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Website finds Wisconsin metros has half of nation's 10 best credit scores

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - We've been told before that Wisconsinites are more responsible than most in handling credit -- and a new survey reaffirms that.

The consumer finance Web site NerdWallet compared average credit scores for 143 U.S. metro areas, as provided by the Experian credit bureau.

Wisconsin had 5 of the nation's 10 best collective scores.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which includes Hudson and River Falls, is Number One with an average vantage score of 702. Duluth-Superior is 3rd, and Green Bay-Appleton is 5th.

Both had average scores of 697, but Fox Valley residents have slightly more open credit cards than folks in the Twin Ports.

Madison was ranked 7th with an average credit score of 694. La Crosse-Eau Claire is 9th at 692.

NerdWallet.Com said many of the top metros have healthy local economies with above average incomes and low unemployment.

The Brownsville area in Texas has the worst credit, and Las Vegas is 2nd.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)


Purse snatching investigated in Oshkosh

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh police are investigating the purse robbery of an elderly woman.

Authorities say a 76-year-old woman was walking on the sidewalk in the 500 block of N. Main Street around 6:50 p.m. Friday when the purse snatching happened.

According to investigators, a man rode up on a bicycle behind her, grabbed her purse and rode off. He turned to go west on W. Parkway Avenue.

The victim was not hurt.

The suspect was described as between 20-25 years old, clean shaven, with short hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and the bicycle was dark-colored.

The purse was black, but police are not releasing details on what was in it.

Anyone with information is asked to call Oshkosh police at (920) 236-5700. Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 231-8477, by text message with the keyword IGOTYA to 274637 or online.

Wisconsin DOT closing Hwy. 47/55 in Keshena due to flooding

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KESHENA, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has decided to close Highway 47/55 in Keshena due to flooding.

In a release from the DOT, water from the Wolf River is breaching the highway near the intersection of County Highway VV.

So highway crews will close Hwy. 47/55 between Go-Around Road and Rabbit Ridge Road.

Traffic will now be detoured via Go-Around Road, BIA Route 321, County VV, BIA Route 19 and Rabbit Ridge Road.

“The shallow areas where it’s just over the road will begin to ice up. There’s the potential of ice coming up and just a dangerous situation altogether,” said Brent Matthews, a highway maintenance supervisor with the DOT’s north central region.

“When the water is overtopping the road, you can’t see the lane lines, you can’t see exactly where the road edge starts and really, a lot of it has to do with immediate safety. Being that we wouldn’t want someone to get off the road, and go into the creek or some of the other deeper, flooded areas.”

Matthews says if there is residual ice on the roadway, the county highway department will treat it and detours will be in place until conditions improve.

The Menominee Tribe and County declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon because of the flooding.

Hit-and-run driver cited after Oshkosh police get tip

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A Crime Stoppers tip is being credited with helping Oshkosh police solve a hit-and-run crash last week that injured a 12-year-old boy.

Police say the tip received Friday led them to a 28-year-old Omro man. He admitted being involved in the crash and was issued citations for violation of a traffic control signal, hit-and-run with an injury involved and driving after his license was suspended.

The crash took place at the intersection of Oshkosh Avenue and N. Westfield Street around 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Ex-Appleton teacher's aide convicted for having sex with student

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CHILTON, WI (WTAQ) - A former Appleton West High School teacher's aide has agreed to a plea deal for having a sexual relationship with a special education student.

The deal, which consolidated charges from both Calumet and Outagamie counties, allowed 45-year-old Laura Bates to plead no contest to 3 counts of sexual assault of a student by a staff member. Four other similar charges were dropped.

Bates will be sentenced February 17.

Prosecutors have said they will seek one-year in jail and 5 or 6 years of probation as part of the agreement. They will recommend Bates be placed on the sex offender registry and not have unsupervised contact with minors.

Bates had a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old boy, who was a special education student, while she was a paraprofessional in his classroom, prosecutors say.

The two allegedly had contact at school and her home in Harrison, resulting in charges in two counties.

10 people charged in credit card ticket scam

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MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) - Federal charges have been filed against ten suspects involved with using stolen credit card numbers to buy tickets to entertainment and sporting events, then selling them for higher than face value.

According to prosecutors, the group did the scheme at Lambeau Field and the Resch Center, plus venues in Madison and Milwaukee, including the Pabst Theater, Camp Randall Stadium and Miller Park. The group is also accused of selling tickets bought with stolen credit card numbers in 10 other states, as well as funding their travel with the stolen info.

Prosecutors say, all told, over 3,800 credit card numbers were involved.

