WWW.POINTANDPLOVER.COM
February 2021
Thank Y
ou
Thank Y
ou
Community
Community
A LOCAL ARTIST TAKES HIS TALENTS
A LOCAL ARTIST TAKES HIS TALENTS
TO THE SNOW AND ICE
TO THE SNOW AND ICE
A MUSEUM THAT IS NOT JUST ART BUT
A MUSEUM THAT IS NOT JUST ART BUT
FUN AND LEARNING AS WELL
FUN AND LEARNING AS WELL
FORTY YEARS PAST - A LONG TIME
FORTY YEARS PAST - A LONG TIME
AGO AND ALOT OF CHANGES
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Largest Display of Glass Shower Doors
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Frameless Showers * Sliding Shower Doors
Steam Showers * Mirrors * Plate Glass
Check out our on-line gallery at
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CELEBRATING 15 YEARS!715-344-8525 precisionglasswi.com
Stop in our Showroom & Shop the Area’s
Largest Display of Glass Shower Doors
Waterfront & Water
Access Home Sites
• Wisconsin River - Biron Flowage
• Next to Anchor Bay Bar & Grill
• Conservancy Area and Recreation Trails
• Dock Slip with Lots
• Municipal Sewer and Water
• Village of Plover
• Single Family Home Sites
• Municipal Sewer & Water
• Restrictive Covenants
• Traditional & Oversized Home Sites
• Wisconsin River - Stevens Point Flowage
• Six Miles Northwest of Stevens Point
• Water Access Lots Include Boat Slips
Phase II Home Sites Now Available
Waterfront & Water Access Home Sites
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Bridgewater
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Riverside Point
Riverside Point
GPS Address: 5754 Pleasant Drive, Plover
GPS Address: 2189 Cnty. Rd. E, Junction City
F
ebruary
2021
PUBLISHER
Dan Weiler | [email protected]
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Rachael Thomas, Timothy Meyer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
The Arts Council, Aspirus, Catherine Jozwik, Hope Hahn, Mid State Technical College, Portage County Business Council,
Katie Schimke, UW-Stevens Point, Dan Weiler
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Central Wisconsin Childrens Museum,
Mid State Technical College, Portage County Business Council, Portage County Historical Society, Jef Schobert, UW-Stevens Point, Dan Weiler
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
William Anders, Sue Schmidt
MISSION STATEMENT
We are the Stevens Point and Plover community publication. Dedicated to providing the area community with stories about local residents, local businesses, area events and activities. Our editorial content will always be positive and uplifting. Our goals are
to allow the area community to better know about area residents and businesses that are a value to the community and deserve a “pat on the back” and a mention of “well done” as well as sharing with the community the important events and happenings.
Allowing these events and activities the extra exposure that many of them need to succeed. All events listings are offered to the community at no charge. To have your event listed in Point & Plover Publication events calendar please email:
[email protected] by the 10th of the month prior to the month of the event
with the following information:
Event's Name, Date(s), Time, Location and a Brief Description
The Point & Plover Publication is a monthly publication that is mailed to homes in the Stevens Point and Plover communities. If you wish to recieve
the Point & Plover Publication each and every month please request a full year's subscription by sending payment to:
Point & Plover Publication • PO Box 172 • Stevens Point, WI 54481. A year's subscription to the Point & Plover Publication is $14.95 with a two year subscriction available for $24.95. Any questions or comments please
call the office at (715) 498-7361 or contact us through our web site at:
Daniel Weiler
Owner/Publisher
Celebra
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February 2021
8 Point & Plover Happenings
14 Someone You Should Know
16 Giving Back
18 Our Community
20 Area Place to Visit
25 Cuisine Corner
28 Healthy Living
30 Times Past
16
That Will Buy Alot
of Dog Food
The recent holiday light show is a bright success for the local humane society and their fury friends.
28 A New Year to
Celebrate the
Positive
With the start of a new year come new challenges. Discover a way to approach them without the stress.
