Get 2 the Point

We wrap up our series into Wisconsin history, with a look at how prohibition played into it.  The 18-th Amendment wasn't popular with Northeast Wisconsin, and there were a lot of people found ways around it.  There's also a possibility that the ignoring of alcohol laws may've helped a certain football team survive those early years.  

Green Bay Packers historian Cliff Christl joins us for episode 4 in our dive into Wisconsin History.  He's in the middle of major research in the history of the team, and tells us some of the stories we've heard might not be entirely correct.  Plus, he shares some new stories about the Packers, that make you wonder, 'what if?'

Our short series dives into a famous, historical 'place' in Brown County, The Union Hotel in De Pere.  The hotel, rooming house, and restaurant dates back to the mid-1800's.  Owner McKim Boyd's family took over about 100 years ago, after receiving the property in a trade.  Boyd tells the stories and history of the Union Hotel, and explains why it's important those stories are shared.  

We continue our dive into Wisconsin history.  Our guest is Christine Dunbar with the Brown County Historical Society.  SHe talks about the people who helped shape Northeast Wisconsin, including John Lawe, and Morgan L. Martin.  Check out the Brown County Historical Society Facebook page here:  https://www.facebook.com/BrownCountyHistoricalSociety 

Dive into Wisconsin history with this short series on famous people, places, and events.  In this episode, we speak with Mary Jane Herber of the Brown County Public Library about how Northeast Wisconsin attracted settlers, plus who and what made this area grow.  

Aaron Bailey made the news earlier this summer, when he became the first Black councilperson in city of Manitowoc history.  He has a passion for social justice, and wants to provide young people with activities and guidance in his community.  Bailey admits it’s been an interesting transition to political leadership, and an adjustment to life in the public eye.  In this episode, Aaron Bailey tells us why he almost didn’t apply for the position and why the issue of representation made the difference.

Our conversation continues with the Power 2 Change series, speaking with Tracey Robertson of Oshkosh. After moving here with her daughter in 2011, they experience racism in a different way.  It led Tracey to create community conversations about race, and shortly after, a grassroots non-profit called FIT Oshkosh, that worked in education and social justice.  While the group dissolved earlier this year, Tracey Robertson continues facilitating change through independent consulting.In this episode, we talk more about racial literacy and implicit bias.  

We continue our Power 2 Change series with Robin Tinnon.  Tinnon is the Executive Director of We All Rise-African American Resource Center, a local non-profit dedicated to connecting families with resources, education and support.Tinnon has been a part of the Green Bay community since elementary school.  Shew was born to a teenage mother in Chicago, who wanted a better life for her children.  Tinnon explains why it’s important to have intention to make a more cohesive community.

We are continuing our Power 2 Change series with our conversation with Dr. Eddie Moore, Junior.  Moore is the founder of The Privilege Institute in Green Bay, which teaches people to recognize their own privilege and teaches them about diversity, power, and racism. Moore has his own unique story, with struggles that he believes made him stronger for race work.  He’s very honest about the path that almost led him astray, and the mission that he believes is his true calling.

WBAY-TV2 wants to advance the conversation about race in Northeast Wisconsin. Community members are sharing their stories about racism; how it looks and how it feels.  This is the Power 2 Change.  As CEO of the Brown County United Way, Robyn Davis appeared on this podcast last year when we talked about her work in the non-profit sector. In this episode, Robyn Davis is talking about data; to advance the work of diversity, equity and inclusion.

We are continuing this Power 2 Change conversation with Alexandra Ritchie.  She works in the admissions office at UW-Green Bay.  She recently wrote a letter to colleagues about the ways higher education can impact students and achieve equity.Ritchie also discusses personal choices she's making, because of her experience with racism. 

As a news organization we cover stories on racism and social justice—as a community leader WBAY-TV wants to provide information, education and a forum for people to talk about the issues. We are continuing our Power 2 changes series with this conversation with Pastor Charles Butler, along with his wife, Pastor Stacy Butler, who joins us for this interview.  They talk about the roles that faith leaders can have in healing racial issues.

Renita Robinson is a self-described ‘change agent’ who is serving as CEO of the Greater Green Bay YWCA.  For the last three decades, Robinson has worked as a teacher, in social work, written grants, and served as a leader for non-profit providers.  At the same time, she was raising two sons and found herself with deep concerns for their safety and for their futures.  Hear how Renita Robinson is leading the conversation about race in this Power 2 Change episode.

Harry Sydney is the founder of My Brother's Keeper, a non-profit male mentoring program, which began in 2003. He teaches men about living with integrity and respect.  Sydney is also a former NFL player and coach, who played his final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1992 before returning as a running backs coach. Sydney speaks candidly for Power 2 Change about his first memories of racism, and how he believes the conversation about race can begin.

