NWTC President Rafn to retire
GREEN BAY – After 25 years, Dr. H. Jeffrey Rafn, president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2023.
“It has been a distinct honor and privilege to lead Northeast Wisconsin Technical College,” said Dr. Rafn. “It is important that NWTC continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of our community, as these careers shape our region and lives every day.”
Joining NWTC in 1997 as president, Dr. Rafn helped transform the 110-year-old institution and served nearly one million students during his tenure.
“Dr. Rafn’s vision and commitment to student success has been an integral part in the economic vitality and growth of our community,” said Cathy Dworak, chair of NWTC’s Board of Trustees. “He has been an inspirational leader, and it has been an honor to work with him.”
Dr. Rafn came to Northeast Wisconsin from New Hampshire where he served as an administrator and educator for 18 years across the East Coast.
He earned his doctorate from Boston University.
The search process for a replacement is being discussed by the Board of Trustees.
US 41 improvements to begin
BROWN COUNTY – Construction began Monday, Aug. 22, to improve a nine-mile stretch of US 41 from Norfield Rd. in Suamico into Oconto County.
The construction will go on until Oct. 31 of this year before pausing for the winter and will pick back up in the spring.
Construction is expected to be completed July 2023.
Lane and shoulder closures are expected, but US 41 and all interchange ramps are anticipated to remain operational while construction is underway.
Brown Road at US 41 will be closed for a short duration during off-peak hours to replace a culvert crossing between Aug. 29-Sept. 15.
Frontage roads along US 41 will still be open during the closure.
For updates regarding the US 41 construction, refer to projects.511wi.gov.
13th Annual Suicide Prevention Ride
BROWN COUNTY – On Sunday, Aug. 28, motorcyclists are invited to participate in the 13th annual Suicide Prevention Ride.
The ride is scheduled to depart from Little Creek Lodge in Suamico at 12 p.m.
Festivities including raffles and live music will be open to the public at Chambers Hill in Green Bay from 4-8 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Family Services’ Crisis Center.
Green Bay Habitat for Humanity continues to grow
GREEN BAY – The Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity welcomed several new faces to its ranks this summer, including Erik Nieman, chief operating officer, Laura Seroogy, director of philanthropy and John Stindt, construction manager.
Erik Nieman brings a well-rounded background to his new role with a MBA from St. Norbert College and experience in retail and banking.
Laura Seroogy has been on several boards of directors for local non-profit organizations and brings fundraising experience and a deep understanding of the housing market to her new position.
John Stindt has already proved himself to be an asset to the organization as he helps navigate the challenges of product and supplier delays, increased costs of materials and the increasing need for affordable homes thanks to his prior experience in the construction industry.
Cellcom opens applications for Green Gifts
BROWN COUNTY – Applications are now being accepted for Cellcom’s Green Gifts program.
Through the Green Gifts program, the proceeds of Cellcom’s cell phone recycling program are donated to local organizations, groups and projects focused on the environment.
A total of $30,000 will be donated this year across Cellcom’s service area.
Applications must be submitted online by Sept. 22 at noon.
Additional information and the online application can be found at cellcom.com/greengifts.
Green Bay Packers have best home-field advantage
GREEN BAY – In the last five seasons, the Green Bay Packers have won nearly double the number of home games than they have away games.
Winning 77.5% of their home games, the Green Bay Packers have been ranked by Betsperts as the team with the best home-field advantage in the NFL.
Compared to the average percentage of away games won, the Packers have a difference of 26.39% – the highest percentage difference of any team in the NFL.
Betsperts’ top ten teams for home-field advantage:
- Green Bay Packers, 26.39%
- Miami Dolphins, 25.83%
- Cleveland Browns, 23.33%
- New York Jets, 19.17%
- Jacksonville Jaguars, 16.67%
- Indianapolis Colts, 16.39%
- Cincinnati Bengals, 16.11%
- Minnesota Vikings, 15.83%
- Pittsburgh Steelers, 15.83%
- Denver Broncos, 13.89%
Gov. Evers announces $10 million to improve clean drinking water access
BROWN COUNTY – Along with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Gov. Tony Evers announced a $10 million grant program, based on the state’s Well Compensation Grant Program, to support efforts to improve private wells.
The new investment was accompanied by expanded eligibility criteria, meaning more well owners may qualify for assistance addressing contamination.
The new program:
• Eliminates the requirement that a nitrate-contaminated well is only eligible for a grant if it is used as a water supply for livestock;
• Lowers the nitrate threshold for nitrate-contaminated wells from 40 parts per million (ppm) to 10 ppm to comply with the state’s public health standards;
• Lowers the arsenic standard for arsenic-contaminated wells from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb to comply with federal drinking water standards;
• Allows any source of bacterial contamination that presents a human health risk to be eligible for the program, not just fecal bacteria caused by livestock;
• Increases the family income limit for grants from $65,000 to $100,000, a threshold that has not been raised since 1995;
• Eliminates the requirement that an award must be reduced by 30 percent of the amount by which the claimant’s income exceeds $45,000 if the claimant has a family income that exceeds $45,000; and
• Expands eligible applicants to include owners of contaminated non-community wells (churches, daycare centers, rural restaurants and other small businesses) and basing income eligibility on the property or business owner’s income instead of family income.
“Everyone in Wisconsin deserves clean drinking water,” said DNR Secretary Preston Cole. “This money will be available to private well owners who need help dealing with contaminated groundwater, and DNR is excited to offer this assistance.”
BOGO Admission at Green Bay Botanical Garden Ends Aug. 31
GREEN BAY – The BMO Harris Bank Getaway Wednesdays weekly event series at Green Bay Botanical Garden ends Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Each Wednesday, visitors to the garden can enjoy perks including Buy One Get One free admission to the garden and Habitat exhibit from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Express Garden Tours from 10-11 a.m. and hands-on activities for families at the Discovery Station from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Visit GBBG.org/Wednesdays for more details.