John and Melissa Eron of Stevens Point have been selected as the recipients of the 2020 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.
In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and Dairy Farmers of Family Health La Clinica remains available to provide free testing and education for COVID-19. We are using rapid antigen testing with confirmatory RT-PCR testing when indicated by CDC protocols/recommendations (antigen test results available within 15 minutes). We are also able to provide pre-travel testing and outbreak support. We can offer simultaneous flu shots or offer a separate flu clinics for workers. If you would like to schedule these free services at your location, please call Ashley at
Midwest –November 19, 2020 — The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has launched a Midwest Solar Job Resource Center, solarenergy.jobs. The site will be a one-stop resource connecting job seekers and other stakeholders in the Midwest Solar Industry.
The site’s training and career resources will provide those interested in working in the solar industry access to the most current information about solar and clean energy jobs. Solar and clean energy companies and others associated with the Deloitte announced that Sentry is the 2020 winner of the Distinguished Performer Community award for its focus on giving back to the community. The mutual insurer ranks No. 14 on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75™, a ranking of the 75 largest private companies in Wisconsin based on sales revenue.
Deep responsibility to improving our communitiesAn independent advisory committee consisting of community leaders chose the Distinguished Performer awards, which were featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Pete Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH) was named as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals by Fortune and IBM® Watson Health®. The annual Fortune/IBM 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study spotlights leading short-term, acute care, non-federal US hospitals that treat a broad spectrum of cardiology patients. The study is designed to identify impartial, actionable, and attainable benchmarks for hospital and clinical leaders as they work to raise their own organizations’ standards of performance in cardiac care. Caption: Earlier this year, UW-Stevens Point graduate Casey Brodhagen completed an internship as a child life specialist at Children’s Wisconsin, helping children and their families cope with medical procedures and severe illnesses.
When a child is sick, needs emergency stitches or an MRI, a hospital or clinic visit can be scary. A child life specialist can ease the anxiety for both the patient and parents.
By demonstrating the use of medical equipment in a nonthreatening manner, offering coping plans or Photo Caption: Pictured, from left: Mid-State Technical College Vice President of Workforce Development & Community Relations Bobbi Damrow, Mid-State Technical College President Dr. Shelly Mondeik, Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Board Vice President Fawn Gottschalk and Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Chief Executive Officer Kent Anderson.Mid-State Technical College was honored as a recipient of the 2020 Blue Door Award from The Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area. Sand Valley in the Wisconsin Rapids area is recruiting for their culinary school program that started this year in partnership with Mid-State Technical College. The purpose of the program is to provide training and education to those interested in the culinary field, but maybe can’t afford to attend culinary school. The schooling is free and at the end of the program the student gets to work at the resort for the summer.
Sand Valley partnered with Mid-State Technical College to provide an environment November is Rural Health Month with Thursday, November 19th designated as National Rural Health Day this year. Each November, and specifically the third Thursday of November, we celebrate and recognize the #PowerofRural by showcasing rural America and bringing awareness to rural health challenges. This month, Family Health La Clinica (FHLC) joins thousands of other rural health clinics in observing and honoring rural health nationwide.
About 57 million people – nearly one in five Americans – live in CAP Services is seeking volunteers to fill a variety of roles with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Portage County during the upcoming tax filing season.
“The VITA program is key in helping households capture all the tax credits and refunds due to them, providing more resources to make ends meet,” said site coordinator Avery Dorland. “We’ve been serving Portage County residents since 2012 and know that our assistance will be more important than ever this year as households continue Hear from speakers on the topics of racial and social injustice as part of the “Stand, Amplify, Speak” series offered by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point office of Diversity and College Access.
Free and open to the public, two forums will be held via Zoom in the coming weeks:
“Decolonization and Community Sources of Empowerment in Education,” 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19Presenters are Silver Moore, a humanities instructional coach at University Prep Art and Design, and Sasānēhsaeh Jennings, WHAT: The Boys & Girls Club’s Board of Directors, donors, staff and volunteers will be serving its 19th annual, free Thanksgiving feast to hundreds of Boys & Girls Club families. Families from all 7 of its sites across Portage County are welcome to pick up meals from its Berard Center in Stevens Point. The Club continues to do whatever it takes to provide Club programming and experiences for children and teens. Thanksgiving is always a special holiday at the Boys & Girls Club because the organization is Stevens Point, Wisconsin (November 11, 2020) – The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin (CFCWI) will hold a Virtual Annual Event next week Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 pm to celebrate that Generosity Lives Here.
