Lakeland University student and second-place winner of Accelerate Sheboygan County has a versatile cleat start-up called Protean Footwear, which could solve softball equipment issues.

March 11, 2024

Lakeland University Student's Versatile Cleat Start-up, Protean Footwear, Could Fix Softball Equipment Issue

Sheboygan Press — Lakeland University junior Michaela Heling has been told she grew up learning how to swing a bat before she could walk.  

Playing softball since kindergarten, she’s seen firsthand the struggle of having to haul multiple pairs of cleats around for varying terrains. Now, she’s trying to fix that problem with her start-up business Protean Footwear, creating a versatile cleat with interchangeable metal, molded and turf compatible soles.  

Michaela, who spent a lot of her softball career at South High School as a utility player, said, “You had to be ready for anything just because one side of the field might be more wet than the other side of the field.” 

Michaela Heling of Sheboygan has started Protean Footwear.

Michael Heling, Michaela’s father and one of her former coaches, recalls a game where many players were unprepared for a turf field, only allowed to use turf or molded cleats, because they weren’t told ahead of time.  

Protean Footwear, the second-place winner of Accelerate Sheboygan County, plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of a versatile cleat with interchangeable metal, molded, and turf-compatible soles. Visit Protean Footwear to learn more about the cleat.

LTC Earns National Honors for Planning, Governance, Finance

WHBL — Lakeshore Technical College was named the 2024 Bellwether Award winner in the Planning, Governance, and Finance category during a national assembly held last week in San Antonio, Texas.

The award was announced during the 30th Annual Community College Futures Assembly, and recognized LTC for investments made in redefining its recruitment and onboarding process. LTC is the first two-year college in Wisconsin to earn the honor.

LTC President Dr. Paul Carlsen commented that the recognition was significant not only for the college, but also for the community knowing that LTC’s “…mission-focused approach ensures we hire the right people and give them the tools they need to teach and support our students the best they can.”

Lakeshore Technical College won the 2024 Bellwether Award in the Planning, Governance, and Finance category at a national assembly held in San Antonio, Texas. LTC was recognized for its investments in redefining its recruitment and onboarding process.

Have you recently hired or been recruiting someone who will relocate to Sheboygan County?

Founders’ Pointe will have 4 homes available for purchase each month (50 more homes are being constructed). This economic development housing initiative prioritizes relocating talent in the Home Buyer Selection Process. Offering transparent, no-haggle pricing and up to $65,000 in down payment assistance, this presents an excellent opportunity for all Sheboygan County employers to make relocation of their new hires easier. A flyer has been developed for Human Resource professionals to use when sending your job offers. Contact the SCEDC with additional questions or a copy of the flyer. 

South 11th Street / Swift Avenue Project Slated for Quick Approval, Completion by August 30th

WHBL — Stating that “time is of the essence”, a contract to reconstruct portions of South 11th Street and Swift Avenue on Sheboygan’s south side is being sent directly to the Public Works Committee for approval at this coming Tuesday’s meeting.

The work involves the complete reconstruction of the two streets with an asphalt overlay, replacing curbs, gutters and sidewalks, as well as work on the storm and sanitary sewers. The project covers South 11th Street between Indiana and Union Avenues, and Swift Avenue between South 8th and 14th Streets.

Of the three bids received, Buteyn-Peterson Construction was chosen with the lowest bid of $1,324,308.60.  A start date has yet to be established, but the contract requires completion on or before August 30th.

A contract has been initiated to reconstruct parts of South 11th Street and Swift Avenue in Sheboygan's south side. The reconstruction involves an asphalt overlay, replacement of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, as well as work on the storm sewers.

Consider donating to the SCEDC Foundation to support community development in Sheboygan County. Your donation will fund projects that create vibrant spaces for social interaction and economic growth.



Your donation will help create interesting Third Places where your community can exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships.

Community Enhancement Fund – Random Lake launched with

$1,000,000 Donation

For more information on this charitable community development initiative:

Contact Brian Doudna

Doudna@sheboygancountyedc.com

920-946-9378