The Small Street JournalThe Small Street Journal is a weekly publication providing local organizations/businesses a place to share their latest press releases. This blog's link is shared on all of the Chamber's social media platforms. If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to winegar@eauclairechamber.org Over 52,000 Farmers, Families, and Neighbors Attend Farm Tech Days 2021 Eau ClaireEAU CLAIRE, WI – July 22, 2021 – Huntsinger Farms welcomed over 52,000 farmers, families, and neighbors to the 66th Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Eau Claire. The three-day show July 20 -22 shattered attendance projections. “We built it and they came,” declared Mike Gintner, Chair of the Eau Claire County Executive Committee for the show. “We are still tallying all the numbers, but the early reports exceeded even our aggressive expectations. We are so grateful for the huge support from our attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, and sponsors – this show will have a big impact in Eau Claire County and the greater Chippewa Valley for years to come.” Gintner added, “The Rygg family and all of the people of Huntsinger Farms and Silver Spring Foods went above and beyond to host the show. We are so appreciative of their generosity and support.” - Initial estimates are that over 52,000 visitors attended over the three days of the show. Over 18,000 people attended the first day. - 1,532 volunteers made the show possible, with people donating their time in every aspect of the show. - The show featured 520 exhibitors from 26 states showcasing their latest products, implements, tractors and technologies - The Youth and Career Discovery Zone led by Chippewa Valley Technical College, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and 4H, was a huge success for kids of all ages – more than 10,000 youth and families walked the chip trail through the exhibits learning about the different areas of agriculture, ending their educational journey writing a postc ard thanking Chippewa Valley farmers. Each youth that completed an activity tracker earned a free scoop of custard from Culver’s. - 16 buses shuttled at least 3,837 people for entertaining and educational tour of Huntsinger Farms Horseradish Farm, Nellie’s Holsteins Dairy Farm, and Ferguson’s Orchards. - At the Opening Ceremony Governor Tony Evers presented Mike Gintner with his official state proclamation commending the show to the people of Wisconsin. Secretary Designee of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Randy Romanski spoke to the big crowd gathered. State Senator Jeff Smith presented the Rygg family with a State Senate Citation of Service for hosting the show, and Bob Bosold presented Huntsinger Farms and Silver Spring Foods with the 2021 Breakfast in the Valley Friend of Agriculture Award. Julia Nunes, Alice in Dairyland 2020-22 led attendees in the pledge of allegiance. Special Olympics Wisconsin and fans return to Carson Park for 40th Annual Buckshot RunEau Claire, Wis. – After going virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19, Special Olympics Wisconsin and Presenting Partner WIN Technology are thrilled to announce the return of the in-person Buckshot Run in 2021. This year, Eau Claire’s oldest running event will include a 2-mile race on Tuesday, August 27 and 2- and 5-mile options on Saturday, September 4 in Carson Park. Saturday’s event also includes a kid’s dash that is free to children 5 and under. Both Buckshot Run days will have concessions, music and an awards ceremony following the race. WIN, the Presenting Partner of the 40th Annual Buckshot Run, has served the Upper Midwest with cutting-edge technology solutions and services since 1997. As one of the region’s largest fiber network providers, they provide 15,000 miles of fiber throughout the region. “WIN Technology is excited to partner with Special Olympics Wisconsin for the 2021 Buckshot Run and we are thrilled that it will be happening in-person this year. It has been fun to again be involved as Presenting Partner and we look forward to seeing what’s in store for the event this year,” WIN CEO Scott Hoffmann said. Since 1982, the community of Eau Claire has supported and participated in the Buckshot Run for Special Olympics. In addition to being Eau Claire’s oldest run, the Buckshot Run is also considered one of Wisconsin’s can’t-miss running events. It annually draws thousands of people to downtown Eau Claire to participate in one, or several, of the runs offered. For more information on the WIN Buckshot Run or to register for one of the races, visit https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/buckshot-run/.  Merchants Financial Group, Inc. Announces Earnings of $18.16 Million through Second Quarter of 2021 WINONA, Minn. – Merchants Financial Group, Inc. (MFGI) announced net income of $18,157,527 through the first two quarters of 2021, according to MFGI President & CEO Gregory M. Evans. Performance was driven by the Bank’s active involvement in the origination of Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small businesses throughout the region and continued strong origination volume of residential mortgage loans. “Our strong earnings reflect our commitment to continue showing up in our communities as a trusted advisor and resource. As community bankers, it’s our privilege to serve our communities and do our part to help local economies and neighbors recover from the pandemic,” said Evans. Net income is $9.7 million ahead of mid-year earnings performance for 2020 when the early onset of COVID dramatically impacted MFGI’s performance results. All four Bank regions, Merchants Bank Equipment Finance and the Secondary Market Mortgage division have exceeded earnings plans for the first six months. Merchants has originated an additional $80 million of PPP loans during a recent round of SBA funding and approximately 65% of Merchants’ total PPP origination volume of $290 million has been forgiven, providing area small business owners a much needed resource to survive the pandemic. Merchants’ residential mortgage loan volume for the first half of the year has been $484 million, and mid-year performance was also bolstered by reversal of excess Allowance for Loan/Lease Loss Reserves. “We continue to focus on walking our business customers through the forgiveness process for PPP loans, and those proceeds have been a significant lifeline for owners of family-owned businesses that are the backbone of our communities’ economic viability,” noted Evans. “Our market leadership in mortgage lending has afforded many families to take advantage of low interest rates by purchasing a new home or refinancing their current mortgage.” Merchants Financial Group, Inc. is a publicly-traded Company. Ownership is made up of its more than 440 employees and mostly individuals and families from the communities the Bank serves. Merchants Bank is a full-service community bank with 23 bank locations in southeastern Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin and a leasing division, Merchants Bank Equipment Finance, in Edina. Headquartered in Winona, MN, MFGI has more than $2.5 billion in assets. Merchants was founded in 1875. Member FDIC. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Savat Chief Financial Officer smsavat@merchantsbank.com (507) 457-1135 Royal Credit Union Eau Claire Downtown GroundbreakingWhen: Friday, August 6, 2021; 11 a.m. Where: 317 N. Barstow, Eau Claire WI, 54703 What: Royal Credit Union (Royal) will break ground for its new Eau Claire Downtown office. The Barstow Street property is located in the heart of downtown Eau Claire and provides Royal with the opportunity to add to the vibrant landscape of the community. Royal built its corporate center in downtown Eau Claire in 2005 and is deeply invested in the area’s continued growth. Media coverage is welcome. A news release with photos will be sent following the event. Program Speakers:
About Royal Credit Union Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information. Health Department and Healthcare Prioritizing Vaccinations for 12-14 year oldsCOVID-19 case numbers are rising the in Chippewa Valley and the Health Department, along with area healthcare partners, are asking students and young adults to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment today. Anyone vaccinated this week with Pfizer (a 2-dose series) can be fully vaccinated by the first week of September. A limited supply of Johnson & Johnson is still available in our area for those 18 years and older, and those individuals will be fully vaccinated just 2 weeks after their single shot. The 12- to 24-year-old age group is lagging all other age groups in vaccinations, with the lowest number of vaccinated people in the 12- to 15-year-old group (35%). There have been more cases in the under 25 age group than any other age group. All the area major healthcare systems agree on the importance of vaccinating anyone who is eligible, especially those who are planning to attend in-person learning this fall. HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System, OakLeaf Surgical Hospital, and Prevea Health jointly provided the following statement: “We strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The 12–24- year-old age group has the lowest number of people vaccinated in Eau Claire County. As this group prepares for getting back to school, it’s also important to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe and is our best protection against this virus, especially with circulation of the new variants, such as the Delta variant. We understand you may have questions, and that is normal. Please contact your family doctor with any concerns you have.” CVTC, OSHA solidify partnership to train employers, workers on workplace safetyBusinesses and their employees will continue to reap the benefits of a 15-year relationship between Chippewa Valley Technical College and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration after the two organizations signed an ambassadorship agreement Thursday at CVTC. “The ambassador alliance allows us to have a free channel of communication – staying abreast of regulatory changes,” said Rich Stangl Jr., program director and instructor of the Industrial Safety training program at CVTC. “We can communicate and collaborate. The benefit of open networking is a huge benefit for us, and we’re a resource for OSHA as well.” OSHA and CVTC signed its first alliance in 2006 to focus on promoting worker safety and health within the general industry, construction and agricultural industries, including small businesses. The two organizations have benefitted by developing and sharing information on recognizing and preventing falls, struck-by, caught-in-between and electrical workplace hazards. “Through our collaboration, Chippewa Valley Technical College has trained thousands of employers and workers on preventable workplace injuries,” said OSHA Area Director Mitzy Wright in Eau Claire. “Adding the college to our ambassador alliance program allows us to continue working together to enhance their education and training efforts to improve worker safety throughout Chippewa Valley.” In addition, CVTC and OSHA will continue promoting awareness of OSHA’s rulemakings, enforcement initiatives, and safety campaigns, including an understanding of workers’ rights and employer responsibilities.
Western University of Wisconsin Universities and the Wisconsin State Budget on Wisconsin Public Radio's "The West Side"An update on western Wisconsin’s three state universities — including welcoming UW-River Falls’ new chancellor, Maria Gallo and COVID-19 vaccination incentives for students — is the topic of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, July 30 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls.
UW-Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt and UW-Stout Dean of Students Sandra Scott join Gallo and host Clara Neupert for a conversation to include changes in campus COVID-19 safety protocols for the fall semester, enrollment rates and planned projects, like the event and sports center slated for UW-Eau Claire. “The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side. The Small Street JournalThe Small Street Journal is a weekly publication providing local organizations/businesses a place to share their latest press releases. This blog's link is shared on all of the Chamber's social media platforms. If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to stahlbusch@eauclairechamber.org Citizens State Bank Coming Soon to Stanley, WI Citizens State Bank (Citizens) is set to open a new full-service branch office at 118 N Broadway St in October 2021, including full drive-up services and an ATM. Citizens is a sound and secure financial institution which has obtained FDIC and Wisconsin DFI approval to proceed with the purchase of the building. Citizens is a locally owned, independent community bank servicing personal, business, and agricultural needs. The branch office at 118 N Broadway St in Stanley will be renovated and branded to Citizens State Bank standards. Hannah Cowan, a Chippewa Falls native and Region Manager for the Eagle Point and Cornell markets, will be leading the branch. There will be three to four additional team members in the branch and others supporting the new market. ECCF Says Goodbye to Three Board Members, Welcomes Three More
The Eau Claire Community Foundation has been supporting nonprofits since 1997, with a total grant impact of almost $20 million. But this important work wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated service of many community volunteers, including those who serve on ECCF’s Board of Trustees. ECCF sincerely thanks the Trustees whose terms of service have come to an end: Dr. Phil Happe, Laura Talley, and Tom Toy. We especially thank Karl Murch, who has just concluded his term as Board Chair. The contributions of all of these Trustees have been invaluable, and ECCF wouldn’t be the same without them. Endres - Named New BOD PresidentEau Claire, Wisconsin –Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Inc., Northwest Wisconsin is pleased to announce that Rolly Enderes has been elected as president of the JA Board of Directors. Rolly is a graduate of McDonell Central High School in Chippewa Falls and holds a degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities. He has been serving as a member of the JA Board of Directors since 2014. Rolly is the co-owner and vice president of Chemceed, LLC and its new division, called CF Products which was formed in March 2020. Rolly also is an active executive in the chemical distributing industry for the past 21 years. HSHS hospitals offer summer food handling, preparation and storage safety tips Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wis. – Preventing a food-borne illness can be a bit more challenging during the summer months when temperatures rise and more people enjoy outdoor picnics, barbeques and camping. HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals registered dietitian, Health Krieger says bacteria grow faster in warmer months because hot and humid conditions cause it to multiply. Bacteria can potentially double in as little as 20 minutes. “The key to a healthy and happy summer gathering is keeping food temperature and time in mind. And when in doubt, throw it out.” Unique Sports In Western Wisconsin On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”Eau Claire, Wis. – The origin stories of three unique sports in western Wisconsin will be shared this week on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, July 23 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Join host Clara Neupert for conversations about pickleball, pétanque and kubb with guests Eric Anderson, the director of the U.S. National Kubb Championship, Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club’s Greg Haugen and Anne-Marie Bittner from Joel’s Pétanque Club in Eau Claire. “The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side. About Wisconsin Public Radio For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org. Western Wisconsin Poet Jeannie E. Roberts On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”Eau Claire, Wis. – Chippewa Falls based Jeannie E. Roberts returns to “Spectrum West” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 22 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. The show also features a visit to Artisan Forge Studios in Eau Claire, details about a returning film festival in Menomonie, and the first year of a local young artists academy. Roberts talks with host Al Ross this week about her new book of verse, “As If Labyrinth: Pandemic Inspired Poems.” In addition to her poetry, Roberts is an educator, photographer and painter. Ross features another artist about their pandemic inspired work, Sculptor Bilhenry Walker. His new exhibit, Sculpture Retrospective 1985-2021, is on display throughout the Artisan Forge Studios. He also mentions his new unique venture, neo-futurism. Tiffani Taggart, outreach program manager at University of Wisconsin-Stout, and UW-Stout Professor Emeritus Peter Galante visit Ross to talk about the upcoming Red Cedar Film Festival. Galante is the founder and director of the festival, and will provide details about the event, which will have live screenings at Menomonie’s historic Mabel Tainter theater. The first session of the Midwest Artist Academy took place on the UW-Eau Claire campus this summer. B.J. Hollars: Eau Claire author, founder of the academy and member of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild joins the show to talk about the experience of the students and teachers and look ahead to the next iteration of the school. “Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and streamed live at wrfw887.com/listen-live. It’s also heard at 7 p.m. Fridays on NPR News & Music stations 89.7/Eau Claire and 90.7/Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross. About Wisconsin Public Radio For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org. Firefighters to demonstrate F-500 extinguishing agent |
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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design firm Gausman & Moore has merged with Eau Claire-based consultant Ayres, resulting in an approximately 350-person firm with offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, Colorado, California, and Wyoming.
Gausman & Moore, operating as a division of Ayres, adds MEP, renewable energy, energy modeling, and design software to Ayres’ diverse services, which include the following: civil and municipal engineering, architecture, transportation, structural design and inspection, environmental, geospatial, landscape architecture, planning and development, river engineering and water resources, and telecommunications and subsurface utility engineering.
Gausman & Moore, which has offices in the Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los Angeles metro areas, has an over 80-year history of providing MEP consulting services. Ayres was established 62 years ago in the engineering and architecture fields, expanding into many more service offerings over the ensuing decades.
Both firms enter the merger with ambitious growth plans. Gausman & Moore will continue to team with its longtime base of architecture clients to design efficiency into buildings with its MEP, energy modeling, and renewable energy expertise. Gausman & Moore’s services can also be employed on Ayres’ utility, dam, moveable bridge, renewable energy, industrial, municipal, and street lighting and signalization projects. This energy expertise also adds breadth to the vision Ayres’ planning and development experts can provide as they imagine the potential of sites that developers are transforming in the Southeast, Midwest, and West. Gausman & Moore’s expertise has been instrumental in helping clients achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and equivalent projects.
“We are honored and excited to be joining with Ayres,” says Daniel Sandoval, PE, Gausman & Moore’s president, who transitions to vice president of the new Gausman & Moore division of Ayres. “The cultures and business synergies between our firms align very well. I don’t think we could have found a better partner with whom to forge our future.”
“Ayres and Gausman & Moore share strong reputations in the government and commercial markets, and our combined experience in the education, energy, health care, residential, and industrial markets will bring our clients even greater confidence in our leadership in these areas,” says Bruce Ommen, PE, president of Ayres. “Culturally, this merger joins firms that are virtual twins, with our commitment to delivering creative solutions to clients we treat as partners, as well as our passion for giving back to the communities where we work.”
More information about the firms can be found at www.AyresAssociates.com and www.gausman.com.
Gausman & Moore, operating as a division of Ayres, adds MEP, renewable energy, energy modeling, and design software to Ayres’ diverse services, which include the following: civil and municipal engineering, architecture, transportation, structural design and inspection, environmental, geospatial, landscape architecture, planning and development, river engineering and water resources, and telecommunications and subsurface utility engineering.
Gausman & Moore, which has offices in the Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los Angeles metro areas, has an over 80-year history of providing MEP consulting services. Ayres was established 62 years ago in the engineering and architecture fields, expanding into many more service offerings over the ensuing decades.
Both firms enter the merger with ambitious growth plans. Gausman & Moore will continue to team with its longtime base of architecture clients to design efficiency into buildings with its MEP, energy modeling, and renewable energy expertise. Gausman & Moore’s services can also be employed on Ayres’ utility, dam, moveable bridge, renewable energy, industrial, municipal, and street lighting and signalization projects. This energy expertise also adds breadth to the vision Ayres’ planning and development experts can provide as they imagine the potential of sites that developers are transforming in the Southeast, Midwest, and West. Gausman & Moore’s expertise has been instrumental in helping clients achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and equivalent projects.
“We are honored and excited to be joining with Ayres,” says Daniel Sandoval, PE, Gausman & Moore’s president, who transitions to vice president of the new Gausman & Moore division of Ayres. “The cultures and business synergies between our firms align very well. I don’t think we could have found a better partner with whom to forge our future.”
“Ayres and Gausman & Moore share strong reputations in the government and commercial markets, and our combined experience in the education, energy, health care, residential, and industrial markets will bring our clients even greater confidence in our leadership in these areas,” says Bruce Ommen, PE, president of Ayres. “Culturally, this merger joins firms that are virtual twins, with our commitment to delivering creative solutions to clients we treat as partners, as well as our passion for giving back to the communities where we work.”
More information about the firms can be found at www.AyresAssociates.com and www.gausman.com.
City of Eau Claire Finds PFAS in City Wells
The City of Eau Claire regularly conducts tests of the city’s municipal water supply for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS as a part of its operations. Test results in June 2020 and April 2021 detected small levels of PFAS in the City’s water supply below recommended enforcement standards under current consideration by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”).
35th Anniversary Of Bayfield’s Big Top Chautauqua On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”
Eau Claire, Wis. – Host Al Ross will talk about exciting events during the 2021 season of Big Top Chautauqua with two guests on “Spectrum West” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 15 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. The show also features interviews with the new owner of an Eau Claire gallery,
General Manager Kristen Walczak of Big Top Chautauqua visits with Ross along with Ed Willett, writer and performer of Dear Earth: A Love Song/Letter of Hope, one of the performances taking place this August. This season is the tent’s 35th and is being called 35 Years of Love. A Wisconsin Public Radio sponsored event Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story, performed on July 30-31, will also be highlighted by Walczak.
General Manager Kristen Walczak of Big Top Chautauqua visits with Ross along with Ed Willett, writer and performer of Dear Earth: A Love Song/Letter of Hope, one of the performances taking place this August. This season is the tent’s 35th and is being called 35 Years of Love. A Wisconsin Public Radio sponsored event Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story, performed on July 30-31, will also be highlighted by Walczak.
Backyard Astronomy On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”
Eau Claire, Wis. – Host Al Ross will talk about exciting events during the 2021 season of Big Top Chautauqua with two guests on “Spectrum West” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 15 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. The show also features interviews with the new owner of an Eau Claire gallery,
General Manager Kristen Walczak of Big Top Chautauqua visits with Ross along with Ed Willett, writer and performer of Dear Earth: A Love Song/Letter of Hope, one of the performances taking place this August. This season is the tent’s 35th and is being called 35 Years of Love. A Wisconsin Public Radio sponsored event Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story, performed on July 30-31, will also be highlighted by Walczak.
General Manager Kristen Walczak of Big Top Chautauqua visits with Ross along with Ed Willett, writer and performer of Dear Earth: A Love Song/Letter of Hope, one of the performances taking place this August. This season is the tent’s 35th and is being called 35 Years of Love. A Wisconsin Public Radio sponsored event Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story, performed on July 30-31, will also be highlighted by Walczak.
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital President and CEO accepts installment and blessing
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Eau Claire, Wis. – During a special Catholic mass led by Bishop William Callahan of the diocese of La Crosse, Andy Barth, MHA, accepted the role of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital President and CEO during an official blessing held July 7 in the hospital’s chapel.
Barth was presented with the San Damiano cross by Bishop Callahan. Franciscans regard this cross as a symbol of their mission to commit their lives and resources to renewing and rebuilding the Church.
Barth began his duties March 29, but COVID-19 restrictions prevented the Bishop from attending until recently.
Barth was presented with the San Damiano cross by Bishop Callahan. Franciscans regard this cross as a symbol of their mission to commit their lives and resources to renewing and rebuilding the Church.
Barth began his duties March 29, but COVID-19 restrictions prevented the Bishop from attending until recently.
Response-Recovery-Rebuild Fund COVID-19 Grant Opportunity
The Community Foundation of Chippewa County’s Response-Recovery-Rebuild Fund (RRR Fund) is still open and the final application deadline for grant requests is 3:00 pm on August 2, 2021. Grant funding generally ranges between $1,000 - $5,000 and requests must address needs directly related to the community impact of COVID-19 in Chippewa County. We invite grant requests that focus on response, recovery, and/or preparedness related to rebuilding efforts. At this time, priority will be given to organizations who have not received funding from previous RRR grants and are serving vulnerable populations and providing direct services to Chippewa County Residents impacted by this public health crisis.
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Guided Tour of the Huntsinger Farm Solar Array and Farm Operation Invitation
Guided Tour of the Huntsinger Farm Solar Array & Farm Operation W2394 WI-37, Eau Claire, WI 54701 9:00 am, Thursday, July 22nd .
Co-Hosted by:
Co-Hosted by:
- Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum – Scott Coenen Executive Director
- RENEW Wisconsin – Jim Boullion Director of Government Affairs
- Carlson Electric – Tim Dilley Director of Business Development
Exciting News from SDS Architects
WESTconsin Credit Union Will Collect School Supplies to Support Local Students
WESTERN, WI-- WESTconsin Credit Union begins their annual support of local students through their Back to School Drive, beginning Monday, July 19 through Saturday, July 31. WESTconsin will accept donations of school supplies at all offices in the Kindness Counts collection bins near lobby entrances. Additionally, monetary donations can be made at any office with a WESTconsin Credit Union Representative or through drive-ups.
This year marks the thirteenth annual Back to School Drive. In 2020, local school districts received a total of $3,000, which was collected from members, employees, and included a corporate match from WESTconsin Credit Union. Visit westconsincu.org for more information.
This year marks the thirteenth annual Back to School Drive. In 2020, local school districts received a total of $3,000, which was collected from members, employees, and included a corporate match from WESTconsin Credit Union. Visit westconsincu.org for more information.
HSHS hospitals offer outdoor grilling safety tips
July is the peak month for grilling accidents
Chippewa Falls, Wis. - A backyard barbecue can be considered one of the sights and smells of summer, and safety must remain a top priority when using charcoal and propane grills. More than 16,000 people go to an emergency room each year because of a grilling incident, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). About half of those injuries are burns.
HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ Emergency Services Director, Robin Schultz says most burns are at a first-degree level, which means it affects the outer layer of skin and can be treated at home with cool (not ice cold) water, aloe and over-the-counter ibuprofen or aspirin.
“More serious second- and third-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin and the underlying tissue which can cause swelling, blistering and blackened skin, and may require hospitalization if the skin cells are damaged,” says Schultz.
HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ Emergency Services Director, Robin Schultz says most burns are at a first-degree level, which means it affects the outer layer of skin and can be treated at home with cool (not ice cold) water, aloe and over-the-counter ibuprofen or aspirin.
“More serious second- and third-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin and the underlying tissue which can cause swelling, blistering and blackened skin, and may require hospitalization if the skin cells are damaged,” says Schultz.
Tara Tentis Receives WNB Financial Community PRIDE Award
WNB Financial is pleased to announce Tara Tentis, Customer Service Representative in Wabasha, as the recipient of its 2021 second quarter Community PRIDE Award.
Community PRIDE Awards recognize WNB employees for exceptional volunteer service to programs, organizations, and initiatives that contribute to the strength and vitality of the communities served. This includes volunteering efforts made during and outside of work hours.
Tentis is deeply involved with volunteering for the Kellogg Lions Club. Besides helping to fundraise and build the city’s new baseball field and dugouts, she has helped plan many events such as chicken dinners, BINGO fundraisers, and the Watermelon Festival.
Community PRIDE Awards recognize WNB employees for exceptional volunteer service to programs, organizations, and initiatives that contribute to the strength and vitality of the communities served. This includes volunteering efforts made during and outside of work hours.
Tentis is deeply involved with volunteering for the Kellogg Lions Club. Besides helping to fundraise and build the city’s new baseball field and dugouts, she has helped plan many events such as chicken dinners, BINGO fundraisers, and the Watermelon Festival.
WIN Technology Selects Ciena’s Adaptive IP Solution for New IP Network
WIN Technology, a regional service provider serving the Upper Midwest, is leveraging an Adaptive IP™ solution from Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) to power its new network. With growing demand for more services and capacity, the 400G network provides the adaptability and scalability to handle the bandwidth needs and advanced services and applications that are central to today’s digital lifestyle.
WIN Technology operates one of the largest networks in the Midwest, spanning 15,000 miles and serving a diverse customer base encompassing small and medium businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises. Industries ranging from healthcare, education, and manufacturing to finance and technology rely on WIN Technology for network, data center and cloud, and IT solutions.
WIN Technology operates one of the largest networks in the Midwest, spanning 15,000 miles and serving a diverse customer base encompassing small and medium businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises. Industries ranging from healthcare, education, and manufacturing to finance and technology rely on WIN Technology for network, data center and cloud, and IT solutions.
