Big Joe Donates Custom Walkie Stacker to University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering

Madison, WI (August 19, 2025) – When a 1960s-era Big Joe walkie stacker was discovered still in use at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering, the team at Big Joe Forklifts knew they had to do something special. In honor of the decades-old workhorse still serving the university’s engineering department, Big Joe donated a brand new IBH stacker, branded with the University of Wisconsin’s signature red and white, to support and empower the next generation of engineers.

Big Joe’s New Product Development Engineer and former intern and alumni at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Zach Skelton noted, “I was walking through the basement of the engineering building and did a double take. I thought, ‘Wait a minute…that’s a Big Joe!’ At that moment, I knew there was an opportunity not just to celebrate this equipment standing the test of time, but to help the university modernize its processes. I’m glad to be a part of making this a reality and providing new resources to students and faculty alike.”

The new Big Joe stacker will be used in instructional and operational settings within the College of Engineering, giving students hands-on experience with modern material handling equipment.

“We are truly excited to not only help the University of Wisconsin at Madison continue on its mission to train future engineers, but to see the full life cycle of Big Joe products in action,” said Big Joe’s VP of Engineering, Mat McEachern. “We look forward to working with our dealer partner Wolter as well as university staff and students as a part of the Madison community.”

“As a Big Joe dealer, this opportunity to support UW Madison is a huge priority as Wolter is focused on supporting the future of Wisconsin industry and the community at large,” said Ross Jeremiah, president of Wolter Midwest. “We are happy to continue to support UW Madison as this new stacker provides support and dependability to the engineering department for years to come.”

Wisconsin-born and built, the Big Joe IBH is proudly manufactured about an hour northwest of the university, in the Wisconsin Dells. Staying true to its Wisconsin roots, the original forklift will be moved from the university to a new home at Big Joe’s Madison headquarters, where it will serve as a testament to the longevity of Big Joe equipment, the spirit of innovation, and partnership that powers progress.

About Big Joe

Established in 1951, Big Joe is a customer-centric, North American material handling solutions company, offering a variety of purpose-built integrated lithium-ion forklifts designed to replace internal combustion, innovative material handling equipment for warehouse and distribution centers, and market-leading autonomous solutions. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, we provide world-class market-driven solutions with a reputation for exceptional customer service through our nationwide dealership network.

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MMSD Expands Full-Day 4K and Launches Pilot of Five-Day Programming for 2025–26 School Year

MADISON, Wis.—In time for the start of the 2025–26 school year, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is expanding its tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten (4K) offerings to include new full-day options at Ray W. Huegel, Lapham, Midvale and John Muir elementary schools. The district is also introducing a pilot of five-day programming at Paul J. Olson Elementary School.

“We are committed to offering highly desired opportunities for families with school-aged children in MMSD,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, superintendent. “We’re seeing annual increases in our 4K enrollment, which speaks to the reputation we’ve built for high-quality, accessible early learning options. Expanding options for families and reducing transitions for our youngest learners helps strengthen our school communities from the very beginning.”

The pilot at Olson will be the district’s first full-day, five-days-a-week 4K section. It will operate alongside three existing half-day sections, giving families more flexibility while allowing MMSD to evaluate the feasibility of extending five-day programming to more sites in the future.

Enrollment in the Olson pilot will be determined by lottery. To be eligible, families must live in the Olson attendance area and be enrolled in MMSD by Tuesday, August 19. All eligible families will be automatically entered, and those selected will receive a phone call from the district’s Enrollment Department.

Prior to the announced expansion, Muir, Midvale and Olson did not offer a full-day option; both Muir and Midvale will continue to offer morning, half-day programming, in addition to the full-day option. For Huegel and Lapham, the move adds another full-day section, as well as morning programming, to both schools.

The district is also introducing full-day options at the following early care and education sites: Big Oak Child Care Center, Bernie’s Place, Goodman Community Center, Red Caboose Childcare and The Playing Field. For each of these locations, the MMSD 4K portion of the day is provided at no cost; families are responsible for any additional wraparound care that extends beyond the school day. Additional full-day spaces will also be provided at local Head Start sites.

In recent years, and across the 2020 and 2024 operations referendums, MMSD has prioritized the continued growth of its 4K program, which provides free, high-quality early learning experiences to prepare students for success in kindergarten and beyond. This increased capacity reflects the district’s commitment to meeting the needs of working families, strengthening connections between young learners and their neighborhood schools, and increasing equitable access to early education.

This expansion also deepens the district’s commitment to ensuring children with the greatest needs have access to a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate early learning experience. By increasing the number of full-day and extended-week seats — both in neighborhood schools and through community partners — MMSD is working to remove barriers and open more pathways for all families to participate.

The changes are part of a broader, long-term strategy to embed 4K in every MMSD elementary school, while also expanding partnerships with early childhood education providers in areas where access to child care is limited. By offering more full-day and extended-week options, the district aims to give families greater choice and stability during a pivotal stage of child development.

“We’re doing more than adding classrooms,” said Culleen Witthuhn, director of early learning. “We’re reimagining how we serve our youngest learners. When children have more time to explore, create and build relationships in a consistent setting, it deepens their learning and sets the stage for long-term success.”

