Kraus-Anderson: County Board approves new hospital to replace Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contacts: 
Sue Paquette   608-776-5766
Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County
Sue.Paquette@mymhlc.org

Gail Shore  (612) 770-4106
Kraus-Anderson Construction
gshore@winternet.com

County Board approves new hospital to replace Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County

DARLINGTON, Wis. – (January 10, 2022) – The Lafayette County Board of Supervisors last week approved to replace the 70-year-old Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC).  The new 75,000-square-foot facility also will include space for behavioral health and mindfulness sessions.

Since the fall of 2018, MHLC has been researching the idea of a replacement facility. To prepare the County Board to approve the project, MHLC has consulted with experts, has held educational sessions and has provided large amounts of content to the community.

As a critical access hospital, the current facility has served the greater community and provided a full range of acute care inpatient and outpatient services since 1952.  Because healthcare has changed dramatically, the layout of the current facility has led to less-than ideal patient experiences and inefficient work flows.

Easily accessible access to quality health care will be the core of the design for the replacement facility.

“We are so thankful to have a forward-thinking County Board, a supportive community and a most compassionate staff, without whom this project may have never been moved forward,” said Kathy Kuepers, CEO of Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County.  “The new hospital will provide the highest quality care to the patients that we serve.”

The construction manager is Kraus-Anderson, one of the nation’s premier commercial general contractors and construction managers  which has been leading the charge in sustainable design and construction for the last 25 years. With deep experience in healthcare construction, Kraus-Anderson is currently ranked 16th in the nation among the top health care general contractors in the U.S. by Modern Healthcare magazine.

The project’s cost and design details will be finalized in the coming weeks. Construction on the new facility is expected to begin in the fall of 2022 and completed by the summer of 2024. The current facility will it be operation during construction.

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Office Evolution Madison – Arboretum: Free meeting space for Chamber members

WPS Health Solutions: Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Bridgett Manning saluted for Operation Fan Mail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Bridgett Manning saluted for Operation Fan Mail
Program is sponsored by WPS Health Solutions and the Green Bay Packers

MADISON, Wis.—Jan. 4, 2022—The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute this week to now-retired Chief Master Sgt. Bridgett Manning in conjunction with the Jan. 2 game against Minnesota. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 15th season in 2021.

Manning, originally from Muskego, Wis., joined the U.S. Air Force in 1995. During the next two decades, she spent time serving around the world in Afghanistan, Africa, Alaska, Georgia, and Germany. She worked not only as an airman, but as a humanitarian, asking for donations of shoes, toys, and toiletries to donate to local orphanages.

Through her hard work, Manning earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and oversaw hundreds of enlisted men and women. She officially retired this weekend after serving for 26 years.

Aside from her military career, Manning advocates for veterans as an intern at VETS2PM, where she assists veterans in finding employment. She also serves on the board of directors for the Jacksonville Veterans Chamber of Commerce as the vice president of external affairs and career development.

In her nomination essay, Manning’s best friend, Michelle Pinkert, said, “She is a shining example of a woman overcoming substantial odds and emerging triumphant.”

Manning’s husband, Casey, is also a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. A lifelong Packers fan, Manning attended Sunday’s game with Casey, Pinkert, and Pinkert’s husband, Matt.

As the honorees for Operation Fan Mail this week, the Manning family also received four tickets to the game and a $150 Packers Pro Shop gift card, courtesy of WPS.

The program, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor families with a member who is on active duty, or a member who is a veteran. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions will host a family at each 2021–22 season home game and recognize the members on the video boards during pregame activities. A total of 146 individuals, families, or groups have been recognized through the program since it began.

The Packers and WPS Health Solutions invite interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted this year. Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty, or a member who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, or sibling.

Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or online at operationfanmail.com.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Note for media representatives: WPS can help facilitate interviews with Operation Fan Mail honorees. Please contact us if you are interested.

NCG Announces Sale of 4 Hotels

MADISON, Wis. – December 23, 2021 – The North Central Group (NCG) in a joint venture with Raymond Management Company (RMC) announced yesterday the sale of four properties in one transaction. The Hilton Garden Inn Rockford, IL, Hilton Garden Inn Middleton, WI, Courtyard by Marriott Middleton, WI, and the Residence by Marriott Middleton, WI were sold on December 22, 2021, and will be under new ownership and management. NCG and RMC will no longer co-own or manage these four properties.

Middleton-based NCG continues to own and operate 25 properties nationwide, nine of these are in the Madison/Middleton, WI market, in addition to two restaurants – Liberty Station Madison and Tailwinds Restaurant & Bar.

“The sale of these four mature properties in our portfolio provides us with additional capital and resources to develop and operate new and larger projects we are excited to be working on, The Trade Milwaukee, an Autograph Collection Hotel, in partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks organization, and the Moxy Madison Downtown, a Marriott Hotel”, said Jeff Lenz, President and Chief Development Officer of NCG.

NCG will develop and operate the new Moxy Hotel Madison Downtown, which is anticipated to break ground in Spring 2022 and open Summer of 2023, as well as develop and operate The Trade Milwaukee, an Autograph Collection Hotel. The Trade Milwaukee is located next to Fiserv Forum in the Deer District and is anticipated to open Spring of 2023.

NCG is celebrating its 40^th year in Hospitality and is proud to provide the highest-quality experience for its team members and guests across the nation. For more information on NCG, please visit them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.ncghotels.com. For all other questions, please contact Katie Maron at kmarron@ncghotels.com.

