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Wery, Schmitt react to Milwaukee County DA handling campaign finance probe

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - One day after WTAQ first reported that Brown County District Attorney David Lasee found a special prosecutor for investigating alleged campaign finance improprieties involving Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, we're hearing from both sides of the issue.

Three Green Bay city council members, Chris Wery, Guy Zima and Andy Nicholson, requested an audit of the "Friends of Jim Schmitt" campaign after a report showed possible illegal contributions.

Wery says they met with Lasee this week.

"We came away from that meeting, that he also agreed there's enough there that it should be looked into," Wery told WTAQ's Jerry Bader Thursday. "The person he thought should do it was Mr. Landgraf down in Milwaukee, who has quite a bit of experience in this."

Wery is speaking of Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Bruce Landgraf. Landgraf was reportedly heavily involved in the John Doe probe targeting conservatives and Governor Walker.

Alderman Wery also said he has reviewed amended campaign finance reports filed this week by Mayor Schmitt to the Green Bay city clerk's office.

"If you go through it, he does admit to taking corporate money and returning it," said Wery. 

You can see those documents in six parts here: Batch 1, Batch 2, Batch 3, Batch 4, Batch 5, Batch 6.

In brief, Schmitt’s campaign has returned $2,050 in donations in an effort to clear up possible discrepancies. Checks were returned to 2 law firms – Gunta & Reak and Lin, Liebmann, Wied LLC – a company called JPTR, Lyndahl Funeral Home and Oneida Seven Generations Corporation.

Wery calls it part and parcel of what he, along with Zima and Nicholson, has been saying all along.

"The donation from Oneida Seven Generations, of course, he was a huge backer of that and now it's gone to court and cost us about $100,000 in legal fees to fight it," said Wery, referring to the ongoing court battle involving a waste-to-energy permit. "With Gunta and Reak, we've probably spent over the last 10 years of Jim's administration $700,000 with them as a law firm."

It's unclear how long the Milwaukee County DA’s review will take, but all involved would like to see it done quickly.

SCHMITT RESPONDS

Mayor Jim Schmitt himself has requested an audit after the 3 Alders made an initial call.

“I’m embarrassed about this, I’m upset about this hooey politics that’s going on,” Schmitt told FOX 11 on Thursday. 

In the amended campaign finance reports submitted this week, Schmitt said he refunded anything that might raise questions and clear up any possible discrepancies.

“It is not illegal if you don’t balance your checkbook,” Schmitt said. “And we’ve made the necessary corrections.”

When reporters asked about some of the specifics of the returned checks, especially regarding the Oneida Seven Generations Corporation, Schmitt replied, “Yeah that was an oversight, period.”

The mayor adds he plans to cooperate with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

Schmitt is seeking his fourth term as mayor. A primary election is set for next month, with the general election to follow in April.

According to the revised documents, Schmitt has raised $114,559 for his campaign.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).


DPI nominates Howard Elementary School for national honor

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HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) - Howard Elementary School is one of 8 public schools nominated for the National Blue Ribbon School Program by State Superintendent Tony Evers.

"Oh it was a surprise to get a national nomination," says Howard Elementary Principal Vickie Dassler. "I was floored by it."

The national program recognizes overall academic excellence or progress in improving student achievement. Dassler describes what likely put Howard Elementary over the top.

"The upper 15 percent academic achievement in the state, and we are closing the gap in our various sub-groups...our English language learners and our special education population," said Dassler.

Dassler says their success in a collaborative staff who works to provide the best education for students.

"We like to say that the National Blue Ribbon Award is the educational equivalent of the Lombardi trophy," says Howard-Suamico Superintendent Damian LaCroix. "As the wall (at Howard Elementary) says: A committment to excellence that's backed up by hard work, focused determination, using data to inform decisions and pursue achievement targets."

Howard Elementary is the second school from the Howard-Suamico district to earn a Blue Ribbon nomination in the past three years. Suamico Elementary eventually won the Blue Ribbon award in 2013.

Other schools nominated are in the school districts of Portage, Mequon-Thiensville, Two Rivers, Onalaska, Platteville, Sevastopol and Washburn.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, has recognized over 7,500 of America's schools since it began in 1982.

Awards are typically announced in early September.

Oshkosh police identify suspect in underage sexting investigation

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - We now know the identity of the man arrested Wednesday by Oshkosh police for allegedly sexting a child.

25-year-old Taylor D. Traeder of Iron Ridge was charged in court with 4 counts of causing a child to view sexual activity.

Police arrested Traeder following a month-long investigation. Two search warrants were executed at his home and workplace in Iron Ridge. He was arrested and jailed in Winnebago County Wednesday.

According to investigators, Traeder posted an ad on Craigslist seeking a woman to chat with and possibly meet.

On December 9, an Oshkosh police detective found the ad and responded claiming to be a 15-year-old girl from Oshkosh looking to chat as well.

Traeder then began sending inappropriate text messages to the detective on December 11. The sexting continued until January 8.

S.S. Badger to stop dumping coal ash this year

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - One of Wisconsin's two car ferries across Lake Michigan says it will be ready to follow a long-delayed federal order to stop dumping coal ash into the water this year.