UW-Eau Claire News
Study assesses EDI practices in UW-Eau Claire athletics department
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s athletics department has a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, but steps can be taken to enhance the experience for student-athletes and staff, according to an independent assessment of the department.
In May 2020, UW-Eau Claire hired consulting firm Stan Johnson & Associates of Kansas City, Missouri, to conduct a study that included surveys, focus groups and interviews with student-athletes and staff. The assessment was conducted in response to concerns raised after racist social media posts were made by members of the UW-Eau Claire football team in November 2019.
UW-Eau Claire shared the report on Monday with the campus and community.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s athletics department has a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, but steps can be taken to enhance the experience for student-athletes and staff, according to an independent assessment of the department.
In May 2020, UW-Eau Claire hired consulting firm Stan Johnson & Associates of Kansas City, Missouri, to conduct a study that included surveys, focus groups and interviews with student-athletes and staff. The assessment was conducted in response to concerns raised after racist social media posts were made by members of the UW-Eau Claire football team in November 2019.
UW-Eau Claire shared the report on Monday with the campus and community.
Board of Regents votes to support Sonnentag Event Center and Field House
Construction of the $85.6 million multipurpose facility is expected to begin in spring 2022 at its site on Menomonie Street along the Chippewa River, a mile west of the main UW-Eau Claire campus. Full story.
Construction of the $85.6 million multipurpose facility is expected to begin in spring 2022 at its site on Menomonie Street along the Chippewa River, a mile west of the main UW-Eau Claire campus. Full story.
UW System Board of Regents approves new bioinformatics major at UW-Eau Claire
Students at UW-Eau Claire soon will have the opportunity to pursue a degree in bioinformatics, a specialty field that is increasingly in demand. The new interdisciplinary major will be offered beginning in fall 2022. Full story.
Students at UW-Eau Claire soon will have the opportunity to pursue a degree in bioinformatics, a specialty field that is increasingly in demand. The new interdisciplinary major will be offered beginning in fall 2022. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire Alumni of Color Network has 'higher calling'
A reunion picnic more than a decade ago was the genesis of an effort to help current underrepresented students navigate the college experience. Learn more about the founders, the mission and ways to get involved with the Blugold Alumni of Color Network. Full story.
A reunion picnic more than a decade ago was the genesis of an effort to help current underrepresented students navigate the college experience. Learn more about the founders, the mission and ways to get involved with the Blugold Alumni of Color Network. Full story.
Drum and bugle corps trains at UW-Eau Claire, plans public performances
UW-Eau Claire graduate David Lofy is programs director for the Madison Scouts, a 165-member drum and bugle corps composed of performers ages 15-22 from 29 states and three countries. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire graduate David Lofy is programs director for the Madison Scouts, a 165-member drum and bugle corps composed of performers ages 15-22 from 29 states and three countries. Full story.
Blugold and two-time national track and field champion sets sights on Olympics
Like many people, Marcus Weaver will watch the 2021 summer Olympics and dream of one day competing in the games. Weaver — a UW-Eau Claire junior and two-time national track and field champion — is working to turn his dream into reality. Full story.
Like many people, Marcus Weaver will watch the 2021 summer Olympics and dream of one day competing in the games. Weaver — a UW-Eau Claire junior and two-time national track and field champion — is working to turn his dream into reality. Full story.
Building bridges between health care and higher education to enhance patient care
Dr. Rajeev Chaudhry — an expert in analyzing large datasets to help health care organizations improve patient care — began a new role with Mayo Clinic Health System that includes time to work with UW-Eau Claire faculty, staff and students on research. Full story.
Dr. Rajeev Chaudhry — an expert in analyzing large datasets to help health care organizations improve patient care — began a new role with Mayo Clinic Health System that includes time to work with UW-Eau Claire faculty, staff and students on research. Full story.
Lifting up students and closing the gap: Upward Bound at UW-Eau Claire
When Melady Vue of Eau Claire learned about a college preparation program called Upward Bound, she had no way to know it would bring her not only to her goal of a degree but also to a fulfilling career helping area youth chase their own college dreams. Full story.
When Melady Vue of Eau Claire learned about a college preparation program called Upward Bound, she had no way to know it would bring her not only to her goal of a degree but also to a fulfilling career helping area youth chase their own college dreams. Full story.
As UW-Eau Claire summer camps resume, testing shows no positive COVID-19 cases
Thousands of young people are returning to sports and academic camps at UW-Eau Claire after a one-year hiatus caused by COVID-19. More than 1,100 antigen tests have been administered to staff and campers with no positive test results. Full story.
Thousands of young people are returning to sports and academic camps at UW-Eau Claire after a one-year hiatus caused by COVID-19. More than 1,100 antigen tests have been administered to staff and campers with no positive test results. Full story.
The Small Street Journal
The Small Street Journal is a weekly publication providing local organizations/businesses a place to share their latest press releases. This blog's link is shared on all of the Chamber's social media platforms.
If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to stahlbusch@eauclairechamber.org
If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to stahlbusch@eauclairechamber.org
Walkabout Eau Claire: Registration is Still Open!
Eau Claire, WI: The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire is excited to announce the introduction of a new event called “Walkabout Eau Claire.” This event is an extension of the Annual Wellness Walk but with a competitive twist. Every Wednesday, beginning June 30 and ending September 1, participants will have the opportunity to walk a weekly path designed to be quick, fun, and accessible. These suggested walking paths give participants an opportunity to reconnect with their community and hit those summer fitness goals.
There will be two competitions held over the course of the ten weeks, a business competition and an individual competition:
Business Competition: Gather your co-workers and get walking! Members of your business can form a team to compete for a company prize. Each team member will register individually, and there will be a spot to indicate what business you are participating with. For each Walkabout Wednesday path team members walk, your team will earn ten extra points. The winning business will receive a certificate to Eau Claire Cheese and Deli for $500 to go towards a company lunch.
Individual Competition: Register on the Chamber site to receive your tracking sheet to begin tracking your walks! Once you are registered, you will receive an email confirmation containing a tracking sheet. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing, you must have a minimum of 750 points (one minute = one point) recorded. Each weekly Wednesday suggested path you do will earn you ONE EXTRA ENTRY IN THE DRAWING FOR THE GRAND PRIZE.
There will be two competitions held over the course of the ten weeks, a business competition and an individual competition:
Business Competition: Gather your co-workers and get walking! Members of your business can form a team to compete for a company prize. Each team member will register individually, and there will be a spot to indicate what business you are participating with. For each Walkabout Wednesday path team members walk, your team will earn ten extra points. The winning business will receive a certificate to Eau Claire Cheese and Deli for $500 to go towards a company lunch.
Individual Competition: Register on the Chamber site to receive your tracking sheet to begin tracking your walks! Once you are registered, you will receive an email confirmation containing a tracking sheet. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing, you must have a minimum of 750 points (one minute = one point) recorded. Each weekly Wednesday suggested path you do will earn you ONE EXTRA ENTRY IN THE DRAWING FOR THE GRAND PRIZE.
Mom-ME Time
You take care of everyone else. It’s time to take care of yourself. Join us for Mom-ME Time – a series of free Zoom talks with our medical experts and other moms like you!
Becoming a mom changes your life in so many ways. Your body, your relationships, your time... the list goes on. Maybe you didn’t expect some of these changes. Maybe you need help but don’t know where to turn, or maybe you think some of changes are just a “normal” part of life now. You’re not alone!
Becoming a mom changes your life in so many ways. Your body, your relationships, your time... the list goes on. Maybe you didn’t expect some of these changes. Maybe you need help but don’t know where to turn, or maybe you think some of changes are just a “normal” part of life now. You’re not alone!
Eau Claire is Putting on a Show During Farm Technology days July 20 - 22
MUSIC, FOOD, BEER, AND A FARM SHOW FOR EVERYONE
EAU CLAIRE, WI – July 7, 2021 – Eau Claire and the greater Chippewa Valley will be the place to be during Farm Technology Days July 20, 21, and 22 2021. In addition to a jam-packed show with activities and exhibit for everyone from 5th-generation dairy farmers to families with young kids, attendees will have a whole host of evening activities and dining options to choose from.
The Executive Committee of the Eau Claire show has been working with Visit Eau Claire, local restaurants and hotels to make sure that people who come to the show from near and far have plenty to do during the show.
“We want people who come to our show to have a great Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley experience,” said Mike Gintner, Chair of the Eau Claire County Executive Committee.
Cathy Liebke, Chair of the Hospitality Committee added, “we’ve worked with local hotels, restaurants and venues to make sure everyone who comes to the show will have a great Eau Claire experience. It’s going to be great!”
Evening Events
-Tuesday, July 20: Eau Claire’s COUNTRY HOE DOWN
Featuring popular Bear Creek Band the Hoe Down in downtown Eau Claire will have food trucks, cash bar, shopping & dining
Time: 4pm – 10pm
Location: Lismore Hotel, 333 Gibson Street Downtown Eau Claire
-Wednesday, July 21: ROCK’N on the RIVER in Altoona
Bring your beach chairs and blankets and come hear Eau Claire favorite 40 Fingers rockin’ at River Prairie Park. Music, Food Trucks, Restaurants & Bars, Veterans Tribute Trail, Carry-In Coolers welcome.
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Location: River Prairie Park, Altoona
-Local hotels will provide free shuttle service to and from Eau Claire Country Hoe Down and Rock’n on the River. Hotels include: Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn South, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express West, Home2, Best Western off Mondovi Road, Hampton Inn Eau Claire, and Lismore Hotel.
The Leinie Lodge
Redeem Your Coupon for a Leinenkugel Limited Edition Commemorative 32-Ounce Can Crowler®
Show sponsor Jacob Leinenkugel Brewery Company has issued a limited-edition commemorative 32-ounce Crowler for Farm Technology Days. Coupons for the special Crowler are on sale now (see www.witfarmtechdays.org for more information) and will be on sale at the show. 1 for $10, 4 for $35, 6 for $50. Redeem the coupon at the Leinie Lodge, 124 East Elm Street in Chippewa Falls:
Time: Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm
Thursday – Saturday 10am – 8pm
Must be 21 years old to purchase and redeem the coupon. Coupons must be redeemed between July 20 and December 31, 2021.
The Horseradish Hop
Six local restaurants are participating in the Eau Claire Horseradish Hop. Visit three of the restaurants (Lunchbox EC, Northern Tap House, Sweet Driver Chocolate Creations, The French Press, The Goat Coffee House, and The Lakely) and receive Silver Spring Foods’ Beer ‘n Brat and Yellow Mustard and Applewood Smoke Flavored Horseradish. Visit all six restaurants to receive a “Zing Masters™ Honorary Member” decal and t-shirt, and be featured on Visit Eau Claire’s “Honorary Zing Masters ™ Wall of Fame” on www.visiteauclaire.com.
Horseradish hoppers who visit all six restaurants by August 31, 2021, will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a 2-night stay at The Oxbow Hotel, $200 Chamber Bucks, and a Kubb set. Register to participate at https://www.visiteauclaire.com/plan/horseradish-hop/
Farm Technology Days takes place on July 20, 21, and 22 from 9am to 4pm each day. Tickets are available now at www.wifarmtechdays.org. Single day entry is $10, 3-day passes are $25, and a 5-person family pack for a single day is $40. Tickets bought ahead of the show will allow attendees to use a fast entry. Tickets are also available at the gates the day of the show.
About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. This is the only farm show of its size in the United States that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, it welcomes more than 45,000 attendees, with more than 450 commercial and educational vendors.
The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954. Eau Claire County hosted Farm Progress Days in 1992 and has been chosen as the host for the 67th annual event in 2020.
The Executive Committee of the Eau Claire show has been working with Visit Eau Claire, local restaurants and hotels to make sure that people who come to the show from near and far have plenty to do during the show.
“We want people who come to our show to have a great Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley experience,” said Mike Gintner, Chair of the Eau Claire County Executive Committee.
Cathy Liebke, Chair of the Hospitality Committee added, “we’ve worked with local hotels, restaurants and venues to make sure everyone who comes to the show will have a great Eau Claire experience. It’s going to be great!”
Evening Events
-Tuesday, July 20: Eau Claire’s COUNTRY HOE DOWN
Featuring popular Bear Creek Band the Hoe Down in downtown Eau Claire will have food trucks, cash bar, shopping & dining
Time: 4pm – 10pm
Location: Lismore Hotel, 333 Gibson Street Downtown Eau Claire
-Wednesday, July 21: ROCK’N on the RIVER in Altoona
Bring your beach chairs and blankets and come hear Eau Claire favorite 40 Fingers rockin’ at River Prairie Park. Music, Food Trucks, Restaurants & Bars, Veterans Tribute Trail, Carry-In Coolers welcome.
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Location: River Prairie Park, Altoona
-Local hotels will provide free shuttle service to and from Eau Claire Country Hoe Down and Rock’n on the River. Hotels include: Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn South, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express West, Home2, Best Western off Mondovi Road, Hampton Inn Eau Claire, and Lismore Hotel.
The Leinie Lodge
Redeem Your Coupon for a Leinenkugel Limited Edition Commemorative 32-Ounce Can Crowler®
Show sponsor Jacob Leinenkugel Brewery Company has issued a limited-edition commemorative 32-ounce Crowler for Farm Technology Days. Coupons for the special Crowler are on sale now (see www.witfarmtechdays.org for more information) and will be on sale at the show. 1 for $10, 4 for $35, 6 for $50. Redeem the coupon at the Leinie Lodge, 124 East Elm Street in Chippewa Falls:
Time: Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm
Thursday – Saturday 10am – 8pm
Must be 21 years old to purchase and redeem the coupon. Coupons must be redeemed between July 20 and December 31, 2021.
The Horseradish Hop
Six local restaurants are participating in the Eau Claire Horseradish Hop. Visit three of the restaurants (Lunchbox EC, Northern Tap House, Sweet Driver Chocolate Creations, The French Press, The Goat Coffee House, and The Lakely) and receive Silver Spring Foods’ Beer ‘n Brat and Yellow Mustard and Applewood Smoke Flavored Horseradish. Visit all six restaurants to receive a “Zing Masters™ Honorary Member” decal and t-shirt, and be featured on Visit Eau Claire’s “Honorary Zing Masters ™ Wall of Fame” on www.visiteauclaire.com.
Horseradish hoppers who visit all six restaurants by August 31, 2021, will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a 2-night stay at The Oxbow Hotel, $200 Chamber Bucks, and a Kubb set. Register to participate at https://www.visiteauclaire.com/plan/horseradish-hop/
Farm Technology Days takes place on July 20, 21, and 22 from 9am to 4pm each day. Tickets are available now at www.wifarmtechdays.org. Single day entry is $10, 3-day passes are $25, and a 5-person family pack for a single day is $40. Tickets bought ahead of the show will allow attendees to use a fast entry. Tickets are also available at the gates the day of the show.
About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. This is the only farm show of its size in the United States that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, it welcomes more than 45,000 attendees, with more than 450 commercial and educational vendors.
The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954. Eau Claire County hosted Farm Progress Days in 1992 and has been chosen as the host for the 67th annual event in 2020.
Prevea Health welcomes new round of physicians to residency program
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Eau Claire – Prevea Health is pleased to announce five new physicians who have joined the Prevea Health Family Medicine Residency program, which operates in Eau Claire and Augusta.
These are physicians who have finished medical school and are ready to participate in specialized, family medicine training for three years. They work under the supervision of experienced faculty physicians and community preceptors to provide direct medical care to patients.
Incoming Resident Physicians:
• Bin Guo, MD, is from New York, NY. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine.
• Cory Zastrow, DO, is from Santa Ana, CA. He graduated from Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Cuong Le, DO, is from Wichita, KS. He graduated from Kansas City University, College of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Joshua Jagodzinski, DO, is from Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He graduated from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Mark Washburn, DO, is from Farmington, NM. He graduated from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“We are excited to welcome these new physicians and their families to the Chippewa Valley and look forward to training them for the future medical needs of our communities,” said Dr. Joan Hamblin, Prevea Health Family Medicine Residency Program Director.
These are physicians who have finished medical school and are ready to participate in specialized, family medicine training for three years. They work under the supervision of experienced faculty physicians and community preceptors to provide direct medical care to patients.
Incoming Resident Physicians:
• Bin Guo, MD, is from New York, NY. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine.
• Cory Zastrow, DO, is from Santa Ana, CA. He graduated from Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Cuong Le, DO, is from Wichita, KS. He graduated from Kansas City University, College of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Joshua Jagodzinski, DO, is from Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He graduated from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Mark Washburn, DO, is from Farmington, NM. He graduated from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“We are excited to welcome these new physicians and their families to the Chippewa Valley and look forward to training them for the future medical needs of our communities,” said Dr. Joan Hamblin, Prevea Health Family Medicine Residency Program Director.
ECCF’s online Grant Catalog goes live July 6, offering a new way to support local nonprofits.
The Eau Claire Community Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022, and Eau Claire area nonprofits will get an exciting new way to raise funds as part of that celebration. ECCF’s online Grant Catalog will go live for the first time on July 6, 2021. This crowdfunding software allows the public to donate directly to funding requests from Eau Claire area nonprofits. Not only will applicants receive the money they raise in the form of grants, but all that raise at least $1000 will become eligible for bonus grants from ECCF that range from $1000 to $10,000!
Local Agency Hires Chief Executive Officer
Eau Claire, WI - Local advertising agency owners Chris Herzog and Sarah Stokes are proud to announce the company has hired Kim Gillett as its next Chief Executive Officer.
“This has been a dream of ours for many years to have someone of Kim’s caliber to both grow our numerous businesses and help provide great results for our many clients across different industries”, said co-owner Chris Herzog.
Kim Gillett has decades of experience in both the business and non-profit sectors with a background in grant writing, leadership, and financial development while working for non-profits like the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley, Girls on the Run as well as in the private sector in package design and engineering. Kim will be responsible for the overall management of the company’s objectives, while serving our employees and clients.
“This has been a dream of ours for many years to have someone of Kim’s caliber to both grow our numerous businesses and help provide great results for our many clients across different industries”, said co-owner Chris Herzog.
Kim Gillett has decades of experience in both the business and non-profit sectors with a background in grant writing, leadership, and financial development while working for non-profits like the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley, Girls on the Run as well as in the private sector in package design and engineering. Kim will be responsible for the overall management of the company’s objectives, while serving our employees and clients.
Rock the Riverfront Rock Hunts End in Excitement
EAU CLAIRE – Wis. – The RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront Classic Rock Hunt sponsored by Market & Johnson ended on the evening of Friday, June 25. Wyatt Eiden and three friends from Chippewa Falls found the rock hiding along the Ice Age Trail near the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area in New Auburn, WI (Chippewa County). The four young men enjoyed what has become their summer tradition and plan to split the $500 award evenly.
In addition to the Classic Rock Hunt a Youth Rock Hunt held in earlier In June this year. This scavenger hunt created an opportunity for kids and families to get out and explore their communities. There were 3 rocks hidden across 6 Royal Credit Union communities, for a total of 18 rocks. A total of 15 Youth Rocks were found during the contest timeframe and each winner received a Royal Credit Union Piggy Bank and $40 cash!
Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic celebrated 27 years of running or walking for a reason and supporting non-profit organizations. This year’s walk/run portion of the event was virtual with proceeds from the event benefitting three partner charities: The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake
The RCU Foundation thanks Market & Johnson for sponsoring the Classic Rock Hunt and the Youth Rock Hunt. The 2022 Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic run/walk will take place in Phoenix Park on June 25. More information is available at www.rcu.org/Race.
About RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire. Currently, it has awarded more than $6 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
In addition to the Classic Rock Hunt a Youth Rock Hunt held in earlier In June this year. This scavenger hunt created an opportunity for kids and families to get out and explore their communities. There were 3 rocks hidden across 6 Royal Credit Union communities, for a total of 18 rocks. A total of 15 Youth Rocks were found during the contest timeframe and each winner received a Royal Credit Union Piggy Bank and $40 cash!
Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic celebrated 27 years of running or walking for a reason and supporting non-profit organizations. This year’s walk/run portion of the event was virtual with proceeds from the event benefitting three partner charities: The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake
The RCU Foundation thanks Market & Johnson for sponsoring the Classic Rock Hunt and the Youth Rock Hunt. The 2022 Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic run/walk will take place in Phoenix Park on June 25. More information is available at www.rcu.org/Race.
About RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire. Currently, it has awarded more than $6 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
Royal Credit Union Announces New VP Business Loan Officer
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) announces Gretchen Hudacek as VP Business Loan Officer. Hudacek’s responsibilities include developing business relationships and delivering financial expertise with client-centric solutions to business Members.
Hudacek brings a wealth of financial service experience to Royal having previously worked as a Credit Analyst, Commercial Loan Officer and Market President. Hudacek holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree in Finance from the University of St. Thomas.
Hudacek is an active member in her community serving on boards for Eau Claire United Soccer and Western Dairyland’s Women’s Business Conference along with being a committee member for the Eau Claire Community Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle. Hudacek lives with her husband and 3 children on a hobby farm south of Eau Claire and enjoys biking, hiking, running and skiing in her free time.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
Hudacek brings a wealth of financial service experience to Royal having previously worked as a Credit Analyst, Commercial Loan Officer and Market President. Hudacek holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree in Finance from the University of St. Thomas.
Hudacek is an active member in her community serving on boards for Eau Claire United Soccer and Western Dairyland’s Women’s Business Conference along with being a committee member for the Eau Claire Community Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle. Hudacek lives with her husband and 3 children on a hobby farm south of Eau Claire and enjoys biking, hiking, running and skiing in her free time.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
School Supply Drive and chance to Win ICE CREAM!
3rd Annual Change for Kids Fundraiser to Benefit Local Hope Renewal Centers
Altoona, WI – Over the past two years, the Chippewa Valley community has shown its contributions can change lives through Hope Gospel Mission’s Change for Kids fundraiser. The annual fundraiser is back this year on August 10th to provide a fresh start for women and children in the Hope Renewal Centers.
“It’s so amazing to see everyone’s change jars making a real impact on lives in this community,” said Sandi Polzin of Hope Gospel Mission. “A few cents here and there really does add up to give these women and children hope for better days to come.”
On August 10th, from 8:00am - 5:30pm, children and families are encouraged to bring their jars of change and piggy banks to any of the three donation sites to donate to Hope Gospel Mission’s cause. The donation sites include Northwestern Bank locations in River Prairie, Altoona and downtown Chippewa Falls and Hope Gospel Mission’s office.
This event is sponsored by STOKES|HERZOG, Northwestern Bank, Markquart Motors, Down to Earth Garden Center, Olson’s Ice Cream, La Crosse Sign Group, Eco Group, and Chippewa Valley Energy. Northwestern Bank is once again matching donations up to $5,000. Olson’s Ice Cream is also giving kids who donate a free ice cream certificate.
“I am so proud to see this event grow year after year with new sponsors and new support from community members,” said Sarah Stokes, owner of STOKES|HERZOG Marketing + Consulting.
“It’s so amazing to see everyone’s change jars making a real impact on lives in this community,” said Sandi Polzin of Hope Gospel Mission. “A few cents here and there really does add up to give these women and children hope for better days to come.”
On August 10th, from 8:00am - 5:30pm, children and families are encouraged to bring their jars of change and piggy banks to any of the three donation sites to donate to Hope Gospel Mission’s cause. The donation sites include Northwestern Bank locations in River Prairie, Altoona and downtown Chippewa Falls and Hope Gospel Mission’s office.
This event is sponsored by STOKES|HERZOG, Northwestern Bank, Markquart Motors, Down to Earth Garden Center, Olson’s Ice Cream, La Crosse Sign Group, Eco Group, and Chippewa Valley Energy. Northwestern Bank is once again matching donations up to $5,000. Olson’s Ice Cream is also giving kids who donate a free ice cream certificate.
“I am so proud to see this event grow year after year with new sponsors and new support from community members,” said Sarah Stokes, owner of STOKES|HERZOG Marketing + Consulting.
Royal Credit Union Announces New Infrastructure Manager
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) announces the promotion of Adam Kastendieck to Infrastructure Manager. Kastendieck’s responsibilities include leading the IT team responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Royal’s infrastructure systems and services to consistently provide excellent service to Royal Members.
Kastendieck started with Royal in April 2017 as an Infrastructure Engineer and was promoted to the role of Senior Infrastructure Engineer in December 2017. Kastendieck is currently enrolled in Royal’s Exploring Leadership program and serves on the Summit planning committee. Kastendieck holds an associate of applied science degree from Iowa Central.
Kastendieck is active in his community and enjoys being a volunteer foster for the Eau Claire County Humane Association.
Kastendieck started with Royal in April 2017 as an Infrastructure Engineer and was promoted to the role of Senior Infrastructure Engineer in December 2017. Kastendieck is currently enrolled in Royal’s Exploring Leadership program and serves on the Summit planning committee. Kastendieck holds an associate of applied science degree from Iowa Central.
Kastendieck is active in his community and enjoys being a volunteer foster for the Eau Claire County Humane Association.
Evolution Of Public Libraries On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”
Eau Claire, Wis. – How public libraries in western Wisconsin are changing to meet the needs of their communities and staff will be discussed on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, July 9 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls.
