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,
Seasonal Stress? Aspirus Health Therapist Offers Key Tips for a Healthier Holiday
"Choose the activities and traditions that you truly enjoy and protect your time and energy." RHINELANDER, Wis. – For many, the holiday season brings a sense of joy and celebration. However, for others, the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Janet Wimmer, a clinical therapist with Aspirus Health, shares expert advice on how to manage these challenges and prioritize mental wellness during this busy time of year. "One of the biggest challenges is
Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries in the Winter
“It’s important to take your time and not be in a rush, use handrails and keep your hands free as much as possible.” MEDFORD, Wis. – As winter sets in, snow and ice can turn sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots into hazardous zones. Slip and fall injuries are among the most common winter-related accidents, often leading to serious consequences such as fractures, sprains, and head injuries. Kaitlin Eichman, a physical therapist with Aspirus Health, says with a little foresight and some practical
Goodwill NCW ready to meet the need of holiday shoppers looking to stay on budget
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that holiday spending is expected to reach record levels again this year, between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total during the winter holidays. NRF’s latest holiday survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics found consumers plan to spend a record $902 per person on average on core holiday items including gifts, decorations, food and other holiday-related purchases this year. This year, 92% of consumers plan to celebrate the winter holidays. If
Keep Your Little Ones Safe This Winter: Aspirus Health Advises Against Puffy Coats in Car Seats
“A practical rule of thumb is to dress your child in what you’re wearing, plus an extra layer.” UPPER MICHIGAN, Mich. – As winter approaches and temperatures drop, parents and caregivers are prioritizing warmth and safety for their children. However, a common winter staple—puffy coats—may pose unexpected dangers when combined with car seats. Jaime Oswald, MD, Aspirus Family Medicine Physician and Safe Kids Wisconsin (SKW) provides essential guidance for securely bundling and buckling children
Interior architecture on display at UW-Stevens Point
Works by interior architecture students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point are now being featured at the UW-Stevens Point Edna Carlsten Art Gallery. An opening reception will be held Friday, Dec. 13 from 2-5 p.m. “ROOTed”, an exhibition presented by interior architecture students graduating this fall, will be free and open to the public Dec. 13-Jan. 9 in the Noel Fine Arts Center Edna Carlsten Gallery, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point. Gallery hours run from noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and
Right Care, Right Time, Right Place: Aspirus Health Offers Guidance for Respiratory Illness Season
“If too many people who do not have medical emergencies go to the emergency department, it slows down care for everybody.” WAUSAU, Wis. – As the “most wonderful time of the year” arrives, it also ushers in the busy season for respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19. With more patients seeking care during this time, Aspirus Health is providing important guidance to help individuals navigate their care options, ensuring timely treatment and reducing wait times. Know When to Stay Home:
UW-Stevens Point - faculty and staff recognized for excellence, achievement
Several faculty and staff members at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have been recognized for excellence within their professional fields. Sarah Manasreh-Decker, assistant professor of clarinet and music theory, received a Universities of Wisconsin 2024 Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award, a honor given annually to recognize achievements in advancing equity and inclusion for people of color within the university and communities across the state. Manasreh-Decker teaches clarinet and
FOOD + FARM EXPLORATION WELCOMES ALEXANDRIA BEHREND AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PLOVER, WI - After an extensive national search conducted by executive search firm Sano Pratt, the search committee for Food + Farm Exploration Center is excited to announce Alexandria Behrend as its new Executive Director. Behrend will officially assume her role on January 2, 2025, ushering in a new era of leadership and innovation for the organization.Behrend brings nearly two decades of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, demonstrating a profound commitment to advancing
CWSO's 76th Season Holiday Concerts
[STEVENS POINT, WI] – The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce their holiday concerts for their 76th season on December 14th and 15th at Sentry Theater.The CWSO will perform their holiday concerts entitled HOLIDAY ON BROADWAY at Sentry Theater on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 7:30 pm and December 15, 2024, at 4:00pm. These concerts will feature all your favorite Christmas songs, such as “Winter Wonderland”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”,
UW-Stevens Point announces Title IX, affirmative action administrator
An experienced administrator at Gannon University has been named the new assistant to the chancellor for affirmative action and Title IX at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.Joseph Primiano will begin his new role at UW-Stevens Point on Jan. 6, 2025. The position ensures compliance with state and federal laws, Universities of Wisconsin policies and campus policies and reports to Chancellor Thomas Gibson.Primiano served as the Title IX coordinator and director of the Office of Student Accountability
Next Level Renewal - A Call for Community Support to Enhance Holistic Services for Recovery
Wisconsin Rapids, WI — Next Level Renewal, in partnership with the C4CS Center for Community Stewardship in Madison, WI, is reaching out to the Central Wisconsin communities for support in its mission to help individuals affected by trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. Focused on young adults, teenagers, veterans, and low-income families, Next Level Renewal is committed to providing holistic services that promote healing, recovery, and resilience for those facing life’s toughest
UW-Stevens Point to hold winter commencement ceremony Dec. 14
An alumnus who is a multifaceted instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and composer will address more than 500 graduates and their families at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s winter commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 14. Stevens Point native Danny Mitchell, a 2006 graduate of UW-Stevens Point, currently lends his talents as keyboardist, bandleader and vocalist with multiplatinum recording artist Miranda Lambert. He will speak to graduates from campuses in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau
Stay Safe This Thanksgiving: Avoid Dangerous Alcohol-Medication Interactions
“These interactions can be more harmful than you think.” WAUSAU, Wis. – As Thanksgiving approaches, many look forward to gathering with loved ones to celebrate gratitude, warmth, and togetherness. But for some, the holiday also brings “Blackout Wednesday”—a night notorious for heavy drinking that can quickly turn risky, particularly for those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. "Mixing alcohol with certain medications can lead to dangerous side effects, such as dizziness,
UW-Stevens Point’s offering planetarium shows in December
Journey light years away from home this December at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Allen F. Blocher Planetarium. Planetarium shows will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays in December. 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: Dec. 8 – 2 p.m.
