SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities in northeast Wisconsin say a tip never panned out about the location of a jail escapee from Upper Michigan.

Brown County sheriff's deputies were told that 34-year-old John Saatio was seen in Suamico Tuesday night. Officers checked the area, but did not get any word of his whereabouts.

They've increased their patrols of Suamico's Flintville area for 48 hours after the tip was called in.

Saatio was being escorted back to jail in Houghton County Michigan last Friday when he ran off. That was after he appeared in court in a home invasion case.

Officials said a car that Saatio might have stolen was abandoned in Green Bay, and found last Saturday night.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - You'll be able to park in downtown Appleton for less coinage starting this weekend.

The Appleton Common Council approved changes to parking meter rules earlier this month. 

Those changes include ending enforcement three hours earlier, so parking will be free starting at 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The price for on-street meters north of Washington Street will drop to 20 cents per hour from the current 75 cents an hour. Also, those meters will have time limits of 12 hours instead of two hours.

Officials say it will still cost you 75 cents per hour to park in the Appleton Public Library lot, but enforcement there will also end at 6 p.m.

“If people are willing to walk just a little further, they’ll be rewarded with cheaper and longer-term parking which will also help take away some of the congestion in the downtown area,” Public Works Director Paula Vandehey said in a news release.

While city officials anticipate losing $100,000 in parking revenue over the next six months due to the changes, they expect those losses will be offset as the city implements other changes that were recommended in a February consultant's report.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Department of Justice has released several videos and photos which depict the scene and aftermath of the officer-involved shooting in Green Bay earlier this year.

The incident took place February 24 when police responded to a call for a welfare check to Joseph Biegert's apartment on Plymouth Lane. Officers shot and killed the 30-year-old Biegert after they say he stabbed one of the cops.

A 911 call from Biegert's mother was one of the pieces of evidence released Wednesday. In it she told dispatchers her son said he had just taken medication in an effort to hurt himself. She said that Biegert was depressed.

Dash camera video from the squad cars of the two responding officers was also released. The video, taken from outside the apartment, includes audio of the incident inside.

Officers Matthew Dunn and Brian Krueger can be heard talking with Biegert. An audible scuffle follows; the final incident report indicated Biegert began to resist.

According to the final report, the officers then used stun guns and batons, but Biegert gained the upper hand. The report states Biegert stabbed Dunn, who fired 5 shots to try to stop him; Biegert then turned toward Krueger, who fired 4 shots at Biegert.

Both officers were taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released. Biegert was pronounced dead at the scene.

You can view the documents and incident reports by clicking here.

PULASKI, WI (WTAQ) - Former Pulaski school district Superintendent Milt Thompson was accused of six charges by the school board surrounding dishonesty, disloyalty and incompetence before reaching a resignation agreement earlier this month.

Those are the findings in documents obtained by WTAQ through an open records request, which can be viewed above.

On June 3, Thompson and the school board publicly announced an agreement which had him resign in the wake of a nearly two-month leave. The circumstances surrounding that decision by the board were never made public.

According to the documents, the school board outlined six specific circumstances which they say supported Thompson's firing:

