Loyal Student is Wisconsin State Winner of Prestigious Essay Competition  Loyal High School student Olivia Piller was recognized as the Wisconsin state winner of the SIFMA Foundation’s Fall 2020 InvestWrite competition with her essay on how challenges can create opportunities in the global economy and in life. The InvestWrite national essay competition bridges classroom learning in math, social studies, and language arts with the practical research and knowledge required for saving, investing and long-term planning. Piller was introduced to the InvestWrite competition through her participation in the Draper Hills Financial Literacy Program, which serves students in the School District of Loyal. This program is funded by the Draper Hills Financial Literacy Endowment, a fund of the Eau Claire Community Foundation. Founded by Dr. Eldon Hill, a native of Loyal who spent many years as a doctor in Eau Claire, the vision of the Draper Hills Financial Literacy Program is to “equip, encourage, and empower Loyal students to become financially free.” Save the Date: Healthcare Appreciation EventPlease join us on Thursday, April 22nd, for breakfast or lunch, or Friday, April 23rd for breakfast, as we show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work as we continue to push through this pandemic. Bring a business card or fill our your information to win some prizes! Eau Claire’s Women’s Giving Circle Invites the Community to its Annual Spring Gathering  Come join members of the Women’s Giving Circle for their annual Spring Gathering! This free online event will begin at 6:00 p.m. on May 3, 2021. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Women’s Giving Circle and hear from some of the nonprofit organizations they've supported. You don't have to be a WGC member to attend; everyone is welcome! The Women’s Giving Circle awarded the following grants for use in 2021:
Creative Economy Month Launches on May 1, 2021Eau Claire, Wis.: Eau Claire is celebrating the contributions of the arts to the economic and cultural fabric of our community in May, and events will include some big reveals for public art in the community. More than 20 events will take place throughout the month. Some highlights include a kickoff event featuring the artists at Artisan Forge Studios on May 1 and 2, a month-long Gallery Window Walk featuring local art exhibits at 26 businesses in Eau Claire, silk painting lessons, pasta making class, a culinary entrepreneur panel discussion, Pablo Center’s launch of the 2021 GO Paint! series, and Pablo Streams musical performances. Three events during May will provide public art for the community long after Creative Economy Month. Kicking off on May 1st at Artisan Forge Studios, the ”Scraposaurs” traveling exhibit by Dale Lewis, including 14 large dinosaur sculptures, will be revealed and on display for several months. The ever-popular Sculpture Tour Eau Claire will be installing and unveiling new sculptures for the 2021 season the week of May 17. The tour, now in its 11th year, will have the sculptures on display in the downtown area for the next 11 months. On May 29, a sculpture will be unveiled in Haymarket Plaza. Designed and created by San Francisco-based sculptor, Michael Szabo, the 16-foot Eddies sculpture will be on permanent display in the plaza. Phillips Medisize - Job Fair for Menomonie SiteBoys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley - 2021 Virtual Youth of the Year GalaThe Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley announces our 2nd virtual Youth of the Year Gala. Join us for the weeklong event from April 26th -30th . Throughout the week we will feature our Clubs located in Black River Falls, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Menomonie: highlights to include tours of the Clubs, Junior Youth of the Year Interview, and activities around our programming for that day, with Friday celebrating Art Day and a compilation of the week’s events. Join in the fun starting on Monday, April 26th featuring the Lunda Center in Black River Falls, highlighting how we keep kids active and engaged through our Sports & Recreation Programming! Tuesday, April 27th will be Leadership Day in our Chippewa Falls Center showcasing what the kids do throughout the community. Wednesday, April 28th is Education Day in our Menomonie Center highlighting our Academic Achievement programs. Thursday is Health & Wellness Day at the Lee & Mary Markquart Center in Eau Claire where you can watch the kids utilize the skills that they learn. Friday is an all-center Arts Day! Kids will be sharing various art projects that they have been working on for the last few months and that will be showcased in our silent auction! Business Partners & EPIC21 Peer Groups Bring Renown Motivational Speaker to Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI—The local Business Partners Peer Group and EPIC21 Peers-in-Conference are pleased to bring Dan Meers, Kansas City Chiefs Mascot to the area. His presentation will be delivered as a hybrid event by Perigon with WIN Technology at 29 Pines Conference Center in Eau Claire on Wednesday, May 5, from 8:00 am-10:00 am. Dan strives for the best in life and will encourage you to do the same through an entertaining event. He will encourage participants to enhance their personal and professional career through an impactful and inspirational speech, drawing from his own near-death experience on a bungee and zip line stunt at Arrowhead Stadium. Dan plummeted 75 feet into the stadium seats. He will share important lessons about leadership and life drawing from this harrowing event. Dan travels throughout the United States and the world entertaining thousands of people both in and out of costume. Dan is in high demand not only as a mascot but also as a humorous and motivational speaker to audiences of all ages. His enthusiasm, optimism, and love for life are contagious and makes Dan an inspiration to all those he meets.  Protect Your Identity with Free Document Shredding Services WESTERN, WI— Add document shredding to your spring cleaning list! WESTconsin Credit Union is offering free, community shred events in the area. Prepare for the new season by taking steps to protect your identity, and securely dispose of sensitive documents at one of the following times: Tuesday, April 27
Eau Claire Jazz Festival And Dean Kallenbach On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West” Eau Claire, Wis. - Director and Head of Jazz Studies at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Robert Baca joins host Al Ross on “Spectrum West” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 22 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Baca previews the upcoming 2021 Eau Claire Jazz Festival, a virtual event set to take place on Friday, April 23. The event, “A Night of Local Legends” features Sean Carey, Sue Orfield, Jeremy Boettcher and Josh Gallagher. Ross continues to celebrate National Poetry Month with Bruce Taylor, UW-Eau Claire emeritus professor and former Eau Claire poet laureate. Taylor will share his recent work and reflect on the past year. Freshly retired as WPR’s western Wisconsin Regional Manager, Dean Kallenbach returns as a guest of the program. Kallenbach reflects on his 35-year career on public radio as regional manager and host of the regional news show “The West Side.” Special correspondent Jim Oliver is back, and shares his conversation with Patricia Skalka, author of the Dave Kubiak Door County mysteries. “Death Washes Ashore,” is the fifth and latest edition to the series. “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. Earth Day On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”Eau Claire, Wis. - Local farmers and their relationship to the western Wisconsin environment will be the topic on the Earth Day-themed episode of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, April 23 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Host Clara Neupert welcomes Steve Anderson from Anderson’s Maple Syrup in Cumberland, Randy Rykal, a honey bee keeper from Cadott, and Yvonne Swope, owner of the Meadowbrook Cranberry Company in Exeland. Neupert and her guests will discuss their work, and how they’re changing their businesses to meet demands for environmentally conscious, locally-produced goods. “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 Junior Achievement Awards Scholarships at Annual JA Business Challenge Eau Claire, WI—More than 50 students from 5 high schools across northwestern Wisconsin competed for scholarships last week at the Northwest Central Regional Virtual JA Business Challenge. After a morning of strategizing with local business professionals, high school students reaped the benefit of their efforts and won post-secondary scholarships. Junior Achievement is pleased to announce this year’s JA Business Challenge 2021 scholarship winners: First Place: Thor Sather, Kyle Jarmusic, and Wylee Huset from Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School each won $600 scholarships provided by the Great Northern Corporation’s Mark Orendorff Memorial Scholarship. The team was mentored by Doug Westholm from Jennie-O Turkey Store. Second Place: Madison Andrews, Lacota Brown, and Kyle Lipke from Boyceville High School each won $400 scholarships provided by WESTconsin Credit Union. The team was mentored by Sam Gearing of State Farm Insurance Company. Third Place: Bash Nielson and Jacob Granley from Boyceville High School each won $200 scholarships provided by Market & Johnson. The team was mentored by Sam Gearing of State Farm Insurance Company. The first and second place teams will compete at the state Wisconsin JA Business Challenge competition set for Tuesday, May 4, 2021, through a web-based videoconferencing platform. Prevea Health now accepting walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccination at community clinic locations in Green Bay, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan and Chippewa Falls Green Bay, Wis. – In an effort to make receiving a COVID-19 vaccine even easier for our community, Prevea Health is now accepting walk-ins at four of its Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations in Wisconsin during specific times until further notice: Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at UW-Green Bay, Kress Events Center, 2358 Leon Bond Dr., Green Bay Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, One University Dr., Sheboygan Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Jacob’s Well Church, 3211 N. 50th Ave., Chippewa Falls Walk-ins will be accepted at these locations at specific times of the day. This information can be found by visiting www.prevea.com/vaccine or calling 1 (833) 344-4373. Per the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, everyone in Wisconsin ages 16 and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. Anyone who wishes to receive a vaccination at the above locations outside of the walk-in-hours, or at our other locations not listed above – must make an appointment. All Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations, times and vaccine information can be found at: www.prevea.com/vaccine How to make an appointment The fastest way to get an appointment scheduled is with MyPrevea; all available appointments will be current in MyPrevea. Visit www.myprevea.com to set up an account at no cost. You do not have to be a Prevea patient to make an appointment or to sign up for a MyPrevea account. MyPrevea is also available as an app on any smartphone or other device. If you do not have access or are unable to use the internet, please call 1 (833) 344-4373. 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. Free virtual presentation on non-surgical options for hip and knee pain: May 12 via Zoom with Prevea Health’s Dr. Berkin Ulgen  Eau Claire – Those who suffer from hip or knee pain are invited to a free virtual presentation hosted by Prevea Health on Wednesday, May 12, via Zoom. The presentation will be led by Prevea Health sports medicine and family medicine physician, Dr. Berkin Ulgen and will focus on non-surgical treatment options for hip and knee pain. The Q&A discussion will also highlight some of the newest options for treatments. There is no charge for the virtual presentation, but you must register ahead of time. Free virtual event: Hip and knee pain and treatment options with Dr. Berkin Ulgen
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, viswww.prevea.com. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital offers community garden plot: Gardeners needed to grow and donate food Chippewa Falls, WI – For the ninth year, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is offering free garden plots to community members who need fresh produce due to limited resources. Individuals, service organizations, and other groups willing to grow and donate their entire harvest to local food pantries and kitchens are also welcome to rent plots for $35. Roger Elliott, a long-time volunteer with HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital says this program allows gardeners to get their hands dirty while helping their neighbors in the Chippewa Valley. “It’s always rewarding to see how many people come forward to help,” he said. “Sometimes families will rent a plot to teach kids about gardening and the importance of giving back.” Upkeep of the garden, located off Scheidler Road in Chippewa Falls, is provided by staff from HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital. The garden is surrounded by an eight-foot-tall fence to deter wildlife. It is also protected by locked gates. An irrigation system is used, and a water hydrant is provided for gardeners to wash produce on site. Gardening tools are also available for use for those who don’t have their own. Elliott and other hospital volunteers accept the gardeners’ produce and deliver it to food pantries and kitchens weekly. To date, produce from the garden has provided a total of more than seven and half tons of food to families in need in Chippewa County. There are 24 plots available for rent; each is 12 feet wide by 24 feet long. Applications are being taken now and the garden plots will be ready for planting in mid-May. For more information, or to pick up an application, call Roger Elliott at 715-563-2069 or email him at rwelae@charter.net. About HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1885, it has served the people of the Chippewa Falls area with health care that is high tech and high touch. Known locally for the quality of the care it provides patients, the hospital has been recognized nationally for its outstanding patient satisfaction levels. About Hospital Sisters Health System Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our physician practices and 15 local hospitals in two states - Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan, and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org. REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin Celebrates 100 YearsEau Claire, WI - 2021 marks 100 years strong for the REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin. To commemorate this amazing accomplishment, RANWW is hosting an Open House at its office on Monday, April 26th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. "As an association, we've been through countless challenges, name changes, and jurisdiction expansions in the past 100 years," said REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin Executive Vice President Brenda Barnhardt. "It is quite amazing to see the progress the association has made since its inception." RANWW began as the Eau Claire Real Estate Board in 1921 and went through multiple name changes before settling on the REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin in 2003. RANWW members are invited to stop by Monday to learn more about the history of RANWW, enjoy a food truck, and win freebies and prizes. CVTC NewsCVTC Names Finalists in President Search: Public can meet the four candidates in virtual forums
Eau Claire, WI - The Chippewa Valley Technical College District Board has selected four finalists in its search for a new president, Board President Paul Bauer announced Tuesday, April 20. The four candidates in alphabetical order are: Sunem Beaton-Garcia, Ed.D., is north campus president and vice provost for academic services and interim south campus president and vice provost for academic resources at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She previously served as interim central campus president and vice provost for teaching excellence and learning at Broward College. Dr. Beaton-Garcia earned a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL; a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL; and a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Marketing from University of Phoenix in Tempe, AZ. Kathleen Linaker, Ph.D., is vice president of academics at Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI. She previously served as assistant vice president of academics at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. Dr. Linaker earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago; a Doctor of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN; and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, CA. Nicholas Ouellette, Ph.D., is superintendent/CEO of the School District of Hudson in Hudson, WI. He previously served as superintendent/CEO of Odebolt-Arthur and Battle Creek-Ida Grove Community Schools in Odebolt, IA. Dr. Ouellette earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University in Ames, IA; a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in Aurora, IL; a Bachelor of Arts in Technology Education with a minor in General Industry from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA; and a Certificate of Advanced Studies, Superintendent Endorsement from Iowa State University. Kristen Raney, Ed.D., is vice president of academic affairs at Saint Paul College in Saint Paul, MN. She previously served as interim vice president of student affairs at Saint Paul College. Prior to joining Saint Paul College, Dr. Raney served in multiple roles at CVTC between 2003-2015, including dean of academic development and services. Dr. Raney earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Edgewood College in Madison, WI; a Master of Science in Education from University of Wisconsin-Stout; and a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. CVTC Building Houses, Partnerships: College works with private construction companies on class project
UWEC NewsBlugold's custom fishing rod business takes off during pandemicJoe Swanson was looking for a way to fill his days early in the COVID-19 pandemic when he decided to start building more custom-made fishing rods, something the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire senior had learned to do when he was a kid. A year later, Swanson has built and sold nearly 300 custom rods, many to people in the Chippewa Valley who share his passion for fishing. The Osceola native has turned his love of fishing and his talent for making custom rods into Gold Standard Outdoors, a thriving small business that is taking his future career planning in an unexpected but exciting direction. “This is really taking off,” Swanson says of the business’ rapid growth during the yearlong pandemic. “I realized this past year that there is a pretty big market for custom rods in the Eau Claire area and no one else does it. Basically, because of COVID, I had time off from sports and that’s never happened in my life. Obviously, COVID isn’t a positive thing but it’s why I had time to focus on building rods and it’s led to things I never expected.” New grad takes research to a new level during her years as a BlugoldCaitlin Hedberg took undergraduate student research to a whole new level during her four years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In her time as a Blugold, Hedberg was part of five research projects involving three different faculty mentors. While she is a physics major, just one of the research projects came from within the physics department. “Caitlin has embraced research in a very different way compared to most students,” says Dr. Matt Evans, a professor of physics and director of the Blugold Fellowship program, a research scholarship program that connects freshmen and sophomores to research mentors. “I admire her persistence throughout her four years in searching out such varied projects. She has grown her skill set well beyond the boundaries of a single major.” Hedberg will graduate in May with a degree in physics, minors in mathematics and interdisciplinary linguistics, and a certificate in Mandarin Chinese. Summer Food Service Program to provide meals for UW-Eau Claire's Upward Bound participantsStressing the importance of offering nutritious meals to children during the summer months, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Upward Bound program announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program for its Upward Bound participants. The Summer Food Service Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, provides nutritious meals to children during the summer, when free and reduced-price school meals are typically unavailable. Free meals will be made available to children 18 years of age and under. Persons over 18 years of age who are determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who also participate in a public or private nonprofit school program during the regular school year may receive free meals as well. Free meals will be served this summer at UW-Eau Claire's Hilltop Center for only those students enrolled in Upward Bound. The dates are Monday-Friday, June 14-July 16. The following week, Monday-Friday, July 19-23, is a scheduled field trip. Meals are provided to eligible children regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service. The amount of reimbursement received by a Summer Food Service Program sponsor is based upon the household incomes of the enrolled children. Children who are members of households receiving Foodshare, FDPIR, W-2 (Wisconsin Works - Cash Benefits Only) benefits are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits at eligible program sites. View USDA income eligibility guidelines in effect from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. Virtual Invitation to Media EventYou’re Invited!
