Images Marshfield, WI: 2011

2011 | imagesmarshfield.com ®

What’s Online Take a video tour of Marshfield’s historic Upham Mansion.

Marshfield, wisconsin

EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE City-wide efforts take green further

fresh flavors Community grows farm-to-table movement

Sparkling Attractions Families find fun at parks and preserves

sponsored by the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Perfect Blend of Modern Facilities and Small-Town Hospitality

Marshfield’s Premier Full-Service Hotel and Conference Center • 103 Spacious, Comfortable Guest Rooms • Free Hot Breakfast Mon.-Fri. • King Whirlpool Suites and Executive Suite with Kitchenette • Indoor/Outdoor Pools, Whirlpool and Fitness Room – Ask about Our Pool Party Packages and Monthly Fitness Membership • In-Room Coffee, Micro/Refrigerator, Hairdryer, Iron with Board • Business Center and Free High-Speed Wireless Internet • Cable TV with HBO

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room Service

• Guest Laundry • Full-Service Banquet/Meeting Facilities Seating up to 500 The friendly staff is eager to ensure a comfortable stay. Please call direct or visit our website to book your reservations today:

(715) 387-1761 Toll-free: (800) 227-1761 www.clearwatershotel.com Visit Atlantis Lounge and Clearwaters Restaurant on Facebook to check out our daily specials and entertainment schedule.

Creative Drink Specials, Excellent Food and Outstanding Service

What’s Online imagesmarshfield.com

2011 edition | volume 4 ®

Marshfield, Wisconsin

Photos See more photos in our online photo gallery Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

Facts & Stats

co nte nt s

Dig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

F e atu r e s

Video Get a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

Real estate

Digital edition Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail Images Marshfield is published annually

by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 700 S. Central Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: (715) 384-3454 • Fax: (715) 387-8925 www.marshfieldchamber.com Visit Images Marshfield online at imagesmarshfield.com ©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

The Association of Magazine Media Member

Custom Content Council

Member Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry project manager Courtney seiter On the cover Marshfield’s new downtown gateway.

Photo by Antony Boshier

Community efforts take green further.

9 Gimme Five

Learn about the local housing market and get started finding your place

Member

6 Efficient and Effective

Marshfield ranks fifth on Forbes.com livability list.

10 Always on the Move Marshfield’s transportation and biomedical industries are booming.

16 fresh flavors Farm-to-table movement grows in Marshfield.

19 Sparkling Attractions Families find fun at parks and preserves.

d e pa r tm e nt s 2 Almanac 13 Biz Briefs 15 Economic Profile 18 Arts & Culture 20 Health & Wellness 24 Education 27 Community Profile 28 Through the Lens

All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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Welcome to Marshfield An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Take Your Best Shot Marshfield makes it easy for golfers to stay on their game, with three great courses to choose from. The Marshfield Country Club is an 18-hole course that is open to the public. The course is suited for all skill levels, with both easier greens and more challenging holes for the experienced golfer.

Mystique Meadows Golf Course is located in nearby Stratford and offers golf leagues, tournaments and learning programs. It’s a shorter course designed for all skill levels, with a practice putting green and a 350-yard driving range. Also close by is RiverEdge Golf Course, with a full 18-hole course against a scenic background.

The Heart of the Arts Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts is a lively addition to the Marshfield art scene. The center, established in 2003 and located in an old church building, serves as a venue for the performing, visual and literary arts. Beyond that, it provides a place for local artists to come together and stage their own classes and workshops, and allows the community as a whole to establish the programs that are run in the center. Space is available for rent to anyone looking to host an event, put on a performance or teach a class. The wide range of people involved and works displayed creates an eclectic collection unique to the Chestnut.

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Marshfield

Almanac

Walk This Way Marshfield offers miles of trails for residents to tread.

The trails range in length and difficulty, making it easy for anyone to find a path that suits his or her needs.

The Greenway Trail and the Griese Park Trail are wellsuited for a leisurely stroll, extending only half a mile and three-fourths of a mile, respectively. More rigorous trails abound as well, such as the McMillan Marsh Trail, which extends more than 6 miles but is only open May through September. For a complete outdoor experience, head to the Weber Park Trail. The trail is located inside the 37-acre park and includes multiple trails to choose from. For a complete list of the city’s trails, go to ci.marshfield.wi.us/pr/park_ppt/Trails.htm.

Fun at the Fair Central Wisconsin celebrates each year at the Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield. The fair features all the classics like live music, booths and carnival rides, with a few added extras such as horse pulls, the History Tent and the Fantasy Corral.

The focal point of the fairgrounds is world’s largest round barn, which houses many of the activities. Built in 1916, the circular barn measures 150 feet in diameter and stands 70 feet high. It can seat up to 1,000 people.

For more information about the fair, visit www.centralwisconsinstatefair.com.