30 Four Decades Ago,
How We Celebrated
The 1980's was a decade so much different that now.Compare times past to the times of today.
25
20
Featured Topics
18
What's
14
View past issues of the Point & Plover on-line at www.pointandplover.com
February 2021 | Point & Plover Publication 7
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POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT COVID
VACCINATIONS THROUGH ASPIRUS
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the state will begin expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility into Phase 1B this past month of January. Per the announcement, this means police and fire department personnel will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
These individuals can receive their vaccine through Aspirus Occupational Health at the below location:
Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic,
5409 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482 Aspirus is working quickly to expand vaccine access in additional communities for those who qualify within Phase 1B. Vaccinations are available by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments can be scheduled directly by police and fire department personnel by calling (715) 847-2812. Vaccine eligibility is being dictated by state and federal au-thorities with variations in how the various phases are defined. Aspirus will continue to follow the guidance it receives from its respective state departments of health services to appropriately expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Aspirus began providing vaccinations for its employees, long-term care residents, EMS and community health care workers within Phase 1A immediately upon receiving its first vaccine allocations. Aspirus’ first allocation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula arrived on December 17, while its allocation in Wisconsin arrived on December 22.
The latest updates and information will continue to be posted online at aspirus.org.
MID-STATE LAUNCHES NEW AGRIBUSINESS
AGRONOMY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
Agribusiness is booming in central Wisconsin, and Mid-State Technical College is meeting the demand for trained professionals in the industry with a new Agribusiness Agronomy Technician program launching in fall 2021 and available at the Adams, Marshfield and Stevens Point campuses. At 26 credits, the new technical diploma program increases knowledge of current agronomy practices that can be applied as an employee or as an entrepreneur. The program
is also embedded within Mid-State’s Agribusiness and Science Technology associated degree, so students can get started in agribusiness while taking manageable steps toward higher credentials, if desired.
“I was excited to hear that Mid-State is working to bridge the skills gap in central Wisconsin to help our business bring on people with the right knowledge to grow crops and deliver quality products to our customers,” said Lucas Wysocki, partner in Wysocki Family of Companies and Paragon Farms
plant manager. “We continually struggle to fill our irrigation techni-cian role, and this program is tailor fit for the role. Irrigation techni-cians get to work outdoors and see a crop grow from seed to harvest and know that they directly contribute to feeding the world. It’s a great fit for someone who wants to work in our community, get to be outside and have real responsibility.”
According to Adams Campus Dean Laurie Inda, the new program is an example of how Mid-State makes strategic decisions based on data, workforce trends and input from the community. “As we continuously strive to grow our campus and provide programming to meet regional work-force demands, our campus advisory committee and partners in K–12 and business have underscored the importance of this in-demand career training, as well as their passion and appreciation for its value within the district,” Inda said. Students in Mid-State’s Agribusiness Agronomy Technician program will gain a deep understanding of the science and technology of using plants as a source of food. They will also acquire the specialized skills needed for precision agriculture applications and regulatory requirements and learn to use the latest technology to help farmers yield maximum production from the land.
Highlights of the program include hands-on experiences such as producing a crop, keeping pests away, making soil more fertile, marketing commodities and managing a farm. The program is relevant to the needs of our communities and provides opportunities to meet and work with industry experts, thanks to Mid-State’s strong industry partnerships with area businesses.
UW-STEVENS POINT OFFERING VIRTUAL
STEAM DAYS FOR YOUTH IN FEBRUARY
Youth will explore topics and careers in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics online as part of STEAM Point Days through UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education and Outreach.
Students in grades 7 and 8 will join college professors and instructors for sessions via Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. STEAM Point Day for Girls will be offered Friday, Feb. 12, and STEAM Point Day for Boys is Friday, Feb. 19.
