Michigan Environmental Health Association UPEHA

2026 UPEHA Exceptional Service Awards

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:01:42 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) proudly presented two new Exceptional Service Awards at the Annual Education Conference in February.

Rob Wolfe Lifetime Achievement Award

The Rob Wolfe Lifetime Achievement Award is UPEHA's highest honor, presented to an individual who has made a lasting impact on environmental health in the Upper Peninsula through decades of dedicated service, mentorship, and leadership. This award recognizes a career defined by commitment to public health, professional excellence, and the development of future generations in the field.

Chuck Thomas - Geological Engineer, EGLE (Retired)

Chuck was an excellent resource for geology and water resources in the U.P. He was always willing to consult with LHDs regarding well contamination, hydrofracturing, flowing well construction, and well record reviewer. He participated in many EGLE-sponsored trainings and maintained a database for various water quality parameters (outside WaterTrack) to aid LHDs and the general public on what can be expected in the aquifer for natural constituents.

Rob Wolfe (left) presents the first Rob Wolfe Lifetime Achievement Award to Chuck Thomas (right).

PINES - Sanitarian of the Year Award

The Pinnacle In Northern Environmental Sanitarians (PINES) Award is presented to an active UPEHA member (past or present) who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, Integrity, Notable impact, Excellence, and Service in the field of environmental health. This award honors individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their service to their communities, contribute meaningfully to the advancement of environmental health in the Upper Peninsula, and serve as a model of excellence for their peers.

Sheila McNulty - Sanitarian, Dickinson/Iron District Health Department

Sheila has been a sanitarian at the DIDHD for 18 years. She started as a sanitarian at a health department in Wisconsin where she worked for 8 years. She came to DIDHD as the emergency preparedness coordinator in 2004 and moved back to EH in 2008 as a RS. She has been the Type 2 coordinator along with a generalist working in all our EH programs since. She was on the UPEHA committee for 12 years and has been a member for all 18 years. She has been an outstanding sanitarian for her years of service here at DIDHD. She is planning on taking the EH director position in the spring of 2026.

Exceptional Service Award recipients Chuck Thomas (left) and Sheila McNulty (right).

UPEHA Silent Auction

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:58:34 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) cordially invites you to participate in an online silent auction fundraiser event. The event is set to open 8:00AM on Tuesday, February 11th with the bidding coming to a close at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, February 13th. Some items up for bid include:

Original Soo Locks Boat Tour
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Gift Certificate
Landmark Inn stay in Marquette
Mackinac Straits Sailing Charter
Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour
Original UP License Plate Sign
Sault Historic Sites Passes
Mackinac State Historic Parks Tickets

And much much more!

Revenue generated from the donated silent auction items is used to support the cost of providing environmental health education in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Without the support of the Silent Auction, the UPEHA would not be able to provide a local comprehensive environmental health training opportunity.

To participate in the online silent auction for the UPEHA please click on the link below to view the auction on 32auctions.

UPEHA Silent Auction

UPEHA 2026 Annual Education Conference - Registration Now Open

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:49:02 GMT

Registration is now open for the UPEHA Annual Education Conference being held at the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI, February 11-13, 2026. [See Save the Date for Draft Agenda]

Look over the 2026 Registration Form, which includes pricing options, hotel room block information, and pre-conference registration. A full-day Mercury Spill Response pre-conference training from MDHHS will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Information on the training can be found here. Cost for the pre-conference includes lunch. Please complete and return the form and payment by January 16, 2026.

Steering Committee Nominations

UPEHA is seeking nominations for four positions to the UPEHA Steering Committee. Members elected will serve a 4-year term (2026-2030).

We are accepting nominations for the following locations:

Eastern Region:

- Chippewa County Health Department

Central Region:

- Marquette County Health Department

Western Region:

- Western U.P. Health Department

- Dickinson-Iron District Health Department

If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague to appear on the ballot, please submit your nomination to UPEHA2@gmail.com by January 16, 2026.