Fast Facts n Marshfield is the largest city in Wood County, but a small part of the city also extends into Marathon County. n Demographics Daily ranked Marshfield and Wood County No. 20 on its list of America’s Dreamtowns. n The Marshfield Middle School building is on the National Register of Historic Places. n Jurustic Park is an unusual Marshfield attraction featuring iron sculptures.

The New Downtown Downtown Marshfield is getting a face-lift. The Downtown Facade Improvement plan saw success in 2009, so much so that efforts were renewed in 2010. The program’s goal is to help downtown businesses with revitalization efforts and improvements, and ultimately usher in a renewed interest in Marshfield’s dynamic downtown area. To go with the new-and-improved look, a new entrance was in order. Downtown now sports a new gateway, located by Domino’s on South Central Avenue. To learn more about the revitalization efforts, visit ci.marshfield.wi.us/planning/?id=10744.

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Marshfield in action

Don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself how great Marshfield is in our quick videos at imagesmarshfield.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Marshfield has to offer.

imagesmarshfield.com

Photo Courtesy of the Marshfield News-Herald

House of History Marshfield’s on display at the Thomas House Center for History. Located in the newly restored Thomas House on South Central Avenue, the center serves as the first museum of the city of Marshfield.

Displays have included the history of all 22 Wood County townships, an interpretive display of Marshfield’s fire of 1887 and Lest We Forget, a collection focusing on the military contributions of Marshfield’s men and women.

Periodic collections are also displayed.

The center is open on Wednesdays from 1-4:30 p.m., Saturdays from 1-2 p.m. or by appointment. Tours are available by calling (715) 384-5867 or (715) 384-9031.

A Winter Wonderland in Woodland Usher in the season with a trip to the Rotary Winter Wonderland. Now in its fifth year, the holiday lights display has grown to include more than 700,000 LED lights, a live nativity scene, Santa visits, live music and various other events such as sleigh rides and a snow sculpting contest. The event benefits local food pantries, and over the past four years has provided more than 136,000 items to 22 food pantries throughout Marshfield. The Wonderland is held in Wildwood Park, and is open every day – rain, snow or shine – starting the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Marshfield At A Glance Marshfield

Population (2009 estimate) Marshfield: 19,400 Marathon County: 131,612 Wood County: 73,932

97 13

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M A R AT H O N

Abbotsford

Location Marshfield is in the center of the state of Wisconsin at the intersection of state highways 97 and 13. The city is just north of where state Highway 13 meets U.S. Highway 10.

Beginnings Marshfield was named after John J. Marsh of Haverhill, Mass. He was one of the original proprietors of the town site.

64

64

73

29

Edgar

Colby

Greenwood

29

Stratford

153

Spencer

Neillsville

Granton

153

97

49

CLARK 73

39

Marshfield 10

Auburndale 13

Pittsville

Junction City

P O R TAGE

Arpin

WO O D 13

Wisconsin Rapids 54

For More Information Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 700 S. Central Ave., P.O. Box 868 Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: (715) 384-3454 Fax: (715) 387-8925 www.marshfieldchamber.com

Nekoosa

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Marshfield, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesmarshfield.com.

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Marshfield

Efficient and

Effective Marshfield community tackles energy use with latest green technologies

Story By Joe Morris | Photography By Antony Boshier

E

ven though it’s already a regional leader in environ­ mental sustainability, Marshfield continues to go green at every opportunity.

In addition to the city’s own successful track record with environ­ mentally sound projects and initiatives through the Sustainable Marshfield program, local businesses and educational institutions also have gotten on board, creating a sustainable city that continues to be on the cutting edge of new technologies and business practices.

Marshfield’s Central Fire Station Consider the city’s new Central Fire Station. It opened in August 2010, and is so ahead of the sustainability curve that it’s likely to be LEED-gold certified in recognition of its many eco-friendly design elements.

“Our design team went all over Wisconsin to look at features, and we really focused on the ideas relating to

sustainability and minimizing our carbon footprint,” says Jim Schmidt, fire chief. “The new station is more than 32,000 square feet, and our engineers are telling us that our energy bills should be about the same as they were in our 12,500-square-foot former facility.”

Among the innovations are two water-collection tanks to reutilize rainwater, a white roof membrane to reduce the heat-island effect and passive lighting throughout, all in a building that blends in seamlessly with its historical neighborhood.

Wheelers Chevrolet’s Waterborne Technology Marshfield’s business community is taking great strides ahead as well.

As one of only 120 woman-owned GM dealerships in the United States, Wheelers Chevrolet GMC is used to being a little different. Now it’s taken the lead environmentally as well, becoming the first auto body shop in the state to offer water-borne paint that reduces emissions released into the air

The new multi-million dollar, eco-friendly Central Fire Station in Marshfield

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A technician at Wheelers Chevrolet GMC’s new body shop prepares an SUV for painting.

