Local news briefs News-Chronicle Green Bay Meetings planned on new state park A public meeting on the planned Gov. Thompson State Park located northwest of Crivitz in Marinette County will be held April 16 at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, 1660 East Shore Drive, starting at 7 p.m. A report on the progress of planning to date will be presented, and alternatives for recreational development, park entrances, boundaries and vegetation management will be discussed. The new park is made up of the former Paust's Woods Lake Resort and about 200 acres of land previously owned by Wisconsin Public Service. Comments and suggestions may also be mailed to DNR, P.O. Box 10448, Green Bay 54307, e-mailing [email protected], or calling 492-5839. Local firefighters win educator honors Two area firefighters have received Fire Safety Educator of the Year awards from the Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association. An award for full-time work went to Capt. Tony Lison of Green Bay. He was recognized for weekly articles in the Green Bay Press-Gazette and for activity with Brown County fire inspectors. A volunteer award went to Tom Nejedlo of Howard. He heads up school tours and public education for the department, which plays host to more than 500 children each year. Green Bay/De Pere Encompass celebrates Week of Young Child A toy giveaway and other events will mark the Week of the Young Child this week at Encompass Child Care centers in Green Bay and De Pere. Toy wooden cars and trucks, crafted by the West De Pere High School Skills-USA/VICA chapter, will be given to children at four United Way centers. Younger children will get donated needlepoint blocks. All parents will receive a brochure about children's opportunities and parents' responsibilities, and each family will receive a calendar with parenting tips and resource information. Luxembourg Group plans self-defense class The Violence Intervention Project will offer a Chimera self defense class April 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Luxemburg-Casco High School. The program emphasizes avoidance and teaches psychological and physical protection skills. There is a $15 fee and space is limited. Call Tracy, 920-487-2111, for more information.