MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The University of Wisconsin-Madison is 11th among public institutions in U.S. News and World Report's latest college rankings.

UW-Oshkosh and UW-Green Bay are tied for 21st in the Midwest division of the Regional Universities category.

You can view the entire list here.

Overall, UW-Madison ranks 41st in a six-way tie. Last year, UW-Madison ranked 13th among public universities and 47th overall.

The rankings, released Wednesday, include more than 260 national doctoral universities and will be included in the 2016 edition of America's Best Colleges.

The methodology used to produce the rankings was the same as last year's. Criteria used include retention/graduation rates, academic reputation, financial resources, faculty resources and student selectivity.

The report also evaluated undergraduate engineering and business programs. For the second year in a row, the College of Engineering ranks 14th overall and for the third year in a row, it ranks 7th among public doctoral institutions.

The undergraduate program at the Wisconsin School of Business is tied for 15th overall for the second year in a row and is tied for 7th among public doctoral institutions.

The two largest colleges in Northeast Wisconsin, the UW-Oshkosh and UW-Green Bay, are tied for 75th in the Midwest division of the Regional Universities category. Marian University in Fond du Lac is ranked 83rd in the same category.

In the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, Lawrence University in Appleton is ranked 57th, Ripon College is ranked 116th and St. Norbert College in De Pere is ranked 127th.

Silver Lake College in Manitowoc is ranked 66th in the Midwest division of the Regional Colleges category.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ) - The USS Milwaukee will officially join the U.S. Navy fleet on November 21st.

A ceremony is planned that day to commission the littoral combat ship that was built at Marinette Marine.

It's the fifth vessel to be named for Milwaukee, and the first to be made in Wisconsin.

The new boat will operate in shallow waters, at speeds up to 45 knots.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities have identified the suspect shot and killed by a police officer in Ashwaubenon.

25-year-old Dustin Kuik of Two Rivers, who was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, was gunned down in the parking lot of the Quality Inn in the 1900 block of Holmgren Way just before 1 a.m. Wednesday. 

Authorities say officers were tipped off that Kuik, who was the suspect in the armed robbery of a Mishicot convenience store on Labor Day, may be staying at a hotel in the area. Officers spotted Kuik's vehicle on Oneida Street near Armed Forces Drive.

Capt. Jody Crocker says 3 officers tried to pull the vehicle over, but it turned into the hotel's parking lot.

"When they activated the emergency lights on the vehicle, that car pulled into the parking lot of the Quality Inn," said Crocker. "The suspect, a male, got out of the driver's seat with a gun and refused to listen to officers' commands. He started entering the hotel, and gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and officers. The suspect is dead. The officer is not injured."

According to Crocker, a woman and 2 children were also inside Kuik's vehicle. They were not hurt in the incident.

"What we've done so far is we've made contact with the state (Division) of Criminal Investigation and they are the lead investigators in this incident," said Crocker. "They're being assisted by the Green Bay Police Department and processing the scene."

Meanwhile, FOX 11 reports that a police squad unit and several officers were spotted in the 1600 block of Shawano Avenue in Green Bay Tuesday afternoon. The Green Bay Police Department confirmed that they were there in connection with the Ashwaubenon shooting.

The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department confirmed that Kuik walked into the KK Uni Mart around 10 p.m. Monday and showed a handgun to the clerk. Officials then say Kuik took a clear box and a maroon bank bag, both containing cash and coins, and fled on foot.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities say the man who died after falling five stories in Oshkosh was washing windows.

20-year-old Tyler Peterson of Oshkosh died Wednesday, according to the Winnebago County Coroner's Office. Peterson was working at Bella Vista Independent and Assisted Living, 631 Hazel Street, when scaffolding he was on gave way.

The Oshkosh Police Department was called to the scene for a report of a person who fell 5 stories around 12:40 p.m.

Peterson's death is also being investigated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP, MI - Bond was set at $1 million cash for a Michigan man charged with the murder of a woman in Menominee County.

On Thursday afternoon, 48-year-old Gregory Ihander of Menominee was arraigned on an open murder charge in district court in the death of 43-year-old Jolene Eichhorn.

"The death is a tragic result of domestic violence," Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Hass told FOX 11.

Eichhorn's body was found around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday in the trunk of her car, which was seen near the Cedar River State Harbor. The harbor is in Cedarville Township, which is between Menominee and Escanaba.

Michigan State Police say Eichhorn failed to show up for work, and they contacted family members who were unable to reach her. 

An autopsy is being performed at U.P. Health System - Marquette.

Eichhorn lived in Carney, and was a probation officer for the Hannahvile Indian Community. Her co-workers are shocked and saddened by the news of her death.

Ihander, who was arrested Wednesday night, is due back in court September 24. He faces life in prison if convicted.

MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) - A Milwaukee businessman made an unexpected donation Thursday to the Brown County Sheriff's Department.

Chief Deputy Todd Delain, who was in Milwaukee for an unrelated reason, was given a check for $12,000 to help cover the cost of K-9 expenses and technology upgrades for the department.

The "Friend of Law Enforcement" donation will be used to offset the cost of training for the dog and handler. The rest of the funds will be used to further the Brown County Sheriff's Department's regiment of six K-9's.

This comes in the wake of the tragic heat-related death of their K-9 Wix.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Packers officials want green and gold to become the official colors of Fridays.

So they're encouraging fans to wear green and gold clothing to work, school and out in the community this season as part of "Green and Gold Friday".

"If there are fans out there who have not yet adopted Green and Gold Friday, we're inviting them to join us this year whether it be at school or work," says Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy, who hopes this will grow to fans everywhere. "It's pretty strong locally and certainly across the state. The hope is it'll really spread to Packers fans all over the country and the world." 

Fans can participate by submitting photos of themselves and fellow fans dressed in green and gold on Fridays to PackersEverywhere.com, or sharing through social media like Twitter and Facebook. Selected photos will be featured Fridays on Packers.com and on the TundraVision video boards in Lambeau Field during home games.

Participants can also enter to win special “Green and Gold Friday” themed items from the Packers Pro Shop by pledging their support online. The Packers Pro Shop will stock different “Green and Gold Friday” themed items, with new items for each week in which the Packers play at home.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach and Ashwaubenon Village President Mike Aubinger read a formal declaration of "Green and Gold Friday".

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A man charged with killing a Green Bay woman in drug deal gone badly earlier this summer will stand trial.

Percy Sims waived his preliminary hearing on Friday and will be arraigned October 20.

Sims allegedly shot and killed Krystal Torres-Smith in a parking lot on the UW-Green Bay campus back on June 8.

If convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, Sims faces a mandatory life prison sentence.

TOWN OF GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County authorities say alcohol was a factor in an overnight crash on Highway 57.

Sheriff's deputies say it happened around 11:30 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of County Highway T in the Town of Green Bay.

Investigators say a vehicle driving north on Hwy. T stopped at the stop sign, then pulled out in front of a vehicle driving south on Hwy. 57.

Authorities didn't say how many people were hurt, but the injuries are serious.

The driver who caused the crash, a 35-year-old New Franken man, had been drinking, according to authorities. He was airlifted to the hospital.

Two people from Sturgeon Bay, a 39-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, were inside the other vehicle. 

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh police are asking parents to look at their children's Facebook accounts to see if they've been contacted by a man suspected of creating a fake account in order to get explicit photos of girls.

Police arrested the 21-year-old man at his home in the 400 block of W. 11th Avenue Wednesday after a month-long investigation.

According to authorities, the man created a fake Facebook account under the name "David James" and used it to contact over 60 females since June. He sent pictures of his genitals to girls, with some girls sending nude photos of themselves to him.

Oshkosh police have been in contact with 3 of the girls, but believe there could be more victims.

Anyone who believes their child was contacted by the man is asked to call School Resource Officer David Maas at (920) 236-5700.

The Oshkosh Police Department also remind parents that you can monitor your children's computer and phone usage, and educate your kids on the dangers of the internet and social media. There are several websites with tips for parents, including here, here and here.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A credit card theft suspect is being sought in Oshkosh.

Police say the suspect seen in the photos above used a stolen credit card at 3 different businesses in the city on Thursday.

If you recognize this person, please call the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700 or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8847; text IGOTYA and your tip to 274637; or send a web tip.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - A Wisconsin lawmaker has proposed a change in state law that would end the ability of municipalities to set their own sex offender residency rules.

The bill would create a new, statewide standard buffer of 1,000 feet between sex offenders and parks, schools and other gathering places for children. It also would require the Department of Corrections to try to place sex offenders within the municipality where they committed the crime.

Republican state Representative Joel Kleefisch said sex offenders are released without supervision in some areas after judges have ruled the local ordinances are unconstitutionally restrictive.

The Green Bay City Council has drafted a resolution opposing the bill to protect the city's 2007 ordinance banning sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of gathering places for children.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay police say they found a printer with a fake $50 bill sitting next to it while they investigated a case of counterfeiting.

They are warning businesses in the Green Bay area to be on the lookout for the "funny money." 

Police say the bills are being passed at convenience stores, fast food restaurants and they even found one which was spent at a rummage sale. The Secret Service has been called in.

Police say counterfeiters used to print only $20s, but now they've even found faked $1 bills.

They say charges will be filed against several unnamed suspects next week.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) - Shawn Paholke has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in a child abuse case.

Clerk of Courts Mike Hodkiewicz says the Suring man was also put on extended supervision for 9 years.

