News Briefs

NeighborWorks Green Bay 40th Annual Celebration
GREEN BAY – NeighborWorks Green Bay will host their 40th Annual Celebration at the Riverside Ballroom on Oct. 13 to celebrate their accomplishments from the past year with partners, donors, supporters and the community.

The free event will feature food, drinks, basket and 50/50 raffles and opportunities for networking.
Donations will be accepted to help NeighborWorks continue in their mission to solve housing challenges and build stronger communities.

WEDC offers grants to transform public spaces
BROWN COUNTY – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced the availability of Vibrant Spaces Grants, which Wisconsin communities can apply this fall to transform under-used public spaces.

The pilot program offered by WEDC allows municipalities to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to assist with creating spaces for community gatherings and activities.

“This is a great opportunity for communities of all sizes to get the financial assistance and support they need to make changes that will have a true impact on the vitality of their community,” Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said. “The presence of high-quality public spaces fosters community connections and helps municipalities recruit and retain residents and cultivate a strong labor force.”

Applications for these grants are due by Jan. 31. No more than 30 grants will be awarded statewide by May 1.

Scholarships awarded to UWGB nursing students
GREEN BAY – Ten nursing students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) received scholarships from Aurora BayCare Medical Center.

The scholarships, ranging from $2,500-$5,000, represent part of the more than $125,000 dedicated by Aurora Baycare to support nursing students at UWGB over the next several years.

“Providing this support at UW-Green Bay is just one way that we can invest in Wisconsin’s nursing workforce. And in the coming years, that investment will reflect in the excellent care nurses will provide for our community,” Heather Schroeder, vice president and chief nurse officer for Aurora BayCare, said.

100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week

BROWN COUNTY – The week of October 9, 2022, will be observed as the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week highlights the importance of fire escape planning.
Home and business owners are encouraged to choose and maintain a smoke alarm, plan an escape route and ensure that every person, including children and the elderly, knows what to do in case of a fire.

Meehan chosen as keynote speaker by Management Women, Inc.

GREEN BAY – Management Women, Inc. has announced that Annie Meehan will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Heels, Hopes, and Higher Education seminar.

Meehan, a professional speaker, award-winning author and certified coach, will present “Be the Exception” at the annual professional development seminar.

Her presentation will help motivate participants to adopt practical tools for a more impactful personal and professional life.

The seminar is open to the public and will take place Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
“The Heels, Hopes, and Higher Education seminar will feature a keynote speaker who focuses on professional development and growth,” Lori Jensen, Management Women seminar chairperson, said.

Gietman joins Bellin Health Ear, & Nose Throat
GREEN BAY – Dr. Bradley Gietman has joined the healthcare team at Bellin Health Ear, Nose & Throat.

With a medical degree and residency completed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Gietman has expertise in a variety of areas including nasal obstruction, nasal valve collapse, acute and chronic sinus disease, thyroid and parathyroid disease, salivary gland disease, head and neck cancer, skin cancer, mohs surgery reconstruction, septoplasty and functional rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, parotid surgery, neck dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Sen. Jacque chosen to lead binational environmental group
BROWN COUNTY – Wisconsin State Senator André Jacque (R- De Pere) was recently elected as incoming chair to the binational, nonpartisan Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus (GLLC).

The GLLC was organized in 2003 with the goal of assuring that the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River continue to be a source of clean, affordable water to the residents, businesses and industries of the region.

Eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces are represented in the GLLC and its executive committee.
“Clean water is essential to support a healthy population, a thriving economy, and a well-functioning ecosystem. It is an extraordinary honor to continue my leadership in this vital area,” Sen. Jacque said. “I am grateful for this opportunity and to have the confidence of my colleagues across the Great Lakes basin to foster even greater collaboration and success on the issues that affect all our jurisdictions.”

Give BIG Green Bay returns for 2023
GREEN BAY – Applications for participation in Give BIG Green Bay 2023 are open until Oct. 31, 2022.

Give BIG Green Bay 2023, which will take place on February 21 and 22, is an online giving day designed to provide a platform for local organizations to share their work with and gain support from the community.
Interested nonprofits are encouraged to apply at giveBIGgreenbay.org in order to be considered during the selection process. Selected nonprofits will be notified in January 2023.

During Give BIG Green Bay 2023, the generosity of the Green Bay Packers and other donors will offer matching funds and incentives totaling nearly $500,000 to participating organizations.

Baer Performance Marketing acquires Branding180
GREEN BAY – Full-service integrated marketing agency Baer Performance Marketing (BPM) announced that it will be merging with Branding180 in order to expand its services.