• Disloyalty/dishonesty to the Board concerning the termination of the Varsity Girls Basketball Team Coach. During the events of last spring, you acknowledged that you had not been entirely honest with the Board regarding those events. The Board discussed its concerns regarding honesty with the Board during several meetings involving these events.
• Disloyalty/dishonesty to the Board concerning discontinuing the afterschool childcare program. You mislead both the Board and the public regarding this matter, which was discussed with you in closed sessions in August 2014. Again, you acknowledged that you had not been forthright in handling this matter. The Board specifically requested that you communicate to the parents that the decision to close the program and then re-open was entirely your own without any action by the Board. You never followed through with that communication.
• Disloyalty/dishonesty to the Board regarding documentation concerning an administrator's performance. In January 2015 you were asked pointedly whether you had followed through with oversight of another administrative employee and specifically whether that information was in the administrator's personnel file. You stated directly that it was. That was not the case. Upon review of the file, you had not placed the information in the file as discussed. This particular administrator's file did contain information regarding his temper and inability to appropriately interact with parents in difficult situations. Unfortunately, his behavior repeated itself in March of this year, resulting in further disciplinary action, which, had appropriate and timely oversight been provided, may not have occurred.
• Disloyalty/dishonesty to the Board regarding your attendance at the 2015 State Education Convention. At the time, you were representing a separate organization during your attendance. The District covered your registration expenses, but you were in attendance as a representative of this other organization. You mentioned that you had taken (3) vacation days, but only 1/2 day was recorded as such.
• Disloyalty/dishonesty to the Board regarding your internet usage during regular school district business hours. On several occasions you indicated to Board members that you only access the Rosetta Stone website for your Spanish lessons after hours, specifically, after 4:30 p.m. A limited search of your account activity showed that in the course of about one month you accessed the Rosetta Stone website over 3,500 times and frequently before 4:30 p.m. 
• Incompetence with respect to knowledge of employee rights and Wisconsin's public records laws. Following the events of March 17 and 18 involving a teacher disciplinary matter and a student fight, you met with the parents of the students and at that meeting, pursuant to the parents' request, provided them with District employee disciplinary documentation without first complying with the employee's right to advance notice and opportunity to challenge the release consistent with Section 19.356, Wis. Stats. As custodian of the District's records and as the head administrator, you are expected to follow comply with these rules. Your failure to do so placed the District in a potential precarious legal position.

In a statement provided by the district, Thompson addressed the public release of these records.

"Like a lawsuit, the charges brought by the Board are allegations - nothing more," said Thompson. "I acknowledge that I was not perfect, however both sides made mistakes during my tenure. I was never disloyal nor did I ever intend to mislead the Board in any of the matters discussed in the notice or otherwise."

Thompson went on to say that, "although the allegations against me lacked substance and gravity, I came to the conclusion that it would be difficult for me to continue to work with the Board as District Administrator."

Thompson was hired by the district in July 2013 and was given a contract extension through next year. As part of the resignation agreement, the district will pay Thompson his full salary through the rest of 2015. Thompson will also earn his salary through March 31, 2016, unless he gets another job.

Assistant superintendent Bec Kurzynske has taken over as the Pulaski School District's interim superintendent since Thompson was placed on leave April 8.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A flag dealer in Appleton does not plan to stop selling the Confederate flag.

A number of retailers have taken the Confederate flag off their shelves -- and the Eder flag manufacturer of Oak Creek has decided not to stop making it.

That's after South Carolina church murder defendant Dylann Roof was seen posing with the Confederate flag.

Matt Snodgrass, who owns the Sommerville Flag shop, tells the Appleton Post-Crescent there are lots of reasons people buy the product -- and it's up to the customers to decide whether they want it or not.

Snodgrass did say he wouldn't sell the Confederate flag to someone with a "hate filled" motive.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Door County's tart cherries may be harder to find this year.

The USDA expects Wisconsin to produce 9.4 million pounds of tart cherries this year -- down from 12 million last year, and 12.3 million the year before.

Federal officials cite a harsh winter in Wisconsin. It was milder than the previous year, but it did get off to an earlier start last November -- and it was much colder than normal in the early spring, with close to freezing temperatures on and off all the way through Memorial Day.

The USDA says several Wisconsin growers are now reportedly out of production due to deaths on their cherry trees.

Nationally, tart cherry production for this year is projected at 222 million pounds, 23 percent less than a year ago.

Sweet cherry production is estimated at 338,000 pounds, an 11 percent drop from last year.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A fire completely destroys a house in Manitowoc County early Thursday.

Crews were called to the home on Tannery Road, near Maplewood Road, north of Two Rivers around 5 a.m.

No one was hurt in the fire. No word yet on what sparked the blaze.

Two vehicles and an RV were also destroyed in the fire.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - This Fourth of July, some Green Bay area waterways will be closed to boaters due to the annual Festival Foods Fire Over the Fox show.

