2026 Annual Awards and Anniversaries Reception
April 22, 2026
Social Hour: 5:30 PM | Program Begins: 6:30 PM
CREATE Portage County – Great Hall
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Join the Portage County Historical Society for one of our most meaningful evenings of the year—the Annual Awards and Anniversaries Reception.
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This event is dedicated to celebrating the people, organizations, and stories that have shaped Portage County. Each year, we present three awards recognizing excellence in local history, preservation, and volunteer service, while also honoring businesses and organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries in our community.
This year’s event is proudly sponsored by People’s State Bank.
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2026 Award Recipients
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Pine and Iron Award: Stevens Point Brewery
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Win Rothman Award: Jarita Bavido
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Anday Volunteer Service Award: Anne Pawlak
Milestone Anniversaries
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50 years: American Fence Company, Grawey Heating and Cooling, Stevens Point Softball Association
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125 years: Haertel Monuments, The Portage County Bank, The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
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150 years: St. Peter’s Catholic Church
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We may be missing organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries. If you know of a business or organization marking 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 years or more, please contact us at info@pchswi.org to be included.
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Event Details
The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 PM, followed by the awards program at 6:30 PM, held in the historic Great Hall at CREATE Portage County.
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Guests will enjoy:
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Pre-ceremony music from a Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra string quartet (sponsored by David and Amy Bakken)
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Complimentary light refreshments (sponsored by William Schierl and Sarena Melotte)
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Cash bar
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Awards presentation and anniversary recognition
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Tickets
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$20 – PCHS Members
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$25 – Non-members (advance)
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$30 – At the door
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This is an evening centered on gratitude, recognition, and the shared history that connects us all. We hope you’ll join us.
2026 Music at the Mill Concert Series
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Join us at the historic Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville for another incredible summer of live music in one of the most unique settings in Central Wisconsin. These concerts have become a staple of the season—bringing together music, history, and community—all while supporting the preservation of the Mill.
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This year’s lineup:
May 26 – Genevieve Heyward (Acoustic Rock)
June 30 – Joyful Little Band (New Orleans Jazz)
July 22 – Charlie Parr (Folk Blues)
August 19 – Rucksack Revolution (Acoustic Folk Rock)
September 16 – Bomber and Red (Americana Folk)
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All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. (doors at 6:00 p.m.)
Seating is limited—advance tickets recommended.
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Thank you to our sponsors: David and Amy Bakken, William Schierl and Sarena Melotte, Ric and Lorry Walters, Jim Canales, and the International Bank of Amherst.
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Please note: The Rising Star Mill is a historic structure and is not ADA accessible.
America250 At the Portage County Historical Society
Help us Commemorate the Signing of the Declaration of Independence!
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This year, our nation will mark an important milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We invite you to join us as we reflect on this moment in American history through a special series of programs, exhibits, and educational activities as part of America250.​