Martin Luther King Jr. (Virtual) “Day On” :: A Marathon County Government In-Service Learning Day Like No Other

On January 16, 2021, approximately 300 Marathon County Government employees came together to participate in its 4th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. “Day On” learning event.

And, while this year’s event continued its tradition of delivering high-quality presentations, programs, and workshops on a wide array of topics, the in-service day was dramatically different in one very important way… It was 100% virtual!

See highlights of selected programs, and find out what staff had to say about this annual “Day On” learning event. (Click the title for details.)

Karyn Powers :: Resilient, Remarkable, & Retiring After 30+ Years With the County

A month before her retirement, Karyn Powers strolls down memory lane and discusses her 30+ years working for the Wausau & Marathon County Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department.

Prior to returning to Marathon County after interning in Wausau her senior year of college, she spent 5 years working for the Department of Defense for the U.S. Navy in Iceland and for the U.S. Army in South Korea.

This adventurous woman traveled far and wide, only to find her way back to a public service position with Marathon County once more, where in addition to serving as Recreation Superintendent, she is an accomplished poet, author, painter, and, of course, lover of all things outdoors. (Click the title for details.)

United Way of Marathon County Enhances Children’s Language Skills, Helps Teens Get Jobs at Upcoming Hiring Fair, & Surveys Family-Friendly Workplace Policies During a Pandemic

United Way of Marathon County’s Early Years Coalition and Partnership for Youth provide resources and activities for ages 0 to 21 years. Never has this work been more important than during a pandemic.

Learn how these coalitions keep kids learning and connected, as well as socially and emotionally well. Plus, get updates on this year’s (virtual) hiring fair, which allows teens to interview for and potentially accept a job on the spot. (Click the title for details.)

February is Teen Dating Violence Awarenss & Prevention Month

The Women’s Community Partners With Area Schools to Educate Youth on Teen Dating Violence

You may be surprised to learn that violence in relationships can start at a young age… But it’s estimated that 1 in 3 teens experience abuse in their dating relationships.

We need to be talking with our young people about respect in relationships and what healthy dating means. That’s just what The Women’s Community does in area schools.

Take time to discuss healthy dating during February: Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. (Click the title to read more.)

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is transitioning away from the use of language describing each population eligible for the vaccine as a “phase” (e.g., Phase 1A, Phase 1B, Phase 1C). While they are still using a phased approach to determine which populations will be eligible for the vaccine, they will now categorize groups using the following terminology: “currently eligible populations” and “next groups eligible.”

Learn more about the vaccine’s rollout and eligible populations, and get answers to common questions about vaccine safety, side effects, and more in the full article. (Click the title for details.)

Supervisor Matthew Bootz :: With Marathon County Roots So Many Generations Deep, Some Call His Neighborhood “Bootzville”

County Board Supervisor Matthew (Matt) Bootz is a true hometown hero. His story is one sprinkled with adventure, a focus on family, a commitment to service, and unfortunately a tragedy to overcome that most of us can’t even imagine.

Learn what he feels is the most meaningful work he’s done so far on the board — and more — in the full article. (Click the title for details.)

Reflections from Your 2021 “WI Central Time NEWS” Editorial Board

Get a peek into the personalities of the 7 Editorial Board members who bring you this Marathon County Government newsletter each month through their answers to 5 questions reflecting on their first socially distanced holiday season.

Your 2021 Editorial Board Members include: Lance Leonhard (County Administrator), Dr. Kelly Kapitz (Director of Special Education), Chad Dally (Library Specialist at Marathon County Public Library), Karyn Powers (Recreation Superintendent), Jessica Meadows (Communications & Marketing Director at North Central Health Care), Jenna Flynn (Public Health Educator), and Kaitlyn Bernarde (4-H Program Coordinator for UW Extension–Cooperative Extension). Click the title for details…

Getting to Know Connie Beyersdorff :: Our Newest Marathon County Treasurer

With a few weeks of service under her belt in her new role as Marathon County Treasurer, Connie Beyersdorff shares a bit about her roots, family, work experience, and interests, as well as the expectations she has for her new role serving Marathon County. (Click the title for details…)

Marathon County Board Supervisor Bill Conway

“City Kid” Bill Conway Delights in Asserting Himself on County Board

Bill Conway is serving on the Marathon County Board of Supervisors for the first time, although he and his family have served others in their community for decades.

Wisconsin Central Time NEWS caught up with Conway via a virtual chat to learn more about his life, his family, his political and social positions, and his interest in viewing County Government through a human services lens. (Click the title for details…)

Ending Homelessness in Our Community — A Partnership of Caring

In 2020, the Marathon County Housing Task Force was established, led by United Way of Marathon County. As an initial action step from the Task Force, the Wausau Police Department and North Central Health Care re-assigned staff from each of their agencies to start providing full-time care and attention to individuals experiencing homelessness, with the goal of building relationships and helping this population achieve stable housing.

Like any transitional living arrangement, there are some ongoing supply needs at the Task Force’s newly leased residential facility (602 McClellen Street in Wausau). See the full article for information about the Task Force and their current Wish List of items to help serve those facing homelessness.

And be sure to watch the Wausau Police Department’s new YouTube video about this community partnership and its aims for ending homelessness in Marathon County. It’s truly inspiring. (Click the title for details…)