Manitowoc school board votes to close District Office after superintendent’s proposal to close schools fails

MANITOWOC – The Manitowoc Public School District will be closing the District Office on Lindbergh Drive.

In an unexpected move by the Manitowoc School Board during the July 25 special meeting, a motion to close the District Office building and move the administrative staff into vacant areas of existing school buildings passed with a 4-3 vote. Board members Paul "Biff" Hansen, Keith Shaw and Kerry Trask voted against the motion.

The meeting was called to discuss Superintendent James Feil's most recent proposal for facilities maintenance, which included plans to close two older elementary schools; prepare Stangel, Monroe and Jefferson schools for consolidation; and borrow $11.7 million to use on building maintenance and repairs.

The motion to pass the facilities plan failed in a 5-2 vote.

Things to do this week: A free family concert at Washington Park and more events not to miss

Free public presentations on scams that target seniors

The Manitowoc County Public Safety Committee is holding three free presentations in August and September called "Common scams and frauds targeting seniors."

The sessions will be led by Ben Merens, a former talk-show host for Wisconsin Public Radio and an outreach specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Merens will cover a variety of topics, including steps to take as a victim of a scam or fraud, different types of scams and some common warning signs.

The presentations will be held as follow:

• Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to noon, Manitowoc County Office Complex, 4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc;
• Aug. 22, 5-6 p.m., Kiel Community Center, 510 Third St., Kiel; and
• Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lester Public Library, 1001 Adams St., Two Rivers.

'Patti Goes ...': Reporter Patti Zarling makes rugs like they did during the Great Depression during visit to Minnesota's North House Folk School

Manitowoc Aurora Medical Center recognized for sustainability efforts

Aurora Medical Center-Manitowoc County received national recognition for its commitment to sustainability and the efforts of its operational team to manage energy, water and emissions reduction efforts, according to a news release from Aurora Health Care.

It was named an Energy to Care Sustainability Champion by the American Society for Health Care Engineering, a program from American Hospital Association. The award is the program's highest distinction.

Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc school board votes to close District Office after superintendent’s proposal to close schools fails