On Monday, April 26, UW-Eau Claire will announce our new partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprises and the establishment of the Blugold Center for High-Performance Computing. You are cordially invited to virtually attend this media announcement, featuring: remarks from UW-Eau Claire, HPE, and UW System leaders; media Q&A; and videos featuring UWEC faculty, staff, and students. UW-Eau Claire and HPE Media Event Announcing the Blugold Center for High-Performance Computing Monday, April 26 | 1:00 p.m. https://uwec-edu.zoom.us/j/87699196630?pwd=ZklmcUZibWtDR0FaSkgzK0h5RnRzdz09 Meeting ID: 876 9919 6630 Passcode: 285887 Join meeting by phone: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Find your local number: https://uwec-edu.zoom.us/u/koFvehF6z The partnership and associated supercomputing equipment will promote nationally-distinctive undergraduate research experiences, as well as enhanced opportunities for area industries to conduct research, recruit interns, and develop an engaged, prepared workforce through collaboration with UWEC’s departments. We hope you will be able to join us. If you do have questions prior to or after the event, please send them to jwrasse@uwec.edu. Prevea welcomes new nurse practitioner to Chippewa Falls Chippewa Falls – Prevea Health is pleased to welcome Bethany Schilling, APNP, FNP-BC to its team of family medicine providers caring for children and adults in Chippewa Falls. Bethany, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, specializes in the following:
“Meeting each patient where they are, listening to concerns and providing education to help them determine and achieve their individual health care goals is an important part of providing high quality care,” said Bethany. “I strive for prevention of acute and chronic health conditions as well as management of existing conditions to help prevent future complications.” Before joining Prevea Family Medicine, Bethany was part of the Prevea Urgent Care team for three years. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She also received certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the largest certification body for advanced practice registered nurses in the United States. Bethany joins Drs. Danielle Helmick, Steven Steinmetz, Matthew Tomcik and Berkin Ulgen at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center. Appointments with Bethany at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center can be made by calling (715) 723-9138 or online at www.prevea.com. 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 Hosts Annual Meeting Virtually; Announces Board of Directors WESTERN WI--WESTconsin Credit Union held its 81st Annual Membership Meeting on March 30, 2021. In light of ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the credit union held the meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams. During the meeting, Board Chairperson Gerald Wolf provided a review of the Board activities and highlights for 2020. Lora Benrud, Chief Executive Officer, reviewed the financial statement and annual report. Rita Lunderville provided the Audit Committee Report, followed by the announcement of the Board election results by Karen Flug. Prior to the annual meeting, members voted in the election process of two Board of Directors’ positions. The following individuals have been elected as Board Officers:
In addition to those already mentioned, Board Members include Todd Leipnitz, Dale Dahlke, and Colleen Mensing. The WESTconsin Credit Union Board of Directors and leadership team extend their thanks to retiring Board Member Rita Lunderville, as well as the members who participated in the election process and annual meeting during this unique time. David Johns Joins the Prevail Bank Bank Management Team Prevail Bank is excited to announce that David Johns has recently joined the Eau Claire team as our new Chief Retail Officer. David brings with him 15 years of experience in the financial industry, along with an outstanding track record of customer service, leadership, and financial management. “David John’s will be a great addition to the Prevail Bank team. His professional experience, energetic attitude, and excitement towards the Prevail Bank brand and vision make him a perfect fit for this new role. We are looking forward to new ideas he will bring to continue to help our customers Pursue what’s Possible,” states Nathan Quinnell, President of Prevail Bank. HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital launches neonatal virtual care with Children’s MinnesotaEau Claire, WI – HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is now delivering more resources and expertise than ever before when it comes to caring for newborns. It has just launched neonatal virtual care services inside its Women and Infants Center in partnership with Children’s Minnesota, home to a neonatal team of experts caring for extremely premature babies born across three sites in St. Paul, Minneapolis and Coon Rapids. The neonatal virtual care features technology that allows HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital patients, families and the maternal care team to see, hear and communicate with newborn specialists at Children’s Minnesota Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This new service allows our hospital to provide an enhanced level of care for babies who experience an unexpected medical complication that requires critical attention after delivery, such as breathing difficulties. “The addition of this technology means we can expedite and collaborate on the highest level of care for the precious little ones who need it most,” said HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital Women and Infants Center Manager, Maria Green. “Providing care close to home is important to us and this partnership allows us to bring specially trained neonatologists from one of the country’s most highly regarded hospitals to baby’s bedside in Eau Claire in minutes while also collaborating with our hospital care team and baby’s family.” Disney Publishing Shares the Love of Reading by Sending One Million Books to Boys & Girls Clubs of America Disney Publishing is doing their part to encourage kids and families to come together and share their love of reading, with its first-ever Summer Reading List. To help ensure that more readers have access to books this summer and beyond, and as part of Disney’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of storytellers, Disney Publishing is donating one million books to Boys & Girls Clubs of America across the country! This spring Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley received 11,343 books totaling $137,350 worth of summer reading materials. Our outreach through our Club sites in Black River Falls – Lunda Center, Chippewa Falls, Lee & Mary Markquart Center in Eau Claire and Menomonie, totals more than 8650 kids! The goal is to get books into each kid’s hand, additionally each Club is connecting with school partners to distribute Disney books to them as well. Wisconsin's Public RadioNational Poetry Month On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”Eau Claire, Wis. - Former Wisconsin Poet Laureate and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire English professor Max Garland stops by to celebrate April’s National Poetry Month festivities with host Al Ross at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 15 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Eau Claire-based group The Jim Pullman Band has just released a new album, “Go On Boldly.” Pullman joins the program to talk about their music, his career and their upcoming Pablo Streams performance. The spring 2021 showcase “Music Legacies” is fully virtual this year for the Stand in the Light Memory Choir. Director Cathy Reitz joins Ross to break down planning the event and the music involved. Isa Small, director of programming and communications services at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, concludes the program. She will discuss the major renovations set to take place at the library over the coming months, as well as their new temporary location on Mall Drive. “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. Anti-Asian American Racism On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side" Eau Claire, Wis. - Anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander racism is the topic western Wisconsin on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, April 16 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Host Clara Neupert and her guests Mai Xiong, vice chair of the Governor Tony Evers’ Equity and Inclusion Council, formerly an Eau Claire City Council member, and Yee Leng Xiong, executive director at the Hmong American Center in Wausau and Marathon County board supervisor will address the area’s history of anti-Asian racism and today's racial violence and will explore community healing and solutions. “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. Walk-ins Welcome at UWEC Zorn Arena Vaccination Site Beginning Friday April 16thEau Claire, WI- April 15, 2020 – Walk-ins are welcome to get vaccinated at the UWEC Zorn Arena COVID19 clinic beginning Friday, April 16th. Walk-in hours are Tuesday – Saturdays from 3:00 to 6:30pm. Beginning April 29th, walk-in hours will start at 11 am. Appointments through vaccinate.wi.gov are still preferred and will guarantee that you get a vaccine. By accepting walk-ins, we hope it is easier for some people to get their vaccine. “We encourage everyone that can get a vaccine to do so. The COVID-19 vaccine helps to prevent you from getting seriously sick from COVID-19. Protecting yourself also protects the people around you, like those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or those who can’t get vaccinated — like infants and young children,” says Lieske Giese, Director/Health Officer. Ashley Construction - Youth Build ProjectAshley Construction employees are volunteering their time and labor to assist in constructing the second home being built by area youth participating in Workforce Resource’s U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild program. Ashley Construction is a family-owned and operated custom home builder serving Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Altoona and surrounding areas. The YouthBuild program is a community-based alternative education program for low-income out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 and 24 providing youth with leadership development, education and employment opportunities in in-demand industries and apprenticeship pathways. The YouthBuild model balances project-based academic learning and occupational skills training to prepare disadvantaged youth for career placement. While working side-by-side with Ashley Construction volunteers, youth are exposed to, trained in and engaged in hands-on experience in all facets of the home construction industry. The home, located at 910 Bluff View in Chippewa Falls, supports the goal of increasing affordable housing within communities by teaching youth construction skills learned by building homes for sale or rent to low-income families or transitional housing for homeless families or individuals. According to Jessica Oleson-Bue, Executive Director of Chippewa County Housing Authority, “The YouthBuild program has provided an outstanding opportunity for the development of affordable housing in our community. We have a family that is expecting to purchase and move into the property in July.” She added, “We are grateful to Ashley Construction for their assistance in helping us make progress toward our goal of completing the house by the end of June.” Workforce Resource welcomes others with experience in home construction to participate in this worthwhile project. For more information about the YouthBuild program and opportunities to volunteer in the construction of this home, contact Michaela Stendahl @ 715 225 4768 or stendahlm@workforceresource.org. HSHS hospitals encourage families to discuss health care decisions sooner, rather than later: April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI – Each year in mid-April families are encouraged to have the often-difficult conversation with their loved ones about health care decision-making. Putting your wishes in writing is one of the most important things you can do. “Decisions around advance directives, living wills and naming a health care power of attorney now while you are healthy and cognitively able can help ensure you get the medical care you want, and ease the burden on your family,” said Eric Butters, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals spiritual care manager. Butters said a written advance directive should be kept on file with your medical provider and a copy should be given to your designated health care power of attorney. National Healthcare Decisions Day was founded in 2008 to encourage families to discuss health care decision-making sooner, rather than later. “Many conversations may start with your family and lead to a discussion with your doctor,” Butters said. “Those beginning steps will ensure your wishes and those of your loved ones are expressed and respected, as well as followed.” Some topics to discuss are:
For help in starting those discussions, contact the HSHS Sacred Hospital Spiritual Care Department at 715-717-6594 or visit our website. To learn more about Advance Directives visit theconversationproject.org/nhdd. About HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1889, it has been meeting patient needs in western Wisconsin with the latest medical innovations and technology, together with a Franciscan whole-person healing tradition. About HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1885, it has served the people of the Chippewa Falls area with health care that is high tech and high touch. Known locally for the quality of the care it provides patients, the hospital has been recognized nationally for its outstanding patient satisfaction levels. About Hospital Sisters Health System Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our physician practices and 15 local hospitals in two states - Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan, and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org. UWEC NEWSUW-Eau Claire students pass referendum to support Sonnentag ComplexUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students voted this week to help financially support operations of the proposed more than $75 million Sonnentag Complex Event & Wellness Center after it is built. A total of 61% (1,019) of the students who voted supported the referendum. During the three-day election, April 12-14, 38% (640) of students voted no. The referendum supported a fee of not more than $90 a semester for use and maintenance of the complex. Students would not begin paying the fee until building construction is completed and occupied. "The student body of UW-Eau Claire has officially made their voices heard and they are in support of the new Sonnentag Complex," reported Anna Ziebell, UW-Eau Claire’s student body president. "I am so excited to continue the work to move this project forward. The students deserve a building that is accessible and sustainable for their big events, like graduation, concerts, sporting events and more. This facility will strengthen our community relations, give UW-Eau Claire a state-of-the-art event center, and overall, positively impact this campus's future." The project will continue with finalizing the design and working through a detailed development schedule, including securing needed approvals from the UW System Administration. Construction of the complex on the land on Menomonie Street adjacent to Hobbs Ice Center and along the Chippewa River is expected to commence this year. Eau Claire Jazz Festival will be virtual, livestreamed event on April 23After a one-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Eau Claire Jazz Festival is back in 2021 with a virtual, livestreamed concert featuring Chippewa Valley talent and online music education clinics for middle and high school students. The 55th Eau Claire Jazz Festival will take place on Friday, April 23. The event will feature live world-class entertainment originating virtually from Pablo Center at the Confluence in downtown Eau Claire. “Because of COVID, with great tragedy comes great innovation,” says Robert Baca, artistic director for the Eau Claire Jazz Festival and director of jazz studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Among those innovations organizers developed is replacing the popular downtown Jazz Crawl — formerly 52nd Street — with an online concert featuring Eau Claire musicians at 7:30 p.m. April 23. Nursing simulation lab helps future speech-language pathologists gain new skillsBrooke Anderson quickly did a language assessment of her newly admitted patient, working to determine her ability to speak after she had a stroke.
The speech-language pathologist shared her findings with a nurse, who was checking the patient’s blood sugar levels and completing a head-to-toe assessment. That done, together they determined their next steps, including what foods to give the patient to bring her blood sugar levels back to where they need to be. Another day working on the neuro floor of a hospital? Try another day of learning at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. This spring, Anderson and several other communication sciences and disorders majors gained new skills and confidence working alongside nursing majors in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ simulation lab. Wisconsin Public RadioSexual Assault Awareness Month On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side" Eau Claire, Wis. - April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, as well as Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month. These issues, how they are being dealt with in western Wisconsin, and how they have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, will be the focus on this week’s edition of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, April 9 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Host Clara Neupert welcomes Katelyn Wonderlin, mobile sexual assault victim advocate at the Bolton Refugee House in Eau Claire, to the program. Dr. Jennifer Eddy, executive director of the Family Resource Center in Eau Claire and Brook Berg, Family Engagement and Relationships Outreach Program Manager for UW-Madison’s Division of Extension, also stop by to talk about steps being taken in western Wisconsin to curb family violence and encourage positive parenting. “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. Musician Geoffrey Keezer And Reporter Phil Rucker On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”Eau Claire, Wis. - Pianist and Eau Claire native Geoffrey Keezer joins host Al Ross at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 8 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Keezer and vocalist Gillian Margot will talk with Ross about their upcoming appearance on the Pablo Streams Spring Series April 15th. Washington Post correspondent Phil Rucker joins the program to preview his presentation, Lessons From Reporting In The Age Of Trump, part of the 2021 virtual Ann Devroy Memorial Forum at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. UW-Eau Claire Event Production Coordinator Tyler Edmondson also stops by to discuss this year’s Viennese Ball. The annual event, which began in 1973, will take place virtually this year over the dates of April 8 and 10. Western Wisconsin’s Mayo Clinic Health System is in the process of completing a project documenting stories of resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Todd Wright, chair of the Healing Arts Committee, and Sara Martinek, a Mayo patient experience specialist, stop by to talk about the Healing Reflections Mural project. “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. UW-Eau Claire Graduate Clara Neupert New Host For Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side" Eau Claire, Wis. - Clara Neupert is the new interim host of “The West Side” on Wisconsin Public Radio. She takes over for Dean Kallenbach, who is retiring. “The West Side” airs at 10 a.m. Fridays on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Neupert earned a Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. During her time at UW-Eau Claire, Neupert served as section editor at the school’s newspaper, “The Spectator,” and was also a program host on the student program Blugold Radio Sunday on 89.7 WUEC. Neupert also served as the summer journalism intern at Wisconsin Public Radio in Eau Claire in 2019, where she helped produce the weekly edition of “The West Side.” “I feel very lucky for all the experiences I was given at UW-Eau Claire. All of my coursework and internships introduced and connected me to western Wisconsin,” Neupert said, “As new host of ‘The West Side,’ I am excited to continue producing the terrific journalism that Dean and others before him so thoughtfully accomplished." Neupert worked as an Ann Devroy Fellow at the Washington Post in Washington D.C, where she produced a segment on the “The Post Reports” podcast and edited the “Cape Up” podcast. Returning to Wisconsin, Neupert worked with News414 as part of the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, also known as Wisconsin Watch, where she covered how Milwaukee Police responded to Black Lives Matter protests. She also worked with the Miami Herald last spring to collect data about COVID-19 cases linked to cruise ships. “I’m thrilled to see Clara step into ‘The West Side’ as our new host,” Kallenbach said, “I’m very excited to see what Clara does with the show, I’ll be listening!” “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.  COVID-19 vaccination appointments available for Saturday, April 10 in LadysmithLadysmith – Appointments for COVID-19 vaccination are available for this Saturday, April 10, at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Prevea Ladysmith Health Center. The vaccine that will be available on April 10 in Ladysmith is the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, which requires one dose for maximum protection against COVID-19. While people aged 16 and older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Wisconsin per the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is recommended only for people aged 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for those aged 16 and older and can be accessed at other Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations across Wisconsin. Please visit www.prevea.com/vaccine to learn which vaccines are provided at each location. How to make an appointment The fastest way to get an appointment scheduled is with MyPrevea; all available appointments will be current in MyPrevea. Visit www.myprevea.com to set up an account at no cost. You do not have to be a Prevea patient to make an appointment or to sign up for a MyPrevea account. MyPrevea is also available as an app on any smartphone or other device. If you do not have access or are unable to use the internet, please call 1 (833) 344-4373. Having trouble, or still have questions? Visit www.prevea.com/vaccine for information on Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations, how to create a MyPrevea account, how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination and more. The Prevea Ladysmith Health Center will continue to provide other health care services as regularly scheduled, as it also hosts the community COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Prevea Health also currently operates community COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Chippewa Falls at Jacob’s Well Church; in Green Bay at UW-Green Bay; in Sheboygan at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus; in Manitowoc at UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus; at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; and in Marinette at UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus Fieldhouse. Again, appointments are required at all locations and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 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. Marco Hires Chief Marketing Officer, Announces Executive PromotionsST. CLOUD, MINN., April 6, 2021 — Marco announced today a series of executive promotions and the addition of Dawn Zimmerman as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. In this newly created role, Zimmerman oversees marketing and communications, learning and development, and the company’s overall corporate strategy initiatives, brand and culture. She has been working with Marco in a consulting role since 2007. Zimmerman brings experience as a strategist and business owner to Marco. Learn more about Zimmerman. Marco also promoted these current employees to new positions:
These leaders are part of Marco’s executive team, who will lead the company through continued growth and expansion, as well as build on Marco’s reputation as a destination workplace. View the full executive leadership team. About Marco Marco is one of the top business technology providers in the country with offices in 12 states and serving customers nationally. Marco specializes in business IT services, copier/printer solutions and managed and cloud services. Their technology experts break down complex solutions into simple terms to position your business for success. Learn more at marconet.com. Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2021 Is On Like Donkey Kong!
Tickets for the show will go on sale by June. Local hotels are booking rooms at special rates now. Attendee anticipation for the show is high across the region, and the Committee is planning for strong attendance. More than 350 exhibitors from across the Midwest and Canada have already committed to the 2021 show. Innovation Square will feature an incredibly diverse array of area farms including Huntsinger Farms, Superior Fresh, the largest aquaponics grower of greens and salmon in the US, Chippewa Valley Bean the world’s premiere kidney bean grower and processor and its home farm, Doane Farm, award-winning Marieke Gouda cheese company and its home Penterman Dairy Farm, and Ferguson’s Orchards, one of the largest apple growers and agritourism businesses in the Midwest. Local favorite singer/songwriter Chris Kroeze will provide an intimate acoustic performance for attendees each day of the show. Kroeze has also generously contributed a private concert for a winner of the show Raffle, the proceeds of which will benefit the local community. Raffle tickets will be available in June. “Farm Tech Days Eau Claire is officially on,” said Gintner. “The program committees have put together an amazing range of interesting and entertaining sessions – there’s something for everyone!” The Committee has been in close communication with Eau Claire County officials to ensure that the show operates safely and has the appropriate safety protocols in place. Final details will be decided by the end of June. The Executive Committee has decided not to hold expanded evening hours during the show. “We are working with local restaurants and taverns so that show attendees can easily enjoy food, drink and entertainment from the wide range of great options throughout the Eau Claire area,” added Gintner. Wisconsin Farm Technology Days has more than a 65-year history of bringing producers and service providers together to share what is new and innovative in agriculture. The show’s robust website at https://www.wifarmtechdays.org features a real-time map showing exhibitor and exhibit locations, program details, as well as a visitor “My Show Planner” feature that visitors can use to get the most out of the three-day show. Hotels offering special rates for the show are listed on the site. Companies are invited to reserve their spots for the July 2021 show on the website. Available spaces appear in blue. Website users can also click on the Agribusiness Tents and view the exhibitors and available spaces inside. Reserved spaces appear in gray and show the exhibitor’s name; by clicking on any exhibitors’ space, a window opens showing contact information and a link to that company’s website. Companies interested in participating in the show, should contact the Marketing Team at 920-644-3551 or by emailing info@wifarmtechnologydays.com. 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 600 commercial and educational vendors. The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954. About Agriculture in Eau Claire County Agriculture works hard for Eau Claire County every day. Family-owned farms, food processors and agriculture-related businesses generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity while contributing to local income and tax revenues. Eau Claire County, though dominated by the dairy industry, raises everything from meat goats to milking sheep to apples, grapes and vegetables. The county has seen farm numbers rise, while farm acreage has declined to an average farm size of 155 acres. Migration from the city to rural areas has resulted in smaller farms producing a variety of products. A diverse population has created opportunities to fill ethnic and specialty food niches. Meanwhile, county institutions and farmers have joined forces to produce fresh, healthy products to meet a growing demand for local food. Charter Bank Partners with Chippewa Valley Museum to Host Annual Art Show