Kate Hogan is a community member who believes in giving back.  She was born and raised in the Green Bay area and graduated from St. Norbert College.  Her parents raised their six children with service as just part of everyday life, a commitment that Kate continues today. In this episode, we talk about Hogan’s tenure with the Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay including serving as president for the last two years.  She shares some of the unique programs that are carrying out the mission of the Women’s Fund through grants that empower women and inspire girls.

“Unprecedented.”  You’ve heard that word multiple times over the last several weeks; when it comes to the coronavirus, unemployment, the economy and the shutdown of business and schools.  We are in uncharted territory, and "unprecedented" seems to be the best way to describe it.  On this episode, we are looking into the potential economic fallout of COVID-19 and what opportunities are also coming from it.   Our guest is Marc Schaffer, associate professor and  the director of the Center for Business and Economic Analysis at St. Norbert College.

Sports Director Chris Roth takes over the podcast this week, with special guest Rob Demovsky from ESPN.com and a WBAY Cover 2 contributor. Hear their takes on the Packers draft picks, the schedule, and opinions on what the NFL season could look like, because of COVID-19.

Renee and Jason Natzke and their daughter Ella, lost their son and brother Jack to an unknown illness in 2015.  He was five years old.  Jack became ill very suddenly and died after several days in intensive care.  In the years since, Renee has talked publicly about faith, healing and the circle of grief.  This is our powerful and raw discussion about Renee Natzke’s journey since Jack’s death and becoming ‘Jackstrong.’

When the 'Safer at Home' order took effect in Wisconsin in March, it was a change for all of us.  Organizations and groups supporting others in our community had to pivot the way they provide services.  That was especially true for Golden House located in Green Bay—which provides help and services for people affected by domestic abuse.  In this episode we talk with executive director Tonya Dedering about ways they are reaching out.  

There are many issues going on surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.  People are worried about their health, about their families and about their jobs.     Many of us are trying to work from home, while at the same time, helping their children with eLearning for school.  In this episode of our Get 2 the Point podcast, we are talking about ways to navigate through all of this with Lisa Tutskey, a licensed marriage and family therapist with Prevea Health. 

COVID-19 has affected everyone’s lives.  Work, school and socializing have given way to social distancing, work at home and online learning.  When it comes news gathering, we have the responsibility to report the newest factual information from this quickly changing landscape.  We are doing it utilizing technology and new strategies which allow our employees to follow health instructions, while also getting the latest information to you.  In this episode, hear from several WBAY employees who give you behind-the-scenes details of the adjustments here at Action 2 News.   

David Frerking of Appleton is a new author, and you might recognize the story he is telling.  His son Jacob, a young man with autism, was granted a wish to become a law enforcement officer through the Make-A-Wish foundation.   Jacob was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, law enforcement officers from across the Fox Valley embraced Jacob and made him part of their community.    Hear more about Jacob Frerking’s journey through his father’s eyes in this episode of Get 2 the Point podcast. 

Amanda Reitz had a dream, to start an animal sanctuary to give pets the best possible chance at finding a forever home.  But at the time she was still in college and people weren’t quite sold on the idea, including her own family initially. By 2006, Amanda had her parents involved transforming family property in Marion for a spacious sanctuary for animals. A couple years later, brother Marcus Reitz joined on with HEA full-time and they raised funds for a new adoption center in Ashwaubenon.  Hear the humble beginnings of HEA, from a Basset hound named Walter, to the plans to help animals across the country find forever homes.  

On April 7, voters in the city of Appleton will elect a new mayor, the first new one in 24 years.  When the mayor-elect is sworn in on April 21, current mayor Tim Hanna will find himself out of that job.Our Get 2 the Point podcast conversation with Mayor Hanna continues this week, as Hanna looks back at his career in government. 

This April, the city of Appleton will have its first new mayor in 24 years.  Tim Hanna made the decision to not seek re-election.  After a long career in government, Mayor Hanna has a lot of stories to tell. Hanna details the failed basketball tryout that got him interested in government, his time on the city council when he asked a question and got an answer that left him stumped, to the 1996 mayoral election that ended up before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.   Hear much more on these stories in this week’s episode.

Susan Finco is a powerhouse business leader.  As owner of Leonard and Finco Public Relations, Inc., Finco runs a successful agency, and manages to get involved in the community, serving on different boards and committees throughout her time in Northeast Wisconsin.  Find out more about her journey from journalist to business owner in this episode.  

Nearly 28 years ago, a young man from De Pere died in a swimming accident in Door County.  Brian LaViolette was just 15 years old.  Now, decades later, Brian’s legacy is helping hundreds of students afford higher education, through the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation.  Today the foundation has awarded 892 scholarships totaling $785,000.   In this episode of our Get 2 the Point podcast, we speak with Brian’s father Doug LaViolette about the journey, and being able to witness what he calls “the good stuff”, the impact Brian’s foundation has on young people.  

