Latest news with #FoxValleyTechnicalCollege
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nonprofit raising money to help local Wisconsin Veteran move closer to cancer treatment
LITTLE CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – Michael Heidtman has lived a life of service. Heidtman said he joined the military so that he could eventually pay his way through college. In 2004, he was deployed to Iraq. When he returned to civilian life after his deployment, he said it was a difficult adjustment. His previous employer no longer had a job for him, and he said he struggled with his mental health after his service. 'I had a very tough time with the readjustment process,' he told Local Five News during an interview at the Little Chute Public Library on Thursday afternoon. 'I felt very lost and felt very alone. I was very depressed.' He said enrolling in college and finding a new mission in helping others helped get him past that tough part of his life. Heidtman earned several degrees, including a master's and then spent 14 years serving others as a therapist who helps out combat Veterans. 'Your trash is our treasure': Fox Valley Technical College students collect used electronics 'Because they need Veterans who have these war and military experiences to be able to relate to when you're sitting in front of a counselor,' he said. 'Because it's very difficult to talk about it.' In 2006, shortly after he returned to the United States, Heidtman said he noticed a hard lump underneath his jawbone. Doctors told him it was simply a duct that a calcium buildup in the area had clogged up. Fast forward to 2022, and Heidtman said he was again concerned about the lump because it had gotten bigger. While he waited for further testing, doctors told him to suck on hard candy and massage the area to soothe any discomfort he had from the lump. At the end of 2022, doctors cut the lump out of his throat. They then diagnosed him with a salivary gland cancer called Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. 'It was very gutting, I felt very defeated,' Heidtman said when asked about his reaction to the cancer diagnosis. 'I cried for a good week, at least five days. Then I looked in the mirror one day and said you got to get up and keep going.' Heidtman attacked his cancer treatments, completing 33 sessions of radiation in about three months, and eventually his cancer went into remission. Unfortunately, the good news was short-lived. A scan at the end of last year revealed that his cancer had spread to his lungs and was now in stage four. Doctors told him that he would likely have three to five years to live and then would need to enter hospice care. It was a prognosis he wasn't willing to accept. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay honors inhabitants ahead of construction of new library 'I just got really angry and said there's got to be a better path and I have to advocate for myself because I'm not going to just trust the process,' he said. 'I have three children, two that are young yet that are in grade school. They need me, my wife needs me. It's important for me to be here and I wasn't going to accept that.' Heidtman said that he began to do some research and discovered that the top specialists for his type of cancer were at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He decided to reach out and said doctors there gave him a much better prognosis if he took part in some of their clinical trials. An organization called HunterSeven Foundation helped him pay for some of his first trips to Houston to speak with doctors there and get treatment. This organization helps Veterans who contracted cancer after being exposed to toxins during their military service. 'Utilize different services, access different funds,' said Keith Dow with HunterSeven. 'Pointing them in the right direction for treatment and things like that. Rallying around the community to get them into treatment, that's what I love about what we do.' Heidtman said that it quickly became apparent that moving to Houston would be his best shot if he wanted to extend his life. New plaza unveiled with ribbon-cutting in Hobart, site of Wisconsin's 'longest car-wash' 'After seeing the clinical trials, though, they run where you have doctors' appointments three out of four weeks per month,' he said. 'Two to three appointments per week.' HunterSeven has set up a fundraiser to raise $100,000 for Heidtman. That money will help take care of his moving costs to Houston and help him be able to participate in the clinical trials. Heidtman still has young children and said he's made it his goal to live long enough to see all of his children graduate from high school. He said it's his family that powers him through his darkest moments, living with this horrible disease. 'I want to set an example because I've been an advocate my entire adult life,' he said. 'I'm a Vet, a father, a brother, and a son. I'm trying really hard to push, so that I can continue to help other people within reason.' 'He lives to help other Veterans and now he needs help himself, and that is what stands out to me,' said Dow with HunterSeven. To donate to the fundraiser, please click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Fox Valley Technical College launches new program for high school students to earn college credit