Award Nominations Now Open

We are accepting nominations for the Rob Wolfe Lifetime Achievement Award and PINES - Sanitarian of the Year Award.

Nomination materials can be found here.

Deadline for nominations is December 31, 2025.

Silent Auction Donations

The AEC Silent Auction is seeking donations of unique items, handmade goods, local specialties, or experiences.

Submit donations or donation suggestions here.

Spring Soils Training

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:34:57 GMT

Soil’s Training, June 3-4, 2025 in Marquette, MI

June 3 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm: Classroom Day

June 4 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm: Field Day

Location details will be provided to registrants.

Offered in collaboration with EGLE and UPEHA.

Register by May 30, 2025.

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/g/YLg0ABrd4i

(30 person max)

SAVE THE DATE:

2026 UPEHA Annual Education Conference Dates

February 11-13, 2026 at the Island Resort and Casino

2025 UPEHA Annual Education Conference - Presentations

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:47:54 GMT

Thank you to all who attended the 2025 UPEHA Annual Education Conference! You may find copies of the presenter slides at the following links:

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom Response: A Partnership with Local Public Health

Dewatering Wells 101

A Journey Through Well Drilling & Hydrofracturing Process

Pathogen Monitoring in Marquette Wastewater from COVID to Flu and More

Wastewater Treatment for Cruise Ships on the Great Lakes

MDOT's Right of Way (ROW) Permitting Uses, ROW Types, & ROW Map

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Temporary Food Establishments

Be Careful What You ~~Wish.~~..Sample For

Foodborne Illness Investigations in Michigan

Ghost Kitchens

Mackinac Island, It's Not Just Fudge: Farm to Ferry at Mission Point

Thursday, February 13, 2025

MDHHS Updates / Local Health Departments in Michigan

Child Care Licensing & Environmental Health Inspections

2025 UPEHA Directory

2025 UPEHA Silent Auction

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:55:40 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) cordially invites you to participate in an online silent auction fundraiser event. The event is set to open 8:00AM on Monday, February 10th with the bidding coming to a close at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, February 13th. Some items up for bid include:

Original Soo Locks Boat Tour
Grand Hotel - One Night Stay for Two
Landmark Inn stay in Marquette
Mackinac Straits Sailing Charter
Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour
Original Wood Working
Mackinac Bridge Painting
Mackinac State Historic Parks Tickets

And much much more!

To participate in the online silent auction for the UPEHA please click on the link below to view the auction on 32auctions.

UPEHA Silent Auction

2025 UPEHA Annual Conference - February 11-13, 2025

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:22:40 GMT

Registration forms have already been sent out to all members, to request your own registration form email us at UPEHA2@gmail.com.

UPEHA has reserved a room block at the Island Resort & Casino at a rate of $90/night. Call 1-800-682-6040 for reservations and ask for the UPEHA Conference block of rooms (Block #20413 - UPEHA) when making your reservation. Please note a credit card is required to hold the room.

Room reservations will need to be made prior to January 26, 2025 in order to receive the conference rate.

2024 UPEHA Annual Conference - February 27-29, 2024

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:30:00 GMT

Happy December!

We are getting excited as the new year approaches and we get closer to the 2024 Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association Annual Conference.

2024 UPEHA Annual Conference

February 27 - 29, 2024

Island View Resort and Casino

Escanaba, MI

Attached you will find the Draft Agenda and Registration Form which includes the information for hotel reservations.

Registration forms and payment will be due by January 19, 2024.

2024 Annual Training Conference Agenda.pdf

UPEHA Conference Registration 2024.pdf

Additionally there will be a Food Variance and Food Processing Training the same week by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Food Variance & Food Processing Resources

for the Hospitality Industry

Monday, February 26, 2024

Escanaba, MI

Attached is the information flier. This training is open to industry as well.

We would like to thank the MRLA and MDARD for bringing this training to the Upper Peninsula.