Chances are, you’ve been in one of the 30-plus stores across Wisconsin that is part of the company Mark Skogen leads.  As president and CEO of Festival Foods, he’s in charge of not just grocery stores but a company commitment of giving back to the communities it considers home.  Grocery stores are literally in Mark Skogen’s lineage—his grandfather opened his first store almost 75 years ago. Learn more about Mark Skogen’s leadership of Festival Foods in this week’s Get 2 the Point Podcast

He’s known locally as the “ice expert.”  For forty years, Don Herman has worked on the ice and on area lakes and rivers—assisting nearly 1,000 retrievals of various items.  Cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles and boats are just some of the things Herman’s company ‘Sunk? Dive and Ice Rescue’ have recovered from local waters.  Hear his stories from a very unique business. 

This week the Action 2 Sports department is taking over the Get 2 the Point podcast.  Chris Roth, Dave Schroeder and Baillie Burmaster sum up their thoughts as the Green Bay Packers finish up the bye week.  What has surprised them and what do they think is making this team click?  Plus, some predictions about the final games of the season in this special episode. 

The gun deer hunt opens on Saturday November 23-rd.  More than a half million people will take part in the nine day season that hunters would say is "the most wonderful time of the year."    In this episode, news anchor and avid outdoorsman Jeff Alexander sits down with Jeff Pritzl, of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to talk all things hunting.   

It seems that every community that takes on major road construction is now including bike and pedestrian lanes in its final project.  People like Peter and Tracy Flucke are helping make changes like that possible.  The Ashwaubenon couple’s company “We Bike etc.” helps communities plan rec trails, educates law enforcement about bike and pedestrian laws, and encourages people enjoy the outdoors.  They've also had plenty of experience,  riding thousands of miles on a tandem bike. 

    According to the federal government,  the number of U-S airline passengers flying within the United States and to international locations topped one billion people in 2018.   That’s an all-time high.   According to J.D. Power, which studies customer experience, traveler satisfaction is also steadily rising in the last decade.   People are finding air travel to be a better value.   Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport director Marty Piette wants to make sure that passengers flying in and out locally—really like it, and that those who are choosing to fly elsewhere—instead give GRB a chance.   Plus, find out how passengers can have a say in airline service and cost.  

Robyn Davis, president and CEO of Brown County United Way,  has a unique perspective of families who are in need of community assistance. She grew up in New York City; facing poverty, the death of two siblings, her parents’ divorce, and becoming homeless.  Extended family helped her during those difficult times.  But Davis notes, with families living farther apart today, sometimes community is the only place to turn.  She is proud that her life and career has allowed her to help.   Davis and her team are intent on achieving a goal: Ten thousand people on the path to stability in 10 years.  This week on our Get 2 the Point podcast, we speak with Robyn Davis about her journey to Green Bay and her mission to help those in need.

It seems like everyone-from school kids, to moms and dads, to professional athletes-are touting the benefits of yoga.  This practice is literally thousands of years old, but more people saying that it helps them in different ways; calming the mind, stretching the body and increasing strength. Our Get 2 the Point conversation this week is with Ryanne Cunningham, a local yoga teacher and massage therapist who wrote the book:  Yoga for Athletes.  Hear how yoga can benefit you!

If you’ve ever donated time or money to a non-profit or charitable fund in the greater Green Bay area, you’ve probably had some interaction with the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. Established in 1991, the GGBCF manages $150 million dollars in assets for 675 different giving funds in our area; helping non-profits share their message, and connecting donated dollars with specific needs.  President and CEO Dennis Buehler shares the mission of the GBBCF, and shares his message that anyone can be a philanthropist.    

You may have heard the buzz surrounding ‘integrative medicine’—but do you know what it means?  Local doctor Lynn Wagner defines it as the bridge between traditional and alternative medicine.    Dr. Wagner believes it can improve the physical and mental health of people who incorporate it into their own healthcare. In this episode, we discuss the ways that integrative medicine can help improve your health.   

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is about to kick off its new season in a big way next week---with the Wisconsin premiere of the musical ‘Hamilton.’  It leads off a busy year for the PAC—which not only brings in Broadway shows; but also plays, musical acts, family programming and community collaborations.  The team over at the PAC is led by Maria Van Laanen.  She was the second person hired by the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center back in 2001, when the building was still a hole in the ground.   Van Laanen has come up through the ranks to become President of the PAC, a job that she appeared to be destined for, while growing up in the Green Bay area.  Hear more about Van Laanen in this week's episode.  

