Madison Physician Leader Helps Set National Standards for Obesity Care

Madison, WI — [9/18/2026] — Madison physician Dr. Leslie Golden, MD, MPH, FOMA, founder and CEO of Weight In Gold Wellness, is earning national recognition for her leadership in shaping the future of obesity care.

Dr. Golden, who serves on the Board of Trustees of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), is first author on newly published national standards for safe, evidence-based use of obesity medications through digital and online platforms. She was also recently honored as a Fellow of the OMA (FOMA) and received the Vernon Astler Award, one of the OMA’s highest recognitions for contributions to the field.

Obesity affects nearly two out of three adults in Wisconsin and is a leading driver of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. With the Madison area now served by Weight In Gold Wellness, Dr. Golden brings national expertise directly into the local community.

“As clinicians, we have a responsibility to make sure patients receive care that is integrated, coordinated, and rooted in long-term health,” said Dr. Golden. “It’s exciting to bring that level of comprehensive, evidence-based care to Madison.”

Weight In Gold Wellness is a physician-led, multi-disciplinary practice providing obesity and weight health services to patients across Wisconsin. By expanding in Madison, the practice is not only improving access to care for individuals and families, but also helping to support a healthier workforce and community.

For more information, visit www.weightingoldwellness.com.

MMSD Phase 1 Referendum Projects Honored as Dane County Climate Champions

MADISON, Wis.—Two Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) referendum projects—Samuel Gompers Elementary/Black Hawk Middle schools, and Sherman Middle/Malcolm Shabazz City High schools—have earned 2025 Dane County Climate Champion awards, receiving four-star recognition in the Building Design category. The awards highlight MMSD’s commitment to building sustainable, energy-efficient learning environments for students and staff.

The two projects are part of Phase 1 of MMSD’s voter-approved 2024 facilities referendum and reflect the district’s focus on modernizing schools while reducing environmental impact. In addition to supporting 21st Century programming, teaching and learning, each is being designed with high-performance energy standards, efficient mechanical systems and building envelopes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“This recognition reinforces that our referendum projects are not only addressing critical facility needs, but also leading the way in sustainable school design,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services. “By integrating efficiency and sustainability into every stage of planning, we’re ensuring our schools are healthier, more comfortable and more cost-effective to operate for years to come.”

The Climate Champion awards are presented annually by Dane County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change to organizations that make measurable progress toward the goals of the county’s Climate Action Plan. MMSD joins a diverse group of businesses, nonprofits and public entities recognized for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices.

Bryanna Krekeler, MMSD’s sustainability manager, said the honor reflects a strong partnership between school leaders, project team members and community stakeholders. “We are proud to see our projects recognized at this level,” Krekeler said. “Our work demonstrates what’s possible when school districts take bold steps to align educational spaces with climate responsibility. These buildings are a model for what sustainable learning environments can and should be.”

The referendum projects also aim to serve as a teaching tool for students, providing real-world examples of climate solutions in action. Energy-efficient design, renewable-ready infrastructure and improved indoor air quality will create healthier environments while inspiring students to think critically about sustainability in their own lives.

MMSD leaders emphasized that the recognition is both a milestone and a motivator. “The Climate Champion awards validate our efforts so far, but also remind us of the responsibility we carry,” Chehak said. “We will continue to innovate and push for even greater efficiency and sustainability as we plan future projects.”

For information regarding 2024 referendum work, please visit the MMSD website.

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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.

Vote for Verona Fall Fest in USA Today’s Best Fall Festival Poll

Fall festivals are a great way to mark the changing of the seasons, celebrate the harvest, enjoy the outdoors, and have some fun with friends and family. And there’s something magical about being surrounded by colorful leaves as the sounds of merriment fill the crisp air. 

USA Today put together a list of 20 of the country’s best fall festivals — nominated by an expert panel — including Verona’s Fall Fest. You can vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, September 8 at noon ET. The 10 winning festivals will be announced on Wednesday, September 17.

Learn more and cast your votes here.

Per Mar Security Services ranks 19th in SDM’s 2025 Top Systems Integrators Report

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial customers based in Davenport, IA has been ranked 19th on SDM Magazine’s 2025 Top Systems Integrators Report. This recognition reflects Per Mar’s continued focus on internal innovation and strategic growth, enabling the company to deliver exceptional service and tailored security solutions.

Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer of Per Mar Security, said, “It is exciting to be recognized as one of the largest integrators in the country. We are blessed to have so many dedicated employees and loyal customers who enable our success.”

The SDM Top Systems Integrators Report highlights the 100 leading firms in the industry, ranked by their 2024 revenue from security system integration. This revenue includes services like design, project management, product installation, programming, startup, and training, sold directly to end-users or through contractors.

About Per Mar Security Services

Established in 1953, Per Mar Security Services is the largest, family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest with more than 3,000 team members, operating in 27 branch locations. The company provides full-service security solutions for homes and businesses including live video monitoring, security officer services, smart home automation, burglar and fire alarms, access control, security cameras, alarm monitoring, investigative services and background checks. For more information about Per Mar Security Services, please visit permarsecurity.com.

Solt Completes WBA BOLT Leadership Academy

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Mike Solt, VP business solutions manager of Bank of Sun Prairie, was recognized by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) for completion of the WBA BOLT Leadership Academy, a 15-month program of extensive industry and leadership education.

The Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) Leadership Academy is a program designed for highly motivated emerging bank leaders who have a desire to grow their leadership skills and grow a trusted network of community banking peers from across the state. The selected cohort members come from diverse business functions within the banking industry and various locations from throughout Wisconsin.

“The mission of the academy is to build a community of future banking leaders who are committed to advancing our industry and their banks while serving the financial needs of their communities,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “I am proud of what these bank leaders have accomplished and am excited for the impact they will continue to make.”

The BOLT Leadership Academy reflects WBA’s ongoing commitment to professional development of the industry’s future leaders.

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Founded in 1892, the Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing 180 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and nearly 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 96 percent of banks in the state are WBA members.