News Briefs

World Giraffe Day

SUAMICO – The NEW Zoological Society is sponsoring a World Giraffe Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park.

The event supports giraffe conservation efforts, with funds raised going directly to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in Africa.

A variety of activities throughout the day include kids’ games and crafts, face and arm painting, temporary tattoos, a coloring contest, visits with Stretch, the NEW Zoo mascot, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a merchandise tent and, of course, the giraffe feeding experience with zoo residents Zuri and Nigel.

Man dies after hitting garage with car
DE PERE – A 65-year-old male driver died as a result of injuries after crashing into the garage area of a single-family residence in the 700 block of Oconto Place in the City of De Pere June 18.

Captain Chad Opicka said preliminary investigation determined the SUV was traveling westbound on Ridgeway Drive when it left the roadway to the south, hitting the residence located on the southwest corner of Ridgeway Drive and Oconto Place causing significant damage to the residence and a parked automobile.

The crash remains under investigation.

Road construction in TID No. 1 underway
BELLEVUE – Work has begun within the Village of Bellevue’s tax increment district (TID) No. 1, located near the GV-172 corridor.

The project is the next phase of infrastructure in the area that will include the Town Hall Road extension, the extension of Costco Way, as well as the creation of a stub road to the west of County Highway GV.

Work is estimated to be completed this fall.

Speed dating event at Safe Haven
GREEN BAY – Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, located at 151 N. Broadway, is hosting a 50-plus speed dating event at 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 1.

The event includes conversation, icebreakers, snacks, music, and wine, all while rotating partners every five minutes, followed by a half hour mix and mingle.

Tickets and more information can be found at safehavenpet.org.

Solid month for port shipping, down year-to-date
GREEN BAY – Imports of limestone and cement led the way as nearly 180,000 tons of cargo moved through the Port of Green Bay in May.

However, Dean Haen, port director, said despite the solid tonnage numbers in May, the year-to-date totals are down 32% from last year.

“It was good to see the increased numbers in May of this year after a rather slow start to the shipping season,” Haen said.

Imports of domestic limestone led the way in May at 85,266 tons, with cement imports at 49,562 tons.

Imports of domestic and foreign petroleum products hit 18,962 tons, with exports of domestic petroleum products at 5,886 tons.

“If we can build on last month’s tonnage, we will be well on our way to reaching our target of 2 million tons of cargo this shipping season,” Haen said.

He said a total of 18 ships moved through the port in May, bringing the 2022 total to 29.

John A. Vander Leest announces reelection
BROWN COUNTY – John A. Vander Leest announced his reelection bid for Brown County Clerk of Courts on June 17, a role he has held since 2015.

Before running for clerk of courts, Vander Leest served 13 years on the Brown County Board and eight years on the Green Bay City Council.

Vander Leest will face challenger Megan Borchardt Nov. 8.

Rustic Road guide available, features 123 routes
WISCONSIN – Governor Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, announced the 2022 Rustic Road guide, which offers 123 backroad routes through Wisconsin scenery, is now available in print and online.

“Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads show us the lakes that glaciers left behind and the bluffs they left untouched,” Evers said. “This program, which began in 1975, continues to grow thanks to local participation.”

The program highlights approximately 740 miles of country roads through 61 counties.

Brown and yellow signs mark the routes of all officially designated Rustic Roads.

A free copy is available through travelwisconsin.com/order-guides or at 1-800-432-8747.

A PDF guide is also available at wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/rustic-roads/ebook.aspx.

New website domain
BELLEVUE – The Village of Bellevue launched its new website domain Monday, June 20.

Those looking to access the village’s page will now do so at villageofbellevuewi.gov.

Any questions should be directed to village staff.

SNC professor wins award for new scholars
DE PERE – Craig Ford, assistant professor of theology and religious studies at St. Norbert College (SNC), was recently awarded the Catherine Mowry LaCugna Award for new scholars at the Catholic Theological Society of America’s (CTSA) 76th annual convention.

The award is given for the best academic essay in the field of theology within the Roman Catholic tradition.

Ford, who joined the faculty at SNC in 2019, received a plaque and $750 for his winning essay.

“Winning the LaCugna award is nothing short of an extraordinary honor,” he said.

1st annual Green Bay police food truck rally
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Police Department, in partnership with the Green Bay Food Truck Mafia, will host the 1st annual food truck rally from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Marquette Park.

The event will feature a handful of food options, including Lil Jamaica, Taco Tone’s, Boss Dogs, Blue Suede Foods and Smokin Doug’s BBQ.

Bank of Luxemburg opens Howard location
HOWARD – Bank of Luxemburg recently opened its ninth location at 325 Cardinal Lane in Howard.

The official ribbon cutting for the newly-constructed branch, which offers full-service banking with safe deposit boxes, an interactive ATM and a drive-thru, took place Wednesday, June 22.

“We’re excited to expand our offerings and increase convenience to our Green Bay customers while continuing to make a bigger difference in Northeast Wisconsin overall,” bank president Tim Treml said.

Meijer offers recycling service to customers
HOWARD – Meijer announced customers can bring plastic flower pots and trays – regardless of where they were originally purchased – to any Meijer Garden Center to recycle.

Since 2014, the retailer has helped recycle 1,825 tons of plastic plant containers.

Each Meijer store has collection bins for customers to deposit materials, but they could vary depending on the store.

Leadership changes in mental health counseling program
GREEN BAY – Foundations Health & Wholeness recently announced a handful of leadership changes in its mental health counseling program.

After seven years in the position, Julie Feld retired as director, but will remain with Foundations as a part-time therapist.

Lana Cheslock, the current clinical director of Foundations’ resident training program, will now lead the Counseling Operations and Services program as its clinical director.

And Joanne Klysen has been promoted to director of community-based counseling services, including Foundations’ extensive community partnerships, such as school-based mental health, the Brown County Aging & Disability Resource Center and several local homeless shelters.

To learn more about the programs at Foundations Health & Wholeness, visit wearefoundations.org.