Local news briefs News-Chronicle Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame to be open on game days Starting Sunday, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame will be open on game days from 9 a.m. to noon. The hall had been closed on game days since moving to the Lambeau Field Atrium. The hall will only be open to those with game tickets. Steve Klegon, director of business development for the Packers, said the hall drew more than 11,000 visitors in its first month in the new facility. Donations sought for book fair The Green Bay branch of the American Association of University Women is seeking book donations for its 51st annual Book Fair on Oct. 16-18 at Washington Commons. Proceeds funds local and national scholarships for women. Children's books, records, sheet music, games and puzzles are also welcome. For information on donation locations or book pickup, call 469-1919 or 592-9987. Hearings set on WPS rate increase Videoconference coverage of a Public Service Commission of Wisconsin public hearing on proposed 2004 natural gas and electric rate hikes requested by Wisconsin Public Service can be seen at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Room 1034, Instructional Services Building, UW-Green Bay. Women's night out benefits Marian House A "women's night out" to benefit Marian House, a group home for pregnant and parenting adolescent mothers, will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Ashwaubenon Howard Johnson's, 2580 S. Ashland Ave. The event will include a fashion show, silent auction and speech by Judy Granius, life coach. Cost is $25 or $30 at the door. For more information, call 360-1673. Toastmasters sponsor fall conference The District 35 of Toastmasters International will hold its fall conference Oct. 18 at the Radisson Hotel, 2040 Airport Drive. The focus will be on communication and leadership workshops. There is a $20 fee. For more information, call conference chair Daris McLaughlin, 920-295-0177, or see www.geocities.com/tmdist35. De Pere Hydrant flushing set next week The De Pere Water Department will flush hydrants next week, meaning some neighborhoods may notice a temporary discoloration in water. The water is safe for drinking and bathing but can stain laundry. Hydrant flushing, done twice a year, purges rust and particles from water mains. Brown County GOP sets legislative luncheon The Republican Party of Brown County will hold its annual legislative luncheon Oct. 17 at the Holiday Inn City Centre with representatives at the federal, state and local levels. Reception starts at 11 a.m. with lunch at noon. Tuesday is the deadline for reservations. Contact Lee Ann at party headquarters, 494-2448. Writing workshop planned for seniors A writing workshop for seniors will be held Oct. 27 at the Neville Public Museum. The class involves writing using objects from the museum's collection. Cost is $8 for museum members, $10 for all others and includes lunch. Reservations end Oct. 23 and space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the Aging Resource Center, 448-4314. Wetlands restoration workshop planned A workshop on wetlands restoration will be held Oct. 18 at the Brown County UW Extension Building, 1150 Bellevue St. The day-long workshop will look at wetlands, how to restore them and how to pay for restoration. It will also include several wetland visits. Registration is $80, $60 for members of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association or the Brown County Home Builders Association. For more information, call Derek Strohl, 608-250-9971 or see www.wiscwetlands.org.