“Wheelers Chevrolet GMC is … the first auto body shop in the state to offer water-borne paint that reduces emissions released into the air by around 80 percent.” by around 80 percent. The new 11,800square-foot collision center also features a 3-D measuring system, as well as a drive-in estimating area for clients.

“We wanted to be ahead of the curve,” says Mary Jo Wheeler-Schueller, general manager, who owns the dealership along with her mother Ann and brother Dan. “Our facility was outdated, so we took the opportunity to make this change.”

The air going into the paint booth is dirtier than the air coming out, Wheeler says, and the dealership is getting visits not only from its own customers, but also people who just want to see the new technology at work.

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“Nobody ever wants to use it, but they tell us if they need body work they’ll come our way,” she says.

“They like what we’re doing for Marshfield and the environment.”

Completion Industrial Minerals Another business that’s working green-smart is Completion Industrial Minerals, formerly TexSand Distributors, which will be using the city’s effluent water for part of the operations in its sand-distribution plant. The facility is sited on 57 acres in the city’s new Yellowstone Industrial

Park, a 104-acre site on Marshfield’s southeast side.

Mid-State Technical College New and existing businesses implementing the latest technology will need skilled employees to operate their systems, and Mid-State Technical College is answering the call.

MSTC’s offerings include the biorefinery technology program, as well as specialty academic tracks for those looking to become a renewable thermal energy technician, renewable electricity technician, renewable energy specialist or energy efficiency technician.

Gimme Five Marshfield ranks fifth on Forbes.com livability list

F

orbes.com announced in October 2010 that Marshfield is one of the Best Small Cities to Raise a Family in America.

The prestigious website ranked the top 126 cities in the United States that have populations of 100,000 or less, and Marshfield was ranked No. 5. Forbes.com compiled its list by studying factors such as short commute times, percentage of adults with a high school degree, median household income, rate of home ownership and housing affordability.

“We never had to contact Forbes.com and say ‘Hey, look at us,’ to get on this rankings list, which made the No. 5 recognition even better,” says Scott Larson, executive director of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “For those of us who live and work in the Marshfield area, it was simply an affirmation of something we already know.”

taxing to drive to Chicago and the Twin Cities.

“As for education, we have some of the best K-12 schools in the nation, plus we have post-secondary opportunities that are extraordinary as well,” he says.

“Forbes.com got it right. Marshfield is a great city to raise a family.”

– Kevin Litwin

Specialty of the House Larson points out that it’s true that home ownership is high in the Marshfield area, and the homes are nice looking. Meanwhile, the city is above average with regard to household income.

“I think those are all testaments to the educational opportunities here, and a testament to our solid economy,” he says. “We are very professionally based. For example, large employers include Marshfield Clinic and Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and obviously there is a need for highly trained, highly educated people to staff those facilities.”

Driving Force

A family enjoys an afternoon of jogging and biking together in Marshfield.

Staff Photo

Larson adds that a convenient amenity in Marshfield is its central location, both in the state of Wisconsin and in the Midwest. It is easy to drive to the larger cities of Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire and La Crosse, and it’s not overly

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Always on the

Move

Marshfield’s transportation and biomedical industries are booming

Story By Jessica Mozo

G

etting around in Marshfield is about to get a whole lot easier. The city is focused on improving transportation infrastructure, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is busy expanding 31 miles of U.S. Highway 10 from two lanes to four.

The new four-lane highway will safely and efficiently handle the area’s increasing traffic flow and represents an estimated $275 million investment in Central Wisconsin’s transportation system.

“The completion of the Highway 10 project is a major milestone for Marshfield,” says Marshfield Mayor Chris Meyer. “This project has been discussed and studied for many years. It will open in 2012, and it is currently open in areas between Marshfield and Stevens Point. The four-lane, freeway-style road will provide an important link between Marshfield, Stevens Point and Interstate 39.”

Marshfield Transportation Improvements City administrators know transportation upgrades are key to keeping businesses rolling into the community and providing a high quality of life for local citizens.

“Communities in Central Wisconsin continue to work on the development of an inter-city bus system that would provide a mass transit option for commutes between communities,” Meyer says. “The city is also looking at ways to better organize our existing transportation options …

One of our goals is to find a way to make these services more available to the public and increase their use.”

Marshfield’s Central Avenue was revitalized in 2009, which has increased traffic flow to the downtown area.

The city is also home to Marshfield Municipal Airport and major trucking companies, including Roehl Transport Inc., deBoer Transportation Inc. and Draxler Transport Inc.

Marshfield’s Biomedical Industry Marshfield also is growing an impressive biomedical reputation, thanks to local businesses such as the Marshfield Clinic and PreventionGenetics. Marshfield Clinic was founded in 1916 by six Marshfield physicians and has grown to include 52 locations covering 80 medical specialties throughout the state. Its $40 million Laird Center for Medical Research is known for cutting-edge biomedical research.

