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Annual 'State of the Air' report out for Wisconsin

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MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) - All eight Wisconsin counties along Lake Michigan have again received failing grades for their high levels of ozone.

The American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" report came out Wednesday.

Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and Door counties all received grades of "F" -- same as last year -- for their high numbers of days with excessive ozone. Those counties have long argued it's an unfair rap, because some of Chicago's pollution gets blown in.

Kenosha County had the state's worst grade, with just over a month's worth of high ozone days over a three-year period ending in 2013.

Meanwhile, two more counties than a year ago received grades of "A" for their lack of ozone -- Ashland, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Marathon, Taylor and Vilas.

The survey grades counties which have had their air monitored for at least a three-year period.

Dane County, where Madison is located, was graded "B" while the county with Green Bay -- Brown -- was given a "D."

The lung association also graded counties on their particle pollution -- and no Wisconsin counties got "D's" or "F's" in that department. 12 counties received "A's" for their lack of air particles -- Ashland, Eau Claire, Forest, Grant, Kenosha, La Crosse, Ozaukee, Sauk, Taylor, Vilas, and Waukesha.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)


Suspect in 1990 murder of Berit Beck to stand trial

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - The man charged in the 1990 murder of Berit Beck will stand trial.

In court Wednesday, a Fond du Lac County judge ruled there was enough evidence to send 61-year-old Dennis Brantner of Kenosha to trial.

Brantner is charged with first-degree murder in the death of the then-18-year-old Beck.

Authorities say Beck disappeared on her way from her Sturtevant home to Appleton. Fingerprints in Beck's van tie Brantner to the crime, according to police.

Brantner's attorney says his client is innocent and the evidence is not compelling. He's currently being held in the Fond du Lac County jail on a $1 million cash bond.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

De Pere police seek armed robbery suspect

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DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Your help is being sought in the search for an armed robbery suspect in De Pere.

Police say the heist took place at the Scheuring Mobil gas station, 1620 Lawrence Drive, around 10:30 p.m. on April 7. 

Authorities say the robber pointed a gun at the cashier, who then handed over some money.

The suspect is described as 6'1", with a stocky build and broad shoulders.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Sgt. Steve Yedica at (920) 339-4804 x1208 or email syedica@mail.de-pere.org. Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 432-7867 or by text message with the keyword GBTIP to 274637.

One firefighter hospitalized during Winnebago County shed fire

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TOWN OF WINCHESTER, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities say one firefighter had to be hospitalized during a firefight in the Town of Winchester.

A Theda Clark Medical Center spokesperson says the 24-year-old man with the Clayton-Winchester Fire Department is listed in fair condition.

The shed fire is also forcing the closure of a highway in Winnebago County. Sheriff's say Highway II between Highway M and Steeple Hill Road is closed to traffic.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Charges filed against Appleton man for break-in, not with chemicals found

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - An Appleton man who police say kept "suspicious materials" inside his apartment has been charged for an apartment break-in.

On Wednesday, 32-year-old Steven Meyer made his initial court appearance in Winnebago County. Meyer is charged with 2 counts of false imprisonment and one count of burglary for an incident April 23 at a south side Appleton apartment building.

A judge set bond at $10,000 cash.

However, no counts are tied to the cache of toxic chemicals uncovered during a search of his apartment. Many of them were taken from the apartment. Police said the items were legal to own, but could have been combined to create explosives.

A preliminary hearing has been set for May 7.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Motorcyclist killed in Green Bay crash

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – One person is dead after a motorcycle crash in Green Bay.

Police say it happened a little before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on North Huron Road near the intersection with Woodside Road.

Police say the driver was thrown from the motorcycle.

The motorcyclist was a 20-year-old from Green Bay.

No other details are being released.

Green Bay Packers hold 30th pick in tonight's 1st round of the NFL Draft

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CHICAGO (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers are scheduled to have the 30th pick tonight, when the NFL Draft begins in Chicago.

As always, general manager Ted Thompson insists he'll take the best player available when Green Bay's on the clock.

The Packers have clear openings on defense at corner and inside linebacker -- and there's been a lot of talk that a defensive lineman might be the green and gold's top selection. Or Thompson could choose to trade down and acquire more picks -- like he did in 2008 when Green Bay dealt away its first-round pick and took receiver Jordy Nelson 36th in Round 2.

The Packers traded down 19 times in Thompson's ten drafts with the team, with the theory that getting more picks provides more chances for success from those players.

For now, Green Bay has 9 selections over the next three days -- one in every round except the 6th, where there are three picks.

Get complete coverage of the Packers NFL Draft by heading to WTAQ's draft page.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Reports of sturgeon spawning in De Pere

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DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Officials say sturgeon spawning is taking place in De Pere.

So if you missed sturgeon spawning along the Wolf River system, the De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department says there are reports of spawning taking place in the Fox River at the De Pere Dam.

Officials say the activity can be viewed from the riverwalk and wildlife viewing pier.

 


More details, images released in Oshkosh theft case

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh police have released more information and surveillance images of two people suspected of theft earlier this month.

