The Nuts & Bolts of Portage County

Blog

  • Mid-State, partners celebrate first grads of culinary program

    Mid-State, partners celebrate first grads of culinary program

    Nuts & Bolts Staff

    Mid-State Technical College and supporting partners recognized the achievements of the school’s first students to complete its new Culinary Foundations certificate program.

    The school held a recognition ceremony at the Wisconsin Rapids Campus Gourmet Café on Feb. 15. Five students were joined by their family and friends in the celebration: Max Bell, Jared Craig, Angela Kolb, Tawnya Penyak, and Michael Tennessen.

    All five students completed the program in the fall 2022 term with no out-of-pocket tuition costs. Tuition for all was provided by Visit Rome WI through their State of Wisconsin Destination Marketing Organizations Grant Award, with additional student support was provided by the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (NCWWDB) and Forward Service Corporation to assist with transportation, paid culinary internships and job placement.

    Dr. Missy Skurzewski-Servant, dean of Business & Information Technology, said she was “proud” of the students’ accomplishments.

    “Mid-State is also thankful for the partnerships we continue to strengthen with district businesses who are eager to support student learning and help us grow the pipeline of culinarians in central Wisconsin,” she added.

    Mid-State launched the Culinary Foundations certificate in fall 2022 due to an increase in demand for cooks and chefs in the central Wisconsin community. The program includes the Servsafe Manager Industry Certification, and the 11 credits earned will apply toward Mid-State’s Culinary Arts associate degree for students who choose to continue their education.

    “The Visit Rome organization recognizes that a vibrant workforce is vital for tourism to thrive in the Rome area, and Mid-State’s Culinary Foundations program helps to address one of our area’s top workforce challenges,” said Lisa Kubis, executive director of Visit Rome WI.

    “Our food service establishments are confronted with employee shortages not uncommon throughout the state and even the country, and we understand the importance of investing in programs that will help area businesses and organizations find qualified workers to fill those gaps and ensure a healthy regional economy,” Kubis added.

    Beyond its financial support of this first group of completers, Visit Rome WI Board Treasurer Will Beckstrom also announced at the event a commitment of $100K in 2023 to continue workforce development efforts in the community.

    According to Elsa Duranceau, Worker Advancement Initiative Grant coordinator for NCWWDB, tourism in the north central region was hit hard by the pandemic.

    “Business owners in the industry are challenged to bring back their resorts, hotels and restaurants to pre-pandemic levels, and some establishments closed completely due to losing their workforce,” Duranceau said. “The mission of the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board is to cultivate a skilled and competitive workforce that meets the demands of employers in the region, and we are grateful to the State Department of Workforce Development for allowing us the opportunity to serve the career seekers and employers in the tourism industry with the Worker Advancement Initiative grant, a project funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.”

    The WAI’s subsidized employment and skills training opportunities with local employers have been vital to helping the NCWWDB achieve its mission, allowing the organization to provide incentives for attending and completing training, among other support services for individuals, said Duranceau. These “extra” supportive services provide a bit of financial relief for students and have not always been possible through the traditional employment and training programs offered by NCWWDB.

    Duranceau notes that the pandemic has brought opportunities along with the obvious difficulties. “We haven’t had this type of flexibility under our typical workforce development programs in the past, and we are taking the opportunity to make the greatest positive impact that we can in our communities,” she said.

    Mid-State’s Culinary Foundations certificate can be completed in one semester. All of the current certificate holders plan to continue in the Culinary Arts associate in applied science program.

    For more information on Mid-State’s certificate and degree programs go to mstc.edu/programs.

  • Young couple cement futures with careers in police, fire

    Young couple cement futures with careers in police, fire

    Nuts & Bolts Staff

    Joey Gemza, III, and his fiancé, Morgan Gruna, are the future of local emergency services.

    Gemza, 25, is a SPASH graduate who now works as a full-time firefighter/paramedic at the Stevens Point Fire Department. Gruna, 23, graduated from Rosholt High School. She began her career as a full-time police officer at UW-Stevens Point Police and Security Services in September.

    The two shared with Nuts & Bolts why they chose their professions, and why they enjoy their work.