The online event will include a keynote speaker, remote interactive classes with hands-on activities and experiences and a virtual tour of campus in which participants will see and hear what it is like to be a student at UW-Stevens Point. The registration fee is $40 and includes a T-shirt and all workshop supplies, which will be sent to each participant. School groups and individuals are encouraged to attend regardless of geographic location.
Register online at www.uwsp.edu/conted or call (715) 346-3838.
TWO ARTS COUNCIL PERFORMANCES
TO BE RESCHEDULED
As the Covid-19 vaccine begins making the rounds in Central Wisconsin, The Arts Council has decided to error on the side of caution and reschedule these February and March
performances:
• B2wins: Beyond Music – originally scheduled for February 11, 2021
• 7 Bridges Band: The Ultimate Eagles Experience – originally scheduled for March 4, 2021 has been rescheduled for March 18th, 2022.
Patrons who purchased tickets will be contacted by mail with their “refund” options outlined.
One performance currently remains in the 2020/2021 season:
• Saturday, May 1, 2021 – Lorrie Morgan –Tickets are available now and are $49 for adults and $10 for students. Previously issued gift certificates may be used toward ticket orders.
Anyone who previously purchased a ticket to Lorrie Morgan will need to do so again. A new ticketing system is in place, so if anyone has questions, please contact The Arts Council either by phone (715) 424-2787 or in person. The office is located at 1040 8th Street South, Suite 101, Wisconsin Rapids. Hours are 10-2:30 Monday through Thursday.
Visit www.SavorTheArts.org for updates or to purchase tickets or gift cards online 24/7.
BUSINESS COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW
BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
The Portage County Business Council (PCBC) Board of Directors recently welcomed new officers and board mem-bers. PCBC’s priorities for its members and the community are retention and attraction of businesses and employees. PCBC serves as the chamber of commerce, economic and talent development organization and is home to Ignite Young Professionals, Ambassadors and the Heartland Leadership Initiative.
2021 Officers include: President Ray Ackerlund, Skyward; Vice President, Kate Budd, Ki-Mobility; Treasurer/Secretary Craig Aittama, Delta Dental of Wisconsin; Brian Formella, Anderson O’Brien; Andrew Halverson, Ellis Construction; Todd Schroeder, Sentry; and Kelly Zagrzebski, WEC Energy Group (WPS).
Eric Powers, AIG; Todd Reilly, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group; Todd Schroeder, Sentry Insurance; Lisa Sobczak, ABR Employment Services; and Candace Taylor, Associated Bank were all re-elected to a second term.
Amy Boston, The Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, has been elected to her first-term on the Board of Directors. Prior to Covid-19, the Holiday Inn had upwards of 140 employees with over 60 full time. Amy is the General Manager of the hotel, overseeing all property operations to include lodging, convention facilities and the Amber Grill restaurant.
Amy was born and raised in Northeast Iowa and graduated college from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, FL in 2001. She returned to the Midwest following college and worked for different franchised hotel companies, before locating to the Stevens Point area in 2007. Since then, she has been an active hotel representative within the community. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (11 of the last 13 years) and also serves on the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association (WH&LA) State Board of Directors. Amy is a running enthusiast, participating in anywhere from 4-8 half marathons per year, and enjoys the convenient access to the Green Circle trail. Amy and her husband Nathan have one daughter, Brooklyn who attends Roosevelt Elementary.
Jake Feltz, Feltz’s Dairy Store, has been elected to his first-term on the Board of Directors. Feltz’s Dairy Store is a local retail store that opened in 2017 and specializes in the sale of Wisconsin products, mainly cheese, and family-friendly events including a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm tours, and a small-animal petting zoo among others. They employ 11 full and part-time employees.
Jake was born and raised in Stevens Point, graduated from Pacelli High School in 2014, and graduated college in 2018 with a degree in Agricultural Business between UW-Madison and UW-River Falls. Jake worked on their family dairy farm growing up and now works exclusively in the dairy store while helping out on the farm during harvest season. He is the fifth generation of the
family on the farm. Jake does not have a specific title, but enjoys being involved in nearly all parts of the business. Jake enjoys watching and playing sports, listening to audiobooks, and researching and trading stocks. He was recently married to his wife, Amanda, in the summer of 2020.
