MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The state Legislature's Finance Committee is scheduled to decide Wednesday afternoon whether to borrow an extra $200 million to shorten delays in the completions of highway projects.

Minority Democrats might have to provide some votes if the measure is to pass. That's because Senate Republicans on the finance panel are against the bonding, saying it might have to be paid back with general tax dollars instead of transportation revenues.

Senate Democrat Jon Erpenbach of Middleton says his party has been undecided about okaying the extra funds.

The proposal comes after lawmakers removed $800 million in borrowing that Governor Scott Walker wanted in the new state budget. Instead, they approved $500 million and gave the finance panel the authority to consider an additional $350 million over two years.

In response to the earlier cut, the DOT stretched out 5 current major projects so they don't finish for another two years.

The projects include the expansion and reconstruction of Highway 10/441 in the Fox Valley; Interstate 39-90 lane expansion from the Illinois state line to Madison; reconstructing 11 miles of Highway 15 near New London in Outagamie County; and completing work on Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Milwaukee may be famous for beer, but it's also become known as the "Harvard of pimp school".

That's according to a report in the UK Guardian, which also says Wisconsin's largest city is up to 3rd in the nation in the number of young people rescued from human trafficking by the FBI. That ties Milwaukee with Las Vegas.

The effects of this hub being just 100 miles south can be felt right here in Northeast Wisconsin.

"Probably close to 75 percent of all our traffickers or pimps are out of Milwaukee," says Appleton Police Lt. Steve Elliott. "There's a lot of truth in the fact that Milwaukee is manufacturing these, basically predators."

Elliott says it's not just Wisconsin that has to deal with these graduates in sexual exploitation school, but other states in the region like Minnesota and South Dakota.

"Many of them traffic while living in Milwaukee and send their girls up here," says Lt. Elliott. "But many of them are transplants from Milwaukee who come up here to live and pimp out local girls."

Last month, the FBI teamed up with local law enforcement as part of "Operation Cross Country". 

10 adults considered victims were recovered in Brown County and 3 traffickers were arrested in that investigation. One adult was recovered and one trafficker was arrested in Appleton.

In the Guardian story, information from the FBI shows that over the past 4 years Milwaukee has "consistently ranked among the top five cities in the nation for the recovery of trafficked adolescents."

"Part of the issue with us looking like we have a bigger problem than everyone else is we're paying attention to it," says Lt. Elliott. "There are many jurisdictions in many states that aren't paying the attention that Wisconsin is to this problem."

Elliott says human trafficking issues mirror those of the drug trade, and much like with narcotics, it's not a problem the U.S. can arrest its way out of.

"Society as a whole has to figure out how to deal with this problem," says Lt. Elliott.

Outagamie County's Human Sex Trafficking Steering Committee is one way the region is trying to address all the facets of this crime. The nearly 50 member task force operates on a four-pillar system: prevention education, the court system, law enforcement and treatment and support.

The steering committee is working to reach 4 specific goals by June 2016, focusing at this point mainly on minors:

• Create an effective way to educate young people about the dangers of sex trafficking by making them aware of what to look for and how to avoid it.
• Develop a screening process to determine which kids are most at risk by creating a questionnaire.
• Develop a counseling program through school resource officers for kids who are or were victims of sex trafficking.
• Work with the court system to develop a better strategy for handling cases involving trafficked kids.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has said that the Badger State will create a statewide sex trafficking task force based upon what Outagamie County has started.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin legislature's budget writing committee has voted to approve $350 million in borrowing to pay for road construction projects across the state.

All four Democrats joined six Assembly Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee to support the borrowing. All 6 Senate Republicans voted no.

Approving the borrowing most directly affects 5 major projects that faced up to two-year delays without the additional money.

Those projects are expansion and reconstruction of Highway 10/441 in the Fox Valley, and the Interstate 39-90 lane expansion from the Illinois state line to Madison. The others are expanding and reconstructing the Highway 151/Verona Road interchange in Madison, reconstructing 11 miles of Highway 15 near New London in Outagamie County, and completing work on Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.

Democrats called for raising taxes and fees to pay for long-term transportation needs.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A Manitowoc man is recovering after police say he was stabbed Monday morning by his girlfriend's estranged husband.

Authorities say it happened just before 11 a.m. at 1621 Dewey Street.

Investigators say a 19-year-old man showed up at his estranged wife's home to drop off an item. She wasn't there, but her current 18-year-old boyfriend was in bed.

Cops say the estranged husband slashed and stabbed the boyfriend with a knife from the kitchen. The boyfriend was able to flee and went to Dew Stop Inn, a convenience store in the area, for help.

The victim was taken to Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee.

The attacker was also treated for injuries after police say he severely cut open his arm after he punched out the front door window before leaving the house.

The investigation is ongoing.

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Fire officials in De Pere say one of their stations is getting an upgrade.