Branding180, a company specializing in promotional and branded product procurement, was launched in 2015 by owner David Vander Bloomen.

“When exploring the possibilities for the future of Branding180, maintaining the integrity of our company’s values was a top priority,” Vander Bloomen said. “Joining forces with BPM has been seamless because the cultures are so similar. We’re both driven by the desire to help our clients tell their stories.”
Teams from both companies will work out of the BPM office in Ashwaubenon with no jobs being affected by the merger.

“We’re thrilled to add all the knowledge and passion of the Branding180 team to bolster the in-house solutions offered to our clients,” BPM President Aaron Baer said. “We will seize this opportunity to deepen and develop our existing relationships as we grow our team and our capabilities. We couldn’t be more excited for BPM’s future.”

Gov. Evers invests additional $16.6 Million to help Wisconsin families
BROWN COUNTY – Gov. Tony Evers announced the investment of an additional $16.6 million to help keep energy and heat on for Wisconsin families throughout the fall and winter months.

$13.6 million will go towards the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) for heating assistance and $3 million will go to the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund to provide crisis energy assistance.

This investment follows an $8 million investment made in the summer of 2022 to the Summer Fill Program, which assists families that rely on propane and fuel oil for energy to prepare for winter.

“We know that hardworking folks and families across our state are facing rising energy costs this season, in addition to the rising costs we’ve seen at the grocery store check-out and gas pumps,” Gov. Evers said. “Nobody should have to worry about choosing between keeping their homes warm and their families fed. But for many, that’s the reality. These funds will help Wisconsinites make ends meet so they don’t have to choose, taking a little pressure off their household budget and a little worry off their minds.”

WHEAP energy assistance benefits are available for eligible individuals and households beginning Oct. 1 and can be applied for through county social and human service offices, Tribal governments, and private non-profit agencies, online at https://energybenefit.wi.gov, or by phone at 1-800-506-5596.

Hurricane relief drive
DE PERE – First United Presbyterian Church will host a hurricane relief drive to collect items needed by the church’s sister congregation, Chapel By the Sea, which is located in Fort Myers Beach and sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian.

Items needed include tarps, duct tape, bungee cords, flashlights, batteries, paper products, cleaning products, garbage bags, personal care items and non-perishable/no-cook food.

Cash and gift card donations will also be accepted.

Supplies can be dropped off between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8.

BCTA files suit against Biden administration
BROWN COUNTY – The Brown County Taxpayers Association (BCTA) has filed a three-count complaint against the President of the United States and the Secretary of the US Department of Education, claiming that President Biden’s One-Time Student Loan Debt Relief Plan is unconstitutional.

“It’s unfortunate we must give the President of the United States and his administration an eighth-grade civics lesson on justice and the US Constitution,” BCTA’s President Rich Heidel said. “It doesn’t matter that their names are Biden and Cardona. It doesn’t matter their titles, or that their offices are in Washington D.C. Contesting issues like this Student Loan Forgiveness Plan is right in the BCTA’s wheelhouse and conforms to our mission and reason for existing.”

BCPH reminds residents not to touch bats
BROWN COUNTY – In light of two bats recently testing positive for the rabies virus after being submitted to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Brown County Public Health (BCPH) reminds people to avoid touching bats and other wildlife.

Bites and scratches from infected animals are the main ways rabies is transmitted.

If you or your pet may have come into contact with a bat, it is recommended that you immediately contact your local law enforcement agency as well as BCPH.

In the event a bat enters your home, BCPH recommends that law enforcement is contacted to assist in the capture of the bat.

If you must capture the bat yourself, it is recommended that you close all doors and windows, wear leather work gloves, and place a container over the bat and trap it inside by sliding and securing a piece of cardboard under the container.

BCPH recommends using caution when in the presence of wild animals and warns never to approach, touch or play with any bats or other wild animals.

Middle school students invited to participate in Character Playbook project
BROWN COUNTY – Wisconsin middle school students are invited by the Green Bay Packers and Brown County United Way to develop and submit service projects in their schools, neighborhoods and communities to be considered for inclusion in the Character Playbook Community Impact Project.

Submitted proposals will be considered to receive a grant award of up to $500 through the NFL Volunteerism Grant and Brown County United Way to support the implementation of the project.

Students groups who are interested in submitting a proposal should do so by Oct. 31 at packers.formstack.com/forms/character_playbook_community_impact_grant_application_2022.