fragmentary file is supplemented by additional clippings filed with the topics to which they relate.
The VETERINARY SCHOOL FILES details Hephner's involvement in the legislative process that resulted in the establishment of the Veterinary School at the University of Wisconsin. Included are newspaper clippings, correspondence between Hephner, constituents, governmental officials, and educators; reports; and minutes. The minutes are verbatim transcripts of public hearings conducted by the Joint Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Veterinary Medicine of which Hephner was a member. Also related to the work of this committee are reports and supporting documentation.
The GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT files primarily relate to Hephner's work on the Legislative Council's Special Committee on Groundwater Management and the Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Manure Handling. Included are summary minutes, memos, reports, correspondence, and press releases.
Files on OPERATION TOUCH, the smallest section of the collection, includes articles, correspondence, and publicity.
The GENERAL FILE is arranged alphabetically into general categories and then subdivided alphabetically by topic. Most of the files relate to the 1985-1986 sessions although a few items date to 1969. Unlike the subject files, which contain little constituent correspondence, this section contains numerous letters from ordinary citizens as well as material from organized advocacy groups. The files generally reflect the interest of Hephner and his district in agricultural matters and taxes. Also notable here are files on his participation in Fox River Locks Task Force.