Fox Valley Technical College is providing another way for students to earn college credit while still in high school, according to the college's officials. FVTC's Academies, which have provided credentials to high school students for eight years, is rolling out a new program that allows high school students to earn nearly a year's worth of college credit before they ever receive their diplomas. The academies are a way for high schoolers to earn both high school credits and a credential while taking classes at FVTC. Currently, FVTC has academy programs available in firefighting, automation and automotive maintenance and light repair. Next fall, another academy program, the University Transfer Degree Academy, is starting its first classes. Unlike dual-credit courses, which are taught by certified teachers at local high schools, the FVTC academies are held at the FVTC campus. And unlike Start College Now, which offers single courses to high schoolers at FVTC, the goal is to have a complete credential earned while a student is still in high school, according to K-12 partnerships manager Jennifer Van Thiel. The completed credentials make students employable in fields looking to hire right away, Van Thiel said. And, in the automotive academy, there's "internships galore" for students in their first semester, said instructor Chris Buschman. The newest program at the FVTC Academies is the University Transfer Degree Academy, which allows high school juniors and seniors to earn up to 27 transferable college credits while still in high school. Ideally, according to FVTC associate dean Marcus Lewis, those high school students after graduation would then enroll in FVTC's University Transfer Degree program, earn the rest of that program's 61 credits, and then transfer to a four-year college. The University Transfer Degree program launched in 2023 and has articulation agreements with Ripon College, Lakeland University, Marian University, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Those agreements allow FVTC students to complete the University Transfer Degree program and enroll at these colleges as juniors. One advantage is that high schoolers can use advanced lab space and equipment at FVTC, such as the same repair equipment car dealerships use, Buschman said. Another is more hands-on work with that equipment; class sections can run three hours at a time in the automation academy, according to instructor Andrew Merrill. Still another is a chance to try out a college setting and potential career paths "in a low-risk way," said Lewis. However, one disadvantage is cost, depending on the program. Dual-credit programs are taught by public high schools, so students don't pay tuition to participate. And while some academies programs are grant-funded with free or reduced tuition, the University Transfer Degree Academy has an estimated out-of-pocket cost of about $5,500. Students who apply for the academies must be in good standing at their high school, meet college and course entrance requirements, have a 2.0 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale, and receive permission from their high school administration and their parent or guardian. Signing up is available online at The University Transfer Degree academy is accepting applications through May 1. Rebecca Loroff is a K-12 education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. Contact her at rloroff@ This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: FVTC launches new program for high schoolers to earn college credit
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kaukauna Common Council: Liz Walker challenges incumbent Marty DeCoster for District 1 seat
KAUKAUNA — Incumbent Marty DeCoster, who has been a Kaukauna Common Council since 2017, will take on challenger Liz Walker in the April 1 nonpartisan election in District 1. Four of Kaukauna's eight Common Council seats are up for election for a two-year term. This is the only contested race. For information about registering to vote, visit The Post-Crescent asked each candidate to complete a questionnaire explaining their reason for running for office, what makes them the better candidate and how they would address pressing issues facing the city. Their responses, which have been lightly edited for clarity, are published below. Address: 157 Raught St. Age: 46 Occupation: Self-employed, tavern owner Highest education: Associate's degree in electronics from Fox Valley Technical College. Relevant experience: Alderman since 2017 Campaign website: Address: 2922 Hunters Run Court Age: 39 Occupation: Elementary special education teacher and owner of the small business From This Day Forward Wedding Planning Highest education: Master's degree in literacy education from Concordia University. Relevant experience: My relevant experience includes budgeting and short- and long-range strategic planning. Campaign website: DeCoster: I am running for office because I enjoy the continued opportunity to stay involved in the community and help make decisions that continue to move Kaukauna forward! Walker: I am running for city alderperson because I would like to be fully present in meetings and events, as well as represent the residents of the district better. I want to play a role in making Kaukauna an even better community than it already is. DeCoster: I believe that my open-minded thinking and always thinking outside the box on issues helps to make me a more rounded and better candidate for this race. Walker: I believe that with my extensive experience in budgeting and short- and long-range strategic planning, I am the better candidate. With that experience, I am committed to work with you, the taxpayer, when making decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole. DeCoster: Most recently, many residents have reached out about tax questions and how the new school proposal affects the numbers. For this topic, I guide them to the city website and to the Tax Bill Breakdown section. Over the years, I have liked to help residents out with their unique issues and questions that they have too. It might not be solving a large city issue, but even the small individual issues are important too. Walker: Infrastructure street reconstruction: Concrete costs are rising. Seniors, individuals on fixed incomes and young families who are newly established are unable to afford these hardships. I will look for ways to help lessen the burden of these assessments. Child care: Being a teacher, I frequently hear from parents that Kaukauna has a very strong need for child care. I will work to attract more childcare centers to our community. Affordable senior and low-income housing: Our senior population and those less fortunate in Kaukauna need affordable housing. I will work with city staff to get developers to build affordable units within our community. Contact Kelli Arseneau at 920-213-3721 or karseneau@ Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Kaukauna Common Council: Walker faces DeCoster for District 1 seat