 Eau Claire, WI – The Charter Bank Art Show will run from April 15 to June 1 at the Chippewa Valley Museum. The Art Show features local young artists from the Eau Claire schools. This year’s show features 26 students from Memorial High School and 20 students from North High School. Go to cvmuseum.com for current open hours. Art can also be viewed online through a virtual exhibit at cvmuseum.com. Charter Bank is proud to partner with the Chippewa Valley Museum for the art display venue this year. “We’re excited to continue this event in a safe manner. Partnering with the Chippewa Valley Museum will also allow more people to view this amazing artwork,” states Carla Leuck, Marketing Officer of Charter Bank. “The Chippewa Valley is overflowing with talent and we’re proud to be a continued supporter of the arts.” “We couldn’t be prouder to work with Charter Bank on offering a space to showcase these young artists,” comments Carrie Ronnander, Executive Director of the Chippewa Valley Museum. “Not only will these artists be able to view their artwork, but they can rediscover the museum at the same time.” About Charter Bank Charter Bank is a locally owned community bank offering consumer, business, and investment planning services to the Chippewa Valley, the Minnesota Southwest Metro and the Chetek area. Since being founded in 1980 in Eau Claire, WI, Charter Bank has grown to be a financial leader in the Chippewa Valley. Charter Bank prides itself in creating a personalized banking experience for every customer. For more information visit charterbank.bank. Junior Achievement Golf Outing WESTconsin Credit Union Celebrates National Credit Union Youth Month WESTERN, WI-- Providing financial education embodies the WESTconsin Credit Union ‘people-helping-people’ philosophy. Every April, credit unions across the country celebrate National Credit Union Youth Month. The theme for this year’s National Credit Union Youth Month is “Be a Credit Union Saver and Your Savings Will Never Go Extinct.” WESTconsin encourages their youngest members to open their own savings account (with a parent or guardian’s help), begin a habit of putting money into that account regularly, and learn how compound interest helps their account to grow. WESTconsin Credit Union will celebrate Youth Month from April 12-17, and encourages kids to get excited about savings with themed coloring sheets available for download online and drawings on social media. WESTconsin can serve as an important ally for parents in their mission to teach their kids to be financially responsible through community involvement and financial programs like Banzai! Merchants Financial Group, Inc. Reports Strong Performance and Shareholders Re-elect Three Directors During Annual Meeting WINONA, Minn. - During its annual shareholder meeting, which was held virtually on Thursday, April 8, Merchants Financial Group, Inc. (MFGI), reported strong 2020 earnings growth and shareholders re-elected three Directors to the MFGI Board. MFGI formally reported net income of $21,511,521 for 2020, an 8.8% increase over 2019 earnings. The year's results were impacted by the pandemic and resulting economic environment. Most notably, with a dramatic drop in long-term interest rates, Merchants booked unanticipated record residential mortgage loan volume of more than $950 million (a 77% increase over 2019). Year-over-year deposit growth was $376 million (a 21% increase over 2019), and Merchants originated nearly 1,600 Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with total proceeds of $207 million. MFGI ended 2020 with $2.5 billion in consolidated assets, making Merchants the fourth largest banking organization chartered in the state of Minnesota. "In our long rich history, never has our banking team been tested and challenged like we were last year," said Gregory M. Evans, MFGI President & Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud of our continued growth, but even more proud of how hard we worked to serve the unique needs of our customers during a time of significant hardship in every one of our communities. The community banking industry played an important role to facilitate economic stability during a very difficult time and the responsibility that was demonstrated by our team in that regard was rewarding." Re-elected to three-year terms as Directors were: Michael F. Cichanowski, Founder and CEO of Wenonah Canoe, Inc; Ann E. Merchlewitz, J.D., Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; and Bruce E. Ryan, Founder and President of Ryan Windows and Siding, Inc. Additionally, Shareholders were made aware of an upcoming transition in Board leadership. Long-time Merchants Board member Scott K. Biesanz, will be stepping down from his role as Board Chair as part of planned succession that will result in Richard L. "Rick" Lommen taking on the Chair role. Lommen, 54, is President of Courtesy Corporation, an owner-operator of one of the largest McDonald's franchises in the Midwest. Biesanz, who has served on the Merchants Board since 1988 and as Chair since 2012, will remain active as an MFGI Director for the final year of his current three-year term. 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 southeastern Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin. 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: Greg Evans Chief Executive Officer gmevans@merchantsbank.com<mailto:gmevans@merchantsbank.com> 507-457-1146 Sue Savat Chief Financial Officer smsavat@merchantsbank.com<mailto:smsavat@merchantsbank.com> (507) 457-1135 Collene Fletcher Receives WNB Financial Community PRIDE Award WNB Financial is pleased to announce Collene Fletcher, Business Banking Specialist, as the recipient of its 2021 first 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. Fletcher is deeply involved with volunteering at Winona Church of the Nazarene. She is a member of the worship team and serves as the Nazarene Missions International Chairperson. As a Community PRIDE Award recipient, Fletcher received $100 to donate to the organization of her choice, which she chose to donate to Winona Church of the Nazarene. In addition, she received a certificate of recognition and a Bank logo shirt. In 2020, 36 WNB Financial employees donated 1,393 hours of service to 66 organizations. WNB gifted over $358,000 to the community in the areas of education and youth programs, fine arts and culture, health and wellness, economic development, and community service. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Learn how to spot the signs of maltreatment  Eau Claire, WI – Each year in Wisconsin between 4,000 and 5,000 children are identified as being abused or neglected, according to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of communities working together to help identify and prevent child maltreatment. Evidence and years of research show that children raised in loving and supportive environments are more likely to prosper academically and financially. “As a healthcare provider it can be extremely upsetting to see a case of child abuse surface in our hospital,” said HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals Emergency Department Director, Robin Schultz. “It’s important for us to remember that how we handle these types of patient encounters may impact their lives indefinitely.” Wisconsin recognizes six categories of child maltreatment, which include physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, the manufacture of methamphetamine, and abuse to unborn children. HSHS hospitals encourage you to learn the signs of child maltreatment, which in many cases is committed by someone the child knows and trusts. DCF Wisconsin says sometimes a parent’s demeanor or behavior sends a red flag about potential child abuse. Experts say a single warning sign of possible child maltreatment does not necessarily mean harm is occurring, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted when the signs appear repeatedly or in combination. If a child reveals abuse, it’s important to listen carefully, let them know they’ve done the right thing by telling you, tell them it’s not their fault and explain what you’ll do next to keep them safe. If you suspect child maltreatment, call 911 or Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. To learn more about the types and conditions of child maltreatment visit Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Additional information about preventing child abuse can be found at preventchildabusewi.org. About HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1889, it has been meeting patient needs in western Wisconsin with the latest medical innovations and technology, together with a Franciscan whole-person healing tradition. About HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1885, it has served the people of the Chippewa Falls area with health care that is high tech and high touch. Known locally for the quality of the care it provides patients, the hospital has been recognized nationally for its outstanding patient satisfaction levels. About Hospital Sisters Health System Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our physician practices and 15 local hospitals in two states - Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan, and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org. CVTC News and UpdatesCVTC Instructor Pens Open Statistics Textbook: Lori Simmons’ work is the second OER textbook produced by CVTC faculty Eau Claire, WI - Lori Ann Simmons, a mathematics instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College, noticed some regular comments that would appear on the course evaluations that students filled out each semester at the end of her Statistics class. “They mentioned the cost of the textbooks,” she said. Simmons, on her own initiative, decided to do something about it. She wrote an Open Education Resource (OER) textbook on the subject, which will be adopted in all the CVTC Statistics classes in the fall 2021 semester. “With an open Statistics textbook, I would get rid of the cost of the textbooks, and the calculator cost, which amount to about $200 a student,” Simmons said. “In OER, we can use an online calculator.” Simmons’ Statistics textbook represents the second OER textbook produced at CVTC. Last fall CVTC adopted a Nursing Pharmacology textbook written by a team led by Nursing Instructor Kim Ernstmeyer. That textbook is the first of five Nursing OER textbooks the team will produce as part of a U.S. Department of Education grant project that is receiving nationwide attention. OER can be used by students without incurring the usual cost of purchasing a textbook published by a private, for-profit publishing company. OER can also be adapted by other educational institutions to fit with their curriculum without infringing on copyrights. Building Interest in Machining: Menomonie High School, CVTC, industry partner to boost tech ed program Menomonie, WI - Ryan Sterry, career and technical education coordinator at Menomonie High School (MHS), has many reasons to be proud of the programs he leads. However, he realizes that maintaining quality is not accomplished by sitting still. In early April, with the cooperation of school administration, local industry and Chippewa Valley Technical College, he accomplished one of his primary goals to improve tech ed at MHS with installation of a new Haas Automation, Inc. CNC (computer numerical control) machine for manufacturing small metal parts. The addition represents a leap forward for students, who can now learn on the high tech equipment used in the CVTC Machine Tooling Technics program and found in the dozens of metals shops around the Chippewa Valley. Adding the machine at MHS took help from many people, including financial donations from Ken Skar, owner of Vincent Tool in Chippewa Falls; and Tom Karis, owner of Menomonie Machine Tool, and support from Jeff Sullivan, dean of apprenticeships, engineering, manufacturing and IT at CVTC. CVTC Honors Business Partner, Alumni: Awards presented at virtual Spring Gala April 8
Eau Claire, WI - Eau Claire-based WIN Technology is a business built on partnerships, owned by 31 Wisconsin-based independent telephone companies that united to build a fiberoptic network that allows for faster speeds, greater bandwidth and increased reliability. The company has now been honored with the 2021 Chippewa Valley Technical College Proven Business Partner Award. The award was presented Thursday, April 8, at the Alumni Association’s virtual Spring Gala. Also honored were Michele Koch, chief operations officer at Northwestern Bank, with the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus Award and Anthony Nied, owner of Safe & Simple Organic Lawns, as the Outstanding Recent Alumnus. CEO Scott Hoffmann says WIN could not have developed into the company it is today without CVTC. “WIN is very fortunate to be able to tap into the pool of graduates coming out of CVTC,” Hoffmann said. “The Chippewa Valley should also feel fortunate to have such an outstanding educational institution that readies individuals for the workforce. This has been a key factor in the growth and development we are seeing in the area.” UWEC News and UpdatesResearch shapes geology major's UW-Eau Claire experienceUndergraduate research has been a big part of Katherine Langfield’s college experience, but the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire senior geology major still was nervous about presenting her research for the first time during a professional conference this spring. The Lake City, Minnesota, native need not have worried because her presentation earned her first-place honors in the Best Presentation category even though other presenters included graduate students. Langfield, who will graduate in May, was one of just five student award winners at the conference. “I’m still in shock,” Langfield says of her success at the Wisconsin section conference of the American Water Resources Association, the premier meeting of water science professionals in Wisconsin. “This was my first presentation at a conference. I have presented posters before, but never given talks. And it was my first virtual conference, so I did not know what to expect. I was super nervous and intimidated. I was the only student, undergraduate or graduate, in the baseflow section and that only heightened my anxiety. “Then, in the moment, I was able to just calm down and let all the times I practiced take over.” Langfield’s presentation focused on her work as a member of a UW-Eau Claire faculty-student research team that is collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on research involving stream flow measurements. UW-Eau Claire composer's work featured in The Minnesota Orchestra concertDr. Chia-Yu Hsu often tells her music students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire that taking the time to get to know their fellow Blugolds will likely make a big difference in their future careers. After all, in the world of music, who you know matters, says the associate professor of composition. Hsu says the network she began building during her own college years continues to lead to new opportunities, including a performance of one of her pieces this week by The Minnesota Orchestra. Hsu’s piece, Voyage, will be performed by the musicians of The Minnesota Orchestra during a virtual concert Friday, April 2. The conductor and host of the “A Musical Passport” performance, Sarah Hicks, was among Hsu’s classmates when they both were undergraduate students at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. “When we were students, Sarah premiered a couple of my orchestral works at school,” Hsu says. “I’m quite excited about working with her again, since she’s such an intelligent and fantastic conductor with great communication skills.” She is fortunate that many of her former classmates have found success in the music world, Hsu says, adding that many of them play important roles in her career. Antigen testing moving from Zorn Arena to McPhee Physical Education CenterAll COVID-19 antigen testing at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is moving to McPhee Physical Education Center beginning Monday, April 5, to allow Zorn Arena to be used for a mass vaccination clinic. Gov. Tony Evers announced recently that Zorn Arena will be the site of a federally supported clinic that can vaccinate up to 1,200 people a day. The clinic that opens April 8 is a joint effort coordinated by the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, UW-Eau Claire, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “Antigen testing has been critical to our success as we have worked hard to stop the spread of the virus on campus and in the community,” says Grace Crickette, UW-Eau Claire vice chancellor for finance and administration, who coordinates the university’s response to COVID-19. “The mass vaccination clinic will help keep western Wisconsin residents safe as we take another important step toward ending the pandemic.” Antigen testing will continue at Zorn Arena through Friday, April 2. No testing will occur on Saturday and Sunday, April 3-4. Philip Rucker to speak during UW-Eau Claire's annual Devroy ForumPhilip Rucker, a senior Washington correspondent at The Washington Post, will present “Lessons from Reporting in the Age of Trump” during the virtual 2021 Ann Devroy Memorial Forum at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The forum will begin at 7 p.m. on April 15. The event is free and open to the public. Rucker previously served as White House Bureau Chief, leading the Post’s coverage of President Trump and his administration. He and a team of Post reporters won the Pulitzer Prize and George Polk Award for their reporting on Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. Rucker also was awarded the Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for distinguished reporting on the presidency. Rucker is co-author of “A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump’s Testing of America,” a No. 1 New York Times bestseller, and serves as an on-air political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. A graduate of Yale University, Rucker joined the Post in 2005 as a local news reporter and previously has covered Congress, the Obama White House and the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns. Olga Diaz named UW-Eau Claire’s vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and student affairsOlga Diaz, an experienced higher education administrator in California, has been named the next vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Diaz has been director of student success and equity at Palomar College in San Marcos, California, since 2015. She will begin work at UW-Eau Claire on June 14. “I am excited to welcome Olga to our leadership team at UW-Eau Claire,” says Chancellor James Schmidt. “Throughout her career, Olga has shown a passionate commitment to serving students, especially to ensuring underrepresented groups have the opportunity to pursue their higher education dreams. UW-Eau Claire aspires to be an inclusive and equitable learning community, and I am confident Olga can help our campus reach that goal.” Diaz will replace Dr. Warren Anderson, who left UW-Eau Claire in December 2020 to become the senior equity, diversity and inclusion officer for the UW System, where he works with system leaders and individual campuses on EDI initiatives throughout the state. “I am incredibly proud and excited to join the Blugold family,” Diaz says. “The UW-Eau Claire campus community has done great work to center diversity, equity and inclusion as core values. I look forward to contributing to the team in support of students, faculty, staff and the Eau Claire community.” UW MBA Consortium students appreciate online program’s flexibility, engagementVanessa Raye admittedly was concerned that an online MBA program might limit the engagement she would have with other students and instructors. But the Georgia resident discovered that faculty members in the University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium, managed by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, were readily available and used course delivery strategies that prompted students to collaborate with each other. “It embodies an academic culture that emphasizes trust, community, meaning and collaboration,” says Raye, who graduated in December 2020. “Team members are encouraged to speak up and share in the decision-making process. As a result, we all have a vested interest and are accountable for team performance.” Raye is an information technology project manager at Koch Industries in Atlanta, focusing on enterprisewide applications. She says her company encourages employees to pursue lifelong learning, and completing her MBA was the next step in her personal development. When choosing an MBA program, Raye needed it to be completely online, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, affordable and ranked as a top program. CERCA returns in 2021 with virtual platformThe Celebration of Excellence in Research and Creative Activity (CERCA) at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire each spring showcases the best in student-faculty/staff collaboration to the university community and beyond, says Dr. Catherine Chan, executive director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
“It’s a reflection of the breadth and depth of scholarly work on this campus and the collaborations between students, and between faculty/staff and students,” Chan says. “I never stop being amazed at the range of projects. It says a lot about the level of engagement and participation throughout the campus and shows we value all kinds of scholarly and creative pursuits, regardless of formats and venues.” This year’s CERCA will be virtual again because of COVID-19, but lessons learned from last year’s quick switch to an online format will make this year’s weeklong event an even better experience for audiences. “Feedback from the presenters was that they appreciated the flexibility of the event,” Chan says of the 2020 event. “People had a wider window of time to review and interact with presenters by leaving messages. They weren’t restricted to a two-hour window.” The virtual platform returns this year from April 19-23 as presentations will be available to an audience that stretches beyond the boundaries of the university campus. There also will be livestreamed presentations throughout the week, culminating with the Provost’s Honors Symposium on April 23. Royal Credit Union Celebrates National Credit Union Youth Month EAU CLAIRE Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) is encouraging Members to celebrate National Credit Union Youth Month this April with us. The Jurassic theme this year reminds young Members that “Saving with Royal Credit Union is Dinoriffic,” with the help of dinosaur characters. Youth Month inspires children to begin their financial journey through earning, saving, and spending their money wisely. Here are the events Royal has planned for the month of April: Kids Club Promotion During the month of April any new Savings Account opened for children 12 years old and younger will have the initial $5.00 provided by Royal. Children 12 years and younger are automatically enrolled in Royal’s Kids Club which makes them eligible for prizes and invitations to exclusive Kids Club events. Only one savings account per person is allowed. School $ense Celebration During the month of April, participating Royal elementary School $ense locations will have a worksheet competition for a chance to win a basket for their classroom. Social Media Contest During the month of April, a contest will be hosted on Royal’s Facebook page. Kids will be asked to solve or answer dinosaur themed riddles or jokes for a chance to win prizes. The contest will be held on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s giving participants two chances to win each week. 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. Wisconsin Public RadioEducation Issues In Western Wisconsin On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side" Eau Claire, Wis. - The continued impact of COVID-19 on K-12 education is the topic of this week’s edition of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, April 2 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. New host Clara Neupert welcomes Nick Ouellete, superintendent of the Hudson School District; Paul Schley, superintendent of the Cornell School District, and Derrick Meyer, a teacher at Amery High School. They discuss the challenges of virtual learning versus in-person and other obstacles related to COVID-19 safety. In addition, WPR Education Reporter Madeline Fox joins Neupert to talk about the candidates running in Tuesday’s election for Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “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. Motorcycling & Animation On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West"Eau Claire, Wis. - Motorcycle magazine writer and editor Ron Davis, of Eau Claire, and motorcycle promoter Darrell Brotan join host Al Ross to talk about motorcycling at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 1 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Davis, associate editor of the magazine BMW Owners News and author of the book “Shiny Side Up,” and Brotan join host Al Ross to discuss best practices of motorcycling and must-ride Wisconsin destinations. University of Wisconsin-Stout Assistant Professor and Program Director Kim Loken stops by to talk about the school’s new Animation and Digital Media undergraduate program, which recently changed its name from Entertainment Design. Menomonie resident and award-winning children’s performer Beth Jean previews her second album, “Let’s Put On A Show.” She will sample the music and explain the challenges of production during quarantine. Anne Katz, director of Arts Wisconsin, rounds out the program with information on the sessions and activities set to take place in Wisconsin during April, which is Creative Wisconsin month. “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. West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, County Consortium Boards’Click the button below to find the meeting notice for the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. CVTC Prepares for Increased Campus Activity: Fall semester to look more like pre-pandemic days  Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Technical College has begun a transition toward a greater on-campus presence for students and employees by the start of the fall semester Aug. 30. “Our campuses have remained open to serve our students during the past year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but much was scaled back, and alternative instruction methods developed whenever possible,” said CVTC President Bruce Barker. “While technology has allowed us to continue providing education and support services, we recognize the value of personal connectivity between our students, faculty, employees and the community. With this in mind, the fall semester will look more like the pre-COVID 19 pandemic days, though many precautions will still be in place.” CVTC plans for pre-COVID delivery of courses, including shifting classes that were previously face-to-face or MyChoice back to in-person delivery instead of the alternative online method utilized over the past year, according to Dr. Julie Furst-Bowe, vice president of instruction. CVTC will continue to offer online course and program options, as it did prior to COVID-19, to meet the needs of working adults. UW-Eau Claire NewsContinuing Education announces April program offeringsUW-Eau Claire Continuing Education/UW-Extended Campus connects people with possibilities by providing degrees and certificates for working adults, professional and workforce development, youth and community programs, and resources for business. Following are upcoming programs that provide the opportunity for individuals to grow professionally and personally: Morels and Other Spring Edibles April 6, online Learn to identify and prepare wild morel mushrooms. You will learn to identify all forms of true and false morels, as well as how to prepare them for the table. We will also discuss oyster mushrooms and pheasant's back mushrooms. Register by April 2. This class is part of the four-class program, Edible Wild Mushrooms and Plants Series; you can take just one, all four or any combination of classes. Wild Edible Spring Plants April 13, online Learn to locate and identify a variety of tasty spring shoots and plants, including wild asparagus, ramps, fiddlehead ferns and more. Ethical harvest and cooking tips will be shared. Register by April 9. This class is part of the four-class program, Edible Wild Mushrooms and Plants Series; you can take just one, all four or any combination of classes. Pilot program aims to save students money by reducing textbook and materials costs In the 11 years that Dr. Lisa Quinn-Lee has been teaching an Introduction to Social Welfare class at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, she has yet to find a textbook that meets her needs.