Paholke pled no contest to 2 counts of false imprisonment, 2 counts of child neglect, child abuse and causing mental harm to a child. 6 other counts were dismissed.

His wife, Jennifer Fendryk, had been sentenced to 11.5 years in prison after being convicted of 5 counts in the case.

Paholke and Fendryk withheld food from Paholke's 5-year-old daughter and locked her in her room, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint goes on to state that the girl weighed just 24 pounds, below the normal standard of 40 pounds.

Paholke's older daughter, who's 7, told police that her father zip tied her hands to a pole last summer. It's believed that she passed out from heat stroke.

Investigators say Paholke and Fendryk admitted that food was withheld from the 5-year-old and she would be locked in her room for disciplinary reasons.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A former Thrivent financial adviser is now facing more charges in connection with a theft case.

On Friday, 56-year-old Jean Walsh-Josephson was charged with 4 additional counts of theft totaling more than $475,000 from elderly clients. 

A judge set her bond at $1 million cash.

Back in August, Walsh-Josephson was charged with theft and forgery involving a client's account at the Thrivent Financial Office in Oshkosh.

She was formerly employed as a Registered Representative of Thrivent Financial where she managed personal financial portfolios.

Thrivent Financial has contacted all of Walsh-Josephson's clients and is cooperating with the investigating agencies. If clients with the company would like to review their portfolios, they may contact (920) 628-3799 or 1-800-THRIVENT, say "directory" and enter extension 6283799.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Manitowoc say one man has been arrested after fleeing from officers and crashing his vehicle Friday night.

It began when officers tried pulling over the 20-year-old Manitowoc man for traffic violations. He then fled northbound on Maritime Drive.

Authorities say a short chase led to the vehicle crashing into the median, which deflated all of its tires.

The suspect then tried to run, but was located hiding in a backyard by an officer and a K-9 unit. 

The man, who suffered non-life threatening injuries, was jailed on charges including OWI causing injury, fleeing an officer and possession of marijuana.

Four passengers inside the suspect's vehicle also suffered non-life threatening injuries.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay man has been arrested after police conducted a welfare check on him only to discover his apartment on fire and about 8 deceased dogs.

Officers were called around 7:30 a.m. to 1015 Klaus Street around 7:30 a.m. Sunday after a 54-year-old man reported to authorities that he killed all of his dogs and set fire to his apartment.

When police arrived, they found the man leaving his upper apartment unit. He was arrested immediately.

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department arrived and put out the flames in the upper apartment. The lower apartment was vacant at the time.

The man was taken to the hospital for the injuries he sustained in the fire. Emergency crews went inside the home and found the dogs.

Authorities are still working to determine the official cause of the dogs' deaths.

Green Bay Animal Control is on scene and will be investigating this incident along with the Green Bay Arson Task Force.

The fire caused about $20,000 in damage.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A crash involving an SUV and a motorcycle leaves an Appleton man dead.

Authorities say it happened around 5:50 p.m. Sunday on Northland Avenue at Meade Street.

According to the Wisconsin DOT, the SUV was driving east on Northland when it tried turning left onto Meade. That's when a motorcycle driving west on Northland hit the passenger side of the SUV.

The motorcycle rider, who's 46, was rushed to the hospital where he later died. He was not wearing a helmet.

The 48-year-old Appleton man driving the SUV was not hurt. He has not been ticketed or arrested.

The investigation is ongoing. 

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers may have played in Chicago Sunday, but their home field still hosted a record performance.

Johnsonville Sausage set an unofficial world record by cooking up a 360-foot bratwurst at Lambeau. It stretched along the entire 100-yard football field, plus both end zones.

Folks gobbled up the giant brat as part of the 100th anniversary of Delaware North, the company that runs the concessions at the home of the Packers.

Organizers said Guinness would not sanction a record for a specific type of sausage. The Lambeau brat was nowhere near as long as the official Guinness record for a sausage of 39 miles.

The event raised $40,000 for five Green Bay area charities.

As for the Packers, they won their regular season opener at Chicago, 31-23. The Pack's home opener is on Sunday night against Seattle.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - An autopsy is being performed Monday on a suburban Chicago man who drowned in Lake Michigan off Manitowoc County.

The Coast Guard recovered the body of 24-year-old Max Boheme of Lisle Illinois on Saturday afternoon, about a quarter-mile from the shore.

The coroner's office does not suspect foul play.

Meanwhile, fast action by a Lincoln County sheriff's deputy saved an 11-year-old Stanley boy from drowning late Sunday at the Otter Lake Campground near Tomahawk.

The deputy was the first emergency responder to arrive. The boy's father said he tried saving the youngster himself, but the child kept climbing on him and pushing him underwater.

The officer swam out with a rope, to which the child clung and was pulled in.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)