Megan Kuckkahn, Point Title, LLC, has been elected to her first-term on the Board of Directors. She is currently serving as Chairperson for the Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council. The Ambassadors are the good-will team for the community, supporting events, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, businesses and non-profits.
Megan was born and raised in the Madison/Stoughton area and moved to Stevens Point her freshman year of high school, graduating from Pacelli High School in 2008. After then moving to Madison and back to Stevens Point, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UWSP. Megan is now a Closing/Title Agent at Point Title, LLC. She loves the Wisconsin Badgers and particularly enjoys watching them play basketball and football, as well as cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Megan and her 8-year-old son, Uriah, live in Stevens Point and truly love living in the Portage County area.
Kevin Schleicher, Wysocki Family of Companies, has been elected to his first-term on the Board of Directors. Kevin’s father-in-law, Russell Wysocki, also served on the PCBC Board of Directors. As a 4th generation member of the family business, Kevin is rotating around all business units over a several year span and will be primarily focused on all aspects of farming in 2021. Wysocki Family of Companies is a vertically based organization, growing, packing and selling potatoes and onions to the top retailers and manufacturers in all areas of the United States. The company employs about 420 employees, mostly based in Portage County, but has several remote offices in order to help
other potato farmers sell their crop at maximum value. Kevin was born and raised in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He moved to La Crosse where he completed degrees in
International Business, Management and an MBA with a focus on sustainability from UW- La Crosse and Viterbo University. Post-graduation, Kevin worked for an organic dairy cooperative,
Organic Valley, and managed the international business department selling organic dairy products to over 30 countries on 6 different continents- Antarctica was a tough sell. Kevin met his wife, Heidi Wysocki, in La Crosse while playing laser tag. Fast forward seven years, Heidi and Kevin
are settled in Custer with two young children, two dogs and an exciting opportunity at Wysocki Family of Companies. Outside of growing at work, Kevin enjoys downhill skiing, competing in triathlons (the shorter ones), and sampling local food and beer from the many fine breweries and eateries in the area. He is excited to learn more about Portage County and serve his community through the PCBC board.
CHANCELLOR GIBSON NOW LEADS
UW-STEVENS POINT
Thomas Gibson officially began his duties as the 15th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s three campuses this past January.
He is focused on three key goals: Enhancing academic excellence
Expanding diversity, equity and inclusive excellence Increasing enrollment and growth
“These three imperatives will guide our institution into the future,” Gibson said. He will spend the next few months operationalizing these priorities, learning more about what UW-Stevens Point is currently doing and building on existing successes.
He served as vice president for Student Affairs and vice provost at Bowling Green State University near Toledo, Ohio, from 2016 to 2020. In that role, he advocated for the academic and social development of students, devised institutional policies, engaged in strategic planning, led student success efforts and helped set record student retention.
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He oversaw the Office of the Dean of Students, Greek life, residence life, diversity, equity and inclusion; student health, recreation and wellness; the women’s center, Title IX and Clery Act reporting.
Gibson has enhanced student success and diversity in numerous higher education positions. He was associate vice president of student affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. He held several roles at York College, City University of New York in New York City, including
associate dean for student development. He has also taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels and has been involved in fundraising.
“Helping more students succeed is a top priority for me,” he said. Like nearly half of UW-Stevens Point students, Gibson was the first in his family to attend college. “We will leverage the collective strength of our institution, the engaged teachers and scholars who serve as faculty and staff, in our shared purpose: supporting student success.”
He’s eager to meet faculty, staff and students at all three campus locations. He said he is also looking forward to meeting community members and alumni and learning how UW-Stevens Point can build on partnerships and serve as a resource to meet community, regional and state needs. Gibson holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Connecticut State University, a master’s in education from University of New Haven, Conn.; and doctorate in educational leadership in higher education at Johnson and Wales University, Providence, R.I.