First State Bank’s Holiday Giving Program
Help Fulfill a Giving Tree Wish for Someone in Need Stevens Point, Wisconsin – Community members are invited to support First State Bank’s Share the Joy Holiday Giving Program. The bank is once again partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County to fulfill holiday wishes for local children in need. Volunteer shoppers wishing to donate can choose an ornament from the Giving Tree at the bank’s Stevens Point office at 5500 Carrie Frost Drive. Participants then purchase a gift to fit the needs
Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital Helps Feed Neighbors in Need Through Meals on Wheels Program
STEVENS POINT, Wis. - Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital is playing a vital role in providing nutritious meals to those in need in the local community. Through its collaboration with Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point, the hospital’s nutritional services team ensures that homebound individuals - many of whom are elderly or disabled - receive hot, diet-specific meals delivered to their doorsteps. Each day, the nutrition services team at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital dedicates 2.5 full-time equivalent staff
Aspirus Health Offers Comprehensive Birthing Center Classes Across Its System to Support Expectant P
“Our goal is to provide expectant parents with the resources they need to feel ready and confident, whether they attend classes in person or online.” STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Aspirus Health is proud to offer a wide range of birthing classes across its system, providing expectant parents with essential resources to support a healthy and confident start to parenthood. With both in-person and online options available, these classes are part of Aspirus's ongoing commitment to making quality maternal
It’s easy to give the gift of hope through Goodwill NCW on Giving Tuesday
WISCONSIN – On Tuesday, December 3, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will join millions by participating in the global generosity movement known as Giving Tuesday. You might not realize it, but Goodwill NCW makes giving back to our communities easy. Shoppers and donors provide fuel for job programs that put our friends and neighbors on the path to sustained employment and improved financial stability.Last year individuals served by Goodwill NCW’s mission programs increased their collective annual
One ‘front door’ for UW-Stevens Point students needing emergency aid
Unexpected challenges and expenses happen to everyone, including college students. With the goal of making sure these emergencies don’t get in the way of earning a degree, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is making it easier for students to apply for financial help in a crisis.Unlike previous years, students will have one “front door” with one application for any type of emergency funding rather than applying with several units. Starting in January 2025, a website through the NextGen financial aid
Local Aspirus Facilities to Incorporate Locations into Names
WISCONSIN RAPIDS - To enhance patient clarity regarding their locations, Aspirus Riverview Hospital and Aspirus Doctors Clinic will soon incorporate “Wisconsin Rapids” into their names. Beginning February 1, Aspirus Riverview Hospital will be called Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital, and Aspirus Doctors Clinic will be Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Clinic-Peach Street. Location-based name changes will also occur at the other Aspirus Health facilities in the greater Wisconsin Rapids area. The changes
Enjoy music concerts at all three UW-Stevens Point campuses in December
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is hosting a variety of music concerts on all three campuses in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau this month. UW-Stevens Point concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Noel Fine Arts Center Michelsen Hall, 1800 Portage Street, Stevens Point. Tickets are $17 for the general public, $15 for seniors (62+), $10 for youth (under 18) and UWSP employees. Events are ticketed unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available for purchase online, at the Information and Tickets
Haine’s legacy gift fuels growth of the UW-Stevens Point Sentry School
A retired educator couple with a history of giving is adding to their impact with a transformational gift to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Jim and Madeleine Haine of Stevens Point have committed an additional $500,000 to the Sentry School of Business and Economics at UW-Stevens Point, bringing their lifetime gifts to more than $822,000. Their contributions will continue to strengthen recruitment efforts and expand opportunities for students by creating new spaces and programs within the Sentry
Bates is Prevail Bank's new Branch Manager
Prevail Bank is excited to share that Dejonna Bates is the new Branch Manager in Stevens Point. Bates has over 10 years’ experience in account management and building customer relationships, with an emphasis on managing an assortment of financial services in the last five. Bates, a Plainfield native, enjoys kayaking, playing with rescue dogs Parker and Lola, home improvement DIY projects, and spending time with family.
Marshfield Medical Center-River Region at Stevens Point adds family medicine nurse practitioner
Amber Damrau, family nurse practitioner, recently started a practice at Marshfield Medical Center-River Region at Stevens Point. Her career in health care started when she was a certified nursing assistant in college. “I learned that I enjoy helping people and getting to know them,” said Damrau. “Everyone is unique and has a story.” She went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse. She’s held numerous roles as a nurse before recently completing her
Prevail Bank donates $3,000 to Stevens Point YMCA
A donation of $3,000 was made to the Stevens Point Area YMCA by Prevail Bank in support of their Behavioral Health & Support Services. Pictured on the far left (holding the check) are Ryan Zietlow, YMCA President/CEO and Lori Kozicki, Executive Assistant. They accepted the donation surrounded by numerous Prevail Bank professionals. The monetary gift was part of Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contributions program. Non-profits that assist low-to-moderate income households, those that stimulate communities
Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club Announces Scholarship Winners
The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club is pleased to announce the two recipients of its annual scholarship program. Recipients are Juniper Rydberg of Stevens Point, daughter of Russell Rydberg and Elizabeth Rydberg attending UW-Stout, and Nicholas Grywacz of Plover, son of Randall and Maryann Grywacz attending Concordia University Wisconsin. Juniper will be pursuing a degree in Family and Consumer Science Education. Nicholas will be pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Science. Each received a $1,000
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