Authorities say a male and female got out of a red vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet Cobalt or Pontiac Grand Am at Walmart, 351 S. Washburn Street, around 11:15 p.m. on April 19. The man left the store around 1:15 a.m. carrying a laptop computer and ran toward S. Washburn Street.

The woman stayed in the store until around 4:15 a.m., when she got into the car and drove toward Fleet Farm at 177 N. Washburn Street.

Surveillance photos show the man at Fleet Farm around 1:30 a.m. and leaving about 3 hours later.

Police say the man is described as white, with a medium build and dark hair. He was wearing a sweatshirt, blue jeans and white athletic shoes. The woman is described as white, darker hair with blond highlights underneath and at the ends of her hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Paul Frey at (920) 236-5267. Anonymous tips can be left with Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 231-8477, by sending a text message with the keyword IGOTYA to 274637 or online.

A new healthy lifestyle celebration planned for northeast Wisconsin

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Green Bay, WI  (WTAQ) - For women looking for a more challenging road race then the Bellin Run....the inaugural Bellin Women's half-marathon might be the answer.  

Statistics show 60 percent of participants in half-marathon events are women.

Road races geared toward women are becoming more popular....but there are none in this area. Women have to travel out of state to run in an event like this.  

Race Director Linda Maxwell says they're looking for about 2-thousand runners and walkers to take part in the September 26th event.

And with the fall colors just starting to take hold the course, along the Bay of Green Bay's east side, should be a scenic one.  

Registration will open tomorrow (Friday) at bellinwomenshalf-dot-com. Twice a week training runs are set to begin in July.

Two teens arrested in east side Green Bay apartment arson fire

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Green Bay say two teens have been arrested in connection with an arson case that destroyed an apartment complex on N. Danz Avenue in the early morning hours of Monday.

Green Bay Metro Fire Chief David Litton says it was a great collaborative effort between the local and state agencies involved. 

Litton says it started when investigators gained access to the basement area where the fire originated.

"When you're investigating a fire like that, you start to eliminate potentials and so there was really no other potential at the point like no electrical fixtures there or equipment plugged in," says Litton. "When you get to that point, you start looking at other possibilities and probabilities."

Litton says around that time, their lead investigator knew a secret.

"The investigator knew there were security cameras down there and was able to obtain the footage from that," says Litton. "It was taken to the police department to analyze it, and this all fell together."

The 17 and 18-year-olds from Marinette were picked up Thursday for an unrelated matter and the officer noticed their clothes matched the suspects’ clothes in the fire video.

Litton says one of them admitted to setting the fires.

Police say they’re recommending a number of charges, including arson and recklessly endangering safety.

The video shows the teens going in and out of the basement room where the fire started, according to Litton. Investigators told FOX 11 they sprayed liquid wrench on rags, and put them in some cabinets.

"Arson is a serious crime," says Litton. "There 69 or 70 people inside the building and it could've led to serious fatalities or injuries with folks...fortunately that didn't happen."

A preliminary damage estimate is nearly $700,000.

Wisconsin regulators approve mega utility merger

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin has become the second of four states to sign off on the proposed mega-merger between Wisconsin Energy and Chicago's Integrys Energy Group.

However, the state Public Service Commission added several conditions Thursday. That's after consumer and industrial groups said ratepayers were not being offered enough protections under the deal.

The three-member panel okayed an amendment from commission chair Ellen Nowak. We Energies will have to share profits with electric users which exceed authorized return limits of 10.2 percent for electricity, and 10.3 percent for natural gas customers.

Also, the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation of Green Bay would have to withdraw an application for a new natural gas-fired power plant near Kaukauna. Nowak said it might not be needed because of We Energies' existing power supplies -- although We Energies and WPSC would not be formally merged under the arrangement.

The two utilities will have to file plans with the state to explore both utilities' energy needs -- and if a study determines that the Kaukauna plant is needed, it could be filed within a month.

The proposed $9.1 billion merger of Wisconsin Energy and Integrys would create one of the largest gas utilities in the nation.

Michigan regulators and the federal government have approved the deal. Illinois and Minnesota must still okay it.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

Green Bay Packers grab safety Damarious Randall with 1st round pick

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CHICAGO (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers selected Arizona State safety Damarious Randall with their 1st round pick, 30th overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft.

As a senior with ASU in 2014, Randall led the team with 106 tackles, had 3 interceptions, one sack and a touchdown in 13 games.

Randall is 5'11", 196 pounds and ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

According to NFL.com, Randall is considered undersized for the safety position with some believing he could transition to play cornerback. He's considered to have a "nose for the ball," and has the speed and athleticism to make the transition if so desired.

The Packers have 8 picks over the next two days of the NFL Draft.

Get complete coverage of the Packers NFL Draft by heading to WTAQ's draft page.

UPDATE: One suspect sought in New Holstein home invasion, 3 arrested

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NEW HOLSTEIN, WI (WTAQ) - New Holstein police are searching for a fourth suspect involved in a home invasion and shooting.

Authoritie say it happened at a home in the 2000 block of Railroad Street around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday.