Charges have been filed against Cornelius Mitchell, 40, Kevin Wright, 40, Anthony Turner, 48, and Alonzo Gray, 49, of Milwaukee; Danny Jones, 33, Tyree Williams, 22, and Earl Rawls, 39, of Chicago; Henry Jackson, 54, of Minneapolis; Kevin Ware, 51, of Houston; and Ashley Dover, 24, who lives in Kentucky.

All face at least seven-and-a-half years in prison if convicted. Some face additional charges, which could land them behind bars for longer periods.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Paper Valley owners won't accept bid to buy hotel

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The current owners of Appleton's Radisson Paper Valley Hotel have declined to accept a recent bid to purchase the hotel.

On December 3, the $17.6 million final bid was made on Auction.com.

The owners say the auction process was a chance for the group to test the market and see what kind of interest the sale could generate.

According to the management company, they will operate the downtown Appleton hotel the same and will continue to seek finalizing an agreement for the development of the Fox Cities Exhibition Center.

Currently the hotel is owned by an investor group that once held the property's mortgage. That group purchased the hotel in 2013 after a previous owner defaulted on the mortgage.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Authorities clean out Oshkosh home allegedly used to make ricin

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - The National Guard and the federal EPA will help Winnebago County officials cleanup a house in Oshkosh where the deadly toxic chemical ricin was said to be made.

The county health department asked for help in running the cleanup project, which begins Wednesday and is scheduled to run through mid-day Thursday.

Access to the house has been restricted for a month-and-a-half due to possible contamination.

Officials say the public has not been at risk, since all of the hazardous materials stayed inside the house.

Prosecutors said 21-year-old Kyle Smith, a UW-Oshkosh student, made ricin there. A federal grand jury found that Smith intended to use the chemical as a weapon, even though his attorney denies it.

He's scheduled to go on trial February 17th in federal court.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)


Publishers' Clearing House gives Gresham man $1 million

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GRESHAM, WI (WTAQ) - A Christmas miracle took place in Shawano County, where an electrician who's long been unemployed won $1 million.

Publishers' Clearing House sent its Prize Patrol to Gresham Tuesday.

Karl Jonsson received roses, balloons, a ceremonial check for the million, and his first actual payment of $25,000. He was caring for a sick wife and a teenage daughter when his big surprise came to the door.

Jonsson has been out of work for more than 3 years due to a series of injuries. His long-term disability pay ran out in late 2013.

Jonsson's family -- which includes his wife and two daughters -- moved from Nebraska into his parents' house at Gresham 3 years ago.

Jonsson says he plans to use his initial prize money to pay bills.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Green Bay Metro Fire says new equipment is a life saver

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Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - Just in time for Christmas Green Bay Metro Fire has recieved some gifts.   And these toys can be life-savers.  

Division Chief Brent Elliott says the key feature for the department's new thermal imaging cameras is size.

The cameras are mounted to an Iphone. 

The Battalion Chiefs in charge of fighting a structure fire can easily use them to spot hidden fires, or people trapped inside.....even water rescues.

The mini cameras cost about a 3rd of a full size model.  It's coming out of the department's budget.

They have four of them, have used them and are very pleased with the results.

UPDATE: Marinette County suspects in custody after police chase

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MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities in Marinette County say four people have been arrested in connection with a chase and manhunt Wednesday night.

It all began when police tried to pull a vehicle over north of Crivitz. Police say it matched the description given in a home burglary. When cops tried to pull the car over, they say the suspects sped up and were shooting at them.

A crash happened just north of Middle Inlet and the suspects ran off. 

Authorities shut down about 10 miles of U.S. Highway 141 and evacuated homes nearby while the manhunt took place. Two men were arrested without incident within about 3 hours.

Later, two more people were taken into custody. A man is believed to be involved with the other two suspects in burglaries, but driving a different vehicle. The woman, who was seen with the third man, is believed to have gone to the area to help the men get away.

No injuries have been reported.

No one hurt in Denmark house fire

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DENMARK, WI (WTAQ) - A Denmark house appears to be a total loss following a fire Wednesday evening.

Crews were called to the fire at N1347 Schweiner Road.

“We were called for a fully involved house fire and upon arrival it was on the second floor and was shooting through the roof," said Dave Bielinski, Denmark's Fire Chief. "We were able to account for all the people that live here so it’s been a defensive fire since we got here.”

No word yet on how the blaze started.

Brown County Board rejects sales tax referendum

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County voters won't be able to voice their opinions on a half-percent sales tax anytime soon.

