M3 Adds Five New Shareholders
MADISON, WI – M3 Insurance recently announced five new shareholders: Paul Connor, John DeSalvo, Gretchen Flueckiger, Kelsey Haag, and Ross Heginbottom. Paul Connor, Vice President of Property & Casualty, is responsible for direction, performance, and strategies of the property & casualty product line, practice groups, and sales teams. He joined M3 in 2021. John DeSalvo, Brokerage Client Executive, specializes in the TruStage program within property & casualty, placing insurance and counseling about risk
UW-Stevens Point to commemorate MLK Day with free, public event
Honoring his life and legacy of civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated with a free, public event at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this month. The third annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative event, “Freedom: Your Voice, Instilling Hope and Joy,” will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room, 1015 Reserve St., Stevens Point. It will feature keynote speaker Kevin Leavy, president of the Beloit City Council and
Planetarium showings offered this February at UW-Stevens Point
Quest through galaxies this February at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium. Planetarium shows will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays in January and February. 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: Jan. 26 – 2 p.m.
Resolved to get more organized in 2025? Declutter with Goodwill North Central Wisconsin
For many, the New Year means new goals. Millions make resolutions to get healthier, travel more or learn a new hobby. Many find that January is also a good time to get organized, so much so that January has been declared “National Get Organized month”. Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) makes it easy for people to declutter and start the year with a cleaner slate. Donating gently used items creates more room in people’s homes but also helps many in our community start fresh by supporting programs
Rapper J.P. to perform at UW-Stevens Point
Rapper and Milwaukee native Josiah Gillie, known professionally as J.P., will take the stage at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, this January as students return to campus from their winter break. “J.P. Presents: Back in the Groove” will be held in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room from 8-9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23. Tickets are $15 plus fees for the general public and free for students with a UW-Stevens Point I.D. All attendees must purchase/reserve a ticket online at
Staying safe in the cold: Aspirus Health shares cold weather injury prevention tips
“Cold-related injuries can range from frostbite, frostnip, all the way up to hypothermia, where the body’s not able to produce heat fast enough to keep it warm to survive.” UPPER MICHIGAN, Mich. – As temperatures begin to fall again, it’s important to raise awareness about cold weather injury prevention. Exposure to cold weather can lead to various health risks, including frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related injuries. “Prevention is key,” says Bryan Judge, MD, Aspirus Emergency Medicine
Stevens Point Optimist Club Scholarships Now Available
STEVENS POINT, WI—The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club is now accepting applications for 2025 Optimist Scholarships, administered by the Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club. Up to $3,000 in scholarship money will be awarded in April. Students must be a graduating high school senior who currently live in Portage County and be accepted to an accredited higher education institution as a full-time student, to have their application considered. The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club was chartered in 1961 as a
UW-Stevens Point announces new chief of Police and Security Services
A veteran law enforcement officer has been named the new chief of Police and Security Services at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Chief Michele Haywood began her new role on Jan. 6. As this is a sworn law enforcement management position, she will be responsible for the leadership, planning, direction, operations and management of the University Police and Security Services, Emergency Management and the Parking Services units. She will report to Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs Pratima
Advancing Healthcare Education Through Innovation - Aspirus and NTC Collaborate to Improve Healthcare Education
“With immersive reality, we can create scenarios students might not encounter during traditional training.” WAUSAU, Wis. – Aspirus and North Central Technical College (NTC) are working together to bring immersive reality technology into healthcare education. This partnership is giving students a chance to experience clinical scenarios like never before, helping them feel more prepared for real-world challenges. NTC’s new Simulation Center features an immersive room funded by the Health 4.0
UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield presents the musical “Godspell”
See the masterful retelling of the beloved musical “Godspell” at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Jan. 31-Feb. 6 “Godspell”, written by award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, will be staged in the Helen Connor Laird Theatre, 2000 W 5th St., Marshfield. Show are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 and Thursday, Feb. 6, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. Under the skilled direction of director Donna Thompson, this updated version of “Godspell” displays
Aspirus Health Recognizes Law Enforcement as Vital Partners in Community Health and Safety
“Often, they’re here for positive reasons, helping keep our staff and patients safe.” WAUSAU, Wis. – National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observed on January 9, offers an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions law enforcement officers make to community health and safety. At Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH), these partnerships play a key role in ensuring patients receive the care they need in a safe and supportive environment. “It’s very common for us to have police officers in
Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System complete merger