The course attracts large numbers of students, including freshman through fifth-year seniors, few of whom are social work majors, says Quinn-Lee, an associate professor of social work. “It’s difficult to keep everyone engaged and to keep the course material at a level all can understand and apply to their own major, while also giving social work majors a strong base,” says Quinn-Lee, noting that it is an especially frustrating problem given the high costs of textbooks and related materials. So, she welcomed the chance to be part of a program UW-Eau Claire is piloting that gives faculty the time, resources and support they need to redesign a course using open educational resources (OER). New scholarship to honor legacy of beloved North High School grad/staff member [EAU CLAIRE, WI] The Mai Kou Lee Scholarship Fund of the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation has been established by ECASD staff members in memory of Mai Kou Lee, a beloved North High School graduate and staff member. Mai Kou began her work as a Bilingual Education Assistant at North High School in 2018, and served in the role until her passing in February, following a courageous battle with cancer. She also served as a General School Assistant for North High School in the summer months. Colleagues at North High School have glowing memories of her. “Mai Kou’s transition into our EL team here at North was flawless,” shared Monica Pritchard, English language learning teacher. “She made instant connections with our students. They trusted her and responded to her encouragement.” February Wisconsin Housing Sales RobustEau Claire, WI - The winter home sales season set records for the second straight year, according to the latest numbers from the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. "February was again strong for sales, even with low inventories, continuing the trend we saw in December and January," said REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin Executive Vice President Brenda Barnhardt. Along with record-setting sales, WRA also reported record-low inventories in February. Still, buyers are motivated to work closely with REALTORS® to find opportunities to find their next home. In the western region, year-to-date sales in Eau Claire County are up 16.2% from the same period in 2020, and median prices are up 11.7%. Jackson County sales are up 70.6% compared to the same period last year, with prices up 16.9%. "With continued low mortgage rates, our REALTOR® members are working with buyers to move quickly when they find their perfect home," said Deb Hanson, RANWW Board President. The REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin is the professional trade association that all professional REALTORS® residing within the association jurisdiction belong to. The association provides educational opportunities for its members, is active in local, state and national advocacy efforts, engages in community outreach through charitable giving, operates its own private foundation to help homeowners in need and remains a positive force for the members they serve. For more information on the REALTORS® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin, log on to www.ranww.org Individuals with certain medical conditions now eligible for COVID-19 vaccineEau Claire, WI, March 22, 2021 – Beginning today, individuals aged 16 and older with nearly 20 different medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy, and others, become eligible for vaccine. This full list of eligible conditions includes: • Asthma (moderate-to-severe) • Cancer • Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain) • Chronic kidney disease • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) • Cystic fibrosis • Down syndrome • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies • Hypertension or high blood pressure • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines • Liver disease • Neurologic conditions, such as dementia • Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39 kg/m2) • Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg/m2) • Pregnancy • Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues) • Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or more) • Sickle cell disease • Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus • Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder) “We know that all three COVID-19 vaccines available are incredibly safe and effective at preventing infection, serious illness, and death. That’s why we are working to get shots in arms as quickly as we can,” says Lieske Giese, Health Department Director. Pablo Foundation Funding Supports Diversity Equity Inclusion Programs at Boys & Girls Club Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley has received a $24,000 grant from Pablo Foundation to advance its Diversity Equity & Inclusion Initiative at Lee & Mary Markquart Center in Eau Claire. In June 2020, leadership within Boys & Girls Clubs began an intentional effort to evaluate and build upon the values of diversity equity and inclusion in its youth development programs. By focusing on developing expert staff, quality programming, community partnerships and strategic promotion, the Clubs at all four locations are advancing their efforts to provide an environment where all feel respected, understood, appreciated and valued for who they are. Pablo Foundation funding is supporting the DEI Initiative at the Eau Claire location to create structure and strategic focus on breaking down barriers of racism and inequity for youth, staff, volunteers and families at the Club. Lee & Mary Markquart Center Director, MarLee Johnson, stated, “Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion in all its activities. Kids at the Clubs learn about their own cultures, as well as the variety of cultures and beliefs throughout the world. Youth development staff also model and foster kind, caring and respectful conversations to create understanding between Club kids. It’s great to see how open kids are to learning about and appreciating each other. It helps all kids feel special and valued and helps them grow and thrive.” Women’s Giving Circle Offers Grants of Up to $6000 in 2021 The Women's Giving Circle will once again be offering grants of up to $6000 to Eau Claire area nonprofits that work to enhance the well-being of local women and/or children. The window for submitting grant applications opens on April 1, and the deadline is July 1, 2021. Any nonprofits interested in applying can call the Eau Claire Community Foundation at (715) 552-3801 or visit the “Women’s Giving Circle Grant Cycle” page on the ECCF website (www.eccfwi.org) for more information. About WGC: The Women’s Giving Circle is a fund of the Eau Claire Community Foundation. Its approximately 250 members use the power of collective giving by pooling their donations to fund grants to nonprofit organizations that work to enhance the well-being of local women and children. The impact of each member’s $250 or more contribution is considerable: Together, the WGC members have distributed almost $358,000 in grants since their Fund was established in 2007. The WGC is open to everyone who wants to become a member. JENNY EBERT JOINS THE PREVAIL BANK MORTGAGE LENDING TEAM  Prevail Bank is pleased to announce that Jenny Ebert has recently joined the Eau Claire team as a Mortgage Loan Originator. Being an Eau Claire native, Jenny graduated from University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Jenny brings to the team 37 years of combined local mortgage and real estate experience, along with an outstanding track record of customer service and knowledge for the entire homebuying process. “Jenny will be a great addition to our growing Eau Claire team. She has a proven history of serving her customers well, and we are excited to have her on the Prevail Bank mortgage lending team,” states Brent Arndt, Senior Vice President and Mortgage Manager at Prevail Bank. COVID-19 Vaccine And Summer Tourism On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side” Eau Claire, Wis. - COVID-19 vaccine availability in western Wisconsin and a look ahead to the impact of the pandemic on tourism are the topics of this week’s edition of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, March 26 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Host Dean Kallenbach welcomes Lieske Giese, director of the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, to the program. She will provide updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chippewa Valley and the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) vaccination clinic set to open April 8 at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Zorn Arena. Next Kallenbach brings on Benny Anderson, executive director of Visit Eau Claire, and Michelle Martin, director of Washburn County’s Tourism Department. They will talk about how the pandemic has impacted the tourism industry over the past year and what businesses are doing to salvage the spring and summer seasons. “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. Ongoing Commitment to Service Earns Elizabeth Thompson, CENTURY 21 Affiliated, 2020 Quality Service Pinnacle AwardAltoona, Wis. (Grassroots Newswire) March 23, 2021 -- Daniel Kruse, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Affiliated announced today that Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently recognized sales affiliate Elizabeth Thompson with the CENTURY 21 2020 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award. "The Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award is an integral part of our brand's commitment to excellence and recognizes Elizabeth Thompson's dedication to making each and every client interaction a positive one," said Michael Miedler, president and chief executive officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. The annual award is based on results from the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Survey (QSS) which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home. To earn the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, an agent must receive completed customer surveys for at least 50 percent of their transactions surveyed from January 1 - December 31, with an average survey score of at least 95 percent or better for 2 consecutive years. "Elizabeth Thompson provides clients with knowledge and advice related to their real estate transaction and offers them confidence during what may be the most significant purchase of a lifetime," said Daniel Kruse, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. Elizabeth Thompson will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference. About CENTURY 21 Affiliated CENTURY 21 Affiliated is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21(r) brand. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 13,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 84 countries and territories worldwide with more than 146,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com. Chinese Folk Art Exhibit Opens at Artisan Forge Studios in Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI- The Shanxi Folk Art Exhibit opened on March 12, 2021 in the main gallery in Artisan Forge Studios. Shanxi is a province of China, known as The Mother of Chinese Civilization because Shanxi is the home of Chinese characters, silk, and woodcut painting. The exhibition includes silk art including bags and scarfs, Chinese traditional ink paintings by Shanxi’s famous artists, Chinese calligraphy, handmade and polished lacquerware, paper art, woodcut paintings, and more. The Shanxi Folk Art exhibit is hosted by MingXin Chinese Cultural Exchange and Tearoom LLC. It is presented in collaboration with Shanxi Xingrong Import and Export Co., Ltd. and Shanxi Yulei Cultural Media Company. MingXin Chinese Cultural Exchange and Tearoom is a local business operating out of Artisan Forge Studios owned by Yu Xin Obaid. The Tearoom offers imported Chinese teas, tea sets, and art as well as private tea parties and tastings. For more information about MingXin Chinese Cultural Exchange and Tearoom, visit them on Facebook. Prevea welcomes new child and adolescent psychiatrist Eau Claire – Prevea Health is pleased to welcome child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Dane Jensen, to its behavioral care family in Eau Claire. Dr. Jensen, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, specializes in the following
The Oxbow Hotel and The Lakely Will Reopen in June 2021After over a year of closure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Eau Claire’s only independent boutique hotel and restaurant willreopen welcome guests back this summer. EAU CLAIRE, WI – March 25, 2021: It’s official – The Oxbow Hotel and The Lakely, Eau Claire’s boutique hotel and farm to fork restaurant in downtown Eau Claire, will reopen later this summer, on June 1, 2021, after over a full year of closure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The property, which offers 30 boutique hotel rooms, a full restaurant and bar, and a music and event venue, is known for highlighting all things local and authentic to Eau Claire. In March 2020 both the hotel and the restaurant closed, being one of the first and only properties to remain closed through the end of 2020, and beyond. While the decision to keep the business closed was a challenging one to make, the safety of the community, staff, and guests remained paramount concern, in addition to the general decline in travel and tourism. UWEC NewsVirtual Viennese Ball set for April 8 and 10Since 1973, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Viennese Ball has been canceled only two times — once in 1991 when Davies Center was under construction and again in 2020 due to the pandemic restrictions. Through creative determination, abundant talent and the genius of technology, the grand traditions of the Viennese Ball return for 2021, with the Virtual Viennese Ball set for Thursday, April 8, and Saturday, April 10. Both nights’ activities start at 7 p.m. UW-Eau Claire camps and conferences manager Kyran Hamill plays a key role in the annual ball preparation and is thrilled to present a safe and virtual way to participate this year. “We’re excited to present a once-in-a-lifetime program celebrating the Viennese Ball,” Hamill says. “We have gathered the best musicians UW-Eau Claire has to offer, along with a few special guests. This will be a V-Ball experience to remember, from the comfort of your own home. For those who have never attended, get a taste of what awaits when it returns next year.” Kristin Schumacher, director of University Centers, knows that the ball was established as a fundraising venture, and has become a beloved community tradition and signature campus event. Blugolds in sports industry to discuss COVID’s effect on businessUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau Claire alumni who work in the sports industry will discuss during an upcoming webinar how COVID-19 has radically affected their businesses. The webinar, titled “COVID’s Effect on the Business of Sports,” is from noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, April 2. The event is sponsored by UW-Eau Claire’s College of Business. Participants are required to register for the event. “This is to give students from across the university, alumni and community members a chance to see what the business of sports is like,” says Dr. Brewer Doran, dean of the College of Business, who will moderate the panel discussion. “It will let people talk with insiders about what it was like the day sports stopped.” Panelists will be:
Virtual International Poetry Reading scheduled for April 28Readers are sought for the 15th annual International Poetry Reading hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, to be held virtually from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 28. Those who can speak and read in a language other than modern standard English are invited to read a poem of their choosing at the event. In previous events, community members, faculty and staff read and listened to poetry written in as many as 40 languages, including Korean, Hmong, Icelandic and many more. Event organizers have set a deadline of Friday, March 26, for interested readers. The deadline for poem selection is Friday, April 9. “Even though the event will be virtual this year, the International Poetry Reading remains an annual event to gather the Blugold family and community members in Eau Claire to appreciate the beauty of languages and to celebrate cultural diversity," said Dr. Kaishan Kong, UW-Eau Claire associate professor of Chinese and co-organizer of the International Poetry Reading, along with Josh Bauer, senior web developer in UW-Eau Claire's Learning and Technology Services department, and Dr. Dorothy Ka-Ying Chan, assistant professor of English. CVTC NewsFuturefinder Sessions Offer Ways to Explore CVTC College programs, facilities, student assistance highlighted
Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Technical College is offering a chance for people to explore ways to discover their future through a series of free virtual sessions throughout the entire month of April. Future Finder begins April 1 with a kick-off session and concludes April 30 with a wrap-up. In between are 29 different topics offered at various times and dates. The content has been crafted to cover all aspects of the College. The sessions are designed to help prospective students discover program pathways that fit their skills and interests, learn about the real CVTC experience from current students and faculty, and explore the hands-on learning opportunities at all CVTC campuses. Sessions, divided into categories of Discover, Explore and Enroll, will include virtual tours, program breakouts, student panels, ask-the-expert employer interactive panels, and much more.  Prevea Rice Lake Health Center to begin offering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment starting Wednesday, March 17Rice Lake – The Prevea Rice Lake Health Center, 1051 West Ave. in Rice Lake, will be Prevea’s newest community COVID-19 vaccination site starting March 17. A select number of appointments will be available each day for community members eligible for vaccination under the vaccination prioritization guidelines set by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Appointments are required for vaccinations, and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply. How to make an appointment The fastest way to get an appointment scheduled is with MyPrevea; all available appointments will be current in MyPrevea. Visit www.myprevea.com to set up an account at no cost. You do not have to be a Prevea patient to sign up for a MyPrevea account. MyPrevea is also available as an app on any smartphone or other device. Having trouble, or still have questions? Visit www.prevea.com/vaccine for information on Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations, how to create a MyPrevea account, how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination and more. If you do not have access or are unable to use the internet, please call 1 (833) 344-4373. The Prevea Rice Lake Health Center will continue to provide other health care services as regularly scheduled, as it also hosts the community COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Prevea Health also currently operates community COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Chippewa Falls at Jacob’s Well Church; in Green Bay at UW-Green Bay; in Sheboygan at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus; at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; and in Marinette at UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus Fieldhouse. Again, appointments are required at all locations and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Five tips for safely returning to an active, outdoor lifestyle in Spring Altoona – Wisconsin’s weather is bringing a welcome spring to people’s steps as they get outside to enjoy warmer conditions. “Exercise has all kinds of health benefits including controlling weight, lowering risk of chronic disease, strengthening bones and even improving mental health and mood,” said Dr. Berkin Ulgen, a board-certified primary care provider specializing in sports medicine and family medicine with Prevea Health. “However, when jumping back into an outdoor routine, it’s easy to push yourself too hard and put yourself at risk for injury.” Prevea Health offers the following five tips to help you safely return to an active, outdoor lifestyle this Spring: 1. If you were sedentary this winter, consider your health before you start exercising outdoors. COVID-19 kept many of us indoors this winter. It’s recommended that you ease into outdoor exercise to prevent overexertion or injury. If you have existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of heart disease it is important you make an appointment with your primary care provider to ensure you are ready for vigorous activity. 2. Make sure you have good quality, well-fitted athletic shoes and proper clothing that will allow heat to dissipate. It is recommended to change running shoes every 300 to 400 miles, so look at those treads before pounding the pavement. Click here for more information about proper shoe fittings. 3. If you are just beginning an exercise regiment, remember to plan balanced workouts that include cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. Ideally, throughout the week you should complete aerobic exercise (walking, jogging or swimming) three times per week and anaerobic exercises (short duration and high intensity such as weightlifting, push-ups, sprints or intervals) two to three times per week. The duration of each should be 30 to 60 minutes. 4. To maintain proper mechanics and keep the body healthy, it is crucial to include exercises that strengthen the core and hips as well as maintain flexibility in the legs. Lower extremity injuries are often connected to weak hips, back and abdominal muscles. Yoga, Pilates and simple exercises such as bridges, planks, crunches, leg lifts, and donkey kicks can be done at home in little time and all keep the muscles strong. Completing hamstring and calf stretches or working in a brief stretching routine after a 5-minute warm up, such as jogging in place will allow you to sustain or improve flexibility and decrease the chances of chronic aches and pains. 5. If, at any point during your physical activity, you believe you might have a sports-related injury, make an appointment with your primary care provider. He or she can help you troubleshoot the issue or refer you to a specialist if needed. Dr. Ulgen cares for patients at the Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building, 3119 Woodman Dr. and at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center, 2509 County Hwy I. Appointments with Dr. Ulgen can be made by calling (715) 717-3375 or online at prevea.com. 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. Birds Of Western Wisconsin On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”Eau Claire, Wis. - Whether they overwinter or migrate, the birds of western Wisconsin land on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, Mar. 19 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Host Dean Kallenbach welcomes video journalist, author and birder Steve Betchkal and Jeanette Kelly, director of the Citizen Science Center of the Beaver Creek Reserve, to the program. They’ll discuss the wide variety of birds found throughout the Chippewa Valley, as well as ways humans can keep these populations safe and healthy. “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. CENTURY 21 Affiliated Sales Team Recognized for Outstanding Production with GRAND CENTURION® Team AwardAltoona, Wis. (Grassroots Newswire) March 15, 2021 - Daniel Kruse, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Affiliated is pleased to announce that Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently recognized its Raven Team sales team with the GRAND CENTURION Team award following 2020 sales totals. The GRAND CENTURION Team award is presented to those independent CENTURY 21® franchise sales teams that earn $1,194,000 in sales production or 300 closed transaction sides within a calendar year. "The outstanding success that CENTURY 21 Affiliated and the Raven Team have enjoyed is testament to how teamwork, dedication and a common pursuit for operational excellence can and will drive productivity and profitability in the real estate industry," said Michael Miedler, president and chief executive officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "The receipt of this award is a great honor for CENTURY 21 Affiliated," stated broker/owner Daniel Kruse. "The hard work and diligence displayed by Raven Team is truly exemplary of the spirit guiding our company." CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a full-service brokerage located at 3149 Meadowlark Lane Suite 10 in Altoona. About CENTURY 21 Affiliated CENTURY 21 Affiliated is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21® brand. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 13,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 84 countries and territories worldwide with more than 146,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com. CVTC and UWEC NewsCVTC Offers Virtual Sessions on Employee Development: Learn, Grow, Lead Series starts April 6 Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Technical College is offering business leaders and employees the opportunity to learn more about a variety of workplace topics during the annual Learn, Grow, Lead series of seminars April 6-29. The event is designed for administrative and business professionals who want to develop themselves, both personally and professionally. The series covers topics of Ergonomics on April 6, Social Media for Business on April 8, Cybersecurity on April 12, Building Confidence on April 14, Diversity Basics on April 20, Working from Home on April 21, Tips on Microsoft Outlook on April 26 and Active Threats in the Workplace on April 29. For more on each one-hour session, including times offered and to register, go to cvtc.edu/events/workplace-enrichment-seminar. Sessions are taught by highly qualified CVTC experts. Costs are $39 for one session, $59 for two, $69 for three and $99 for four or more sessions. All sessions are held via Microsoft Teams. Participants do not need to have this application on their computers. Sessions can be joined via web browser. Having a webcam is preferred, but not required. With over 115 programs offered both online and on-campus, Chippewa Valley Technical College delivers superior, progressive technical education which improves the lives of students, meets the workforce needs of the region, and strengthens the community. CVTC programs are designed with input of business and industry to prepare graduates for today’s jobs, with 95 percent employed within six months of graduation and associate degree graduates earning an average annual salary of $47,452. Students help Blugold Brain Injury Group members tell their stories to health care providers Several Chippewa Valley community members — all part of the Blugold Brain Injury Group (BBIG), a support group through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire communication sciences and disorders department — recently shared personal stories with area health care providers about the day-to-day realities they face as they live with traumatic brain injuries. In their presentation, they described how, after falls and accidents, they are leading “different but mostly normal lives” while coping with their own distinct challenges, including issues like memory loss, cognitive challenges and physical limitations. They also shared with the more than 60 Mayo Clinic Health System providers attending the Mayo Academic Rounds presentation their ideas for improving care for patients who are living with brain injuries, such as connecting them to support groups like theirs at UW-Eau Claire and the Mayo Traumatic Brain Injury Group of Eau Claire. UW-Eau Claire to celebrate National TRIO Day April 7The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire will recognize National TRIO Day with a virtual program from 3:30-4:30 p.m. April 7 via Zoom. This event will feature remarks from U.S. Rep. Ron Kind along with a presentation and awards ceremony. Awards will be presented to outstanding TRIO students and to UW-Eau Claire staff members who have provided exceptional service for the TRIO programs. TRIO programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Education to promote the academic achievement of eligible students. The programs serve students whose parents do not have a college degree, students from families of limited income and students with disabilities. Program participants range in age from sixth graders to adults. UW-Eau Claire currently operates four TRIO projects: Upward Bound, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Student Support Services and Student Support Services-Disabilities (Project AIM). These projects receive more than $1.3 million in federal funding and serve 500 students annually. Royal Credit Union Announces New Small Business Lending OfficerEAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) announces Tony Willkom as Small Business Lending Officer. Willkom is responsible for building relationships with new and existing business Members by identifying and serving their financial needs with appropriate products and services.
Willkom began working as a teller for Royal in August of 2009 and worked in Royal branches before he moved into the business department in 2012. In 2018, Willkom completed the Leadership Chippewa Falls program through the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce and his Supervisory Management Certificate from UW-Eau Claire. Willkom holds a bachelor’s degree from UW – Eau Claire with a major in finance and a minor in management. Willkom actively volunteers with Royal’s F.U.S.E program and other events that Royal sponsors. Outside of volunteering with Royal, Willkom is a board member for WestCap. Willkom also has volunteered at a number of Chamber of Commerce events such as Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest, the Chippewa Valley Rally, and Chippewa Valley YP. Willkom resides in Chippewa Falls with his wife and two kids. 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 NewsRoyal Credit Union Announces New Accounting Manager EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) announces Joe Wathke as Accounting Manager. Wathke is responsible for leading the accounting staff and assisting the VP of Finance in maintaining procedures that result in accurate financial records, operational efficiency and financial reporting. Wathke has been with Royal since May 2002 as a high school Co-Op Student. During his tenure, Wathke has worked in a variety of roles at Royal before joining the accounting team in 2011. Wathke holds a bachelor’s of business administration in accounting and business finance from University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and is currently earning a master’s of business administration with an emphasis in management from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Wathke stays active in his community by serving as Treasurer for the Altoona Area Foundation and the Altoona Lions Club. Wathke resides in Altoona Wisconsin. Royal Credit Union Announces New Branch Manager – River Falls RIVER FALLS, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) announces Anthony Cole as Branch Manager of the River Falls Branch. Cole’s responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations of the branch for maximum efficiency while simultaneously cultivating and maintaining Member and business relations as well as overseeing team member development. Cole has been in the banking industry since August 2017 when he started at TCF Bank and worked up his way to Assistant Banking Center Manager. While at TCF he was responsible for maintaining smooth operation of the teller line and account opening offices. Cole is an active member in his community, since 2014 he has been a volunteer for Bolder Options, which is a metro-based non-profit that works with at-risk youth through education and community involvement. Cole has also spent his time volunteering for Feed My Starving Children and at community events such as Severs Corn Maze 5K. Cole currently resides in the metro community with his wife, Mia and 4 month old daughter, Ella Wisconsin Public Radio's: "The West Side"Representatives Jodi Emerson and Rob Summerfield On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”Eau Claire, Wis. - State Representatives Jodi Emerson, D-Eau Claire, and Rob Summerfield, R-Bloomer, provide a legislative update for their western Wisconsin constituents at 10 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 12 on “The West Side” on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Summerfield and Emerson join host Dean Kallenbach to discuss the state budget debate taking place in the legislature. Governor Tony Evers recently shared his proposal, while the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee develops their own. They will also talk about the continued health and economic impact of COVID-19 on the state and other key legislation. “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 streamed live 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. Pickleball Club President Judy Mirr On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”Eau Claire, Wis. - Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club President Judy Mirr will discuss the rapidly growing sport with host Al Ross at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 11 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Big River Magazine Editor and Publisher Reggie McLeod will stop by and talk about the process of gathering news and features for the 28-year-old publication. He will also break down the recent March/April edition. Chippewa Falls resident Jerry Way is putting together a virtual streaming event with the help of the Cadott-based folk group Danville. The event, “A Pinch of Folk - A Dash of Jazz,” takes place March 19. Mondovi-based musicians Jake and Dani Jo Soha, also known as the Rock Creek Song Dogs, round out the program by discussing their new album, “Eternity.” The album features a unique mix of acoustic folk with an occasional electronic interpretation. “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. Security Financial Bank Hosts Free Community Shred Events EAU CLAIRE – Security Financial Bank (SFB) is hosting two free shredding events this spring in Bloomer and Durand. Community members are encouraged to reduce their risk of fraud and identity theft by securely disposing of confidential documents at one of these events. Confidential Records, Inc. will shred documents onsite in the SFB parking lot during the following times: Bloomer Saturday, May 1 10 am - Noon Security Financial Bank 1401 Main St., Bloomer Durand Saturday, May 8 10 am - Noon Security Financial Bank 212 W. Prospect St., Durand There is no cost to this event; however, there is a limit of three boxes or bags per person. Only paper items will be accepted. Please note that the following items cannot be shredded: black butterfly clips, hanging file folders, three-ring binders, hard drives, magnetic tapes and any plastic items. For more information, visit Security Financial Bank in Bloomer or Durand or call 888.254.0615. About Security Financial Bank Established in 1934, Security Financial Bank, a locally-owned financial institution specializing in business, agriculture and insurance agency lending, has offices in Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its customers’ needs and provides guidance that enable them to succeed. For more information on SFB, visit www.sfbank.com or call 888-254-0615. WGC Brining Together our Community Education EventBringing Together Our Community: Racial Justice & Equality was held on October 13. The following video is the recorded version of the event. UW-Eau Claire NewsState partnership grant brings $40K to community vaccination efforts The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines has brought hope and relief around the U.S. and world, and for University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire nursing students, it has presented a unique opportunity to be literally “hands-on” in the process of bringing an end to this global health crisis. UW-Eau Claire on Feb. 9 was awarded a $40,000 grant through the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) and a collaboration between the UW-Madison School of Nursing and four UW System nursing schools. The WPP COVID-19 Response Grant allows the UW-Madison School of Nursing to partner with community agencies and nursing schools at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point to contribute in the effort to successfully vaccinate Wisconsin residents. Dr. Linda Young, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UW-Eau Claire, feels tremendous gratitude for the opportunity students will have to both learn practical public health skills and be part of helping to end the pandemic. Students research economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic As the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping across the world last spring, closing schools, shuttering businesses and overwhelming hospitals, Sara Patoka struggled to see how she might use her knowledge and skills to help those whose lives were being devastated by the public health crisis.
