PRESCOTT, WI – The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation (PC EDC) Hosted their 2025 Awards Breakfast on Thursday, May 15 at the Ridgetop Banquet Facility in rural Prescott, Wisconsin. Five awards were offered through the PC EDC Board of Directors and Executive Director Lauren Highfill by four different presenters. Retired Past EDC Executive Director Joe Folsom was honored for his service to the organization with the EDC Cornerstone Award. The EDC Cornerstone Award is presented to an individual, company, or organization that has made an extraordinary contribution to furthering economic development in Pierce County.

Nate Boettcher, President of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services and Board Chair of the PC EDC welcomed the 70 some participants of the Awards Breakfast and thanked them all for coming at the early 7:00 a.m. hour. He then dispatched the guests by tables to the delicious buffet breakfast of egg bake, savory sausage, and bacon, fresh fruit, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, coffee and juice.

Once all had breakfast done Boettcher introduced the Keynote Presentation by Guest Speaker Sidney Laurvick founder and CEO of The Metered, LLC of Hagur City, Wisconsin. Laurvick described his company as a Bitcoin (Crypto) Coin mining company. As an internet nerd he started tinkering in his garage in 2017. A humble beginning, much like Steve Jobs did of Apple.

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Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, WWH

BALDWIN, WI – The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) recently honored Renee Obermueller, Surgical Services RN at Western Wisconsin Health (WWH), with the 2025 Rural Health Ambassador Award.

This prestigious award recognizes healthcare employees at RWHC member hospitals who go above and beyond in promoting their organizations and making meaningful contributions to rural health. Recipients are chosen for their commitment to building strong community relationships, including service on community boards, volunteerism, public outreach, and involvement in health initiatives that extend beyond their healthcare roles.

Renee Obermueller exemplifies what it means to be a Rural Health Ambassador. She serves as a Department Charge Nurse in Surgical Services and is also a licensed EMT-Basic and Training Officer for the Spring Valley and Ellsworth Area Ambulance Services. Beyond her clinical roles, Renee teaches religious education and actively volunteers at Western Wisconsin Health events, including community parades and open houses. She has also participated in RWHC leadership development education sessions and continues to be an active member of local volunteer ambulance services, strengthening emergency care access in rural communities.

Shonda Helgeson, Chief Nursing Officer at WWH, shared her nomination:

“It is with great pride and admiration that I nominate Renee for the RWHC Rural Health Ambassador Award. Renee has been a valuable asset to Western Wisconsin Health since the day she was hired. She consistently demonstrates compassionate care, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to service in our rural community. She’s a natural leader and mentor, whose calm presence and collaborative spirit inspire everyone around her. Her dedication to our patients, our staff, and our community is truly exceptional.”

Renee is known for bringing a high level of expertise and empathy to her role. Whether working with surgical patients, training staff, or responding to emergencies in the field, she ensures every individual feels heard, valued, and supported. Her positivity, professionalism, and drive to help others grow make her an integral part of the WWH team and a role model for the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.

Renee was presented with the award by Cheryl DeVault, MS, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, RWHC/Primary Care Program Manager, alongside Shonda Helgeson, CNO, and Eilidh Pederson, CEO of Western Wisconsin Health.

Incorporated in 1979, RWHC has been nationally recognized as one of the most successful models for rural hospital collaboration in the country. Owned and operated by 44 acute medical-surgical hospitals, RWHC provides staffing, consulting, education, and other shared services to support the health of rural communities. Western Wisconsin Health is a proud member of RWHC and shares in its mission of “strengthening and sustaining rural health.”

Congratulations to Renee Obermueller on this well-deserved recognition. Her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to rural health are a true reflection of the values we hold at Western Wisconsin Health.

Submitted by Debby Walters, Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club

BALDWIN, WI – On the evening of Thursday, May 15, 2025, the dedication ceremony for the Blue Star Marker Memorial was held at Windmill Park, in Baldwin, WI.  The Blue Star Marker project was initiated and planned by the Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club with great support from the Cave Dahl American Legion Post 240 and Auxiliary Unit 240, the Village of Baldwin Public Works Department, families of veterans, local businesses, and many other individuals.

First, what is a Blue Star Marker?  The Blue Star Marker honors all of the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Services. Since WWI, a Blue Star Banner displayed in the front window of a home or business told others that a family member was serving in the Armed Forces. This practice continued during World War II, and in 1945 the National Garden Club instituted a program encouraging local garden clubs to install Blue Star Markers to honor those who have served us along highways and in parks, civic and historical grounds. Windmill Park is now one of those sites.

The dedication ceremony was well-attended despite the threat of severe weather and windy conditions which definitely reflected the support this community has for its veterans. The American Legion presented the colors and hoisted the flags. Baldwin-Woodville’s Music Department under the direction of Eric Becker, Chandra Lamb, Adam Bassak, and Amanda Arnold provided appropriate music selections and the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts participated by leading the Pledge of Allegiance and placing the memorial wreath created by Sue Auld. Greg Loock concluded the ceremony by playing Taps. We were pleased to have Ralph Freitag, a WWII veteran in attendance as well as Linda and Chuck McCafferty, the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Chairs of the Blue Star Committee.

