Local News

It takes a dedicated team to help Mile Bluff Medical Center fulfill its mission. Each year, the organization recognizes members for their milestone years of commitment and service, and this September, the organization proudly recognized 98 staff members — ranging from five years to an extraordinary 45 years. Altogether, more than 1,370 years of combined service were celebrated at the annual employee recognition banquet.

The evening began with a prayer, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. Dara Bartels, President/CEO, opened the ceremony by expressing deepest appreciation for the honorees and the impact of their compassion and dedication to the organization. Bartels continued by acknowledging the Mile Bluff board members, thanking them for their support in sustaining the center’s independence and helping to foster a positive workplace culture.

Each employee was called to the stage to receive their certificate and pin, including Lisa Sullivan, who was highlighted for her incredible 45-year commitment to nursing. Also being recognized was Dr. Timothy Bjelland, honored for his years of service and his last banquet as he retires from his career after 35 years with the organization. “It’s been a privilege and a blessing to fulfill my dreams here at Mile Bluff, delivering generations of babies and taking care of people for 35 years,” expressed Dr. Bjelland. “We provide wonderful service to our communities… keep up the good work.”

The evening concluded with a heartfelt message as Bartels expressed her gratitude: “Thank you once again for your dedication and hard work—and for the lasting impact you continue to make on the well-being of our community.”

45 Years:

Lisa Sullivan

35 Years:

 Dione Davidson, Connie Walsh, Anne Fenwick, Teresa Voltz

 Dr. Richard Langen, Dr. Timothy Bjelland

 Cindy Rux

30 Years:

Dawn Siekert, Candi Newlun, Randall Brandt, Janie Jones

25 Years:

 Laura Jungenberg, Rachel Atkinson, Darcy Gaston, Jean Schurmann

 Michelle Schleif, Andrea Thompson, Kathy Behnke

20 Years:

 Heather Lee, Bryan Stewart, Stephanie Randall, Vicki Laack,

 Mike Austin, Tracey Berry, Amy Cass, Dr. Kimberley Sabey, Renee Spaniol, Carolyn Turner

15 Years:

 Tammy Jones, Dr. Ryan Plamann, Dr. Angela Gatzke-Plamann, Katina Ashlin, Alicia Wyss

 Deb Zellmer, Julie Talatzko, Laura Radavich

 Dr. Kevin Butterfield, Crystal Chamberlain-Hauck, Kali Lenz, Mary Marty, Jill Nielsen, Tasha Ragan

10 Years:

 Jo Peterson, Barb Young, Nick Hewitt, Letece Scott, Shelly Stockwell

 Dana Beckwith, Scott Crowley, Craig Griffis, Katie Kolonick, Stephanie Lawrence, Alicia Nist, Morgan Randall, Jamie Williams

5 Years:

Ellen Michelle Sneiders, Janice Bowen, Amber Culotta, Tammie DeRemer, Diane Fenske, Deanna Newlun, Brianna Manville, Morgan Place, David Spence, Calista Coller

 |Rebecca Bruss, Samantha Moran, Allie Beder, Sarah Grivois, Bethany Heyer, Edna Federico, Raquel Larson, Alexis Hilpertshauser, Amanda Merz, Lorryn Yoss, Mike Anderson, Emma Day, Kendra Filtz, Amanda Giannoni, Kathy Greenwood, Tyler Jacobson, Mikaela Kennedy, Sara Little, Amanda Miller, Abigail Moring, Shirleen Nielsen, Barb Rogers, Jacque Rognstad, Marsha Sand, Raven Schoff, Bonnie Schultz, Donna Thompson, Paige Uksas, Dana Vlasak, Brooke Von Arx

 Local health officials are advising residents to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites as they announce the first person confirmed to have West Nile virus (WNV) illness in a resident of Juneau County. WNV activity has previously been detected in other parts of Wisconsin so far this year, including other human cases of WNV illness as well as mosquitoes and animals infected with WNV. 

West Nile virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not spread from person to person. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds.

WNV illness is most common in Wisconsin during the months of August and September. However, the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses such as Jamestown Canyon virus, La Crosse encephalitis virus, or eastern equine encephalitis virus, is present anytime mosquitoes are active, so it is important for people to be vigilant about preventing mosquito bites throughout the rest of the summer and into early fall.

Most people (80%) who are infected with WNV do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. However, some people (less than 1%) who become infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal. It is important that people contact a health care provider if they suspect they have WNV illness.

The best way to avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes will no longer be active once there is a hard frost (temperatures below 28 degrees for at least four consecutive hours), but until then, people are urged to protect themselves. The Juneau County Health Department recommends the following:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
• Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active.
• Wear loose-fitting long-sleeves and long pants when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from items around your property.
  • Empty standing water that has collected in tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.
  • Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.

• Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.

• • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
• Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly-fitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting into your home.
• Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.