A newly created economics class at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is helping the Blugold see the critical role she and other economists can play as people and communities work to recover. “Being someone not in the medical field, when the pandemic first hit, I felt more than helpless and quite honestly, a bit nonessential,” says Patoka, a senior from Milwaukee. “This class demonstrates the essentialness of pulling meaning out of data and telling the story. Economists can be storytellers. “We are not just looking at data, we are looking at how people’s lives have been changed. Our insights could be steppingstones for change and action to improve conditions inflicted by the pandemic.” That is an incredible opportunity for someone who still is an undergraduate college student, says Patoka, who will graduate in May with degrees in economics and international business, a minor in Spanish and a certificate in equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Attorney Matthew D. Rowe to Succeed Stewart L. Etten as President  WAUSAU, WI – March 1, 2021 – Ruder Ware announced today that, consistent with the firm’s succession planning efforts over the past several years, Stewart L. Etten will be stepping down as president of the firm effective April 1, 2021. Mr. Etten will continue as a full-time attorney and shareholder of the firm, with his practice focused on business transactional matters, including secured loan documentation, mergers and acquisitions, and bank regulatory issues. The firm announced that Matthew D. Rowe would succeed Mr. Etten as president. Mr. Etten indicated that, “Matt’s leadership capabilities and experience, as well as his lengthy tenure as a member of the firm’s board of directors, ideally position him to lead Ruder Ware going forward.” Mr. Rowe, 49, joined Ruder Ware in 1997 and has focused his practice on corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, representation of bank and other financial institutions, and providing general corporate advice and counsel to a wide range of closely-held and family-owned businesses. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was a managing editor of the Minnesota Law Review. Mr. Rowe will continue to provide legal services to clients in addition to serving as the sixth president in the 101-year history of the firm. About Ruder Ware Ruder Ware, with offices located in Wausau, Eau Claire, and Green Bay, has provided a wide range of legal services to bsuiness owners, managers, and individual clients and families since its founding in 1920. With more than 40 attorneys, the firm has established itself as one of Wisconsin’s largest and most successful law firms. Ruder Ware, Business Attorneys for Business Success. www.ruderware.com Royal Credit Union Announces New VP - Business Lending Regional Manager EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) announces the promotion of Timm Sandstrom to Vice President of Business Lending Regional Manager in the Chippewa Valley. The role was created to enhance the business lending department which has shown immense growth over the past few years. Sandstrom leads a team of business loan officers in the Chippewa Valley and surrounding markets. Royal has the lending capacity to support businesses and real estate investors of all sizes and Sandstrom’s vision is to help Royal become the business lender of choice in the communities Royal serves. Sandstrom started with Royal in December 2011 as VP – Business Lending Officer. During his tenure at Royal, Sandstrom completed Royal’s Exploring Leadership Program, participated in Rock the Riverfront activities and is a member of the Summit Planning committee. Sandstrom holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Sandstrom is active within his community and currently serves on the Dove Healthcare Foundation and Momentum West Boards. Prior to working at Royal, Sandstrom served as Board Chair for a local Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Program in Southern Wisconsin and actively participated in economic development projects. Outside of work, Sandstrom coached and served as treasurer and president for a variety of youth sports program and associations while his two sons participated. 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. Gau Leaving a Legacy of Culture and PerformanceST. CLOUD, MINN., FEBRUARY 25, 2021 - Jeff Gau will retire as CEO of Marco on March 31 and become chairman of the board. Gau joined the company in 1984 as a sales representative. He earned a series of leadership positions before becoming president and then CEO in 2003. During his time at the helm, Gau has taken Marco from a mid-sized business technology provider to the largest of its kind in the United States, and a company recognized for its performance and its people. He has been intentional about sustaining a fun workplace and being a good corporate citizen while growing the business. Under his leadership, the company consistently achieved double-digit annual revenue growth and expanded from about 160 employees to nearly 1,200 at 54 locations from the Dakotas to the East Coast. Jeff has earned a series of awards over the years for his leadership in the industry and nationally. Marco President Doug Albregts will become CEO on April 1. Albregts joined Marco in 2019 and brings leadership and industry experience as the former President and CEO of Sharp Electronics America and Group CEO of Scientific Games. “I’ve known Doug for a long time and he’s absolutely the right leader at the right time for Marco,” Gau said. “He brings a valuable perspective from his prior roles and already has helped make us a better company. I am looking forward to how Marco will thrive under his leadership.” Shayna Reichert Promoted to Director of Mortgage Banking  EAU CLAIRE – Paul Rudersdorf, CEO and president of Security Financial Bank (SFB), is pleased to announce that Shayna Reichert has been promoted to director of mortgage banking for SFB. She is responsible for leading and managing SFB’s mortgage lending program in order to provide the highest quality customer service to its mortgage loan clients. Reichert, who has been with SFB for five years, previously served as mortgage banking manager. She has more than 13 years of banking experience including experience as a teller and personal banker before transitioning into mortgage lending. “This promotion reflects the expertise and strong leadership Shayna provides our Mortgage Banking team,” stated Paul Rudersdorf, SFB’s CEO and president. “I have no doubt that she will continue to do great things for our organization, and we are pleased to have her join our Senior Management Team.” Reichert earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She is active in the community serving as a director of the Realtors Association of Northwestern Wisconsin Foundation and a member of the Chippewa Valley Homebuilders Association. About Security Financial Bank Established in Durand in 1934, Security Financial Bank is a $625 million independent, community financial institution focused on business, agriculture and insurance agency lending with offices in Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its customers’ needs and guidance that enable them to succeed. For more information on SFB, please visit www.sfbank.com or call 888-254-0615. WESTconsin Credit Union Will Host Virtual Annual Meeting WESTERN, WI--WESTconsin Credit Union will hold its 81st Annual Membership Meeting on March 30, 2021. Due to ongoing safety and logistical concerns with COVID-19, the meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. During the meeting, Board Chairperson Gerald Wolf will review the Board activities and highlights for 2020. Lora Benrud, Chief Executive Officer, will review the year’s financial statement and annual report. Member owners of WESTconsin Credit Union who wish to vote in the director’s election must request a ballot between February 28 - March 20 at a WESTconsin office or by calling the service center at (800) 924-0022. To be counted in the election, ballots must be received by March 25. All members who request a ballot will also receive information on how to view the Virtual Annual Meeting and a meeting gift. WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Ramsey, Wabasha, and Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a Membership Savings Account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their accountholders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to at least $250,000. COVID-19 vaccination appointments available Saturday, March 6 in Ladysmith  Ladysmith – Appointments for COVID-19 vaccination are available for this Saturday, March 6, at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Prevea Ladysmith Health Center for community members eligible for vaccination under the vaccination prioritization guidelines set by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Prevea began taking appointments for March 6 at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Prevea Ladysmith Health Center the evening of Monday, March 1. As of today (Tuesday, March 2) at 10 a.m., 100 appointment slots remained open in Ladysmith. The Prevea Ladysmith Health Center is located at 1101 Lake Ave. W in Ladysmith. How to make an appointment The fastest way to get an appointment scheduled is with MyPrevea; all available appointments will be current in MyPrevea. Visit www.myprevea.com to set up an account at no cost. You do not have to be a Prevea patient to make an appointment or to sign up for a MyPrevea account. MyPrevea is also available as an app on any smartphone or other device. If you do not have access or are unable to use the internet, please call 1 (833) 344-4373. Having trouble, or still have questions? Visit www.prevea.com/vaccine for information on Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations, how to create a MyPrevea account, how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination and more. The Prevea Ladysmith Health Center will continue to provide other health care services as regularly scheduled, as it also hosts the community COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Prevea Health also currently operates community COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Chippewa Falls at Jacob’s Well Church; in Green Bay at UW-Green Bay; in Sheboygan at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus; at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; and in Marinette at UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus Fieldhouse. Again, appointments are required at all locations and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 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. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Get screened, reduce your risk and know the warning signs National Dress in Blue Day is Friday, March 5 Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI – Although colon cancer is a preventable and curable disease if caught early, it remains the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the United States. It’s predicted that more than 149,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends people at an average risk of getting colon cancer receive a colonoscopy beginning at age 50; age 45 for African Americans. Increased risk patients may need earlier and more frequent screening depending upon recommendation by a health care provider. HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals offer the following information to help in the screening, prevention and detection of colon cancer. People at an increased risk for colon cancer include:
In addition to regular screening for colon cancer, you may also be able to lower your risk by:
Warning signs of colorectal cancer can include:
“The earlier we can spot any signs of colon cancer or polyps, which are growths on the wall of the intestine, before they become cancerous is critical in the successful prevention and treatment of this type of cancer,” said HSHS radiology registered nurse, Michael Lucore. Those interested in recognizing Colon Cancer Awareness Month are encouraged to wear blue for National Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 5. For more information about colon cancer screening, prevention and treatment, click here. Imagineering & HOOPS Announce the Launch of a New Website Eau Claire, Wis. — On Feb. 25, 2021, Imagineering & HOOPS announced the launch of a new co-branded website, imagineeringit.com. The new website was designed to be easier to navigate while featuring relevant content that is important to community organizations. For over 25 years, Imagineering and HOOPS have provided a full range of hardware and software solutions to local businesses throughout the area. In 2007, those businesses merged, becoming family-owned partner businesses operating under the same roof. Now, Imagineering and HOOPS will be represented together on the same website. Because of the wide variety of products and services they provide to local businesses, it is important they provide the most accurate, up-to-date information in the fields of Information Technology, Cybersecurity, as well as Accounting and Business Software. The goal in having one co-branded website is to provide a streamlined experience, so users are able to easily learn how Imagineering and HOOPS work together to help local businesses grow. The new website gives better insight to who they are, the services they provide, upcoming events and blog articles, as well as forthcoming industry and partner pages. You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter for additional content sent directly to your inbox. For any questions, suggestions, feedback or comments, please contact Imagineering. Wendel Welcomes Architectural Practice Area Leader - Amber Holycross BUFFALO, NEW YORK ─March 3, 2021 ─ Wendel, a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, energy efficiency and construction management firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Amber Holycross as Architecture Practice Area leader. Amber Holycross, AIA has over 17 years of experience working in the fields of architecture and commercial real estate. Her experience includes project management, design, commercial real estate development and construction administration on projects in Boston, MA, Jacksonville, FL, and the Western New York region. Amber comes to Wendel from Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation where she was a Senior Development Manager. As Architectural Practice Area Leader, Amber will be responsible for managing Wendel’s national architecture portfolio and team which includes over 85 architects, interior designers and landscape architects. She will lead the practice in the areas of corporate alignment, ethics, culture, client relations, business development, production and staff development. “We are very excited to welcome Amber to the Wendel team,” said Stewart C. Haney, president and CEO. “Not only does she bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, but also a new perspective that will further enhance our architecture practice. Her passion, results-driven approach and team player philosophy fit well with the Wendel culture.” "The West Side"Equity And Inclusion Council On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”Eau Claire, Wis. - Two new groups dealing with issues of race – the Governor’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion, and the Chippewa Valley Transformation Project – will be the focus of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, Mar. 5 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Hosts Dean Kallenbach and Robin Washington will welcome two local members of the Governor’s Council, which held its first meeting in February. They are Odawa White, dean of students at Lac Courtes Oreilles Ojibwe College in Hayward and Mai Xiong, president of the organization Hmong American Leadership and Economic Development and a member of the Eau Claire City Council. Also on the show will be the chair of the Governor’s Council Dawn Crim, secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. In his announcement of the group on Feb. 1, Governor Tony Evers said that his Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion “will provide strategic guidance...to promote and advance diversity, equity and inclusion practices across Wisconsin state government.” Next, Kallenbach will talk to Berlye Middleton, co-chair of the Chippewa Valley Transformation Project, an anti-racism organization hoping to strengthen the community’s efforts in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Middleton is a program director at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, vice president of the local organization Uniting Bridges, and a former Eau Claire City Council Member. “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. Acting Coach Susie Draeger On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Spectrum West”Eau Claire, Wis. - Eau Claire acting coach Susie Draeger will discuss her new class on Wisconsin accents, presented by the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, on “Spectrum West” with Host Al Ross at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 4 on The Ideas Network stations 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Dr. Doug Matthews will stop by to talk about a recent UWEC study on the effects of alcohol on aging brains. Matthews, a psychology professor, leads a group of undergrads in the research, which is supported by Mayo Clinic Health System. Beaver Creek Photo Club President Ryan Zimmerman and photographer Rick Koziel will preview an exhibit at the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls. The exhibit, “More than Just a Photo” runs through April 2. Menomonie-based musician Jim Nelson will round out the program discussing the new collaborative album, “There’s Only One Bluegrass Song.” “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. UWEC & CVTC NewsUWECNursing alumna recognized for work in public health Selfless and devoted individuals stepped forward in 2020 with heroic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a continuous source of hope during such difficult times. Among the devoted public servants was Blugold nursing alumna Jennifer Rombalski, who was honored as Person of the Year by the La Crosse Tribune for her work as the director of the La Crosse County Health Department. The Tribune’s announcement in January cited Rombalski’s “drive, dedication and refusal to do anything less than her best” in leading the county through the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that her name brought in an overwhelming majority of nominations for the region’s annual recognition. “I’m truly honored, and so grateful that people have recognized the hard work of our health department,” the 2001 nursing graduate said. “It’s not really me — I just happen to lead a unit of really hard-working, dedicated people.” Rombalski’s leadership skills didn’t go unnoticed as she has since accepted a new position as the director of the Office of Policy and Practice Alignment at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Division of Public Health. Among its many responsibilities, the office coordinates the State Health Plan and oversees the state’s five regional offices supporting local-level public health. “With more than 17 years in local public health, I am excited to have the opportunity to bring my local experiences and a local voice to the senior leadership table in the state health department,” said Rombalski, who is keenly aware of the essential relationships between state and local agencies, especially in matters of public health. “A strong connection between the state and local health departments is critical for maximum success in improving health for residents across Wisconsin.” Rombalski, who earned a master’s degree in public health administration from the University of Minnesota in 2016, spent the last five years in La Crosse County, and 17 years total in public health. Martin Mogensen Education Lecture to focus on Hmong racial and gender justice in the modern eraKabzuag Vaj will share lessons learned from engaging in cross-racial solidarity with Black and Hmong people in her lecture “Organizing for Racial and Gender Justice in an Era of Trumpism through a Hmong Feminist Lens,” which will be presented as the 2021 Martin Mogensen Education Lecture in conjunction with the UW-Eau Claire Center for Racial and Restorative Justice “Racing Toward Justice” speaker series. The event will be livestreamed at 6 p.m. March 8. Kabzuag Vaj has 20 years of experience in working toward gender justice, police-free schools and ending deportation within Hmong and Southeast Asian communities. Through open dialogue, critical reflection and an examination of the ongoing work of Freedom Inc., Vaj’s lecture will assist educators in exploring ways to work toward racial equity and cross-racial solidarity with students, families and communities of color. The Mogensen Education Lecture is free and open to the public. Continuing Education announces March program offeringsUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Continuing Education/UW-Extended Campus connects people with possibilities by providing degrees and certificates for working adults, professional and workforce development, youth and community programs, and resources for business. CVTCCVTC Offers Virtual Sessions on Safety, Inclusion Lunch & Learn series start March 16 Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Technical College is offering business leaders and employees the opportunity to update their worker safety skills and learn more about increasing equity, diversity and inclusion during two monthly Lunch-and-Learn series. The Lunch & Learn Safety series covers topics of Emergency Action Planning on March 16, Worker Compensation on April 22, Fall Protection on May 18 and Ergonomics in the Workplace on June 16. Each online session hosted on Microsoft Teams will be held from noon-1 p.m. Cost is $25 for all four sessions. The event is designed for safety managers, human resource professionals, maintenance employees, front-line supervisors and any employee who is interested in updating their safety skills and knowledge. This safety series provides current information on the most relevant safety topics to revitalize approaches to safety management and will be taught by taught by CVTC’s experienced safety trainers. For more on each session and to register, go to Virtual Lunch & Learn - Safety Series | CVTC. CVTC named military-friendly school Designation reflects efforts to recruit, serve military students
Eau Claire, WI – Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) has been named a Military Friendly School for 2021-22. The Military Friendly School designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students and ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation. The list serves as a resource for service members and military families seeking education and has played a significant role in advancing best practices in supporting military students on campuses across the country. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a survey completed by the school. CVTC earned the designation in the large technical colleges category. “We serve approximately 175 veterans annually,” said Deb Ludwikowski, who works directly with veterans at CVTC. “This honor is based on the services we offer specifically for our student veterans.” RCU Foundation Names New Board Member Eau Claire, WI – Annie Brose has been named a Board Member to the RCU Foundation Board of Directors. In this role, Brose will help the Foundation meet its core purpose to create a positive impact and support capital projects for the arts, education, and health in communities served by Royal Credit Union. “I’m delighted to join the RCU Foundation Board and bring my perspective and insights about the St. Croix Valley,” shared Brose. “I have been a Member at Royal Credit Union for more than a decade and look forward to working with the board to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.” Brose has been practicing law in Wisconsin and Minnesota for 30 years. In 2006, she joined Doar, Drill & Skow in New Richmond, WI, and practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, trust administration and business succession planning. Brose and her husband raised three sons in the St. Croix Valley and she has been active in the community, serving on youth sports boards and as an instructor for Junior Achievement and Art Adventure, a program bringing art from the Minneapolis Art Institute to elementary students. The RCU Foundation makes capital gifts in communities served by Royal Credit Union across Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. “Annie will bring a valuable perspective since she is based in New Richmond and has connections within that community and the broader St. Croix Valley,” noted John Sackett, RCU Foundation Board President. “The board strives to touch all of Royal’s communities and Annie will help us broaden this reach.” Learn more about the RCU Foundation, including its annual fundraiser Rock the Riverfront, at rcu.org/foundation. 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 $5 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. Taking care of you heart health: HSHS hospitals provide healthy eating and exercise tips during American Heart Month Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI – Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every four deaths is from heart disease or stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These conditions are also leading causes of disabilities which prevent people from working and enjoying family activities. While there are some health risks you may not have control over when it comes to heart disease, such as family history, there are things you can do to reduce your risk such as maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating exercise into your lifestyle. During American Heart Month – a month dedicated to raising awareness about the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are committed to educating the public on how to lead a healthier lifestyle and keep hearts beating strong. Healthy Eating Knowing which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit is a good place to begin your heart healthy lifestyle.
HSHS dietician, Susan Kasik-Miller said symptoms can vary widely for heart disease, and some heart disease goes undetected until a catastrophic event such as a heart attack or sudden death. “That makes preventive measures all the more important,” she said. “You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.” Activity and Exercise According to the American Heart Association, a healthy level of exercise for adults is at least 150 minutes per week (about 20 minutes a day) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week (about 10 minutes a day) of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both spread throughout the week. Any physical movement is good and burns calories, but aerobic or “cardio” activity benefits your heart.
If you have a chronic condition or disability, talk with your health care provider about what’s right for you before making too many exercise or dietary changes. To learn more, visit the American Heart Association website. About HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1889, it has been meeting patient needs in western Wisconsin with the latest medical innovations and technology, together with a Franciscan whole-person healing tradition. About HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1885, it has served the people of the Chippewa Falls area with health care that is high tech and high touch. Known locally for the quality of the care it provides patients, the hospital has been recognized nationally for its outstanding patient satisfaction levels. About Hospital Sisters Health System Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our physician practices and 15 local hospitals in two states - Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan, and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org. Chippewa Valley Rally On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side” Feb. 26Eau Claire, Wis. – Due to the pandemic, Chippewa Valley business and community leaders will advocate for the region’s economic interests with capitol lawmakers virtually for the first time during the annual event known as the Chippewa Valley Rally. The details will be discussed on “The West Side” at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls. Host Dean Kallenbach will welcome Scott Rogers, vice president of governmental affairs at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer McHugh, vice president of community engagement at Royal Credit Union who is also a member of the Eau Claire Chamber Government Affairs Committee; Jackie Boos, tourism director with the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce and Doug Mell, special assistant to the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stout who is representing the Menomonie Chamber of Commerce. “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 After a successful first virtual event, Chippewa Valley Book Festival hosts Brandon Taylor on March 12Following an impressive first event that drew in over 990 registrants and viewers from across 40 states, the Chippewa Valley Book Festival looks forward to hosting award-winning author, Brandon Taylor, for a discussion about his book, Real Life. A Conversation with Brandon Taylor will take place virtually on March 12, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. (CST). Registration is required for this FREE event. Learn more at www.cvbookfest.org/festival-events/taylor. Brandon Taylor is the author of Real Life which was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize for Fiction and was named one of the best books of 2020 by numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, The Paris Review, and VICE. Plans were announced in December for a film adaptation starring Kid Cudi. The program is expected to touch upon themes presented in the book including racism, sexuality, and trauma. Moderated by Lopa Basu, Ph.D., the program will include a reading from the novel and questions and answers with Taylor. Real Life takes place on a Midwestern campus with more than a passing resemblance to the one that Taylor attended in Madison, Wisconsin. It’s the last few days of summer break. Wallace, a queer, Black man from Alabama, is a graduate student whose laboratory project has gone awry. Could it be the result of deliberate sabotage? Although the events that follow are packed into a single weekend, issues of race, gender, sexuality, history, and trauma all come to bear upon personal reflection, furtive romance, and one of the most disastrous dinner parties in recent fiction. “Breathlessly physical…steadily exciting and affecting…[a] charged experience.”– Booklist (starred review) Author photos, book jacket graphics, social media graphics, as well as Chippewa Valley Book Festival logos can be found at: www.cvbookfest.com/media The Chippewa Valley Book Festival partners with the Pablo Center at the Confluence, and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Foundation to provide literary programming for all Chippewa Valley residents. Charter Bank Promotes Five Employees |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |  |  |  |  |
Eau Claire, Wis, - Charter Bank is proud to announce that five employees were recently promoted from within. We are proud of the commitment these employees have shown to our valued customers over the years and pleased to have the opportunity to promote talent within our organization.
Melissa Bown, Branch Manager – Chetek Office
Mel was promoted from Lead Teller to Branch Manager. She is responsible for administration and daily operations for the Chetek Branch, including sales, service, facilities management, purchasing, security, and safety in accordance with the bank’s objectives. She will also supervise the teller and personal banking staff, as well as support the bank by reinforcing core values and achieving departmental goals consistent with the strategic plan.
Ann Gonstead-Hartle, Assistant Vice President – Compliance Officer
Ann has been with Charter Bank for over two years. She started as the Compliance Officer and was promoted to an Assistant Vice President. She is responsible for ensuring the bank is compliant with all State and Federal laws and regulations governing the operations of the bank. She is also a great resource for compliance guidance to all bank personnel relating to lending, marketing, and deposit accounts.
Chris Olson, Assistant Vice President – Deposit Operations
Chris has been with Charter Bank for over two years and began as a Deposit Operation Officer. She was promoted to an Assistant Vice President. She oversees a great team who does much of the work behind the scenes, such as handling wires, item processing, treasury management set-up and fraud management, to name a few.