The owners of the S.S. Badger ferry from Manitowoc to Ludington Michigan expect the boat to be in compliance by May 15th, when it starts making trips in 2015.

Senior engineer Chuck Cart says the new coal ash retention system still needs to be assembled on the car deck of the 410-foot steamship.

Cart tells the Ludington Daily News it should take about six weeks to finish a conveyor system to transport ash from the ship's boiler to four containment bins. An updated combustion system was added last winter.

The projects are part of the Badger's investment of $2 million over the past two years.

Meanwhile, the coal ash will not go to waste. Chuck Leonard, vice president of the Lake Michigan Car Ferry, says the firm plans to market the coal ash for use in making cement.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Packers coach Mike McCarthy talks about special red challenge flag

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Packers' coach Mike McCarthy carries his family with him, every time he carries his red replay challenge flag on the sidelines.

McCarthy uses the same flag every game, and he'll carry it again on Sunday when his Packers play at Seattle for the right to advance to the Super Bowl.

WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee asked McCarthy about it Friday morning, after seeing a USA Today photo of the flag.

He confirmed that it has a message from his daughter. It reads in part, "With you through every challenge. XOXO Goose."

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Packers arrive in Seattle Friday; Rodgers, Lacy probable for NFC Title Game

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SEATTLE (WTAQ) - Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers and running back Eddie Lacy are both listed as probable for Sunday's NFC Championship Game at Seattle.

Rodgers continues to work around a lingering injury to his left calf. Lacy left practice early Thursday when one of his knees became sore.

Packers' coach Mike McCarthy said both players looked like they were doing better Friday -- although the Packers did not practice.

Rodgers told reporters the Packers will need to take care of the ball and score in the red zone, if they want to advance to their second Super Bowl in five years. He said the Seahawks' speedy defense cannot be simulated at practice and confidence is the key.

The team flew to Seattle Friday afternoon. A final practice session will be held Saturday in Seattle – where rain showers are in the forecast for Sunday afternoon's game,with a high in the low 50's.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Green Bay police investigate shooting outside tavern

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay police say a 24-year-old man was shot and wounded outside an east side tavern early Saturday.

Authorities say it happened outside Skirtz tavern in the 1200 block of Main Street around 2:30 a.m.

The victim was apparently involved in a disturbance in the bar's parking lot when he was shot in the shoulder.

Police say the suspect fled the area and hasn't been identified.

Investigators are interviewing the victim and potential witnesses to the incident. They say the public is not in any danger.

Green Bay church holds MLK march

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay church organized a march across the Walnut Street bridge Monday morning to mark the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama.

It was followed by a program commemorating Martin Luther King Day at Divine Temple Church of God in Christ. The program included a speech, local choirs and entertainment.

The theme for today's event was "Building Bridges, Building Dreams."

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).


Appleton man killed in weekend snowmobile crash

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OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A snowmobile crash Sunday night in Oconto County killed an Appleton man.

Authorities say they got a report of a missing snowmobiler around 9:15 p.m. Around 11 p.m., officials found the 34-year-old man's body.

His snowmobile struck the shoreline of Chute Pond.

Investigators think speed was a factor in the crash. They are also waiting for results of toxicology tests.

The man’s name has not been released.

Salvation Army of Brown County looking for final push

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Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - The familiar Red Kettles have been put away, but the Salvation Army of Brown County needs a final push to reach its 2014 Christmas Campaign goal. 

The campaign officially ends January 31st...and the Salvation Army of Brown County is trying to make its  $1-point-1 million target.

Right now, they're about $50 thousand short.

Kathryn Paul admits this is a tough time to be asking for financial help.

The money goes to basic programs like the food pantry and rent assistance.  

If you can help, stop by the Salvation Army of Brown County office at 626 Union Court in Green Bay. 

Or you can long on to Online RedKettle-dot-org.

Green Bay police arrest 3 teens tied to weekend shooting

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Green Bay have arrested three teenagers in connection with a vehicle that was shot Saturday night.

Authorities say they came across someone who reported his vehicle was shot following an argument in the parking lot of McDonald's, 1587 Shawano Avenue, around 10 p.m.

According to the person that made the report, he and some friends were arguing with another group. During the argument, one of the people pulled a gun and shot at the victim, who was sitting inside the vehicle.

The victim and his friends left quickly.

The investigation led cops to three 17-year-old boys near S. Military and Western Avenues. They arrested two of them immediately, while the third one fled. Officers did catch him and take him into custody. Authorities also found a 9 mm handgun in the area.

No one was hurt. The victim’s vehicle was hit by a single bullet.

New trial date for Justine Boyd in alleged Walmart shooting

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - There's been a change of date for the trial of a woman accused of shooting a Walmart co-worker in Neenah in 2013.

Justine Boyd is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide for the shooting of Sharon Goffard. Boyd pled not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

On Tuesday, a hearing moved her trial up to February 24 from March 10.

Authorities say Boyd was apparently upset that Goffard got an easier position at work, according to the criminal complaint.

Boyd was originally found incompetent to stand trial, but that changed last October. That competency ruling meant that she is mentally able to understand the criminal proceedings against her and assist in her own defense.

