News

UW-Stevens Point graduate leaves hometown impact through public art

“Ever since I can remember, I have been drawing and painting everywhere I go. I always knew I was meant to be an artist.” Mackenzie Biadasz, a spring 2025 bachelor of fine arts graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, has been exploring art through various mediums since a young age. Now, her designs are leaving a lasting impact in her hometown, giving visitors a glimpse of the various communities that make up the city of Stevens Point. In 2021, Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza participated

How to Treat Bug Bites and Stings and Know When to See a Doctor

“If you notice swelling around your face, eyes, or lips or symptoms like hives, nausea, vomiting, or trouble breathing, those could be signs of anaphylaxis. Call 911 right away.”    WAUSAU, Wis. – Bug bites and stings are a routine part of summer, especially during outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, or spending time in the backyard. While most cause only mild discomfort, some can lead to more serious symptoms. Aspirus Health offers practical guidance to help people treat minor bites at home and

Historic Rising Star Mill Hosts Music at the Mill Concert Series This Summer

NELSONVILLE, Wis. – This summer, the Portage County Historical Society invites music and history lovers to experience unforgettable live performances at one of Wisconsin’s most unique historic venues. The Music at the Mill Concert Series returns to the 1868 Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville, pairing acclaimed regional talent with the charm of a preserved 19th-century grist mill. Set against the rustic beauty of the Mill’s interior or its scenic outdoor grounds, each concert offers an intimate, one-of-a-kind

Aspirus Health Expert Shares Resources to Help Parents and Caregivers Track Their Child’s Speech and Language Development

May is National Speech-Language Hearing Month  STEVENS POINT, Wisc. - May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, and one local expert is using the opportunity to inform families about their child’s communication development—as well as the benefits of early intervention for children with speech and language delays or disorders.“Speech therapy encompasses a huge range of skills from preverbal communication—such as gestures, facial expression, and engagement—to complex social skills like ordering food in

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Available at Aspirus for Arthritis Pain Relief - Noninvasive treatment offers new hope for patients with chronic joint pain

“It is convenient, effective, and does not require surgery or long-term recovery.”    WAUSAU, Wis. – In recognition of Arthritis Awareness Month, Aspirus Health is drawing attention to a treatment available in the region that offers significant relief for people with arthritis.  Low-dose radiation therapy is a non-invasiveoption for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy.  “Low-dose radiation therapy has been used in Europe for

UW-Stevens Point to offer summer planetarium shows

Voyage into distant galaxies this June at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.  Planetarium shows will be offered at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in June. All regular public shows are around one hour long and include a 25-min presentation focusing on the current night sky of Central Wisconsin (bright stars, constellations, planets, etc.) All events are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and help continue these programs:   Monday, June 2 –

First State Bank June Dairy Month Celebrations Near You

Marshfield, WI – First State Bank will again host its June Dairy Month celebrations at all their offices, bringing together community members and customers to enjoy free ice cream floats in salute to local dairy farmers and industry.  Free root beer or orange ice cream floats will be served between 11 am and 3 pm, starting at First State Bank’s Marshfield office on Friday, June 6. The celebration continues at its Stevens Point and Auburndale offices on Friday, June 20, and Wisconsin Rapids on Friday, June

Aspirus Health Shares Tips to Prevent Lyme Disease and Tick Bites During Lyme Disease Awareness Month

“We are in a unique position to bring immediate relief and help prevent chronic Lyme disease.”  WOODRUFF, Wis. – With tick season underway, Aspirus Health is recognizing Lyme Disease Awareness Month by encouraging individuals and families across the Upper Midwest to take steps to prevent tick bites and the serious illnesses they can transmit.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in 2023, reflecting a significant increase from

Prevail Bank Supports Junior Achievement Programming in Portage & Wood Counties - with $3,125 Donation

[Stevens Point] Junior Achievement of Wisconsin – Portage & Wood Counties was awarded $3,125 by Prevail Bank in support of the financial literacy and career planning curriculum materials it provides for K-12 students. Joseph Luther, Junior Achievement Development Coordinator (far right) accepted the donation surrounded by Prevail Bank professionals. Junior Achievement of WI was one of 29 nonprofit organizations selected to receive funding through Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contributions program this spring.