Spots in the new sections are open. Families can learn more about MMSD’s 4K program and enrollment process by visiting the district’s 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.

MMSD Advances Phase 1 Facilities Referendum Projects

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has entered the next phase of planning and design for its first major capital projects funded by the 2024 facilities referendum, Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School and Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School.

The schematic design phase for both campuses wrapped this summer, defining building layout and programmatic elements based on deep engagement with school staff and district leadership. The projects have since moved into design development, which is expected to run through the fall and is where details related to materials, systems and finishes will be further refined.

“These schools represent not just bricks and mortar, but a deeper investment in the future of Madison’s students, families and communities,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services. “We are proud to be moving forward in close partnership with our educators, community members and design teams to deliver learning environments in line with our values and our vision.”

The developing designs include secure, flexible learning spaces equipped with mobile technology, outdoor learning areas, and layout improvements that promote collaboration, accessibility and community use. Both projects are on track to break ground in March 2026.

Following are updated renderings for each of the schools: 

• Samuel Gompers Elementary School
• Black Hawk Middle School
• Sherman Middle School
• Malcolm Shabazz City High School

Extensive staff, student and community engagement was critically important in helping to shape the designs. Over the past six months, the project team has held 149 meetings totaling more than 300 hours with students, families and school staff. This comprised 38 core team meetings, 46 design team sessions, 42 programming discussions, and 23 targeted user input gatherings.

“We would not be at this point in the process without the thoughtful and consistent feedback we’ve received from those who know these schools best: the people who learn and work in them every day,” Chehak said. “Their voices have been instrumental in helping us to define the form that these projects will ultimately take.”

Further community engagement opportunities are scheduled to take place in September at both Phase 1 sites. Phase 2 work is set to start in September, with staff input sessions for Cherokee Heights marking the official kickoff of this next step in the process.

For more information and project updates, please visit the 2024 Facilities Referendum page of 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.

Fall Athletics Season Kicks Off for MMSD Student-Athletes

MADISON, Wis.—Student-athletes across the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will take to the fields, courts and courses starting today—Tuesday, Aug. 5—marking the beginning of the 2025 fall high school athletics season. Practices for football, cheer and pom open first, with additional sports launching over the next two weeks. The season ushers in a period of teamwork, community pride and academic growth for hundreds of students.

Key start dates include:

• Aug. 5 – Football, Cheer, Pom
• Aug. 11 – Girls Golf
• Aug. 12 – Girls Swim, Girls Tennis
• Aug. 18 – Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer

“Our student-athletes continue to impress us not just with their athletic talent, but with their dedication, leadership and impact on our school communities,” said Jeremy Schlitz, MMSD’s athletics director. “Fall sports are more than a tradition in Madison; they’re an essential part of how we build relationships, resilience and a sense of belonging for our students.”

Participation in high school athletics has long been linked to positive academic outcomes. Research from the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Journal of School Health shows that students who participate in school sports tend to have higher GPAs, better attendance and stronger graduation rates than their non-athlete peers. Athletics also foster time management, goal setting and social connection, skills that extend well beyond the season.

“Sports provide an unparalleled opportunity for students to grow in confidence, in character and in connection with their school,” Schlitz added. “Whether they’re suiting up for varsity or trying something new at another level, we want every student to feel like they have a place in our programs.”

To participate, students must have a valid sports physical on file. MMSD is offering free physical clinics at its four comprehensive high schools in August. Students should contact their school’s athletic office to schedule an appointment.

Free Physical Clinics:

• Aug. 6 – East
• Aug. 7 & 8 – La Follette
• Aug. 18 – West
• Aug. 19 – Memorial
• Aug. 20 – East
• Aug. 21 & 22 – La Follette

This year, many MMSD athletes will also compete and train in newly upgraded facilities brought online last year following the district’s 2020 capital referendum. Renovations across all four comprehensive high schools included turf fields, tracks, tennis courts, gymnasiums and enhanced training spaces, part of MMSD’s commitment to safe, equitable and high-quality athletic environments.

“Our goal is to ensure every student has access to modern spaces that support physical activity, teamwork and excellence,” Schlitz said. “The community’s investment in these facilities is an investment in our students, and we’re proud to see it paying off.”

Families and fans can find eligibility information, links to team schedules and updates by visiting the Athletics page on 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.

QTI’s 2026 HR Trends Survey Now Open

For over 15 years, QTI has surveyed businesses and organizations across Wisconsin to create a unique, localized picture of Wisconsin’s evolving HR landscape. QTI’s 2026 HR Trends Survey covers topics such as talent attraction, total rewards, the future of work, AI, and more.

The QTI Group invites you to participate in the survey and lend your unique perspective and insights into key HR topics, helping your organization and others make informed decisions as you look towards 2026.

It is anticipated that the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.  All individual participant responses will be kept confidential and participants will receive an aggregate question-by-question summary of survey results.

• Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTIHRTRENDS2026
• Survey Deadline: August 22, 2025

QTI will share key findings and the top HR challenges for 2026 in an exclusive webinar on October 28, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. You can preregister for the event at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ci5SEf7IRaaYwygglZ9TTA.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact QTI’s Senior Marketing Director, Jill Dohnal, at jill.dohnal@qtigroup.com or 608.257.1057.