The Nuts & Bolts of Portage County

Category: Local Events

  • Mid-State to offer free local welding certificate this summer

    Mid-State to offer free local welding certificate this summer

    The Mid-State Technical College Fuse Your Future summer training program will be offered June 7 – 29 on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus. Twelve seats are available for the free training, thanks to full tuition sponsorship by the Central Wisconsin Metal Manufacturers Alliance (CWIMA).

    Fuse Your Future is available to interested high school and college students as well as those currently employed or interested in the field of welding. Students will complete courses in welding print reading and gas tungsten arc welding. Upon completion of these courses, they will earn the Fuse Your Future: Welding local certificate and three Mid-State Welding program credits.

    “Mid-State has hosted the Fuse Your Future summer training program in previous years, but this will be the first year students are able to earn a local certificate upon completion of the program,” said Mid-State Dean of Applied Technology Ryan Kawski. “We are grateful to have continued partnership with CWIMA. CWIMA’s funding of early training experiences like Fuse Your Future is a great way to assist people on the path to a successful career.”

    The deadline to apply is Friday, May 26. Learn more about Fuse Your Future at mstc.edu/fuse-your-future.

  • City approves several street closures for public events

    City approves several street closures for public events

    Nuts & Bolts

    City leaders this week approved road closures to accommodate several upcoming events.

    The Stevens Point City Council gave a formal stamp of approval to several events approved by committees earlier this month. They follow:

    • Point Block Run on March 3

    The five-mile run returns for its 20th year. The run crosses the Wisconsin River twice and starts and finishes in front of the Stevens Point Brewery, 2617 Water St. The run begins at noon on March 4. Following the run, beer and music inside the heated tent.

    See more information on the event at pointbockrun.com.

    • HMoob Week on May 7

    The fifth annual Hmoob Week will be celebrated with events both in-person and virtual announced on the CAP Services Facebook page, beginning and ending at the Mathias Mitchell Public Square. According to city documents, CAP Services will transform the old Shopko parking lot into a celebration space with traditional Hmong dancing and folklore, showcase of traditional Hmong clothing, and featuring Hmong veterans in their military uniforms.

    • Local Food Fair on June 3

    The Local Food Fair is returning for another go at Pfiffner Pioneer Park. Sponsored by Central Rivers Farmshed, the event gives an opportunity for farmers and other local food producers to showcase their products from 4-10 p.m.

    • SPASH HOSA Color Run on May 6

    SPASH is hosting a HOSA (Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America) Color Run as the high school, 1201 North Point Dr. The run/walk will be May 6 at 10 a.m. Proceeds will benefit CAP Services Youth Shelter. Contact Brett Lesniak at blesniak@pointschools.net for details on how to register.

  • UWSP offers free planetarium shows in January

    UWSP offers free planetarium shows in January

    Nuts & Bolts Staff

    Start the new year with a closer look at the widening universe at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.

    Planetarium shows are offered at 2 p.m. Sundays. The educational shows are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. Shows in January include:

    • Jan. 15: “From Earth to the Universe.” Learn about the journey of discovery, from the ancient Greeks to today’s telescopes.
    • Jan. 22: “Phantom of the Universe: The Search for Dark Matter.” Discover dark matter and how scientists detect it.
    • Jan. 29: “Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds.” Explore the stars and planets of the diverse universe.

    Planetarium seating is first come, first served for up to 55 people. Groups of eight or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2208 or completing an online request form. There is a cost of $35 per group for these presentations.

    The Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory telescope is open for free, public viewings from 8:30-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday evenings. Viewings will be held only if the skies are clear and the temperature is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

    The planetarium and observatory are located on the second and fourth floors of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building, 2001 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Parking is available in Lot D behind the building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. and on weekends.

    For more information go to www3.uwsp.edu/physastr/plan_obs.

  • Interested in model trains? This event is for you!

    Interested in model trains? This event is for you!

    By Patrick Lynn

    After a two-year absence, central Wisconsin’s largest model railroad show is returning to celebrate its 25th year in operation.

    The Arctic Run Model Railroad Show is returning to the Holiday Inn Convention Center on Jan. 21 and 22.

    When a locomotive body was fitted to an electrical motor in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cohen, “The World’s Greatest Hobby” was born. The show is open to serious modelers, or those curious about the hobby, and their families.

    Among the real model trains on display and operating, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends from Chuggington Station will be available for the kids.

    Modelers will be available to explain how they build their model railroad empires.

    Vendors will also be onsite with the latest model railroading equipment from leading model railroad equipment manufacturers. Other vendors will be on hand with railroad clothing, books, memorabilia, model railroad equipment that may now be out of production, and vintage models from the early days of model railroading.

    Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders, LTD was founded as a non-profit educational organization in 1987 when a group of locals interested in model railroading came together to share their hobby with the community. After expenses, proceeds from the show and sale go to support non-profit organizations.

    To keep the show an affordable family outing, CWMR has maintained 2020 admission prices. Admission is $4/adults and $2/ages 12-17. Kids 11 and under are free.

    Vendors and clubs interested in participating should contact Jim Miller at 715-340-0265 or jimbro67@gmail.com, or Don Anderson at 715-340-8105 or crm114@tds.net.

    The show will be on Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 1001 Amber Ave. in Stevens Point.