Perhaps the most moving words came from Marine veteran, Jeff Peterson.  They were:

“It’s an honor to stand here today not just as a Marine, but as a proud father of two daughters serving in the Army. Our family has worn different uniforms in different times, but we’ve all been guided by the same values – duty, service, and love for this country.

And through it all, one thing has remained constant: the strength of this community. From the time I served, to the moment my daughters raised their right hands, we’ve always felt the support of our neighbors, friends, and local organizations. In a world that’s always changing, that kind of steady, genuine support means more than words can express.

In small towns across America, veterans are more than names etched in stone or uniforms once worn with pride, they are our neighbors, friends, teachers, first responders, and family.  They are the familiar faces at the grocery store, the steady hands volunteering at the Legion, and the stories of service passed down over kitchen tables and campfires. They don’t ask for thanks, they just keep showing up.

To be a veteran in a small town is to live among those who remember. Who wave a little longer at the parade, stand a little taller during the National Anthem, and who understand that freedom isn’t just a word – it’s a legacy. Here, every flag raised is personal, every salute heartfelt.

This Blue Star Marker stands as a symbol of that understanding. A lasting tribute to those who served, and a reminder that in towns like ours, their sacrifice is never taken for granted.

Today, as we reveal this Blue Star Memorial, we’re not just honoring those who have served – we’re celebrating the deep roots of patriotism that run through generations. And I couldn’t be more proud – as a Marine, as a father, as a member of this town. To our veterans: Thank you! Your courage echoes in every corner of this town. Your service will never be forgotten and lives on in this community.

Thank you to all who supported this endeavor. Thank you to the veterans who served and those who will give of their time and talents in the future.”

SPRING VALLEY, WI — Exciting momentum is building in the School District of Spring Valley as the district moves forward on the $13.15 million facilities referendums approved by voters in April 2025, are on track. With a detailed schedule in place and design conversations underway, the vision for improved learning environments, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced safety is beginning to take shape.

Design and Planning Phase Advancing – The design and planning phase is in full swing, with biweekly meetings bringing together school administrators, architects, engineers, school board representatives, and stakeholder groups. Recent design sessions have focused on civil and site layouts, mechanical and electrical systems, and initial planning for classrooms and common areas.

“The feedback from our staff and community was vital in getting us to this point,” said John Groh, Superintendent of Spring Valley Schools. “We’re making thoughtful decisions to ensure these improvements meet long-term needs while staying fiscally responsible.”

Key Projects in Motion – Several significant developments are already underway:

• Safety and Accessibility Upgrades: Plans include adding restrooms in Special Education areas, improving building accessibility, and upgrading building security and entry controls.
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems: A new chilled water system is planned for the middle/high school. Fire protection and voice evacuation systems will be expanded to cover the full campus.
• Commons Area Renovations: Renderings for the remodeled Commons Area are being developed, aiming for better flow, modern finishes, and flexible student gathering spaces.
• Transportation Building Site: Multiple proposed site locations for the new transportation facility were presented to the School Board on May 21, 2025. A decision on a site will be made in the upcoming months. This facility will help improve operational efficiency by improving the ability to store, service, and wash buses/vans on-site.
• Athletics and Pool: Mechanical and electrical assessments are being planned for the pool. Simultaneously, plans are moving forward for a competition track and related athletic field improvements.

Timeline for Completion – A preliminary two-year schedule is guiding the process, with milestones planned across multiple phases:

• Spring–Summer 2025: The design phase continues, informed by staff, user groups, and district leadership.
• Late 2025: The bidding phase begins, with projects opened to pre-qualified contractors through competitive bidding.
• 2026: Construction begins in phases, with heavy activity concentrated in the spring/summer for outdoor projects and the summer months to minimize classroom disruption inside the school.
• 2026: Final commissioning and project closeout, including inspections and punch list items, is expected to wrap up the initiative.

Looking Ahead – The next design team meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, where further refinements will be made, and input from various user groups — including athletics, transportation, special education, and commons areas — will help shape future layouts. This is the third of 12 scheduled meetings that will help continually refine plans for the bidding process later this fall.

District officials emphasize the importance of transparency and community connections throughout the process. “These projects represent a shared investment in our future,” said Superintendent Groh. “We’re committed to regular updates and meaningful collaboration every step of the way.”

For continued updates and full project details, community members will soon be able to access a webpage on the district’s website. The district is grateful for the trust and support demonstrated by the community through the referendum vote in April.  There is a strong commitment to continually earning that trust throughout each step of this process. Please reach out to Superintendent John Groh if you have any questions or suggestions.