Stacy Sturz, Senior Credit Analyst Officer
Stacy has been with Charter Bank for almost 10 years as a Senior Credit Analyst. She now takes the lead role in the department as the Senior Credit Analyst Officer. She is responsible for reviewing all loans and doing the financial analysis, as well as assisting lenders in preparing loan proposals.
Laura Woodford, Personal Banking Officer
Laura was promoted from Personal Banker to Personal Banker Officer at our Eau Claire branch. She will continue to work directly with our customers with new accounts and consumer lending but is now the go-to person for questions and concerns within the department. She will also continue to lead training for front-line employees. She has been with Charter Bank for over 13 years.
To learn more about career opportunities at Charter Bank, please visit charterbank.bank/about/careers.
About Charter Bank
Charter Bank is a locally owned community bank offering consumer, business, and investment planning services to the Chippewa Valley, the Minnesota Southwest Metro and the Chetek area. Since being founded in 1980 in Eau Claire, WI, Charter Bank has grown to be a financial leader in the Chippewa Valley. Charter Bank prides itself in creating a personalized banking experience for every customer. For more information visit charterbank.bank.
Melissa Bown, Branch Manager – Chetek Office
Mel was promoted from Lead Teller to Branch Manager. She is responsible for administration and daily operations for the Chetek Branch, including sales, service, facilities management, purchasing, security, and safety in accordance with the bank’s objectives. She will also supervise the teller and personal banking staff, as well as support the bank by reinforcing core values and achieving departmental goals consistent with the strategic plan.
Ann Gonstead-Hartle, Assistant Vice President – Compliance Officer
Ann has been with Charter Bank for over two years. She started as the Compliance Officer and was promoted to an Assistant Vice President. She is responsible for ensuring the bank is compliant with all State and Federal laws and regulations governing the operations of the bank. She is also a great resource for compliance guidance to all bank personnel relating to lending, marketing, and deposit accounts.
Chris Olson, Assistant Vice President – Deposit Operations
Chris has been with Charter Bank for over two years and began as a Deposit Operation Officer. She was promoted to an Assistant Vice President. She oversees a great team who does much of the work behind the scenes, such as handling wires, item processing, treasury management set-up and fraud management, to name a few.
Stacy Sturz, Senior Credit Analyst Officer
Stacy has been with Charter Bank for almost 10 years as a Senior Credit Analyst. She now takes the lead role in the department as the Senior Credit Analyst Officer. She is responsible for reviewing all loans and doing the financial analysis, as well as assisting lenders in preparing loan proposals.
Laura Woodford, Personal Banking Officer
Laura was promoted from Personal Banker to Personal Banker Officer at our Eau Claire branch. She will continue to work directly with our customers with new accounts and consumer lending but is now the go-to person for questions and concerns within the department. She will also continue to lead training for front-line employees. She has been with Charter Bank for over 13 years.
To learn more about career opportunities at Charter Bank, please visit charterbank.bank/about/careers.
About Charter Bank
Charter Bank is a locally owned community bank offering consumer, business, and investment planning services to the Chippewa Valley, the Minnesota Southwest Metro and the Chetek area. Since being founded in 1980 in Eau Claire, WI, Charter Bank has grown to be a financial leader in the Chippewa Valley. Charter Bank prides itself in creating a personalized banking experience for every customer. For more information visit charterbank.bank.
Prevea welcomes new pediatrician to Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls – Prevea Health is pleased to now offer pediatric care to patients at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center with the addition of Dr. Chad Kritzberger to the Prevea family.
Dr. Kritzberger, a board-certified pediatrician, specializes in the following:
“Every child is a gift, and it’s a joy and privilege to work together with those who care for them to support their growth and development,” said Dr. Kritzberger. “I love seeing things from the perspective of my patients as well as their parents and caregivers because this helps me better understand how they are feeling and how to best support them.”
Dr. Kritzberger completed his residency at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and graduated from Mayo Medical School. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Appointments with Dr. Kritzberger at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center, 2509 County Hwy I, can be made by calling (715) 723-9138 or online at www.prevea.com.
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.
Chippewa Falls – Prevea Health is pleased to now offer pediatric care to patients at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center with the addition of Dr. Chad Kritzberger to the Prevea family.
Dr. Kritzberger, a board-certified pediatrician, specializes in the following:
- Pediatric care
- Newborns to age 18
- Well-child visits
- Immunizations
- Sick visits
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Care coordination with local schools for children with academic and behavioral concerns
“Every child is a gift, and it’s a joy and privilege to work together with those who care for them to support their growth and development,” said Dr. Kritzberger. “I love seeing things from the perspective of my patients as well as their parents and caregivers because this helps me better understand how they are feeling and how to best support them.”
Dr. Kritzberger completed his residency at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and graduated from Mayo Medical School. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Appointments with Dr. Kritzberger at the Prevea Chippewa Falls Health Center, 2509 County Hwy I, can be made by calling (715) 723-9138 or online at www.prevea.com.
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.
Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic coming to the Prevea Ladysmith Health Center: Saturday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, March 6
Ladysmith – Prevea Health will host community COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Prevea Ladysmith Health Center, 1101 Lake Ave. W in Ladysmith, on Feb. 27 and March 6 for community members eligible for vaccination under the vaccination prioritization guidelines set by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
Data collected by DHS shows Rusk County to have one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in Wisconsin: Currently, 9.4 percent of Rusk County’s 14,178 residents have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 2.3 percent have been completely vaccinated with two doses.
“It is critical we make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible to those in our rural regions, such as Ladysmith and its surrounding communities,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO, Prevea Health. “With enough vaccine supply, we hope to get everyone who is eligible and wants to take this very important step to protect themselves and their loved ones, vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Appointments are required for vaccinations, and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply.
How to make an appointment
The fastest way to get an appointment scheduled is with MyPrevea; all available appointments will be current in MyPrevea. Visit www.myprevea.com to set up an account at no cost. You do not have to be a Prevea patient to sign up for a MyPrevea account. MyPrevea is also available as an app on any smartphone or other device.
Having trouble, or still have questions?
Visit www.prevea.com/vaccine for information on Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations, how to create a MyPrevea account, how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination and more. If you do not have access or are unable to use the internet, please call 1 (833) 344-4373.
Please note: Appointments are now available for scheduling at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Prevea Ladysmith Health Center for Saturday, Feb. 27. However, appointments are not yet available to be scheduled for Saturday, March 6. We encourage those eligible for vaccination and who would like to make an appointment for March 6 at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Prevea Ladysmith Health Center continue to check in at www.myprevea.com or call 1 (833) 344-4373 to learn when the appointment schedule is open for March 6. Additional Prevea community COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held at the Prevea Ladysmith Health Center after March 6, depending on Prevea Health’s vaccine allocation from DHS.
The Prevea Ladysmith Health Center will continue to provide other health care services as regularly scheduled, as it also hosts community COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Prevea Health also currently operates community COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Chippewa Falls at Jacob’s Well Church; in Green Bay at UW-Green Bay; in Sheboygan at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus; at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; and in Marinette at UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus Fieldhouse. Again, appointments are required at all locations and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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.
Data collected by DHS shows Rusk County to have one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in Wisconsin: Currently, 9.4 percent of Rusk County’s 14,178 residents have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 2.3 percent have been completely vaccinated with two doses.
“It is critical we make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible to those in our rural regions, such as Ladysmith and its surrounding communities,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO, Prevea Health. “With enough vaccine supply, we hope to get everyone who is eligible and wants to take this very important step to protect themselves and their loved ones, vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Appointments are required for vaccinations, and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply.
How to make an appointment
The fastest way to get an appointment scheduled is with MyPrevea; all available appointments will be current in MyPrevea. Visit www.myprevea.com to set up an account at no cost. You do not have to be a Prevea patient to sign up for a MyPrevea account. MyPrevea is also available as an app on any smartphone or other device.
Having trouble, or still have questions?
Visit www.prevea.com/vaccine for information on Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations, how to create a MyPrevea account, how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination and more. If you do not have access or are unable to use the internet, please call 1 (833) 344-4373.
Please note: Appointments are now available for scheduling at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Prevea Ladysmith Health Center for Saturday, Feb. 27. However, appointments are not yet available to be scheduled for Saturday, March 6. We encourage those eligible for vaccination and who would like to make an appointment for March 6 at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Prevea Ladysmith Health Center continue to check in at www.myprevea.com or call 1 (833) 344-4373 to learn when the appointment schedule is open for March 6. Additional Prevea community COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held at the Prevea Ladysmith Health Center after March 6, depending on Prevea Health’s vaccine allocation from DHS.
The Prevea Ladysmith Health Center will continue to provide other health care services as regularly scheduled, as it also hosts community COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Prevea Health also currently operates community COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Chippewa Falls at Jacob’s Well Church; in Green Bay at UW-Green Bay; in Sheboygan at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus; at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; and in Marinette at UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus Fieldhouse. Again, appointments are required at all locations and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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.
Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Announce Expansion of Community Apiary, Date of Beekeeping 101
The Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association has announced that the club’s community apiary in the Village of Lake Hallie will be doubling in size for 2021, and that its introductory beekeeping course will be held in-person at an Eau Claire Church.
Beekeeping 101, an introductory class that explores the hobby of beekeeping, will be offered 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 6 at the Wesleyan Church, across Clairemont Avenue from Memorial High School at 2405 Keith Street in Eau Claire. The annual class is normally held at Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, but holding the March class in the church will allow the instruction to occur in a safe manner observing physical distancing. Face masks will be required in observance of local and state ordinances. Entry will be via the main door of the church.
The class, staged by the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association, is designed to teach the basics to help new beekeepers get started. The course is taught by veteran local beekeepers Randy Rykal of Cadott, Don Hauser and William Korb of Chippewa Falls, Veronica Knudsen of Elk Mound and Todd Anger of Eau Claire.
“We have held the class for several years and it will provide the new or prospective beekeeper a wealth of information,” said Rykal. “Topics include bee biology, bee behavior, siting a hive, acquiring bees, bee health, plants for your bees and early feeding for your bees.”
Cost of the class is $40. Lunch and drinks for each participant will be on their own – sack lunches are encouraged. Those interested in registering for the class may send a check make out to Chippewa-Eau Claire Beekeepers and mail it to Randy Rykal, 148 N Main St, Cadott, WI 54727, with the enveloped postmarked no later than February 26. Registrants are asked to include their email address and phone number so that instructors can pass along any last minute instructions or preparations.
Apiary Doubles in its Second Year
The Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association, in partnership with Xcel Energy and Beaver Creek Reserve, is again offering plots for area beekeepers in a new community apiary in the Village of Lake Hallie in Chippewa County, doubling the number of plots available from seven to 14 in the apiary’s second year.
The apiary is particularly suited to individuals who wish to keep bees, but live in an area that is not suited to beekeeping, or in a community that heavily regulates or taxes beekeepers. Participants in the community apiary will be offered plots of 16 feet by 16 feet, suitable for up to four hives. The plots are set among 32 acres of developing wildflower habitat next to an Xcel Energy substation located just off Business 53 and 40th Ave. in the Village of Lake Hallie.
Beekeepers can rent a plot in the apiary for $20 per year. They must provide their own equipment and bees. Other requirements include a commitment to keeping bees safe and healthy and a commitment to follow access and safety guidelines. Plots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available through the club’s website chippewavalleybeekeepers.com.
Participants in the program are required to be members of the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association. Annual dues for a family to join the club are $10, and association president Galen Klisiewicz said the benefits of club membership are well worth it, especially for first-time beekeepers.
Beekeeping 101, an introductory class that explores the hobby of beekeeping, will be offered 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 6 at the Wesleyan Church, across Clairemont Avenue from Memorial High School at 2405 Keith Street in Eau Claire. The annual class is normally held at Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, but holding the March class in the church will allow the instruction to occur in a safe manner observing physical distancing. Face masks will be required in observance of local and state ordinances. Entry will be via the main door of the church.
The class, staged by the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association, is designed to teach the basics to help new beekeepers get started. The course is taught by veteran local beekeepers Randy Rykal of Cadott, Don Hauser and William Korb of Chippewa Falls, Veronica Knudsen of Elk Mound and Todd Anger of Eau Claire.
“We have held the class for several years and it will provide the new or prospective beekeeper a wealth of information,” said Rykal. “Topics include bee biology, bee behavior, siting a hive, acquiring bees, bee health, plants for your bees and early feeding for your bees.”
Cost of the class is $40. Lunch and drinks for each participant will be on their own – sack lunches are encouraged. Those interested in registering for the class may send a check make out to Chippewa-Eau Claire Beekeepers and mail it to Randy Rykal, 148 N Main St, Cadott, WI 54727, with the enveloped postmarked no later than February 26. Registrants are asked to include their email address and phone number so that instructors can pass along any last minute instructions or preparations.
Apiary Doubles in its Second Year
The Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association, in partnership with Xcel Energy and Beaver Creek Reserve, is again offering plots for area beekeepers in a new community apiary in the Village of Lake Hallie in Chippewa County, doubling the number of plots available from seven to 14 in the apiary’s second year.
The apiary is particularly suited to individuals who wish to keep bees, but live in an area that is not suited to beekeeping, or in a community that heavily regulates or taxes beekeepers. Participants in the community apiary will be offered plots of 16 feet by 16 feet, suitable for up to four hives. The plots are set among 32 acres of developing wildflower habitat next to an Xcel Energy substation located just off Business 53 and 40th Ave. in the Village of Lake Hallie.
Beekeepers can rent a plot in the apiary for $20 per year. They must provide their own equipment and bees. Other requirements include a commitment to keeping bees safe and healthy and a commitment to follow access and safety guidelines. Plots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available through the club’s website chippewavalleybeekeepers.com.
Participants in the program are required to be members of the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association. Annual dues for a family to join the club are $10, and association president Galen Klisiewicz said the benefits of club membership are well worth it, especially for first-time beekeepers.
| Read Full Press Release |
CVTC Students Assisting with COVID Vaccinations: Experience counts as part of their clinical assignments
Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Technical College Nursing students are serving the community and gaining experience in direct patient contact by helping at an Eau Claire City-County Health Department COVID-19 vaccination clinic during the spring semester.
One group of eight first-year students recently completed two weeks of service, at the clinic being held at Eau Claire North High School, while second-year students are continuing to help and more groups of students will soon be joining the effort, according to Gina Bloczynski, associate dean of nursing.
“Participation in the vaccination clinic was a clinical learning opportunity for these students,” Bloczynski said. “The students were paired with the vaccination clinic opportunity based on their course and clinical schedule. Students will continue to help at the clinic through the spring semester, and some will be able to help even after school is over in May on a volunteer basis.”
Nursing students are required to complete a certain number of hours in clinical settings like hospitals, nursing homes and clinics as part of their training, Bloczynski added. The vaccination clinic provides a perfect opportunity for the students to not only help complete the requirements, but also assist with the community response to the pandemic.
“Students are able to use their skills in an in-person setting,” said instructor Ranae Dabruzzi, who supervised her first-year students at the clinic. “They were very excited to be involved with people and are having a positive experience.”
The students perform a variety of tasks at the clinic.
One group of eight first-year students recently completed two weeks of service, at the clinic being held at Eau Claire North High School, while second-year students are continuing to help and more groups of students will soon be joining the effort, according to Gina Bloczynski, associate dean of nursing.
“Participation in the vaccination clinic was a clinical learning opportunity for these students,” Bloczynski said. “The students were paired with the vaccination clinic opportunity based on their course and clinical schedule. Students will continue to help at the clinic through the spring semester, and some will be able to help even after school is over in May on a volunteer basis.”
Nursing students are required to complete a certain number of hours in clinical settings like hospitals, nursing homes and clinics as part of their training, Bloczynski added. The vaccination clinic provides a perfect opportunity for the students to not only help complete the requirements, but also assist with the community response to the pandemic.
“Students are able to use their skills in an in-person setting,” said instructor Ranae Dabruzzi, who supervised her first-year students at the clinic. “They were very excited to be involved with people and are having a positive experience.”
The students perform a variety of tasks at the clinic.
| Read Full Press Release |
UWEC News and Updates
Blugold alumna launches HR software platform
Every year, a couple thousand Blugolds graduate and move away from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus, many of them to that first job in the career of their dreams. It is the outcome they’ve worked hard to prepare for, and they are ready for the challenges.
One aspect of the working world that is difficult to prepare for is harassment, bullying or discrimination in the workplace. Statistics indicate more than half of all employees will witness or experience some sort of discrimination at work.
One 2004 UW-Eau Claire graduate became a part of that statistic. Now, kinesiology graduate Jana Morrin is working to make sure that kind of abuse doesn’t happen to others.
Morrin is co-founder and CEO of Speakfully Inc., a new technology platform designed to offer employees and organizations a safe and secure way to document and address workplace harassment, intimidation or discrimination.
According to a 2017 survey by the American Workplace Bullying Institute, 61% of American workers reported knowledge of or experience with abusive behaviors within their organization. In 2019, a staggering 90% of responding employees and job-seekers on Monster.com reported having been a victim of workplace abuse.
Morrin knows all too well about the devastating impact of workplace abuse, and the low rates of reporting — only 30% of occurrences, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Morrin became one of those who chose not to report her experience, in part because her abuser had often claimed to be close friends with the head of the company’s human resources department.
The months of healing and soul-searching that followed her departure from her position and the East Coast planted the seeds of Speakfully, giving Morrin a way to turn her own painful experience into hope for others. She set out to create the very resource she wished she’d been able to access as a victim of abuse, an aspect of the business plan that attracted co-founder Nandini Easwar to the project.
"I was particularly impressed with the fact that Jana thought of her experience as one that could really help create a positive impact on what is sadly a common occurrence," said Easwar, Morrin's technology partner in the creation of the platform.
One aspect of the working world that is difficult to prepare for is harassment, bullying or discrimination in the workplace. Statistics indicate more than half of all employees will witness or experience some sort of discrimination at work.
One 2004 UW-Eau Claire graduate became a part of that statistic. Now, kinesiology graduate Jana Morrin is working to make sure that kind of abuse doesn’t happen to others.
Morrin is co-founder and CEO of Speakfully Inc., a new technology platform designed to offer employees and organizations a safe and secure way to document and address workplace harassment, intimidation or discrimination.
According to a 2017 survey by the American Workplace Bullying Institute, 61% of American workers reported knowledge of or experience with abusive behaviors within their organization. In 2019, a staggering 90% of responding employees and job-seekers on Monster.com reported having been a victim of workplace abuse.
Morrin knows all too well about the devastating impact of workplace abuse, and the low rates of reporting — only 30% of occurrences, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Morrin became one of those who chose not to report her experience, in part because her abuser had often claimed to be close friends with the head of the company’s human resources department.
The months of healing and soul-searching that followed her departure from her position and the East Coast planted the seeds of Speakfully, giving Morrin a way to turn her own painful experience into hope for others. She set out to create the very resource she wished she’d been able to access as a victim of abuse, an aspect of the business plan that attracted co-founder Nandini Easwar to the project.
"I was particularly impressed with the fact that Jana thought of her experience as one that could really help create a positive impact on what is sadly a common occurrence," said Easwar, Morrin's technology partner in the creation of the platform.
Chancellor's Blog: 2021-23 capital budget proposal invests in areas of high need, impact
After announcing his operating budget request in his biennial budget message last week, Gov. Tony Evers introduced his capital budget proposal for the 2021-23 biennium on Monday. The capital budget establishes state priorities for construction, renovation, and maintenance projects for state facilities, whereas the operating budget proposal covers everything from state agency funding to state employee pay raises.
This capital budget proposal includes projects of significance for western Wisconsin, including the science building projects at UW-River Falls and UW-La Crosse I supported in August when the Board of Regents passed its capital priorities list. Gov. Evers recommended a new renovation project for UW-Eau Claire’s Haas Fine Arts building as part of a UW System instructional space project request, with a specific focus on improving our art and design studios. Meanwhile, planning continues on our new Science and Health Sciences building as enumerated in the last budget, and I’ll provide updates on that process in a future campus briefing.
I am grateful for Gov. Evers’ continued support for great capital projects across the UW System and state, as many of the facilities impacted are central to a university’s ability to meet its academic mission and support regional workforce development goals. With both parts of the governor’s executive budget proposal now released, the process moves to the state legislature — see my previous blog post for details on the next steps in the budget debate.
This capital budget proposal includes projects of significance for western Wisconsin, including the science building projects at UW-River Falls and UW-La Crosse I supported in August when the Board of Regents passed its capital priorities list. Gov. Evers recommended a new renovation project for UW-Eau Claire’s Haas Fine Arts building as part of a UW System instructional space project request, with a specific focus on improving our art and design studios. Meanwhile, planning continues on our new Science and Health Sciences building as enumerated in the last budget, and I’ll provide updates on that process in a future campus briefing.
I am grateful for Gov. Evers’ continued support for great capital projects across the UW System and state, as many of the facilities impacted are central to a university’s ability to meet its academic mission and support regional workforce development goals. With both parts of the governor’s executive budget proposal now released, the process moves to the state legislature — see my previous blog post for details on the next steps in the budget debate.
Blugolds gain knowledge, experience during yearlong administrative residencies at long-term care facilities
Like many spring 2021 college graduates, Drew Flores and Emily Weise are learning to think creatively, adapt quickly and embrace the unexpected as they try to make the most of a year that has been like no other.
However, while the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire seniors are navigating mask mandates, physical distancing requirements and virtual learning like all students, they also are part of leadership teams in long-term care facilities during a public health crisis that is hitting the senior population especially hard.
Weise and Flores are among the 54 Blugolds who are completing yearlong administrative residencies at long-term care facilities before graduating in May with degrees in health care administration.