Wisconsin Policy Forum reports that the number of visits to public libraries and circulation of books fell in recent years, while the attendance at library programs and library Wi-Fi use has more than doubled over the same time span. However, finances and staffing challenges worry some library leaders. Host Clara Neupert welcomes library directors Amy Stormberg of Amery Public Library, Shelley Tougas of Hudson Area Public Library and Katherine Elchert of Rice Lake Public Library to talk about these and other issues facing public libraries in western Wisconsin.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
Wisconsin Policy Forum reports that the number of visits to public libraries and circulation of books fell in recent years, while the attendance at library programs and library Wi-Fi use has more than doubled over the same time span. However, finances and staffing challenges worry some library leaders. Host Clara Neupert welcomes library directors Amy Stormberg of Amery Public Library, Shelley Tougas of Hudson Area Public Library and Katherine Elchert of Rice Lake Public Library to talk about these and other issues facing public libraries in western Wisconsin.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
New Book By Musician Billy Krause On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”
Eau Claire, Wis. – Eau Claire native folk singer/songwriter Billy Krause returns to “Spectrum West” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 8 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. This week also features interviews with a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduate and author of fantasy books, a preview about a new exhibit at Eau Claire’s Chippewa Valley Museum and highlights of the many new happenings at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson.
“A Collision of Words: Memoir in Verse,” a new book by Billy Krause, is a collection of poems and notes gleaned from his life, years in the music scene and recent illness with cancer. Host Al Ross recently visited Krause and got a special interview with the artist.
Jaqueline West, now living in Red Wing, Minn., talks with Ross this week about her diverging career path which started after graduating from UW-Eau Claire. She is known for her children’s fantasy series “The Books of Elsewhere.”
The Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire has a new exhibit about the history of music making in our area, Listen Up: Folk Music in the Valley, which is open until Sept. 6. Museum Director Carrie Ronnander returns to the show to share details. Free concerts on the museum’s front lawn on July 10, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15 are part of the fun.
Construction has Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson closed for the summer, but Darby Lunceford, executive director, joins Ross to talk about what the 2021-2022 season will have to offer once they re-open. The two will also talk about their current virtual show: “2021 Members’ Spotlight” which shows the creative talents of various Phipps supporters.
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and streamed live at wrfw887.com/listen-live. It’s also heard at 7 p.m. Fridays on NPR News & Music stations 89.7/Eau Claire and 90.7/Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.
“A Collision of Words: Memoir in Verse,” a new book by Billy Krause, is a collection of poems and notes gleaned from his life, years in the music scene and recent illness with cancer. Host Al Ross recently visited Krause and got a special interview with the artist.
Jaqueline West, now living in Red Wing, Minn., talks with Ross this week about her diverging career path which started after graduating from UW-Eau Claire. She is known for her children’s fantasy series “The Books of Elsewhere.”
The Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire has a new exhibit about the history of music making in our area, Listen Up: Folk Music in the Valley, which is open until Sept. 6. Museum Director Carrie Ronnander returns to the show to share details. Free concerts on the museum’s front lawn on July 10, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15 are part of the fun.
Construction has Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson closed for the summer, but Darby Lunceford, executive director, joins Ross to talk about what the 2021-2022 season will have to offer once they re-open. The two will also talk about their current virtual show: “2021 Members’ Spotlight” which shows the creative talents of various Phipps supporters.
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and streamed live at wrfw887.com/listen-live. It’s also heard at 7 p.m. Fridays on NPR News & Music stations 89.7/Eau Claire and 90.7/Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.
Volunteer Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital will hold annual steak fry in August to benefit area students
Chippewa Falls, WI – The Volunteer Partners of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital will host a steak fry on Thursday, Aug. 5 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 236 Pumphouse Rd. in Chippewa Falls to raise money for a scholarship fund for area students.
Students who wish to further their education in a human health care-related field and are currently enrolled in a higher education program are welcome to apply for a scholarship. Six people will be chosen by the Volunteer Partners to receive a scholarship.
There are a variety of ways to enjoy this year’s steak fry:
To place a delivery order, or purchase tickets for drive through or dine in, call HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Volunteer Services at 715-717-7439.
Students who wish to further their education in a human health care-related field and are currently enrolled in a higher education program are welcome to apply for a scholarship. Six people will be chosen by the Volunteer Partners to receive a scholarship.
There are a variety of ways to enjoy this year’s steak fry:
- Drive through pick up: 3:30-7 p.m.
- Dine in: 4:30-7 p.m.
- Free delivery: 4:30-7 p.m. Delivery orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
To place a delivery order, or purchase tickets for drive through or dine in, call HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Volunteer Services at 715-717-7439.
RCU Foundation Announces Totals for Virtual Rock the Riverfront Featuring the Charity Classic
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The RCU Foundation announced that local arts charities will receive over $27,000 following the 2021 virtual Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic. The performing arts were hard-hit by COVID-19, with estimated losses of 1.4 million jobs and $42.5 billion in sales.
The proceeds are being donated to three partner charities: Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire, and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake. Registered participants received one free vote at the time of registration; additional votes were available to be purchased online at $2 each. The Heyde Center for the Arts earned 48% of the votes and will be awarded a $15,000 donation, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild earned 38% of the votes and will receive $7,500, and Northern Star Theatre Company will receive $5,000 after earning 14% of the vote.
The RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic included a 10K, 2 mile, and half mile youth walk/run, chalk your walk and coloring contests, and the increasingly popular Classic Rock Hunt and Youth Rock Hunt.
The following participants submitted the best times and will receive a hand-made custom glass award plate, gift certificate, and award charm: 10K Male: Mickey Noone, 55 of Eau Claire; 10K Female: Andrea Cronk, 24 of River Falls; 2 Mile Male: Noah Sylvester, 13 of Eau Claire; 2 Mile Female: Kimberly Blaine, 38 of Eau Claire; Half Mile Male: Ethan Miller, 8 of Eau Claire; Half Mile Female: Amelia Rohlik, 10 of Eau Claire. To qualify for awards, participants completed the official race course and submitted their results using the RaceJoy App. All race results can be found online.
More than 500 people took part in the virtual run/walk and related activities. Thank you to all who helped make the event a success, including our generous sponsors.
Save the date for the 2022 Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic run/walk in Phoenix Park on Saturday, June 25. More information is available at www.rcu.org/Race.
The proceeds are being donated to three partner charities: Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire, and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake. Registered participants received one free vote at the time of registration; additional votes were available to be purchased online at $2 each. The Heyde Center for the Arts earned 48% of the votes and will be awarded a $15,000 donation, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild earned 38% of the votes and will receive $7,500, and Northern Star Theatre Company will receive $5,000 after earning 14% of the vote.
The RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic included a 10K, 2 mile, and half mile youth walk/run, chalk your walk and coloring contests, and the increasingly popular Classic Rock Hunt and Youth Rock Hunt.
The following participants submitted the best times and will receive a hand-made custom glass award plate, gift certificate, and award charm: 10K Male: Mickey Noone, 55 of Eau Claire; 10K Female: Andrea Cronk, 24 of River Falls; 2 Mile Male: Noah Sylvester, 13 of Eau Claire; 2 Mile Female: Kimberly Blaine, 38 of Eau Claire; Half Mile Male: Ethan Miller, 8 of Eau Claire; Half Mile Female: Amelia Rohlik, 10 of Eau Claire. To qualify for awards, participants completed the official race course and submitted their results using the RaceJoy App. All race results can be found online.
More than 500 people took part in the virtual run/walk and related activities. Thank you to all who helped make the event a success, including our generous sponsors.
Save the date for the 2022 Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic run/walk in Phoenix Park on Saturday, June 25. More information is available at www.rcu.org/Race.
HSHS hospitals set to receive state funding to expand mental health beds in western Wisconsin
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Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wis. – HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are excited to receive $15 million in state funding as part of Governor Tony Evers’ biannual state budget, announced Thursday, July 8. The funding will allow our hospitals to expand capacity by adding 22 new psychiatric beds.
The additional beds will enhance the existing units, creating a 33-bed adult unit at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and a dedicated 18-bed adolescent unit at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls.
“We have been committed to serving the behavioral health needs of our communities for 60 years,” said Andy Bagnall, HSHS Wisconsin President and CEO. “This expansion directly aligns with our mission and allows our inpatient services to meet a significant community need.”
HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ Executive Director of Behavioral Health, Toni Simonson said securing this grant to expand the hospitals’ emergency mental health services is crucial.
“I am so thrilled and appreciative of this funding,” says Simonson. “This is going to help us serve more community members during a time when mental health needs are rising at an exceptional rate.”
The additional beds will enhance the existing units, creating a 33-bed adult unit at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and a dedicated 18-bed adolescent unit at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls.
“We have been committed to serving the behavioral health needs of our communities for 60 years,” said Andy Bagnall, HSHS Wisconsin President and CEO. “This expansion directly aligns with our mission and allows our inpatient services to meet a significant community need.”
HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals’ Executive Director of Behavioral Health, Toni Simonson said securing this grant to expand the hospitals’ emergency mental health services is crucial.
“I am so thrilled and appreciative of this funding,” says Simonson. “This is going to help us serve more community members during a time when mental health needs are rising at an exceptional rate.”
Nursing students raise awareness about challenges of returning to community after being incarcertated
Nursing students raise awareness about challenges of returning to community after being incarcerated
UW-Eau Claire nursing students and recent graduates are working to raise awareness about the challenges and resources needed to support people as they return to the community after being incarcerated. The research team partnered with local organizations. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire nursing students and recent graduates are working to raise awareness about the challenges and resources needed to support people as they return to the community after being incarcerated. The research team partnered with local organizations. Full story.
National Student Exchange creates new learning opportunities for Blugolds
National Student Exchange creates new learning opportunities for Blugolds
UW-Eau Claire senior Kenzie Beam was studying in Arizona when COVID-19 cut her National Student Exchange semester short. While disappointed, she enjoyed the experience so much that she's signed on for another NSE semester, this time on the East Coast. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire senior Kenzie Beam was studying in Arizona when COVID-19 cut her National Student Exchange semester short. While disappointed, she enjoyed the experience so much that she's signed on for another NSE semester, this time on the East Coast. Full story.
Weld Riley Announces Largest Expansion in Firm History; Creates a More Powerful Presence in Wisconsin
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Eau Claire and Wausau WI - Weld Riley S.C. and the Wausau branch of Mallery & Zimmerman are joining together under the Weld Riley name benefiting their existing clients and offering more services for new clients. The combination of both firms will bring a team of 22 lawyers under one practice – Weld Riley. The Wausau office will be designated as an extension of Weld Riley with both locations benefiting from the combined support staff in each office.
“Over the years, I have been so impressed with Matt Mayer and the attorneys in the Mallery & Zimmerman Wausau office. This is a recruitment we have been working on now for almost a decade, and I am so happy to see our goal fulfilled. The added presence of the Wausau lawyers will assist in staffing a number of practice areas like Banking and Creditor Rights. Conversely, having a larger Wausau presence will assist us in responding to a surge of new Wausau-based clients,” commented Weld Riley President John Robert Behling.
Weld Riley first opened a Wausau office in 2017. With the addition of 16 more employees, Weld Riley will relocate and expand at the downtown office located at 500 Third Street, Suite 800, Wausau, WI 54403. By merging practice areas, Weld Riley will have a bigger Labor and Employment group and add additional support for Family Law, Civil and Criminal Litigation, and Estate Planning.
“We have discussed joining Weld Riley for quite a while and thought this was the perfect time to begin this new venture,” said Matt Mayer. “Everyone from the Wausau office will be included in this acquisition so our current clients will see the same faces at the same location, but enjoy the additional assets that Weld Riley brings to the table. This move enhances the quality and efficiency to make Weld Riley a one-house stop for any individual’s business or personal needs.”
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
“Over the years, I have been so impressed with Matt Mayer and the attorneys in the Mallery & Zimmerman Wausau office. This is a recruitment we have been working on now for almost a decade, and I am so happy to see our goal fulfilled. The added presence of the Wausau lawyers will assist in staffing a number of practice areas like Banking and Creditor Rights. Conversely, having a larger Wausau presence will assist us in responding to a surge of new Wausau-based clients,” commented Weld Riley President John Robert Behling.
Weld Riley first opened a Wausau office in 2017. With the addition of 16 more employees, Weld Riley will relocate and expand at the downtown office located at 500 Third Street, Suite 800, Wausau, WI 54403. By merging practice areas, Weld Riley will have a bigger Labor and Employment group and add additional support for Family Law, Civil and Criminal Litigation, and Estate Planning.
“We have discussed joining Weld Riley for quite a while and thought this was the perfect time to begin this new venture,” said Matt Mayer. “Everyone from the Wausau office will be included in this acquisition so our current clients will see the same faces at the same location, but enjoy the additional assets that Weld Riley brings to the table. This move enhances the quality and efficiency to make Weld Riley a one-house stop for any individual’s business or personal needs.”
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
Free 3-Week Summer Challenge Launches July 12 Nationwide
Eau Claire, Wisconsin (June 28, 2021) – The YMCA’s free three-week Summer Out Loud Challenge launches July 12. The challenge is designed to help families have fun and be physically active, and is free and open to everyone. You do not need to be a YMCA member to participate. Those interested in participating can register by texting SUMMER to 844-889-6222. All participants will be entered to win a one-year family membership to the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley and the national grand prize of a family vacation of your choice (up to $5,000 value – rules and regulations apply).
ECPSF announces new grant program focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion in schools
[EAU CLAIRE, WI] Students and staff in Eau Claire Area School District will get an opportunity to engage in projects that promote equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) through a special new grant program announced June 28 by the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation (ECPSF).
With support from Pablo Foundation, ECPSF is making nearly $50,000 available for value-added grants to support new EDI initiatives in the schools. The program is in response to community and nationwide concern for racial injustice and systemic racism, particularly in schools. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis; the new cycle is in addition to ECPSF’s annual classroom grant cycle. Grants can support a wide array of EDI programming for ECASD schools including diverse visiting authors and artists, social justice classroom books, innovative racial studies field trips, staff professional development, and more.
With support from Pablo Foundation, ECPSF is making nearly $50,000 available for value-added grants to support new EDI initiatives in the schools. The program is in response to community and nationwide concern for racial injustice and systemic racism, particularly in schools. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis; the new cycle is in addition to ECPSF’s annual classroom grant cycle. Grants can support a wide array of EDI programming for ECASD schools including diverse visiting authors and artists, social justice classroom books, innovative racial studies field trips, staff professional development, and more.
Olson’s Ice Cream Adds New Summer Location in Irvine Park
Location: Irvine Park Welcome Center
Times/Days Open: Friday - Sunday 10am - 5pm • 4th of July weekend through Labor Day weekend
Chippewa Falls, WI - Chippewa Valley ice cream lovers can find artisan-crafted ice cream in a brand new location this summer! Olson’s Ice Cream has been creating sweet memories in the Chippewa Valley since 1944 and will now be serving its homemade ice cream and popcorn in the Irvine Park Welcome Center on weekends starting Saturday, June 3rd.
“Combining two of the Chippewa Valley’s favorite destinations will make the trip to Irvine Park and even sweeter experience,” said Olson’s Ice Cream Owner Jeremy Hunt. “We are excited for this opportunity to connect with more ice cream fans in this new location. So come on out and enjoy beautiful Irvine Park, grab an ice cream treat and a bite to eat (including Sokup’s famous hotdogs) at the new concession area and keep creating those great memories with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in the park!”
Olson’s Ice Cream is an active member of the Chippewa Falls community and is excited for this opportunity to connect with more ice cream fans in this new venture. Olson’s concession stand will offer rotating ice cream flavors in a cone, dish, shake, malt, or sundae along with banana splits and root beer floats. Olson’s will also be selling its popcorn in different varieties as well as snacks such as nachos, chips, and Sokup’s hot dogs. A portion of all the proceeds will go directly to Irvine Park.
“I am extremely excited about the collaboration between Olson’s Ice Cream and the Irvine Park Welcome Center! I believe the this partnership will provide the community with ultimate parkgoer experience and truly set us apart from any other parks in the Chippewa Valley and beyond,” said Director of Parks John Jimenez.
Albert J. Olson and his business partner began making their “homemade” Ice Cream at Knapp Dairy in Knapp, WI in 1923. Albert moved his family to Chippewa Falls and began making ice cream and processing milk at Olson’s Creamland Dairy in 1944. Olson’s still operates in that same building today at 611 North Bridge Street in Chippewa Falls. The Olson family sold the business to the Hunt family in 2007. The Hunt family has continued the tradition of making artisan-crafted ice cream in Chippewa Falls and expanded to Eau Claire in 2019.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
abby@stokesherzog
(715) 450-4967
Times/Days Open: Friday - Sunday 10am - 5pm • 4th of July weekend through Labor Day weekend
Chippewa Falls, WI - Chippewa Valley ice cream lovers can find artisan-crafted ice cream in a brand new location this summer! Olson’s Ice Cream has been creating sweet memories in the Chippewa Valley since 1944 and will now be serving its homemade ice cream and popcorn in the Irvine Park Welcome Center on weekends starting Saturday, June 3rd.
“Combining two of the Chippewa Valley’s favorite destinations will make the trip to Irvine Park and even sweeter experience,” said Olson’s Ice Cream Owner Jeremy Hunt. “We are excited for this opportunity to connect with more ice cream fans in this new location. So come on out and enjoy beautiful Irvine Park, grab an ice cream treat and a bite to eat (including Sokup’s famous hotdogs) at the new concession area and keep creating those great memories with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in the park!”
Olson’s Ice Cream is an active member of the Chippewa Falls community and is excited for this opportunity to connect with more ice cream fans in this new venture. Olson’s concession stand will offer rotating ice cream flavors in a cone, dish, shake, malt, or sundae along with banana splits and root beer floats. Olson’s will also be selling its popcorn in different varieties as well as snacks such as nachos, chips, and Sokup’s hot dogs. A portion of all the proceeds will go directly to Irvine Park.
“I am extremely excited about the collaboration between Olson’s Ice Cream and the Irvine Park Welcome Center! I believe the this partnership will provide the community with ultimate parkgoer experience and truly set us apart from any other parks in the Chippewa Valley and beyond,” said Director of Parks John Jimenez.
Albert J. Olson and his business partner began making their “homemade” Ice Cream at Knapp Dairy in Knapp, WI in 1923. Albert moved his family to Chippewa Falls and began making ice cream and processing milk at Olson’s Creamland Dairy in 1944. Olson’s still operates in that same building today at 611 North Bridge Street in Chippewa Falls. The Olson family sold the business to the Hunt family in 2007. The Hunt family has continued the tradition of making artisan-crafted ice cream in Chippewa Falls and expanded to Eau Claire in 2019.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
abby@stokesherzog
(715) 450-4967
Marco Donates to Nonprofits in 10 States as Part of Great Give Back Week
Marco is excited to announce we elevated our Gold Standard to a new level with a week of donating to nonprofit organizations, employees across 12 states volunteering, and spreading joy in local communities by delivering 1,000 flowerpots to seniors. Each year, Marco celebrates it Gold Standard culture with a week of activities. Marco’s goal this year was to make a difference in the lives of others who live and work in the communities where Marco is located. Please visit our website to learn more.
2021 City of Altoona Independence Day Celebration
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*Gates open on Saturday, July 3rd at 5:00 p.m.
*Food Trucks/Concession will open at 5:00 p.m.
*Freedom Five Races (Pre-register online at www.altoonajuly4th.com or Register day of at 6:00 p.m.)
Freedom Five 5k Run/Walk (ages 9+) to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Lil’ Firecracker ¼ Mile Run (age 5-8) to begin at 7:45 p.m.
Sparkler 75 Yard Dash (ages 1-4) to begin at 8:00 p.m.
*Tournaments: (Pre-registration before Friday, July 2nd at noon is required for kickball & bean bags. Register online at www.altoonajuly4th.com)
Friends & Family Kickball to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Bean Bag to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Cribbage to begin at 6:00 p.m.
*The Big Deeks will take the stage at 5:30 p.m.
*Kids Zone 5-9 p.m.
*Fireworks sponsored by “Festival Foods Fireworks” to start at 10:00 p.m.
FREE to Attend!!
THANK YOU SPONSORS! Festival Foods Fireworks, Boxx Sanitation, Legends Title Services, River Prairie Wealth Partners, WNB Financial, Pearle Vision, Trubilt Collision Center-Altoona, Altoona Lions Club & Citizens State Bank!
Explore the website > www.altoonajuly4th.com
*Food Trucks/Concession will open at 5:00 p.m.
*Freedom Five Races (Pre-register online at www.altoonajuly4th.com or Register day of at 6:00 p.m.)
Freedom Five 5k Run/Walk (ages 9+) to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Lil’ Firecracker ¼ Mile Run (age 5-8) to begin at 7:45 p.m.
Sparkler 75 Yard Dash (ages 1-4) to begin at 8:00 p.m.
*Tournaments: (Pre-registration before Friday, July 2nd at noon is required for kickball & bean bags. Register online at www.altoonajuly4th.com)
Friends & Family Kickball to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Bean Bag to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Cribbage to begin at 6:00 p.m.
*The Big Deeks will take the stage at 5:30 p.m.
*Kids Zone 5-9 p.m.
*Fireworks sponsored by “Festival Foods Fireworks” to start at 10:00 p.m.
FREE to Attend!!
THANK YOU SPONSORS! Festival Foods Fireworks, Boxx Sanitation, Legends Title Services, River Prairie Wealth Partners, WNB Financial, Pearle Vision, Trubilt Collision Center-Altoona, Altoona Lions Club & Citizens State Bank!
Explore the website > www.altoonajuly4th.com
UW-Eau Claire Honor Society Wins National Award
UW-Eau Claire honor society wins national award
UW-Eau Claire's National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter is the only one in the country to receive the top Diamond Star status. NSCS has more than 320 chapters in the nation. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire's National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter is the only one in the country to receive the top Diamond Star status. NSCS has more than 320 chapters in the nation. Full story.
The Small Street Journal
The Small Street Journal is a weekly publication providing local organizations/businesses a place to share their latest press releases. This blog's link is shared on all of the Chamber's social media platforms.
If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to stahlbusch@eauclairechamber.org
If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to stahlbusch@eauclairechamber.org
Eau Claire Chamber Partners with Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire to Host Free Wellness Event: Walkabout Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI: The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire is excited to announce the introduction of a new event called “Walkabout Eau Claire.” This event is an extension of the Annual Wellness Walk but with a competitive twist. Every Wednesday, beginning June 30 and ending September 1, participants will have the opportunity to walk a weekly path designed to be quick, fun, and accessible. These suggested walking paths give participants an opportunity to reconnect with their community and hit those summer fitness goals.
There will be two competitions held over the course of the ten weeks, a business competition and an individual competition:
Business Competition: Gather your co-workers and get walking! Members of your business can form a team to compete for a company prize. Each team member will register individually, and there will be a spot to indicate what business you are participating with. For each Walkabout Wednesday path team members walk, your team will earn ten extra points. The winning business will receive a certificate to Eau Claire Cheese and Deli for $500 to go towards a company lunch.
Individual Competition: Register on the Chamber site to receive your tracking sheet to begin tracking your walks! Once you are registered, you will receive an email confirmation containing a tracking sheet. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing, you must have a minimum of 750 points (one minute = one point) recorded. Each weekly Wednesday suggested path you do will earn you ONE EXTRA ENTRY IN THE DRAWING FOR THE GRAND PRIZE.
There will be two competitions held over the course of the ten weeks, a business competition and an individual competition:
Business Competition: Gather your co-workers and get walking! Members of your business can form a team to compete for a company prize. Each team member will register individually, and there will be a spot to indicate what business you are participating with. For each Walkabout Wednesday path team members walk, your team will earn ten extra points. The winning business will receive a certificate to Eau Claire Cheese and Deli for $500 to go towards a company lunch.
Individual Competition: Register on the Chamber site to receive your tracking sheet to begin tracking your walks! Once you are registered, you will receive an email confirmation containing a tracking sheet. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing, you must have a minimum of 750 points (one minute = one point) recorded. Each weekly Wednesday suggested path you do will earn you ONE EXTRA ENTRY IN THE DRAWING FOR THE GRAND PRIZE.
Prevail Bank Charitable Contributions Provided to Hmong American Leadership and Economic Development
Prevail Bank has recently donated $5,000 to the Hmong American Leadership and Economic Development (HALED) of Eau Claire to boost economic and social opportunities for the Hmong community and other underserved groups in rural Western Wisconsin. With this donation, Prevail Bank is helping to fund different Financial Literacy Seminars in 2021, offering information, interaction and workshops for local entrepreneurs, helping to stimulate our local communities and businesses.
Mai Xiong, Hmong American Leadership and Economic Development President and CEO, states, "These funds will support HALED to provide a series of Culturally Competent Entrepreneur support content to Emerging Entrepreneurs, Existing Business Owners and Farmers. Your generosity will help us reach us our goal of serving over 200 individuals and more throughout the Western Wisconsin Region in 2021.”
Mai Xiong, Hmong American Leadership and Economic Development President and CEO, states, "These funds will support HALED to provide a series of Culturally Competent Entrepreneur support content to Emerging Entrepreneurs, Existing Business Owners and Farmers. Your generosity will help us reach us our goal of serving over 200 individuals and more throughout the Western Wisconsin Region in 2021.”
Prevail Bank Assists the Community Table in Purchase of New Appliances to Better Serve Community
Prevail Bank has donated $8,520 to The Community Table of Eau Claire to help ensure essential appliances are provided, as part of their Charitable Contributions program. With this donation, Prevail Bank is helping The Community Table purchase a new dishwasher, allowing the organization to continue to provide essential meals to those in need in the Eau Claire region.
TJ Atkins, The Community Table Executive Director, states, "We are incredibly pleased to have started a new partnership with Prevail and their gift of a new dishwasher. This will allow us to continue to serve 30,000+ meals a year to community members in need. In addition, it will help us be more efficient with water and dish soap. We look forward to continuing to work with Prevail to support our community neighbors.”
