OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - About 150 people are out of a job as an Oshkosh company closes its doors.

Strategic Fundraising announced its closure Monday, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The company told state officials they were trying to secure some additional funding to stay open, but could not.

According to the company's website, "Strategic Fundraising was founded in 1991 to provide comprehensive direct response fundraising services to Republican committees, candidates and non-profit organizations."

The state says 153 people worked for the company.

Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - With the 4th of July coming up in just a few days you'll probably start noticing an increase in the number of fireworks being set off in your neighborhood.

You can bet that's a sore point with Green Bay Metro Fire.

Lt Nick Craig says in Green Bay, the rules state you need a permit to shoot off anything that either leaves the ground or explodes.

But that rule may not be in place for nearby communities where more powerful fireworks are sold.

Craig says the prime time for fireworks going off are the week before and the week after the 4th of July.

He says 17,000 fireworks related injuries are reported each year.

And in recent years a garage and a house in Green Bay have burned down after flames were ignited by fireworks.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Four years after he retired for good, Brett Favre still thinks he can play in the NFL -- as long as he doesn't have to get hit.

The legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated's "Where Are They Now" issue.

Since leaving the NFL in 2010 with Minnesota, Favre has been coaching high school players near his home in Hattiesburg Mississippi. He has also been mending fences with the Packers after his messy departure in 2008.

Favre, who played 16 years in Green Bay and won a Super Bowl with the Pack, will be inducted July 18th into the team's Hall of Fame in front of a packed Lambeau Field atrium, a full house watching from the stands, and a statewide TV audience.

The next day, Favre will take part in a fundraising flag football game against some former NFL greats at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

He'll be back on Thanksgiving night, when his Number 4 joins the other retired numbers on the Lambeau facade at a game against Chicago.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton police have released surveillance video from a bank robbery earlier this month as they continue to search for the suspect.

You can see the video here.

On June 18 around 2:20 p.m., a man took an undisclosed amount of money from FNB Fox Valley Bank at 835 W. Northland Avenue. Authorities say he did not threaten the use of a weapon or display one during the robbery. He then left on a bicycle.

Police say the suspect is described as 5'10" with a stocky or muscular build. He was said to have a pock-marked face with either very short hair or a bald head.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Tauber at (920) 832-5536. Anonymous tips can also be sent by text message to 274637 with the keyword APDTIPS.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Hiccups in the nation's economic recovery may cause slow growth for at least some large Midwest manufacturers in the second half of the year.

That's according to BMO Capital Markets -- which also point to some very encouraging signs.

For one thing, the report said the Oshkosh Corporation is expected to see its military vehicle business rebound going into 2016. That's because the defense budget for tactical vehicles is stronger than projected.

The BMO report said Oshkosh has recalled 425 laid off workers in recent months, and has posted job openings for 100 salaried positions.

BMO studied growth prospects at a dozen large Wisconsin firms. It said U.S. construction is still growing, but more slowly than before -- and the agriculture and mining markets remain what the report calls "muted."

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A report of three men who allegedly tried to abduct two children on Green Bay's west side Tuesday evening was confirmed to be a hoax.

That's according to the Oneida Police Department, who spent hours following up on that report only to find that nothing really happened.

Oneida police notified residents in the Chief Hill Drive neighborhood about the report Tuesday. The person or persons alleging the incident told authorities it happened in Three Sisters Park 2.

FOX 11 reports that the neighborhood is filled with families who have small children that were concerned about a lack of supervision by some parents in the area.

Several parents said the incident has prompted a renewed awareness to keep an eye out for their kids.

Oneida police say no arrests have been made in connection with the hoax.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Brown County judge is ordering that some information about the lead investigator of the 1992 murder of Tom Monfils be turned over before a hearing next week.

During a motions hearing Wednesday, Judge James Bayorgeon ruled that all available court, legal and public records in the murder case be turned over.

64-year-old Keith Kutska, one of six men convicted of the murder, is seeking a new trial. Kutska claims that Monfils committed suicide.

Monfils disappeared while working at the then-James River paper mill in Green Bay. The facility is now the Georgia-Pacific Day Street mill.

Monfils' body was found 2 days later at the bottom of a two-story pulp vat, with a rope tied around his neck and a 40-pound weight at the other end.

Attorneys for Kutska subpoenaed former investigator Randy Winkler to produce items relating to his, “mental, emotional, psychological, and/or psychiatric condition, illness and/or condition that (Winkler) experienced at any time between 1992 and 1997, including any treatment.” Information about any psychological disability payments Winkler may have received from the city were also requested.

