Police see influx of incidents involving gel guns
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Police Department (GBPD) said it is encountering an increase of incidents involving gel guns.
The department said since the beginning of last month, police have investigated 18 incidents involving air guns that fire small gel balls.
Officers said these types of guns are widely available, and the pellets can cause injuries, particularly if they strike the eyes or other sensitive areas.
Two incidents of note took place June 29.
Officers were investigating such an incident when they encountered a juvenile carrying two of the guns in downtown Green Bay.
The department said when officers attempted to confiscate the guns, a large disturbance ensued, with a solo officer at one point being confronted by several juveniles.
The incident led to six arrests, with charges including disorderly conduct, obstructing or resisting an officer and battery or threat to an officer.
The department said the other incident involved a group of juveniles that used a gel pellet gun to commit a robbery at Bay Beach Park.
Five juveniles were charged with robbery, intimidation and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident.
“These incidents are concerning for a number of reasons, not least the risk that someone will be seriously hurt,” Police Chief Chris Davis said. “We take this very seriously, and anyone who attacks community members with gel pellet guns can expect to be arrested and held accountable.”
Davis said parents are encouraged to talk to their kids about the dangers of engaging in this behavior.
GBPD said it will deploy directed patrols in public spaces for the remainder of the summer to address this and other public safety issues in parks and downtown Green Bay.
Wello receives award from Medical College of Wisconsin
GREEN BAY – Wello announced it received an award of $199,998 from the Medical College of Wisconsin to support its project titled “Leveraging Trusted Relationships Between Community and Farmers to Increase Healthy Food Access.”
As part of the project, which provides produce boxes to its clients, Wello is partnering with We All Rise: African American Resource Center, Casa ALBA Melanie, Crusaders de Justicia, Seasonal Harvest LLC. and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, Wello will be awarded the funds over the next 18 months.
Questions on the project can be directed to Beth Heller at beth@wello.org or by phone at (773) 329-3573.
Goral honored at annual SkillsUSA event
GREEN BAY – Evan Goral, a Preble High School student, was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Sheet Metal – one of the nation’s highest awards – at the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships, held in Atlanta.
The championship event is held annually for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Goral was one of two Preble students to participate in the national event.
Sievert resigns from HSSD Board of Education
HOWARD-SUAMICO – Howard-Suamico School District (HSSD) School Board President Garry Sievert has resigned from his position, effective immediately, citing personal health and family concerns.
“It is with a heavy heart that I need to resign from the Board of Education,” he said. “My current health status and related family concerns will not allow me to provide the time and energy required for this position.”
Sievert has served on the School Board since 2017, and was in his second year as board president.
Moving forward, the board will complete a process to fill the vacancy by the start of the upcoming school year, which is Sept. 1.
Allouez kayak launch moved
ALLOUEZ – Due to low water levels at Green Isle Park, the Village of Allouez staff said the kayak launch has been moved to East Lawn Park at 1515 Boyd Street for the remainder of the year.
Questions can be directed to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.
RC Mowers announces the hiring of several new employees
SUAMICO – RC Mowers, a manufacturer of remote-operated robotic mowers, announced the hiring of several new employees as demand and dealers grow throughout the country.
Along with several new production, operations, purchasing and marketing team members, two hires deemed notable to the company include Matthew Bries as its senior robotics engineer and Bryan Johnson as its regional sales manager, based in the Pacific Northwest.
“We are continuing to grow at a rapid pace,” Tim Kubista, vice president of sales and marketing, said. “We wish Matthew, Bryan and our other new employees continued success as we work together to redefine the business of mowing.”
More information on RC Mowers can be found at rcmowersusa.com.
Structure fire at multi-unit apartment complex
DE PERE – At approximately 9:15 a.m. June 29, De Pere Fire Rescue units responded to a structure fire at 985 N. Broadway St.
Battalion Chief Brett Jansen said when crews arrived, smoke and flames were coming from the two-story, multi-unit apartment complex.
Jansen said firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire, preventing it from spreading.
He said four apartments were damaged, and displaced residents were relocated by the American Red Cross.
Jansen said it is not known how long the residents will be displaced from their apartments.
There were no injuries.
Jansen said fire units were on scene for approximately four hours, and fire damage was estimated at approximately $200,000.
Schneider awarded carrier of the year award from Dollar General
GREEN BAY – Schneider, a provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, headquartered in Green Bay, was recently named 2021 Dedicated Traditional Operation Carrier of the Year by Dollar General.
The award recognizes the operation with the highest combined service level, driver utilization and capacity goal across the Dry Goods Dollar General Network.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by Dollar General for our continued dedication to superior service,” Schneider Senior Vice President of Van Truckload John Bozec said.
Bubblelicious Tea opens in Bay Park Square
ASHWAUBENON – Bubblelicious Tea, a regional boba tea vendor founded in Wisconsin by two women, is officially open at the Bay Park Square Mall.
The kiosk, located in the mall’s Kohl’s wing, offers fruit teas, milk teas, Boba shakes and tea lattes topped with chewy tapioca balls or fruit-filled pearls.
“We are delighted to welcome Bubblelicious Tea,” Mary Haas, director of marketing and business development at Bay Park Square, said. “The variety of snack, drink and dining options at the mall is something we take pride in, as we have 20 different choices for our shoppers.”
Bubblelicious Tea is open during regular mall hours.
Six graduate from local Project SEARCH program
BROWN COUNTY – Six local interns graduated from Project SEARCH, a collaborative effort of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), state vocational rehabilitation agencies, area schools, local employers and long-term care organizations aimed at helping prepare young adults with disabilities for lasting careers.
The interns complete multiple 10-week rotations to maximize exposure to different career paths, learning employability skills in a classroom and hands-on job skills within the business environment.
Graduates pictured from left include, Jolene Vanderloop, Preston Stoffel, Marianna Parent, Connie Pada, Sarah Hoes and Derek Haegele.
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