PreventionGenetics has been performing genetic testing in Marshfield since 2004 and was recognized as one of 30 Wisconsin Companies to Watch in 2010 by the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network. The company offers clinical DNA testing, DNA banking and research genotyping for its customers throughout the country and the world.

PreventionGenetics President Jim Weber started the com­ pany after working as a researcher at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation for many years. It has 50 employees.

“It is likely PreventionGenetics will continue to grow,” Weber says. “Our new 9,000-square-foot office building is under construction and will be finished in April 2011. The new building will be connected to our current building by an enclosed walkway. We will have sufficient space to expand our staff to near 100.”

PreventionGenetics’ goal is to prevent disease through genetic testing.

“The science is exciting,” Weber says. “With the Genome Project and recent technological developments, human genetics is in its Golden Age. We also find it personally satisfying to be able to help the patients.”

At Marshfield Food Safety LLC, scientists perform food safety testing for food producers. The company works with Marshfield Clinic’s team of nearly 800 physicians and scientists to address public health issues and help improve food safety from the farm to the table.

Clockwise from top right: PreventionGenetics; downtown Marshfield; Marshfield Food Safety; Marshfield Municipal Airport

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Marshfield

S ta f f P h o t o Photo Courtesy of Marshfield Food Safety

above Photo Courtesy of Paul E. Nelson Staff Photo

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Marshfield, Wisconsin CheCk

our

Vitals

A Great Place to Live ...

• Centrally located in the state with easy access to larger metro markets • Top-notch medical and research facilities • Vibrant and historic downtown • Identified as a sustainable community • Excellent education systems including technical college and two-year university • Well-trained and dedicated workforce • Affordable and available land and existing buildings • In the lowest 10% for electrical rates in Wisconsin • State and local incentives available • Diverse industry base including wood products, metals, transportation, dairy food processing, agriculture and distribution Forbes magazine recently rated Marshfield as one of the “top five best small cities to live and raise a family.” This was based on the following criteria: average income, cost of living, educational opportunities, commute times and home ownership.

... A Great Place to Grow a Business!

Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 700 S. Central Ave. • Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 384-3454 • Fax: (715) 387-8925 info@marshfieldchamber.com • www.marshfieldchamber.com

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define Marshfield’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$1 billion Annual retail sales

$13,440 STONEY RIVER ASSISTED LIVING Biz: Assisted living facility Buzz: Stoney River aims to provide quality, affordable senior care to the Marshfield community. Unlike many other assisted living communities, each suite is equipped with a full bathroom and kitchenette, and residents pay according to their level of care. Stoney River offers in-house and off-site activities to promote residents’ social engagement and independence. www.stoneyriverweb.com

THOMAS HOUSE restaurant Biz: Restaurant and bar Buzz: The Thomas House Restaurant, located in the Central Avenue Historic District, provides Marshfield with a unique fine dining experience. Chef Jesse Dolan, raised and trained in Appleton, Wis., adds original flavors to the restaurant’s regularly changing menu and specializes in “simple fine dining.”

The building was constructed in 1887. www.thomashouserestaurant.com

MARSHFIELD CLINIC DATA CENTER Biz: Data center Buzz: Marshfield Clinic opened a Tier III– certified data center in Marshfield this year.

The currently 26,000-square-foot facility houses the data services for Marshfield Clinic and Cattails Software, providing a secure system for heath-care records. The data center should attract other IT-based companies to the area. www.marshfieldclinic.org

SECURITY HEALTH PLAN Biz: Health maintenance organization Buzz: Security Health, developed by Marshfield Clinic physicians in 1971, was the nation’s first rural HMO and is now the fourth-largest in Wisconsin. The organization serves nearly 190,000 people across 32 counties. Security Health has been named one of America’s Best Health Insurance Plans by U.S. News & World Report. www.securityhealth.org

Retail sales per capita

$75 million Annual hotel and food sales

5,500 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

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Felker Brothers Corporation

Marshfield Bringing

Marshfield to the

World Standing strong as a family-owned, community-driven company for over 107 years Felker Brothers Corporation of Marshfield is a proud manufacturer of stainless steel piping products throughout the United States and the world.

114 E. Upham St. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-8691 (715) 387-3001 Fax www.choicehotels.com

Over 200 highly skilled and dedicated employees provide a stable foundation for critical business and technological growth at both our Marshfield, WI and Glasgow, KY locations.

Manufactured stainless steel piping products ship to job sites throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Europe and the Middle East.

The vision and accomplishments of Felker Brothers’ employees allow us to take Marshfield to the world’s marketplace.

We remain proud to be part of Marshfield’s industrial community since 19 03.