    Q: What inspired you to go into your field?
    Gruna: “Jokingly, I always say that the amount of Scooby-Doo that I watched as a kid really drove me to
    and prepared me for a career in law enforcement. I’ve always been really into problem-solving
    and helping people come up with solutions to issues they may be having. I felt that this career
    would allow me to do both.”
    Gemza: “My dad is a firefighter/paramedic and I thought he had the coolest job in the world. I remember as a kid, coming to see him at work and getting to play in the firetruck.”

    Q: When did you begin your schooling, and how long did it take?
    Gruna: “I started some college classes in my junior year of high school. The college general course classes I took were honestly easier than some high school classes and counted as credit for high school and college. There were some really helpful programs that paid for the college classes that I would’ve had to pay for anyways after high school. I did the EMT program at Northcentral Technical College that lasted for one semester, Forensic Science Associate’s Degree Program at Fox Valley Technical College for two years, and then completed the Law Enforcement 720-hour academy at Midstate Technical College that lasted 1 semester. After all was said and done, I was done with college before my friends who went into a four-year college.”
    Gemza: “I began my schooling in 2015 at Fox Valley Technical College for firefighting, which took two
    years. Then I did the paramedic program at Midstate Technical College for one year. All together, it only took me three years.”

    Q: Before going to tech school, did you try any Explorer programs, job shadowing, internships, etc., related to firefighting/paramedic/law enforcement? If so, how did it help you?
    Gruna: “I knew I had to get my name out there, so I started volunteering at the Stevens Point Police Department as an auxiliary officer and eventually began working as a community service officer
    there as well. I also did a ride-along with a few different departments that I had an interest in working
    for to see how their departments functioned. I spent time doing a short internship for a detective bureau, which was extremely interesting. I also held a job as a Mental Health Technician, which is a huge part of Law Enforcement. All of the things I did to prepare me for the field were very eye-opening and just validated my interest.”
    Gemza: “Yes, I was an Explorer Scout at Stevens Point Fire Department and was on the Rosholt Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. I did my EMT Basic ride-alongs with Stevens Point. I did my firefighting internship with Oshkosh Fire Department and I did my paramedic internship with Stevens Point. It helped me figure out if I could do the job with the trauma we see.”

    Q: What, specifically, do you like most about your job?
    Gruna: “The adrenaline rush when going to a call is like no other. The feeling of thinking, ‘Alright, this is
    what we trained for, we know what to do, let’s go help someone,’ is so exciting to me. Calls don’t always end the way we want them to, but knowing that I put my all into it and did all that I could is very fulfilling to me.”
    Gemza: “I like that it’s not the same thing every day and I get to meet new people on calls.”

    Q: What, specifically, do you dislike about your job?
    Gruna: “There are a lot of different opinions about law enforcement, and that is fine. I always tell people
    that everyone is free to have their own opinions, but not everyone has to agree with them. I always allow people to voice their opinions to me and I commend them for having the voice and confidence to express their opinions. It is hard for me to see people be afraid or hesitant around me when they have not had the chance to meet me and understand that I have the best intentions as an officer.”
    Gemza: “It can be hard when we lose a patient.”

    Q: What advice do you have for today’s teenagers who may be interested in your line of work?
    Gruna: “It can be a lot of hard work to get in the field and work in the field, but it is so rewarding! I love
    going home after every shift knowing that I was able to help people (and sometimes even animals) in some way or another. A lot of times, people call for law enforcement assistance when they are at their lowest and/or need help in some way or another. I love the fact that I am able to be the person they look to for guidance or to make them feel safe.”
    Gemza: “Do it. I only went to school for three years and am making more money than some people who went to school at a four-year university.”

    Q: What’s it like running into your fiancé on calls? Are there pros/cons to having a life partner who is also in the emergency services field?
    Gruna: “It is honestly so weird! We act almost like we don’t know each other. When we are working, we
    are partners, but in a professional manner. If we are both called to a scene, it’s usually a more serious situation where someone is in need of medical help or there is some other type of emergency that needs to be dealt with professionally. However, it is extremely helpful to have someone to come home to that can relate and/or understand how stressful, emotional, educational, or even satisfying a call can be. I always have my amazing family to lean on, but there are some things that I’m unable to tell them and/or are hard for them to completely understand, without having the experience in the field. However, there is a con to both being on the same call sometimes and it’s that we can make fun of each other for silly mistakes we made on the call.”
    Gemza: “I love running into her on calls. It’s great having a partner in this type of field because she understands the stress of the job. A con would be seeing her disrespected by people because she’s a cop. Everyone loves a firefighter, though.”

