Local news briefs News-Chronicle Green Bay Danz students help children in Costa Rica Fourth and fifth graders in bilingual classes at Danz Elementary School are working on a book project to help younger students at a school in Costa Rica. The Danz students, with the help of three teachers, are recording text of Spanish books; the tapes and books are going to be sent to the school, Escuela Mina, in Barrio Espana, Costa Rica, in April. The Costa Rican students will use the tapes and books to learn to read Spanish. The books and tape player were donated to the project by local individuals and bookstores. Students and staff hope this project will begin a pen-pal relationship between the schools. Applications available for Head Start Applications for Head Start/ESL pre-kindergarten programs are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Head Start office, Room 107, Nicolet Elementary School, 1309 Elm St. Some evening hours are available; call the office at 448-2226 for more information. Applicants must bring proof of income, such income tax form for 2001, W-2 form or check stubs for the past year, birth certificate or other legal document with the name and birth date of the child, immunization record and social security number, if possible. Spanish and Hmong interpreters are available; call ahead for an appointment. School district hires associate director Timothy Gantz has been hired as the new associate director of special education. He will replace Jerry Wieland, who became the new director of special education. Previously, Gantz was the director of student services for the West De Pere School District and the Marinette School District. He is a member of the State Superintendent's Education Data Advisory Committee, CESA 7 and 8 Assistive Technology Steering Committee and several task forces of the School Administrator's Alliance. Gantz is involved with the Boy Scouts of America, the board of directors for Exceptional Equestrians, the Allouez Recreation Soccer Program and the Diocese of Green Bay School Coordinating Committee. Priest suspended over abuse allegation The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay announced Thursday that the Rev. Stanley Browne, pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lakewood, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation of a sexual misconduct allegation. In a brief statement, the diocese said it was notified late Tuesday about the allegation involving sexual abuse of a minor in the early 1980s. Legal authorities have been notified and the diocese has made an effort, through the alleged victim's attorney, to offer "whatever assistance is needed." Representatives from the parish will be at the parishes where Browne served to provide information and answer questions, the statement said. De Pere Social nights for teens offered at center Youth Social Nights, sponsored by the De Pere Park and Recreation Department, are being held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through April 30 at the Community Center, 600 Grant St. These nights are for middle and high school students who live in the city of De Pere or a De Pere School District. Activities include pool, foosball, Playstation 2 video games, darts, ping pong, cards and board games. A big screen television, VCR and music are available. Also, the High School Vendetta Rock Band will be performing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 16; there is no charge for the concert. Suamico NEW Zoo announces summer hours The NEW Zoo is presenting a program, "April Fools! The Myths of Wild Animals Uncovered," at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon on Sunday. Visitors will take a walking tour with staff to learn about the zoo's most misunderstood animals, and what is fact or fiction. The program lasts 45 minutes; there is no cost besides regular zoo admission. Call the Visitor Center at 434-7841 for more information. Beginning Monday, the NEW Zoo, including the gift shop and concessions area, will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The main entrance will close to new visitors at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $1 for seniors and children, $2 for adults and $5 for a family. Brown County 2002 shipping season ready to begin The first arrival of the shipping season is due Saturday in the Port of Green Bay. The U.S.-flagged ship John G. Munson is scheduled to arrive at 7 p.m. Saturday, carrying 18.362 tons of coal to the Fox River Dock near the mouth of the river. The News-Chronicle will again feature "In Port" announcements of ship arrivals and departures provided by the Brown County Port and Solid Waste Department. Sheriff's association schedules concert The Brown County Sheriff Department's Benevolent Association, along with Concert Promotions, will be conducting telephone solicitation for a Sept. 19 Weidner Center concert, a tribute to Shania Twain. Employees of Concert Promotions will be conducting the solicitations. Proceeds go to the Sheriff Department's Benevolent Association. Call 448-4204 for more information.