Police say 4 people went into the home. One fired several shots, striking a 30-year-old man in the foot. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Officers arrested three people: a 16-year-old New Holstein boy, a 17-year-old Kiel boy and an 18-year-old Town of Charlestown man.

The fourth suspect, Cody Meidam, is still being sought in connection with the case. Officers say Meidam should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you have any information, you can remain anonymous and call Calumet County Crimestoppers at (877) 765-8327 or text your tip to 274637, keyword “Calumet.”

Study: Tourism spending up in every Wisconsin county in 2014

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin travelers spent 5.3 percent more last year than in 2013.

That's according to an annual study released Friday by the state Tourism Department.

The Philadelphia-based firm of Tourism Economics found that Wisconsin visitors spent $11.4 billion last year on lodging, food, transportation, entertainment, and related items.

Every county in the Badger State reported an increase in tourist spending, the first time that happened since 2010 when the Great Recession was just loosening its grip.

Officials said last year's increase was due to a better economy and lower gas prices. Consumer confidence rose as personal incomes went up.

The report said Wisconsin's tourist industry accounted for 133,000 jobs in the Badger State. Restaurants had the most, with 48,000. Lodging was second with almost 33,000 jobs.

Milwaukee remains the state's top tourist draw, with almost $1.8 billion spent there by visitors in 2014. Madison and Dane County were second with $1.1 billion. Sauk County, which has the part of the Wisconsin Dells area, was 3rd. Waukesha was 4th.

Brown County, home of the Green Bay Packers, was 5th followed by Lake Geneva and Walworth County and Lake Geneva. Outagamie, Door, Marathon, and Racine counties rounded out the Top 10.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)


DOCUMENTS: Pulaski school district details punishment in student fight

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PULASKI, WI (WTAQ) - The Pulaski Community School District has released new documents which show a high school teacher and principal were both suspended following a fight at Pulaski High School.

The March 18 fight was caught on video, and was shared on social media by the parents of one of the students involved that sparked controversy.

According to a district reprimand, physical education teacher Dave Shaw told student Ethan Peters the day before the fight, "If I were you, I'd crack him upside the head." Peters punched Tim Pine's son repeatedly in the video. Tim Pine is the parent who posted the video to Facebook.

Peters was apparently upset because students were making annoying noises in the lunchroom before school on March 18, according to a criminal complaint.

Shaw was not in the lunchroom at the time of the fight and the statement made the day before was Shaw's attempt at humor to diffuse the original situation, according to the district.

One of the documents put out by the school district is an apology letter from Shaw to the district and parents. He was suspended without pay for 3 days.

Also, Pulaski High School Principal John Matczak had to pen an apology letter to the parents. The district says Matczak engaged in verbally argumentative behavior during a meeting involving the students and parents. Matczak was suspended without pay for 5 days.

“This has been a difficult situation for everyone involved. It’s unfortunate that this has cast our school and our district in a negative light that is not reflective of our students, teachers, district or community. With today’s release of information, we hope that everyone can move forward in a positive constructive way,” Pulaski Community School District interim superintendent Bec Kurzynske said in a video.

Click at the PDF attachments above to read the documents related to Dave Shaw and John Matczak.

One person killed in Allouez power pole crash; over 400 without power

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ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities in Brown County say one person is dead following a crash which has knocked out power to over 400 residents.

The Brown County Sheriff's Department say it happened near Libal Street and Greene Avenue around 12:40 p.m.

Investigators say a driver lost control and struck a fire hydrant and a power pole. His vehicle then started on fire. 

A release from Wisconsin Public Service says crews are repairing two power poles.

WPS officials say restoration efforts are expected to last into Friday evening.

Green Bay Packers take defensive back Rollins with 2nd round pick

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CHICAGO (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers made the first of two Day 2 picks of the 2015 NFL Draft by sticking with the defensive backfield.

With the 62nd overall selection, the Packers took Miami (OH) cornerback Quinten Rollins. Rollins is 5'11" and 195 pounds.

Rollins played just one season of college football, after playing 4 years of basketball. He was the 2014 MAC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team all-MAC. Rollins had 7 interceptions last season.

According to NFL.com, Rollins has the rare ability to change gears instantly. He's projected higher as a safety than a cornerback, but scouts believe he has the tools to become a "very good NFL starter".

Get complete coverage of the Packers NFL Draft by heading to WTAQ's draft page.

Shed fire in Howard

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HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) - Fire crews are battling a machine shed fire in the Village of Howard this morning.

Crews responded to the shed on Shawano Avenue near the Howard Fire Station No. 2 just after 3:30 a.m.

Currently, crews have blocked off the road from Milltown Road to near Gaibrelles Gate.

We'll have more information as soon as it becomes available.

Domestic stabbing under investigation in Howard

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HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County Sheriff's say a 20-year-old woman was arrested Friday night for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend.

It happened just after 8 p.m. at an apartment in Howard.

Deputies were called for a disturbance between the couple. She allegedly stabbed the 20-year-old man in the back with a knife. His injuries don't appear to be life-threatening.

The woman is jailed on a charge of attempted 2nd degree intentional homicide - domestic violence related.

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