MRLA Regulator Variance Training.pdf

UPEHA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - February 15-17th, ESCANABA, MI

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 20:03:01 GMT

2023 Annual Training Conference - Please Join US!

February 15-17, 2023

Located at the Island View Resort & Casino in Escanaba, MI

2023 UPEHA Conference Agenda.pdf

2023 UPEHA Conference Registration.pdf

2023 Verbal Judo Registration .pdf

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Full Conference (membership included): $125

Single Day: $65

Student Full Conference: $65

Student Single Day: $20

Membership Only: $20

Deadline: January 20, 2023

Hotel Reservations

Block of rooms have been reserved at the Island Resort & Casino

W399 Hwy 2 & 41, Harris, MI

800-682-6040

UPEHA 2020 Silent Auction is Open

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 18:48:24 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) cordially invites you to participate in an online silent auction fundraiser event. The event is currently open with the bidding coming to a close at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, February 21, 2020. Items up for bid include:

Pictured Rocks Kayak Tour
Big Manistique Lake Get Away
Mackinac Island Get Away
Tahquamenon Falls River Boat Tour
Soo Locks Boat Tour
Original Wood Working by Jackson Caskey
Ferry Tickets to Mackinac Island

To participate in the online silent auction for the UPEHA please click on the link below to view the auction on 32auctions.

http://www.32auctions.com/upeha2020

For more information on the UPEHA Annual Education Conference, Registration forms, and Conference Agenda please visit the MEHA web site (www.meha.net).

Thank you for supporting the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association.

Registration Open

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:18:03 GMT

Registration for the UPEHA Annual Education Conference is now open. Please complete the registration form and return it along with the registration fee (made payable to UPEHA) to our Treasurer, Jennifer Farnworth, at: Marquette County Health Department, 184 US 41 E, Negaunee, MI 49866

Hotel reservations should be made by January 20th to ensure you receive the conference rate. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Island Resort & Casino in February!

Elizabeth Suggitt, UPEHA Chair

Agenda

2020 UPEHA Annual Education Conference

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 19:38:20 GMT

Save the Date! UPEHA Annual Education conference will be held on February 19-21, 2020 at the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI. Check back in December 2019 for registration information and agenda!

Save the Date 2020.pdf

UPEHA 2019 Online Silent Auction

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 15:28:33 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) cordially invites you to participate in an online silent auction fundraiser event. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday February 5, 2019 with the bidding coming to a close at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday February 14, 2019. Items up for bid include:

Mackinac Island Day Package
Mackinac Island Midweek Get Away
Mackinac Island Get Away
Sea Kayak Tour in the Keweenaw
Tahquamenon Falls River Boat Tour
Soo Locks Boat Tour
Kewadin Casino Show Tickets
Original Wood Working by Jackson Caskey

To participate in the online silent auction for the UPEHA please click on the link below to view the auction on 32auctions.

http://www.32auctions.com/upeha2019

For more information on the UPEHA Annual Education Conference, Registration forms, and Conference Agenda please visit the MEHA web site (www.meha.net).

Thank you for supporting the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association.

2019 UPEHA Conference Announcement and Registration

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 15:18:34 GMT

UPEHA 2019 ANNUAL TRAINING CONFERENCE

Island Resort & Casino, Harris, MI

February 12 - 14, 2019

2019 UPEHA Conference Announcement.pdf

2019 UPEHA Conference Registration.pdf

Return registration form with check payable to “UPEHA”, to Jennifer Farnworth, c/o Marquette County Health Department, 184 US 41 E. Negaunee, MI 49866.

Don't forget to make your hotel reservations by January 28, 2019, and make sure to mention the UPEHA conference room block to receive the discounted room rate of $63.70/per room (plus tribal tax).

Any inquiries related to the conference may be directed to Elizabeth Suggitt, UPEHA Planning Committee Chair at: esuggitt@lmasdhd.org

UP EHA Annual Conference

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 14:55:39 GMT

Save the Date for the UP annual education conference.