“There is only so much you can learn in a classroom,” says Flores, who is completing his residency at Marquardt Village in Watertown. “I learn and do something new every day. I wake up every morning not knowing what today will bring, which makes coming into work exciting.”
Weise agrees, adding that the residency program, while challenging, is giving her the kinds of experiences that will help her succeed in her future career.
“You spend a whole year at a facility,” says Weise, who is completing her residency at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. “It is not just learning with a textbook and taking tests. You get the real-world experience, which actually gets you prepared for the real world.”
With millions of baby boomers now crossing the “senior” threshold, the demand for leaders in the long-term care and senior-living industry is booming, making it even more important that new graduates bring experience with them as they begin their careers, says Kiki Beschorner, the coordinator for UW-Eau Claire’s Center for Health Administration and Aging Services Excellence (CHAASE). That is why requiring students to complete yearlong residencies in long-term care facilities is a critical part of the health care administration program, she says.
“After completing the 50-week program, our students are ready to begin performing as a leader and a manager in a health care setting,” Beschorner says.
However, while the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire seniors are navigating mask mandates, physical distancing requirements and virtual learning like all students, they also are part of leadership teams in long-term care facilities during a public health crisis that is hitting the senior population especially hard.
Weise and Flores are among the 54 Blugolds who are completing yearlong administrative residencies at long-term care facilities before graduating in May with degrees in health care administration.
“There is only so much you can learn in a classroom,” says Flores, who is completing his residency at Marquardt Village in Watertown. “I learn and do something new every day. I wake up every morning not knowing what today will bring, which makes coming into work exciting.”
Weise agrees, adding that the residency program, while challenging, is giving her the kinds of experiences that will help her succeed in her future career.
“You spend a whole year at a facility,” says Weise, who is completing her residency at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. “It is not just learning with a textbook and taking tests. You get the real-world experience, which actually gets you prepared for the real world.”
With millions of baby boomers now crossing the “senior” threshold, the demand for leaders in the long-term care and senior-living industry is booming, making it even more important that new graduates bring experience with them as they begin their careers, says Kiki Beschorner, the coordinator for UW-Eau Claire’s Center for Health Administration and Aging Services Excellence (CHAASE). That is why requiring students to complete yearlong residencies in long-term care facilities is a critical part of the health care administration program, she says.
“After completing the 50-week program, our students are ready to begin performing as a leader and a manager in a health care setting,” Beschorner says.
Dr. Demetrius Smith enjoying new EDISA role
After his first six months as the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s first special assistant to the vice chancellor for equity, diversity, inclusion and student affairs, Dr. Demetrius Smith is more excited than ever about the university’s many EDI initiatives.
Smith also is happy to be in a role that gives him opportunities to help implement new EDI initiatives and to build on existing EDI programs and projects, says Smith, who was appointed to the recently created position in August 2020 after previously serving as the program director for the EDI division.
“I am extremely excited about this new opportunity,” Smith says. “With this being the inaugural position, I have the creativity and freedom to shape how this position will operate. UW-Eau Claire has a lot of exciting initiatives coming when it comes to EDI and I am thrilled to be a part of it in my new role.”
Smith says he looks forward to the continued development of the new Center for Racial and Restorative Justice that was established in fall 2020 as a clearinghouse for research, scholarship, advocacy and action for the UW-Eau Claire community.
In his current position, Smith also serves as director of the Blugold Beginnings program, a long-running program that is designed to educate and inspire students, especially underrepresented, low-income or first-generation students, to pursue postsecondary education. Smith praised the program’s founder, Jodi Thesing-Ritter, for helping him in the transition.
Among the new Blugold Beginnings program initiatives that Smith is excited to launch is a four-year Minority Mentoring Model, which will serve underrepresented students from their UW-Eau Claire orientation to their graduation. The program will focus on mentorship, scholastic achievement and opportunities for success, and will offer a tutoring program for students.
Teresa O’Halloran, interim vice chancellor for EDISA, says Smith already is making significant contributions to the campus in his new position, calling his work “vital” to the EDI strategic planning team led by Dang Yang and Drs. Heather Ann Moody and Anjela Wong. O’Halloran also applauded Smith’s work in his new roles, adding that the Blugold Beginnings program is “in very good hands under his leadership.”
“He has strong awareness of the issues facing our students and cares passionately about their success,” O’Halloran says. “I appreciate Demetrius for his analytical abilities and planning skills on the more administrative side of our work in EDISA.”
Smith is co-chair of the search for the next vice chancellor of EDISA, along with Dr. Mike Carney, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. Dr. Warren Anderson left the UW-Eau Claire position in December to become the UW System’s senior EDI officer.
Smith, a native of Decatur, Georgia, started his professional career at Middle Georgia State University in Cochran, Georgia, where he worked in the registrar’s office and later in student affairs, where he dealt with housing and residence life, student organizations, student conduct and other issues.
Smith holds a doctorate in student affairs leadership from the University of Georgia in addition to a master’s degree in higher education administration and a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Georgia Southern University.
Smith also is happy to be in a role that gives him opportunities to help implement new EDI initiatives and to build on existing EDI programs and projects, says Smith, who was appointed to the recently created position in August 2020 after previously serving as the program director for the EDI division.
“I am extremely excited about this new opportunity,” Smith says. “With this being the inaugural position, I have the creativity and freedom to shape how this position will operate. UW-Eau Claire has a lot of exciting initiatives coming when it comes to EDI and I am thrilled to be a part of it in my new role.”
Smith says he looks forward to the continued development of the new Center for Racial and Restorative Justice that was established in fall 2020 as a clearinghouse for research, scholarship, advocacy and action for the UW-Eau Claire community.
In his current position, Smith also serves as director of the Blugold Beginnings program, a long-running program that is designed to educate and inspire students, especially underrepresented, low-income or first-generation students, to pursue postsecondary education. Smith praised the program’s founder, Jodi Thesing-Ritter, for helping him in the transition.
Among the new Blugold Beginnings program initiatives that Smith is excited to launch is a four-year Minority Mentoring Model, which will serve underrepresented students from their UW-Eau Claire orientation to their graduation. The program will focus on mentorship, scholastic achievement and opportunities for success, and will offer a tutoring program for students.
Teresa O’Halloran, interim vice chancellor for EDISA, says Smith already is making significant contributions to the campus in his new position, calling his work “vital” to the EDI strategic planning team led by Dang Yang and Drs. Heather Ann Moody and Anjela Wong. O’Halloran also applauded Smith’s work in his new roles, adding that the Blugold Beginnings program is “in very good hands under his leadership.”
“He has strong awareness of the issues facing our students and cares passionately about their success,” O’Halloran says. “I appreciate Demetrius for his analytical abilities and planning skills on the more administrative side of our work in EDISA.”
Smith is co-chair of the search for the next vice chancellor of EDISA, along with Dr. Mike Carney, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. Dr. Warren Anderson left the UW-Eau Claire position in December to become the UW System’s senior EDI officer.
Smith, a native of Decatur, Georgia, started his professional career at Middle Georgia State University in Cochran, Georgia, where he worked in the registrar’s office and later in student affairs, where he dealt with housing and residence life, student organizations, student conduct and other issues.
Smith holds a doctorate in student affairs leadership from the University of Georgia in addition to a master’s degree in higher education administration and a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Georgia Southern University.
Gov. Evers Announces Badger Bounceback Budget Investments to Support Small Business, Kickstart Innovation
Governor proposes $200 million to assist small businesses in recovering from COVID-19 pandemic
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced his 2021-23 budget will include aggressive economic development plans that invest more than $200 million in assisting small businesses, more than $29 million for workforce development initiatives, and a new $100 million venture capital program to jumpstart innovation as all part of his Badger Bounceback agenda to help the state's economy rebound, rebuild, and recover.
“Over the past year, our small businesses have seen the effects of this pandemic firsthand. I am proud of our small businesses and of the critical investments we made with our We're All In grant program, but we know we have more work to do in making sure we can recover from this pandemic,” said Gov. Evers. “These investments will ensure our main street businesses, our workers, and our state bounce back and better than before by helping folks recover from this pandemic while investing in new innovation and startups.”
Helping Wisconsin Businesses Bounce Back
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin was able to respond quickly to the needs of businesses through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) We’re All In grant program, providing nearly 55,000 small businesses a total of approximately $240 million to help weather the pandemic. Building off of this success, the governor’s Badger Bounceback agenda creates a biennial appropriation to provide the WEDC with $200 million to assist Wisconsin’s small businesses recover from the global pandemic, including assistance for job retention and rehiring.
Additionally, the governor is proposing increasing WEDC’s annual block grant by $10 million in each year of the biennium to bring the total investment to $51.5 million per year, providing WEDC with additional resources across its range of programs to assist businesses, communities, and organizations. In order to ensure that the state’s economic investments are felt statewide and in an equitable manner, the Gov. Evers’ proposal includes:
The governor recognizes Wisconsin’s economy is only as strong as its workforce. That’s why Gov. Evers is proposing to:
In addition to short-term recovery initiatives, the governor recommends numerous proposals to enhance Wisconsin's long-term economic growth prospects in the years ahead. Now, more than ever, is the time for Wisconsin to recommit to innovation and economic growth to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever. The largest of these proposals is the creation of a $100 million venture capital fund under the direction of the WEDC to jumpstart innovation and startup growth in Wisconsin.
The program will be a fund of funds investment program, and no investment made by the fund of funds in a recipient venture capital fund may exceed $25 million. Venture capital funds receiving investment from the fund of funds program must commit to investing that amount in Wisconsin and that these investments must attain at least a one-to-one match with private sources, such that the program as a whole attains a required match rate of two private dollars for every state dollar invested. The program will require that at least 20 percent of the total funds under management be invested in minority-owned or women-owned firms or in businesses that are located in underserved areas. WEDC will establish an oversight board with various enumerated responsibilities related to the establishment and management of the program. Both investments made by this new fund, as well as investments made by the Badger Fund of Funds, will be able to be reinvested in perpetuity.
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced his 2021-23 budget will include aggressive economic development plans that invest more than $200 million in assisting small businesses, more than $29 million for workforce development initiatives, and a new $100 million venture capital program to jumpstart innovation as all part of his Badger Bounceback agenda to help the state's economy rebound, rebuild, and recover.
“Over the past year, our small businesses have seen the effects of this pandemic firsthand. I am proud of our small businesses and of the critical investments we made with our We're All In grant program, but we know we have more work to do in making sure we can recover from this pandemic,” said Gov. Evers. “These investments will ensure our main street businesses, our workers, and our state bounce back and better than before by helping folks recover from this pandemic while investing in new innovation and startups.”
Helping Wisconsin Businesses Bounce Back
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin was able to respond quickly to the needs of businesses through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) We’re All In grant program, providing nearly 55,000 small businesses a total of approximately $240 million to help weather the pandemic. Building off of this success, the governor’s Badger Bounceback agenda creates a biennial appropriation to provide the WEDC with $200 million to assist Wisconsin’s small businesses recover from the global pandemic, including assistance for job retention and rehiring.
Additionally, the governor is proposing increasing WEDC’s annual block grant by $10 million in each year of the biennium to bring the total investment to $51.5 million per year, providing WEDC with additional resources across its range of programs to assist businesses, communities, and organizations. In order to ensure that the state’s economic investments are felt statewide and in an equitable manner, the Gov. Evers’ proposal includes:
- Providing a one-time $8 million investment for WEDC to award to organizations focused on local or regional economic development;
- Promoting entrepreneurship in underserved communities, including minority and women-owned businesses, with $10 million in direct investment activity; and
- Supporting tribal economic development by providing $780,000 in tribal gaming revenue over the biennium to support business and communities among Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized Native Nations.
The governor recognizes Wisconsin’s economy is only as strong as its workforce. That’s why Gov. Evers is proposing to:
- Provide $8 million over the biennium in funding for pandemic recovery grants to local workforce development boards;
- Invest $10 million over the biennium in the Fast Forward program supporting training for individuals, businesses, and organizations affected by the pandemic;
- Providing an additional $1 million over the biennium in the Fast Forward program for training specifically in green jobs throughout the state, encouraging career paths in conservation and sustainability;
- Transferring $250,000 from the Fast Forward program to provide greater resources for young adults with disabilities through Project SEARCH;
- Providing $500,000 over the biennium to expand youth apprenticeship opportunities to more school districts and youth throughout the state; and
- Creating a new “customer centric” worker program within the Department of Workforce Development with Career Coaches to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to meaningful employment with a $9.7 million investment over the biennium.
In addition to short-term recovery initiatives, the governor recommends numerous proposals to enhance Wisconsin's long-term economic growth prospects in the years ahead. Now, more than ever, is the time for Wisconsin to recommit to innovation and economic growth to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever. The largest of these proposals is the creation of a $100 million venture capital fund under the direction of the WEDC to jumpstart innovation and startup growth in Wisconsin.
The program will be a fund of funds investment program, and no investment made by the fund of funds in a recipient venture capital fund may exceed $25 million. Venture capital funds receiving investment from the fund of funds program must commit to investing that amount in Wisconsin and that these investments must attain at least a one-to-one match with private sources, such that the program as a whole attains a required match rate of two private dollars for every state dollar invested. The program will require that at least 20 percent of the total funds under management be invested in minority-owned or women-owned firms or in businesses that are located in underserved areas. WEDC will establish an oversight board with various enumerated responsibilities related to the establishment and management of the program. Both investments made by this new fund, as well as investments made by the Badger Fund of Funds, will be able to be reinvested in perpetuity.
WNB Financial Announces Promotions of Community Presidents
 |  |  |
WNB Financial is pleased to announce the promotion of three employees to the role of Community President:
- Tom Seaholm, Community President – Chippewa Valley
- Dave Justus, Community President – Holmen
- Rick Vaplon, Community President – Wabasha/Kellogg
| Read Full Press Release |
Introducing the Chippewa Valley Parks Prescription Program
Altoona – Prevea Health, in partnership with the City of Altoona Parks and Recreation Department, is excited to announce a new program called Chippewa Valley Parks Prescription Program, or CV Parks Rx.
CV Parks Rx is a healthy lifestyle initiative that encourages children and families to get outside and get active in order to help prevent and/or reduce childhood obesity.
Currently approximately 30 percent of Wisconsin adolescents are considered obese, according to the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health.
Dr. Allison Schneider, a pediatrician at the Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building said being active every day is important for the physical and mental health of kids and their families.
“Especially now when there are fewer activities happening because of the pandemic and we tend to be indoors more because of cold weather, it’s the perfect time to start moving,” she said. “I am also excited because this program encourages family togetherness while also promoting the wonderful trails, parks and other resources our community has to offer.”
Debra Goldbach, Altoona Parks and Recreation Manager, said by linking together the health care system and outdoor spaces, the goal of this partnership is to improve the health and wellbeing of the community and create healthier lifestyles for Altoona area families.
“We look forward to continuing the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles among all age groups, but especially the youth of our community,” said Goldbach.
Pediatric and Family Medicine providers at the Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building, 3119 Woodman Dr., can get families started with the CV Parks Rx program, or to participate, you can track your activity by downloading a tracking log here. After completing an activity log, kids or parents can turn it in at the Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building or the Altoona Parks and Recreation Department office, 1419 Front Porch Place, for a chance to win prizes.
CV Parks Rx is an expansion of a parks prescription program that began in Green Bay, Wisconsin called GB Parks Rx. The program is made possible by a grant from the Wisconsin Beverage Association and in community partnership with Wello, a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to co-create community conditions that are just and fair to drive high levels of health and well-being for all.
For more information, visit www.prevea.com/cvparksrx or email CVParksRx@prevea.com.
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.
CV Parks Rx is a healthy lifestyle initiative that encourages children and families to get outside and get active in order to help prevent and/or reduce childhood obesity.
Currently approximately 30 percent of Wisconsin adolescents are considered obese, according to the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health.
Dr. Allison Schneider, a pediatrician at the Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building said being active every day is important for the physical and mental health of kids and their families.
“Especially now when there are fewer activities happening because of the pandemic and we tend to be indoors more because of cold weather, it’s the perfect time to start moving,” she said. “I am also excited because this program encourages family togetherness while also promoting the wonderful trails, parks and other resources our community has to offer.”
Debra Goldbach, Altoona Parks and Recreation Manager, said by linking together the health care system and outdoor spaces, the goal of this partnership is to improve the health and wellbeing of the community and create healthier lifestyles for Altoona area families.
“We look forward to continuing the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles among all age groups, but especially the youth of our community,” said Goldbach.
Pediatric and Family Medicine providers at the Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building, 3119 Woodman Dr., can get families started with the CV Parks Rx program, or to participate, you can track your activity by downloading a tracking log here. After completing an activity log, kids or parents can turn it in at the Prevea Altoona Medical Office Building or the Altoona Parks and Recreation Department office, 1419 Front Porch Place, for a chance to win prizes.
CV Parks Rx is an expansion of a parks prescription program that began in Green Bay, Wisconsin called GB Parks Rx. The program is made possible by a grant from the Wisconsin Beverage Association and in community partnership with Wello, a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to co-create community conditions that are just and fair to drive high levels of health and well-being for all.
For more information, visit www.prevea.com/cvparksrx or email CVParksRx@prevea.com.
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.
ReforMedicine Providers Earn Advanced Degrees
Dana Butterbrodt and Renee Carlson, ReforMedicine Nurse Practitioners, successfully completed their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees in December 2020. This advanced degree is focused on leadership within the field and represents significant effort on the part of these two individuals. Renee and Dana join Christina Funk, DNP, as holders of the degree, and together represent the full cadre of Nurse Practitioners at ReforMedicine. In addition, alongside her DNP, Dana Butterbrodt earned her Master of Business Administration.
ReforMedicine is fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of practitioners caring for our patients. Learn more about ReforMedicine at www.ReforMedicine.com or call 715-514-2827.
| Read Full Press Release |
Local Agency Wins Creative Awards for 3rd Year in a Row!
 |  |
Eau Claire - Owners Chris Herzog and Sarah Stokes are proud to announce their agency, STOKES|HERZOG
Marketing and Consulting, has won two coveted local awards for Best Branding and Design Service and Best
Video Production Service in the recent Volume One Readers Choice Poll.
“We’re so excited and grateful for the awards. Our team works very hard all year long for all of our clients and
this recognition really shines a light on all of their extraordinary efforts”, said co-owner Chris Herzog.
STOKES|HERZOG was founded in 2014 by former WEAU-TV television news anchors Sarah Stokes and Chris
Herzog. The company represents organizations in all industry sectors across North America and Southeast
Asia and assists with their marketing, advertising, consulting, human resources recruiting, and public relations
strategies.
“It’s very humbling to win these awards. We work hard year after year to help our clients shine and these awards
really belong to all of our dedicated employees, without whom we wouldn’t have this great company which
believes in doing great work and giving back to the community,” co-owner Sarah Stokes said.
The STOKES|HERZOG family of companies comprises the marketing and consulting agency,
STOKES|HERZOG Realty which is a Wisconsin based commercial real estate brokerage and The Juicy Good
Life, an internet based training and coaching company designed for women.
For more information on STOKES|HERZOG, visit www.stokesherzog.com, www.stokesherzogrealty.com or
thejuicygoodlife.com
Marketing and Consulting, has won two coveted local awards for Best Branding and Design Service and Best
Video Production Service in the recent Volume One Readers Choice Poll.
“We’re so excited and grateful for the awards. Our team works very hard all year long for all of our clients and
this recognition really shines a light on all of their extraordinary efforts”, said co-owner Chris Herzog.
STOKES|HERZOG was founded in 2014 by former WEAU-TV television news anchors Sarah Stokes and Chris
Herzog. The company represents organizations in all industry sectors across North America and Southeast
Asia and assists with their marketing, advertising, consulting, human resources recruiting, and public relations
strategies.
“It’s very humbling to win these awards. We work hard year after year to help our clients shine and these awards
really belong to all of our dedicated employees, without whom we wouldn’t have this great company which
believes in doing great work and giving back to the community,” co-owner Sarah Stokes said.
The STOKES|HERZOG family of companies comprises the marketing and consulting agency,
STOKES|HERZOG Realty which is a Wisconsin based commercial real estate brokerage and The Juicy Good
Life, an internet based training and coaching company designed for women.
For more information on STOKES|HERZOG, visit www.stokesherzog.com, www.stokesherzogrealty.com or
thejuicygoodlife.com
Security Financial Bank Announces New Portfolio Manager
EAU CLAIRE – Paul Rudersdorf, president and CEO of Security Financial Bank (SFB), is pleased to announce that Jacob Bauer has accepted a new position at the bank. Bauer will serve as a commercial portfolio manager in SFB’s Bloomer office.
In this position, Bauer will assist in structuring deposit and loan products to meet the unique needs of clients. He will facilitate the preparation of credit underwriting and analysis of loans and will ensure that all data and information is received in accordance with policy and compliance.
“Jacob will be an asset in this new role as he’ll be able to use his strong credit skills to help serve our commercial clients,” Rudersdorf said.
Bauer, who has five years of banking experience, joined SFB last year as a credit analyst before accepting this new position. A Durand native, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in finance.
“I enjoy learning about businesses and helping people achieve their dreams of owning a business,” Bauer said.
Bauer can be reached at the SFB Bloomer office at 715-930-7880 or jbauer@sfbank.com.
About Security Financial Bank
Established in 1934, Security Financial Bank is a locally-owned community bank with offices in Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its customers’ needs and provides guidance that enable them to succeed. For more information on SFB, please visit www.sfbank.com or call
888-254-0615.
In this position, Bauer will assist in structuring deposit and loan products to meet the unique needs of clients. He will facilitate the preparation of credit underwriting and analysis of loans and will ensure that all data and information is received in accordance with policy and compliance.