Don’t Forget Your Life Jacket: Safe Boating Week Promotes Water Safety Awareness

“It’s important that we all have life jackets available, not just sitting nearby, but ready to use and preferably already on.”  WAUSAU, Wis. – As summer returns to the Upper Midwest, the region’s picturesque lakes and rivers become popular destinations for recreation. With boating season underway, Safe Boating Week, recognized May 17–23, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safety on the water.  “Your biggest piece of safety equipment on a boat is your life jacket," emphasizes Lt. Darren Kuhn,

Midstate Independent Living Choices to Host a Disability Pride Festival

Stevens Point, WI – Midstate Independent Living Choices (MILC) will host their first ever Disability Pride Festival. This event will take place at Lake Pacawa Park in Plover on August 2nd, 2025, from 10am – 4pm. Coinciding with MILC's 25th anniversary, and the 35th anniversary of the ADA, the goal is to celebrate people with disabilities, and provide a space where everyone can participate in the festivities. The free event will have performances and bands featuring people with disabilities, adapted

Hooray for Hollywood: Second Annual Senior Prom Returns May 30th at the Stevens Point Area YMCA!

STEVENS POINT, WI — The Stevens Point Area YMCA, in partnership with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County, is proud to host their Second Annual Senior Prom: “Hooray for Hollywood” on Friday, May 30th, at the Stevens Point Area YMCA. This exciting evening invites community members aged 60 and older to enjoy a glamorous night of dinner, dancing, mocktails, music, photo booth pictures, and more. Dinner will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, followed by a lively dance from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Rosholt 4th Grade Students to Present NASA DISCOVERIESTM Posters Concluding 2024-25 School Year

Blanchard Promoted to Vice President Business Banker

New London, WI – First State Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Derek Blanchard as Vice President, Business Banker. Formerly a Senior Credit Analyst, Blanchard brings his deep expertise in credit analysis and customer-focused financial strategy to this new client-facing role. Since joining First State Bank in 2022, Derek has played a key role in evaluating credit risk and supporting the bank’s lending initiatives with thoughtful financial analysis. In his new position, he will partner directly

Mental Health Awareness Month: Aspirus Shares Tips to Manage Stress and Build Resilience

“Just like we listen to our body when we are hungry, we can learn to recognize emotional cues like stress or overwhelm.”    STEVENS POINT, Wis. – One in five adults in the United States experience mental illness each year according to the National Alliance on Mental Health, yet many hesitate to seek help because of stigma, fear, or uncertainty. This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and the 2025 theme "TurnAwarenessInto Action," Aspirus Health is encouraging individuals to take

UW-Stevens Point faculty recognized for excellence and achievement

Several faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have been recognized for excellence within their professional fields:   Tyler Marchant, professor of theatre, acting and directing was recently appointed by Governor Evers to serve a three-year term on the Wisconsin Arts Board. The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in education, stimulates community and economic development and serves as a

Aspirus Provides Access to Emergency Stroke Treatment Through Telestroke Services - Improving outcomes through faster stroke intervention

“Every minute that goes by is 1.9 million neurons that we lose. Time is brain, so every minute counts.”    MEDFORD, Wis. – Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, and for rural communities, timely treatment can be a significant challenge. During Stroke Awareness Month, Aspirus Health is highlighting how telestroke technology is helping bridge that gap and bring expert-level care to patients closer to home.  Telestroke technology connects emergency teams with neurologists

What’s Driving Your Healthcare Spend

Rising healthcare costs continue to put pressure on employers, with trends hovering around 7–8% increases over the past few years—and projections showing no signs of slowing. What’s fueling this sustained cost growth? A mix of familiar factors and new trends are driving costs higher, and understanding what’s at play is the first step toward finding a smarter path forward. The trends we’re seeing among M3 clients mirror what’s happening on a national scale. When digging into claims data to figure out

Aspirus Health and Three Bridges Create Lifelines for Substance Use Support

“Through compassionate peer support and evidence-based practices, we’re helping people reclaim their lives.”    STEVENS POINT, Wis. – In an ongoing effort to address the challenges of substance use recovery, Aspirus Health and Three Bridges Recovery are coming together to provide healing and support for individuals facing substance use challenges. By combining medical expertise with community-driven advocacy, this partnership is changing the way substance use recovery is approached, offering both

UW-Stevens Point students recognized for achievement and excellence

The following students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point were honored for excellence in academic achievement:Senior interior architecture students Sklyer Mulder and Amelia Retzlaff recently won first place in the Student Hospitality/Retail Category at the International Interior Design Association-WI Celebrate in Design Awards. This award celebrates the talent and hard work of the student members and is open to all IIDA-WI student members attending a Wisconsin college or university.  This