February 12-14, 2019 at the Island Resort and Casino

UPEHA Hosting Testing Site for REHS and CP-FS Exams

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 19:22:46 GMT

The UPEHA will be hosting a testing location for the REHS and CP-FS credential examinations on Monday February 11, 2019 at the Island Resort and Casino Conference Center in Escanaba. Please see the link below for details.

REHS flyer.pdf

Save the Date

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 20:32:12 GMT

Reminder to keep the second week of February open for the 2019 Annual UPEHA Conference !

2019 SAVE THE DATE.pdf

UPEHA 2018 Online Silent Auction

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:27:25 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) cordially invites you to participate in an online silent auction fundraiser event. The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday February 22, 2018 with the bidding coming to a close at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday March 1, 2018. Items up for bid include:

Ski Package to Marquette Mountain
Two Night Get Away on Big Manistique Lake
Mackinac Island Day Package
Mackinac Island Midweek Get Away
Tahquamenon Falls River Boat Tour
Soo Locks Boat Tour
Rippling River Camp Stay
Two Night Retreat at Paddler’s Village

Revenue generated from the donated silent auction items will be used to offset the cost of speakers, facilities, materials, refreshments and/or meals during the UPEHA Annual Education Conference. Without the support of the Silent Auction, the UPEHA would not be able to offset the costs associated with sponsoring a comprehensive training conference for our membership.

To participate in the online silent auction for the UPEHA please click on the link below to view the auction on 32auctions.

http://www.32auctions.com/upeha2018

For more information on the UPEHA Annual Education Conference, Registration forms, and Conference Agenda please visit the MEHA web site (www.meha.net).

Thank you for supporting the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association.

2018 UPEHA Annual Education Conference Registration

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 18:17:46 GMT

The 2018 UPEHA Annual Education Conference is February 27 - March 1, 2018 at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, MI.

2018 UPEHA Conference Registration.pdf

2018 UPEHA Conference Announcement.pdf

SAVE THE DATE!

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:59:08 GMT

The UPEHA Annual Education Conference will be held February 27, 2018 - March 1, 2018 at the Island Resort and Casino in Escanaba, MI.

Save the Date 2018 UPEHA.pdf

Conference Announcement and Registration forms will be posted soon. We look forward to seeing you in February!

UPEHA Online Silent Auction Open!

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 16:49:00 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) cordially invites you to participate in an online silent auction fundraiser event. The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday February 16, 2017 with the bidding coming to a close at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday February 23, 2017. Items up for bid include:

Ski Package to Marquette Mountain
Two Night Get Away on Big Manistique Lake
Mackinac Island Day Package
Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets
Tahquamenon Falls River Boat Tour

To participate in the online silent auction for the UPEHA please click on the link below to view the auction on 32auctions.

http://www.32auctions.com/upeha2017

For more information on the UPEHA Annual Education Conference, Registration forms, and Conference Agenda please visit the MEHA web site (www.meha.net).

Thank you for supporting the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association.

UPEHA Annual Education Conference Registration

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:40:26 GMT

The UPEHA Annual Education Conference is February 21-23, 2017 at the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI.

2017 UPEHA Conference Registration.pdf

2017 UPEHA Conference Announcement.pdf

Save the Date!

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 17:40:15 GMT

The UPEHA Annual Education Conference will be held February 21-23, 2017 at the Island Resort & Casino in Escanaba, MI.

UPEHA Save the date 2017.pdf

Conference Announcement and Registration Forms will go out in January. Stay tuned! We look forward to seeing you in February!

2016 Silent Auction Open

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 13:28:11 GMT

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Association (UPEHA) cordially invites you to participate in an online silent auction fundraiser event. The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday February 12, 2016 with the bidding coming to a close at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday February 25, 2016.