    • To learn more about Fire Explorer Program at SPFD, contact Lt. Shane Westphal at (715) 344-1833.
    • For more information on careers in local police and fire departments, go to https://www.mstc.edu.
  • Flushing the hydrants: What are they doing?

    Flushing the hydrants: What are they doing?

    Nuts & Bolts Staff

    An employee of the Plover Public Works Department will flush the village’s 1,040 hydrants twice a year—each spring and each fall.

    The flushing cleans out the mains and removes any sediment that may cause discolored water. Residents can experience some discolored water during these times, but it’s typically harmless.

    Plover’s public works employees maintain 95 miles of water mains, two water storage facilities, and three wells. The village serves over 4,000 customers and has the capacity to store 1.5 million gallons of water, according to its website.

    Though the village was only incorporated in 1971, the Plover water system has been in existence since 1989. Like other municipalities, the village monitors its water supply for harmful bacteria, lead and copper, volatile organics, pesticides, and other items that require monitoring by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency. Fluoride is also added to the water for the prevention of tooth decay.

    The Village of Plover has in recent years experienced a lot of growth, and according to the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Demographic Services Center, the village saw the largest population increase in Portage Co. since the 2010 U.S. Census.

    According to data collected in the 2020 U.S. Census, Plover saw a 14 percent increase in population. The village grew by about 1,700 residents for a total population of about 13,600 people. The number of voting-age residents in the village also increased from 1,310 to 1,369.

    The village abuts the Village of Whiting and Stevens Point to the north, and by the Town of Plover to the south. Each has its own municipal government.

    The village is run by an elected board, with two trustees from each of the three wards in the village. The Board typically meets twice each month and meeting agendas can be found on the village’s website.

    Leadership duties are split between an elected village president and an administrator hired by the Village Board. Tom Davies is the current village president. Former Plover Police Chief Dan Ault is the village’s administrator.

  • UW-Stevens Point’s planetarium offers shows in March

    UW-Stevens Point’s planetarium offers shows in March

    Nuts & Bolts Staff

    From the sun to dark matter, discover the secrets of the 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 February and March include:

    • Feb. 26: “The Dark Matter Mystery: Exploring a Cosmic Secret,” Go on a quest to find the building blocks of the universe.
    • March 5: “Europe to the Stars,” Look through the most powerful ground-based telescopes in the world.
    • March 12: “Seeing! A Photon’s Journey Across Space, Time and Mind,” Follow a tiny proton as it travels across the vast expanse of space.

    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 at 2001 Fourth Ave. in 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.

    Learn more at www.uwsp.edu/smcpa/blocher-planetarium.

  • Meal delivery volunteers

    Volunteers deliver meals for homebound seniors throughout Portage County as part of the ADRC’s Rural Home Delivered Meal Program.  If you want to really make a difference in someone’s life this is for you! A mileage stipend is available.  Number of Volunteers Needed:   15-20

    Commitment is approximately 1 ½ – 2 hours between 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Routes are primarily in the villages and rural areas of Portage County, but in most cases start and end at the Lincoln Center in Stevens Point.

    Scheduling can be flexible and we’d be happy to talk to you about what works for your schedule.

    You must be 55 years of age or older to volunteer as a part of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program but our nutrition program is happy to accept volunteers of any age so long as they can drive and pass a background check.

  • Volunteers, 18+, for Red Cross Community Preparedness Volunteer

    Did you know preparing your community BEFORE a disaster is part of the American Red Cross mission?

    As a Community Preparedness Volunteer, you can help educate individuals, families, and communities on actions to reduce the risk of a disaster and prepare to respond effectively and cope with disasters when they happen.

    The American Red Cross is seeking compassionate and committed individuals to help with the following efforts:

    • Youth programs delivered to children that provide science-based disaster education and coping skills
    • Community preparedness education opportunities like Hands-Only CPR or providing disaster education presentations

    JOIN the American Red Cross Community Preparedness Team today and help prepare your community! To learn more, contact Lee at: lee.borofka@redcross.org

  • Sewing volunteers

    We are looking for individuals to sew memory bears and/or pillows upon request.