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Marshfield Clinic Health System, have completed their merger and are now one nonprofit integrated health system operating as Sanford Health, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the future of rural health care. “Today's historic milestone paves the way for us to advance world-class care across the rural Midwest and accelerate vital investments in the communities we have the privilege of
Aspirus Health Announces the Top Baby Names of 2024
WAUSAU, Wis. – Aspirus Health is excited to announce the top baby names of 2024 as chosen by families across our health system (excluding Aspirus St. Luke’s). This year, the names Henry and Evelyn topped the list for boys and girls, reflecting timeless and elegant choices by parents in our community. Out of a total of 2,911 live births at Aspirus facilities during the 2024 calendar year, 1,427 were baby girls. Top Boys’ Names of 2024: Henry – 47 Oliver – 29 Liam – 28 Top Girls’
M3 Insurance Expands into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
ESCANABA, MI – M3 Insurance, a leading provider of insurance, risk management, and employee benefits solutions, is proud to announce its expansion into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P) with the opening of a new office in Escanaba. The expansion reflects M3’s ongoing mission to grow its footprint while staying true to its core values: a focus on people, innovative solutions, and a deep connection to the communities it serves. The talented individuals bring a wealth of experience, local knowledge, and a
Aspirus Health Marks Importance of Life Saving Month through Community Partnerships - Aspirus Health Highlights National Blood Donor Month
"We always have a ready supply, so if there is an emergency, we don’t have to wait for it to come from hours away.” DULUTH, MN. – Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood or platelets. Findings like that from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are why it’s so important for Aspirus Health to partner with organizations like Memorial Blood Centers in Duluth and the other communities it serves. The demand for blood donors is constant. Patients can need a blood
Travel Smart This Holiday Season: Tips for Managing Your Medications
“Please review your medications before your trip to ensure you have enough supply to last the whole trip.” WAUSAU, Wis. – The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and travel. As you pack your bags to visit loved ones, don’t forget to take extra care with your medications. Whether traveling to a snowy retreat or a sunny getaway, proper preparation can help you stay healthy during the holidays. Aspirus Pharmacy Resident Rebecca Thao offers helpful advice for managing medications while on the
Stay Safe and Smart with Over-the-Counter Medications
“The key is to narrow down the symptoms you have and select a medication that addresses those symptoms specifically.” WAUSAU, Wis. – Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a convenient solution for managing common ailments like coughs, colds, and congestion. However, improper use can lead to unintended side effects—or even harm. Aspirus Health encourages patients to approach OTC medications with caution and informed decision-making. “Patients may not know what the active ingredients are in each
Shovel snow the right way: Tips for safe snow removal
“Ideally we want to keep the back straight so we're not putting a lot of stress and strain on the back and utilizing the bigger muscles in your legs.” MEDFORD, Wis. – It's winter, and you know what that means: snow. And while it may be pretty to look at, snow can literally be a pain to shovel. Every year, thousands of Americans are treated at hospital emergency departments, doctor's offices and clinics for injuries sustained while shoveling snow. Removing snow can be especially hard on back, shoulder
Students across Wisconsin helping the DNR to repopulate forests
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s LEAF – Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - Division of Forestry’s Reforestation Program have been collaborating to get Wisconsin’s School Forests more involved in tree seed collection. LEAF and the DNR saw an opportunity to encourage tree seed collection in school forests as a way to create a fun and meaningful educational opportunity as well as a way to ramp up for the school forest program’s
Stay Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season: Critical Tips for People with Diabetes
“People with diabetes are at higher risk of more frequent or severe infections, including common respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.” WAUSAU, Wis. – Respiratory virus season presents added risks for everyone, but individuals with diabetes face significantly greater risks. Diabetes weakens the immune system and disrupts blood sugar regulation, making it harder to fight infections. “People with diabetes are at higher risk of more frequent or severe infections, including common
Portage County Holiday Basket Project Receives $842
The Portage County Holiday Basket Project, through Operation Bootstrap, received $842 this holiday season through Prevail Bank’s Holiday Matching Funds campaign. Monetary donations were accepted by the public (Nov 12-Dec 6) and then doubled by Prevail Bank. Prevail Bank’s contribution to the $842 total was $371. (A $100 donation was gifted after the campaign ended.) The Portage County Holiday Basket Project purchases gifts and food stuffs needed to make a holiday meal for families in need. Donna Marx,
For Gen Z Making a Difference Matters: Junior Achievement Survey
Volunteering opportunities make a big difference to Gen Z when evaluating job prospects, according to a multi-generational Ipsos poll conducted for Junior Achievement USA, a nonprofit provider of educational programs for K-12 students. According to the survey of 2,294 adults, 72 percent of Gen Z want to work for companies that offer employees opportunities to volunteer. Additionally, 87 percent of Gen Z believe companies that offer volunteer opportunities for employees strengthen the community while 79
Survey: Money Worries Weigh on America’s Teens; Education Key Path to Financial Wellness
Survey: Money Worries Weigh on America’s Teens; Education Key Path to Financial Wellness (Stevens Point, Wis.) – New research by Junior Achievement USA and Citizens shows that money worries are a big concern for America’s young people. A survey of 1,000 teens between 13 and 18 by Wakefield Research shows that 78 percent are currently stressed out about money while 65 percent of teens believe their future happiness will be based on how much money they make. Additionally, 74 percent of teens see their
