WPS to Help Hodag Complex Project

​Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation has awarded Hodag Schools Foundation (HSF) a
$25,000 grant for the new Hodag Sports Complex. Leah Van Zile, senior communications
specialist – WPS, explains, “The new Hodag Sports Complex embodies the concept of
community, health and education, and will have a lasting impact on generations to come. WPS
strives to be a positive force for responsible growth in our regional economies, and through the
WPS Foundation, we continue to support the communities we serve.”

Incorporated in 1964, WPS Foundation is the philanthropic entity for WPS and other
subsidiaries of its holding company, WEC Energy Group. The foundation provides charitable
contributions to local communities while WPS is focused on providing safe, reliable electricity
and natural gas to its 450,000 customers in northeastern Wisconsin. The foundation is funded
by shareholders, not by WPS customers.

WPS Foundation supports organizations involved in community and neighborhood
development, education, environment, human services and health, and arts and culture. WPS
employees live, work and actively participate in the communities they serve, demonstrating a
personal commitment to safety, health and wellness as a way of life.

Van Zile continues, “The Hodag Sports Complex complements our company’s focus on health
and wellness. With the extended winter weather in the Northwoods, there is an increased need
for access to indoor recreation spaces. The Hodag Sports Complex offers a space for fun and
fitness year-round. Bringing additional sporting and business venues to the Rhinelander area
can positively impact businesses throughout the Northwoods. WPS Foundation is pleased to be
part of this legacy.”

Carole Zierden, HSF board member and retired School District of Rhinelander teacher, admits,
“I have never been happier with the all the donations from businesses and individuals — in
addition to this generous grant — to make the dome happen in Rhinelander. As a spring coach
for the past 17 years, I am looking forward to this marvelous new facility for our youth and
athletics, where they can practice for many years to come.”
​
Superintendent Kelli Jacobi notes, “Many thanks to HSF for writing this proposal and to the
WPS Foundation for granting the money. The grant is directed toward the Hodag Schools
Foundation which, in turn, gives the money to SDR to help fund the dome project. The facility
improvements are designed to benefit the entire community and will help attract students and
families, which in turn, brings state aid to the district.”

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