Submitted by Adam Kastonek – Public Information Officer, St. Croix County

HUDSON, WI – The St. Croix County Community Development Department’s recycling collection events in 2024 were a success, marked by record-breaking participation and new options that enabled residents to dispose of a wide array of materials responsibly. Thanks to County residents, the efforts to recycle electronics, appliances, scrap metal, tires, and hazardous waste have made a substantial impact in keeping our County clean. This year’s events led to impressive collection totals:

• Electronics: 176,220 pounds
• Appliances and Scrap Metal: 219,950 pounds
• Tires: 3,566 Tires
• Hazardous Waste: 27,630 pounds

In 2024 the County held two free electronic collection events at the Hudson and Baldwin Highway facilities. These events brought in 176,220 pounds of electronics, far exceeding the previous year’s approximately 25,000 pounds.

This year also saw the debut of a free tire collection event. During this 4-hour event, 3,566 tires were collected, weighing over 150,000 pounds.

27,630 pounds of hazardous waste were collected through the Clean Sweep event. There were over 400 participants, including businesses, farms, and households. Though attendance and tonnage for this event were slightly lower than the previous year, a new voucher program introduced earlier this year gives residents another option to dispose of hazardous waste year-round.

And recently the County offered a free collection event for scrap metal, with proceeds going to the St. Croix County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. During this single event, over 72,000 pounds of metal was collected, raising $3,102 for the unit. When combined with earlier collection events in the year for appliances, yard equipment, and scrap metal, the total collection reached 219,950 pounds.

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in making these events successful. And a special thank you to Amery Auto Salvage, First Choice, First State Tire, and Logistics Recycling for helping facilitate these events and recycling options. Together these contributions underscore a collective commitment to protecting our environment and keeping St. Croix County clean and beautiful.

Where can I find more information?
Upcoming collection events will be posted to the County’s website and social media. While you on the County website, check out our new hazardous waste voucher program and the A-Z recycling guide for helpful tips on properly disposing of unwanted items. And don’t forget to stay connected by subscribing to St. Croix County’s Recycling Newsletter. You’ll receive notifications for upcoming recycling events and tips to help you safely dispose of unwanted items – sent directly to your inbox.

• Collection Events: sccwi.gov/Collection-Events
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: sccwi.gov/Subscribe.

Submitted by Christian Gausman, Director of Strategic Initiatives, OEM Fabricators, Inc.

WOODVILLE, WI – The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has recognized OEM Fabricators, Inc. at the Maturing level within its Green Masters Program®. Recognizing Wisconsin businesses that are prioritizing sustainability, the Green Masters Program® categorizes participants into four status levels that reflect the degree to which sustainability has been integrated into their business model: Adapting, Advancing, Maturing, and Green Master.

Maturing status signifies that an organization is effectively engaging in sustainability, has identified and is improving its performance in most material sustainability issues, and is integrating systems to manage its performance in those issues.

OEM Fabricators, Inc. has made significant strides in sustainability across its operations, including implementing gas flow monitoring systems for welding gases at all locations and tracking natural gas usage for HVAC units. The company has upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting on all production floors and expanded its metal recycling capabilities to include additional material grades. To further enhance environmental and workplace standards, air filtration units were installed at the Woodville location to improve air quality, and real-time monitoring systems for injury rates were introduced at all facilities to promote safety.

“These initiatives reflect our dedication to integrating sustainability and continuous improvement into every aspect of our business,” said DJ Maska, Safety, Health, and Training Coordinator at OEM Fabricators, Inc. “Programs like the Green Masters Program® inspire us to push boundaries and create lasting value for our team members, customers, and communities.”

Each year at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s Annual Conference, the achievements of member companies are recognized and celebrated.  This year’s conference was held on November 13^th at Harley-Davidson Garage in Milwaukee.

“The Green Masters Program is a comprehensive tool that helps businesses define, prioritize, measure, and manage their sustainability performance, integrating sustainable practices into their core operations. Aligned with internationally recognized standards, it drives continuous improvement and sustainable success. For over fifteen years, the program has helped companies build credible and impactful sustainability initiatives, and we are proud to see companies like OEM Fabricators, Inc. paving the way for a more sustainable future in Wisconsin.

OEM Fabricators, Inc., established in 1987, is a leading custom metal fabrication company serving industries such as construction, mining, and rail. With nearly 300 dedicated Team Members and cutting-edge facilities in Woodville, Neillsville, and Phillips, Wisconsin, OEM specializes in producing high-quality medium to large components for original equipment manufacturers. The company offers comprehensive solutions, including design assistance, fabrication, machining, welding, painting, and assembly, all supported by certifications like ISO 9001:2015 and AWS D1.1. OEM Fabricators is deeply committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for its team members, recognizing that its success is built on their skills and dedication. For more information, visit oemfab.com.

The WI Sustainable Business Council (WSBC) is a member organization dedicated to advancing sustainable principles and practices forward through the power of business. With a focus on collaboration and education, WSBC empowers companies and sustainability professionals to enhance their sustainability outcomes, measure progress and drive positive impacts.

Whether a company is just starting to explore sustainability or is already deeply committed to sustainable practices, WSBC meets them where they are and provides the necessary resources, expertise, and connections to help them succeed. For over 16 years, WSBC has been at the forefront of bringing businesses together to tackle sustainability challenges. By fostering a collaborative environment, WSBC encourages knowledge sharing, innovative thinking, and the development of best practices. Through this collective effort, WSBC helps businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies, unlocking greater profitability and creating a positive impact on the environment and society.

WSBC operates as an affiliate of WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, a well-established organization focused on helping manufacturers succeed in Wisconsin. This affiliation strengthens WSBC’s ability to support sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector, a key driver of the state’s economy.

To learn more visit: wisconsinsustainability.com.

Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, WWH

BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) is pleased to announce a major agreement with The Alliance (TA), a not-for-profit cooperative that helps employers manage healthcare costs.

This agreement allows The Alliance to further expand into Western Wisconsin, providing its member-employers with a high-value care option in the area. At the same time, Western Wisconsin Health gains the opportunity to welcome new patients from employers partnered with The Alliance.

“This is a win-win,” said Deb Kunferman, Vice President (VP) of Provider Contracting and Relations at The Alliance. “This agreement allows us to help even more employers in Western Wisconsin save money on healthcare and allows more people to experience the high-value care offered by Western Wisconsin Health.”

The Alliance is a unique organization in the healthcare marketplace—offering employers both benefit plan design support and a customizable provider network to serve their plan. By contracting directly with providers on behalf of employers, The Alliance ensures high-quality, convenient, and cost-effective access to care for employers’ workers and their families.

“Having Western Wisconsin Health as an in-network provider through The Alliance offers businesses in the community another option for providing self-funded health benefits to their employees,” said Lea Kaiser, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Western Wisconsin Health. “This partnership not only improves access to high-quality healthcare for patients, but self-funded insurance plans also provide employers with transparency into cost drivers, enabling them to develop cost-effective solutions that promote a healthier and more productive community.”

“Of particular importance to The Alliance, Western Wisconsin Health has been growing its obstetrics services, including expanding its labor and delivery capabilities,” said Kunferman. “In a time where many rural and surrounding birth centers are closing, that’s a key service to have access to in this region.”

The Alliance is growing in Western Wisconsin and expects to add more providers in the region in the coming months to bolster its offerings to employers.

Both Western Wisconsin Health and The Alliance are committed to providing innovative healthcare solutions that prioritize patients’ needs while empowering employers with greater control over their healthcare investments. Together, they look forward to improving healthcare access and outcomes for the community.

Western Wisconsin Health is dedicated to building strong partnerships like this and embracing innovation to provide the best care for local patients.

If you are a local employer considering self-funded employee healthcare options, visit the-alliance.org or call 800.223.4139 to learn more.

Submitted by Neil Kline, FFW

WOODVILLE, WI – Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) announced on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the launch of their Talent Attraction Partnership (TAP) website, available at discovernwwi.com. This website will serve as a place for young families to learn more about western and northwestern Wisconsin communities and to become connected to resources to help them move.

“We are very excited to make such a large step in attracting talent to our area,” said Neil Kline, Executive Director of FFW. “Our workforce shortage is directly tied to the long-term vitality of our communities, and we cannot address both without becoming a premier destination for young families looking for a place to call home.”

The approach utilized in TAP is informed by the results of a study, completed with support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, that examined what “family-friendly ” means in communities and workplaces.

The study concluded that safe, engaging, and welcoming communities increases family friendliness. FFW used the findings from this study to inform the TAP website about how marketing can be implemented to attract talent to western and northwestern Wisconsin.

“The TAP website will provide us with a landing page for people who receive online ads. Additionally, our partnership with WEDC helps connect folks with the WEDC Community Ambassador program, which can help interested families become connected with specific communities in our area,” said Kline.

At FFW they believe in elevating the success of families and children and contributing to building communities that thrive socially and economically.

Employers and others interested in supporting this work should reach out to Neil Kline at nkline@familyfriendlyworkplaces.org.

Submitted by Tommy Enright, Communications Director, WFU

WISCONSIN DELLS, WI – Westby dairy farmer Darin Von Ruden was re-elected president of Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) last weekend in Wisconsin Dells, where more than 200 family farmers and rural advocates gathered for the organization’s 94th annual State Convention.

Von Ruden has served as the organization’s District 5 director since 2008, representing Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, and Vernon counties. He also leads the WFU Foundation Board of Directors, the WFU Service Association, and serves as Secretary on the National Farmers Union (NFU) Board of Directors. Von Ruden and his wife, JoAnn, live in Westby. In the last several years, Von Ruden transitioned the farm to the fourth generation, when son Brett purchased the machinery and 50-cow dairy herd.

Von Ruden’s presidential address focused on a theme of collaboration, resilience, and growth as Wisconsin Farmers Union continues to empower family farmers, strengthens rural communities, and confronts challenges together. “One of our core missions is to ensure that family farmers have a seat at the table when decisions are made. This year, we’ve been relentless in this pursuit.”

Spotlighting successes from the past year, Von Ruden celebrated the opening of WFU’s new headquarters at Market on River in Chippewa Falls. He also noted a number of legislative wins as well as membership growth and highlighted the impact of the collaborative initiatives the family farm organization participated in, such as WI Women in Conservation, the WI Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, Farmer-led Watershed Council, and the Farm Climate Smart WI project.

“Our work isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about building a future where communities thrive, where family farmers are supported, and where everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food,” he said. “This vision depends on all of us working together.”

Policy Priorities – Delegates at the convention voted to prioritize five Special Orders of Business for 2025. They include: Concentration in the Agriculture Industry. Resolution to Create Fair Maps from a Nonpartisan Procedure for the Preparation of Legislative and Congressional Redistricting Plans. Quality Healthcare in Wisconsin. Continued and Expanded Funding of the WI-LFPA Program. Combating Climate Change in Farming.

WFU board members and NFU Convention delegates – Sarah Lloyd of Wisconsin Dells and Jerry Croes of Deer Park were elected to serve as delegates to the National Farmers Union Convention March 9-11, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK.

Three district director seats were up for election this year. Ed Gorell of Eleva was re-elected to represent District 3 which comprises Chippewa, Clark, and Eau Claire counties.  Darin Von Ruden was re-elected to represent Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Rock, Green, Lafayette, Richland, and Vernon counties in District 5 in addition to the WFU presidency. Joshua Mechaelsen of Waukesha was elected to represent District 8, Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Forest, Florence, Kewaunee, Langlade, Marinette, Manitowoc, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago counties.

Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. For more information visit wisconsinfarmersunion.com.