• Interstate 41 Corridor
Brown, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Outagamie, Winnebago Counties
UA 400 signs 101 apprentices
UA 400 Pipe Trades and the Mechanical Contractors Association held their fourth annual Apprentice Signing Day at the UA 400 Training Center in Kaukauna to recognize 101 first-time apprentices as they begin five-year apprenticeships.
First-year apprentices by trade include 22 fabricators, 24 HVAC service technicians, 22 plumbers and 33 construction steamfitters.
“Apprentice Signing Day is a crucial step for contractors as it represents the future of a highly skilled workforce,” said Jeff Gaecke, executive vice president of the Mechanical Contractors Association. “The partnership between MCA and UA 400 is crucial in ensuring that contractors have access to well-trained tradesmen and women who are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”
Along with Gaecke, speakers who addressed the apprentices and guests included Sara Rodriguez, Wisconsin Lt. Governor; Tony Penterman, mayor of Kaukauna; and Doug Dokey, UA 400 business manager.
“I just finished paying off my student loans for degrees that I never used two years ago,” said first-year steamfitter apprentice Jennifer Smith. “The union, they pay you to go to school and learn hands-on throughout your apprenticeship. Zero debt and great pay, not to mention great benefits and a pension. I wish I would have started sooner, but it’s never too late.”
Currently, there are a total of 406 UA 400 apprentices working toward their apprenticeships. UA 400 Pipe Trades, in conjunction with its signatory contractors, offers paid apprenticeships in pipe fabrication, plumbing, steam fitting and HVAC-R service. The five-year apprenticeship programs provide classroom instruction with UA certified instructors and on-the-job training with a contractor alongside experienced journey workers and apprentices.
Once an apprentice has completed their apprenticeship and becomes a journey worker, continuing education opportunities are available to all UA members through specialized training and certification programs.
GO Transit rolls out new app, fare capping
GO Transit, the public transportation service in the Greater Oshkosh area, announced the adoption of the WisGo (powered by Umo) fare collection system and mobile app.
This new app provides mobile payments and fare capping. Launched Oct. 1, WisGo is now available to use through the Umo Mobility app. Once downloaded, users can load their wallets and start using WisGo to pay for bus fares in the area.
In addition to the app, GO Transit offers fare capping, enabling riders to save money as they ride. Additional rides are free once the fare cap is reached, eliminating the need for pre-purchased passes. Riders can pay as they go, with all rides contributing to the daily or monthly fare caps. To be eligible for fare capping, riders must use a WisGo card or the WisGo mobile app for fare purchases.
Riders will have multiple ways to pay using the app, which takes credit and debit cards along with Apple Pay and Google Pay, or by preloading WisGo cards. Riders will still be able to purchase fares with cash while boarding the bus. However, these fares will not be counted toward daily or monthly fare caps.
GO Transit is offering free WisGo cards with a $5 fare purchase through the end of 2024. Riders can pick up and reload WisGo cards at the GO Transit Office, city hall or the Oshkosh Public Library. In 2025, WisGo cards will be available for purchase for $2. Riders can also load their WisGo cards with money at various pass outlets around the city of Oshkosh.
Additionally, the implementation of the WisGo fare collection system eliminates the need for transfers. Using WisGo, riders will not be charged a fare within 90 minutes of paying a previous one. It’s important to note that fare capping and transfers are not eligible if paying with cash. Physical transfer passes will not be issued after Dec. 31.
• The Lakeshore
Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Sheboygan Counties
Lake Michigan lift bridges funded
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced the annual payment of more than $2.1 million to help maintain Wisconsin’s nine lift bridges along Lake Michigan, including three in Northeastern Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin’s lift bridges are vital to our state’s economy, ensuring that oceangoing ships can access our port cities, opening global markets to our manufacturers, agricultural producers and many other businesses,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “These grants will help maintain our bridges and ensure our ports are secure and reliable, all while strengthening Wisconsin ports that generate thousands of family-supporting jobs, support our industries from agriculture to tourism, and help our businesses reach markets worldwide.”
