Denim and Diamonds

The YMCA of the Northwoods is holding the fifth annual Denim and Diamonds fundraiser Friday May 31 at the Rosewood Barn in Harrison Hills. The event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine, beer and soda, live entertainment, dancing, cash raffle, raffle baskets and live and silent auctions all with a casual theme of denim and diamonds.  Social hour begins at 5:40 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Y’s annual support campaign. Tickets and cash raffle tickets can be purchased at the YMCA or any board member.

Apply now for Nicolet recruit academy

Nicolet College will hold a Law Enforcement Recruit Academy June 3 to Oct. 11 for individuals interested in starting a career in law enforcement. Classes will typically run from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday on the Nicolet Campus. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 30.

Applicants will go through a mandatory interview process at Nicolet followed by a mandatory fitness test, at Rhinelander High School. The academy is open to anyone who has at least 28 college credits in any field. Applicants to the academy will have to pass the oral interview, criminal background check, a physical, and the physical readiness test. The 720-plus hours of instruction will include lectures and hands-on scenario training covering numerous areas of law enforcement.

These include professional communication, emergency vehicle operation, emergency medical response, tactical skills, traffic and patrol procedures, investigations, and defense and arrest tactics. Graduates will also be proficient in firearms, radar, and field sobriety testing. Upon completion of the 18-week academy, graduates will be eligible to go before the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board to become certified to work in law enforcement in the state. For more information, call 715-365-4535 or visit nicoletcollege.edu.

Iron Mountain VA wins national award

The VA’s Veterans Health Administration recognized Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center for providing its patients with outstanding healthcare experiences. The Iron Mountain-based VA Medical Center received the 2018 Best Experience Award for Level 3 (small, low complexity) facilities at an event held recently in Washington, DC.

“This award would not be possible without the commitment of our staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community healthcare partners,” said Jim Rice, Medical Center Director, who attended the symposium and was on hand to receive the award.

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center was one of 12 VA Medical Centers selected as finalists for the award for being recognized as top performers in Patient Experience and Employee Experience. The finalists for the Best Experience Award were judged on leadership, culture, listening to the voice of the Veteran, patient communications, employee engagement, environment, and measurement and improvement.

Stuff-A-Truck kicks off at Trig’s

Trig’s grocery is holding its ninth annual Stuff-A-Truck food drive Feb. 20 through March 12 benefitting local food pantries in seven communities, including Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua and Tomahawk. Customers can make cash donations at the checkout, purchase non-perishable food items for donation or purchase a pre-packed bag of food or personal care items. Donation boxes are set up at each Trig’s location. The business is hoping to raise more than $20,000 in food and personal care items this year.