Oak Bank Welcomes Aeron Polodna as Mortgage Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, a locally owned community bank committed to exceptional client service and community giving, is pleased to announce the addition of Aeron Polodna as its new Mortgage Loan Specialist.

In this key role, Aeron will execute both secondary market and in-house residential loans, contributing to all stages of the lending process. Aeron’s extensive background uniquely positions her to lead processing efforts, deliver excellent client service, and strengthen relationships with internal and external partners.

Aeron brings more than 15 years of experience specializing in consumer and mortgage lending. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, further grounding her professional expertise with a strong academic foundation.

Aeron shared , “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting borrowers while working alongside a team that truly values community impact. I look forward to contributing to Oak Bank’s mission and making a positive difference for our clients.”

Living on Madison’s west side with her husband, Patrick, and their Westie mix, Dot, Aeron volunteers as a chef with Lasagna Love, preparing and delivering home-cooked meals to neighbors in need. When she’s not assisting clients or cooking up a batch of lasagna, Aeron enjoys traveling, baking, and catching up on her favorite true-crime podcasts.

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, looks forward to the expertise, energy, and community spirit she brings to the organization noting, “Aeron’s depth of experience and passion for helping others make her an outstanding addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome her to Oak
Bank.”

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for over 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

Application open for Dupaco Foundation renewable college scholarships

DUBUQUE, Iowa – High school seniors pursuing post-secondary education this fall are invited to apply for renewable college scholarships from the Dupaco Foundation.

Twenty scholarships will be awarded:

• Ten $4,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university. Each scholarship will be distributed in annual increments of $1,000 over four years.
• Ten $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend a community college or trade school. Each scholarship will be distributed in annual increments of $1,000 over two years. An extension option of up to $2,000 is available for students who transfer to a four-year college or university.

The Dupaco Foundation believes education is a powerful tool for creating pathways to future success. As technology and the economy evolve, many individuals risk being left behind without the skills needed for stable, good-paying jobs – especially those from underserved communities. Scholarships help close that gap by expanding access to training, education and certifications that connect people to in-demand careers.

“Education opens doors to opportunity. By investing in students today, we’re helping build the workforce and communities of tomorrow,” said Joe Hearn, Board Secretary for the Dupaco Foundation.

For complete scholarship details and to apply, visit dupaco.com/scholarship. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. (CT) Wednesday, February 25, 2026. For questions, please contact scholarship@dupaco.com.

###

ABOUT DUPACO FOUNDATION:
Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation, also known as Dupaco Foundation, (the “Foundation”) is a tax-exempt private foundation described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation is a separate legal entity from Dupaco Community Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) and is governed by its own Board of Directors and officers. The Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the retirement of 47-year employee and long-time Dupaco Community Credit Union President and CEO, Robert W. “Bob” Hoefer. The Foundation is designed to carry on the Bob Hoefer tradition of providing personal financial assistance and coaching to help hardworking and financially prudent people recover from unforeseen life events and to increase their opportunities for financial stability. Learn more at www.dupaco.com/foundation.

Complete WisDOT’s Intercity Passenger Rail Survey

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has engaged with HDR Engineering, Inc. to develop and distribute a survey to Wisconsin economic development organizations to better understand transportation needs regarding intercity passenger rail service, that is train travel between cities, for yourselves as well as your members and constituents. You can access the survey via this link.

This survey will be open from December 19-January 9. We encourage you to forward on this survey link to others at your organization to provide WisDOT with the broadest possible input as this information will help WisDOT with any future intercity passenger rail planning and ensure that the voices of stakeholders are included.

If you have any questions or issues for either survey, please email Joe Haferman at joseph.haferman@hdrinc.com.

First-time homebuyers get a boost: Dupaco offers FHLB Home$tart grants

Madison, Wisconsin—Dupaco Credit Union is partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to help first-time homebuyers take the leap into homeownership through the Home$tart program. This initiative provides up to $15,000 in assistance, applied as a credit toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers beginning their homeownership journey. 

First-time buyers represent a significant share of Dupaco’s mortgage lending: In 2025, over 54% of the financial cooperatives’ primary residence mortgages were made to first-time homebuyers. According to National Association of REALTORS, between July 2024 and June 2025 first-time homebuyers made up just 21% of all U.S. home purchases. This is the lowest share since NAR began tracking in 1981. Programs like Home$tart are critical to helping more families achieve the dream of owning a home. 

“At Dupaco, we believe homeownership should be within reach for everyone,” said Brian Henneger, VP, Mortgage Lending at Dupaco. “The Home$tart program allows us to provide meaningful financial assistance and personalized guidance, so first-time buyers can feel confident and supported throughout the process.” 

Affordable housing and homeownership are cornerstones of strong communities. Through innovative mortgage programs and personalized guidance, Dupaco helps first-time buyers take the leap into homeownership. This commitment goes beyond financing. It’s about removing barriers, creating pathways to generational wealth and building long-term stability for members and the communities they call home. 

For more information about the Home$tart program and to apply, visit dupaco.com/firsthome. 

### 

ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

ABOUT FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES 
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com. 

MMSD and Edgewood University Partner to Expand Dual Credit Math Courses and Strengthen Teacher Preparation

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Edgewood University have launched a new partnership that will expand access to dual credit mathematics courses for high school students and provide enhanced training and credentialing for MMSD educators.

The initiative will support a cohort of up to 25 MMSD teachers in earning the qualifications needed to teach dual credit math courses at their own high schools. The effort directly advances a commitment MMSD leaders shared during the Board of Education’s October Operations Work Group meeting to expand college-credit classes taught by MMSD educators, ensuring students can access college-level learning without leaving their school campus.

“This partnership represents an important investment in both our educators and our students,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of college, career and community readiness. “By preparing more teachers to deliver dual credit courses, we can help more students build confidence and readiness for their postsecondary plans.”

Through the collaboration, Edgewood University will provide targeted professional learning and credentialing for participating teachers. These educators will be equipped to offer dual credit math courses aligned with college standards, increasing consistency and equity across attendance areas. 

“We are pleased to partner on this transformative initiative providing professional development for high school educators,” said Michael Meissen, associate vice president for strategic partnerships at Edgewood University. “Through this work we will strengthen pathways for Madison’s high school students toward postsecondary education, workforce development and community engagement. This work supports our mission to respond to essential community needs.”

The initiative is scheduled to run from March 2026 through January 2027 and is supported by a $90,000 investment from MMSD’s College, Career and Community Readiness budget. This first cohort marks the beginning of a multi-year effort to increase the district’s capacity for dual credit instruction. 

MMSD and Edgewood University expect the partnership to improve access to advanced learning, support educator growth, and strengthen postsecondary preparation for students across the district.

To learn more about the early college opportunities available to MMSD students, please visit the district’s website.

###

About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

About Edgewood University

Located in Madison, Wis., Edgewood University is a comprehensive, Catholic university in the Dominican tradition. We serve approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Edgewood University offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, and nursing, and doctoral degrees in educational leadership, nursing practice, and business administration. Edgewood University is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the National Collegiate Athletics Association and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information about Edgewood University, please visit www.edgewood.edu, or call Ed Taylor at 608-663-2333.