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About North Central Group (NCG)

North Central Group is a leader in the ownership, development, and operation of premier hospitality properties. Established in 1981 by Founder and Chairman David Lenz, North Central Group (NCG) is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. We own and operate more than 25 properties across multiple states and national brands. We leverage our unparalleled expertise to provide hotel management services, hotel development expertise, and real estate-focused services to property owners and investors throughout the U.S. ncghotels.com

Wisconsin Union: In-Person Winter Celebrations to Return to Memorial Union, Alumni Park in February 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 16, 2021

Contact Information: 
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu  
Phone: (608) 262-8862

IN-PERSON WINTER CELEBRATIONS TO RETURN TO MEMORIAL UNION, ALUMNI PARK IN FEBRUARY 2022

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union’s annual Winter Carnival will return to Memorial Union Feb. 7-12, 2022, and the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Winter Carnival Family Fun in Alumni Park will return on Feb. 12, 2022. 

The Wisconsin Union’s more than 80-year-old Winter Carnival tradition features a variety of events and activities that showcase the fun wintertime opportunities available to Wisconsin Union members and guests.

Last year, the Union’s Winter Carnival events took place in-person and virtually due to COVID-19. This year, the Wisconsin Union team anticipates holding Winter Carnival fully in-person, returning time-honored events, such as freestyle skiing and snowboarding contest Rail Jam; the food and dance event, called Snow Ball; a to-scale, inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm and torch on frozen Lake Mendota; as well as welcoming new additions.

The Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Winter Carnival Family Fun in Alumni Park began in 2018 and will bring people of all ages together on Feb. 12 for an afternoon of family-friendly, winter-themed activities in Alumni Park and One Alumni Place. The event will include a performance by DJ Mike Carlson, an outdoor dance party, children’s storytelling, hands-on art activities presented by the Chazen Museum of Art, a visit from Bucky Badger, and complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider.

The winter celebrations will feature a wide variety of family-friendly events including but not limited to:

• 3D snowflake-making presented by the Wisconsin Union’s Wheelhouse Studios, Feb. 7, noon-10 p.m. 
• Flannel Day presented by the Wisconsin Union, Feb. 7, 4-5 p.m.
• Free snowshoe rentals presented by the Wisconsin Union’s Outdoor UW, Feb. 8, noon-5 p.m.
• Ice mini-golfing presented by the Wisconsin Union’s Hoofer Sailing Club, Feb. 8, 2-5 p.m. 
• Complimentary hot chocolate hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Senior Class Office, Feb. 8, 4-6 p.m.
• DIY frozen luminaries presented by the Wisconsin Union’s Hoofer Mountaineering Club, Feb. 9, 4-7 p.m. 
• Fishing derby presented by the Wisconsin Fishing Team and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Wisconsin Union’s Outdoor UW, Feb. 10
• Luminaries and Lights Around the World hosted by the Wisconsin Union’s Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Global Connections Committee, Feb. 10, 6-7 p.m. 
• Ski and Snowshoe Among the Lights on Lake Mendota hosted by the Wisconsin Union’s Hoofer Ski and Snowboard and Outing Clubs, Feb. 10, 6-9 p.m. 
• Broomball tournament hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing (Rec Well), Feb. 10-12 
• Connolly Classic Pond Hockey Tournament hosted by Rec Well, Feb. 10-12
• Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota presented by the Wisconsin Union, Feb. 11 from 4-7 p.m. and Feb. 12 from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Ice climbing exhibition presented by the Wisconsin Union’s Hoofer Mountaineering Club, Feb. 11, 5-7 p.m. 
• Wisconsin Union’s WUD Music Committee presents a free concert by Ax and the Hatchetmen, Feb. 11, 8-10 p.m. 
• Snow Ball hosted by the Wisconsin Union’s Hoofer Sailing Club, Feb. 11, 8-11:55 p.m. 
• Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs) Secret Agent, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Winter Carnival Family Fun in Alumni Park presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
• Let’s Go Fly a Kite: Kite-Making presented by the Wisconsin Union’s Wheelhouse Studios, Feb. 12, 1-3 p.m. 
• Free showing of “Frozen” presented by the Wisconsin Union’s WUD Film Committee, Feb. 12, 2-4 p.m. 
• Rail Jam presented by the Wisconsin Union’s Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club with support from Tyrol Basin, Feb. 12, 3-9 p.m. 
• Wisconsin Union’s WUD Music Committee presents a free concert by Moontype, Feb. 12, 8-10 p.m. 

“Even though Wisconsin winters can get chilly, the Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival reminds folks that there are still plenty of ways to get involved outside,” said Outdoor UW Director Dave Elsmo. “It’s inspiring to see how hard Wisconsin Union student leaders and team members work to put on all these great events for campus and community members and visitors to enjoy.”

The Wisconsin Union team offers many on-site dining options at its building Memorial Union, including an ice cream and dessert café, called the Daily Scoop; an Italian eatery, called Strada; and an iconic pub fare destination, called der Rathskeller. 

All must follow University of Wisconsin–Madison health and safety protocols, which currently require face coverings when indoors unless actively eating or drinking. The Wisconsin Union team and Wisconsin Alumni Association team frequently clean and disinfect their spaces, operating with the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. The teams look forward to welcoming guests to the Winter Carnival and Winter Carnival Family Fun in Alumni Park experiences. 

Events are subject to change. For more information about these winter celebrations, including an up-to-date full schedule of events, visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival. 

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

About the Wisconsin Alumni Association                        

Founded in 1861 to promote the welfare of the University of Wisconsin and serve the interests of its graduates, the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) connects, enriches and serves a growing number of alumni to help facilitate their support of each other and the university. WAA is a division of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing UW–Madison. For more information, please visit uwalumni.com.   

[Click here to download photos from Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival at Memorial Union and the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Winter Carnival Family Fun in Alumni Park.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/news/winter-fun-2022.