Tickets are $10 per person and all guests will receive a Foundation treat bag complete with a cookie from Zest Bakery, a 3-ounce bag of coffee from Emy J’s, and other surprises. All registered guests will also have a chance to win a $250 gift to give to their nonprofit of choice.
To Last fall, Sentry Insurance announced plans to build a boutique hotel at SentryWorld, its premier destination golf course located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The Inn at SentryWorld will feature spacious suites, unrivaled accommodations, and event spaces.
During the past year, tremendous progress has been made building the Inn and it’s slated to officially open by summer of 2021. With beautiful views of the 18th fairway and authentic Wisconsin charm, this upscale Inn is designed to be a relaxing respite
24 Area Professionals Honored at Drive-thru Graduation
Photo Caption: Julie Nielsen, Consulting & Support Team Manager at Skyward, Inc, receives her commemorative graduation plaque and gift from Kayla Rombalski, Director of Talent Development at Portage County Business Council.
Additional photos: https://portagecountybiz-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/p/talent/Eg3O7l2sfuZPvte-vuNKhDkByimAfhJqwXoVV4WBoGTH9A?e=iwEma0
Stevens Point, Wis. – A line of vehicles could be seen entering the Portage County Business
WAUSAU, Wis. – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has designated Aspirus Health Plan as a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) for coverage in 2021. The designation allows Aspirus Health Plan to offer health insurance products on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online resource where individuals and families can compare health insurance plans, apply for coverage, or find out if they might qualify for savings. The website makes it Caption: UW-Stevens Point continues its efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the community as it partners with the UW System and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to offer free rapid-results COVID-19 tests at all three of its campuses. Free rapid-results COVID-19 tests will be available to community members at all three University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campuses, beginning Nov. 9.
The goal is to help identify people throughout northcentral Wisconsin who may have the novel Stevens Point, Wis. – Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation will host its annual fall fundraiser HouseCall, on Saturday, November 14th. Previously known as the Gala for Giving, the Foundation had to proactively adapt to an online video fundraiser in response to the pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed how we fundraise, but it does not change our commitment and mission to serve the most vulnerable in our community,” Foundation Director Margo Willard said.
HouseCall evolved in response By Frank Frassetto, Wisconsin USDA Rural Development State Director
Despite the challenges we faced, 2020 was a record-breaking year for USDA Rural Development and therefore it has been a monumental year for the communities we serve. We know when rural communities do well, America does well. Rural America provides us with the food we eat, the water we drink and the energy we use. That's why it's good news that in all corners of rural Wisconsin, we're seeing real, positive change as our communities continue Stevens Point, WI – Oct. 30, 2020 – At a time when it matters most, Sentry employees and the Sentry Insurance Foundation have rallied to donate $1,225,000 in support of United Way of Portage County during its 75th year of existence in the community. This year’s total announced late this week at a private virtual event—includes employee pledges, special events fundraising, and a matching donation from the foundation.
That total accounts for 40 percent of the United Way’s 2020 community goal of STEVENS POINT, WI – OCTOBER 29, 2020 – November is National Family Caregiver Month and the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the more than 16 million Americans, including 195,000 in Wisconsin, who are currently caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers during the past eight months,” said JoAnn Janikowski, Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter. “Many of these In Portage County, 83% of businesses have nineteen or fewer employees. Small businesses are central in central Wisconsin and the entrepreneurial spirit is strong. With Small Business Saturday right around the corner, the Portage County Business Council (PCBC) is putting a special emphasis on local shopping and supporting small business. PCBC supports businesses of any size but recognizes that in this pandemic small, local businesses need an extra boost.
PCBC will be launching our annual Elf on the Shelf As all of you are aware, this coming Holiday Season is shaping up to be like none in recent memory. The Covid Pandemic has taxed every aspect of our society. Unfortunately, The Salvation Hope Center in Stevens Point has also been impacted. The need for the services provided by the Salvation Army are at an all-time high, and the uncertainty the Pandemic has brought has placed serious hardship on the resources needed to serve those most in need.
This year, the Salvation Army needs your help more than
Deer season is just around the corner. The last thing you want to do is spend it in a doctor’s office – or worse, the emergency department – because of heart problems.
