Brandi Makuski

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Point/Plover Metro Wire

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Articles

Hull (WI) FD Adds Upgraded Brush Truck with Grant Funding

1 month ago | fireapparatusmagazine.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiThe Hull Fire Department has upgraded its wildfire response capabilities with the addition of a new 2024 brush truck, replacing a decades-old military vehicle that department leaders say had become unreliable and obsolete. The new 400-gallon brush truck was built by Midwest Fire and delivered on April 12 after being showcased at the FDIC International 2025 fire industry conference in Indianapolis.
Plover (WI) FD Receives $20K in Lifesaving Equipment Donations

1 month ago | fireapparatusmagazine.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiA group of local donors presented $20,000 in donations to the Plover Fire Department on May 13. The funds cover a large portion of about $36,000 worth of new battery-powered rescue tools that firefighters say will significantly improve response capabilities during emergencies.
‘Every Step Counts’ fitness challenge aims to raise funds for the homeless

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiSTEVENS POINT — A month-long community fitness challenge to benefit local residents experiencing homelessness will kick off May 1, culminating in a group walk and celebration at the end of the month. Organized by the Bread of Life Hope Center of Portage County, a program of The Salvation Army, the “Every Step Counts, Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” fundraiser encourages participants to set personal fitness goals and collect pledges from sponsors for every mile walked.
Families invited to June 7 Cops-N-Bobbers at Lake Pacawa

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiPLOVER – Registration opens Monday, April 7, for the 16th annual Cops-N-Bobbers event, returning to Lake Pacawa Park on June 7. The free fishing event is organized by Portage County law enforcement, including the Portage County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Stevens Point Police Officer’s Association, and Plover Police Department, in partnership with the Stevens Point Elks Lodge 641.
Food drive pits Plover against Stevens Point in friendly competition

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiPORTAGE COUNTY – The Portage County Business Council is hosting a community food drive on Friday, May 16, from noon to 6 p.m., with a spirited rivalry fueling the effort. Dubbed “Pack the Pantry,” the event is a friendly competition between Plover and Stevens Point to see which city can collect the most nonperishable food items. Collection sites will be set up at both Metro Market locations. Metro Market is located at 1500 Pinecrest Ave.
Stevens Point to explain two major street projects at public meeting

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiSTEVENS POINT – City officials will hold a public preconstruction meeting on April 23 to provide details on two major road reconstruction projects scheduled for 2025. The meeting runs from 5 to 7 p.m. in the conference room at the City Streets Garage, 100 Sixth Ave. Officials will present updates on the Washington Ave. and Madison St. improvement projects. Residents, business owners, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend.
Whiting Dam drawdown underway for emergency repairs

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiWHITING — Consolidated Water Power Co. has begun a controlled drawdown of the Wisconsin River upstream of the Whiting Dam to address a mechanical failure in the dam’s infrastructure. According to Power Director Martin Burkhardt, the failure occurred in a stoplog—a device used to isolate turbines and tainter gates for maintenance—allowing water to leak into the river.
Editorial: Dispatchers are the calm in Portage County’s storms

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiIn Portage County, when crisis strikes, it’s not a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic who answers the first call for help. It’s a 911 dispatcher — often unseen, often unheard, but absolutely vital. This week, as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13-19), we recognize the elite group of individuals who keep their cool while others are losing theirs.
Registration opens for June 7 Cops-N-Bobbers at Lake Pacawa

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiPLOVER – Registration opens Monday, April 7, for the 16th annual Cops-N-Bobbers event, returning to Lake Pacawa Park on June 7. The free fishing event is organized by Portage County law enforcement, including the Portage County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Stevens Point Police Officer’s Association, and Plover Police Department, in partnership with the Stevens Point Elks Lodge 641.
Crews contain 24-acre wildland fire in Almond, underlines need for more volunteers

2 months ago | spmetrowire.com | Brandi Makuski

By Brandi MakuskiALMOND – A large wildland fire burned more than 24 acres of grassland and corn stubble near County Highway EE on Tuesday afternoon before it was brought under control by multiple fire departments. The fire was reported at about 2:30 p.m. on the 7700 block of County Hwy. EE. According to Almond firefighter Greg Otto, the blaze began when someone attempted to burn yard waste near an open field. The fire spread through low grasses and corn stalks, creeping toward a wooded area.