Santa Clause enters the room at the "Meet Santa Clause" Event at the Manitowoc Public Library (Markola Williams) The Manitowoc Public Library brought a little extra holiday magic to the community yesterday by hosting a festive event where children had the chance to meet Santa Claus And VocalBox News Network was front and center. Families gathered in the children’s section of the library for " Storytime With Santa ", which was transformed into a warm and welcoming space fill

Green Bay, Wisconsin. Damien Doran, known throughout the city as “ Mr. Green Bay ,” has lived a life shaped by contrast. His journey includes identity and isolation, incarceration and opportunity, struggle and purpose. Today, he is using that experience to advocate for youth, challenge systemic gaps, and redefine what success after incarceration can look like. Doran moved to Green Bay 36 years ago at 12 years old. He describes the transition as disorienting and formative. “I

Press play to hear his story In Wisconsin, the numbers paint a clear picture long before anyone steps inside a courtroom. A study from the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison found that 89 percent of physical custody awards historically went to mothers in Wisconsin and Michigan. Nationally, nearly 80 percent of custodial parents are mothers, while fathers hold only about 20 percent of custodial arrangements. Even when fathers actively p

This Thanksgiving, the Manitowoc community witnessed another example of generosity from local business owner Joey Golden Jr of Golden Plated. Instead of focusing on business or holiday sales, Joey chose to spend the day giving back to the people around him. On Thanksgiving morning, Golden Plated announced on its Facebook page that starting at 5 p.m., they would be serving free meals to anyone without a place to go or food to eat. There were no sign-ups, no requirements, and

Manitowoc County Courthouse The sentencing of Stephanie Snyder in Manitowoc County on Monday has raised questions about judicial consistency, prosecutorial decision-making, and the meaning of the phrase “interest of the public.” Snyder received one year in the Manitowoc County Jail for First Degree Reckless Homicide. While free on bail for the homicide charge, she was charged with seven new felony offenses, many of which were connected to ongoing drug activity. Residents are

press play to listen to his story Addiction is often talked about in statistics, crime reports, and medical terms. What we do not hear enough are the stories of the people who make it to the other side, people who fight through addiction, rebuild their lives, and prove that recovery is not only possible, but common. In Wisconsin, more than half of the people who complete substance treatment go on to finish without recent drug use, and nearly seventy percent leave treatment cl

"Vets Say No!" Rally. (Credit: Markola Williams) "Vets Say No!" Rally (Credit: Markola Williams) At the intersection of Calumet Avenue and Dewey Street, a group of local residents and veterans gathered on Veterans Day for Manitowoc’s “Vets Say No!” rally, part of a nationwide movement opposing the militarization of U.S. cities and calling for stronger protections of democracy and civil rights. Jill Iverson and Val Jean Marco of Progressive Lakeshore People, a Manitowoc-based

SNAP distribution chart (Credit: Markola Williams) Grow it Forward kicked off the holiday season this weekend with the Winter Farmers Market in Manitowoc. The Saturday event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at The Venue, 702 York Street on the north side of the city. The organization focuses on providing people in need with access to food. They also give out free meals every Monday at 4:30 p.m. at their building on 1501 Marshall Street, keeping their commitment to the community whil

The government shutdown continues to impact millions across the United States, and one of the most pressing issues is the uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps. Low-income families rely on SNAP to put food on the table, but with the shutdown stretching on, the concern over whether benefits will be distributed in the coming months is growing. In Wisconsin, the situation is especially tense. Governor Tony Evers rec

Across Wisconsin, family court decisions continue to reveal a deep imbalance in custody outcomes between mothers and fathers. While state law defines placement as gender-neutral, data suggest otherwise. Fathers frequently report losing primary placement or decision-making rights despite being active and fit parents. This disparity has prompted growing calls for reform and accountability, not just for judges but also for the guardians ad litem (GALs) who influence these decisi

October 27, 2025 Bail Hearing The bail hearing recordings and related information shared here are posted for transparency and public awareness purposes only . The goal is to promote understanding of court procedures and accountability within the justice system. All addresses, phone numbers, and other personal identifying information have been redacted from the audio to protect the privacy of all parties involved. No content has been altered beyond these redactions, and noth

Narrated Video on Golden Plated Joey Golden Jr, Owner of Golden Plated In Manitowoc, WI (Photo: Markola Williams) Downtown Manitowoc just got a little brighter and a lot tastier. Golden Plated, located at 905 Washington Street just two blocks from Washington Park, is bringing something new and exciting to the city’s main strip. Fun fact—it now calls the building that once housed  Warren’s Diner  home, giving the space a fresh start while honoring a local favorite. In a lot of

Judge Jerilyn Dietz nomination for an "Ally" award The recent debate in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, has centered on the efficiency of the judicial system and the question of accountability for the county’s low recidivism rates. Many have criticized Circuit Court Commissioner Patricia Koppa for what they perceive as leniency during bail hearings. However, a deeper look suggests that the responsibility extends beyond the commissioner, pointing toward the presiding judges whose polici

While the community scrutinizes Commissioner Koppa for bail decisions, the judges who set policy and actively participate in recovery organizations remain largely unexamined.

Markola Williams October 13, 2025 The Manitowoc, Wisconsin sign welcomes visitors arriving by the S.S. Badger car ferry, a symbol of the city’s connection between lakefront heritage and modern tourism. (Photo by Markola Williams) Manitowoc is writing a new economic story along the western shore of Lake Michigan. The city is leaning on its historic shipbuilding and manufacturing roots while building a future through tourism, retail expansion, and community revitalization. With