GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announce the arrests of 31 people in the country illegally over the weekend in the Green Bay area.

ICE officials led the three-day operation with help from local and state law enforcement agencies.

Those arrested have prior criminal convictions and came back to the U.S. after being deported.

Of those arrested, ICE officials say 27 are from Mexico, two are from Honduras, and one each from El Salvador and Russia. They included:

• A twice deported 31-year-old Mexican national with convictions for drug possession, reckless driving, identity theft and illegal re-entry after deportation. He was arrested March 14 in Green Bay and is pending prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for felony re-entry.
• A 19-year-old Russian national with four theft convictions. He was arrested March 16 in Green Bay and remains in ICE custody pending a hearing before an immigration judge.
• A previously deported 31-year-old Mexican national with a conviction for marijuana possession. He was arrested March 14 in Green Bay and turned over to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office on outstanding warrants for possessing cocaine with intent to sell and driving with a revoked license. He will be turned over to ICE for deportation after the local charges are resolved.

Arrests were made in the following Wisconsin communities: Green Bay, Greenleaf, Manitowoc, Seymour, Grand Chute, Appleton, and Menasha.

WAUSAU, WI (WTAQ) - Forecasters now say a major snowstorm should be limited to about the northern third of Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings and advisories from Wausau northward. Places along Lake Superior could be hit the hardest, with 8 to 12 inches in the forecast between now and Wednesday night. Other parts of the north and northwest can expect 3 to 6 inches.

In the northeast, freezing rain could be mixed in, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected.

The Weather Service said a low pressure system that's building in the Plains brought up to four inches of snow Monday in parts of far northern Wisconsin -- and the same system can be blamed for the snow that's supposed to fall through Wednesday.

Phelps in Vilas County had just over four inches by Monday evening. Three inches fell at Lake Tomahawk.

In southern Wisconsin, rain is in the forecast Tuesday, possibly mixed with a little snow Wednesday. It's all supposed to clear out by Thursday.

A good share of this snow could melt by then, with warmer highs expected statewide in the 30's and 40's.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - An official groundbreaking took place Tuesday for a major downtown Green Bay expansion project.

Titletown Brewing Company tapped the keg on its expansion and renovation of one of the old Larsen Cannery buildings along North Broadway.

The initial $3.5 million project will create Titletown's new home for brewing operations, a tasting room and banquet space, along with retail and office space. It's part of a joint venture with SMET Construction.

The project is being helped by nearly $800,000 in state historic tax credits, after lawmakers raised the percentage of construction cost reimbursements to spur the renovation of buildings built prior to 1936.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - With spring arriving Thursday, a brutal winter refuses to let go in much of northern Wisconsin.

As predicted, the far northwest part of the state got the brunt of a snowstorm that's supposed to drop another 1 to 3 inches Wednesday in many locations.

Seeley in Sawyer County, and Mellen in Ashland County, each had over seven inches and counting by mid-afternoon Tuesday. Ashland and Superior each had around four inches by early Tuesday evening -- less than predicted. Central Wisconsin had an inch-and-a-half or less.  

Wednesday, the snow line is supposed to drop further south. Places like Fond du Lac and Wisconsin Dells can expect a couple inches, and up to 3 more inches could fall in northeast Wisconsin.

Central areas expect another inch, along with much of the northwest. Freezing rain is also possible in some areas.

The Hudson region expects a total of 2 to 5 inches of snow from this storm.

It's all supposed to clear out later Wednesday -- and then dry and mild weather is in the offing for Thursday, before a new round of precipitation and colder temperatures come in for the weekend.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker said Wednesday he would sign the bill to make chemotherapy pills more affordable for cancer patients.

Speaking to reporters in Appleton, the Republican Walker said he hoped he could sign the version that was passed by the Senate Tuesday on a 30-2 vote.

Assembly Republicans have talked about changing the bill when they hold their final scheduled meeting of the session Thursday.

They're considering a limit on co-pays for the relatively new and expensive chemo drugs -- as opposed to forcing health insurers to cover the medicines. Democratic supporters say they're afraid that majority Republicans are trying to stall the measure, so it dies when the session ends.

Supporters say the proposal is a big help to patients who must now go to hospitals to get IV chemo treatments. Opponents call it an unneeded mandate on insurance companies.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

PEWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker signed a bill Wednesday that speeds up eleven highway projects planned around the state.

At a ceremony in Pewaukee, the Republican Walker approved $43 million in the current fiscal year for a host of highway maintenance and resurfacing, plus bridge rehab work. The new funding represents just over half of a projected $83 million surplus in the state's transportation fund.

Lawmakers from both parties endorsed the earlier spending for projects in Brown, Outagamie, Door, Calumet, Langlade, Lincoln, Douglas, Taylor, Monroe, Sauk, and Walworth counties. 