He and his wife, Brigette, have a daughter, Kennedy, age 4. They are already getting to know northcentral Wisconsin and look forward to becoming involved in the community.
MID-STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND
PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL
PROFILE LOCAL BUSINESSES THROUGH
NEW PODCAST
A new podcast from Mid-State Technical College and the Portage County Business Council shares profiles of the entrepreneurs who make central Wisconsin such a great place to live and do business.
Hosted by Mid-State Stevens Point Campus Dean Ben Nusz and Portage County Business Council Executive Director Todd Kuckkahn, “Profile: Central Wisconsin” takes a deep dive into the origin stories of central Wisconsin’s local
innovators and explores what the future holds for the community. “The pandemic has forced us to rethink how we can interact with and learn from our local business leaders,” Nusz said. “Through this podcast, we can explore these organizations, peak into their windows and turn back the clock to when they started.”
The debut episode of “Profile: Central Wisconsin” features Rusty Mitch, president of Portesi Italian Foods. In it, Mitch shares the story of how the first Portesi pizzas had to be made with American cheese because they didn’t have access to fresh mozzarella and how a softball team’s encouragement led his grandfather to start selling frozen pizzas in local bars.
Other upcoming episodes will detail how Doug Munsey and his partner started their global wheelchair manufacturing business, Ki Mobility, out of a barn in Canada as well as how Jared Linzmeier, co-owner and CEO of Ruby Coffee Roasters, stumbled into the world of craft coffee roasting after
happening upon a logo he liked on the streets of Los Angeles. “This is a great way to showcase some of the businesses in our community that have started here, grown here and become cornerstones of what
makes it so great to live in central
Wisconsin,” Kuckkahn said. “We learn not just how the business grew but also how the individual grew right alongside.” New episodes are planned for release
every two weeks, including guests such as Joe Martino from the Stevens Point Brewery, Josh Stolzenburg from North Wind Solar and Scott Groholski from Point of Beginning. “At Mid-State, we know that the trajectory of most businesses is non-linear. We want to learn about all the bumps in the road that lead to such robust organizations,” Nusz said. “All of our guests are exceptional but started from humble beginnings. Highlighting these stories, provides our students with clear examples of success and hopefully allows them to see their own potential.”
UW-STEVENS POINT FACULTY, STAFF
CONTINUE A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Faculty and staff members at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have been recognized for achieving excellence in their fields during the fall 2020-2021 semester:
Marc Young, director of Admissions and Recruitment, was named to Madison365.com’s list, Black Power 2020: Wisconsin’s 51 Most Influential Black Leaders. The list highlights those working in private, public and nonprofit sectors as role models and examples of diversity across the state. Young is a 2013 alumnus of UW-Stevens Point and has worked at the university since then, advancing from
administrative assistant to admissions counselor, interim associate director of admissions and interim director of recruitment. Professor Paul Doruska, forestry, was elected to the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association Board as the college/university forestry educator, as of Jan. 1, 2021. The organization represents members in Wisconsin and Michigan and is committed to leading the forest products
industry in sustainable forest management.
Brenda Lackey, associate dean for Academic Affairs and a professor of human dimensions of natural resources,
received the 2020 National Association of Interpretation Award of Distinction, presented at the NAI national conference in November. The NAI recognized Lackey’s teaching, advising and research at UW-Stevens Point as well as her conference presentations, publications and service to the NAI national board.
Assistant Professor Sarah Orlofske and Lecturer Robert Jadin, biology, were part of a study that published a systematic revision of brown vine snakes, resulting in the description of two new species, oxybelis koehleri and oxybelis rutherfordi. These snake species are found in Central America and northern South America.