Prioritizing Women’s Wellness at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital - Empowering Women Through Community-Centered Care

“We’re a passionate, caring community that truly celebrates every new life—and the strong women behind it.”     STEVENS POINT, Wis. – In honor of National Women’s Health Week, recognized May 11-17, Aspirus Health is proud to shine a spotlight on the exceptional caregivers at the Aspirus Stevens Point Birthing Center — where supporting women’s health is more than a mission; it is a shared commitment.  Lora Harris, a Lactation Consultant at Aspirus, embodies the Birthing Center’s culture and their

Ignite Adds Two Local Pitchers for 2025 Season

Wausau, WI- Wausau Ignite Softball is excited to announce the signings of two local pitchers for the 2025 season. Maren Sauvageau from North Iowa Area Community College and Hannah Trzinski from the University of Minnesota at Crookston will join the team for their inaugural campaign. RHP– Maren Sauvageau| 5’10” | R/R | Freshman | North Iowa Area Community College RHP– Hannah Trzinski 5’6” | R/R | Freshman | University of Minnesota Crookston Sauvageau is originally from Plover, Wisconsin, and played her

UW-Stevens Point to hold commencement ceremonies May 17

The first female state forester in Wisconsin, a 2000 alum of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, will address graduates and their families at the spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. Heather Berklund, who has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry for nearly 25 years, will address students, families and friends attending graduation. Ceremonies will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Skyward Fieldhouse in Marshfield Clinic Health Systems

Goodwill Week in May shines a light on the power of work Goodwill NCW helps people secure jobs, adva

North Central WI — Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations worldwide celebrate Goodwill Week. The observance raises awareness about Goodwill’s mission. Within the international Goodwill movement, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin’s (NCW) service area includes 27 stores and donation centers and one outlet store in Wisconsin, from La Crosse to Eau Claire to Green Bay, the Fox Valley, Manitowoc and in between. This Goodwill Week, which runs May 4–10, Goodwill NCW is encouraging the

Stronger Summers Start with Healthy Kids Well-child visits provide personalized care and early support to help children thrive year-round

“They’re an essential touchpoint for both families and providers to ensure children are thriving in all aspects of their lives — body, mind, and spirit.”   STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Child wellness takes on heightened importance during the summer months, serving as a reminder for families to prioritize proactive healthcare and build a strong foundation for lifelong well-being. Ensuring a child’s health goes beyond growth charts and temperature checks. It involves supporting their physical, emotional, and

DNR Launches The Environmental Responsibility Navigator

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in honor of National Small Business Week, today launched the new Environmental Responsibility Navigator (Enviro-Nav) to help small businesses with environmental compliance.This tool, which was funded through the 2023-2025 state budget, provides a one-stop shop for businesses to easily understand the environmental requirements that apply to them, including those related to air pollution, water use/discharge and waste generation.The DNR

How to Identify Melanoma: The ABCDEs of early melanoma detection

“Melanoma doesn't discriminate, but individuals with lighter or less pigmented skin face a higher risk.”   WAUSAU, Wis. – The first Monday in May is Melanoma Monday, launching Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Established by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in 1995, this initiative encourages people to check their skin and recognize the warning signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.   Melanoma arises from the uncontrolled replication of melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin

UW-Stevens Point history student aims be a resource for the next generation

Sitting on the other side of the desk, serving as a National History Day (NHD) judge, was a new experience for University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point sophomore Noah Stachovak. The history and social studies education major said his goal was to be fair and provide honest critiques on the student papers at the regional competition held April 4, 2025, at UW-Stevens Point. For seven years as a student, he stood across from judges, presenting his own projects on historical topics that fit the NHD yearly theme.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Honors Leaders in Natural Resources, Industry, and Conservatio

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources has announced the recipients of its annual awards for 2024–25. The awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to natural resources education, industry innovation, and environmental conservation. Dr. Mark Drew was awarded the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Outstanding Alumnus Award in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to wildlife. Drew

UWSP celebrates “Point in Time” with free community event in May

Celebrate another academic year and a historic anniversary at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point next week with a free community event, full of food, music and more.   The Point in Time Festival, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first Student Union at UW-Stevens Point, will take place on Friday, May 9, from 6-10 p.m., between the Dreyfus University Center and Old Main, Reserve St, Stevens Point.   This open to the public event will feature free live music, food and carnival games.

