Here’s a look back at the top news stories from May.
S.S. Badger arrives in Manitowoc
The iconic S.S. Badger ferry from Luddington, Michigan made its first visit to Manitowoc for 2025 Friday.
- Hot Daugs, a retro-themed hot dog shop in Manitowoc, temporarily closed in May due to a co-owner’s health issue but reopened with modified hours.
- Francis Creek resident Michael J. Kornely was indicted on federal crimes against minors, including transporting minors across state lines for illegal sexual activity.
- The US Navy delayed the shipment of two large cranes manufactured by Broadwind Heavy Fabrications in Manitowoc, with the first crane now expected to ship in October.
- Local news highlighted top outdoor dining spots in Manitowoc and Two Rivers, including The Wharf, Courthouse Pub, Pizza Garden, Whisky D’s, and Cool City Brewing.
- The City of Manitowoc anticipates the start of housing development at the former Mid-Cities Mall site later this year, with demolition and site preparation nearing completion.
MANITOWOC – May saw the opening of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet at 1100 S. 30th St. in Manitowoc, the S.S. Badger beginning its sailing season and Two Rivers narrowing its list of city manager finalists to four.
Here are five more stories that were among the most read in May.
Manitowoc’s Hot Daugs closed temporarily due to co-owner’s ‘unexpected health situation’
Hot Daugs, Manitowoc’s new retro-themed hot dog shop at 316 N. Eighth St., opened to strong sales in April but closed temporarily in early May because of co-owner Brad Daugs being hospitalized.
The shop reopened to modified hours the week of May 13-17 with Brad’s wife and co-owner Amber Daugs saying the plan was to expand hours as more staff are hired.
Current hours remain 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, according to Hot Daugs’ website.
Francis Creek man indicted on federal crimes against minors
A U.S. Department of Justice news release in May revealed Michael J. Kornely, 75 of Francis Creek, had been indicted on federal crimes against minors.
Kornely is alleged to have transported two minor victims across state lines “with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity” in 2005 and 2006.
The release said Kornely is suspected to have “used a computer to attempt to persuade, induce and entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity” in March 2024.
If convicted, Kornely could face up to a lifetime in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. He would also be required to register as a sexual offender.
Kornely has also been charged with multiple sexual assault felonies in Manitowoc County Circuit Court after being arrested March 21, 2024. He was released from Manitowoc County Jail March 22, 2024, after furnishing a $10,000 cash bail. He’s next due in court July 15 for a scheduling conference.
US Navy delays shipping of big blue cranes made in Manitowoc
The latest two big blue cranes manufactured by Broadwind Heavy Fabrications were completed in late 2023 but remain parked in the Broadwind docking area waiting to travel by barge to faraway U.S. Navy shipyards.
The Navy determines when the 200-foot-tall cranes are moved, and according to Brett Hartman, director of business development for Broadwind, the first one is now expected to leave in October while the second is expected to leave in spring or summer 2026.
The cranes were designed and contracted by the Finnish company Konecranes, and components were made by Broadwind. They are part of a U.S. Navy contract and will be used to service submarine fleets.
The two cranes will travel to Naval shipyards via barge to the Pacific Ocean. One will go to Washington state and the other to Hawaii. They will travel through the Great Lakes and then along the East Coast on the Atlantic. They will pass through the Panama Canal, and then either up to the Pacific Northwest or to the Hawaiian Islands, according to Hartman.
Top picks for outdoor dining in the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area revealed
With summer upon us, we shared our top spots for dining outdoors in the Manitowoc and Two Rivers area. The following establishments made the list:
- The Wharf Manitowoc, 606 Quay St.;
- Courthouse Pub, 1001 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc;
- Pizza Garden, 301 N. Eighth St., Manitowoc;
- Whisky D’s, 1215 26th St., Two Rivers; and
- Cool City Brewing, 1718 W. Park St., Two Rivers.
Manitowoc eyes start of housing development at former mall site
In the latest update on progress at the former Mid-Cities Mall and Edgewater Plaza site, Manitowoc Community Development Director Adam Tegen confirmed “there is still the expectation that some of the construction for single-family and multi-family homes will occur later this year.”
Tegen said demolition and site preparation was nearly done, and city officials were in the process of lining up items to clear the way for the sale of the property to Green Bay-area developer Tycore Built LLC by early to mid-summer.
Tycore is expected to start installing utilities and infrastructure shortly after the sale. A mix of housing, retail and commercial space is planned at the site.
Contact Brandon Reid at [email protected].
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