“Jacob will be an asset in this new role as he’ll be able to use his strong credit skills to help serve our commercial clients,” Rudersdorf said.
Bauer, who has five years of banking experience, joined SFB last year as a credit analyst before accepting this new position. A Durand native, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in finance.
“I enjoy learning about businesses and helping people achieve their dreams of owning a business,” Bauer said.
Bauer can be reached at the SFB Bloomer office at 715-930-7880 or jbauer@sfbank.com.
About Security Financial Bank
Established in 1934, Security Financial Bank is a locally-owned community bank with offices in Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its customers’ needs and provides guidance that enable them to succeed. For more information on SFB, please visit www.sfbank.com or call
888-254-0615.
SFB Wins an SBA Volume Lender Award for Wisconsin
EAU CLAIRE – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Wisconsin office recently recognized Security Financial Bank (SFB) with the Wisconsin SBA Volume Lender Award for FY2020. SFB had the most approved 7(a) loans for a financial institution with an asset size between $500 million and $1 billion in the state.
“At SFB, we take great pride in helping our business clients. When appropriate, we utilize SBA loans to provide responsible financing that helps these businesses grow,” said SFB President & CEO Paul Rudersdorf.
In total, the SBA Wisconsin office is recognizing 16 lenders in 15 volume and specialty categories for FY2020 ending Sept. 30, 2020. Community-based lenders continued their strong support of SBA programs as the top lenders in seven asset categories under $5 billion.
“During this exceptional year, Wisconsin’s lenders supported small businesses as they start, grow, and expand as well as recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eric Ness, SBA’s Wisconsin district director. “These top lenders provided more than 43% of SBA-backed traditional loan program dollars in Wisconsin last year. We congratulate them on their support for Wisconsin’s small businesses and their dedication to using SBA-backed lending.”
To read the full release from the SBA and see all the awardees, visit https://www.sba.gov/node/1683281?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
About Security Financial Bank
Established in 1934, Security Financial Bank is a locally-owned community bank with offices in Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its customers’ needs and provides guidance that enable them to succeed. For more information on SFB, please visit www.sfbank.com or call 888-254-0615.
“At SFB, we take great pride in helping our business clients. When appropriate, we utilize SBA loans to provide responsible financing that helps these businesses grow,” said SFB President & CEO Paul Rudersdorf.
In total, the SBA Wisconsin office is recognizing 16 lenders in 15 volume and specialty categories for FY2020 ending Sept. 30, 2020. Community-based lenders continued their strong support of SBA programs as the top lenders in seven asset categories under $5 billion.
“During this exceptional year, Wisconsin’s lenders supported small businesses as they start, grow, and expand as well as recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eric Ness, SBA’s Wisconsin district director. “These top lenders provided more than 43% of SBA-backed traditional loan program dollars in Wisconsin last year. We congratulate them on their support for Wisconsin’s small businesses and their dedication to using SBA-backed lending.”
To read the full release from the SBA and see all the awardees, visit https://www.sba.gov/node/1683281?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
About Security Financial Bank
Established in 1934, Security Financial Bank is a locally-owned community bank with offices in Bloomer, Durand, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and River Falls. SFB strives to provide products and services that exceed its customers’ needs and provides guidance that enable them to succeed. For more information on SFB, please visit www.sfbank.com or call 888-254-0615.
Wisconsin Wolf Management On Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The West Side”
Eau Claire, Wis. - After a Jefferson County Circuit Court judge ordered the state’s wolf hunt must begin this month, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board this week unanimously approved a harvest quota of 200 wolves. The hurriedly arranged hunt and all of the legal, political and biological ramifications will be the topic of “The West Side” at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19 on The Ideas Network stations of Wisconsin Public Radio: 88.3/Menomonie-Eau Claire and 88.7/River Falls.
The action was set in motion following the Trump administration’s decision in November 2020 to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list, and that delisting went into effect last month, triggering a state statute that requires the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to set up a wolf hunting season. The DNR originally planned to wait until November to plan for the season.
WPR environmental reporter Danielle Kaeding will share the latest in the quickly evolving story. Then host Dean Kallenbach will moderate a conversation with Luke Hilgemann, president of Hunter Nation, the organization that successfully sued the DNR’s decision to not immediately resume the hunt after the delisting of the wolves; Adrian Wydeven, a retired DNR wildlife biologist, now working with the group Wisconsin Green Fire of Rhinelander, which opposes opening the hunt this month; and Peter David, wildlife biologist with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission in Odanah.
“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.
The action was set in motion following the Trump administration’s decision in November 2020 to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list, and that delisting went into effect last month, triggering a state statute that requires the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to set up a wolf hunting season. The DNR originally planned to wait until November to plan for the season.
WPR environmental reporter Danielle Kaeding will share the latest in the quickly evolving story. Then host Dean Kallenbach will moderate a conversation with Luke Hilgemann, president of Hunter Nation, the organization that successfully sued the DNR’s decision to not immediately resume the hunt after the delisting of the wolves; Adrian Wydeven, a retired DNR wildlife biologist, now working with the group Wisconsin Green Fire of Rhinelander, which opposes opening the hunt this month; and Peter David, wildlife biologist with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission in Odanah.
“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.
Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. Announces Winner of Downtown Enhancement Grant
Eau Claire, Wis.: Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) has awarded Just Local Food Cooperative with a $2,000 Downtown Enhancement Grant to assist in their planned addition of an outdoor walk-in freezer for their store at 1117 S. Farwell Street.
With limited space, and a growing clientele, Just Local Food has been facing the challenge of finding enough space for their back-stock storage. The addition of the freezer will help the cooperative sell more meat, seafood, and frozen grocery items and allow expansion to new vendors.
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to the food industry as a whole, but local food has remained reliable and resilient throughout, our farmers and producers made many emergency deliveries in the first months as we ran out of products,” said Becca Schoenborn, from Just Local’s Marketing Team. “Adding a walk-in freezer for our back-stock frozen foods will allow us to order more from our current vendors and add even more local vendors to our mix. Having funds to put toward this project means that we can continue working toward expanding our store and becoming the local food hub of Downtown Eau Claire, and we are grateful for that.”
Downtown Enhancement Grants have been distributed twice-annually to existing businesses that lie within the downtown boundaries (see https://www.downtowneauclaire.org/documents/DECI-Boundary_2020.pdf). This grant to Just Local Foods brings DECI Enhancement Grant totals to $14,000 since the program began in 2018.
With limited space, and a growing clientele, Just Local Food has been facing the challenge of finding enough space for their back-stock storage. The addition of the freezer will help the cooperative sell more meat, seafood, and frozen grocery items and allow expansion to new vendors.
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to the food industry as a whole, but local food has remained reliable and resilient throughout, our farmers and producers made many emergency deliveries in the first months as we ran out of products,” said Becca Schoenborn, from Just Local’s Marketing Team. “Adding a walk-in freezer for our back-stock frozen foods will allow us to order more from our current vendors and add even more local vendors to our mix. Having funds to put toward this project means that we can continue working toward expanding our store and becoming the local food hub of Downtown Eau Claire, and we are grateful for that.”
Downtown Enhancement Grants have been distributed twice-annually to existing businesses that lie within the downtown boundaries (see https://www.downtowneauclaire.org/documents/DECI-Boundary_2020.pdf). This grant to Just Local Foods brings DECI Enhancement Grant totals to $14,000 since the program began in 2018.
| Read Full Press Release |
27th Annual Chili Cookoff Raises $5,221.85 for Ready Set School
Through sales and donations, a total of $5,221.85 was raised for Ready Set School at the 27th Annual Chili Cookoff, sponsored by WNB Financial on Friday, February 12.
| Read Full Press Release |
CVTC: Invitation to Attend the Spring Integrated Business Advisory Committee Meeting
Integrated Business Advisory Committee meeting:
The meeting link and agenda will follow closer to the meeting date.
Meeting Response Options: When selecting your availability, please choose to send a response:
Other CVTC Announcements/Resources:
CVTC Referendum Information: https://www.cvtc.edu/building-our-future-together
Check out Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education offerings and services at: https://www.cvtc.edu/continuing-education
WorkReady Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/workeauclaire/
We value your input and appreciate the time you devote to CVTC and our program!
- Friday, April 9, 2021
- 7:30 – 9 a.m.
- Attendance is virtual through Zoom
The meeting link and agenda will follow closer to the meeting date.
Meeting Response Options: When selecting your availability, please choose to send a response:
- If you are available, Accept this invitation and send the response.
- If you are unavailable but another representative can attend on your behalf, Forward this invitation to that individual so they can Accept it. You can then Decline this invitation.
- If no one from your organization is available, Decline this invitation and send the response.
Other CVTC Announcements/Resources:
CVTC Referendum Information: https://www.cvtc.edu/building-our-future-together
Check out Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education offerings and services at: https://www.cvtc.edu/continuing-education
WorkReady Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/workeauclaire/
We value your input and appreciate the time you devote to CVTC and our program!
UW-Eau Claire News
Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton receives MLK Social Justice Leadership Award
For nearly three decades, Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton has been known as an advocate, activist, community-builder and leader as she’s worked to bridge gaps in knowledge, raise levels of awareness and understanding, and broaden participation in critical conversations around race and social justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and in the Chippewa Valley.
Earlier this month, Ducksworth-Lawton, a professor of history, was honored for her leadership and advocacy during the fourth annual UW-Eau Claire Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
Ducksworth-Lawton is the recipient of the 2021 Martin Luther King Social Justice Leadership Award, given by the division of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Student Affairs. The award recognizes a campus community member who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to advocate for underserved and underrepresented groups and who leads, organizes and engages the community in the difficult work of EDI through their voice, vision and actions.
Dr. Rose-Marie Avin, a professor of Latin American and Latinx studies and director of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program at UW-Eau Claire, who received the leadership award in 2019, presented the award to Ducksworth-Lawton Feb. 10 during the university’s virtual Martin Luther King Junior Celebration.
Earlier this month, Ducksworth-Lawton, a professor of history, was honored for her leadership and advocacy during the fourth annual UW-Eau Claire Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
Ducksworth-Lawton is the recipient of the 2021 Martin Luther King Social Justice Leadership Award, given by the division of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Student Affairs. The award recognizes a campus community member who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to advocate for underserved and underrepresented groups and who leads, organizes and engages the community in the difficult work of EDI through their voice, vision and actions.
Dr. Rose-Marie Avin, a professor of Latin American and Latinx studies and director of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program at UW-Eau Claire, who received the leadership award in 2019, presented the award to Ducksworth-Lawton Feb. 10 during the university’s virtual Martin Luther King Junior Celebration.
Chancellor Schmidt, university leaders conduct first campus live briefing of 2021
Two weeks into the spring 2021 academic semester, Chancellor Jim Schmidt held a live briefing for the campus community to discuss academics, enrollment, and the state budget outlook. Faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to submit questions in advance and throughout the briefing. Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Grace Crickette, Interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Billy Felz, and Associate Vice Chancellor Mike Carney joined the chancellor to provide key updates.
Here are the key points from this week’s briefing:
Here are the key points from this week’s briefing:
- UW-Eau Claire’s 2020-21 enrollment was down 2.3% — or 464 students — from the previous year but the percentage of students remaining enrolled from fall to spring was consistent with the past three years. Admissions data for Fall of 2021 is looking strong, with total applications up 53% thanks in part to the UW System’s central application service. Deposits to reserve enrollment for the fall semester are down by 9.6% compared to this time last year.
- Despite receiving more than $6,250,000 in state and federal funding to offset the impact of COVID-19, UW-Eau Claire’s total COVID-19 losses to date total $11.8 million. These losses stem from unplanned COVID-19 risk mitigation purchases, lost revenue from auxiliary areas and the moderate enrollment decline, and needing to return $2.3 million in general purpose revenue to the UW System as part of the state government budget lapse. The campus has a total deficit of approximately $4.8 million, having identified more than $7 million of savings in the current fiscal year through budget reductions, saving funds that went unused during the pandemic, and employee furloughs.
- With the statewide vaccination process underway, the university expects to return to primarily in-person learning in the fall of 2021. Chancellor Schmidt anticipates the majority of the campus community being vaccinated by the summer, and indicated the university will maintain responsive testing and mitigation protocols as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines evolve.
- COVID-19 testing of students and employees continues in Zorn Arena this semester and, so far, 14,759 tests have been administered since Jan. 25, 2021. This spring semester total is close to half as many tests — 35,318 — administered between September and December of 2020. Free community antigen testing for asymptomatic individuals is also available for the remainder of February on Tuesdays from 4:30-8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Chancellor's Blog: Governor's bold budget proposal offers vital support
Gov. Tony Evers virtually delivered his biennial budget message Tuesday night, starting the state of Wisconsin’s 2021-23 budget debate. I’m pleased to report the governor’s budget proposal makes ambitious investments in the UW System and, while we have a long way to go before the next budget is signed into law, many of the initiatives are well-positioned to receive bipartisan support.
My sincere thanks to Gov. Evers for laying out this vision for UW System investment that aligns our mission with the state’s most pressing needs. His executive budget proposes investment in high-impact strategies to support students from underrepresented populations, retention of stellar faculty and staff and maximizing the UW System’s statewide benefit. It’s clear that the governor shares our view of the university as an engine for economic growth and community resilience that provides an incredible return on the state’s investment.
Over the next two-year budget, Gov. Evers is proposing a $191 million increase to the UW System’s state appropriation — this would be the largest increase in state funding in the past two decades. In addition, the governor supported a 2% system-wide pay raise in each year of the biennium, with effective dates of January 2022 and January 2023.
My sincere thanks to Gov. Evers for laying out this vision for UW System investment that aligns our mission with the state’s most pressing needs. His executive budget proposes investment in high-impact strategies to support students from underrepresented populations, retention of stellar faculty and staff and maximizing the UW System’s statewide benefit. It’s clear that the governor shares our view of the university as an engine for economic growth and community resilience that provides an incredible return on the state’s investment.
Over the next two-year budget, Gov. Evers is proposing a $191 million increase to the UW System’s state appropriation — this would be the largest increase in state funding in the past two decades. In addition, the governor supported a 2% system-wide pay raise in each year of the biennium, with effective dates of January 2022 and January 2023.
UW-Eau Claire ranks among top U.S. producers of Fulbright students
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is again among the top master’s universities in the nation for the number of students who receive Fulbright grants through the U.S. Department of State’s international educational exchange program.
UW-Eau Claire is on the 2020-21 Fulbright top producer list for the fourth consecutive year, tying for sixth among all public and private universities that offer master’s degrees. This year, five Blugolds were awarded the prestigious grants.
“I’m proud that once again an impressive number of UW-Eau Claire students and graduates were selected to be part of this prestigious program,” says Chancellor James Schmidt. “The Fulbright program is another opportunity for Blugolds to model what it means to be engaged global citizens as they build connections and understanding between people in the U.S. and those in other parts of the world.”
UW-Eau Claire has had 29 students receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards in the past 10 years — more than double the number of any other master’s-level public university in Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Fifteen Blugolds have received Fulbright grants over the past three years.
Cheryl Lochner-Wright, senior study abroad coordinator for UW-Eau Claire’s Center for International Education and campus Fulbright program advisor, says it’s always a thrill to see Blugolds on the Fulbright list. Lochner-Wright says it’s an opportunity to celebrate all the applicants and award recipients, and the campus Fulbright committee members, faculty and staff who support the applicants with letters of recommendation.
“This year is a little bittersweet, since some of our 2020-21 grantees’ awards were shortened due to the pandemic and others have been deferred to next year,” Lochner-Wright says. “But that doesn’t detract from their achievement in being offered the award.”
The Fulbright Program’s top-producing universities were announced Feb. 15 and published in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
UW-Eau Claire is on the 2020-21 Fulbright top producer list for the fourth consecutive year, tying for sixth among all public and private universities that offer master’s degrees. This year, five Blugolds were awarded the prestigious grants.
“I’m proud that once again an impressive number of UW-Eau Claire students and graduates were selected to be part of this prestigious program,” says Chancellor James Schmidt. “The Fulbright program is another opportunity for Blugolds to model what it means to be engaged global citizens as they build connections and understanding between people in the U.S. and those in other parts of the world.”
UW-Eau Claire has had 29 students receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards in the past 10 years — more than double the number of any other master’s-level public university in Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Fifteen Blugolds have received Fulbright grants over the past three years.
Cheryl Lochner-Wright, senior study abroad coordinator for UW-Eau Claire’s Center for International Education and campus Fulbright program advisor, says it’s always a thrill to see Blugolds on the Fulbright list. Lochner-Wright says it’s an opportunity to celebrate all the applicants and award recipients, and the campus Fulbright committee members, faculty and staff who support the applicants with letters of recommendation.
“This year is a little bittersweet, since some of our 2020-21 grantees’ awards were shortened due to the pandemic and others have been deferred to next year,” Lochner-Wright says. “But that doesn’t detract from their achievement in being offered the award.”
The Fulbright Program’s top-producing universities were announced Feb. 15 and published in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
UW-Eau Claire improves its military-friendly ranking
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire improved its ranking as a military-friendly institution in an annual survey of nearly 1,700 postsecondary schools in the nation.
UW-Eau Claire is among four Wisconsin public universities that received silver medal rankings in the 2021 rankings released Feb. 17 by military media company VIQTORY. The silver-medal designation is given to institutions that are ranked within 20% of the overall top 10 schools. No Wisconsin public universities ranked higher than UW-Eau Claire.
In 2020, UW-Eau Claire received a bronze-medal ranking, given to schools ranked within 30% of the overall top 10.
The ranking reflects UW-Eau Claire’s commitment to meeting the needs of students who served their country in the military, says Miranda Cross-Schindler, the university’s military and veterans services manager. It’s an honor, she says, for the university to again be recognized as a military-friendly institution.
“We place great value on the sacrifices these students made while serving our country,” Cross-Schindler says. “We do all we can to make sure that their transition to college is as smooth as possible and that they have the support systems in place to have a rewarding and memorable academic career at UW-Eau Claire.”
UW-Eau Claire has nearly 500 military-connected students on campus.
Cross-Schindler noted that UW-Eau Claire has a dedicated office to help military veterans navigate the higher-education process to ensure they receive all the educational benefits they’ve earned.
Students who are military veterans or actively serving the military also can use the campus Veterans Center to study, socialize and build camaraderie with students who have had similar experiences, Cross-Schindler says.
Schools in the military-friendly survey were queried about their academic policies and compliance; student support and retention; culture and commitment; admissions; graduation and career outcomes; and financial aid and loan repayment.
UW-Eau Claire is among four Wisconsin public universities that received silver medal rankings in the 2021 rankings released Feb. 17 by military media company VIQTORY. The silver-medal designation is given to institutions that are ranked within 20% of the overall top 10 schools. No Wisconsin public universities ranked higher than UW-Eau Claire.
In 2020, UW-Eau Claire received a bronze-medal ranking, given to schools ranked within 30% of the overall top 10.
The ranking reflects UW-Eau Claire’s commitment to meeting the needs of students who served their country in the military, says Miranda Cross-Schindler, the university’s military and veterans services manager. It’s an honor, she says, for the university to again be recognized as a military-friendly institution.
“We place great value on the sacrifices these students made while serving our country,” Cross-Schindler says. “We do all we can to make sure that their transition to college is as smooth as possible and that they have the support systems in place to have a rewarding and memorable academic career at UW-Eau Claire.”
UW-Eau Claire has nearly 500 military-connected students on campus.
Cross-Schindler noted that UW-Eau Claire has a dedicated office to help military veterans navigate the higher-education process to ensure they receive all the educational benefits they’ve earned.
Students who are military veterans or actively serving the military also can use the campus Veterans Center to study, socialize and build camaraderie with students who have had similar experiences, Cross-Schindler says.
Schools in the military-friendly survey were queried about their academic policies and compliance; student support and retention; culture and commitment; admissions; graduation and career outcomes; and financial aid and loan repayment.
Joint statement from chancellors at UW-Stout, UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire about plans for fall
Contacts:
UW-Stout: Amy Luethmers, luethmersa@uwstout.edu or (715) 232-1278
UW-River Falls: Dina Fassino, dina.fassino@uwrf.edu or (715) 425-4306
UW-Eau Claire: Mike Knuth, knuthms@uwec.edu, (715) 836-4736
Nothing is more important to our three universities in western Wisconsin than ensuring our students have the opportunity to succeed and thrive. We know that we all do that best through a more traditional college experience, where students, faculty and staff interact and engage in person. That is why we are joining with UW System President Tommy Thompson today, Feb. 18, in pledging that each of our institutions will plan for a traditional full college experience for the fall semester with in-person classes and rich co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings.
UW-Stout: Amy Luethmers, luethmersa@uwstout.edu or (715) 232-1278
UW-River Falls: Dina Fassino, dina.fassino@uwrf.edu or (715) 425-4306
UW-Eau Claire: Mike Knuth, knuthms@uwec.edu, (715) 836-4736
Nothing is more important to our three universities in western Wisconsin than ensuring our students have the opportunity to succeed and thrive. We know that we all do that best through a more traditional college experience, where students, faculty and staff interact and engage in person. That is why we are joining with UW System President Tommy Thompson today, Feb. 18, in pledging that each of our institutions will plan for a traditional full college experience for the fall semester with in-person classes and rich co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings.
| Read Full Press Release |
Categories
All
Advocacy
Awards & Recognitions
Business Of The Week
COVID 19 Information
Leadership Eau Claire™
Programs
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
Small Street Journal
The Perspective
Workforce Development
Young Professionals Of The Chippewa Valley
Youth Leadership Eau Claire
Eau Claire Chamber
The Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce has more than 1,200 members.
Archives
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
RSS Feed