That's after the county's Board of Supervisors rejected a pair of motions Wednesday night to continue the discussion.

At issue is the potential creation of a half-percent sales tax, which would replace the expiring Stadium District tax used to pay for the renovation, maintenance and stadium operations of the Packers home back in 2000. The tax currently brings in more than $20 million a year and is due to expire in September 2015.

Brown County supervisor Dan Robinson wanted to hold a referendum in the spring to find out whether residents would support a half-percent county sales tax.

On Wednesday, the board listened to public comment, and then elected officials on both sides of the proposed referendum shared their views.

“There’s nothing here tonight that we can vote on that can do us any good,” Supervisor Tom De Wane said according to FOX 11.

“Voting for this does not mean you’re voting in support of higher taxes. It just means you’re wanting to hear from the entire constituency,” said Supervisor Erik Hoyer.

The Brown County Executive Committee last week didn't recommend the board take action on the proposal.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Police search for two suspects in Little Chute property damage complaints

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LITTLE CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - Police in the Fox Valley are investigating multiple complaints of property damage, including bricks being thrown through living room windows.

According to the Fox Valley Metro Police Department, the incidents have taken place during the overnight hours of December 14th into the 15th in the northern part of the Little Chute area.

Authorities say residents have reported thousands of dollars in damages ranging from the bricks busting through their windows to slashed tires.

Fox Valley Metro police had 5 separate reports of damage to property that night. Officers say they appear random.

“We have no information to support anyone was targeted,” Officer Ed Slinde told FOX 11, who adds they are looking for two suspects. “We did have a suspicious complaint earlier that night of two male individuals walking through Hickory Lanes trailer park on Vandenbroek Road. These individuals were seen carrying bricks.”

The two suspects are both teenage boys, one is described as a Caucasian boy between 16 and 17-years-old with a thin blond beard and short blond hair. He was seen wearing a beige hoodie with blue jeans. The second person is described as a Hispanic boy, approximately 15-years-old with a thin mustache and short black hair. He was seen wearing a gray hoodie and dark jeans.

Slinde is asking neighbors to help identify the teens and be on the lookout for any further problems.

If you have information regarding these damage complaints, suspects, or to report a damage complaint specific to this area and time, please contact the Fox Valley Metro Police Department at 920-788-7505.If you wish to remain anonymous, and still be eligible for a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 920-788-9090 or at tips@stopcrimenow.org.

Plan commission delays action on plans for Sturgeon Bay hotel

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STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Sturgeon Bay plan commission has put plans for a 90-room hotel along the bay's western waterfront on ice.

During the commission's meeting Wednesday night, hundreds of people stood and applauded the action to delay the proposal.

“I think that the public needs to be involved on a larger scale. I like what has happened tonight. I think it would have been a really sorry step to take the comprehensive plan and piece it out,” Linda Cockburn told FOX 11.

“What I think should be done with that area is the four season market with some green space. I really liked that initial plan that they had come up with. I think that would serve our community very, very well,” said Megan Lundahl.

However, some plan commission members still think this plan, or some version of it, would be the best development option.

“There was the idea of the four seasons building where you’d have the merchants in there selling things, that didn’t seem to work. The hotel was the first idea that we had where we had a developer that was interested in making that investment so that’s why they’re moving in that direction,” said Mike Gilson, Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission member.

Some people who spoke at the meeting said they are concerned there aren’t enough tourists to fill another hotel.

Commission members said they would like to hold community forums to come up with alternative plans for the former granary location.

If no other action is taken in the next 90 days, the city council could vote on the hotel plan.

The possible hotel site is part of Sturgeon Bay’s comprehensive plan for the western waterfront development area. That comprehensive plan was originally approved in 2011.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).


Menominee tribal officials replacing sandbags in Keshena

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KESHENA, WI (WTAQ) - Sandbags used to hold back water from the overflowing Wolf River will be replaced with barriers by the Menominee Tribe.

According to tribal leaders, they're working with federal and state agencies, along with other tribal agencies on the project. The barriers were built and are being put in consultation with engineering experts.

Tribal leaders are asking people with businesses in the area to keep away from the area because heavy equipment is being used.

Highway 47/55 at County Highway VV remains closed and detours are marked for drivers.

Flooding has been a concern for several days since ice jams caused the Wolf River to back up. So far, efforts to break up those jams have been unsuccessful.

Firefighters still responding to blazes caused by recalled dehumidifiers

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - It's been over a year since the federal government recalled two-and-a-half million home dehumidifiers -- and Wisconsin firefighters are still responding to blazes caused by those units.