Just the excitement of the hunt can increase your risk for heart attack. That is why Aspirus Heart & Vascular Cardiologist Vrunda Patel, DO recommends hunters consider the following precautions before heading into the woods:
Do not ignore the warning signs. Whether you have pre-existing heart disease or not, it’s important to know what Before it gets too cold, let’s get outside and have some fun.
The Jensen Community Center is excited to offer a way for the community to play a game together, while apart, this fall. We hired an app company called Eventzee to help us with this event. All you need is a smartphone, a couple friends or family members to make a team and a sense of adventure.
Follow the steps on the “How To Play” instructions attached to get yourself set up to participate. The photo, video, GPS and QR code challenges Photo caption: Stevens Point Kiwanis Club new officers (left to right) Kelly Caughlan-Treasurer, Peter Valitchka-President and Michael Schmidt-Treasurer.
Peter Valitchka of Amherst Junction, WI was installed as president of the Kiwanis Club of Stevens Point, 2nd term during the club’s virtual meeting on October 6th, 2020. Also installed were, Treasurer Kelly Caughlan and Secretary Michael Schmidt.
In addition, the following members will serve on the club’s board of directors:
Scott WestJohn KrullLaura Thomas Gibson, who served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, has been named the 15th chancellor of UW–Stevens Point.The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved Dr. Gibson’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. He will assume the leadership post Jan. 11, 2021.He was hired as Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost at Bowling Green State in July 2016.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Mid-State Technical College alum Wayne Bushman was recently chosen by the College for its Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award before going on to win the Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award, signaling statewide recognition for his contributions to technical education and the central Wisconsin community. Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik presented Bushman with the awards during a special event on Mid-State’s Wisconsin Rapids WAUSAU, Wis. – Visits to Aspirus urgent care clinics or walk-in locations in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan are now covered for eligible Veterans through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Community Care Network (VA CCN). The VA CCN urgent care benefit in Wisconsin and Michigan is currently administered by OPTUM®, part of UnitedHealth Group, and makes access to high-quality care easier and timelier for the best outcomes. While Veterans can still receive care at their VA facility, having the option Hear stories about animals and nature with your preschooler through Facebook Live as the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History presents Virtual Story Time.
Go to www.facebook.com/uwspmuseum at 10 a.m. every other Friday, Oct. 23-Dec. 4, for themed stories and craft activities. Go to the website ahead of time to get a list of needed supplies for each week’s activity.
Programs and book titles include:
Oct. 23 - “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed!” and “Sweety”Nov. 6 - “Pinduli” and
John and Melissa Eron Receive Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award
FREE services to help you comply with WI DHS guidelines (for ag worker COVID testing)
New Midwest Solar Job Resource Center Launched to Aid Solar Workforce Development
Sentry wins Deloitte Wisconsin 75™ Distinguished Performer Community award
Aspirus Wausau Hospital Named One of the Nation’s Top Cardiovascular Hospitals
UW-Stevens Point program offers careers in caring for children when they need it most
Mid-State Technical College Receives Blue Door Award
Sand Valley Culinary Institute
Family Health La Clinica Celebrates National Rural Health Month
CAP Services is Seeking Volunteers
UW-Stevens Point offers ‘Stand, Amplify, Speak’ series on racial, social injustice
FREE THANKSGIVING FEAST SERVED TO CLUB KIDS & FAMILIES
Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin Annual Event
GM named for Inn at SentryWorld in central Wisconsin
Leadership Portage County Celebrates New Graduates
Aspirus Health Plan offers insurance products on HealthCare.gov
UW-Stevens Point offers COVID-19 testing to communities at three campuses
Ascension St. Michael’s Foundation to Host Virtual Fundraiser on Saturday, November 14, 2020
Op-Ed Submission: When Rural America Thrives, Wisconsin Thrives
Sentry raises $1.225 Million for United Way
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER MONTH
Shop Local; Portage County Business Council Supports Local Holiday Shopping
2020 Red Kettle Campaign
Listen to your heart for a healthy, successful deer season
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Amherst Community Scavenger Hunt!
Kiwanis Club of Stevens Point installs new officers
New Chancellor Named
Mid-State Technical College Distinguished Alumni of the Year Wayne Bushman receives statewide 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award
Urgent care benefits for Veterans expanded to include Aspirus
UW-Stevens Point offers virtual’ Story Time at the Museum’