22 N. Chestnut Ave. • Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 384-3121 • (800) 826-2304 www.felkerbrothers.com

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Economic profile ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Marshfield is home to the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, one of the nation’s leading medical care and research facilities that performs cutting-edge work in epidemiology, farm medicine, clinical research, human genetics and informatics.

TAXES

Marshfield Bus Service 1507 N. Anton Ave. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-0101 (800) 380-1287

0.5% County Sales Tax

Marshfield Municipal Airport 400 W. 29th St. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 384-9385

5% State Sales Tax

5.5%

workforce

Total Sales Tax

24,236

income

Total Workforce

76%

$32,818

White Collar Jobs

Per Capita Income

major employers Marshfield Clinic (Marshfield Only) 4,148 employees Roehl Transport, Inc. 2,003 employees Saint Joseph’s Hospital 1,645 employees Marshfield DoorSystems, Inc. 570 employees de Boer, Inc. (Blenker, WI) 405 employees

24%

$53,641

Blue Collar Jobs

education

Average Annual Household Expenditure

TRANSPORTATION Greyhound Bus Lines 400 S. Central Ave. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-4030 www.greyhound.com

31%

Associate Degree

13%

Bachelor’s Degree

10%

Graduate Degree

Thimbleberry Books & Usedsual Unu

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

166 S. Central Ave. • Marshfield, WI • 715.387.3049

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Local Flavor

photo by Jeffrey S. OTTO

Fresh Flavors farm-to-table movement grows in marshfield Looking for fresh dairy, fruits and veggies or homemade breads, jellies and jams?

Well, look no further than Marshfield – a city known for bringing homegrown delights straight to the dinner table.

Fresh Food Options in Marshfield With a booming farming industry, fresh food options abound. The town’s multiple farmers markets offer an array of farm grown favorites.

The Main Street Marshfield Farmers Market, located downtown on Central Avenue, keeps freshness as a top priority. Open Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m., mid-June through September, the market draws about 200 customers a week, and has everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to arts and crafts.

Putting their health advice into practice in their own backyard, Marshfield Clinic hosts a farmers market in its parking lot throughout the summer months to promote healthy eating for patients and staff.

Local farmers also bring their farm fresh goodies to the 10-year-old market held in the parking lot of Festival Foods on North Central Avenue every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., mid-July through October.

“We have all – and only – local growers at our farmers market,” says Andy Cveykus, store director.

“Our vendors – anywhere from 20 to 30 every week – grow the food they sell. We don’t allow vendors to bring in food they’ve bought somewhere else.”

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Talk about fresh! And, if homemade whole grain bread is what you crave, Burich Bunch Bakery has booths at both farmers markets. Gary Burich and his family own and operate the bakery at their farm.

“We have six children, ages 3 through 13, and they all help on some level,” Burich says, “from grinding the grain into flour to measuring grains into bins.”

Buy Local Marshfield With the creation of the Buy Local Marshfield campaign, finding fresh, homegrown products is even easier. The initiative, started to encourage businesses and residents to buy locally, helps keep freshness locked into the community and its products, and gives restaurants more ways to enhance their menus.

The initiative doesn’t stop at food. It encourages all businesses in the area to buy locally.

One such business is West 14th, which is located in the historic Parkin Place. One of two great restaurants, West 14th strives to provide a dining experience that expands and complements the menu of Blue Heron BrewPub that is located downstairs. Opening at 5 p.m. each evening except Sunday, West 14th offers classic dining in a casual, smoke-free environment.

Other restaurants in the program include Someplace Else Bar & Grill and World Buffet.

Goodies, Gifts and Cheeses Marshfield also is the home and birthplace of Figi’s Gifts in Good Taste, which specializes in cheeses, meats and the fresh produce Wisconsin is known for. The company offers unique gifts assembled by hand, and their exquisite holiday fare includes baked goods, chocolates, nuts, sweets and snacks. For more wine, cheese and local delicacies, The Market on Sixth is a local favorite.

Food for Thought, hosted by The University Foundation, provides an elegant evening of gourmet food, distinctive silent and live auction items, and entertainment. Funds raised at Food for Thought are used for activities such as scholarships, professional development of faculty/staff and to offset administrative costs at the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield.

– Tiffany Williams and Carol Cowan Figi’s Gifts in Good Taste of Marshfield specializes in unique food gifts and gift baskets

Antony Boshier

Foodie Fest

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Arts & Culture

From Cultured to Quirky Marshfield has art and cultural activities galore

marshfield clinic

Art and culture abound in Marshfield.

Whether one seeks an artful fix, or just so happens to stumble across an exhibit while waiting for an X-ray, Marshfield’s got everyone covered.

