MANITOWOC – From a museum reopening and a hometown bank expansion to an Olympic hire and a new college pathway, here’s a quick look at local business, education and community news making headlines across the Lakeshore.
Washington House Museum and Berners Ice Cream Parlor reopening set for May 23 in Two Rivers
The Washington House Museum and Berners Ice Cream Parlor will hold a free grand reopening from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at 1622 Jefferson St. in Two Rivers. The event marks the museum’s 176th year, and admission is free.
The reopening also highlights “Bentley is Home,” a display of artwork by Lester W. Bentley now housed in newly established climate-controlled space at the museum. Several paintings are on view in the Grand Ballroom, with others to be rotated later.
Berners will feature the returning Ruby Sundae for a limited time, along with 16 Cedar Crest ice cream flavors. The event also includes gift shop sales.
Live music begins at noon with Cheryl Bauer on piano in the Tap Room. The Mystic Moods Orchestra will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, followed by accordion music by Amy Potthoff at 4 p.m. Free coffee will be available throughout the day.
Regular hours begin May 24 and run from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Monday through Oct. 31. The museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Bank First completes FNBT integration as Manitowoc-based bank expands across Wisconsin and Illinois
Bank First Corp., with headquarters in Manitowoc, said May 18 it completed the system conversion and full integration of 11 former First National Bank and Trust locations into Bank First.
The former FNBT branches now operate under the Bank First name and use the bank’s systems, products and digital banking platform.
The move marks the final phase of Bank First’s acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp, which closed Jan. 1.
Bank First said the combined organization operates 38 branches across Wisconsin and the stateline area of Illinois, with about $6 billion in assets.
Olympian Paul Schommer joins Ariens Nordic Center to expand youth sports programs in Wisconsin
Olympian biathlete Paul Schommer has joined Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion, the organization announced May 14.
The Wisconsin native and newly retired U.S. Biathlon Team member will help lead youth-focused programming and outdoor sports activities.
Schommer competed for Team USA at the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympics and raced on the Biathlon World Cup circuit.
Ariens Nordic Center said Schommer’s hiring supports its goal of growing Nordic skiing, biathlon and active-lifestyle programming for local youth.
Ariens Nordic Center, a 200-acre public recreation and training venue at 1111 Round Lake Road near Brillion, offers year-round trails and facilities for cross-country skiing, biathlon, roller-skiing, running and hiking, including a lighted ski trail, biathlon targets, snowmaking system and paved roller-ski loop. Learn more at https://ariensnordic.com/.
Lakeshore College launches Lenny’s Leap dual enrollment program for Wisconsin high school students
Lakeshore College has launched Lenny’s Leap, a dual enrollment program that lets high school students earn college credit while completing graduation requirements.
The initiative is designed to give students earlier access to college coursework and career pathways.
College credits earned through the program may also count toward high school requirements and can transfer to other colleges and universities, helping students save time and money, according to Lakeshore College.
Lenny’s Leap includes transcripted credit, advanced standing, Start College Now and independent high school enrollment.
Students can explore more than 60 degree pathways in fields such as health care, manufacturing, business, education and public safety.
To learn more about Lenny’s Leap, visit lakeshore.edu/lennys-leap.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Two Rivers’ Washington House Museum opens May 23 and more news briefs
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