The Port of Green Bay is officially closed to all boats from 2 to 11 p.m. on July 4, according to city officials. 

However, bridge tenders can use their discretion to open bridges under the following guidelines:

• Mason Street Bridge: May open all day dependent on traffic and pedestrian conditions
• Walnut Street Bridge: May open all day dependent on traffic and pedestrian conditions
• Main Street Bridge: Midnight-9 a.m.: Will open for all watercraft; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Will not open for pleasure craft; 2 p.m.-11 p.m.: Will not open for any watercraft; 11 p.m.-midnight: Will open for all watercraft
• Fox River (Walnut Street Bridge to Main Street Bridge): Waterboard Warrior Ski Show from 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Docking at City Deck during this time is not allowed.
• Reminder: No boats are allowed to dock overnight at City Deck. Also, because of the Waterboard Warriors Ski Show, docking adjacent to City Deck will be restricted on July 4 until 4:30 p.m. Docking at City Deck will be allowed from 4:30 p.m.-midnight. Again, no overnight docking.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 19-year-old Greenville woman has been reported missing.

Authorities are looking for Zofia M. Kaminski, who was last seen leaving her home around 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Kaminski is described as 5'4", 150 pounds with blue eyes and strawberry blond hair.

Police say her car is a red 1993 Ford Tempo GL with gray graphics on the side. It has the license plate number 820-WUH.

If you have any information, you're asked to call the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department at (920) 832-5000.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A Winnebago County judge accepted a petition from the Town of Menasha to incorporate into a village.

On Friday, Judge Karen Seifert accepted the petition without objection from its neighbors: Neenah, Menasha, Appleton or Clayton. However the next step in the process is where each municipality will have its stance known.

The effort would have the west side of the town become the Village of Fox Crossing. The town's neighbors, Menasha and Neenah, are against the plan.

“This is an exciting time for the Town of Menasha and being able to move forward,” Town administrator Jeffrey Sturgell tells FOX 11.

“We don't want to extend out the borders of one city that cannot provide the services adequately or village if that's the case,” said Jim Godlewski, the city attorney for Neenah.

Now, the Wisconsin Department of Administration will review the Town of Menasha's incorporation qualifications. Leaders say they want to incorporate so they can protect the tax base, solidify borders, offer more services, and have annexation and zoning authority.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we meet the criteria, but ultimately it'll have to go through the process,” said Sturgell.

The cities of Menasha and Neenah have submitted resolutions to annex the town, as part of objections to the effort.

“When we do talk about annexations, the idea is who can best serve the area that is purposed in the future to become part of one or another incorporated village or city,” said Godlewski.

Appleton's attorney says his city has a boundary agreement with Town of Menasha saying it won't challenge an incorporation. However, things could change if it goes through, and the new village tries to annex east side portions of the town.

If the petition is approved, a public referendum would be next.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ) - All three suspects arrested in a meth bust at a Marinette motel will head to trial.

On Friday, Bridget Zuraski waived her preliminary hearing on two charges, including manufacturing amphetamine. Online court records show her arraignment is set for July 22.

Also, Robert Sellen and Senora Lopez waived their preliminary hearings on two counts each. Their arraignments were also set for July 22.

The trio was arrested after authorities uncovered a "one pot" meth lab at the Marinette Inn earlier this month.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A man has been found guilty of an August 2013 shooting in Oneida.

Online court records indicate that 21-year-old Kevin Chavez of Green Bay will be sentenced on August 7, after his conviction of attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Chavez was involved in a dispute with Alejandro Silva, and shot Silva in the arm and leg.

Silva, meantime, is due to stand trial July 9 in Outagamie County suspected in the shooting death of Kamewan Salzman in August 2013.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - The man convicted in the drunk driving crash that killed Carmine DeAngelis last fall was sentenced Friday to 23 years in prison.

Winnebago County Judge Scott Woldt broke down the sentencing of Joshua Ronnfeldt to 20 years on the homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle count, and another 3 years for knowingly operating with a revoked license.

