Jacquelyn Frombach

Jacquelyn Frombach will be the regional chief nursing officer for the new Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua Hospital, currently under construction. Frombach holds bachelors and masters degrees in nursing and a doctorate of nursing practice, executive leadership through Capella University. In addition to Minocqua, she will provide nursing leadership at Marshfield Clinic centers in Wausau, Weston, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids.

The North Lakeland Discovery Center, Wilderness Lakes Trails and Black Oak Preservation Foundation each recently received the LEAF Award for Conservation Partnership for recognition of partnerships with the Conserve School in Land O’Lakes.

Dr. Jeremiah Libby

Radiologist Dr. Jeremiah Libby has joined Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center. Libby holds a doctorate of osteopathic medicine from University of Florida Health; Bachelors and masters degrees in exercise physiology as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

The Three Lakes Center for the Arts has a new gallery manager. Ginger Allen has a background in design and CAD architecture. Allen has moved to the Northwoods to be closer to family and is excited to be involved with the Three Lakes community.

Dr. Barbara Coulter-Smith

Marshfield Clinic has welcomed OB/GYN Dr. Barbara Coulter-Smith to its Minocqua and Rhinelander centers. Coulter-Smith completed her residency at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, after earning her medical degree from Des Moines General Hospital in Iowa. She has special interests in normal and high risk obstetrics, minimally invasive surgery, office gynecologic surgery and DaVinci robotic surgery.

WXPR Public Radio has hired Ben Meyer of Rhinelander as a special topics correspondent focusing on water. Meyer has worked as a news reporter, producer, executive producer and interim news director for seven years. His reports will be heard in a series called “The Stream.”

Mark Szmanda, DO

Neurologist Mark Szmanda, DO, has joined the staff of Ascension Medical Group. He provides a full spectrum of neurology care with special interest in stroke prevention and treatment.  Szmanda earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University.

The Nicolet College board welcomed four new trustees recently. New to the board are Scott Foster of Eagle River, Rubie Gauthier of Minocqua, Dianne Lazear of Tomahawk and Ryan Zietlow of Rhinelander. Sharon Nielsen of Eagle River returned for her third term on the board.

Joelle Wennlund, MD

Women’s health specialist Joelle Wennlund, MD will be providing gynecology services at Ascension Medical Group’s clinic in Woodruff. She specializes in individualized care for women from adolescence to end-of-life with special interest in women’s sexual health. Wennlund earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago.

Kim Swisher, owner of Kim Swisher Communications, has been named a Certified Solution Provider with Master Certification by Constant Contact, which offers online marketing solutions for small businesses. According to Constant Contact, the certification means Swisher and her team have “demonstrated in-depth knowledge” of the marketing platform and best practices.

Ascension Medical Group has welcomed urology specialists Dustin Pagoria, MD and Saki Ratanawong, MD to the Rhinelander campus. Both doctors provide individualized urology care for people of all ages and specialize in robotic laparoscopic surgery.  Pagoria earned his medical degree from Loyola University; Ratanawong earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Olivia Szmanda, NP

Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Olivia Szmanda, NP has joined the Ascension Medical Group in Rhinelander. She provides primary care services with special interest in headaches, sleep disorders and acne for patients 12 years and older. Szmanda completed the Nurse Practitioner program at Marquette University in Milwaukee and is board certified in adult-gerontology by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The Lakeland Performing Arts Association recently elected officers for the 2019-2020 season. Suzy Foster was elected president, Darrell Tarnow vice president and Nancy Tarnow treasurer. The LPAA is a non-profit organization supported by season ticket sales, donations and grants.

Robert “Mike” Dowdy

Marshfield Clinic Health System named Robert “Mike” Dowdy chief administrative officer for the new Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua Hospital. The hospital is currently under construction and is on schedule to open in April 2020. Dowdy has worked in health care administration for more than 20 years. He holds a master of science degree in administration from St. Michael’s College in Burlington, Vt.