July 1, 2026 6:21 am
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Unity Golf Classic Raises More Than $80,000 to Support Compassionate Hospice Care, Palliative Care, and Grief Support
Across Northeast Wisconsin DE PERE, Wis.
Unity’s 10th Annual Golf Classic brought together 124 golfers, 26 sponsors, 28 volunteers, and several community partners on Thursday, July 16, at Thornberry Creek at Oneida, raising nearly $80,000 to support Unity’s mission of providing compassionate care and grief support throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Celebrating its tenth year, the Unity Golf Classic has become one of the organization’s signature fundraising events, helping ensure patients and families receive expert, dignified care regardless of their ability to pay. “The Unity Golf Classic is about much more than a day on the course,” said Alisa Gerke, Executive Director of Unity. “It is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of patients and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. We are incredibly grateful to every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, and donor whose generosity makes this event possible.”
The event featured 18 holes of golf, contests throughout the course, raffles, auctions, dinner, awards, and opportunities for participants to learn more about the impact of Unity’s services across the region.
Proceeds from the event help fund Unity’s mission, including hospice care, supportive care management, grief support, and other essential programs that provide comfort, dignity, and hope to individuals and families throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Unity extends its sincere appreciation to the many sponsors whose generosity helped make the event possible, including presenting sponsors Associate Bank and USI Insurance, along with dozens of businesses, organizations, and individuals who contributed through sponsorships, donations, volunteer service, and participation.
“We are continually humbled by the generosity of this community,” said Jenifer Allen, Director of Development. “Every dollar raised helps ensure that individuals and families receive compassionate care and support when they need it most. The success of this event reflects the incredible commitment our community has to caring for one another.”
Planning is already underway for the 11th Annual Unity Golf Classic in 2027. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2027 golf classic, please contact Jenifer Allen at jallen@unityhospice.org.
First State Bank Welcomes Schmitting as Vice President, Compliance Officer
New London, WI – First State Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Kayla Schmitting as Vice President, Compliance Officer. In this role, Schmitting will lead the bank’s Compliance Management Program and serve as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer. She will also play a key role in maintaining strong internal controls, assessing compliance risk, and providing guidance that supports the bank’s mission and long-term success.
Schmitting brings extensive experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, fraud investigation, and financial services operations. As Vice President – Compliance Officer, she will be responsible for ensuring the bank operates in full alignment with all applicable federal and state regulations, while reinforcing a strong culture of compliance across the organization.
“At the heart of great banking is accountability—to our customers, our regulators, and the communities we serve,” said Jennifer Foote, Chief Operating Officer. “Kayla understands that responsibility and will play a critical role in ensuring we continue to operate with integrity while supporting meaningful community impact.”
Kayla resides in Plymouth, WI with her husband, three children, two dogs, and six outdoor cats. Her children are actively involved in sports year-round, and she supports youth development by serving as Registrar for the Plymouth Area Basketball Association. Kayla enjoys reading, attending live music events, camping with her family, and sharing memorable experiences with her children at Universal Studios and Disney World in Florida.
First State Bank is a $565 million community bank with offices in New London, Auburndale, Clintonville, Manawa, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Waupaca, and Wisconsin Rapids. For more information visit bankfirststate.com or call (800) 994-2500.
Hoffmaster Invests in Clintonville Facility Expansion, Adding Jobs and Capacity
CLINTONVILLE, Wis., July 8, 2026 – Hoffmaster today announced a significant expansion of its Clintonville, Wisconsin, manufacturing facility, reflecting the company’s continued growth and ongoing investment in the region.
The project includes the acquisition of an adjacent parcel and construction of an 86,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Clintonville facility. The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Hoffmaster’s long-time landlord, Gladstone Commercial Corporation, which is funding the land acquisition and building expansion as part of a long-term lease extension supporting Hoffmaster’s continued growth. Construction is expected to begin in July 2026 and conclude in spring 2027. Once complete, the expansion and recently installed equipment are expected to nearly double the facility’s output. This increased capacity will strengthen Hoffmaster’s ability to deliver the high-quality products customers rely on while keeping pace with growing demand.
The expansion is also expected to create more than 100 new manufacturing jobs, strengthening the local workforce and supporting continued economic growth in Clintonville and the surrounding region.
Hoffmaster’s Clintonville facility manufactures consumer tableware products for retail customers, including everyday and seasonal plates, napkins, and table covers designed for both performance and celebration.
Hoffmaster is working closely with valued partners throughout the project, including Keller, Inc., the City of Clintonville, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. To learn more about Hoffmaster, visit hoffmaster.com
EAA Chapter 1710 BBQ Social Brings Aviation Community Together with Fly-In, Young Eagles Flights, and Youth Aviation Support
Clintonville, WI – On Tuesday, July 14, EAA Chapter 1710 hosted a successful BBQ Social on Tuesday, July 14, at the Clintonville Municipal Airport as part of the Wisconsin Flying Hamburger Social, bringing together aviation enthusiasts, community members, and families for an evening celebrating the spirit of flight.
The event welcomed 25 aircraft arrivals and 180 attendees, showcasing the continued enthusiasm and support of the regional aviation community.
“This event represents everything we love about aviation, bringing people together, sharing our passion for flight, and inspiring the next generation of aviators,” said Mathieu Labs, President of EAA Chapter 1710. “The incredible turnout and support from our community partners demonstrate the impact aviation can have when we work together.”