List of Items up for Auction

Participate in the Silent Auction

2016 UPEHA Conference Update

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 16:33:02 GMT

The 2016 UPEHA Conference Registration is now open. Please consider travelling to Marquette for this fabulous conference.
2016 UPEHA Newsletter

2016 UPEHA Annual Training Conference Agenda

2016 UPEHA Conference Registration

Planning Committee Openings

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 19:37:48 GMT

UPEHA needs interested and dedicated people to serve on the UPEHA planning committee. Each region has an individual health department which is up for election. The board is designed so that each Health Department has a representative on the committee. We are accepting nominations for the following representatives:

- Western UP (Western UP Health Department)

- Central UP (Public Health Delta-Menominee)

- Eastern UP (LMAS)

- Member at Large (working/practicing in the Environmental Health field in the UP- state government, industry, academia)

If you would like to nominate a person, please e-mail me Tat samcnulty@hline.org by December 23^rd. Elections will take place at our annual business meeting at the UPEHA Educational Conference in February.

Sheila McNulty, RS

UPEHA Online Silent Auction Fundraiser

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 18:03:40 GMT

The UPEHA annual online silent auction is now open! Bidding will continue through 10:30 a.m. on Thursday February 26, 2015. Visit our online silent auction at www.32auctions.com/upeha2015. A few of the items we are auctioning off this year include:

Ski packages to Marquette Mountain and Mont Ripley
Jumbo perch fishing guided tour on Lake Gogebic
Mackinac Island get away
Soo Locks boat tour
Tahquamenon River boat tour
NMU golf package
One night stay at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel in Oshkosh, WI

Go online and help support the UPEHA!! Items may be added to the auction as donations are still coming in so check back often!

UPEHA Raffle Fundraiser

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 17:57:46 GMT

The UPEHA is currently holding a raffle fundraiser. The following prizes are included in the raffle:

Browning BPS Engraved Hunter, pump action gun (comes in 12 or 20 gauge) - $600 equivalent gift card to Gander Mountain

IPad Mini with Case

$100 cash

The drawing for these prizes will be on February 26, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at our annual education conference in Marquette. The winners do not need to be present to win. Ticket price is $5.00 per ticket. If you would like to participate in this fundraising raffle contact Elizabeth at esuggitt@lmasdhd.org.

UPEHA 2015 Annual Education Conference February 24 - 26, 2015

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 17:48:52 GMT

Join us for our 2015 Annual Education Conference at the Holiday Inn in Marquette! Conference Announcement/Agenda and Conference Registration links are provided below.

2015 UPEHA Conference Announcement.pdf

2015 UPEHA Conference Registration.pdf

UPEHA Online Silent Auction February 13th - Februart 27, 2014

Thu, 06 Feb 2014 18:31:42 GMT

The UPEHA annual online silent auction fundraiser will begin on Thursday February 13, 2014 at 8:00a.m. and will run through February 27, 2014. Visit our online silent auction at www.32auctions.com/upeha2014. A few of the items that will be auctioned off this year include:

- A golf package to The Jewel golf course, owned and operated by the Grand Hotel

- Two separate day trips to Mackinac Island

- Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise

- Get away package to Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie

The auction opens on Thursday February 13th at 8:00 a.m. Items may be added to the auction pages up until this time. Go online and help support the UPEHA!!

UPEHA Raffle

Thu, 06 Feb 2014 18:23:39 GMT

UPEHA will be raffling off the following prizes:

Browning BPS Engraved Hunter, pump action gun (comes in 12 or 20 gauge) - $600 equivalent gift card to Gander Mountain

Kindle Fire HD

$100

The drawing for these prizes will be on February 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at our annual education conference in Marquette. The winners do not need to be present to win. Ticket price is $5.00 per ticket. If you would like to participate in this fundraising raffle contact the UPEHA at upeha@meha.net.

UPEHA Annual Education Conference February 25 - 27, 2014 in Marquette, MI

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 21:58:15 GMT

Join us for our 2014 Annual Education Conference in Marquette! Conference Announcement/Agenda and Conference Registration links are provided below. Stay tuned for an invite and details to participate in our online silent auction fundraiser.

2014 UPEHA Conference Announcement-1.pdf

2014 UPEHA Conference Registration.pdf

UPEHA Annual Education Conference Save the Date

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:10:42 GMT

Save the Date 2014 UPEHA.pdf