The state-of-the-art Marshfield Clinic prides itself on top-notch patient care, but there also is something unusual about the medical center – it doubles as home to a nonprofit museum and art gallery. New Visions Gallery resides in a 1,600-square-foot space in the clinic’s lobby, and since 1975 has been providing a delightful diversion for those awaiting procedures or appointments.

arts and history The Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts offers a variety of arts for the community to enjoy and plenty of art-filled activities. Performing arts, visual arts and literary arts all call this place home. There also is access to individual artists’ and musicians’ studios, classes and much more.

Upham Mansion, the restored home of former Wisconsin governor William Henry Upham, preserves, advances and disseminates knowledge about the history of Marshfield, the surrounding area and the state of Wisconsin. Within the walls of the mansion are vintage Victorian furnishings, many of which were left by the Upham family. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the center for the North Wood County Historical Society exhibits, activities and local history research.

Antony Boshier

unique attractions

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At Jurustic Park, visitors can see more than 250 iron sculptures created by Marshfield resident Clyde Wynia, a former lawyer. Back in 1993, he began sculpting iron creatures from scrap metal or other pieces he could find. Now, around 15,000 people from all over the world tour the attraction each year.

If that’s still not big enough for you, head on over to the World’s Largest Round Barn. Built in 1916, the barn stands 70 feet high and 150 feet in diameter.

The interesting structure is the main attraction of Marshfield’s fairgrounds, especially during the Central Wisconsin State Fair.

Also attracting its fair share of folks each year is Dairyfest, which consists of three delectable days of dairy celebration each June.

– Tiffany Williams Creating pottery at the Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts in downtown Marshfield.

Sports & Recreation

It’s Wild Here Marshfield offers outdoor recreation for all ages If you love animals and the joy of being outdoors, then Marshfield is sure to have just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re into biking or bird watching, this city situated in the heart of Wisconsin offers alfresco fun for everyone.

MCMillan Marsh Wildlife Area Hunting, hiking, berry picking and wildlife viewing are just some of the recreational activities available at McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area. Located near the headwaters of the Little Eau Pleine River, this diverse landscape of wetlands, woodlands and grasslands encompasses approximately 6,500 acres of land.

Animals All Around At the Mead Wildlife Area, visitors will find even more acres of wetlands, forests and grasslands.

Containing a whopping 33,000 acres, Mead is home to more than 267 species of birds that inhabit or migrate to the area each year.

Marshfield’s Wildwood Park and Zoo, one of the largest municipal zoos in all of Wisconsin, has even more animals and outdoor fun. Mammals big and small reside here, along with raptors and other birds.

For no charge at all, families can go see Amber and Liberty, the zoo’s two bald eagles, or go say hello to sister-and-brother mountain lions, Star and Thunder.

For more, visit ci.marshfield.wi.us/pr/Zoo/default.htm.

More Outdoor Fun Still searching for more outdoorsy activities? Well, head to Hamus Nature Preserve and Recreation Area and escape from everyday life. This 32-acre preserve is located on Marshfield’s north side. Facilities include restrooms, a grill, picnic tables and more.

Although the land was initially purchased to protect the city’s wellhead, there are now hiking/walking/ biking trails that allow outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the scenic property and its accompanying wildlife.

Three small ponds also were constructed on the preserve to further enhance the acreage.

– Tiffany Williams

Perri, a peregrine falcon, lives at Wildwood Park and Zoo in Marshfield.

photo by todd Bennett

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Health & Wellness

Cutting-Edge Care Marshfield has top-notch health care facilities Marshfield is a small town that boasts a big reputation for health care.

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, this city offers two full-service medical facilities, and is a quality alternative to traveling to the big cities.

Ministry Health Care Keeps Patients First Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, a 500-plus-bed, state-of-the-art facility, is known for its superior medical care and cutting-edge technology, and is designated as one of three children’s hospitals in Wisconsin.

“We’re located right in the middle of the state,” says Carla David, the hospital’s public and community relations manager. “The alternative for patients would be driving all the way to Madison or Milwaukee or the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.), and for those in north central Wisconsin, Marshfield is closer to home.”

As part of Ministry Health Care, a values, ministry-driven health care delivery network of aligned hospitals, clinics and other providers based in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Ministry Saint Joseph’s puts its patients first, offering hands-on, compassionate care.

It also is “the only verified pediatric and adult trauma center in the north central part of the state,” Davis says. Some of the ways the hospital enhances its reputation is by keeping up with some of the world’s most up-to-date technologies, including gamma knife radiosurgery, intraoperative MRI, nuclear medicine imaging and the da Vinci robotic surgery system.

Marshfield Clinic Right Next Door Physically linked to the hospital is Marshfield Clinic, which has quietly become one of the nation’s leading medical care and research facilities. The clinic performs cutting-edge work in epidemiology, farm medicine, clinical research, human genetics and informatics every day. Marshfield now takes its place

Top right: A senior research associate works in the Human Genetics lab at the Laird Center for Medical Research. Bottom: The Laird Center for Medical Research is named after health care advocate Melvin R. Laird.