Professor Alek Toumi, French and Francophone studies, published “AmericCamus 1959” with Editions L’Harmattan, a major editor in Paris, France. The play imagines French philosopher, author and journalist Albert Camus in the fall of 1959 as he visits the Midwest during the McCarthyism “Red Scare” era. This is the 12th book Toumi published and fourth book on Camus.
Someone You Should Know - Sponsored by CoVantage Credit Union
Celebrating a Community Hero
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Giving Back - sponsored by Members Advantage Credit Union
The Community Steps Up for a Great Cause
The Community Steps Up for a Great Cause
Our Community - Sponsored by Mark Motors
Making More than Just Frosty
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Article by Dan Weiler - Photograph Provided Cuisine Corner
W
e’re coming off a tough year. There’s no
question that 2020 left a lot to be desired.
That’s why it’s important in this new
year to make a resolution to care for your emotional
health as well as your physical health.
Health experts say when
you’re emotionally healthy,
you feel good about yourself.
“Being emotionally healthy
means you have good
relationships. You’re aware
of your emotions and know
how to deal with them,”
said Nicki Williams, MSW,
APSW, Aspirus Director
of Behavioral Health. “You
can cope with stress, anger
and sadness. And you’re
not afraid to get help from a
medical professional when
you need it.”
Here are five tips for
improving your emotional
health:
1. Accentuate the positive.
Try to keep negative
emotions and thoughts to a minimum. Focus on
what’s good in your life - and what’s good about you.
Forgive yourself for your mistakes and remember the
good things you’ve done.
2. Lower your stress levels. Chronic stress is
unhealthy for your mental and physical health. To help
you manage your stress levels, try to:
Get sufficient sleep - seven to nine hours a night is
best for most adults.
Get regular exercise - aim
for 30 minutes of
moderately intense physical
activity most days of the
week.
Set priorities - find a
healthy balance between
work and play, as well as
between activity and rest.
Try relaxation methods
like yoga or deep breathing
exercises.
3. Get good sleep.
Getting sufficient amounts
of quality sleep is vital for
your mental health. When
you don’t get enough
sleep, it affects your mood,
energy, concentration and
ability to cope with stress.
4. Be mindful. This means being aware of what’s
going on around you and accepting it without judgment.
“When you’re mindful, you live your life in the
present,” Williams said. “Being mindful takes practice.”
Care for your
Care for your
Emotional health
Emotional health
Healthy Living - Sponsored by Aspirus
To get started:
Inhale through your nose to a count of four, hold your
breath for one second, then exhale through your
mouth to a count of five. Repeat frequently.
Go outside for a walk and take notice of all that’s
around you.
Read books or listen to podcasts on mindfulness.
5. Strengthen your social connections. Our connections
with others may help us live longer and healthier
lives. Make time to visit with friends and family, even
if the pandemic forces visits to be virtual.
If you or someone you love needs assistance with
stress, anxiety, depression or other emotional health
concerns, Aspirus Behavioral Health has clinics in
several locations staffed by psychiatrists, therapists,
counselors and other mental health professionals.
Primary care and walk-in clinic providers also have
the expertise and experience to help and, if needed,
can refer you to a specialist. Aspirus has clinics
throughout central Wisconsin, including Stevens
Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa, Adams and
Marshfield. In addition, Aspirus Stevens Point
Walk-In is open 7 am to 7 pm weekdays, 8 am to 4 pm
weekends, and 8 am to 1 pm holidays; and Aspirus
Doctors Clinic Walk-In in Wisconsin Rapids is open
7 am to 7 pm weekdays and 8 am to 1 pm weekends
and holidays.
For more information, visit aspirus.org or call the
Aspirus Customer Contact Center at:
(800) 847-4707.
For more information about maintaining a healthy
mind and healthy body to help you stay emotionally
well, listen to this podcast “Emotional Wellness in
Times of Stress.”
Article by Katie Schimke - Photograph Provided
Times Past - Sponsored by Candlewood Rental Properties
