Good morning, Green Bay.

Gov. Evers announced Ignite Wisconsin funds to help area startups during his state address.

About $1 million will support local firms in Northeast Wisconsin — aiding 21 startups, 42 participants, and 46 new jobs through programs lasting one to two years.

Nicolet National Bank expanded after completing its merger with Iowa-based MidWestOne Financial Group, announced Tuesday in downtown Green Bay.

The deal adds about $6 billion in assets and will rebrand more than 50 MidWestOne locations to Nicolet by August.

Residents of Green Bay enjoyed Fat Tuesday by lining up early at Uncle Mike’s and other bakeries to taste paczkis — rich, creme-filled pastries made to celebrate the day before Lent.

The state announced more than $3.5 million in Ignite Wisconsin grants; $1M will support local startups as the Cheese Wedge Consortium led by New North, Inc. offers accelerator programs, legal and housing support and co-working space to help 21 startups grow and create 46 jobs over one-to-two years.

Southwest High hosted a Trades Day on Wednesday with a 10 a.m. student presentation and a job fair open from 12 to 1 p.m., then held a community budget meeting at 6 p.m. to address an $8 million deficit.

GBAPS held meetings (Feb.

17-18) where local parents, teachers, and students discussed a projected $32M budget deficit by 2028 and weighed possible cuts like reduced school days and closing pools while urging more state funding. This dialogue aims to shape future district decisions.

A Neenah family is urging the Assembly today to vote on Gail’s Law that would remove out-of-pocket costs for supplemental breast cancer screenings.

The legislation passed the Senate nearly unanimously and supporters hope the vote will secure more affordable care for women.

The Horizon League suspended Green Bay men’s basketball head coach Doug Gottlieb for one game after he criticized officials following last Sunday’s loss in Milwaukee.

Assistant coach Kerry Rupp will lead the team at Friday’s game at Oakland, and Gottlieb will return for the final two regular season games.

Yoga With Kitties

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary — $15 — Enjoy a relaxing yoga session while cuddling adorable rescue cats.

State of the Broadway District

7:30-9:30 a.m. — Gather on Broadway — Free entry — Network over breakfast while learning about the Broadway District’s upcoming projects and awards.

Green Bay Pet Expo

3 PM – 8 PM — Resch Center — $12.25 entry; kids 5 & under free — Enjoy a family-friendly celebration of pets with education, entertainment, and shopping.

Green Bay Jazz Orchestra at The Tarlton Theatre

6-8 p.m. — The Tarlton Theatre — $5 reserved seating — Experience the smooth sounds of the Green Bay Jazz Orchestra on a historic stage.

Wildlife Rehabilitation New Member Presentation

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary — Free entry — Discover how to help orphaned wildlife through the R-PAWS program at this informative presentation.

Homebuyer Education Class

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — NeighborWorks Green Bay — $50 non-refundable — Learn essential homebuying skills in this Spanish-language class.