Wausau Ignite and Woodchucks Award 2025 Share the Glove Grant

Baseball! The Woodchucks and Ignite are proud to partner with the Northwoods League Foundation and Rawlings to provide equipment for children in the community to continue a love and passion for baseball. The Share the Glove Equipment Grant was introduced in 2018 as a part of the Northwoods League’s 25th Season Celebration, with the mission of further inspiring a love for and participation in youth baseball and softball throughout communities. The Woodchucks and Ignite are excited to continue positively

Skyward recognized with the UW Regents Business Partnership Award

Celebrating decades of partnerships and service with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Skyward was presented with a UW Regents Business Partnership Award today.  Leadership from Skyward, UW-Stevens Point and the Universities of Wisconsin, as well as Skyward employees who are UW-Stevens Point alumni, were among attendees.  “The Board of Regents is proud of the partnership between UW-Stevens Point and Skyward,” said Regent Edmund Manydeeds III. “From scholarships to internships to employment after

Ignite Adds Carroll University Infielder to 2025 Roster

Wausau, WI- Infielder Valerie Osthoff from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin has signed with Wausau Ignite Softball for the 2025 season.  INF– Valerie Osthoff| 5’6” | R/R | Junior | Carroll University  A native of Geona, Wisconsin, Osthoff played for De Soto High School before starting her college career at Waubonsee Community College. Last season, Osthoff played Northwoods League Softball with the La Crosse Steam.  This season at Carroll, Osthoff has batted .253 through 79 at-bats for the

YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow Awarded Grant to Expand Summer Camp Access for Local Youth

YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow is excited to share that we've received a generous 2025 grant from YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) to expand access to overnight camp experiences for youth in our community. This support—combined with funding from the Stevens Point Area YMCA’s Annual Campaign—will open the door for children from Pacelli Catholic Schools, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin, and other community partners to enjoy an unforgettable summer at Camp Glacier

Understanding the Skin’s Aging Process: What You Can Do to Protect Your Skin Over Time

“It is never too early or too late to start taking care of your skin. A few consistent habits and the right guidance can make a big difference.”   WAUSAU, Wis. – As people age, their skin naturally becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to wrinkles and discoloration. While these changes are part of the aging process, many of the most visible signs are influenced by everyday choices and environmental factors. At Aspirus Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, Nurse Practitioner Nikole Larkin works with

Shakespeare comedy “Love’s Labor’s Won” takes the stage at UWSP

Experience the works of Shakespeare set in the era of World War 1 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this month. “Love’s Labor’s Won”, written by nationally recognized playwright Scott Kaiser, will be staged in the Studio Theatre of the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, and Thursday through Saturday May 8-10, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and UW-Stevens Point

Community physical therapy clinic offered through UW-Stevens Point

A space at the nearby Stevens Point Area YMCA serves as a community physical therapy clinic, offering free consultations and services for the public and hands-on experience for students within the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Doctor of Physical Therapy(DPT) program. The graduate students work at the UW-Stevens Point Physical Therapy Clinic as part of their DPT Integrated Clinical Practice course sequence, which begins at the start of the two-and-a-half-year program and continues until students

Food + Farm Exploration Center hosts Career Awareness Fair, Coaches Meeting & Dinner for Collegiate Soil Science Leaders

Plover, WI – On Monday, April 28, Food + Farm Exploration Center hosted a unique Career Awareness Fair, Coaches Meeting & Dinner to spotlight the wide range of careers in modern agriculture. The event brought together over 275 college students and 30 faculty coaches from across the U.S., all in the area for the National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest organized by Dr. Bryant Scharenbroch, UW-Stevens Point Associate Professor of Soil Science and Waste Resources. Designed as an educational opportunity

How to Manage Seasonal Allergies Aspirus Health Expert on OTC Medications

“If symptoms continue despite treatment, or if you're relying on them long-term, it's important to talk to a health care provider.” WAUSAU, Wis. – As allergy season intensifies, many people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medications for relief. However, choosing the right treatment and knowing when to seek medical advice is key to managing symptoms safely and effectively. "Antihistamines and decongestants are the most common OTC allergy medications," says Rebecca Thao, a pharmacy resident with Aspirus