Green Bay Metro Fire Lieutenant Nick Craig tells WBAY-TV he still sees recalled dehumidifiers when residents call for help in installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

One recalled unit was blamed for a Thanksgiving weekend house fire in Green Bay that caused $18,000 in damage.

Gree made the dehumidifiers which were recalled late last year by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They were sold under a dozen different brands which included Frigidaire and Kenmore.

Officials say the units overheat without warning. The safety commission said the products were responsible for 120 fires nationally, causing $4.5 million in total damages.

Although it's December and homes are getting drier, Craig says some people are still running them.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Gov. Scott Walker touts property tax relief Wednesday

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker says he remains committed to cutting local property taxes, even with a possible $2.2 billion budget deficit on the horizon.

The Republican Walker made brief appearances in six Wisconsin cities Wednesday, to remind homeowners that his party cut local taxes by an average of $141 since 2010.

Most of that was approved earlier this year, when news of $1 billion state surplus emerged -- and the governor and lawmakers reduced taxing limits for technical colleges.

Since then, the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau projected a $400 million revenue shortfall for the current state budget, and a possible $1.8 billion deficit in the next two-year budget.

Walker and other Republicans have rejected those estimates, saying they don't reflect economic growth that should bring in more tax revenues above and beyond the projected shortfalls.

Walker also said the state was working with local governments on their tax levies, to assure more tax cuts over the next four years.

The Walker tour took place as Wisconsinites are receiving their local tax bills this month.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Oshkosh Corp. lands another Army contract

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - The Oshkosh Corporation continues to get military business, despite the scale down of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thursday, the Oshkosh Defense division announced another $67 million contract to build the types of trucks and trailers it's been constructing since 2010.

The new deal calls for 256 units in the Army's Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, to be built next year at Oshkosh. The vehicles have special armor that protect crew members.

Among other things, they're used to move troops and supplies.

Over the past five years, Oshkosh has built 22,000 FMTV trucks, and 11,000 trailers.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt will run for 4th term

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt has announced his candidacy for a fourth term in office.

"We have a lot going for us and I want it to continue," said Schmitt during a campaign kick-off event on the rooftop of Titletown Brewing Company's new Tap Room. "I've got the energy and I've got the vision to lead us forward for another 4 years."

Schmitt was first elected in 2003 and cites progress made in economic development, public safety and debt reduction. He also spoke about working well with other members of the Green Bay City Council, along with local, state and federal officials.

"I think the city feels the momentum," said Schmitt, who says he's unsure who his opponents would be. "I don't know if it's risking momentum, I can just guarantee with me the momentum will continue."

Thursday afternoon, David Vander Leest issued a statement declaring his intentions on challenging Schmitt in 2015. Vander Leest says he wants to reduce the city’s debt load, restore residential garbage services that were recently eliminated and improve city roads.

City Council President Tom DeWane also issued a statement Thursday, saying he told friends and supporters he would make an announcement soon as to whether he would run. DeWane has picked up nomination papers to run for the office.

Candidates have until January 6 at 5 p.m. to turn in nomination papers with 200 signatures from city residents to get on the ballot. If more than two candidates enter the race, a primary election would be held February 17. The general election is April 7.

If Schmitt, who's 56, wins and serves out a fourth term, he would be tied with Sam Halloin as the longest-serving mayor in Green Bay history. Halloin was mayor from 1979 to 1995.

DOWNTOWN GROCERY STORE PROMISE

Mayor Schmitt promised a grocery store for the city's downtown during his State of the City address this year. That was back in March, and now with just 2 weeks left in calendar 2014, he admits it likely won't happen.

"That grocery store promise...I'm still learning," Schmitt said when questioned by the media about it. "I'm committed to that and, you know, I may not make that date but I'm working harder on it than I ever have."

Schmitt says there are still concerns about the size and who will fill that void. He said he met with Festival Foods earlier that day, but they likely won't be a player in downtown Green Bay.

On Wednesday, Green Bay's Planning Director Kim Flom told FOX 11 that things are taking longer than anticipated. The city says it is talking with grocers in and out of the state, as well as New Leaf Market.

President of New Leaf Lynn Walter told FOX 11 the Main Street site is no longer being possible, because the group doesn’t have the money to build new. However, Walter says the group does have the money to open a store and has a few preferred existing buildings in mind.

“The timeline depends on which site we end up with,” said Walter. “If it requires major remodeling it’s going to take a little longer. If its move-in ready, that’s going to be a short time frame, but our goal is to open next year.”

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