In court, Winkler's attorney argued that what was requested of his client and his own law firm was, "privileged, too broad and burdensome."

Judge Bayorgeon, who presided over the original trial, agreed the subpoenas were too broad. However, Bayorgeon ordered Winkler provide any documents in his possession, relating to his mental condition that were presented in any judicial or administrative hearing, like worker's compensation.

Winkler's attorney Bruce Bachhuber must do the same, but as it pertains to exhibits presented in federal court.

The motions hearing was set ahead of the July 8-10 evidentiary hearing, as Winkler will be out of state during that time.

Kutska, along with Rey Moore, Michael Hirn, Dale Basten, Michael Piaskowski and Michael Johnson, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. Piaskowski’s conviction was later overturned by a federal judge and released.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - While Wisconsin legislative leaders announced Wednesday that a deal on the state budget would remove prevailing wage from it, one area lawmaker wants to put his prevailing wage plan back inside the two-year spending plan.

De Pere Republican Senator Frank Lasee says his proposal for prevailing wage is the best thing outside of a full repeal.

"It's a much better compromise," Lasee said in a phone interview late Wednesday afternoon. "And it would help property taxpayers tremendously and allow a lot more freedom for local governments."

Lasee's plan has three main parts:

1.  Repeal for all local governments, technical colleges, schools, and municipal utilities

2. Uses federal rates on state projects

3.  Removes the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) from administering the state prevailing wage – eliminating 4 positions, a $358,000 savings.

Lasee adds that he has the support to put this prevailing wage proposal back inside the state budget.

"I think it has an excellent chance of making it into the budget in the Senate," said Lasee. "We've gotten the support of the majority of Senators and we're continuing to work to get all that we need to pass it in the state budget."

So why does this need to be included, especially after Wednesday morning's press conference from GOP leaders in both chambers saying it was being removed?

"I think that there are some of us that are concerned there may be a holdup or it may not pass both houses of the Legislature outside of the budget," Lasee said. "Our concern that for somehow it might get hung up and if it goes back to the Assembly and it's not exactly its version that there might be issues with it every getting into law."

Lasee adds that when the state Assembly meets on Tuesday to discuss the budget and prevailing wage, "they've talked about using my plan and passing that."

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - One of Wisconsin's best-known cheese makers plans to add 140 jobs, as Sargento Foods Inc. expands two plants and its headquarters.

Sargento of Plymouth says it will spend $30 million to expand cheese plants at Kiel and Elkhart Lake, plus its main offices.

Sargento expects to add 80,000 square feet to its facility in Kiel which makes a variety of cheese snacks, dips, and appetizers. A 59,000 square foot expansion is planned for Sargento's technical center in Elkhart Lake, where product development occurs.

Taxpayers will reward the firm with up to $735,000 in state tax credits through 2018, depending on the jobs actually created.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The NFL has announced that Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones has been suspended without pay for the first game of the 2015 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Jones will miss the Packers September 13 season opener against the Chicago Bears. He is able to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.

A Packers spokesman says the team has no comment, citing the confidentiality of the process.

A first round pick in the 2013 draft, Jones appeared in 13 games last season making 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Metro firefighters took time out Thursday to give a big thank you to a 10-year-old girl who made a difference with her generosity.

Last Sunday, fire crews were battling a blaze in an Allouez neighborhood when Lauren Johnson made sure every firefighter there got free lemonade from her stand.

"They tried to pay and Lauren said no it's on us...we want to show our appreciation for you," said Adam Johnson, Lauren's dad.

But it didn't end there. Lauren found out later on about the tragic death of Lt. Michael Miller, and donated the proceeds from her lemonade stand to the fund set up to help Miller's family. It was a total of $24. 

Lauren even paid her respects to Miller during his procession on Monday.

"For a small child to do that, unbelievable," said Lt. Chad Bronkhorst. "We didn't know until after that she paid her respects to Lt. Miller, which is really a touching thing."

Firefighters picked up Lauren in a ladder truck Thursday and took her to Zesty's Frozen Custard in Allouez. Also part of her surprise gift, the stuffed animal that Lauren had be saving up for.

"Riding in the truck with her to Zesty's we had a great conversation, just a lot of fun," says Bronkhorst. "I'll tell you what, her parents should be proud, they did a hell of a job raising their daughter."

