Manitowoc's Treehouse Theater again wins awards at national competition, and more news in weekly dose

MANITOWOC — Students from Treehouse Theater in Manitowoc won a Freddie G Excellence in Acting award and earned praise and other recognition at the 2024 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta (JTF Atlanta).

The weekend dedicated to rewarding and celebrating excellent student-driven musical theater programs was Jan. 12-14 at Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta.

Treehouse Theater’s Paige Jeske and Dion Limon made it to the call-back to a yet-to-be announced special project promoting musical theater in schools.

Students Chloe Johanek and Dion Limon were named Performance All-Stars at the Junior Theater Festival.

Treehouse Theater also won the Tech Olympics this year.

At the festival, each group performed 15 minutes of a Broadway Junior musical for adjudicators.

Treehouse Theater presented Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical JR.” to Morgan Rose, dance captain of School of Rock; Ernie Nolan, executive artistic director of Nashville Children’s Theatre; and Michael Wordly (“Miss Saigon,” “The Color Purple”).

Rose said, “Treehouse Theater's performance was a truly collaborative experience.”

Nolan added: “Treehouse Theater is an amazing group or storytellers. They captured the characters of Matilda perfectly. To the credit of their program, the students displayed incredible artistry and confidence.”

Wordly said: “Treehouse Theater really impressed me with their commitment to the material. I was extremely impressed with how every student on the stage was locked in. You can tell that the students love their theater program by watching how they support and embrace each other after the performance.”

Treehouse Theater, based at 910 Washington St., has been supporting youth education and development through quality performing arts programming since 2012. The organization has enjoyed considerable success at the Junior Theater Festival.

At the 2022, 2016 and 2014 JTF Atlanta, Treehouse Theater received a Freddie G Excellence in Acting award. They have also been awarded a Freddie G Excellence in Ensemble Work award (2020 JTF Atlanta), Freddie G awards for Excellence in Music (2019 and 2013 JTF Atlanta), and Freddie G awards for Excellence in Dance (2018 and 2015 JTF Atlanta). In 2023, it won a Freddie G Excellence in Music Award and earned other recognition.

Now, more news from throughout the community in this week's weekly dose.

Local manufacturer expands: Manitowoc manufacturer continues growth, acquiring second company in less than a year

Local clergy plan free screening of 1966 civil rights documentary

A group of 16 local clergy will host a free screening of the documentary “A Time for Burning” at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Balkansky Community Room at Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay St.

The 1966 documentary explores the civil rights issue from one of the least likely vantage points — a white, middle-class congregation in Nebraska.

A follow-up discussion on the documentary will also be held in the Balkansky Communty Room at 6 p.m. Feb. 29.

Local farmer earns inaugural statewide Community Builder Award

The Dairy Business Association and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin collaborated this year to unveil a new honor for dairy men and women who prioritize building trusted relationships with their neighbors and the surrounding community.

At DBA’s annual Dairy Strong conference Jan. 17, the groups announced Doug Grotegut as the inaugural recipient of the Community Builder Award.

“I really enjoy sharing my farm with everybody,” Grotegut said in front of an audience at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. “Reach out to people. It’s not just your farm, it’s your community. Do whatever’s right to help out.”

Grotegut co-owns and operates Grotegut Dairy Farm Inc., a third-generation family farm in Newton in Manitowoc County, and has long been a leader in the dairy community. The farm milks about 3,500 cows and manages about 3,350 acres of land.

Grotegut played a pivotal role in hosting the Manitowoc County Breakfast on the Farm, drawing thousands to the farm and educating the public about dairy farming in Wisconsin. The farm also partners with Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. Each year, the farm hosts tours with individuals from across the globe, giving them an up-close-and-personal experience of what Wisconsin dairy is all about.

“Doug Grotegut’s dedication to his community and Wisconsin dairy is exemplary,” Chad Vincent, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin CEO, said. “His efforts to engage the public, promote sustainable farming and actively engage in community events make him — and the entire Grotegut family — a remarkable recipient for the first Community Builder Award.”

More than 450 farmers representing more than 280,000 cows, along with allied professionals, attended Dairy Strong. The two-day conference featured presentations from leaders in dairy policy, farm management and sustainability.

Michael Ansay retires from Bank First Board of Directors

Bank First Corporation, holding company of Bank First, N.A., has announced the retirement of Michael G. Ansay from its Board of Directors effective Jan. 15.

Ansay became a director of the corporation and bank in February 2010. In 2012, he was appointed as vice chairman and assumed the role of chairman in January 2013.

He served as chairman of the board from January 2013 to June 2022, when the role was transitioned to Mike Molepske, chief executive officer of Bank First, to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership in anticipation of Ansay’s retirement.

According to a news release, during Ansay’s tenure, Bank First significantly expanded its footprint across Wisconsin through both strategic acquisitions and de novo offices in new markets, grew assets more than fivefold from $832 million in 2010 to $4.2 billion, and solidified its position as one of the top-performing banks in the country.

Miracle League of the Lakeshore registration opens

Registration is now open for the Miracle League of the Lakeshore.

The program offers individuals ages 4-9 with disabilities the chance to play baseball in an organized, non-competitive league on a safe, accessible baseball field.

The season is eight weeks long, beginning in June. Throughout the season, players are paired with community volunteers who assist and encourage them during the games. Volunteer pitchers, umpires, announcers, coaches and team helpers also are needed. The public is invited to attend the games as supportive fans.

Players and volunteers can register online at https://goodwillncw.org/mll/. Registration ends March 31. Games are played at Field of Dreams at Miracles Park, 1840 S. 35th St.

New gas station opening soon: New Manitowoc gas station and convenience store to open soon on city's northwest side

Progress Lakeshore taking nominations for Excellence in Economic Development Awards

Progress Lakeshore, Manitowoc County’s public-private economic development agency, has announced nominations are open for its 13th annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards.

Categories include Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, Neighborhood Development Award, Corporate Investment Award, Economic Accelerator of the Year Award and Community Enhancement Award.

Nominations are due by March 11 and are being accepted online at https://www.progresslakeshore.org/events/breakfast. Progress Lakeshore can be reached at 920-482-0540.

Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Treehouse Theater in Manitowoc earns Junior Theater Festival awards