TOWN OF GILMAN, WI – The Town of Gilman received welcoming news on January 3, 2025, they have officially been selected as one of fifty-five recipients of an Agricultural Road Improvement Program grant.

After initially applying for a federal grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Program for one mile of the project – County Road B to 330^th along 850^th and being denied, Supervisor Mike Traynor suggested they apply for the new ARIP program announced by Governor Evers in mid- 2024. They applied for the first round of funding and were denied. After submitting for the second round, the town board learned on January 3 that they were officially approved.

Supervisor Traynor stated, “The project will include a complete reconstruction of 850th Ave from County Road B to County BB. The top will be removed, and the base will be evaluated to determine if any of it can be reused.”

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the February 13, 2025 issue of the Sun-Argus newspaper. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.

Submitted by Kristie Smith, Executive Director, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity

HUDSON, WI – In an effort to bridge the gap in attainable housing across Western Wisconsin, the Western Wisconsin Housing Partnership Toolkit has been released to support municipalities, developers, and community organizations in their efforts to increase housing inventory. This comprehensive guide provides actionable strategies to facilitate collaboration, secure land, build housing, and connect homebuyers with financing options.

The toolkit is designed for stakeholders in Dunn, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, and St. Croix Counties who are working to expand housing opportunities for households earning approximately $53,000 to $99,000 – a key income range for workers such as teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers, and other essential community members. The goal is to develop homes priced between $160,000 and $300,000, ensuring that more individuals and families can access quality housing in the region.

A roadmap for housing solutions – The Western Wisconsin Housing Partnership Toolkit offers:

Guidance on forming partnerships – Bringing together municipal leaders, builders, lenders, and community organizations to create sustainable housing initiatives.

Land identification and preparation strategies – Helping communities assess zoning, infrastructure, and land availability for development.

Support for homebuyer outreach and financing – Connecting potential homeowners with financing resources and affordable mortgage options.

Insights into factory-built housing solutions – Streamlining the construction process to improve affordability, quality, and efficiency.

Funding and policy guidance – Leveraging programs like Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Community Land Trusts (CLTs), and other incentives to make housing projects viable.

Funding for this project was led by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, with support from Compeer Financial, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, and Momentum West.

Organizers shared their thoughts about the toolkit: “We’ve talked with housing stakeholders from across the region to help develop this resource,” said Kristie Smith, Executive Director, St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity. “With a focus on increasing housing inventory that is attainable, especially for workforce in our communities, this toolkit can help lenders, municipalities, builders and homebuyers.”

“This toolkit is an excellent complement to the Momentum West Housing Toolkit and provides key information for housing growth in the region,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West Wisconsin.

“Special thanks to everyone who participated and shared their resources to help create a very comprehensive, educational guide for potential homeowners,” said Aaron Sundeen, Director of Business Development, Derrick Building Solutions.

Next Steps for Communities – Municipalities, developers, and housing advocates are encouraged to explore the toolkit and utilize its step-by-step guidance to launch or expand housing initiatives in their communities. The toolkit is available online at: momentumwest.org, where stakeholders can access templates, best practices, and case studies to help implement housing solutions tailored to their specific needs.

For more information, please contact Kristie Smith (ExecutiveDirector@scvhabitat.org) or visit Coop | St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity (scvhabitat.org).

By Ryma Lindquist, WWH

BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) is proud to announce the recipients of two prestigious awards presented at the WWH Holiday Party on Thursday, January 23, 2024. These awards celebrate outstanding team members who have demonstrated excellence in their roles and a deep commitment to providing exceptional care.

Shannon Fayerweather named 2024 Employee of the Year
Shannon Fayerweather, Registered Nurse and Urgent Care Coordinator, was honored as the 2024 Employee of the Year. This award, nominated by WWH employees, recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication to patients and coworkers. Shannon shared her gratitude, stating, “I am truly honored to be recognized as Employee of the Year and want to thank my amazing team for the support and collaboration throughout this last year. Our organization’s dedication to the community and staff inspires me to provide great care every day! Thank you so much for this recognition!”

“Shannon is an invaluable part of our team,” said Ellen Thompson, Chief Operating Officer. “Her selflessness, hard work, and commitment to our patients and staff are just a few of the many reasons she was selected for this honor. She exemplifies what it means to live out the values of WWH every day.”

Shannon has been a member of the WWH team for 34 years and has made a significant impact on the organization and the community. From her leadership in developing WWH’s Urgent Care services to training and mentoring nursing staff, her contributions reflect her passion and dedication to excellent care.

Stephanie Waterman receives 2024 Reid Berger Memorial Medical Staff Award
Stephanie Waterman, Family Nurse Practitioner, was the recipient of the second annual Reid Berger Memorial Medical Staff Award. This award honors the memory of Reid Berger, an exceptional physician assistant who dedicated his career to serving WWH and the community. Nominations for this award are given to providers who best embody Reid’s legacy through compassionate care, collaboration, and community service.

“Stephanie’s warm and kind approach to care perfectly aligns with our mission of building a healthier tomorrow together,” said Eilidh Pederson, CEO of WWH. “She is an amazing provider who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her patients feel valued and heard. We are so fortunate to have her on our team.”

Upon receiving the award, Stephanie Waterman shared, “I am humbled to have my name mentioned alongside Reid Berger’s, let alone on an award in his honor. He exemplified what rural medicine should look like, and to be following in his footsteps caring for this community is a pleasure. I am privileged to work alongside many outstanding providers that are all deserving this award. I am thankful to work for WWH as it continues to redefine rural healthcare.”

Stephanie’s colleagues describe her as compassionate, knowledgeable, and an advocate for her patients. Her ability to connect with patients and team members, even in challenging situations, reflects her dedication to providing patient-centered care.

Western Wisconsin Health congratulates Shannon Fayerweather and Stephanie Waterman on their well-deserved recognition. Both honorees exemplify the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and compassion that makes WWH a trusted health care provider in our community.