Adam Johnson says he's extremely proud of Lauren, but also was touched by the outpouring of thanks by the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

"They don't get enough appreciation for what they do," says Johnson. "For the little things that they do to make a 10-year-old smile, it touches the heart and is amazing for me."

Inspired by Lauren Johnson, the owner of Zesty's donated a $250 check to the same fund for Lt. Miller's family.

"It comes completely as a shock to us," says Bronkhorst.  "Through this whole thing, the support we've gotten from the community has been unbelievable."

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.

GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - A fiery crash in Outagamie County early Friday leads to one person's arrest for alleged drunk driving.

Authorities say it happened on Interstate 41 near Lynndale Drive in Grand Chute around 2 a.m.

The driver was heading the wrong way on the northbound side, when the vehicle left the road and slammed into a pole. Upon arrival, officers saw smoke coming from the vehicle before bursting into flames.

No one was hurt.  The driver was arrested for OWI.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County's largest employer is being purchased by Aetna.

The firm will spend $37 million to buy Humana, making Aetna a major player in the fast-growing Medicare Advantage business. Shareholders and federal regulators must still approve the deal, which would nearly triple Aetna's Medicare Advantage business. 

According to the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, Humana employs over 3,100 people as of July 2014.

Aetna officials said the combined company will provide coverage for about 33 million members.

(Additional reporting from Metro Source)

EPHRAIM, WI (WTAQ) - Sheriff's in Door County are continuing the search for a missing Fox Cities doctor.

63-year-old Jeffrey Whiteside of Grand Chute was last seen Monday morning at a stretch of pier at the Ephraim Yacht Club, where he has a boat slip and a family cabin nearby. 

The Sheriff's Department posted on its Facebook page, "His family and office have not heard from him and are very concerned about his well-being."

"We conducted a search of the Ephraim area, and locations we knew he liked to frequent," Door County Chief Deputy Sheriff Pat McCarty told FOX 11. "We conducted an underwater search of the area right around the marina yesterday with an electronic camera, and nothing turned up."

Whiteside was last seen wearing a maroon colored polo shirt and gray shorts, authorities say.

"At this point, we have a missing person. So it's an active open investigation. We haven't closed any possibilities," said McCarty. "There's an endless supply of possibilities of what could have happened. We just want to find the doctor, and make sure he's okay." 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Door County Sheriff's Department at (920) 746-2416.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay police have arrested one man following a stabbing in the city's downtown area.

Authorities say it happened around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, shortly after Fire Over the Fox, in the 300 block of Dousman Street.

Officers arrived on scene and found a man holding the suspect down. Cops say a 22-year-old man stabbed a 20-year-old woman several times. She's hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries.

The 41-year-old man who tried to stop the attack and held down the suspect until police arrived suffered minor injuries.

The attack remains under investigation.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Appleton have arrested a man following an attack on the Newberry Trail Saturday.

Police say a woman was running on the trail when she says she was attacked from behind by someone and forced to the ground. It happened around 11:40 a.m.

Authorities say two other people scared off the attacked, with one of them chasing after the suspect, but he got away.

Appleton cops later found the suspect and arrested him. They say he admitted to being involved.

Officials believe this was an isolated incident and no one else was involved.

MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) — Menasha Police are looking for two men they say robbed BJ Clancy's Bar and Restaurant.

Police say two men wearing black clothing with masks demanded money and showed a knife around 9:15 p.m. Sunday.

The suspects got away with some cash, no one was injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Menasha Police Department at (920) 967-3500.

Green Bay, WI  (WTAQ)  - Green Bay Police are investigating after shots were fired early this morning.

It happened on South Maple Street on the city's west side.  No one was hurt.  

Police responding to a report of a street fight around 3 a-m.  

Police say it doesn't appear anything was hit.  

Follow up investigation has led to 3 warrant arrests, as well as an arrest for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.  

Police are continuing to investigate, but believe this is an isolated incident and the public is not in danger.

Juneau, WI (WTAQ) - Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says he’s never seen anything quite

like a two-car accident on Highway 151 Sunday afternoon that injured three people.

A southbound car lost control and split in half by a northbound vehicle.

Schmidt says the car that was split apart was hit right behind the

driver’s door.

More remarkably a 3 ½ year old girl in a child’s seat was ejected from that

car and was still in the seat when rescuers arrived.

Schmidt says proper restraint in the car seat likely saved that little girl’s life.

The girl, 33-year-old Amy Galica of Oshkosh and 30-year-old Timothy

Mcessey of Middleton ended up in hospitals in Madison and Columbus.