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SkillsUSA Wisconsin regional competition showcases student talent
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The fifth SkillsUSA Wisconsin regional competition took place Friday at Fox Valley Technical College, where dozens of students gathered to demonstrate their skills in various trades and technical fields. The event began with an opening ceremony at 8:15 a.m., followed by competitions starting at 9 a.m. and running until noon. Judging took place before the closing ceremony at 1 p.m. Four northeastern Wisconsin companies named state's 'Manufacturer of the Year' Students competed in events such as medical math, prepared speech, robotics, and welding. Those who placed in the regional competition will advance to the 52nd SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference, held in the state's capital. Officials anticipate that the 2025 state conference will include more than 1,750 middle, high school, and college students, over 200 teachers, and more than 300 industry volunteers across 75 competitions. Founded in 1973, SkillsUSA Wisconsin has more than 2,500 members in over 150 chapters. The organization is a partnership between students, teachers, and industry representatives, aiming to develop a skilled workforce. It focuses on 120 trades, technical, and skilled service occupations, primarily in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Kewaunee County Snowmobile Trails to close on February 24 More than 200 corporations, trade associations, businesses, and labor unions support SkillsUSA Wisconsin. Programs are integrated into career and technical education, emphasizing personal, workplace, and technical skills. The organization also provides technical skill assessments and workplace credentials. SkillsUSA's mission is to prepare students to be skilled workers, leaders, and responsible citizens by instilling values of integrity, respect, responsibility, citizenship, and service. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Feeding America brings 24/7 food lockers to Fox Valley Tech. Here's what to know.
GRAND CHUTE — Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is expanding its programs in the Fox Valley by adding 24/7 access to meals for college students through a new food locker system. So far, around 50 students have used the 24 newly installed lockers, which allow them to order food online and pick it up on campus. This comes with an investment from Fox Valley Technical College of $100,000. The lockers, the first of their kind in northeastern Wisconsin, sit near the south parking lot of the college's campus in Grand Chute, just west of Appleton. The area is easily accessible to students throughout the day. No matter the weather, the temperature-controlled lockers ensure food items remain fresh, and students can place orders anytime through a simple online platform. Here is what to know about the project. These lockers aim to address food insecurity among college students, and on-campus food pantries have sprung up at universities across the country. A survey released earlier this year by Temple University's Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice showed that nearly 45% of the nearly 86,000 student respondents from 123 two- and four-year institutions across the United States said they had been food insecure in the past 30 days. 'We have lots of students who are experiencing food insecurity with having full-time jobs, trying to keep their grades up, and trying to make a living,' said Dominic Tesch, one of 50 Fox Valley Technical College students who started using Order Ahead last month. At the college, 78 students already rely on the campus food pantry weekly. However, the pantry's resources are limited, depending on donations and the school budget. Partnering with Feeding America allows to support more students in need, said Tesch, 27, who is juggling two jobs while pursuing an Associate of Arts degree. He ordered bread, milk, meats, and some cereal and cooked on his own, he added. Students can choose from perishable and non-perishable items, which are procured, packed, and delivered to the lockers by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, said Cameron Wengrzyn, the nonprofit's director of market and communication. The non-profit plans to expand the food locker program across its 35-county footprint, ensuring the food distribution system meets people's needs. The distribution model allows for flexibility in where food is distributed, including clinics, traditional food pantries, community centers, and food deserts, said Patti Habeck, president and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. The nonprofit hopes to expand, but it depends on finding partners and funding for lockers, Wengrzyn said. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin provides 34 million pounds of food each year, via its partner pantries and programs, to more than 24,000 families in Wisconsin's 35 eastern counties, according to data from its 2023 annual report. You can help by donating your time or by making a financial donation. Editor's note: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and The Post-Crescent partner annually with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin on the Stock the Shelves campaign in October. This reporting is separate from that partnership. Zhen Wang is a business reporter for The Post-Crescent. Reach her with story tips and feedback at zwang@ or 920-993-7117. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Feeding America brings food lockers to Fox Valley Technical College