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Marshfield

among Wisconsin’s “3 Ms” – three cities in the state known as biomedical research hot spots, the other two being much bigger Southern neighbors, Milwaukee and Madison.

Designated as a national model for health care reform, Marshfield Clinic is one of only 10 sites in the United States selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to take part in a project focusing on reducing health care costs through increased patient education, care management and monitoring between visits with your health care provider.

The clinic also recently opened the $40 million Laird Center for Medical Research, named after former congressman and U.S. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. In addition to its reputation in research, the clinic staffs more than 400 physician specialists and subspecialists, provides library and seminar facilities, and features a medical school.

– Tiffany Williams

Marshfield Clinic Hopes to Start Dental School The Marshfield Clinic has a plan to deal with the shortage of dentists in rural Wisconsin.

The renowned clinic hopes to start the state’s second dental school, with a goal of training dentists to practice in rural and other under-served areas in Wisconsin and other states. The clinic already operates seven dental clinics – including the latest addition, The Marshfield Dental Center – which serve all patients, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status.

The proposed school is at least several years and about $20 million away, but “we believe we have enough background and experience and success to say to people, ‘You can believe in us. We can get it done.’” says Greg Nycz, executive director of the Family Health Center of Marshfield and director of health policy for the Marshfield Clinic.

Staff Photo

photo by Todd Bennett photo by Todd Bennett

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Various room plans to choose from Medication administration Assistance with showering, dressing, etc.

Emergency response system Fine dining served tableside Scheduled transportation for medical appointments, social events and shopping trips Personal laundry and housekeeping Large sunroom and elegant community rooms Small pets welcome Social activities Hair salon

Prairie Run Dental, S.C. Family Dentistry & Orthodontics

• Barry L. Cole D.D.S. • 305 S. Chestnut Ave. • Marshfield, WI

(715) 384-6611 • www.angeluscommunities.com 22

Marshfield

1807 Prairie Dr. Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-1724 • (715) 384-5310 Fax www.prairierundental.com

Health & Wellness

Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital Plans Much-Needed Upgrades

M

inistry Saint Joseph’s Hospital is getting an upgrade.

Plans are in the works to make significant improvements to the Marshfield hospital, which has invested almost $60 million in the past five years toward remodeling, construction, facility infrastructure and new technology.

The biggest changes will be the addition of two floors to the West Pavilion, each of which will add another 30 single-patient rooms, along with renovations to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,

and upgrades to the adult and pediatric Intensive Care Unit environments. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 to 20 months.

“Creating the capacity for private rooms for a majority of our patients has been a long-standing goal of our board and leaders,” says Brian Kief, president of Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital. “We are embarking on a planning and design process that will lead to the achievement of this goal.”

For more information about Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, visit www.ministryhealth.org/SJH/home.nws. i m ag e s m a r s h f i e l d . c o m

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Education

One-on-One Education Marshfield schools bring small-town charm to the classroom Family-friendly Marshfield is a great place to raise children, in part due to its excellent schools that include public, private and higher education facilities.

Public and Private Education

What’s Online Read more articles about Marshfield’s diverse learning environments by going online to imagesmarshfield.com.

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Marshfield

In keeping with the city’s small-town feel are the host of schools within the Marshfield School District and Columbus Catholic Schools.

The five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school that compose MSD serve more than 4,000 students. Its 282 teachers and 164 support personnel give students the personal attention they need to succeed.

The district is committed to the academic achievement of its students, with Marshfield High School offering more than 22 advanced placement classes.

The school also prides itself on the one-on-one attention it gives to students, and its programs that help develop a base for knowledge, critical thinking skills, responsible citizenship, and respect for self and others.

MSD’s popular 4-year-old kindergarten program starts students out early, giving them personal attention and preparing them for the educational journey ahead.

The area’s Columbus Catholic Schools are dedicated to providing a high-quality Catholic education.

The preK-12 system includes St. John the Baptist Primary School, Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School, Columbus Catholic Middle School and Columbus Catholic High School.

Higher Education The University of WisconsinMarshfield/Wood County and Mid-State Technical College offer quality higher education minus the massive class sizes.

At UW-Marshfield/Wood County students receive individual attention, with class sizes averaging about 23 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17-to-1.UW-Marshfield/Wood County saw a record enrollment in the fall of 2010 with 712 students, including 251 new freshmen.

Located just west of downtown

Marshfield, the campus is situated on 114 acres in a quiet residential neighborhood. It offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, specialized certificate programs, and arts and language classes for those who wish to expand their own horizons.

The school’s Office of Continuing Education also keeps community members in mind, offering non-credit programs that include training and business development, and promoting intellectual stimulation and personal and professional growth through a variety of seminars,

workshops and short courses.