The not guilty by mental disease or defect plea means the defense contends she should not be deemed responsible for actions due to her mental condition at the time of the offense.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Man killed in Shawan County house fire identified

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TOWN OF GREEN VALLEY, WI (WTAQ) - Shawano County authorities have released the name of a man who died in a blaze at his home last week.

The body of 55-year-old Kenneth Lawniczak was found several hours after his home started on fire last Thursday morning south of Gillett in the town of Green Valley.

Authorities needed to check dental records to confirm the man's identity.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The state Fire Marshal's office is helping local authorities investigate.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Oshkosh-based DealerFire to be acquired by California firm

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A California firm is about to acquire an Oshkosh company that provides digital marketing and Web site designs for automotive dealers.

DealerSocket of San Clemente is buying DealerFire of Oshkosh. Both firms announced the deal Monday. Terms were not disclosed.

DealerSocket provides training materials and customer relationship management services to auto dealers and others in the industry.

DealerFire provides dealer groups and individual auto dealers with Web sites, mobile apps, and other Internet marketing.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Investigation continues into fatal snowmobile crashes

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OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A pair of deadly snowmobile crashes are still under investigation in central and northeast Wisconsin.

Both happened on Sunday night.

Waupaca County sheriff's deputies said a 26-year-old man was killed, after his snowmobile collided with a fallen tree at the Manawa Mill Pond.

In Oconto County, officials said a 34-year-old Appleton crashed his snowmobile into a shoreline at Chute Pond in the town of Mountain. Investigators said high speed appeared to be a factor, and toxicology test results are pending.

Names of both victims were not immediately released.

The state DNR says the victims are the 5th and 6th on Wisconsin snowmobile trails so far this winter.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)


Baldwin under fire for V-A scandal

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Washington D. C. (WTAQ) - U-S Senate Democrat Tammy Baldwin denies that her office took no action when it first learned last year about excessive painkillers prescribed at the V-A Medical Center in Tomah.  

The Gannett News Service says Baldwin received an inspector general's report last August which detailed high amounts of opiates given to hospitalized veterans.

However, Gannett said a whistle-blower at Tomah learned last November that Baldwin did not act on the report despite being the only lawmaker to have it for months.

The whistle-blower repeatedly asked the senator to make the problem public, and take it to a Senate veterans' panel. 

Wisconsin Public Service seeks permission for new natural gas unit

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A $517 million generating unit is being requested by Wisconsin Public Service at its Fox Energy Center in Wrightstown.

According to WPS officials, the new natural gas unit would be able to generate 400 megawatts of electricity. Currently, the plant has 2 units that are able to generate 593 megawatts.

The Green Bay-based company says if the new unit is built, the Fox Energy Center could serve over 500,000 homes.

Wisconsin Public Service is expecting demand for electricity to rise by 2019 due to the economic recovery along with older, smaller and less efficient units closing in Wausau, Green Bay and Sheboygan.

“Adding a natural gas combined cycle generating unit to our existing Fox Energy Center is the best value for customers in the long term,” Paul Spicer, WPS vice president of energy supply, said in a news release. “Owning the generation instead of buying electric capacity, even if available, provides much greater opportunity to control costs and reduce risk.”

Spicer adds the natural gas unit would protect customers if more stringent environmental regulations are put into place.

The project would create up to 400 construction jobs and 10 permanent full-time jobs. It would also increase shared revenue for the village of Wrightstown, town of Kaukauna and Outagamie County.

WPS expects the state Public Service Commission to make a decision on the project later this year. If approved, construction would begin next year, with the unit starting to operate in 2019.

Company collecting unsolicited donations for Howard Fire Department

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HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) - Residents and business owners in the Village of Howard are being urged to use caution if they get calls from a company called Fire Safety Magnet seeking donations on behalf of the fire department.

According to the Howard Fire Department, they've received reports that residents were contacted by Fire Safety Magnet to make donations to them.

Howard fire officials say they are not associated with Fire Safety Magnet and are unauthorized to collect any funds on their behalf.

Anyone who gets a call from this company is asked to contact Assistant Howard Fire Chief Ann Watzka at (920) 434-4679 or awatzka@villageofhoward.com as soon as possible.

Mysterious Jesus drawing uncovered at Waupaca nursing home

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WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) - A Waupaca nursing home is investigating the mystery of a large chalk drawing of Jesus found last month.

Officials say the drawing is about 2 feet by 3 feet and is shown above.

There are some clues: A number 54 and the word "DANA" are written in the lower left hand corner.

Bethany Home staff members say there was an orphanage on the grounds until 1954. The home then became a senior care facility in the 1960s.

Anyone with information about who made the drawing, please contact Bethany Home of Waupaca at (715) 258-5521.

Authorities identify man killed in Manawa snowmobile crash

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MANAWA, WI (WTAQ) - Waupaca County authorities have released the name of a 26-year-old man who died in a snowmobile crash last weekend.

Officials said Michael Krachtt of Manawa was riding alone when his machine collided with a fallen tree at the Manawa Mill pond.

The victim was ejected from his snowmobile when the crash occurred on Sunday night.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

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