A highlight of the evening was the continued growth of the chapter’s EAA Young Eagles Program, which provides free introductory flights to youth ages 8–17. Chapter member Joshua Suehs completed his first-ever Young Eagles flight earlier in the day before going on to fly two additional youth participants during the event. The experience created memorable moments for the young passengers and their families, including one proud grandparent celebrating afterward with ice cream.
EAA Chapter 1710 also recognized Bank First for its generous $3,500 donation supporting the chapter’s Young Eagles Build & Fly Program. The contribution helped fund the purchase of a flight simulator that will provide local youth with hands-on aviation experiences and educational opportunities while encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering, and aviation careers.
“Investments like this allow us to create meaningful aviation experiences for young people in our community,” said Labs. “The flight simulator will become an important tool in helping students explore aviation and build confidence through hands-on learning.”
The chapter also expressed appreciation to Primal Eats for donating the evening’s food and to Kwik Trip for providing water for attendees. Their generosity helped make the event a success and strengthened the partnership between local businesses and the aviation community.
EAA Chapter 1710, based in Clintonville, WI, continues to grow as a vibrant hub for aviation enthusiasts, offering hands-on building projects, educational programs, and community events that inspire the next generation of aviators. They hold monthly gatherings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
For additional information about EAA Chapter 1710 activities and upcoming events, please contact the chapter directly or follow the chapter’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EAAChapter1710
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Flipping Pancakes, Fueling Aviation: EAA Chapter 1710 Serves 584 at AirVenture Fundraiser
Oshkosh, WI – On Sunday, July 19, EAA Chapter 1710 proudly hosted a successful Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Sunday, July 19, at the Chapters Pavilion in Camp Scholler during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
With the support of 28 dedicated chapter volunteers, the event served an impressive 584 meals to attendees from across the country. The breakfast not only fueled AirVenture visitors for the day ahead but also showcased the strength of community and volunteerism that defines EAA Chapter 1710.
In addition to the strong turnout, the chapter is excited to announce that seven new members joined during the event, bringing total membership to 80. This milestone reflects the continued growth and enthusiasm surrounding the chapter’s mission to promote aviation, support youth programs, and engage the local community.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our chapter,” said leadership from EAA Chapter 1710. “Because of your support, we were able to serve 584 meals, an incredible accomplishment. We truly appreciate every volunteer, every guest, and everyone who helped make the day a success.”
Funds raised from the Pancake Breakfast will go directly toward supporting chapter initiatives. EAA Chapter 1710 extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and looks forward to continuing its momentum throughout the year.
EAA Chapter 1710, based in Clintonville, WI, continues to grow as a vibrant hub for aviation enthusiasts, offering hands-on building projects, educational programs, and community events that inspire the next generation of aviators. They hold monthly gatherings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
For additional information about EAA Chapter 1710 activities and upcoming events, please contact the chapter directly or follow the chapter’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EAAChapter1710
Contact:
Mathieu Labs
President, EAA Chapter 1710
EAAChapter1710@gmail.com
chapters.eaa.org/eaa1710
Facebook.com/EAAChapter1710
Help us celebrate this milestone with a gift to our 60th Anniversary Campaign through the donation link here.
Schutt Industries Breaks Ground 7/31/2026
on Major Clintonville Expansion
Schutt Industries has broken ground on a major expansion of its Clintonville manufacturing campus, representing one of the largest capital investments in the company’s history. The new 90,600-square-foot manufacturing facility will expand production capacity, improve operational efficiency, and position the company to support continued growth for decades to come.
Designed to support both current production requirements and future opportunities, the facility will include approximately 82,800 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space along with 7,800 square feet of office and employee support areas. Once complete, the expansion will enhance production flow, increase operational flexibility, and provide the infrastructure necessary to support continued innovation across the company. Construction is currently underway, with occupancy anticipated during the second quarter of 2027.
2026 Community Heroes Award Nomination
Charity Eligibility
Charities must meet the following criteria to be eligible to receive award money: Be registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Provide services that are accessible to residents of the greater Clintonville Area. The charities need not be based in this area. Provide communitywide services. These services can include, but are not limited to, fundraisers for local communitywide services (e.g., food pantry) and communitywide meals organized by churches or other entities. Services that are not considered communitywide and therefore cannot be funded include fundraisers for activities outside the greater Clintonville area (including medical research), church activities that benefit only parishioners of that church, and clubs with restricted membership.
The Nominator
The nominator need not reside in the Clintonville School District.
Directions
Nominations can be made by filling out the attached hard copy of the nomination form, or filled out online at: https://www.cffoxvalley.org/clintonville-hero-form/
Submission
Hard copies of the form can be turned in one of the following locations:
- Clintonville Public Library | 75 Hemlock St.
- Clintonville Public School District | 45 W. Green Tree Rd.
- Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce Office | 1 S. Main St.
Past Community Hero Award Winners:
- 2011 Don Jirschele
- 2012 Sharon Brauer
- 2013 Craig Akey
- 2014 Werner Wernberg
- 2015 Sandy Loberg
- 2016 Mary Kautz
- 2017 Sue Aschliman
- 2018 Connie Mitchell
- 2019 Ralph Williams
- 2020 Terry Lorge
- 2021 Doug and Cindy Carrick
- 2022 Richard Beggs
- 2023 Dave Schmidt
- 2024 Tom Lederer
- 2025 Gerald Schoenike
Nominations due by August 28.
Printable copies available here.
Free