On October 5, Ronnfeldt has a blood alcohol level of .156 when he slammed in DeAngelis' vehicle. She had stopped for a train.

Ronnfeldt was also placed on extended supervision for 8 years after release. Also, his driver's license was revoked for 5 years, and he would have to use an ignition interlock for 5 years if he does get a license.

Ronnfeldt had 3 previous convictions for drunk driving, as well as bail jumping, burglary, and criminal damage to property.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A former student at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has been given a 40-month federal prison sentence for possessing ricin.

Kyle Allen Smith reached a plea agreement last March, admitting he had grown castor beans and extracting the deadly poison. One charge was dropped as a part of the plea deal.

Smith was arrested last November after two of his college professors became concerned by his questions about how to produce ricin.

One-and-a-half grams of ricin were found in his apartment near campus last Halloween.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Green Bay are searching for the passenger from a stolen car after the driver was arrested Saturday.

According to the Green Bay Police Department, they're looking for a 2004-2006 two-door grey Honda Accord with license plate 744VLR.

The car was pulled over in the 500 block of S. Monroe Avenue after officers ran a check and learned the car was stolen. The driver ran from the scene, but cops were able to catch him and use a taser to arrest him.

While the officers were making the arrest, police say the passenger in the car drove off.

Anyone with any information about the car's whereabouts or the driver are asked to contact Green Bay Police.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The state's largest electric and natural gas utility will get a lot larger Monday, when Wisconsin Energy finalizes its $9.1 billion purchase of the Integrys Energy Group.

The Milwaukee-based We Energies will become partners with the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation of Green Bay -- although both will keep their separate identities.

The same is true for 4 natural gas utilities that Wisconsin Energy will acquire, located in Minnesota, Michigan, and northern Illinois.

Starting Tuesday, the expanded parent company will change its name from Wisconsin Energy to WEC Energy Group.

Chairman Gale Klappa has told investors that the new company will focus on its natural gas business more than its electric utility operations over the next 3 to 4 years. That's because natural prices are relatively low, and there's a major opportunity to gain customers by convincing them to switch from propane.

The acquisition makes Wisconsin Energy the nation's 8th largest natural gas company -- and it's expected to move the firm into Fortune's Top 300 list, as revenues expect to be doubled to more than $9 billion a year.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - No one was hurt after a fire inside the basement of an Allouez home Sunday.

Green Bay Metro Firefighters responded to 725 Bordeaux Rue Street around 9 a.m.

Authorities say it took about 40 minutes to put out the fire. The cause remains unknown.

Fire officials estimate the damage to be $25,000 and one person was displaced.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay firefighter who died in his sleep last week is being laid to rest Monday.

Flags across Wisconsin are flying at half-staff in memory of Lt. Michael Miller. 

The funeral for the 18-year veteran of the department is taking place in Bellevue.

The 45-year-old Miller leaves behind a wife and son.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A Little Chute man was critically hurt following a crash on Interstate 41 Monday morning.

According to the Wisconsin DOT, the crash hapened in the southbound lanes of I-41 just south of Highway 441 near Appleton.

Authorities say a pickup truck was driving south when the driver of a Ford Escape tried to pass it on the left lane. The Escape's driver lost control of the vehicle, struck the pickup and rolled over multiple times.

The 22-year-old driver of the Escape was ejected from the vehicle and rushed to the hospital.

The pickup driver, an 86-year-old Manitowoc man, was not hurt.

TWO RIVERS, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities in Two Rivers say there were tense moments during a man's visit to a McDonald's drive-through Sunday, and it had nothing to do with what he ordered.

Firefighters say a driver was at the McDonald's, 1414 Lake Street, around 3:45 p.m. when he accidentally hit the gas pedal, thinking it was the brake.

The SUV crashed through a wooden fence and dropped over an embankment near the West Twin River. The vehicle ended up partially resting on a docked boat.

Crews had to stabilize the SUV, then pulled the driver out. He was not injured.

No other information has been released.