Mid-State Technical College, a student-focused and communitybased campus, also keeps class sizes small and attention on individual students. Offering more than 50 career opportunities through associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates, the campus continues to invest heavily in its workforce-related programs, preparing students for the road ahead.

MSTC also is one of the 16 campuses within the Wisconsin Technical College System.

– Tiffany Williams

Investing in the Future At Marshfield High School, students are getting real-life experience in money management with a new Central City Credit Union branch office right in the school.

Credit union staff collaborate with teachers to help students learn about the importance of money management, investing, loan and credit card applications, business ethics, financial safety and security.

The branch office also provides work experience and career exploration to students in Marshfield High School’s Youth Apprenticeship program, sponsored by the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to help students gain experience, and help employers develop skilled workers within the community.

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Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thur.-Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Golden LivingCenter – Three Oaks 209 Wilderness View Dr. • Marshfield, WI 54449 • (715) 389-6000 Short-Term Rehabilitation • Long-Term Care Alzheimer’s Care Unit Inpatient and Outpatient Therapy This facility welcomes all persons in need of its services and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, or source of payment. GLS-02234-08

BICYCLES SKIS CLOTHING INLINE SKATES 1202 S. Central Ave. • Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 384-8313 • Toll-free: (800) 369-4754 E-mail: sports_den@frontier.com

www.thesportsden.net

SNOWBOARDS SNOWSHOES FITNESS SKATEBOARDS

Full Spa Unique Clothing Lines

715-384-8000 249 S. Central Ave. Marshfield, WI 54449

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Marshfield

community profile SNAPSHOT Marshfield has all the benefits of small-town living with the educational and health care facilities of a much larger city.

It was ranked Best Place to Live in Wisconsin and 20th Best Place to Live in America by Demographics Daily.

household information

.29% Black

18,814

.86%

Total Population

Hispanic

41 Median Resident Age

2.5%

58%

transportation

Other

Married

11 minutes

42%

time zone

Median Travel Time to Work

Single

Central

23%

cost of living

WEATHER

Age 19 and Under

81 F

47%

$51,312

July Average High

Age 20-54

2° F

30%

°

January Average Low

Median Household Income

$107,000 Median Home Price

Age 55 and Over

33” Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

96.35%

$625 Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

White

visit our

advertisers

Angelus Retirement Company www.angeluscommunity.com

Golden Living Center www.goldenliving.com

Marshfield Insurance www.marshfieldinsurance.net

Roehl Transport Inc. www.roehl.net

Central City Credit Union www.centralcitycu.com

Innovative Machine Specialists Inc. www.innmacspe.com

Merle Norman & The Day Spa Boutique

Security Health Plan www.securityhealthplan.org

Clearwaters Hotel & Convention Center www.clearwatershotel.com

M&I Bank www.micorp.com

Ministry Health Care www.ministryhealth.org

Sports Den www.thesportsden.net Thimbleberry Books

Comfort Inn www.choicehotels.com

Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry www.marshfieldchamber.com

Prairie Run Dental SC www.prairierundental.com

Felker Brothers Corporation www.felkerbrothers.com

Marshfield Clinic www.marshfieldclinic.org

Re/Max – Design Unlimited www.americandream-wi.com

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Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Marshfield through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit imagesmarshfield.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: Marshfield The new fire station in Marshfield, Wis., is well worth a visit. The lobby houses a museum showcasing a historic fire engine and lots of artifacts from the department’s history. And of course, the station itself has a lot of modern “equipment” (that’s firefighter-speak for fire trucks and ambulances). In addition, the multimillion dollar facility is the state’s only fire station to achieve gold-level LEED certification.

A geothermal system heats the station, and solar energy heats the water. There is also a gray-water system to collect runoff from showers for flushing toilets; a separate system collects thousands of gallons of rainwater that is used to wash the station’s equipment.

In short, Marshfield’s firefighters are as adept at saving energy as they are at saving lives.

Posted by Antony Boshier

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imagesmarshfield.com.

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Marshfield

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • LIFE • HE A LT H

Marshfield Ins u r a nce 715-387-4443 208 W. 5th St. Marshfield, WI 54449 www.marshfieldinsurance.net

i m ag e s m a r s h f i e l d . c o m

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Ad Index

22 Angelus Retirement Company

26 Central City Credit Union

C4 Marshfield Clinic

29 Marshfield Insurance

26 Merle Norman & The Day Spa Boutique

C2 Clearwaters Hotel & Convention Center

22 Ministry Health Care

22 Prairie Run Dental SC

29 Re/max – Design Unlimited

26 Roehl Transport Inc.

17 Security Health Plan

14 Comfort Inn

14 Felker Brothers Corporation

26 Golden Living Center

29 Innovative Machine Specialists Inc.

26 Sports Den

15 Thimbleberry Books

15 M&I Bank

12 Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry