By Joe Bachman
Editor

With 2018 just about in the books, we take a look back on the top stories in the Portage County community in 2018. These are stories from March to April, including headlines, briefs, and quotes from these stories.

November

Rosholt boys bring home first State Trophy
By John Kemmeter
Nov. 1, 2018

Junior Matthew Ross, senior Bryan Cook, senior Isaiah Cherek and senior Zach Lepak react after they learned the Rosholt boys cross country team finished among the Top 2 teams at the WIAA Division 3 State Meet at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids Saturday, Oct. 27. (John Kemmeter photo)

After a series of close calls over the years, the Rosholt High School boys cross country team came away with the program’s first trophy at the State Meet Saturday, Oct. 27.

Senior Adam Rzentkowski came up short in his bid to win the Individual State Title and placed second for the second year in a row, while the third-ranked Hornets totaled 111 points to finish as the WIAA Division 3 State Runner-up behind top-ranked La Crosse Aquinas (90).

“Obviously, having never picked up a second-place trophy, or a first-place trophy in cross, it’s fantastic,” said Rosholt boys and girls cross country head coach Mike Trzebiatowski. “We ran pretty well, and we broke through.

Portage County Health Care Center referendum passes
By Joe Bachman
Nov. 7

The Portage Co. Health Care Center on the corner on Whiting Ave. and Water St. (City Times photo)

Local voters have possibly just saved Portage County Health Care Center.

Residents voted in favor of increasing property taxes by up to $1.4 million a year from 2019-2022, for a total of four years. This will result in an approximate 5.43 percent increase over the allowable levy by the state, and equates to a $24.48 annual increase in property taxes per $100,000 assessed value.

This keeps the 5-star medical facility operating for at least four years until a permanent funding solution can be worked out by county officials.

“I am thrilled beyond words to receive the support of the tax payers of this great count,” said District 3 County Supervisor Meleesa Johnson. “The Health Care Center Committee, the county board and staff now need to roll up their collective sleeves and develop actionalble solutions that will carry the Health Care Center to its next successful 100 years. I firmly believe we have a moral obligation to the weakest among us and I intend to do my utmost to meet that obligation.”

School board referendum passes with large margin
By Joe Bachman
Nov. 7, 2018

Superintendent Gerlach provides information to community members at an October
school referendum Q&A event. (Contributed Photo/SPAPSD)

Residents have voted in favor of additional funding for local schools.

Residents voted in favor of an additional recurring $3.5 million for annual operating costs for programming, technology and ongoing maintenance. Residents also voted to borrow $75.9 million dollars for safety and security upgrades, as well as additional upgrades to technology, classroom remodels, and other needed areas.

With this referendum passing, it avoids potential budget cuts for the 2019-20 school budget. Projects that have been necessary for sometimes decades will move forward, with a focus on maintenance, safety, and security first. According to Superintendent Craig Gerlach, improvements to SPASH will be first on the list of projects.

University officials divulge new proposal to integrate liberal arts with career-focused programs
By Joe Bachman
Nov. 12, 2018

UWSP Chancellor Bernie Patterson: (Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette)

University officials have unveiled a proposal to make a shift towards career-focused programs for the UWSP’s future.

After nearly year of controversy surrounding 13 proposed cuts to liberal arts majors, Chancellor Bernie Patterson announced a new vision for the university: “Point Forward”.

According to university releases, the plan will essentially to join the liberal arts and career-focused programs in a way that officials allege “few universities have successfully done in the past.”

“Bottom line, our plan will produce graduates who are among the best prepared professionals in Wisconsin,” said Patterson. “They will have a competitive advantage in their careers, as well as in life.”

County board passes unpopular but necessary ‘wheel tax’
By Joe Bachman
Nov. 21, 2018

The Portage Co. Annex Building. (Gazette Photo)

Portage County residents will now face an unpopular, but necessary tax in form of a vehicle registration fee, or ‘wheel tax’, as it was approved by County Board on Tuesday night.

After years of the state shifting the burden for highway repair and maintenance onto local municipalities, the options were simple: Either borrow even more money to fix Portage County roads, cut programs elsewhere in the county, or do what dozens of other municipalities in the state have done — create an additional annual tax.

“When you look at your toolbox and you’ve got one tool to use, do you pick up the tool and try to use it?” said County Executive Chris Holman, as he addressed many on hand during last night’s meeting. “Even though it’s regressive, unfair, and all the things people have said about it — the entire situation is unfair for everybody in the county.”

Stevens Point earns road building award
Nov. 27, 2018

The roundabout on Northpoint Drive and Division Street is slated to open Aug. 30. (Photo: John Martin)

The Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) announced today that the City of Stevens Point was the recipient of the 2018 Local Government Asphalt Award for advancing innovation in asphalt pavements.

The Public Works Department was recognized on Nov 27 at a ceremony during the association’s 59thAnnual Conference in Madison.

Earlier this year, the City of Stevens Point reconstructed a six lane signalized intersection with a two-lane roundabout connecting the Business 51 corridor to Interstate 39. The City requested an alternative pavement design to consider cost savings and different annual maintenance scenarios.

Robin’s Nest Gifts to close in early 2019
By Joe Bachman
Nov. 29, 2018

Owner Debbie Werra. (Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette)

After 13 years, Robin’s Nest Gifts Owner Debbie Werra will leave her very own nest and has laid plans to close in early 2019.

For over a decade, Robin’s Nest Gifts has offered a unique array of gift-ware, local artwork, a year-round holiday display, jewelry, and more. Customers, both old and new, will be able to cash in on closing deals as Werra plans to wind down her sales beginning with a 20 percent discount for December shoppers.

Doors will close for good in February of 2019.

“I can’t thank my customers and fellow downtown business owners enough,” said Werra. “This experience has been absolutely magical.”

December

79-year-old Local strongman wins world championship in weight-lifting
By Taylor Hale
Dec. 5, 2018

Sig Sandstrom. (Contributed)

Local strongman Sig Sandstrom, 79, nearly brought home the World Association of Benchers mand Deadlifters (WABDL) world record for the bench press at the annual Las Vegas World Championship, held on Nov. 13.

However, Sandstrom won the world championship in the deadlift in his 75-79 age group, pulling 259 pounds. Judges disqualified Sandstrom due to technical movement errors during his record-attempting bench press set, but the bodybuilder from Plover is not discouraged.

“What’s ahead of me now is to go back to the Wisconsin Dells WABDL competition next April, and re-qualify for the finals in Las Vegas next year,” Sandstrom said. “In 2019, I also want to
enter the push-pull contest. So I hope to qualify for the bench press, deadlift and push-pull. Hopefully, then I will come home with three medals.”

Stevens Point Police assist with warrant, arrest of Illinois man suspected of homicide
Dec. 5, 2018

(City Times Photo)

Stevens Point police assisted U.S. Marshals with an arrest on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a release, at 1:12 p.m., the Stevens Point Police Department assisted the U.S. Marshals with a warrant from the Illinois Department of Corrections on the 400 block of Michigan Avenue. The warrant was for 22-year-old Jerome Buchanan, who is suspected of a homicide in Chicago.

Buchanan exited the window and ran west through a UWSP Parking Lot Q, according to reports. After a short foot pursuit, he was taken into custody without incident.

Missing Plover Woman Found Safe
Dec. 7, 2018

Photo: Plover Police Department.

A woman reported missing since Nov. 28 has been located and found to be safe by the Plover Police Department.

According to a Plover P.D. news release, Jodi Biser was found to be safe and at her location under her own free will, after being reported missing on Nov. 28.

“After considerable conversation with Biser, it was determined that she was not in danger and required no further assistance from Law Enforcement or require any other services.”

Plover authorities are grateful for the effort given by those who contributed to the investigation. This includes local media, concerned family/friends, and numerous law enforcement agencies across the State of Wisconsin.

“Lots of time and effort went into this investigation. Finding her safe and sound was what we were all hoping and praying for.” said Plover Police Chief Dan Ault.

Yoga 4 Paws raises record high $2,400 for humane society
By Taylor Hale
Dec. 10, 2018

Group shot at Yoga 4 Paws. (Photo: Taylor Hale, Portage County Gazette)

A tandem reverence for yoga and adorable animals led to the fifth annual Yoga 4 Paws event this Dec. 8 at the Stevens Point Parks and Rec Department. This year drew record numbers for the program, with over 70 attendees, and over $2,400 raised in cumulative proceeds for the Humane Society of Portage County.

“We started Yoga 4 Paws five years ago in the studio space where I run Ana Marie Yoga,” said Ana Merchak, owner of Ana Marie Yoga. “We have held it at the Parks and Rec building for two years because of the extra space. Our first year we had around 20 people come out, now we have over 70 registered for the event.”

Stevens Point ranked sixth best college town in America
Dec. 12, 2018

Stevens Point ranks sixth in the nation for college towns in America, according to a recent study.

WalletHub ranked 415 of the best college towns and cities, which landed Stevens Point in the no. 6 spot. This is above notably bigger top-ten cities such as Tampa, Fla., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Las Vegas.

Austin, Texas took the top spot on the list.

The rankings were compiled according to “wallet friendliness”, “social environment”, and “academic and economic opportunities”. Stevens Point ranked 18th overall in wallet-friendliness, 82nd on social environment, and 46th in academic and economic opportunities.

New Taco John’s, second Burger King made official
By Joe Bachman
Dec. 18, 2018

A conceptual design of the Taco John’s establishment. (Photo: Pentex Restaurant Group)

Council members have made official a move that would see the construction of a new Taco John’s and a second Burger King in Stevens Point.

The Taco John’s will be constructed at at 1616 Academy Ave., and a Burger King at 1617 Schofield Ave. These would be constructed close together, not far from Trig’s grocery store.

Initial plans were met with resistance by some officials, with critiques including a narrow drive-thru, and enter/exit lanes that could lead to potential accidents on Academy Avenue for the Taco John’s site. In efforts to alleviate concerns, they increased setbacks, which allows for more space to be allotted for the properties, giving Taco John’s a space of 2,316 sq. feet, and Burger King with 3,257 sq. feet.