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The WIAA Girls State Basketball Tournament returns to the Resch Center this weekend. 

Crews at the Resch worked hard Wednesday preparing the court for the top high school girls' basketball teams that will hit the hardwood from Thursday through Saturday.

"We're very excited, got some new things planned; we've changed our decal look. Hotels and the community have stepped up," says WIAA Associate Director Deb Hauser. "We're just thrilled to be back."

Hauser hopes the event brings in more than 40,000 fans during the three days. 

“The event was so well received by the community last year, and the girls really liked it,” says Ken Wachter, President and CEO of PMI Entertainment Group.

Fans can now buy tickets in advance, unlike in years past. Organizers say there’s also more for the community to take part in.

Distributing t-shirts, posters, and more throughout the area, tourism officials are ready to welcome players and fans. This year's theme is passing on the tradition of high school athletics to the next generation.

"We're going to have roughly 130 plus youth girls players here on Saturday to participate in the pregame with the players, and make tunnels for the girls as they come out of the locker room," said Hauser. "Just have them feel a part of it."

CRANDON, WI (WTAQ) - Charges have now been filed against four adults for beating a man over several days in Forest County.

Court documents released Wednesday detail that Justin Bey, Raymond Jones, April Jones and Samantha McClellan left the man for dead in the woods for wolves to eat.

The 40-year-old man came from Prairie du Chien a couple weeks before to live with one of the suspects in Wabeno after meeting on a dating website.

Last week, an 11-year-old girl who lives at the home said the man touched her inappropriately. That set off the alleged attack.

“You’ll see in the complaint that it was with an open hand. Nothing of a grab and that she took off running. No one ever inquired with him as to what had happened before. They just immediately started beating on him,” Forest County District Attorney Charles Simono told FOX 11.

Simono says there is no plan to charge the victim.

The victim was found in some woods near Crandon by a group of ATV riders. He suffered multiple fractures and severe frostbite.

Two juveniles were also charged. Simono wouldn’t give any details of those charges.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

KEWAUNEE, WI (WTAQ) - A couple from Kewaunee County is facing dozens of charges for allegedly abusing nine of their children.

According to authorities, 44-year-old Christine Oswald and her husband, 46-year-old Steven Oswald, physically and mentally abused their biological and adopted children.

The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department says the nine children, ranging in age from 4 to 18, were put in protective custody last September.

In a farm house south of Kewaunee, a criminal complaint outlines a story of years of abuse against the nine children ranging in age from four to 18.

The couple is facing 37 charges. A criminal complaint lays out a long list of abuse doled out from a farm house in the Town of Carlton. For example, outdoor chore sessions would often end with children being slapped, locked in their rooms, and forced to eat soap.

One child told investigators she tried to kill herself, “By drinking household chemicals or automotive fluids, she has been cutting herself and also was going to stab herself.”

Prosecutors tell FOX 11 Christine Oswald whipped one of her sons after he finished some chores. They say the father stood by and did nothing to stop it.

According to the criminal complaint, Christine Oswald gathered all the children together, while she punished one of the boys. The document says, “And told them this is what happens when you lie to mom.”

The Oswald's have entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them. They are scheduled to be back in court next month and each face over 100 years in prison if convicted.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - During Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt's annual State of the City address Wednesday, one of the promises made for this year is a new downtown grocery store.

Schmitt's address focused mostly on improving downtown Green Bay, but he did talk about development possibly coming to other areas of the city.

According to Schmitt, the city has been in talks with a number of grocery stores, including Festival Foods, Piggly Wiggly and Copps.

“I think there is a market down here to be served,” Schmitt told FOX 11. “I think everyone is convinced of that. I think the person who makes the commitment the soonest is the one who is going to win.”

The Green Bay City Council earlier this month unanimously voted to block a Walmart Supercenter for the Broadway District. In his speech, Schmitt said that property could see a mix of condos, retail space, and a music hall of fame for Wisconsin.

“We’d induct them at the Meyer Theatre and then shrine them over at the music hall of fame,” said Schmitt. “Oh yeah, that’s something we’ve been working on for about a year now.”

Schmitt once again said the renovation of the Hotel Northland is the city’s top priority. He says construction should start soon on the $35 million project.

Schmitt also talked about the area near East Town Mall. Schmitt says the city has been talking with officials in education, major specialized retail and healthcare.

Other highlights from the speech include plans for city-wide Wi-Fi, a new sister-city relationship with Bishan, China and challenge with Google to get more businesses online.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11)

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Lawrence University is announcing that long-time television journalist Charles Gibson will speak at the school's graduation ceremony.

For over 40 years, Gibson worked in news. He spent 18 years on "Good Morning America" and the final three-plus years of his career anchoring "World News Tonight".

The Appleton university plans to recognize Gibson with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at its June 15 graduation.

Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - A day after Green Bay’s mayor promised a downtown grocery store, some companies may have already been ruled out.  

At his annual state of the city speech, Mayor Jim Schmitt said he’d announce a grocery store by the end of the year. Schmitt says the city has been in discussions with Festival Foods, Copps, and Piggly Wiggly.  

But "The Pig" says they're out. Festival says "no comment" for now.

Save-A-Lot is one of the only businesses currently in the downtown where you can buy groceries. The store’s operator says upgrades are underway for inside and outside of the store.

Fond Du Lac, WI (WTAQ) - A fire at St. Lawrence Seminary in Fond du lac County was deliberately set.

Deputies with the Fond du Lac County sheriff’s department say cash was missing from the seminary. They say a 15-year-old freshman student was taken into custody on theft and burglary charges.

The teen hasn’t been charged yet with setting the fire, but authorities say that part of the investigation continues.

The fire broke out earlier this month.

CALUMET COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A crash Friday morning in Calumet County leaves one person dead and two others seriously hurt.

Authorities say it happened on Highway PP west of Hilbert Road in the Town of Rantoul. 

Sheriff's say an easbound car driven by a 30-year-old woman crossed the center line and struck a westbound Jeep driven by a 16-year-old Potter girl.

The girl and her 15-year-old female passenger had to be cut out with the Jaws of Life. They were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. 

The woman died at the scene. Authorities have not indentified anyone involved in the crash.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - State Representative Garey Bies announced he is launching a campaign for Wisconsin Secretary of State.  

The Sister Bay Republican says he wants to bring a “fresh and pragmatic perspective” to the office.

Democrat Doug La Follette, who has held the office since 1982, will seek reelection and has argued he wants to see many of the duties restored to the office, after they were gradually taken away in recent years.

A proposed constitutional amendment that would have done away with the office entirely was dropped this session...however lawmakers have indicated they will continue to pursue the issue in the future. 

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A deal has been reached over the costs related to staffing air traffic controllers at EAA AirVenture.

The Federal Aviation Administration and EAA offiicals announced an agreement Friday that will keep control towers staffed through 2022.

The EAA got a $500,000 bill from the FAA to pay for dozens of air traffic controllers last year, due to federal sequestration cuts.

According to EAA, the deal calls for the FAA to provide air traffic control and other services, with EAA paying travel, lodging, and overtime costs.

AirVenture organizers are breathing a sigh of relief.

“Our ultimate goal was to bring certainty and stability for AirVenture, for EAA and our fellow members,” EAA’s Chairman of the Board Jack Pelton said in a news release.

EAA's AirVenture 2014 takes place July 28 through August 3 in Oshkosh.

NEW HOLSTEIN, WI (WTAQ) - New Holstein's middle and high school were put on lockdown Friday after district officials say an intruder entered the premises.

Police say the person was wearing a backpack when they went into the school around 1 p.m.

School officials finally confronted the suspect, who had ran further into the school. Staff were able to get a hold of the intruder within minutes.

Authorities took the suspect into custody, but have yet to release more information about him.

The Brown County bomb squad had to be called in due to the backpack. Investigation is ongoing.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

TOWN OF WAYSIDE, WI (WTAQ) - An early morning barn fire Sunday is forcing part of Morrison Road in the Town of Wayside to be shut down.

The call went out around 4:30 a.m. and eight different fire departments worked together to bring the fire under control.

The barn's owner was treated for a minor cut on his arm. No one else was hurt.

According to Wayside's Fire Chief, the barn is a total loss.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton police say they've arrested a man for an attempted stabbing during a fight Friday night.

Cops say it happened a little after 10:30 p.m. in the 500 block of W. College Avenue.

When officers arrived on scene, one of the men fell to the ground. The other person was on his feet, swinging his hand toward the man on the ground. That man ran as an officer approached.

Police say the person fleeing was armed with a knife and tried to stab the other man in the fight. Officers also say they recovered a broken knife from the scene.

The 34-year-old Appleton resident suffered minor injuries.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11)

CECIL, WI (WTAQ) - With about a dozen people standing around him, Governor Scott Walker made his latest tax cut official Monday.

Sitting inside a barn at a Shawano County farm, the Republican Walker called it a great day for taxpayers. He approved a $504 million tax relief package, which uses money from an expected surplus of almost $1 billion in the current state budget.

Walker said the new income tax cuts are geared toward the lowest bracket, with a maximum saving of $58 for those making $40,000 or more per year. The average property tax bill would drop by over $100.

After signing the bill near Cecil Monday morning, the governor was planning to tout the tax relief during visits to Eagle River and Eau Claire.

Walker also noted that employees would soon get more in their paychecks, with a reduction in income tax withholding. However, it means that tax filers would not get that money in a refund next spring -- which would have been the case without the reduced withholding rates. 

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)