It’s been known for decades by local folks as a rural Brown County Catholic Church with a rich history.  A place where an apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is said to have appeared to a young Belgian immigrant in 1859.  Today, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion is recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as a Marian Apparition site.  As a result, thousands of new visitors are coming from around the world to hear the story and learn the history.  Hear more in this podcast how the Shrine is marking 160 years.  

He was the face of WBAY-TV for more than 30 years, and he’s been retired since 2002.  But we still get the question. “How is Chuck Ramsay?”  We are happy to report he is doing well and living in Brown County with his wife of 62 years Georgia.  In this episode, we find out how he got into television, why he left it (three times!) and some of his memories from his time at WBAY.  

The Action 2 Sports team is taking over the podcast this week!  Chris Roth and Dave Schroeder give us their take on the Green Bay Packers.  With a new coach, new scheme and new players, we have a lot to talk about.  

It’s competitive, cerebral, requires practice, sportsmanship and has a growing legion of fans.  “It” is esports, and it may be coming this fall to a school near you.  Esports, according to Bay Port High School teacher Lucas Richards, is the umbrella term for competitive video gaming that’s played against others; as part of a team or solo, competing both online and in person. Luc Richards talks with us in this episode about the growing popularity of high school teams, and the future of the industry.

Justin Ross was a local high school student, a son, and a brother who joined the Army Reserves in 2006, before he even graduated from Bay Port High School. Corporal Ross died serving our country in in Afghanistan in 2011, a story covered extensively by Action 2 News in the days and months that followed.In this Get 2 the Point episode, we talked with Justin’s parents, Ron and Debbie Ross.  The Rosses tell us how Justin always loved playing cowboy as a little boy.  “He was always the sheriff,” says Ron.  As Justin grew up, he admired those in civil or military service.  “It really wasn’t a surprise when he came home from high school his junior year and started talking about the (Army) recruiter being there. He came home saying that’s what he was going to do.”

Students are getting ready to head back to school—from kindergarten to college.  University of Wisconsin Green Bay students start classes on September 4-th.  Later this fall, a new influx of students will arrive at UWGB--for the day---courtesy of the Phuture Phoenix program.  It's a program with humble beginnings in 2002, and now includes hundreds of students touring campus, dreaming of a brighter future.  We talk with program director Mary Sue Lavin about its mission.

It is a perfect time to talk tourism in Green Bay!  The Packers preseason is underway, and it's been a busy couple of weeks at training camp.  The crowds of people at practice to watch the team are a good example of just some of the folks who are coming here to spend their dollars on hotels, activities and shopping.  We went to the top of the Resch Center for a birds-eye view of the new Expo Center that's under construction, and to talk with the president of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau-Brad Toll.     

Take 200 musical artists, 60+ venues, and 900 shows, and what do you get?  Mile 7 of the Mile of Music in downtown Appleton.  It’s happening this weekend, and we wanted to know more about how this community festival came to be.  In this week’s Get 2 the Point podcast, we talk with Cory Chisel, a singer/songwriter with strong Appleton roots, but who’s also traveled the world as an artist.

It’s been 2 years since George Graphos retired as Chief Meteorologist at WBAY-TV.  After 32, years George stepped down from his full-time gig here, but he’s hardly slowed down.  Here’s the evidence:  George Graphos held his “artist opening” this week.  That’s right, George is showing off his photographs, paintings, and digital skills through art. In this episode: find out what George is up to now, and hear some of his funny, behind-the-scenes stories of life on TV.  

The Fox Cities might not be the first area that comes to mind when you think of Wisconsin tourism.  But the area amassed $493 million in tourism dollars in 2018, and may meet that half-billion dollar mark soon.  In this week's episode we talk with Pam Seidl of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau about the exciting projects are providing a major boost.  

Right in the thick of tourist season, Door County leaders are looking at what is working and what still needs work, when it comes to boosting the economy.  In this episode, we talk with Jim Schuessler.  He's the executive director of the Door County Economic Development Corporation.  Schuessler says while tourism is a major part of the county's identity, manufacturing and agriculture have even more important roles in its overall vibrancy.  We also talk about ways to solve the shortage of affordable housing.  

Northeast Wisconsin is a growing a hub for the arts community. If you are active in that community, or just enjoy the productions, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Kent and Emily Paulsen.

This spring, we shared the story of our Action 2 News This Morning reporter Kristyn Allen.  She and her husband Greg welcomed twins last December, joining big sister Bailey. About six weeks later, Braelyn and Brielle got sick, and they ended up at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.   Braelyn needed intensive treatment for several weeks. Happily, the entire family is now back at home.  Cami Rapson talks with Kristyn and Greg about adjusting to life with twins, and some medical challenges that continue.