    Memory bears and pillows are made from sentimental clothing that belonged to loved ones on our hospice services. We have memory bear patterns available.

    Please contact our office at 715-344-4541 or e-mail Volunteer Coordinator, Mary, at Mary.Dulske@ProMedica.org if you are interested in this opportunity and helping us give this gift to our families who lost loved ones on our hospice services.

  • Volunteers & Donations: ProMedica Hospice

    At ProMedica Hospice, we are looking for donations of coloring books, coloring materials, large print word search books, large print crossword puzzles, puzzles, decks of cards, etc. These are good tools for our hospice patients and their volunteers to use during visits.

    Please drop off the donations at our office:

    ProMedica Hospice

    3233A Business Park Drive Suite 203

    Stevens Point, WI 54482

    If you are interested in donating, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Mary, at Mary.Dulske@ProMedica.org or call our office at 715-344-4541.

  • Volunteers needed: 2023 Portage So. Cultural Festival

    The 2023 Portage County Cultural Festival will be held on Saturday, May 13th from 10am-5pm at SPASH. We are in need of several volunteers in various roles on both Friday, May 12th and Saturday, May 13th:

    • Hospitality
    • Set Up
    • Kitchen
    • Decorations
    • Children’s Area
    • Security/Parking
    • Take Down

    Please follow this link for more information on individual volunteer opportunities: https://www.volunteersrock.org/aem/general/ .

  • Why do prescriptions take longer than a milkshake?

    Why do prescriptions take longer than a milkshake?

    Courtesy of Aspirus Health

    There are several reasons why prescription medications may take longer to fill than some people expect.

    When a prescription is requested, it is not sent directly to the pharmacy to fill automatically. There is a process that the pharmacists must go through before your prescription is ready for pick-up.

    “The process of filling a prescription is much more complex and time-consuming than simply making a milkshake,” said Andrea Modlin a resident pharmacist for Aspirus. “We understand that it can be frustrating to have to wait when you’re sick and just want to get your medication as quickly as possible, but these steps are necessary to ensure that our patients receive medications that will be safe and effective. This process can take some time, especially if we run into any complications.”

    To understand why there may be delays at a pharmacy, it’s helpful to know the pharmacy’s general workflow:

    • Data entry: When the pharmacy receives a prescription, the pharmacist first enters the information into the computer system with appropriate directions for use. They must verify the prescription to ensure that it has been properly written – this includes checking for drug interactions and allergies, correct dosing, and correct medication for the patient. This includes checking the safety of the prescribed dosage, as well as for potential drug interactions and allergies. Pharmacists may need to verify additional information to ensure that medication is safe and accurate for each patient by contacting the doctor’s office.
    • Billing: The pharmacist will identify the patient’s correct insurance plan and billing information. Sometimes, there may be issues with the patient’s insurance that need to be resolved before the prescription can be filled. The pharmacy team may need to work with your doctor’s office to find an alternative medication.
    • Stock check: The pharmacist will check to make sure the prescribed medications are available at the pharmacy. If the medication is not in stock, it may need to be ordered from the manufacturer or a wholesaler, which can take additional time.
    • Medication preparation: The pharmacist must prepare the medication by counting out the appropriate number of pills or measuring the correct amount of liquid. This step is crucial in ensuring that the patient receives the correct dosage.
    • Labeling and verification: The pharmacist must carefully label the medication and then verify that all the information on the bottle is accurate.
    • Patient instructions: The pharmacist must provide the patient with instructions on how to take it. They may be counseled on the phone or at the counter during pick-up. This is important for ensuring that the patient understands how to safely use the medication and knows what to expect.
    • Busy pharmacy: The pharmacist is helping multiple patients and providers every day. They are fielding prescription fill questions, assisting providers with medication questions, and facing drug shortage issues. If the pharmacy is busy with many other customers, it may take longer for the pharmacist to complete the process of filling the prescription.

    Aspirus Health is committed to ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality care and that their medications are prepared and dispensed safely. Reach out to your provider or pharmacist with any questions regarding your medications. Find your local Aspirus pharmacy at www.aspirus.org/find-a-location.