Wisconsin’s lift bridges raise a section of roadway vertically, allowing passage of taller ships in the cities of Green Bay, Manitowoc, Milwaukee and Racine. Oceangoing vessels have access to these ports via the St. Lawrence Seaway. Bascule bridges, which are sometimes called drawbridges, tip up two sections of the roadway on pivots.
Funding for New North region bridges includes $311,403 for the Main Street Bridge in Green Bay, $173,424 for the Eighth Street Bridge in Manitowoc and $26,202 for the Tenth Street Bridge in Manitowoc.
Kohler Energy rebrands under new name
Kohler Energy rebranded under its new corporate name, Rehlko.
Rehlko will continue operating as an independent enterprise. The company became a stand-alone entity in May 2024 when Platinum Equity completed a transaction with Kohler Company to establish Kohler Energy as a stand-alone business. Platinum Equity is the majority owner of Rehlko, with Kohler Company remaining an investment partner.
“We are embracing our future as an independent company with the new Rehlko brand and celebrating our legacy and our commitment for tackling the most complex energy challenges, and the values that guide everything we do and stand for,” said Rehlko CEO Brian Melka. “Our company’s new name is derived from the six letters of Kohler and reflects the reliability, resolve, reinvention and resilience that have been — and will remain — the hallmarks of this organization in addressing the ever-evolving distributed energy needs of the marketplace.”
Rehlko operates a broad portfolio of businesses, including power systems, engines, uninterruptible power, home energy, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments and Heila Technologies. Kohler Power Systems and Kohler Engines will lead the enterprise portfolio brand transition by officially becoming Rehlko branded by the end of 2024.
Headquartered in Wisconsin, Rehlko will maintain operations in more than 100 locations across the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
• West Central
Green Lake, Marquette, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara Counties
New YMCA proposed for Waushara County
Waushara community members, donors and the Stevens Point YMCA are working toward the development of a new YMCA in Waushara County.
The Otto Bremer Trust is providing a matching grant of $300,000. The project has already secured nearly $5.6 million toward a $10 million goal, including a $500,000 no-tax-increase investment from the city of Wautoma. The steering committee is also working on new market tax credits that could help the project with more than $2 million. The public capital campaign hopes to raise the additional $1.5 million necessary.
The proposed YMCA in Waushara County aims to serve as a hub for youth development and will open 40-50 child care slots.
The facility will also focus on promoting healthy living among residents of all ages. State-of-the-art fitness equipment, group exercise classes and wellness programs will be tailored to cater to individuals with varying fitness levels and preferences.
Collaborative efforts with local organizations, outreach programs and initiatives aimed at addressing pressing community needs will be integral to the YMCA’s mission.
In partnership with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, the YMCA and community leaders launched a community needs assessment early in 2023. The results of that assessment helped to outline and direct future efforts of impact.
“The community needs assessment was critical to aligning the most pressing needs of Waushara County and the ability of the YMCA to serve,” said Ryan Zietlow, president and CEO of the Stevens Point Area YMCA. “We heard from the community the need for support and opportunity [for] our youth, adults and seniors. Through our work as a YMCA, we look forward to expanding life-changing services to Waushara County.”
The YMCA and steering committee have begun working with Waushara County to explore the revitalization of the former courthouse location in the heart of Wautoma.
• The Northwoods
Florence, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto Counties
Videos highlight manufacturing in Oconto and Shawano counties
The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance has released videos featuring products and people in Oconto and Shawano counties.
Ann Franz, NEWMA executive director, said, “Last year, we created videos showcasing Fond du Lac and Marinette counties. Due to the success of the videos, it was decided to spotlight other counties in Northeast Wisconsin. People drive past these buildings and have no idea of the amazing products and people that are working at these manufacturing companies.”
The companies featured in the Oconto County video are Amphenol Unlimited Services, Cruisers Yachts, Diversified Woodcrafts, Nercon and Nicolet Plastics. There are a variety of occupations featured in the careers video along with educational requirements.
The Shawano County video features Belmark, Charter Aarrowcast, Cruisers Yachts, KI and Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats. The products that are made by these companies range from bacon to iron foundry.
On the web: thenewnorth.com/living-in-the-new-north/find-your-true-north/