TJ Atkins, The Community Table Executive Director, states, "We are incredibly pleased to have started a new partnership with Prevail and their gift of a new dishwasher. This will allow us to continue to serve 30,000+ meals a year to community members in need. In addition, it will help us be more efficient with water and dish soap. We look forward to continuing to work with Prevail to support our community neighbors.”
HSHS hospitals now allow for patients to safely receive more visitors; cafeterias also open to visitors
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wis. – As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the country have had to restrict or limit visitors to curb the spread of the virus and protect patients and staff. Thanks to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and those who have made the choice to become vaccinated, the pandemic is showing signs of significant decline which now allows our patients to safely receive more visitors.
“We understand how important it is for our patients and their loved ones to be able to connect, and we thank everyone for their understanding during what has been a very challenging time for all,” said Andrew Bagnall, President and CEO of HSHS Wisconsin. “As we move forward in allowing for more visitors, we continue to take every step possible to keep our patients and colleagues safe as COVID-19 still exists in our communities and continue to encourage all eligible to become vaccinated for COVID-19.”
The updated visitor policies, listed below, are now in effect at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls:
Our hospitals are also pleased to now welcome visitors back into our cafeterias, though physical distancing in those areas are still encouraged.
All visitors continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure upon arrival to our hospitals, are required to wear a facemask that covers the nose and mouth and are required to use hand sanitizer regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
“We have a very important job to do in protecting our vulnerable patients and keeping our medical providers as healthy as possible,” said Bagnall. “We thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”
For additional information about these updated visitor policies, please visit our hospital websites at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital.
“We understand how important it is for our patients and their loved ones to be able to connect, and we thank everyone for their understanding during what has been a very challenging time for all,” said Andrew Bagnall, President and CEO of HSHS Wisconsin. “As we move forward in allowing for more visitors, we continue to take every step possible to keep our patients and colleagues safe as COVID-19 still exists in our communities and continue to encourage all eligible to become vaccinated for COVID-19.”
The updated visitor policies, listed below, are now in effect at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls:
- All patients may have up to TWO (2) visitors at a time.
- Visitors under age 12 are not permitted.
- All patients nearing end-of-life will have special arrangements made on a case-by-case basis.
- Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 may not have visitors; the only exception to this is a pediatric patient and other special circumstances that will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Our hospitals are also pleased to now welcome visitors back into our cafeterias, though physical distancing in those areas are still encouraged.
All visitors continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure upon arrival to our hospitals, are required to wear a facemask that covers the nose and mouth and are required to use hand sanitizer regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
“We have a very important job to do in protecting our vulnerable patients and keeping our medical providers as healthy as possible,” said Bagnall. “We thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”
For additional information about these updated visitor policies, please visit our hospital websites at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital.
Eau Claire Farm Technology Days Sets Guidelines for Grant Distributions of Proceeds
Youth & Youth in Agriculture Organizations That Volunteer for the Show
Will Take Precedence in Granting Decisions
EAU CLAIRE, WI – June 22, 2021 – The Executive Committee of the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2021 – Eau Claire today announced that it adopted guidelines for the grants it plans to offer with the proceeds of the show, which takes place on Huntsinger Farms in Eau Claire, July 20 – 22, 2021. The committee believes it will have significant proceeds to share that will make an impact for youth and youth in agriculture organizations in Eau Claire and surrounding counties for the next decade.
“We are pressing forward with our plans for a great Farm Tech Days in Eau Claire this summer, and with our proceeds, we want to make a big impact on the future of agriculture in our area,” said Mike Gintner, Executive Committee Chair.
Since the Eau Claire County Executive Committee was formed, the group has been focused on putting on a show that shows the bright future of agriculture throughout the Chippewa Valley. The grants and scholarship that will be made available to youth and organizations in the area will be a direct result of the show’s planning and success.
“The show is three days, but our impact in Eau Claire and our agriculture community will be forever,” added Gintner.
Volunteers Take Precedence
In order for youth or youth in agriculture organizations to be eligible for scholarship and grant funds directly after the show and in future years, they or at least one member of their organization must volunteer for the 2021 Eau Claire Show. Open volunteer spots, as short as 4 hours, can be seen and signed up for at www.wifarmtechdays.org/volunteers.
In order to ensure that future members of youth and youth in agriculture organizations to qualify for grants and scholarships, a member of that organization must volunteer this year, and designate their affiliation on the volunteer form that is required for each shift that is worked. Members, family members, friends etc. are all encouraged to volunteer and to designate an organization for each shift.
For example, for local FFA chapters to be eligible for organization grants or scholarships for their members, that FFA chapter must have at least one volunteer at the show who has designated the chapter as their organization association. If the local FFA chapter does not have at least one member (or family member or friend) designate their chapter in the organization field on the volunteer form, neither the chapter or members of the chapter will be eligible for grants or scholarships from the show fund now or in the future.
Only one organization may be designated per shift. If people serve more than one shift, they may designate a different organization affiliation for each shift.
One exception to the rule is that any Eau Claire County youth organization that is established after the July 2021 show may receive special consideration during the granting process.
To sign up visit www.wifarmtechdays.org/volunteer or contact Kayla Martinson at (715) 214-3062 or kaylamartinson1@gmail.com.
“We hope we’re able to support many worthy youth and agriculture organizations for a long time into the future with the show,” said Gintner. “Volunteering is an easy way to make sure your organization is eligible to receive the funds we are working so hard to generate for the community.”
“We are pressing forward with our plans for a great Farm Tech Days in Eau Claire this summer, and with our proceeds, we want to make a big impact on the future of agriculture in our area,” said Mike Gintner, Executive Committee Chair.
Since the Eau Claire County Executive Committee was formed, the group has been focused on putting on a show that shows the bright future of agriculture throughout the Chippewa Valley. The grants and scholarship that will be made available to youth and organizations in the area will be a direct result of the show’s planning and success.
“The show is three days, but our impact in Eau Claire and our agriculture community will be forever,” added Gintner.
Volunteers Take Precedence
In order for youth or youth in agriculture organizations to be eligible for scholarship and grant funds directly after the show and in future years, they or at least one member of their organization must volunteer for the 2021 Eau Claire Show. Open volunteer spots, as short as 4 hours, can be seen and signed up for at www.wifarmtechdays.org/volunteers.
In order to ensure that future members of youth and youth in agriculture organizations to qualify for grants and scholarships, a member of that organization must volunteer this year, and designate their affiliation on the volunteer form that is required for each shift that is worked. Members, family members, friends etc. are all encouraged to volunteer and to designate an organization for each shift.
For example, for local FFA chapters to be eligible for organization grants or scholarships for their members, that FFA chapter must have at least one volunteer at the show who has designated the chapter as their organization association. If the local FFA chapter does not have at least one member (or family member or friend) designate their chapter in the organization field on the volunteer form, neither the chapter or members of the chapter will be eligible for grants or scholarships from the show fund now or in the future.
Only one organization may be designated per shift. If people serve more than one shift, they may designate a different organization affiliation for each shift.
One exception to the rule is that any Eau Claire County youth organization that is established after the July 2021 show may receive special consideration during the granting process.
To sign up visit www.wifarmtechdays.org/volunteer or contact Kayla Martinson at (715) 214-3062 or kaylamartinson1@gmail.com.
“We hope we’re able to support many worthy youth and agriculture organizations for a long time into the future with the show,” said Gintner. “Volunteering is an easy way to make sure your organization is eligible to receive the funds we are working so hard to generate for the community.”
HSHS hospitals urge safety during fireworks season
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wis. – Though fireworks can be exciting, festive and fun, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals want to remind community members that fireworks can also be very dangerous.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports on average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. An estimated 57% of those injuries are burns.
“The majority of injuries from fireworks occur to the hands or fingers, legs, face and eyes,” said HSHS Director of Emergency Services, Robin Schultz. “While fireworks can be fun, we recommend they be left to experts specially trained and certified so that you can still have a safe and enjoyable holiday.”
If you do decide to use fireworks, the following practices can help keep you safe:
More fireworks safety tips are available on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at cpsc.gov/fireworks.
If you or someone you know is injured by a firework and in need of emergency care, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. The HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital emergency department in Eau Claire, 900 W. Clairemont Ave, and the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital emergency department in Chippewa Falls, 2661 Co. Hwy I, are well-prepared to deliver high-quality emergency medical care 24/7.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports on average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. An estimated 57% of those injuries are burns.
“The majority of injuries from fireworks occur to the hands or fingers, legs, face and eyes,” said HSHS Director of Emergency Services, Robin Schultz. “While fireworks can be fun, we recommend they be left to experts specially trained and certified so that you can still have a safe and enjoyable holiday.”
If you do decide to use fireworks, the following practices can help keep you safe:
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Young children can suffer injuries from sparklers, which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is 20 times the boiling point of water and is hot enough to melt some metals. As a safe alternative to sparklers, use glow sticks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting a firework (only light one at a time).
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Soak all spent fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can. Never discard fireworks, including used ones, in a fire pit.
- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. This is often a sign they were made for professional use only.
More fireworks safety tips are available on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at cpsc.gov/fireworks.
If you or someone you know is injured by a firework and in need of emergency care, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. The HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital emergency department in Eau Claire, 900 W. Clairemont Ave, and the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital emergency department in Chippewa Falls, 2661 Co. Hwy I, are well-prepared to deliver high-quality emergency medical care 24/7.
State Senators Jeff Smith And Kathy Bernier On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”
Eau Claire, Wis. – Host Clara Neupert welcomes two state legislators to discuss how the proposed state budget and several upcoming legislative initiatives will affect western Wisconsin on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, June 25 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls.
Wisconsin State Senators Jeff Smith, D-Eau Claire, and Kathy Bernier, R-Chippewa Falls, join Neupert to talk about redistricting, proposed election law changes, expansion of psychiatric and mental health beds and more proposals outlined in the state budget. Listener questions and comments are welcome too, at 800-228-5615 or ideas@wpr.org
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org.
Wisconsin State Senators Jeff Smith, D-Eau Claire, and Kathy Bernier, R-Chippewa Falls, join Neupert to talk about redistricting, proposed election law changes, expansion of psychiatric and mental health beds and more proposals outlined in the state budget. Listener questions and comments are welcome too, at 800-228-5615 or ideas@wpr.org
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org.
Royal Credit Union and Peoples choice Credit Union Announce Merger
Eau Claire, WI – Royal Credit Union (Royal) and Peoples Choice Credit Union (PCCU) have announced plans to merge. The combined entity will operate under the Royal Credit Union name and leadership. PCCU has $50 million in assets, 5,000 Members, and is headquartered in Medford, WI. The merger is expected to be complete later this summer.
“We recognized the opportunity that merging with Peoples Choice provides to bring Royal’s value proposition and community involvement to an area of Central Wisconsin that is a logical expansion because of its close proximity to our highly successful Colby branch,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union President & CEO. “Royal is well-known and respected in the area, which is already familiar with credit unions and the value they bring to a community.”
The merger was unanimously approved by both Royal’s and PCCU’s Boards of Directors on June 21, 2021, and is pending regulatory approval.
“The team members of Peoples Choice Credit Union, as well as the Board of Directors, have been privileged to serve our Members and communities,” said Tom Judnic, Peoples Choice Credit Union Board Chair. “We believe Royal is well positioned to serve the needs of our Members by offering personalized financial products and outstanding service. Royal’s values-driven culture and commitment to community align with the mission of Peoples Choice. We are working with Royal to ensure a smooth transition for our valued Members.”
PCCU serves Members in Clark, Chippewa, Price, Taylor, and Rusk counties, which are currently in Royal’s field of membership.
Royal looks forward to creating new partnerships and expanding existing relationships in the region. In 2017, the RCU Foundation presented Huey’s Hideaway Children’s Museum in Medford, WI, with a $7,500 donation. These funds supported the museum’s mission to inspire children, connect families and build community through exploration, creativity, lifelong learning, and play. Royal has also supported the museum by providing volunteers on Royal’s biennial Community Give Back Day.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
“We recognized the opportunity that merging with Peoples Choice provides to bring Royal’s value proposition and community involvement to an area of Central Wisconsin that is a logical expansion because of its close proximity to our highly successful Colby branch,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union President & CEO. “Royal is well-known and respected in the area, which is already familiar with credit unions and the value they bring to a community.”
The merger was unanimously approved by both Royal’s and PCCU’s Boards of Directors on June 21, 2021, and is pending regulatory approval.
“The team members of Peoples Choice Credit Union, as well as the Board of Directors, have been privileged to serve our Members and communities,” said Tom Judnic, Peoples Choice Credit Union Board Chair. “We believe Royal is well positioned to serve the needs of our Members by offering personalized financial products and outstanding service. Royal’s values-driven culture and commitment to community align with the mission of Peoples Choice. We are working with Royal to ensure a smooth transition for our valued Members.”
PCCU serves Members in Clark, Chippewa, Price, Taylor, and Rusk counties, which are currently in Royal’s field of membership.
Royal looks forward to creating new partnerships and expanding existing relationships in the region. In 2017, the RCU Foundation presented Huey’s Hideaway Children’s Museum in Medford, WI, with a $7,500 donation. These funds supported the museum’s mission to inspire children, connect families and build community through exploration, creativity, lifelong learning, and play. Royal has also supported the museum by providing volunteers on Royal’s biennial Community Give Back Day.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
Know the types and signs of elder abuse
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Chippewa Falls, Wis. – In Wisconsin in 2020 nearly 5,000 cases of elder abuse or neglect were reported according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. In the United States, up to five million senior citizens in is abused or neglected each year, according to the National Council on Aging. However, only one in every 14 cases is brought to the attention of authorities.
As part of June’s Elder Abuse Awareness Month, HSHS St. Joseph’s home health department is sharing information and tips to help you recognize the signs of harm.
There are many types of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect and abandonment. Actions associated with some of these include withholding medication, preventing elders from seeing close friends or relatives, not buying him or her enough food, yelling, threatening, stealing or simply ignoring a senior citizen.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Director of Home Health, Debbie Lauer says whether your loved one is at home or in a nursing care facility, you should look and listen to him or her carefully.
“Sometimes the abuse may not be as obvious as a bruise or broken bone,” says Lauer. “It’s even more difficult if your loved one cannot communicate well with you because of a decline in memory or motor function.”
Lauer says some of the other things to watch for include dirty skin or body odor, sudden weight loss, bed sores, unexplained burns or scars, recent changes in banking or spending patterns, depression, withdrawal from activities he or she typically enjoys, and unexpected changes in behavior.
As part of June’s Elder Abuse Awareness Month, HSHS St. Joseph’s home health department is sharing information and tips to help you recognize the signs of harm.
There are many types of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect and abandonment. Actions associated with some of these include withholding medication, preventing elders from seeing close friends or relatives, not buying him or her enough food, yelling, threatening, stealing or simply ignoring a senior citizen.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Director of Home Health, Debbie Lauer says whether your loved one is at home or in a nursing care facility, you should look and listen to him or her carefully.
“Sometimes the abuse may not be as obvious as a bruise or broken bone,” says Lauer. “It’s even more difficult if your loved one cannot communicate well with you because of a decline in memory or motor function.”
Lauer says some of the other things to watch for include dirty skin or body odor, sudden weight loss, bed sores, unexplained burns or scars, recent changes in banking or spending patterns, depression, withdrawal from activities he or she typically enjoys, and unexpected changes in behavior.
Weld Riley Attorney Brian Braziel Elected as Firm Shareholder
Eau Claire WI – The law firm of Weld Riley, S.C. is pleased to announce Attorney Brian Braziel has been unanimously elected a Shareholder of the firm.
“I am humbled to receive the unanimous support of my business partners. Becoming a Shareholder is the goal of every young lawyer,” Braziel said.
Brian Braziel practices with the firm’s litigation section. Prior to joining Weld Riley, Brian worked with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s office, in the Eau Claire County Trial Division.
“Brian Braziel is an integral part of this firm and he certainly deserved this recognition,” said Weld Riley President John Robert Behling.
Braziel earned his Law degree in 2015 from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to law school, he studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara. While in law school, he was the treasurer for the Black Law Student Association and competed in the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Moot Court Competition. Braziel interned at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office during law school. He also interned for the Honorable Justice David Prosser at the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Braziel has been on the litigation team at Weld Riley since 2018. “There’s a lot of good legal minds here at Weld Riley,” Braziel said. “It’s very helpful to your practice to be able to bounce things off of people like that.”
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
“I am humbled to receive the unanimous support of my business partners. Becoming a Shareholder is the goal of every young lawyer,” Braziel said.
Brian Braziel practices with the firm’s litigation section. Prior to joining Weld Riley, Brian worked with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s office, in the Eau Claire County Trial Division.
“Brian Braziel is an integral part of this firm and he certainly deserved this recognition,” said Weld Riley President John Robert Behling.
Braziel earned his Law degree in 2015 from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to law school, he studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara. While in law school, he was the treasurer for the Black Law Student Association and competed in the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Moot Court Competition. Braziel interned at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office during law school. He also interned for the Honorable Justice David Prosser at the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Braziel has been on the litigation team at Weld Riley since 2018. “There’s a lot of good legal minds here at Weld Riley,” Braziel said. “It’s very helpful to your practice to be able to bounce things off of people like that.”
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
Health Department and UWEC Partner on First Community Drive-Through Vaccine Clinic
Eau Claire, WI- June 24, 2021 – The final COVID-19 vaccine clinic at UWEC Zorn Arena will be on Wednesday, June 30th from 3pm-7pm. Community vaccine clinics in July are moving to the Health Department and the UWEC Water Street Parking lot, which will be operated as a drive-through and walk-up clinic.
From April 8 to June 23, more than 14,400 vaccine doses were given at Zorn Arena. This includes 634 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine and 13,781 first and second doses of Pfizer vaccine. As the demand for vaccinations decreases, the Health Department and UWEC are working to make it even easier for people to get their vaccine. “The partnership that came together to operate the Zorn Arena Clinic for nearly 3 months has been an incredible asset to help get many people vaccinated in our community and region,” said Lieske Giese, Health Department Director. “Now, we are excited to offer a drive-thru clinic for anyone who prefers to get vaccinated while staying in their car. Just drive up, roll down your window, and roll up your sleeve!”
From April 8 to June 23, more than 14,400 vaccine doses were given at Zorn Arena. This includes 634 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine and 13,781 first and second doses of Pfizer vaccine. As the demand for vaccinations decreases, the Health Department and UWEC are working to make it even easier for people to get their vaccine. “The partnership that came together to operate the Zorn Arena Clinic for nearly 3 months has been an incredible asset to help get many people vaccinated in our community and region,” said Lieske Giese, Health Department Director. “Now, we are excited to offer a drive-thru clinic for anyone who prefers to get vaccinated while staying in their car. Just drive up, roll down your window, and roll up your sleeve!”
UWEC News
UW-Eau Claire honor society wins national award
UW-Eau Claire honor society wins national award
UW-Eau Claire's National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter is the only one in the country to receive the top Diamond Star status. NSCS has more than 320 chapters in the nation. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire's National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter is the only one in the country to receive the top Diamond Star status. NSCS has more than 320 chapters in the nation. Full story.
CVTC News
FAA Approves CVTC as Test Administrator for Recreational Drone Flyer Tests
Regulations require recreational drone operators to pass online test
Eau Claire, WI - On Tuesday, June 22, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Chippewa Valley Technical College was selected as a test administrator for the new Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Test (TRUST). A federal requirement in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 requires all recreational unmanned aerial aircraft systems (UAS) drone flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of passage when flying. Drone operators can take the online test and immediately receive their completion certificate.
TRUST was developed in collaboration with the aviation industry and drone stakeholders. The FAA has approved CVTC as a TRUST administrator. There is no cost for the test.
“TRUST guides recreational drone flyers through a series of information presentations and questions,” said Shawn Creviston, an instructor for a drone training class offered by CVTC. “Upon completion of the test, recreational flyers can print or save a digital copy of their completion certificate to keep on their person when they fly.”
TRUST was developed in collaboration with the aviation industry and drone stakeholders. The FAA has approved CVTC as a TRUST administrator. There is no cost for the test.
“TRUST guides recreational drone flyers through a series of information presentations and questions,” said Shawn Creviston, an instructor for a drone training class offered by CVTC. “Upon completion of the test, recreational flyers can print or save a digital copy of their completion certificate to keep on their person when they fly.”
CVTC Launches Second Open RN Textbook
Nursing Skills is the second of five planned volumes
Eau Claire, WI - Open Resources for Nursing, a Chippewa Valley Technical College-led project, is progressing with the launch of Nursing Skills, the second volume of the first open education resources textbooks for Nursing that will save thousands of dollars for nursing students around the country.
Nursing Skills joins Nursing Pharmacology as part of a five-book series of high quality, nationally peer-reviewed nursing titles available for free digital download. XanEdu, an educational products and services company, also publishes an affordable soft-cover version of the textbooks. A third volume, Nursing Fundamentals, will be available later this year, with Nursing: Mental Health and Community Concepts and Nursing Management and Professional Concepts available in 2022, according to CVTC Nursing instructor and project director Kim Ernstmeyer, who has been working exclusively on the project since June 2019.
Nursing Skills joins Nursing Pharmacology as part of a five-book series of high quality, nationally peer-reviewed nursing titles available for free digital download. XanEdu, an educational products and services company, also publishes an affordable soft-cover version of the textbooks. A third volume, Nursing Fundamentals, will be available later this year, with Nursing: Mental Health and Community Concepts and Nursing Management and Professional Concepts available in 2022, according to CVTC Nursing instructor and project director Kim Ernstmeyer, who has been working exclusively on the project since June 2019.
HSHS hospitals offer tips for preventing and recognizing heatstroke
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI – As we enter the summer months and start getting back to our typical summer activities like swimming, yard work, golf and many others we need to be cautious of heatstroke. HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals recommend taking the following measures to prevent heatstroke, which could cause serious complications or death:
Heatstroke can require emergency treatment to prevent serious complications or death, especially for those who are most vulnerable such as infants and children, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight and people who are on certain medications. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heatstroke, call 911 or seek medical assistance immediately.
Heatstroke signs and symptoms include:
The emergency departments at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2661 Hwy I in Chippewa Falls are open 24/7 if you suspect heatstroke is occurring and symptoms are not improving.
For more information about heat-related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- Wear loose fitting clothes – Loose fitting clothes allow your body to cool properly
- Drink plenty of fluids – Staying hydrated will help you maintain a normal body temperature and will help your body sweat.
- Protect yourself against sunburn – Use sunscreen, reapplying every two hours, as well as hats and sunglasses to protect against sunburns. Sit under the shade from time to time.
- Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day – Try to schedule outdoor activities in the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or the evening. The hottest part of the day is generally 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Heatstroke can require emergency treatment to prevent serious complications or death, especially for those who are most vulnerable such as infants and children, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight and people who are on certain medications. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heatstroke, call 911 or seek medical assistance immediately.
Heatstroke signs and symptoms include:
- High body temperature – The main sign of heatstroke is a core body temperature of 104 degrees or higher.
- Altered mental state or behavior – If a person is confused, agitated, slurring their speech, irritable, delirious or experiences a seizure and they have been in a hot environment, suspect heatstroke.
- Nausea and vomiting – Vomiting may occur.
- Flushed skin – An increase in body temperature can lead to skin turning red.
- Rapid breathing – Breathing may become rapid and shallow.
- Racing heart rate – When a person experiences heatstroke, the heart works overtime to help cool the body, therefore increasing the heartrate.
- Headache – Heatstroke can cause a throbbing headache.
The emergency departments at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2661 Hwy I in Chippewa Falls are open 24/7 if you suspect heatstroke is occurring and symptoms are not improving.
For more information about heat-related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Kids
Virtual talk with a panel of docs
Join Prevea for a virtual presentation with a panel of family medicine physicians and pediatricians who will answer your questions about vaccinating children against COVID-19. Meet and interact with Prevea Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Amy Romandine Kratz and Prevea Pediatricians, Dr. Oludayo Sarumi and Dr. Ellen Neuhaus.
Get your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids answered, including:
· Vaccine safety concerns
· Why it is recommended that children 12 and older be vaccinated against COVID-19
· How and where you can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine for eligible age groups
· And more!
June 23, 6 p.m.
Zoom presentation
Click here to register online.
Get your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids answered, including:
· Vaccine safety concerns
· Why it is recommended that children 12 and older be vaccinated against COVID-19
· How and where you can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine for eligible age groups
· And more!
June 23, 6 p.m.
Zoom presentation
Click here to register online.
Mayo Clinic Careers Webinar
We invite you to learn more about how to explore a “life-changing career” at Mayo Clinic!
Invest an hour to learn how to promote yourself in the application process. Come hear from our recruiters.
Whether you are starting your professional life or well vested in your career journey, you may wonder if you are aligning with the work you were meant to do. This webinar will provide the tools to help you navigate towards a life-changing career.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Date: Thursday, June 17, 2021
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM (CST)
Register at: Mayo Clinic Careers Webinar
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Preview our promise to you at: Mayo Clinic Life Changing Careers.
Please contact us at diversityrecruitment@mayo.edu with any questions.
Invest an hour to learn how to promote yourself in the application process. Come hear from our recruiters.
Whether you are starting your professional life or well vested in your career journey, you may wonder if you are aligning with the work you were meant to do. This webinar will provide the tools to help you navigate towards a life-changing career.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Date: Thursday, June 17, 2021
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM (CST)
Register at: Mayo Clinic Careers Webinar
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Preview our promise to you at: Mayo Clinic Life Changing Careers.
Please contact us at diversityrecruitment@mayo.edu with any questions.
Pablo Foundation Awards Grant to Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Northwest Area
Eau Claire, Wisconsin – As area youth move into summer after finishing a partially virtual school year, an area foundation offers support. Pablo Foundation has awarded Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Northwest Area (JA) a $13,500 grant as JA continues to work toward inspiring the futures of students in the region.
Pablo Foundation’s generous grant is given under the educational pillar of its of philanthropic focused projects. The grant will be used specifically in JA’s Career Exploration programs in area middle and high schools. JA’s and Pablo Foundation’s focus on education that equips students for generations to come is a shared goal. Pablo Foundation considers funding based on building a financially and environmentally healthy, robust, and vibrant Eau Claire, with special attention to the most vulnerable among us. The funding will impact up to 3,000 students learning to see the connection between school and their future.
JA’s consistent presence for over 30 years in the Chippewa Valley has allowed them to be a strong educational force. They are a non-profit organization partnering with local volunteers and businesses to educate students in the areas of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work-readiness skills. JA’s Career Exploration programs are some of the highest-demand program options. They strive to impact students for a positive transition from school to the world or work, post-secondary education, or a technical career.
Pablo Foundation’s generous grant is given under the educational pillar of its of philanthropic focused projects. The grant will be used specifically in JA’s Career Exploration programs in area middle and high schools. JA’s and Pablo Foundation’s focus on education that equips students for generations to come is a shared goal. Pablo Foundation considers funding based on building a financially and environmentally healthy, robust, and vibrant Eau Claire, with special attention to the most vulnerable among us. The funding will impact up to 3,000 students learning to see the connection between school and their future.
JA’s consistent presence for over 30 years in the Chippewa Valley has allowed them to be a strong educational force. They are a non-profit organization partnering with local volunteers and businesses to educate students in the areas of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work-readiness skills. JA’s Career Exploration programs are some of the highest-demand program options. They strive to impact students for a positive transition from school to the world or work, post-secondary education, or a technical career.
Pablo Center Announces 2021-2021 Season Lineup
Slated to reopen this fall, Pablo Center’s Season 4 includes over 400 performances
(EAU CLAIRE, WIS - June 14, 2021) Pablo Center at the Confluence is thrilled to unveil its 2021-2022 season to the public, Season 4: Re-Imagine | Re-Emerge. Setting the first performance for September 2021 after nearly 18 months closed, Pablo Center plans to bring a return of live, in-person literary, performing, and visual arts performances and events back to downtown Eau Claire.
The season consists of previously announced performances rescheduled from Season 2 and 3, as well as the addition of over 110 new performances and exhibits. Season 4 totals over 400 performing, literary, and visual arts events from a wide variety of genres: Country, Indie, Jazz, Classical, literary features, theatre, visual arts exhibitions as well as international highlights and performances from local arts partners and organizations. Season 4 also premieres three Broadway productions: Rent, Waitress, and STOMP; the first Broadway specials to come to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as well as the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition, The Bias Inside Us.
Executive Director Jason Jon Anderson says, “With over 400 amazing events on the schedule Season 4 is the most ambitious undertaking for Pablo Center to date. We are so excited to welcome everyone back as our guests this fall, for what we do best, live in-person events. Re-Imagine, Re-Emerge Season 4 memberships, which guarantee early ticket access, are on sale now!”
The season consists of previously announced performances rescheduled from Season 2 and 3, as well as the addition of over 110 new performances and exhibits. Season 4 totals over 400 performing, literary, and visual arts events from a wide variety of genres: Country, Indie, Jazz, Classical, literary features, theatre, visual arts exhibitions as well as international highlights and performances from local arts partners and organizations. Season 4 also premieres three Broadway productions: Rent, Waitress, and STOMP; the first Broadway specials to come to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as well as the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition, The Bias Inside Us.
Executive Director Jason Jon Anderson says, “With over 400 amazing events on the schedule Season 4 is the most ambitious undertaking for Pablo Center to date. We are so excited to welcome everyone back as our guests this fall, for what we do best, live in-person events. Re-Imagine, Re-Emerge Season 4 memberships, which guarantee early ticket access, are on sale now!”
Cooperative Educational Service agency 10 Launches a New Service
Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10 (CESA 10), one of 12 educational service agencies in Wisconsin located in Chippewa Falls is announcing the launch of a new service aimed at building the capacity of schools and communities to ensure equitable outcomes for students.
This service will be centered on providing resources, developing ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, providing systemic professional development and a system-wide review of practices to ensure that schools are equipped to address, in a sustainable way, the complex problems of equity, opportunity gaps and preparing students for participation in a global economy.
According to School Improvement Director, Kristen Gundry, “Recent events have raised awareness of the serious and deeply rooted realities of inequity in our country.” “It is our mission to help schools address barriers that have resulted in inequitable student outcomes,” Gundry continues.
There will be three levels of support within the new service. The first level of support will be provided at no charge to anyone and will include resources (such as videos, web content and other multimedia). The second level will include professional development, on-site support, and technical assistance to create equitable and safe environments, eliminate barriers preventing access to educational programs and services and facilitate peer coaching. The third level is a 3-year process that will include a system-wide review of policies, procedures and practices resulting in recommendations, and assistance for implementation, ongoing support, and training.
This service will be centered on providing resources, developing ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, providing systemic professional development and a system-wide review of practices to ensure that schools are equipped to address, in a sustainable way, the complex problems of equity, opportunity gaps and preparing students for participation in a global economy.
According to School Improvement Director, Kristen Gundry, “Recent events have raised awareness of the serious and deeply rooted realities of inequity in our country.” “It is our mission to help schools address barriers that have resulted in inequitable student outcomes,” Gundry continues.
There will be three levels of support within the new service. The first level of support will be provided at no charge to anyone and will include resources (such as videos, web content and other multimedia). The second level will include professional development, on-site support, and technical assistance to create equitable and safe environments, eliminate barriers preventing access to educational programs and services and facilitate peer coaching. The third level is a 3-year process that will include a system-wide review of policies, procedures and practices resulting in recommendations, and assistance for implementation, ongoing support, and training.
CURT Manufacturing Open House
Come See Us June 18, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Eau Claire, WI – June 15, 2021 – CURT, supplier of a complete line of towing products and the leading manufacturer of USA-made custom-fit trailer hitches, is hosting an on-site open house to introduce Lippert Automotive to the community. Participants will be able to tour the production and warehouse facilities while learning about our welding, fabricating, powder, warehouse and other departments. The event will be held June 18 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the CURT campus 6208 Industrial Dr, Eau Claire, WI.
CURT is proud to call Eau Claire home. Our talented team produces thousands of hitches locally every day, and with increased demand for CURT products, our team is growing. CURT is part of a larger company called Lippert, a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions, dedicated to shaping, growing and bettering the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. In 2019, Lippert acquired CURT, allowing our team to join a larger, worldwide family of associates. Lippert is passionate about winning, about families, about community, and about developing a positive culture among its people.
Over the past year, demand for towing products has increased greatly. More and more people are looking to the outdoors for family vacations, weekend pastimes and alternative forms of entertainment. Paired with the partnership of Lippert, we have seen the company emerge into new markets and industries we haven’t before explored. This has allowed our campus to physically grow, providing an increased amount of job opportunities for those in the Eau Claire area. To meet this growing demand, we are adding new shifts, integrating more automation processes, and building a new manufacturing plant on the CURT campus. We have need for motivated individuals to join our team in the welding department, fabrication, powder lines and warehouse. Some office positions are also open. Many of the positions are entry-level and do not require past experience. At CURT, we hope for our teammates to take pride in their jobs and have a willingness to learn. We hold each other accountable, and ultimately, we work hard to play hard.
If you’re interested in being part of a team that’s energetic, positive, hardworking and supportive, start your new career with CURT!
Check out our video here: https://youtu.be/xh-kvGaPQCg
To learn more about our company values, culture and open positions, visit our careers page.
About CURT: CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of USA-made custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit receiver hitches for nearly every vehicle on the road today. We also offer gooseneck, 5th wheel and weight distribution hitches, as well as electrical components, ball mounts, trailer balls, cargo carriers, bike racks and other towing accessories. For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products.'
Media Contact:
Aleshia Ritter
aleshia.ritter@curtgroup.com
715.838.7941
Eau Claire, WI – June 15, 2021 – CURT, supplier of a complete line of towing products and the leading manufacturer of USA-made custom-fit trailer hitches, is hosting an on-site open house to introduce Lippert Automotive to the community. Participants will be able to tour the production and warehouse facilities while learning about our welding, fabricating, powder, warehouse and other departments. The event will be held June 18 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the CURT campus 6208 Industrial Dr, Eau Claire, WI.
CURT is proud to call Eau Claire home. Our talented team produces thousands of hitches locally every day, and with increased demand for CURT products, our team is growing. CURT is part of a larger company called Lippert, a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions, dedicated to shaping, growing and bettering the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. In 2019, Lippert acquired CURT, allowing our team to join a larger, worldwide family of associates. Lippert is passionate about winning, about families, about community, and about developing a positive culture among its people.
Over the past year, demand for towing products has increased greatly. More and more people are looking to the outdoors for family vacations, weekend pastimes and alternative forms of entertainment. Paired with the partnership of Lippert, we have seen the company emerge into new markets and industries we haven’t before explored. This has allowed our campus to physically grow, providing an increased amount of job opportunities for those in the Eau Claire area. To meet this growing demand, we are adding new shifts, integrating more automation processes, and building a new manufacturing plant on the CURT campus. We have need for motivated individuals to join our team in the welding department, fabrication, powder lines and warehouse. Some office positions are also open. Many of the positions are entry-level and do not require past experience. At CURT, we hope for our teammates to take pride in their jobs and have a willingness to learn. We hold each other accountable, and ultimately, we work hard to play hard.
If you’re interested in being part of a team that’s energetic, positive, hardworking and supportive, start your new career with CURT!
Check out our video here: https://youtu.be/xh-kvGaPQCg
To learn more about our company values, culture and open positions, visit our careers page.
About CURT: CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of USA-made custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit receiver hitches for nearly every vehicle on the road today. We also offer gooseneck, 5th wheel and weight distribution hitches, as well as electrical components, ball mounts, trailer balls, cargo carriers, bike racks and other towing accessories. For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products.'
Media Contact:
Aleshia Ritter
aleshia.ritter@curtgroup.com
715.838.7941
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and University of Wisconsin–Madison Launch “Jake Leinenkugel Diversity in Brewing” Award
CHICAGO – The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company announced today the launch of the Jake Leinenkugel Diversity in Brewing Award. The award will support minority students pursuing a degree in brewing or fermentation sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
“The craft beer industry needs more diverse voices, and an integral step in making that happen is providing better opportunities to enter the field,” said Dick Leinenkugel, president of Leinenkugel’s. “Hopefully this financial support at a world class university will ultimately help create a more inclusive atmosphere in the craft brewing world.”
Molson Coors Beverage Company, the parent company of Leinenkugel’s, is donating $50,000 to endow the award. The awards are open to students who identify as Latino, Black/African American, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or LGBTQ+. They must want to pursue a career in fermentation and brewing sciences at UW–Madison.
“The craft beer industry needs more diverse voices, and an integral step in making that happen is providing better opportunities to enter the field,” said Dick Leinenkugel, president of Leinenkugel’s. “Hopefully this financial support at a world class university will ultimately help create a more inclusive atmosphere in the craft brewing world.”
Molson Coors Beverage Company, the parent company of Leinenkugel’s, is donating $50,000 to endow the award. The awards are open to students who identify as Latino, Black/African American, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or LGBTQ+. They must want to pursue a career in fermentation and brewing sciences at UW–Madison.
Attorney Jennifer N. Brown Joins Weld Riley S.C. in Divorce and Family Law
Eau Claire WI – Jennifer N. Brown is a member of the firm’s Divorce & Family Law section and brings a
well-versed background to the Weld Riley team.
She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Science from Washington University in St. Louis, and her Law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.
“We are so glad to add an experienced lawyer like Jennifer to our team,” said Weld Riley President John Robert Behling. “She has knowledge in many areas to help her clients fully solve their family law needs.”
Throughout Jennifer’s years of experience, she has had 4 publications and presented at 10 different universities or associations, 4 of which were on Family Law. Jennifer has a large involvement within her community as a board member and volunteer in multiple associations.
Jennifer previously served as a partner at another western Wisconsin firm where she practiced in all areas of Divorce and Family Law matters.
“I am really looking forward to being part of such a big and diverse firm and to learn from the team here at Weld Riley,” said Jennifer Brown.
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
well-versed background to the Weld Riley team.
She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Science from Washington University in St. Louis, and her Law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.
“We are so glad to add an experienced lawyer like Jennifer to our team,” said Weld Riley President John Robert Behling. “She has knowledge in many areas to help her clients fully solve their family law needs.”
Throughout Jennifer’s years of experience, she has had 4 publications and presented at 10 different universities or associations, 4 of which were on Family Law. Jennifer has a large involvement within her community as a board member and volunteer in multiple associations.
Jennifer previously served as a partner at another western Wisconsin firm where she practiced in all areas of Divorce and Family Law matters.
“I am really looking forward to being part of such a big and diverse firm and to learn from the team here at Weld Riley,” said Jennifer Brown.
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview:
Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting
4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
Per Mar Security Services Growing and Hiring across the Midwest
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients, is growing and looking to hire more than 130 positions across its 25 locations in the Midwest. Positions include Sales, Technicians, Operations Managers, Security Officers, Monitoring Agents, Customer Care Agents, and more. The company invests in its more than 2,600 team members with industry leading training, opportunities for advancement, and incredible benefits including health benefits, paid time off, 401K options, employee discounts and competitive wages. Sign-on bonuses are also available for some positions.
Per Mar is already in the process of interviewing and hiring for the roles. Interested candidates can visit https://www.permarsecurity.com/careers to view current openings and apply. “We’ve been fortunate to experience high retention rates throughout the pandemic and provide steady employment and income to our staff, and now we see many opportunities to add to our teams,” said Brian Duffy, Per Mar Security Services CEO.
Per Mar is already in the process of interviewing and hiring for the roles. Interested candidates can visit https://www.permarsecurity.com/careers to view current openings and apply. “We’ve been fortunate to experience high retention rates throughout the pandemic and provide steady employment and income to our staff, and now we see many opportunities to add to our teams,” said Brian Duffy, Per Mar Security Services CEO.
Challenges Facing The Dairy Industry On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”
Eau Claire, Wis. – The current challenges of the dairy industry in Wisconsin are the subject of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, June 18 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls.
Wisconsin, home to nearly 7,000 dairy farms, more than any other state, widely recognizes June as National Dairy Month. The dairy industry itself contributes $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy each year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. But for all its success, the industry also faces challenges. Farmers struggle to find and pay employees more than 40% of which are foreign-born immigrants to the US. Additionally, family farms are finding it hard to survive in a market that increasingly favors large-scale farms, also called concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.
Host Clara Neupert will talk about these issues with guests Patty Koenig, administrator for the Sheep Dairy Association of Wisconsin and Carr Valley Cheese Co. senior administrator; Patrick Geoghegan, executive vice president of industry relations at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin; Mercedes Falk, president of Puentes/Bridges in Fountain City and El Centro de Conexion de Chippewa Valley Founding Member Mireya Sigala.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615, or email the show at ideas@wpr.org. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org.
Wisconsin, home to nearly 7,000 dairy farms, more than any other state, widely recognizes June as National Dairy Month. The dairy industry itself contributes $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy each year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. But for all its success, the industry also faces challenges. Farmers struggle to find and pay employees more than 40% of which are foreign-born immigrants to the US. Additionally, family farms are finding it hard to survive in a market that increasingly favors large-scale farms, also called concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.
Host Clara Neupert will talk about these issues with guests Patty Koenig, administrator for the Sheep Dairy Association of Wisconsin and Carr Valley Cheese Co. senior administrator; Patrick Geoghegan, executive vice president of industry relations at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin; Mercedes Falk, president of Puentes/Bridges in Fountain City and El Centro de Conexion de Chippewa Valley Founding Member Mireya Sigala.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615, or email the show at ideas@wpr.org. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org.
WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS LAYS OUT FULL PROGRAM
FOR JAM-PACKED SHOW JULY 20 – 22, 2021
EAU CLAIRE, WI – June 15, 2021 – The Executive Committee of the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2021 – Eau Claire today laid out its full program for the show that will be hosted by Huntsinger Farms in Eau Claire, July 20 – 22, 2021. From a back-to-back schedule of equine demonstrations to a diverse and entertaining program in the Rural Event Center, Farm Tech Days 2021 will be a jam-packed show that will keep attendees busy, fed, educated, and entertained.
“We’ve got something for everyone and then some,” said Mike Gintner, Chair of the Eau Claire County Executive Committee. “We’ve taken the extra year we’ve had to plan an even better show -- we can’t wait for the show to start next month.”
Everyone from 5th generation farmers to hobby farmers, families with younger children to middle school and high school kids interested in exploring agriculture careers, and the general public who wants to know more about farming in Eau Claire will find exhibits and programs designed for them. All proceeds from the show will be distributed to youth agriculture programs in the Chippewa Valley.
In a briefing to the media and a variety of associations, Gintner, Mark Hagedorn Vice Chair, Eric Rygg, president of host Huntsinger Farms and Silver Spring Foods, and Lee Caraher, Communication Chair of the Eau Claire committee, in addition to Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary-designee Randy Romanski, General Manager Matt Glewen, Associate General Manager Arnold Jennerman, and show exhibitor coordinator Anna Maenner, outlined key programs for the 2021 show that set it apart from any previous show.
Some of what’s different about the Eau Claire Farm Tech Days Show:
About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. This is the only farm show of its size in the United States that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, it welcomes more than 45,000 attendees, with more than 450 commercial and educational vendors.
The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954. Eau Claire County hosted Farm Progress Days in 1992 and has been chosen as the host for the 67th annual event in 2020.
“We’ve got something for everyone and then some,” said Mike Gintner, Chair of the Eau Claire County Executive Committee. “We’ve taken the extra year we’ve had to plan an even better show -- we can’t wait for the show to start next month.”
Everyone from 5th generation farmers to hobby farmers, families with younger children to middle school and high school kids interested in exploring agriculture careers, and the general public who wants to know more about farming in Eau Claire will find exhibits and programs designed for them. All proceeds from the show will be distributed to youth agriculture programs in the Chippewa Valley.
In a briefing to the media and a variety of associations, Gintner, Mark Hagedorn Vice Chair, Eric Rygg, president of host Huntsinger Farms and Silver Spring Foods, and Lee Caraher, Communication Chair of the Eau Claire committee, in addition to Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary-designee Randy Romanski, General Manager Matt Glewen, Associate General Manager Arnold Jennerman, and show exhibitor coordinator Anna Maenner, outlined key programs for the 2021 show that set it apart from any previous show.
Some of what’s different about the Eau Claire Farm Tech Days Show:
- This is the first time Wisconsin Farm Technology Days has ever been hosted on a horseradish farm. Huntsinger Farms, owned by the 3rd and 4th generation granddaughter and great grandsons of Ellis Huntsinger who founded the farm in 1929, is the largest grower and processor of horseradish in the world. Huntsinger processes and markets its horseradish and mustard products through its Silver Spring Foods subsidiary.
- Fun Fact: Wisconsin Farm Progress Days, now Farm Technology Days, was started to show farmers how electricity could benefit their farming operations. At this year’s show Huntsinger Farms will be showing its Solar Farm that generates over 18% of the electricity needed to run its farming operation.
- The show was originally planned for 2020 but had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Rygg family generously offered to keep 290 acres of its farmland out of rotation to be able to host the 2021 Farm Technology Days.
- Two and a Half Farm Tours! This year show attendees can tour two farms and get an up close look at an apple orchard on the guided Farm Bus Tours. Attendees who want to visit the farms will board buses between 9:30am and 2:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and visit host Huntsinger Farms, 4th and 5th generation dairy farm Nellie’s Holsteins, and do a slow drive by Ferguson’s Orchards, one of the largest apple producers in the Mid-West, and the top agritourism destination in Wisconsin.
- Innovation Square will feature five outstanding area family farms displaying their best in class crops and products and the different technologies and processes they use to ensure the future of their farms. They are:
- Chippewa Valley Bean Company (and its home farm Doane Farm), the largest grower and processor of kidney beans in the world.
- Ferguson’s Orchards, one of the largest apple producers in the Midwest growing 37 varieties of apples including Pizazz, Sweet Tango, and Honey Crisp, and the top agritourist destination in Wisconsin with its award-winning Pumpkin Patch
- Marieke Gouda, the national and international award-winning farmstead Gouda cheese company that only uses milk from its Penterman Dairy that pumps milk directly from the double 12 milking parlor into its creamery
- Silver Spring Foods, subsidiary of Huntsinger Farms, the largest grower and processor of horseradish in the world.
- Superior Fresh, the largest aquaponic farm in the world growing organic leafy greens that is fed by the first land-based Atlantic Salmon farm in the US that only uses organic food for its fish farm.
- Over 480 companies and organizations from across the country have signed up to exhibit at this year’s show. Some Canadian exhibitors have had to delay confirming their exhibits due to Covid-19 restrictions that may bar them from coming to Wisconsin from Canada.
- Youth Tent and Career Discovery Zone is a jam-packed tent that will entertain and educate kids of all ages and connect high school students to great training opportunities. Follow the wood chip trail to discover and explore agriculture related careers. Any youth 18 years and under completing the activity guide will earn a free scoop of Culver’s Custard. Stations in the Youth and Career Discovery Zone include: STEM activities, a beekeeping display, a petting zoo, a new display from the Eau Claire Children’s Museum focused on activities for elementary and middle school-aged kids, agriculture-related career exploration for middle and high school students, a touch-a-truck experience, virtual farm tour theater, and show sponsor Culver’s Thank-A-Farmer station. Youth who complete the self-guided tour will earn a free scoop of Culver’s custard.
- University of Wisconsin – Extension Education Station will have a large Education Station exhibit staffed with educators who can provide expert advice on all aspects of Agriculture and Horticulture. Exhibits will include Crops and Soils: alternative crops and cropping systems; Dairy and Livestock where the focus will be on reducing stress in cattle and calves that impacts production; Grazing and Goats; Farm Management; and Horticulture and Master Gardeners.
- Future of Farming through the eyes of four young women farmers Alice in Dairyland will moderate a panel about the future of farming with four young women farmers: Miranda Nelson – Nellie’s Holsteins, Katy Fitzgerald – Superior Fresh, Sarah Kolk – Silver Spring Foods/Huntsinger Farms, Allie Holub – Riverview Dairy Farm
- Fun Fact: Alice in Dairyland, Julia Nunes is from nearby Chippewa Falls
- When: Tuesday July 20th at 2pm in the Rural Event Center
- Rural Event Center will have a full program on the stage including the Opening Ceremony, Alice in Dairyland, Mad Dog and Merrill, music by Katie Rothbauer, Inga Witscher – Around the Farm Table, music by Danville, and important informational presentations covering financial, farm business planning, electrical safety, farm management platforms, and more.
- Ride & Drive This year shipping and supply chain challenges created by the global Pandemic has precluded several companies for doing farm demos with new equipment. John Deere will be on site with a large exhibit of tractors and other implements, and attendees will have a chance to Ride & Drive several different trucks, utility vehicles, and ATVs at the show.
- Chris Kroeze will perform every day and has donated a private concert to the raffle! Super singer/songwriter Chris Kroeze from nearby Barron, Wisconsin (runner up on the The Voice) will perform every day in the Rural Event Center at 12:15pm. He has generously donated a private concert for the winner of the raffle (must be within 50-mile radius of Eau Claire)
- The Big Rygg specialty burger created by Jason Meyer of Big Stack Meats is a tip of the hat to the Rygg family, Eric, Brittany, and their three children, hosts of this year show. It’s a meal in itself! A hearty bun with a hamburger, horseradish sauce, Big Stack Meats pulled pork, a piece of chicken, a piece of Wisconsin cheese, a run around the garden with lettuce and tomatoes, and a great big stick through the top of it to hold it all together. Price $10.
- Wisconsin FFA High School Tractor Driving Contest – this year many counties were not able to hold their county contests to determine who would travel to Eau Claire for the finals. Farm Tech Days Eau Claire will host the entire contest over three days in the Tractor Driving Arena near the Youth Tent.
- Over 200 older tractors and farm implements will be on display in the Heritage Area and attendees will get a good look at the evolution of farm implements over the last 100 years.
- Fun Fact: Kids and Adults can register for the Pedal Push Tractor Pull every day at 9am. Kids contest starts at 10am every morning, adult contest starts once the Kids’ winner is declared. (Kids 100lbs and over can compete in the adult contest.)
- Local Fiber Farmers – local fiber famers will have new lambs on site and a full display of how they raise sheep for wool. Located in the UW-Extension exhibit area.
About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. This is the only farm show of its size in the United States that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, it welcomes more than 45,000 attendees, with more than 450 commercial and educational vendors.
The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954. Eau Claire County hosted Farm Progress Days in 1992 and has been chosen as the host for the 67th annual event in 2020.
Royal Credit Union Receives $1.8 Million CDFI Rapid Response Grant
Eau Claire, WI-Royal Credit Union has been awarded more than $1.8 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Rapid Response Program. The awards were announced today by Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House with Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen. Royal is one of 863 CDFIs receiving the COVID-19 relief funds.
Link to CDFI Fund news release: U.S. Treasury Awards $1.25 Billion to Support Economic Relief in Communities Affected by COVID-19 | Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (cdfifund.gov)
Royal’s work as a CDFI is focused on expanding access to quality credit products and improving financial well-being for all. The Rapid Response Program provides necessary capital for CDFIs to respond to economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Royal will use grant funds to lend deeper into target markets, specifically low-income, distressed, and underserved people. This will include meeting a variety of needs ranging from small-dollar signature loans to auto loans and mortgages.
Royal is 1 of more than 1,200 certified CDFIs that work in low-wealth communities across the United States. There are only 6 credit union CDFIs operating in WI and MN. CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions that bring affordable credit and financial services to individuals and businesses, often in minority and economically distressed communities.
The application was written and submitted by Royal’s internal CDFI team. The team works together to deploy and track grant funds for the benefit of Royal Members. Royal became CDFI certified in 2015. Including today’s announcement, Royal has received four grants under the CDFI program totaling over $6.4 million.
Link to CDFI info blog on rcu.org: Royal Credit Union is a Community Development Financial Institution…Here’s What That Means | Royal Credit Union (rcu.org)
Link to CDFI Fund news release: U.S. Treasury Awards $1.25 Billion to Support Economic Relief in Communities Affected by COVID-19 | Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (cdfifund.gov)
Royal’s work as a CDFI is focused on expanding access to quality credit products and improving financial well-being for all. The Rapid Response Program provides necessary capital for CDFIs to respond to economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Royal will use grant funds to lend deeper into target markets, specifically low-income, distressed, and underserved people. This will include meeting a variety of needs ranging from small-dollar signature loans to auto loans and mortgages.
Royal is 1 of more than 1,200 certified CDFIs that work in low-wealth communities across the United States. There are only 6 credit union CDFIs operating in WI and MN. CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions that bring affordable credit and financial services to individuals and businesses, often in minority and economically distressed communities.
The application was written and submitted by Royal’s internal CDFI team. The team works together to deploy and track grant funds for the benefit of Royal Members. Royal became CDFI certified in 2015. Including today’s announcement, Royal has received four grants under the CDFI program totaling over $6.4 million.
Link to CDFI info blog on rcu.org: Royal Credit Union is a Community Development Financial Institution…Here’s What That Means | Royal Credit Union (rcu.org)
Brendan Haney joins Citizens State Bank as a Commercial Lender
Brendan Haney comes to Citizens State Bank with previous lending and banking experience as well as previous business sales experience. A graduate of University of Wisconsin- Madison, Brendan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. As a Commercial Lender, Brendan will partner with clients to understand their needs and create a unique solution centered on helping the client achieve their financial dreams. At Citizens State Bank, decisions are made locally. Brendan will serve the Cadott, Cornell, and surrounding markets.
Citizens State Bank was founded in 1902 in Cadott, WI. Locations in Cadott, WI, Chippewa Falls, WI, Cornell, WI, and Lake Wissota, WI. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
Citizens State Bank was founded in 1902 in Cadott, WI. Locations in Cadott, WI, Chippewa Falls, WI, Cornell, WI, and Lake Wissota, WI. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
Rock the Riverfront Classic Rock Hunt is Back!
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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Join the hunt for a chance to win $500 while exploring the outdoors. The RCU Foundation has held a Rock Hunt as part of the Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic event since 2017. The hunt is sponsored by Market & Johnson and will start on June 21, 2021 with a new name, the Classic Rock Hunt. Clues will be posted at charity and sponsor locations by 10 a.m. each day and then on the Royal Credit Union Facebook page at 8 p.m. each evening. As usual, the rock could be hidden in any of the counties where our partner charities are located. The first person to find the Classic Rock will win the $500 cash prize.
Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic will be held virtually and includes a 10K and 2 mile run/walk, and a youth run/walk option. Registration will be open through June 26 at www.rcu.org/Race. Proceeds from the event will go to three partner charities: The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire, and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake.
About RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire. Currently, it has awarded more than $6 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic will be held virtually and includes a 10K and 2 mile run/walk, and a youth run/walk option. Registration will be open through June 26 at www.rcu.org/Race. Proceeds from the event will go to three partner charities: The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire, and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake.
About RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire. Currently, it has awarded more than $6 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
Grant Supports Noise Cancelling Headphones at L.E. Phillips Career Development Center
Eau Claire, WI – May 28, 2021 – The L.E. Phillips Career Development Center announced today that it has received a $2000.00 grant supported by three Eau Claire Community Foundation Funds—the Dr. Joseph M. and Jean M. Tobin Fund, Richard T. Gannon Fund, and T. Gordon and Gladys P. Keith Fund—to provide our employees with noise cancelling headphones. Since 1959, the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center has continued to serve over one thousand individuals with disabilities or disadvantages on a yearly basis, while maintaining the original purpose for which the Center was originated.
The L.E. Phillips Career Development Center’s mission is to be a viable business enterprise as a means to provide meaningful and appropriate vocational services, employment opportunities, and outreach services for individuals with disabilities or disadvantages. Noise cancelling headphones will support this mission by improving work experiences for our employees by “cancelling out” the unwanted noise and allowing our employees to hear audio in a noisy environment without turning up the volume. Noise cancelling headphones will also allow our employees to work more efficiently and eliminate distractions to focus on the task at hand in order to reduce anxiety and stress while working on the production floor
The L.E. Phillips Career Development Center’s mission is to be a viable business enterprise as a means to provide meaningful and appropriate vocational services, employment opportunities, and outreach services for individuals with disabilities or disadvantages. Noise cancelling headphones will support this mission by improving work experiences for our employees by “cancelling out” the unwanted noise and allowing our employees to hear audio in a noisy environment without turning up the volume. Noise cancelling headphones will also allow our employees to work more efficiently and eliminate distractions to focus on the task at hand in order to reduce anxiety and stress while working on the production floor
CVTC News
Work Begins on CVTC Emergency Services Project
Remodeling and addition will benefit students, current responders
Eau Claire, WI - A project to expand and remodel Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Emergency Service Education Center (ESEC) is underway, with a construction kick-off event held Monday, June 14 at the facility on CVTC’s West Campus. The $10.6 million project is the second-largest part of CVTC’s $48.8 million referendum approved in April 2020.
“This project will benefit CVTC students as they train to become the next generation of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and first responders, and also those currently serving in these essential roles in our communities,” said CVTC President Bruce Barker. “The improvements to ESEC will help emergency services workers meet new challenges by allowing us to use more simulation and technology as we train our local forces.”
The need to alleviate inadequate classroom space and provide more realistic experiences for those who will be risking their lives for their communities drove the decision to include the project in the referendum.
“This project will benefit CVTC students as they train to become the next generation of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and first responders, and also those currently serving in these essential roles in our communities,” said CVTC President Bruce Barker. “The improvements to ESEC will help emergency services workers meet new challenges by allowing us to use more simulation and technology as we train our local forces.”
The need to alleviate inadequate classroom space and provide more realistic experiences for those who will be risking their lives for their communities drove the decision to include the project in the referendum.
UWEC News
UW-Eau Claire – Barron County student orientation is June 17
(Rice Lake, WI) – New student orientation for the 2021-22 school year will start Thursday, June 17, at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire – Barron County.
Students check in at 12:45 p.m. with a welcome and presentation at 1 p.m. in the Blue Hills Lecture Hall. Breakout sessions follow, discussing student IDs, textbooks and financial aid.
The orientation process for new students is a hybrid experience with virtual and in-person components. Applications are open with virtual advising and on-campus orientations through August. Scholarship applications are open until July 30.
Other events at UWEC-BC this summer include:
Anyone with questions can contact interim campus director Gary Wheeler at 715-788-6229.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a leader for academic excellence, undergraduate research, and high-impact practices in the University of Wisconsin System. More than 10,500 students are drawn to this campus where innovation, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and stewardship are core values. Average class size at UW-Eau Claire is 27 with a faculty/student ratio of 1:21. UWEC is noted for low debt for graduates and high value at a competitive tuition rate and has ranked among best public regional universities in the Midwest for 25 years. The growing city of Eau Claire is located about 90 miles east of Minneapolis, with a population of about 70,000.
Students check in at 12:45 p.m. with a welcome and presentation at 1 p.m. in the Blue Hills Lecture Hall. Breakout sessions follow, discussing student IDs, textbooks and financial aid.
The orientation process for new students is a hybrid experience with virtual and in-person components. Applications are open with virtual advising and on-campus orientations through August. Scholarship applications are open until July 30.
Other events at UWEC-BC this summer include:
- Monday, June 21: Campus admissions presentation, ice cream and campus tour, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 14: Apply in July for 2021-22 high school seniors; admissions, advising and financial staff members will be available; 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, July 30: Campus admissions presentation, ice cream and campus tour; 1-2:30 p.m.
Anyone with questions can contact interim campus director Gary Wheeler at 715-788-6229.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a leader for academic excellence, undergraduate research, and high-impact practices in the University of Wisconsin System. More than 10,500 students are drawn to this campus where innovation, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and stewardship are core values. Average class size at UW-Eau Claire is 27 with a faculty/student ratio of 1:21. UWEC is noted for low debt for graduates and high value at a competitive tuition rate and has ranked among best public regional universities in the Midwest for 25 years. The growing city of Eau Claire is located about 90 miles east of Minneapolis, with a population of about 70,000.
Fall 2021 Blugold Gilman International Scholars announced
Fall 2021 Blugold Gilman International Scholars announced
The Center for International Education at UW-Eau Claire proudly announces four new awardees of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in fall 2021, the highest number of scholars from any UW System school. Full story
The Center for International Education at UW-Eau Claire proudly announces four new awardees of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in fall 2021, the highest number of scholars from any UW System school. Full story
Blugold senior Carl Fossum wins state championship for research presentation
Blugold senior Carl Fossum wins state championship for research presentation
A senior chemistry and physics major from UW-Eau Clare was named the WiSys Quick Pitch Champion for 2021, presenting to the judges' panel his summary of team research relating to factors impacting disease severity in COVID-19. Full story.
A senior chemistry and physics major from UW-Eau Clare was named the WiSys Quick Pitch Champion for 2021, presenting to the judges' panel his summary of team research relating to factors impacting disease severity in COVID-19. Full story.
Blugold's journey takes her from opera singer to award-winning poet and bestselling novelis
Blugold's journey takes her from opera singer to award-winning poet and bestselling novelist
UW-Eau Claire graduate Jacqueline Cobian West is an award-winning poet and a New York Times bestselling author whose young adult novels are beloved by tweens, teens, parents and teachers. She was a music major but realized writing was her passion. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire graduate Jacqueline Cobian West is an award-winning poet and a New York Times bestselling author whose young adult novels are beloved by tweens, teens, parents and teachers. She was a music major but realized writing was her passion. Full story.
Nick White Joins the Prevail Bank Commercial Lending Team
Prevail Bank is pleased to announce that Nick White has recently joined the Eau Claire team as a Commercial Loan Officer. White attended UW-Stout and is a Regis High School alumni. He has extensive experience in sales, marketing, customer relations, banking, and community development. He started his financial career as a Personal Banker, worked his way up to Business Banker, and is now Commercial Lending Officer for Prevail Bank. He is a motivated professional with the unique distinction of being recognized as the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, and an Outstanding Emerging Leader, proclaimed by United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley in the recent past.
Walk into the Weekend: Prevea offering free walking program in Green Bay, Sheboygan and Chippewa Valley communities
Green Bay – Prevea Health is offering a free walking program to encourage community members to get active!
Walk into the Weekend is offered in Green Bay, Sheboygan, Eau Claire, Altoona and Chippewa Falls, every Friday at 7:30 a.m. through July 30.
The program offers pre-planned routes between 1 to 5 miles. Participants receive an email each week with the route to follow. For every week attended, participants are entered into a drawing to win a Prevea Fitness package, including a duffel bag, yoga mat and other minimal exercise equipment.
Registration is required by visiting: www.prevea.com/events
Those interested can register at any time to receive the routes and starting locations in any of the above-mentioned communities.
Unvaccinated attendees are encouraged to wear a mask. No pets please.
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
Walk into the Weekend is offered in Green Bay, Sheboygan, Eau Claire, Altoona and Chippewa Falls, every Friday at 7:30 a.m. through July 30.
The program offers pre-planned routes between 1 to 5 miles. Participants receive an email each week with the route to follow. For every week attended, participants are entered into a drawing to win a Prevea Fitness package, including a duffel bag, yoga mat and other minimal exercise equipment.
Registration is required by visiting: www.prevea.com/events
Those interested can register at any time to receive the routes and starting locations in any of the above-mentioned communities.
Unvaccinated attendees are encouraged to wear a mask. No pets please.
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS 2021
EAU CLAIRE MEDIA DAY JUNE 15, 2021
VIRTUAL BRIEFING AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
RSVP REQUIRED
What: Media Briefing on Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2021 - Eau Claire
When: Tuesday July 15th 10am – Briefing
10:45 – 4pm Interviews
Interview Times available June 16, 17, and 18
Where: Virtual Meeting Via Zoom; RSVP for Link and Passcode
RSVP to: Lee Caraher, lcaraher@double-forte.com/715-829-4566
Provide indicate what interviews you would like to schedule and any deadlines
Briefing: A 40-minute briefing about the 2021 show
- Matt Glewen, General Manager
- Arnold Jennerman, Associate General Manager
- Mike Gintner, Chair of the Executive Committee
- Eric Rygg, Host Family
- Anna Maenner, Marketing Coordinator & Exhibitor Services
- Cory Schalinske, Lieutenant, Eau Claire County Sherriff's Office
- Lee Caraher, Chair, Publicity & Promotion Committee
Committee Chairs Available for Interviews: we will schedule on request
Mike Gintner - Chair, Executive Committee
Mark Hagedorn - Vice Chair & Tent City Master
Eric Rygg - Host Farm, Innovation Square
Andy Ferguson - Chair, Innovation Square
Rebecca Reinhardt - Chair, Admissions, Merchandise
Adam Wehling - Chair, Youth and Discovery Zone Tent & FFA High School Tractor Driving Contest
Connie & Ron Odegard - Heritage Display and Pedal Push Tractor Pulls
Sherri Owen - Rural Event Center Committee, Programs & Exhibits, Raffle
Emily Maier - Chair, Equine
Cathi Meyer - Chair, Food
Kori Richter & Margie Thornton - Chairs Ride & Drive and Farm Tours
Jack Running - Emergency & Safety Services
Contact & RSVP to:
Lee Caraher
lcaraher@double-forte.com
715-829-4566
When: Tuesday July 15th 10am – Briefing
10:45 – 4pm Interviews
Interview Times available June 16, 17, and 18
Where: Virtual Meeting Via Zoom; RSVP for Link and Passcode
RSVP to: Lee Caraher, lcaraher@double-forte.com/715-829-4566
Provide indicate what interviews you would like to schedule and any deadlines
Briefing: A 40-minute briefing about the 2021 show
- Matt Glewen, General Manager
- Arnold Jennerman, Associate General Manager
- Mike Gintner, Chair of the Executive Committee
- Eric Rygg, Host Family
- Anna Maenner, Marketing Coordinator & Exhibitor Services
- Cory Schalinske, Lieutenant, Eau Claire County Sherriff's Office
- Lee Caraher, Chair, Publicity & Promotion Committee
Committee Chairs Available for Interviews: we will schedule on request
Mike Gintner - Chair, Executive Committee
Mark Hagedorn - Vice Chair & Tent City Master
Eric Rygg - Host Farm, Innovation Square
Andy Ferguson - Chair, Innovation Square
Rebecca Reinhardt - Chair, Admissions, Merchandise
Adam Wehling - Chair, Youth and Discovery Zone Tent & FFA High School Tractor Driving Contest
Connie & Ron Odegard - Heritage Display and Pedal Push Tractor Pulls
Sherri Owen - Rural Event Center Committee, Programs & Exhibits, Raffle
Emily Maier - Chair, Equine
Cathi Meyer - Chair, Food
Kori Richter & Margie Thornton - Chairs Ride & Drive and Farm Tours
Jack Running - Emergency & Safety Services
Contact & RSVP to:
Lee Caraher
lcaraher@double-forte.com
715-829-4566
The Return Of Live Arts Events On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”
Eau Claire, Wis. – Easing pandemic restrictions bring back live arts events, several of which will be discussed on “Spectrum West” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 10 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls.
On both sides of the St. Croix River in the towns of Stillwater and Bayport, Minn. and in Hudson are the eight galleries participating in this year’s Art Opener St. Croix Valley Studio Tour happening June 18-20. Charlotte Schuld, an organizer and participating artist, visits with host Al Ross this week to highlight the various offerings attendees can expect as they visit the galleries and meet the artists.
Every year on the summer solstice music is celebrated locally and internationally with performance, teaching and interaction with music in an event called Make Music Day. Anne Katz, director of Arts Wisconsin in Madison and Evan Middlesworth, director of Artistic Programming at Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire join Ross to talk about their various communities’ plan for celebrations on June 21.
Live entertainment is returning to the area’s theaters. Menomonie’s The Mabel Tainter which has been largely shuttered will soon be open again, as will Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire. Executive Director of The Mable Tainter Lucas Chase will visit the show to talk about their season which is scheduled to begin mid- September. Jason Jon Anderson of the Pablo will return to outline his hopes for the venue’s fourth season including some reschedule and many new exciting events.
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and streamed live at wrfw887.com/listen-live. It’s also heard at 7 p.m. Fridays on NPR News & Music stations 89.7/Eau Claire and 90.7/Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.
On both sides of the St. Croix River in the towns of Stillwater and Bayport, Minn. and in Hudson are the eight galleries participating in this year’s Art Opener St. Croix Valley Studio Tour happening June 18-20. Charlotte Schuld, an organizer and participating artist, visits with host Al Ross this week to highlight the various offerings attendees can expect as they visit the galleries and meet the artists.
Every year on the summer solstice music is celebrated locally and internationally with performance, teaching and interaction with music in an event called Make Music Day. Anne Katz, director of Arts Wisconsin in Madison and Evan Middlesworth, director of Artistic Programming at Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire join Ross to talk about their various communities’ plan for celebrations on June 21.
Live entertainment is returning to the area’s theaters. Menomonie’s The Mabel Tainter which has been largely shuttered will soon be open again, as will Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire. Executive Director of The Mable Tainter Lucas Chase will visit the show to talk about their season which is scheduled to begin mid- September. Jason Jon Anderson of the Pablo will return to outline his hopes for the venue’s fourth season including some reschedule and many new exciting events.
“Spectrum West” is a weekly program exploring the music, arts and humanities in western Wisconsin. The show is broadcast at 10 a.m. Thursdays on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie/Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and streamed live at wrfw887.com/listen-live. It’s also heard at 7 p.m. Fridays on NPR News & Music stations 89.7/Eau Claire and 90.7/Menomonie. Archives of “Spectrum West” are available at wpr.org/programs/spectrum-west-al-ross.
Vaccination Rates in Chippewa County On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side"
Eau Claire, Wis. – An update on the current state of vaccination rates in Chippewa County is the topic of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, June 11 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. The show will also feature Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) reporter Rich Kremer with a report on frac sand mining in the area.
It is estimated that only 40% of Chippewa County residents are fully vaccinated. The number of vaccinations in the county have been trending down and have now dipped to their lowest point since January. This has local health officials concerned as we head into the summer with many events, including the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, scheduled to go on. Host Clara Neupert talks with Jenny Lenbom, a public health nurse from the Chippewa County Health Department, about the situation. They will also discuss how to stay safe at the fair and other summer events now open due to loosening restrictions.
Once an economic boon in western Wisconsin, frac sand mines have all but disappeared. Neupert and Kremer discuss the latest report on the industry in the region.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615, or email the show at ideas@wpr.org. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org
It is estimated that only 40% of Chippewa County residents are fully vaccinated. The number of vaccinations in the county have been trending down and have now dipped to their lowest point since January. This has local health officials concerned as we head into the summer with many events, including the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, scheduled to go on. Host Clara Neupert talks with Jenny Lenbom, a public health nurse from the Chippewa County Health Department, about the situation. They will also discuss how to stay safe at the fair and other summer events now open due to loosening restrictions.
Once an economic boon in western Wisconsin, frac sand mines have all but disappeared. Neupert and Kremer discuss the latest report on the industry in the region.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615, or email the show at ideas@wpr.org. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org
WESTconsin Credit Union Holds Summer Food Drive
WESTERN, WI--To help aid those in our community facing food insecurity, the WESTconsin Credit Union Summer Food Drive will kick off on Monday, June 14 and run through Saturday, June 26. WESTconsin will accept donations of non-perishable food items in offices. Additionally, monetary donations can be made at any WESTconsin office with a teller or through drive-ups. Proceeds will be distributed by the credit union to local food pantries.
“Over the last year, we had to forego collecting hard goods for our local food pantries and are very happy to finally be able to accept these items again,” says Stephanie Rasmussen, WESTconsin Credit Union Chief Experience Officer. She continues with a reminder that “monetary donations are also especially valuable because information shows food pantries have great buying power with monies available to them, and for every $1 in cash, they can purchase up to $10 worth of food.”
“Over the last year, we had to forego collecting hard goods for our local food pantries and are very happy to finally be able to accept these items again,” says Stephanie Rasmussen, WESTconsin Credit Union Chief Experience Officer. She continues with a reminder that “monetary donations are also especially valuable because information shows food pantries have great buying power with monies available to them, and for every $1 in cash, they can purchase up to $10 worth of food.”
CVTC News
CVTC HVACR Program Earns Accreditation
Eau Claire, WI - The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (HVAC) program at Chippewa Valley Technical College has been granted accreditation by HVAC Excellence, an organization established to improve technical competence in the industry.
Accreditation is an independent, third-party review of an educational program, comparing it to established, industry-accepted standards designed to ensure that the future workforce receives the training required for success in the industry. CVTC voluntarily pursued accreditation, completing a comprehensive review that demonstrated compliance with required standards. HVAC Excellence then sent a team to conduct an intense, onsite review of the program.
“This accreditation assures prospective students that the program has met or exceeded national standards and shows employer partners that CVTC has the resources and administrative support to professionally train the workforce,” said Adam Wehling, dean of Agriculture, Energy and Transportation. “CVTC is the only college in the WTCS system to have earned this accreditation.”
Accreditation is an independent, third-party review of an educational program, comparing it to established, industry-accepted standards designed to ensure that the future workforce receives the training required for success in the industry. CVTC voluntarily pursued accreditation, completing a comprehensive review that demonstrated compliance with required standards. HVAC Excellence then sent a team to conduct an intense, onsite review of the program.
“This accreditation assures prospective students that the program has met or exceeded national standards and shows employer partners that CVTC has the resources and administrative support to professionally train the workforce,” said Adam Wehling, dean of Agriculture, Energy and Transportation. “CVTC is the only college in the WTCS system to have earned this accreditation.”
UWEC News
Eau Claire-area Juneteenth celebration set for June 19 in Carson Park
Eau Claire-area Juneteenth celebration set for June 19 in Carson Park
Recognizing the official end of slavery in the U.S. every June 19, Juneteenth 2021 in Eau Claire once again will be a fully in-person gathering at Carson Park — a day of history, music, education and advocacy. Full story.
Recognizing the official end of slavery in the U.S. every June 19, Juneteenth 2021 in Eau Claire once again will be a fully in-person gathering at Carson Park — a day of history, music, education and advocacy. Full story.
Regents approve three new College of Business majors at UW-Eau Claire
Regents approve three new College of Business majors at UW-Eau Claire
Business students at UW-Eau Claire soon will have new opportunities to pursue degrees in three specialty areas that are expected to grow significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story.
Business students at UW-Eau Claire soon will have new opportunities to pursue degrees in three specialty areas that are expected to grow significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story.
First milestone reached for Science and Health Sciences Building project
First milestone reached for Science and Health Sciences Building project
A predesign and programming study for the building to replace the aging Phillips Hall was submitted to the state Department of Administration this month. Full story.
A predesign and programming study for the building to replace the aging Phillips Hall was submitted to the state Department of Administration this month. Full story.
Pursuing a career in biomedical research: May '21 graduate Jordan Munos
Pursuing a career in biomedical research: May '21 graduate Jordan Munos
What began as an undergraduate plan aimed at medical school became a series of research experiences that led Jordan Munos to a new goal in the medical field as a biomedical scientist and a doctoral program at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Full story.
What began as an undergraduate plan aimed at medical school became a series of research experiences that led Jordan Munos to a new goal in the medical field as a biomedical scientist and a doctoral program at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Full story.
The Small Street Journal
The Small Street Journal is a weekly publication providing local organizations/businesses a place to share their latest press releases. This blog's link is shared on all of the Chamber's social media platforms.
If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to stahlbusch@eauclairechamber.org
If you are interested in sharing your press releases on Small Street Journal, please email your press document to stahlbusch@eauclairechamber.org
Haller Awarded with $1,000 Scholarship from WESTconsin Credit Union
Chippewa Valley, WI--WESTconsin Credit Union, an advocate for education, has recently awarded thirteen $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors as part of the WESTconsin Scholarship Program. Recipients were selected based on
a variety of criteria including community and school involvement, academic progress, financial need, career plans, and goals.
Mattigan Haller, Eau Claire North High School graduate, was the chosen scholarship recipient from the Eau Claire, Altoona, and Chippewa Falls area. Haller will use the money to help fund her post-secondary education plans at Lawrence University, where she will be studying Biochemistry and Spanish.
For over 24 years, WESTconsin has distributed over $309,000 to help support the higher education goals of area students. Scholarships are awarded annually to youth members from communities served by WESTconsin offices.
a variety of criteria including community and school involvement, academic progress, financial need, career plans, and goals.
Mattigan Haller, Eau Claire North High School graduate, was the chosen scholarship recipient from the Eau Claire, Altoona, and Chippewa Falls area. Haller will use the money to help fund her post-secondary education plans at Lawrence University, where she will be studying Biochemistry and Spanish.
For over 24 years, WESTconsin has distributed over $309,000 to help support the higher education goals of area students. Scholarships are awarded annually to youth members from communities served by WESTconsin offices.
Prevea now providing nephrology care in Chippewa Falls and Rice Lake
Chippewa Falls – Prevea Health is pleased to now offer nephrology care to patients at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center and the Prevea Rice Lake Health Center with the addition of Dr. Jason Bydash.
Dr. Bydash, a board-certified and fellowship-trained nephrologist, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of:
“My practice is patient-centered and focused on the whole person,” said Dr. Bydash. “Patients can expect to have my undivided attention, a thorough evaluation and a treatment plan that encourages active participation and includes kidney-related health care goals while taking each patient’s perspective into account.”
Dr. Bydash graduated from Michigan State University of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine at Saint Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio and completed a fellowship in nephrology at the University of Minnesota.
Appointments with Dr. Bydash at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center, 2509 County Hwy I, or the Prevea Rice Lake Health Center, 1051 West Ave., can be made by calling (715) 717-3400 or online at www.prevea.com.
To learn more about nephrology and treatment options for kidney conditions and abnormalities visit: prevea.com/medical-services/Nephrology
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
Dr. Bydash, a board-certified and fellowship-trained nephrologist, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of:
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- Fluid, acid-base and electrolyte disorders
- High blood pressure
“My practice is patient-centered and focused on the whole person,” said Dr. Bydash. “Patients can expect to have my undivided attention, a thorough evaluation and a treatment plan that encourages active participation and includes kidney-related health care goals while taking each patient’s perspective into account.”
Dr. Bydash graduated from Michigan State University of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine at Saint Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio and completed a fellowship in nephrology at the University of Minnesota.
Appointments with Dr. Bydash at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center, 2509 County Hwy I, or the Prevea Rice Lake Health Center, 1051 West Ave., can be made by calling (715) 717-3400 or online at www.prevea.com.
To learn more about nephrology and treatment options for kidney conditions and abnormalities visit: prevea.com/medical-services/Nephrology
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
WESTconsin Credit Union Celebrates June Dairy Month
WESTERN, WI-- June Dairy Month started out as a way distribute extra milk during the warm months of summer. The commemoration was established in 1937 by grocer organizations sponsoring “National Milk Month.” By 1939, June became the official “dairy month” and is still celebrated today. For Wisconsin residents, this celebration seems to be especially significant as Wisconsin has over 9,500 licensed dairy farms and a million plus dairy cows, more per square mile than any other state.
“We know farming isn’t just a job, it is a lifestyle sustained by passion and hard work. We are happy to recognize those in our community who work on dairy farms and in the dairy industry,” says Stephanie Rasmussen, WESTconsin Credit Union Chief Experience Officer. To acknowledge our local dairy farmers and the industry, WESTconsin will have weekly giveaways throughout the month of June. To participate, please follow the WESTconsin Facebook page or visit the website at westconsincu.org to learn more.
“We know farming isn’t just a job, it is a lifestyle sustained by passion and hard work. We are happy to recognize those in our community who work on dairy farms and in the dairy industry,” says Stephanie Rasmussen, WESTconsin Credit Union Chief Experience Officer. To acknowledge our local dairy farmers and the industry, WESTconsin will have weekly giveaways throughout the month of June. To participate, please follow the WESTconsin Facebook page or visit the website at westconsincu.org to learn more.
The Eau Claire Community Foundation will kick off a year of celebration and fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits in honor of its upcoming 25th anniversary.
WHAT: Press conference announcing new opportunities for nonprofits
WHEN: Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire, WI 54701
WHO: Karl Murch, ECCF Board of Trustees Chair, and Sue Bornick, ECCF Executive Director
WHY: For almost 25 years, Eau Claire Community Foundation grants have provided vital financial support to Eau Claire’s nonprofits. As ECCF enters its next quarter century, it will involve the community in philanthropy by launching new ways for the public to support local nonprofits both now and for years to come.
An overview of the planned celebration will be announced at a press conference immediately before ECCF’s Annual Meeting begins.
WHEN: Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire, WI 54701
WHO: Karl Murch, ECCF Board of Trustees Chair, and Sue Bornick, ECCF Executive Director
WHY: For almost 25 years, Eau Claire Community Foundation grants have provided vital financial support to Eau Claire’s nonprofits. As ECCF enters its next quarter century, it will involve the community in philanthropy by launching new ways for the public to support local nonprofits both now and for years to come.
An overview of the planned celebration will be announced at a press conference immediately before ECCF’s Annual Meeting begins.
Huebsch Services Celebrates 130 Year Anniversary
Eau Claire, Wisconsin (June 2, 2021) – Huebsch Services is kicking off a celebration of 130 years of supporting customers and communities. If there is a theme throughout the 130-year history of Huebsch, it is that change is a constant. To survive and thrive through four generations of local family ownership, Huebsch has focused on innovating and staying connected to the local communities it supports. A more detailed history of the founding and history of Huebsch Services can be found here: https://huebsch-services.com/130-year-anniversary/
To celebrate this milestone, there are some special activities happening.
“Change is a constant,” said Jim Vaudreuil, Fourth Generation Owner and CEO. “The ability to adapt, innovate, and stay connected to our local communities over time is what keeps us going strong.”
About Huebsch Services
Huebsch Services serves over 6,000 customers in the West Central Wisconsin and the metropolitan areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN with offices in Eau Claire, WI and Eagan, MN. Huebsch is dedicated to helping others be successful. The company specializes in the sales and service of work uniforms, floor matting, and facility supplies.
Photos available upon request: Several Vintage Historical Photos from the 1891 - Today.
To celebrate this milestone, there are some special activities happening.
- 130 Huebsch customers will be randomly selected to be sent a special gift.
- Employees will have a covid-friendly celebration in July.
- Employees are committing to 130 Random Acts of Kindness in the community.
- Huebsch will offer private tour offerings.
“Change is a constant,” said Jim Vaudreuil, Fourth Generation Owner and CEO. “The ability to adapt, innovate, and stay connected to our local communities over time is what keeps us going strong.”
About Huebsch Services
Huebsch Services serves over 6,000 customers in the West Central Wisconsin and the metropolitan areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN with offices in Eau Claire, WI and Eagan, MN. Huebsch is dedicated to helping others be successful. The company specializes in the sales and service of work uniforms, floor matting, and facility supplies.
Photos available upon request: Several Vintage Historical Photos from the 1891 - Today.
WESTconsin Credit Union Opens New Office in Ellsworth
ELLSWORTH, WI--WESTconsin Credit Union is excited to announce the opening of their new office in Ellsworth, WI. The credit union has been operating in Nilssen’s Grocery since 2014 and is grateful for the opportunity to serve members from that location. Though as WESTconsin membership in the area has grown over time, so has the desire for additional space and drive-up services. The new office will provide members with additional conveniences, and the same staff and services they have come to expect from WESTconsin Credit Union.
Tara Buechner, Vice President of WESTconsin Ellsworth & Prescott Offices shares her excitement about the new office, “I love seeing a vision come to fruition!” She continues, “as a company, we took our time to get to know our members and the Ellsworth community over the years. When the opportunity arose, we consciously and skillfully blended the wants and needs of our members with our mission and growth plan as a credit union.”
Tara Buechner, Vice President of WESTconsin Ellsworth & Prescott Offices shares her excitement about the new office, “I love seeing a vision come to fruition!” She continues, “as a company, we took our time to get to know our members and the Ellsworth community over the years. When the opportunity arose, we consciously and skillfully blended the wants and needs of our members with our mission and growth plan as a credit union.”
Recent Law Graduate Justin Andrews Joins Weld Riley S.C.
Eau Claire WI –The law firm of Weld Riley, S.C. is pleased to announce Justin Andrews has joined the firm after receiving his Law degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in Minneapolis this May.
Since Justin is a recent graduate of a Minnesota law school, he will sit for the bar and will work towards being licensed in Wisconsin in September. Justin started on June 1st assisting other members of the firm with research and writing projects. Upon being licensed, Justin will begin working directly with Weld Riley clients.
Justin originally grew up on a farm in rural Boyceville, Wisconsin. After high school, he received his undergraduate degrees from Chippewa Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin – Stout, both in Criminal Justice. While in undergrad, Justin was always on the Dean’s List and received the prestigious University Chancellor’s Award of Academic Excellence.
While in law school, Justin participated in the Rosalie Wahl Moot Court and the Hamline Mock Trial Team. His personal interests include hiking, boxing, weightlifting, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview: Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting 4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
Since Justin is a recent graduate of a Minnesota law school, he will sit for the bar and will work towards being licensed in Wisconsin in September. Justin started on June 1st assisting other members of the firm with research and writing projects. Upon being licensed, Justin will begin working directly with Weld Riley clients.
Justin originally grew up on a farm in rural Boyceville, Wisconsin. After high school, he received his undergraduate degrees from Chippewa Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin – Stout, both in Criminal Justice. While in undergrad, Justin was always on the Dean’s List and received the prestigious University Chancellor’s Award of Academic Excellence.
While in law school, Justin participated in the Rosalie Wahl Moot Court and the Hamline Mock Trial Team. His personal interests include hiking, boxing, weightlifting, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
For more information and to schedule an interview: Press Contact: Abby Swiecichowski
STOKES|HERZOG Marketing and Consulting 4205 Southtowne Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
abby@stokesherzog.com
Per Mar Security Services Ranked #15 in SDM’s Top 100
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DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients based in Davenport, IA, is ranked 15th in SDM’s 2021 Top 100 list, moving up five spots from last year. The SDM 100 Report measures consumer dollars gained by security companies in order to present an account of the size of the market captured by the 100 largest residential and non-residential electronic security providers in the United States.
This marks the 31st consecutive year that Per Mar has held a ranking in the SDM 100 Report. Chris Edwards, President of Per Mar’s Electronic Security Division, said, “We are thrilled to have moved up five more spots to 15th on SDM’s Top 100 rankings. In one of the strangest and most challenging years anyone has experienced, our team was able to adapt and deliver amazing results. Our focus on driving customer satisfaction and net promoter scores to high levels paid off and is reflected in our growth. We are once again proud to be a part of this prestigious list.”
This marks the 31st consecutive year that Per Mar has held a ranking in the SDM 100 Report. Chris Edwards, President of Per Mar’s Electronic Security Division, said, “We are thrilled to have moved up five more spots to 15th on SDM’s Top 100 rankings. In one of the strangest and most challenging years anyone has experienced, our team was able to adapt and deliver amazing results. Our focus on driving customer satisfaction and net promoter scores to high levels paid off and is reflected in our growth. We are once again proud to be a part of this prestigious list.”
Meeting Notice: Executive Committee Agenda
West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, County Consortium Boards’
View attached agenda for more meeting information.
Eau Claire Banker To Serve as Past Chair on Wisconsin Bankers Association Board
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MADISON – Paul Kohler, president and CEO of Charter Bank in Eau Claire, will continue to serve the banking industry as the 2021–2022 past chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA).
The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing more than 200 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and over 21,000 employees.
“Paul’s leadership on the WBA Board and in the banking industry were especially valuable throughout the challenges of the past year,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We appreciate all that he has done and are glad to have him continue to serve on the board.”
Kohler has over 33 years of banking experience in the Chippewa Valley. He was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin and is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a degree in finance. For the past 25 years, he has worked at Charter Bank. He was promoted to bank president in February of 2011 and then to CEO and president in 2013. He has a passion for banking and serving clients. Besides banking, he spends most of his free time with his wife and daughters and by serving the community. He has served on numerous boards including the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chippewa Valley Technical College Foundation, the United Way, the Chippewa Valley Boy Scout Council, the Eau Claire Children’s Museum, Junior Achievement, and the Community Table. One of his favorite fundraisers was the local Dancing with the Eau Claire Stars, a fundraiser for the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre. Paul and his partner won first place and were also named fan favorites!
The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing more than 200 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and over 21,000 employees.
“Paul’s leadership on the WBA Board and in the banking industry were especially valuable throughout the challenges of the past year,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “We appreciate all that he has done and are glad to have him continue to serve on the board.”
Kohler has over 33 years of banking experience in the Chippewa Valley. He was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin and is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a degree in finance. For the past 25 years, he has worked at Charter Bank. He was promoted to bank president in February of 2011 and then to CEO and president in 2013. He has a passion for banking and serving clients. Besides banking, he spends most of his free time with his wife and daughters and by serving the community. He has served on numerous boards including the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chippewa Valley Technical College Foundation, the United Way, the Chippewa Valley Boy Scout Council, the Eau Claire Children’s Museum, Junior Achievement, and the Community Table. One of his favorite fundraisers was the local Dancing with the Eau Claire Stars, a fundraiser for the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre. Paul and his partner won first place and were also named fan favorites!
Tick season brings increased risk of Lyme disease
Tips for prevention, tick removal and bite treatment
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI – Lyme disease is the most common disease spread by the bite from an insect, with 30,000 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year. This number, however, does not reflect every case of Lyme Disease that is diagnosed annually.
Blacklegged ticks are the most common carrier of Lyme disease; these include deer ticks, wood ticks and lone star ticks, all of which are most active in Wisconsin from May to September.
Regi Geissler, registered nurse at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals says finding the tiny insects on people and pets early is important.
“If a bite leads to Lyme disease, and it’s untreated, it can produce a variety of symptoms including fever, rash, arthritis and facial paralysis in humans,” she said. “In pets Lyme disease can cause a loss of appetite, reduced energy, joint pain and even kidney failure which can be fatal.”
Blacklegged ticks are the most common carrier of Lyme disease; these include deer ticks, wood ticks and lone star ticks, all of which are most active in Wisconsin from May to September.
Regi Geissler, registered nurse at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals says finding the tiny insects on people and pets early is important.
“If a bite leads to Lyme disease, and it’s untreated, it can produce a variety of symptoms including fever, rash, arthritis and facial paralysis in humans,” she said. “In pets Lyme disease can cause a loss of appetite, reduced energy, joint pain and even kidney failure which can be fatal.”
The Eau Claire Community Foundation will celebrate its 25th Anniversary by providing more than $100,000 in grants to local nonprofits!
ECCF: THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
For almost 25 years, Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) grants have provided vital financial support to Eau Claire’s nonprofits. As ECCF enters its next quarter century, it will involve the community in philanthropy by launching a yearlong crowdfunding opportunity for local nonprofits. Not only will they raise funds through direct public donations, but their participation will make them eligible for bonus grants that, by the end of the year, will add up to more than $100,000! ECCF’s anniversary plans will officially launch at its Annual Meeting on June 3, 2021, and will culminate at its anniversary celebration in June 2022.
For almost 25 years, Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) grants have provided vital financial support to Eau Claire’s nonprofits. As ECCF enters its next quarter century, it will involve the community in philanthropy by launching a yearlong crowdfunding opportunity for local nonprofits. Not only will they raise funds through direct public donations, but their participation will make them eligible for bonus grants that, by the end of the year, will add up to more than $100,000! ECCF’s anniversary plans will officially launch at its Annual Meeting on June 3, 2021, and will culminate at its anniversary celebration in June 2022.
CVTC News
CVTC HVACR Program Earns Accreditation
Eau Claire, WI - The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (HVAC) program at Chippewa Valley Technical College has been granted accreditation by HVAC Excellence, an organization established to improve technical competence in the industry.
Accreditation is an independent, third-party review of an educational program, comparing it to established, industry-accepted standards designed to ensure that the future workforce receives the training required for success in the industry. CVTC voluntarily pursued accreditation, completing a comprehensive review that demonstrated compliance with required standards. HVAC Excellence then sent a team to conduct an intense, onsite review of the program.
Accreditation is an independent, third-party review of an educational program, comparing it to established, industry-accepted standards designed to ensure that the future workforce receives the training required for success in the industry. CVTC voluntarily pursued accreditation, completing a comprehensive review that demonstrated compliance with required standards. HVAC Excellence then sent a team to conduct an intense, onsite review of the program.
UW-Eau Claire News
Phil Rechek names program coordinator for UW-Eau Claire's Menard Center for Constitutional Studies
Phil Rechek named program coordinator for UW-Eau Claire's Menard Center for Constitutional Studies
Phil Rechek, an Eau Claire community member with years of experience in management and programming and a passion for the First Amendment, will serve as the first program coordinator for the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies at UW-Eau Claire. Full story.
Phil Rechek, an Eau Claire community member with years of experience in management and programming and a passion for the First Amendment, will serve as the first program coordinator for the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies at UW-Eau Claire. Full story.
Students' best friends: Therapy dogs bring year-end relief
Students’ best friends: Therapy dogs bring year-end relief
For years now, McIntyre Library has found fun and unique ways to support students in busy times like Welcome Week and final exams. After a year of COVID-19, the need for holistic support was higher than ever, and it was some dogs to the rescue. Full story.
For years now, McIntyre Library has found fun and unique ways to support students in busy times like Welcome Week and final exams. After a year of COVID-19, the need for holistic support was higher than ever, and it was some dogs to the rescue. Full story.
Community Health Assessment - Final Report for Eau Claire County
The results of the most recent Community Health Assessment for Eau Claire County are now available in final report form. The assessment process was used to review and prioritize local health concerns, many of which reflect similar findings in previous years. Those health areas that rose to the top in Eau Claire County included Drug Use, Mental Health, Alcohol Misuse, Obesity, and Healthy Nutrition.
As you may recall, local health partners began performing the Community Health Assessment this past fall. This process involved conducting a Community Health Survey; reviewing secondary data (local, state, and national health comparisons); holding virtual Community Conversations; and meeting with Eau Claire Healthy Communities. The results will be used to develop a Community Health Improvement Plan, which will be used to drive local health improvement efforts over the next three years (until the next Community Health Assessment).
The final report can be found on-line at http://bit.ly/ECHealthAssessment.
If you would like to help with local planning and implementation efforts through involvement in Eau Claire Healthy Communities, please e-mail ECHC at healthycommunities@co.eau-claire.wi.us.
As you may recall, local health partners began performing the Community Health Assessment this past fall. This process involved conducting a Community Health Survey; reviewing secondary data (local, state, and national health comparisons); holding virtual Community Conversations; and meeting with Eau Claire Healthy Communities. The results will be used to develop a Community Health Improvement Plan, which will be used to drive local health improvement efforts over the next three years (until the next Community Health Assessment).
The final report can be found on-line at http://bit.ly/ECHealthAssessment.
If you would like to help with local planning and implementation efforts through involvement in Eau Claire Healthy Communities, please e-mail ECHC at healthycommunities@co.eau-claire.wi.us.
Frandsen Bank & Trust Announces Market President For Eau Claire Office
EAU CLAIRE, WI: Frandsen Financial Corporation Executive Vice President and Regional Manager Dan Riebe announced that Melissa Peterson has been named Bank President of the Eau Claire office, effective May 17.
Peterson has over 13 years of banking experience, most recently as a commercial lender in Eau Claire. Prior to that she ran a bank office in Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Riebe said, “We are thrilled to have Melissa leading our Eau Claire team. Not only does she bring a wealth of banking experience to Frandsen, but prior to her banking career she served as chief financial officer for a manufacturing company. This unique perspective will benefit everyone from our manufacturing clients to our personal banking customers to the entire bank staff.”
Peterson has over 13 years of banking experience, most recently as a commercial lender in Eau Claire. Prior to that she ran a bank office in Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Riebe said, “We are thrilled to have Melissa leading our Eau Claire team. Not only does she bring a wealth of banking experience to Frandsen, but prior to her banking career she served as chief financial officer for a manufacturing company. This unique perspective will benefit everyone from our manufacturing clients to our personal banking customers to the entire bank staff.”
RCU News
New Chalk Your Walk Contest Brings People Outdoors for a Creative Competition
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Starting on May 24, 2021, the RCU Foundation will launch a new contest to promote creative outdoor activity and the upcoming Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic event. The Chalk Your Walk contest will take place from May 24 to June 2 with four $50 prizes and heavy bragging rights on the line.
Chalk Your Walk is sponsored by JAMF and challenges people to get outside to draw a classic hopscotch, an elaborate obstacle course, or just some great chalk art in their neighborhoods. Individuals, families, or groups can get involved and submit their entries for a chance to win. There are four categories for entries: most artistic, most interactive, most clever, and an overall winner. One winner in each category will receive a $50 pre-paid VISA along with bragging rights of being the Chalk Your Walk chalk master. To enter, go to www.rcu.org/Race and click the Enter Here button in the activities section. Entries should include the words Rock the Riverfront in or near the artwork to increase chances of winning and help spread the word about the event.
Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic is celebrating 27 years of running and walking to support organizations that make a difference in the communities that Royal Credit Union serves. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit three partner charities: The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire, and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake. Registration for this virtual event will be open through June 26. Participants can run or walk the 10K or 2 mile routes and youth can take part in a 1/2 mile course anytime between June 5 and June 28. Registration details are available at www.rcu.org/Race.
Chalk Your Walk is sponsored by JAMF and challenges people to get outside to draw a classic hopscotch, an elaborate obstacle course, or just some great chalk art in their neighborhoods. Individuals, families, or groups can get involved and submit their entries for a chance to win. There are four categories for entries: most artistic, most interactive, most clever, and an overall winner. One winner in each category will receive a $50 pre-paid VISA along with bragging rights of being the Chalk Your Walk chalk master. To enter, go to www.rcu.org/Race and click the Enter Here button in the activities section. Entries should include the words Rock the Riverfront in or near the artwork to increase chances of winning and help spread the word about the event.
Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic is celebrating 27 years of running and walking to support organizations that make a difference in the communities that Royal Credit Union serves. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit three partner charities: The Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire, and Northern Star Theatre Company in Rice Lake. Registration for this virtual event will be open through June 26. Participants can run or walk the 10K or 2 mile routes and youth can take part in a 1/2 mile course anytime between June 5 and June 28. Registration details are available at www.rcu.org/Race.
Royal Credit Union Announces Shred Events
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union will host shred events at several Royal offices during the month of June. Shred events are an opportunity for Members and the general public to properly dispose of their personal documents and files for free. Royal is partnering with ShredAway and Shred-it, document management and destruction companies that will safely dispose of documents. A limit of two brown paper grocery bags or one file-sized box will be enforced at all events to ensure everyone has a chance to shred their most critical documents. It is recommended to bring documents that contain confidential information such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, or other secure information. Acceptable items to shred include personal records, bills, receipts, books, bound paper, brochures, envelopes, file folders, CDs, and floppy media.
If you have confidential paperwork that you’ve been meaning to properly dispose of, let Royal make it easy for you. Take advantage of this opportunity to help protect yourself against identity theft. Royal will hold additional shred events in the fall.
Here is a complete list of upcoming shred events and locations:
Eau Claire South
Friday, June 11
8:00-9:00 a.m.
4501 Royal Dr
Eau Claire, WI
Edina
Friday, June 11
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
4450 W 76th Street
Edina, MN
Apple Valley
Saturday, June 12
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
14295 Cedar Avenue
Apple Valley, MN
Eau Claire West
Friday, June 18
8:00-9:00 a.m.
2415 Jodi Drive
Eau Claire, WI
Chippewa Falls South
Tuesday, June 22
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
1031 Woodward Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI
Menomonie North
Thursday, June 24th
5:00-6:00 p.m.
2615 Hils Court
Menomonie, WI
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
If you have confidential paperwork that you’ve been meaning to properly dispose of, let Royal make it easy for you. Take advantage of this opportunity to help protect yourself against identity theft. Royal will hold additional shred events in the fall.
Here is a complete list of upcoming shred events and locations:
Eau Claire South
Friday, June 11
8:00-9:00 a.m.
4501 Royal Dr
Eau Claire, WI
Edina
Friday, June 11
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
4450 W 76th Street
Edina, MN
Apple Valley
Saturday, June 12
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
14295 Cedar Avenue
Apple Valley, MN
Eau Claire West
Friday, June 18
8:00-9:00 a.m.
2415 Jodi Drive
Eau Claire, WI
Chippewa Falls South
Tuesday, June 22
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
1031 Woodward Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI
Menomonie North
Thursday, June 24th
5:00-6:00 p.m.
2615 Hils Court
Menomonie, WI
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.
Sun safety tips to prevent damage from harmful UV rays
National Sunscreen Day is Friday, May 28
Eau Claire– According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes. Health care experts strongly recommend using sunscreen year-round, but especially during summer months when the sun’s rays are most harmful.
Following guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the CDC, the Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital offers the following answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the use of sunscreen.
Who should wear sunscreen?
Everyone older than six months of age who will be spending any amount of time outside. It is not recommended that children younger than six months old are exposed to the sun’s rays for any length of time.
Do I only need to wear sunscreen when it’s sunny outside?
No. You should apply sunscreen every day if you will be outside. The sun emits harmful UV rays yar-round and even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate your skin. The reflection from sand, sun and even snow can increase the need for sunscreen.
What are Ultraviolet-A (UVA) and Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, and which are more harmful?
The sun’s UVB rays are the most harmful to skin, contributing to skin cancer and premature aging. All sunscreens contain protection against UVB rays, but not all provide protection from damaging UVA rays.
What sunscreen should I use?
To protect your skin from sunburn, early aging and skin cancer everyone should use sunscreen that offers the following:
Is a higher SPF sunscreen better than a lower SPF sunscreen?
Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Also, a higher number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplying sunscreen often.
How much sunscreen should I use and how often should I apply it?
The AAD recommends you apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin that clothing will not cover. Don’t forget to:
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. If you have a bottle of sunscreen that you have not used in some time, here are guidelines from the AAD:
In addition to regular sunscreen use, you can also protect yourself from the sun’s rays by limiting time in direct sunlight, using an umbrella for shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and wearing long sleeves and pants.
For more information on sun safety, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s Sunscreen Resource Center.
The Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center. To learn more, visit: www.prevea.com/cancer.
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across northern, eastern and western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
Following guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the CDC, the Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital offers the following answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the use of sunscreen.
Who should wear sunscreen?
Everyone older than six months of age who will be spending any amount of time outside. It is not recommended that children younger than six months old are exposed to the sun’s rays for any length of time.
Do I only need to wear sunscreen when it’s sunny outside?
No. You should apply sunscreen every day if you will be outside. The sun emits harmful UV rays yar-round and even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate your skin. The reflection from sand, sun and even snow can increase the need for sunscreen.
What are Ultraviolet-A (UVA) and Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, and which are more harmful?
The sun’s UVB rays are the most harmful to skin, contributing to skin cancer and premature aging. All sunscreens contain protection against UVB rays, but not all provide protection from damaging UVA rays.
What sunscreen should I use?
To protect your skin from sunburn, early aging and skin cancer everyone should use sunscreen that offers the following:
- Broad-spectrum coverage that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher.
- Water-resistance (effective for up to 40 minutes in water) or very water-resistant (effective for up to 80 minutes in water). Reapply after getting out of the water or sweating.
Is a higher SPF sunscreen better than a lower SPF sunscreen?
Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Also, a higher number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplying sunscreen often.
How much sunscreen should I use and how often should I apply it?
The AAD recommends you apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin that clothing will not cover. Don’t forget to:
- Apply to the top of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head
- Apply to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors
- Protect your lips by applying a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours, or after swimming, sweating or toweling off
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. If you have a bottle of sunscreen that you have not used in some time, here are guidelines from the AAD:
- The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years
- If the expiration date has passed, throw the sunscreen out
- If you buy a sunscreen that does not have an expiration date, write the date of purchase on the bottle
- Look for visible signs the sunscreen may no longer be effective – discoloration or change in the product’s consistency
In addition to regular sunscreen use, you can also protect yourself from the sun’s rays by limiting time in direct sunlight, using an umbrella for shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and wearing long sleeves and pants.
For more information on sun safety, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s Sunscreen Resource Center.
The Prevea Cancer Center at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center. To learn more, visit: www.prevea.com/cancer.
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across northern, eastern and western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
Eau Claire Tours Press Release
EAU CLAIRE, Wis.—Eau Claire Tours will be “Bringing the Past to Life” for the city of Eau Claire through self-guided walking and driving tours starting on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021. On this date, the Downtown Eau Claire Historical Walking tour will be available via the VoiceMap app, which is free. The tour costs $6.00, takes about 1 ½ hours, and is 2.3 miles long. There will be four more tours released throughout the year. Two of the walking tours will take place in downtown Eau Claire, with a third walking tour going through the 3rd ward and UW-Eau Claire campus. The two driving tours go through Carson park and other areas of Eau Claire that would be too far to walk.
For more information about the tours, go to the eauclairetours.com website or our Eau Claire Tours facebook page. On the website, you can purchase the tour code to enter in the VoiceMap app. After paying and receiving your code, enter it into the app, and head to the starting point to begin the tour.
For more information about the tours, go to the eauclairetours.com website or our Eau Claire Tours facebook page. On the website, you can purchase the tour code to enter in the VoiceMap app. After paying and receiving your code, enter it into the app, and head to the starting point to begin the tour.
L.E. Phillips Career Development Center's 32nd Annual Charity Golf Outing on August 6th, 2021 to Help Individuals With Disabilities and Disadvantages
May 25, 2021- EAU CLAIRE, WI. On Friday, August 6th, 2021 the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center will host their 32nd Annual Charity Golf Outing at Hickory Hills Golf Course. CDC hosts this annual golf outing to raise money to provide individuals with disabilities and disadvantages with meaningful and appropriate vocational services, employment opportunities and support services throughout the community. As a non-profit corporation, proceeds generated from this event will be utilized to upgrade facilities, purchase new equipment, and support our programs and services.
Every year we have over 350 golfers in attendance. Golfers enjoy games, prizes, raffles, a silent auction, food, drinks and much more!
CDC offers several different sponsorship opportunities that allow companies or individuals to participate and receive recognition for their sponsorship. Sponsorships can be donation of a silent auction item, sponsorship of the event, entry as an individual golfer or simply volunteer time to help out at the golf outing.
A cash drawing will also occur at the end of the outing. CDC has a Big Ticket raffle drawing with the grand prize being $5,000! There are more than $9,000 in cash prizes that will be given out to 15 winners. Only 250 tickets are being sold, which means each entree has a 6% chance of winning! Participants do not need to be present to win.
To learn more about participating in the 32nd Annual Charity Golf Outing, call 715-834-2771 ext.118.
Every year we have over 350 golfers in attendance. Golfers enjoy games, prizes, raffles, a silent auction, food, drinks and much more!
CDC offers several different sponsorship opportunities that allow companies or individuals to participate and receive recognition for their sponsorship. Sponsorships can be donation of a silent auction item, sponsorship of the event, entry as an individual golfer or simply volunteer time to help out at the golf outing.
A cash drawing will also occur at the end of the outing. CDC has a Big Ticket raffle drawing with the grand prize being $5,000! There are more than $9,000 in cash prizes that will be given out to 15 winners. Only 250 tickets are being sold, which means each entree has a 6% chance of winning! Participants do not need to be present to win.
To learn more about participating in the 32nd Annual Charity Golf Outing, call 715-834-2771 ext.118.
Restorative Justice On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”
Eau Claire, Wis. – The restorative justice program in Barron County will be the topic of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, May 28 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls.
Barron County Restorative Justice Programs (BCRJP) defines the term "restorative justice" as a set of principles that position crime as a violation of trust between people. Restorative justice is centered around giving voice to the victim, holding offenders accountable and helping to heal the harm caused. Host Clara Neupert welcomes Monika Audette and Mary Hoeft, co-authors of “From A Single Pebble: Barron County Restorative Justice Programs.” Audette is program operations leader of BCRJP, a program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin. Hoeft is professor emeritus of Communication Arts at the UW-Eau Claire-Barron County and volunteer restorative conference facilitator for BCRJP. They are joined by Kelly Hoeft, school community outreach worker for BCRJP.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615, or email the show at ideas@wpr.org. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org
Barron County Restorative Justice Programs (BCRJP) defines the term "restorative justice" as a set of principles that position crime as a violation of trust between people. Restorative justice is centered around giving voice to the victim, holding offenders accountable and helping to heal the harm caused. Host Clara Neupert welcomes Monika Audette and Mary Hoeft, co-authors of “From A Single Pebble: Barron County Restorative Justice Programs.” Audette is program operations leader of BCRJP, a program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin. Hoeft is professor emeritus of Communication Arts at the UW-Eau Claire-Barron County and volunteer restorative conference facilitator for BCRJP. They are joined by Kelly Hoeft, school community outreach worker for BCRJP.
“The West Side” is broadcast each Friday at 10 a.m. on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls and live streamed at wrfw887.com/listen-live.html. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at (800) 228-5615, or email the show at ideas@wpr.org. Archives of “The West Side” are available at wpr.org/programs/west-side.
About Wisconsin Public Radio
For over 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community - we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Listen, learn more and donate at www.wpr.org
Sports physical examination appointments
Eau Claire – Multiple Prevea health centers throughout the Chippewa Valley are now scheduling appointments for sports physical examinations in July.
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) requires student-athletes to complete a sports physical every other year. During a physical, a Prevea provider will take your child’s complete health history, perform an orthopedic screening, examine the heart and lungs, and make sure the student is at his or her best to compete.
If your child needs a physical this year, schedule an appointment well before the season starts. The forms your child and provider will need to complete and turn into the school can be found here.
Sports physicals are available at the following Prevea locations and can be made by calling the health centers directly. For days and times of the physical examinations available at each location, please visit:
www.prevea.com/wiaa-physicals
Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building
(715) 717-3375
Prevea Augusta Health Center
(715) 286-2270
Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center
(715) 717-3375
Prevea Health – Eau Claire
(715) 839-5175
Sports physical examinations cost $20 and all proceeds will be donated to the athletic department of the school the athlete/patient plays for. Athletes/patients can also request their payment be donated to their sport club.
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across northern, eastern and western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) requires student-athletes to complete a sports physical every other year. During a physical, a Prevea provider will take your child’s complete health history, perform an orthopedic screening, examine the heart and lungs, and make sure the student is at his or her best to compete.
If your child needs a physical this year, schedule an appointment well before the season starts. The forms your child and provider will need to complete and turn into the school can be found here.
Sports physicals are available at the following Prevea locations and can be made by calling the health centers directly. For days and times of the physical examinations available at each location, please visit:
www.prevea.com/wiaa-physicals
Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building
(715) 717-3375
Prevea Augusta Health Center
(715) 286-2270
Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center
(715) 717-3375
Prevea Health – Eau Claire
(715) 839-5175
Sports physical examinations cost $20 and all proceeds will be donated to the athletic department of the school the athlete/patient plays for. Athletes/patients can also request their payment be donated to their sport club.
About Prevea Health
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across northern, eastern and western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.
HOOPS Celebrates 25th Anniversary
In May of 1996, Dave Hanson founded HOOPS, an accounting software company based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. From the very beginning, the HOOPS family has been focused on helping local businesses use business applications to improve their processes.
Over the years, HOOPS has grown to provide software and support for all phases of business including Distribution, Warehouse Management, e-Commerce, Payroll, and Field Service.
Dave retired in March of 2020 and his son Josh is continuing the mission of supporting local businesses. Due to an amazing community, client base, and team, HOOPS celebrated its 25th anniversary this year!
About HOOPS
The goal at HOOPS is to implement business management software and applications that not only fit the size and processes of a business, but provide the flexibility needed to operate in the fast-paced, modern business environment.
HOOPS Business Management Software, powered by Acumatica, streamlines your most essential business functions into a single application, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
A major step up from Quickbooks and Sage, Acumatica keeps you connected to day-to-day operations, including integrated workflows with Financials, Project Accounting, Inventory Management, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
To learn more about HOOPS, please visit hoopsinc.com.
Over the years, HOOPS has grown to provide software and support for all phases of business including Distribution, Warehouse Management, e-Commerce, Payroll, and Field Service.
Dave retired in March of 2020 and his son Josh is continuing the mission of supporting local businesses. Due to an amazing community, client base, and team, HOOPS celebrated its 25th anniversary this year!
About HOOPS
The goal at HOOPS is to implement business management software and applications that not only fit the size and processes of a business, but provide the flexibility needed to operate in the fast-paced, modern business environment.
HOOPS Business Management Software, powered by Acumatica, streamlines your most essential business functions into a single application, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
A major step up from Quickbooks and Sage, Acumatica keeps you connected to day-to-day operations, including integrated workflows with Financials, Project Accounting, Inventory Management, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
To learn more about HOOPS, please visit hoopsinc.com.
Maggie M. McLoone Joins Weld Riley S.C. as a Law Clerk
Eau Claire WI – The law firm of Weld Riley, S.C. is pleased to announce Maggie M. McLoone has joined the firm as a summer law clerk.
“The Weld Riley team is excited to have Maggie with us for the summer,” said Weld Riley President John Robert Behling. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Maggie’s background and skillset join us for the summer. During her tenure at the firm, Maggie will work in all areas of the practice of law.”
Maggie is currently attending Marquette University School of Law and will graduate in 2022. At Marquette, Maggie is the co-founder and treasurer for the Muslim Law Student Association. She is also the treasurer for the Children and Family Law Society. Maggie is from the City of Stanley and her hobbies include reading and spending time with her niece and her pets.
“I am enthusiastic about being back in Northwestern Wisconsin for the summer gaining real life experience with the great legal team at Weld Riley,” said Maggie M. McLoone.
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
“The Weld Riley team is excited to have Maggie with us for the summer,” said Weld Riley President John Robert Behling. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Maggie’s background and skillset join us for the summer. During her tenure at the firm, Maggie will work in all areas of the practice of law.”
Maggie is currently attending Marquette University School of Law and will graduate in 2022. At Marquette, Maggie is the co-founder and treasurer for the Muslim Law Student Association. She is also the treasurer for the Children and Family Law Society. Maggie is from the City of Stanley and her hobbies include reading and spending time with her niece and her pets.
“I am enthusiastic about being back in Northwestern Wisconsin for the summer gaining real life experience with the great legal team at Weld Riley,” said Maggie M. McLoone.
Weld Riley, S.C. was founded in 1991. The firm consists of lawyers across four offices (Eau Claire, Menomonie, Wausau and Black River Falls) and offers a full range of legal services, including labor and employment, business law, estate planning, municipal law, mining and mineral rights, environmental law, banking and creditor rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.
The Eau Claire Community Foundation will kick off a year of celebration and fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits in honor of its upcoming 25th anniversary.
WHAT: Press conference announcing new opportunities for nonprofits
WHEN: Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire, WI 54701
WHO: Karl Murch, ECCF Board of Trustees Chair, and Sue Bornick, ECCF Executive Director
WHY: For almost 25 years, Eau Claire Community Foundation grants have provided vital financial support to Eau Claire’s nonprofits. As ECCF enters its next quarter century, it will involve the community in philanthropy by launching new ways for the public to support local nonprofits both now and for years to come.
An overview of the planned celebration will be announced at a press conference immediately before ECCF’s Annual Meeting begins.
WHEN: Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire, WI 54701
WHO: Karl Murch, ECCF Board of Trustees Chair, and Sue Bornick, ECCF Executive Director
WHY: For almost 25 years, Eau Claire Community Foundation grants have provided vital financial support to Eau Claire’s nonprofits. As ECCF enters its next quarter century, it will involve the community in philanthropy by launching new ways for the public to support local nonprofits both now and for years to come.
An overview of the planned celebration will be announced at a press conference immediately before ECCF’s Annual Meeting begins.
Junior Achievement Hosts Annual Golf Outing & Virtual Auction
Eau Claire, Wisconsin – The 25th annual JA Golf Outing takes place next Thursday, June 3 at Wild Ridge Golf Course. The event is accommodating golfers of all abilities to play 18 holes of golf at Wild Ridge event starting at 11 a.m. The annual golf outing provides funds to deliver JA programs to area youth in the classroom. Last year, Junior Achievement, Northwest Wisconsin impacted nearly 18,000 K-12 students in more than 900 classrooms throughout western and northern Wisconsin.
Scheels is this year’s Presenting Partner and Title Sponsor along with Great Northern Corporation and Ken Vance Motors are this year’s Presenting Sponsors. There are partnerships and support from numerous area businesses, including media partners Fox 25/48 and Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Sports Talk 105.1. Junior Achievement is pleased that so many business leaders in the community support economic, career and financial programs in the classroom. "There is a need now more than ever to expose our youth to financial literacy programs and career exploration,” said Susan Peterson, Junior Achievement Director. “The JA Golf Outing is our kick-off fundraiser for the upcoming school year to raise necessary funds to deliver these programs to area youth. Events like the golf outing allow us to impact students in the Chippewa Valley and surrounding 20 counties."
Scheels is this year’s Presenting Partner and Title Sponsor along with Great Northern Corporation and Ken Vance Motors are this year’s Presenting Sponsors. There are partnerships and support from numerous area businesses, including media partners Fox 25/48 and Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Sports Talk 105.1. Junior Achievement is pleased that so many business leaders in the community support economic, career and financial programs in the classroom. "There is a need now more than ever to expose our youth to financial literacy programs and career exploration,” said Susan Peterson, Junior Achievement Director. “The JA Golf Outing is our kick-off fundraiser for the upcoming school year to raise necessary funds to deliver these programs to area youth. Events like the golf outing allow us to impact students in the Chippewa Valley and surrounding 20 counties."
CVTC Graduation Stories
New Focus Helps CVTC Grad Turn Life Around
Olivia Harmer found an applied approach worked better for her
Eau Claire, WI - A “heart-to-heart" conversation with her father helped Chippewa Valley Technical College graduate Olivia Harmer turn her life around. Now, newly confident in her abilities, she is ready to embark on a career after completing the Radiography program at CVTC, and since she has ties to various parts of the country, her horizons are virtually limitless.
Harmer delivered the student speaker’s address at CVTC’s virtual Spring Graduation Celebration Friday, May 21. She was one of 839 graduates in 72 programs honored and one of four Radiography graduates. The largest group of graduates was 100 in the Nursing-Associate Degree program, followed by 54 in Business Management ad 41 in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement. Also honored were 12 students who completed their High School Equivalency Diploma since the previous graduation in December.
Harmer, 29, struggled for years, failing to meet expectations for herself due to struggles with mental illness. Today, after changing her focus to an applied approach, she is doing much better.
Harmer delivered the student speaker’s address at CVTC’s virtual Spring Graduation Celebration Friday, May 21. She was one of 839 graduates in 72 programs honored and one of four Radiography graduates. The largest group of graduates was 100 in the Nursing-Associate Degree program, followed by 54 in Business Management ad 41 in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement. Also honored were 12 students who completed their High School Equivalency Diploma since the previous graduation in December.
Harmer, 29, struggled for years, failing to meet expectations for herself due to struggles with mental illness. Today, after changing her focus to an applied approach, she is doing much better.
IT Program Brings Sibling CVTC Grads Closer
Sean and Keri Bonfoey of Chippewa Falls graduate together
Eau Claire, WI - For the past two years, at the end of each semester, a pair of Chippewa Valley Technical College IT-Network Specialist students compared their grade reports. They weren’t just a couple of friends in the program asking one another how they did. This was a comparison with a familial edge to it.
Keri and Sean Bonfoey are sister and brother, and a pair of siblings with a reputation for fighting with one another. In the end, though, it’s all good between the new CVTC graduates.
Keri and Sean were among 839 graduates in 72 programs honored Friday, May 21, at the CVTC virtual Spring Graduation Celebration. They were among 24 IT-Network Specialist graduates. The largest group of graduates was 100 in the Nursing-Associate Degree program, followed by 54 in Business Management ad 41 in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement. Also honored were 12 students who completed their High School Equivalency Diploma since the previous graduation in December.
Keri and Sean Bonfoey are sister and brother, and a pair of siblings with a reputation for fighting with one another. In the end, though, it’s all good between the new CVTC graduates.
Keri and Sean were among 839 graduates in 72 programs honored Friday, May 21, at the CVTC virtual Spring Graduation Celebration. They were among 24 IT-Network Specialist graduates. The largest group of graduates was 100 in the Nursing-Associate Degree program, followed by 54 in Business Management ad 41 in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement. Also honored were 12 students who completed their High School Equivalency Diploma since the previous graduation in December.
CVTC Prepares for Year of Construction, Transition
District Board approves 2021-22 budget for publication, public input
Eau Claire, WI - A year of new construction rising from the ground, the opening of the first building approved in the April 2020 referendum and serving students and the community in new ways is in the works at Chippewa Valley Technical College. The CVTC District Board gave preliminary approval Thursday, May 28, to a budget that will provide the framework for the new fiscal year beginning July 1.
On the immediate horizon is saying a fond farewell to current CVTC President Bruce Barker, who will retire just as the new year starts, making way for new president Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia.
“CVTC will greatly miss Bruce and the tremendous difference he has made, said Paul Bauer, CVTC board chair.” We welcome Dr. Beaton-Garcia’s leadership as we enter the next chapter of CVTC’s growth and development. She is a dynamic, engaging, and thoughtful leader with a proven track record.”
On the immediate horizon is saying a fond farewell to current CVTC President Bruce Barker, who will retire just as the new year starts, making way for new president Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia.
“CVTC will greatly miss Bruce and the tremendous difference he has made, said Paul Bauer, CVTC board chair.” We welcome Dr. Beaton-Garcia’s leadership as we enter the next chapter of CVTC’s growth and development. She is a dynamic, engaging, and thoughtful leader with a proven track record.”
UWEC NEWS
Students Work Together to Capture Stories about Life During COVID-19 for SPanish-Speaking Populations
Students work together to capture stories about life during COVID-19 for Spanish-speaking populations
A team of UW-Eau Claire faculty and students who are studying public history, Latin American studies, Spanish and nursing are working together to capture stories about what life has been like during COVID-19 for Spanish-speaking populations in the region. Full story.
A team of UW-Eau Claire faculty and students who are studying public history, Latin American studies, Spanish and nursing are working together to capture stories about what life has been like during COVID-19 for Spanish-speaking populations in the region. Full story.
New Grad Ready to Soar as Commissioned Officer in U.S. Marine Corps
New grad ready to soar as commissioned officer in U.S. Marine Corps
Chad Schultz earned a degree in marketing in May, which, fittingly, is National Military Appreciation Month. He already has graduated from the Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School and soon will begin flight school to become an aviator. Full story.
Chad Schultz earned a degree in marketing in May, which, fittingly, is National Military Appreciation Month. He already has graduated from the Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School and soon will begin flight school to become an aviator. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire, UW-Eau Claire – Barron County, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout relax requirements for vaccinated individuals
Starting June 1, University of Wisconsin System schools in Eau Claire, Menomonie and River Falls will relax their face covering and physical distancing requirements on campus for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The updates to campus health and safety guidelines at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout and UW-River Falls reflect recent COVID-19 guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and local public health agencies.
“Through our actions, UW-Eau Claire and other western Wisconsin universities have shown we care deeply about the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, but also about the communities where we live and work every day,” says UW-Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt. “Our campus communities understood that the only way to combat COVID-19 was together by wearing masks, physical distancing, getting tested and now being vaccinated. We now enthusiastically look forward to the return to a normal campus environment this fall.”
“On behalf of UW-River Falls, I am deeply grateful for the work of our campus community to help mitigate the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said UW-River Falls Interim Chancellor Connie Foster. “This commitment to following our campus health and safety guidance is now paying off and we are finally able to begin returning to what we know to be our most effective ways of educating and interacting with our students and of collaborating with each other.”
“The health and safety of our employees and the community have been at the forefront of our planning efforts, and we are pleased to have reached this milestone,” says UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank. “As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, it is especially important that we are able to resume regular operations this fall to support our students’ success through access to laboratories, studios, and facilities. Our faculty, staff, and students have responded tremendously in support of the health and safety measures, and I am confident that they will continue their efforts for a successful fall return by continuing the necessary precautions, including vaccinations.”
The chancellors strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to receive the vaccine. People who are not fully vaccinated will be required to continue to be tested and follow masking and physical distancing requirements.
For more information regarding each university’s guidelines, visit the following links:
UW-Eau Claire: https://www.uwec.edu/coronavirus-updates/
UW-River Falls: https://www.uwrf.edu/Falcons-Forward
UW-Stout: https://www.uwstout.edu/covid-19-coronavirus-planning-and-preparedness
The updates to campus health and safety guidelines at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout and UW-River Falls reflect recent COVID-19 guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and local public health agencies.
“Through our actions, UW-Eau Claire and other western Wisconsin universities have shown we care deeply about the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, but also about the communities where we live and work every day,” says UW-Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt. “Our campus communities understood that the only way to combat COVID-19 was together by wearing masks, physical distancing, getting tested and now being vaccinated. We now enthusiastically look forward to the return to a normal campus environment this fall.”
“On behalf of UW-River Falls, I am deeply grateful for the work of our campus community to help mitigate the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said UW-River Falls Interim Chancellor Connie Foster. “This commitment to following our campus health and safety guidance is now paying off and we are finally able to begin returning to what we know to be our most effective ways of educating and interacting with our students and of collaborating with each other.”
“The health and safety of our employees and the community have been at the forefront of our planning efforts, and we are pleased to have reached this milestone,” says UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank. “As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, it is especially important that we are able to resume regular operations this fall to support our students’ success through access to laboratories, studios, and facilities. Our faculty, staff, and students have responded tremendously in support of the health and safety measures, and I am confident that they will continue their efforts for a successful fall return by continuing the necessary precautions, including vaccinations.”
The chancellors strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to receive the vaccine. People who are not fully vaccinated will be required to continue to be tested and follow masking and physical distancing requirements.
For more information regarding each university’s guidelines, visit the following links:
UW-Eau Claire: https://www.uwec.edu/coronavirus-updates/
UW-River Falls: https://www.uwrf.edu/Falcons-Forward
UW-Stout: https://www.uwstout.edu/covid-19-coronavirus-planning-and-preparedness
College of Business students make a difference for L.E. Phillips Career Development Center
College of Business students make a difference for L.E. Phillips Career Development Center
During the 2021 spring semester, UW-Eau Claire College of Business students in the “Advanced Sales Topics” course were engaged in a semester long project with the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center by helping them sell sponsorships. The students hit a “hole-in-one” by securing over $53,000 in sponsorships, more than double the original goal. Full story.
During the 2021 spring semester, UW-Eau Claire College of Business students in the “Advanced Sales Topics” course were engaged in a semester long project with the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center by helping them sell sponsorships. The students hit a “hole-in-one” by securing over $53,000 in sponsorships, more than double the original goal. Full story.
Continuing Education announces June program offerings
Continuing Education announces June program offerings
UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education will present a variety of online programs, with topics including motivational interviewing, grant writing, foot and nail care education, strategic problem-solving and more. Full story.
UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education will present a variety of online programs, with topics including motivational interviewing, grant writing, foot and nail care education, strategic problem-solving and more. Full story.
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