Fire Rescue Station #2 will be renovated to bring the living quarters up to current Wisconsin Building and Fire Code compliance.

Officials say that station, at 1180 Grant Street, was built in 1971 and had minor modifications made in 1997.

While renovations take place, the fire station will be working out of Lawrence Fire Station #1 at 2595 French Road.

It allows the fire department to continue providing timely services to all locations within De Pere's city limits.

The start of the renovation project is not known yet, but the public will be notified once one is set.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The search continues for a convicted sex offender who cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet after the woman suspected of being with him returned home.

The Brown County Sheriff's Department says they spoke with Nadine Crowley on Wednesday and confirmed that she is safe.

Crowley was reported missing back in September, at around the same time Tony Salmon cut off his monitoring bracelet and disappeared. 

Salmon was suspected of being with Crowley.

In Facebook posts in September, Crowley claimed Salmon was not with her and that she had left willingly.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay police said Thursday afternoon that they have taken a sexual assault suspect into custody.

Earlier Thursday, police sent out a media alert looking for 19-year-old Robert E. Fox. A warrant for Fox on a charge of first-degree sexual assault/intercourse with person under 16 -- use/threat of force/violence was issued.

At this time, police won't release any more information about this case citing an active investigation.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Metro firefighters say a blaze inside an east side home apparently started in the kitchen.

Fire crews responded Thursday morning to a fire at 1401 N. Irwin Street.

When they arrived, firefighters saw smoke coming out of the windows.

No one was home, but emergency personnel rescued a dog and gave the dog oxygen.

No word yet on how much damage the fire caused.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) -  Italian tissue maker Sofidel Group is buying plants in Green Bay and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, continuing its American expansion.

Green Bay Converting is selling the plants in the deal announced Thursday. No overall price was given.

Sofidel said it will invest $120 million to buy and expand the Hattiesburg operation. Green Bay has been building a 400,000 square-foot plant there.

Sofidel will take it over, with plans to hire at least 230 employees and start production within the next month. Mississippi and local authorities will transfer more than $12.6 million worth of incentives from Green Bay to Sofidel.

Green Bay Converting will keep operating in an existing Hattiesburg location. The family-owned firm, which says it's the world's 6th-largest tissue paper maker, also plans a new plant in Ohio.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Thanksgiving 2015 in Green Bay will not just be known for its turkey and traditions, but as the day Packers legend Brett Favre will have his jersey retired and name added to the team's ring of honor.

But Number 4 can add something else to his list of honors before that -- a craft beer.

Badger State Brewing Company says before Favre's return to Titletown, they will unveil a one-time, commemorative beer dubbed "4ward Pass".

"What we really wanted to do was feature a specific hop in there, known as Warrior hops, and we thought that would pay testament to Favre's ironman legacy and mentality," says Andrew Fabry, President and Founder of Badger State Brewing Company. 

The beer itself is an India Pale Ale brewed with Cajun spices.

"To pay homage to Brett's being from down south in Mississippi," says Fabry, adding that you can't call this a "Chile Beer". 

"The resulting beer is a really nice, smooth IPA where you get a Cayenne kick on your tongue midway through drinking and then it finishes back kind of malty and slightly hoppy again," describes Fabry. "So it's a really nice combination of hops and flavors that we feel we've put together."

4ward Pass will be available at Badger State's Tap Room starting Wednesday Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. and available for one week prior to Favre's jersey induction ceremony at Lambeau Field. It will also be available at craft retail outlets the week of Thanksgiving, wherever Badger State beers are sold.

The brewery says only 44 cases of 4ward Pass will be available to purchase and select Green Bay area locations will also have it available.

Locations will be announced on the brewery's Facebook page.

It will be sold in 25.3 oz. (750ml) celebration bottles at 7% ABV.

"We actually use this bottle for all of our specialty releases, because we like the look, it adds to the ambiance," says Fabry. "If you're going to bring it to a party, or share it with someone, we like the contour, shape and design."

Demand is expected to be high for this limited edition beer, so will Fabry be convinced to keep this recipe going?

"I can guarantee you that this will be the only time we will produce this," says Fabry. "We will see where that demand lands, and we're open and capable of producing a second run of the same beer prior to the Christmas holiday. That way, if there's people who want to get a bottle who may not have gotten one, we want to be good to our customers."

Bottom line, according to Fabry, is the beer is meant for people to share and celebrate what Brett Favre did for Green Bay and its people.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Fire crews say an unattended candle caused a house fire on Green Bay's east side Thursday.

The call went out around 9:45 a.m. for the fire at 1401 N. Irwin Street. 

When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke coming out of the windows. The blaze was on the first floor in the back of the structure and crews quickly put it out.

No one was home, but firefighters found a dog inside who was lethargic. The dog was taken to an ambulance, where the family pet was given oxygen and it recovered. The dog was then taken to a veterinarian for observation.

The Red Cross is caring for the four adults who lived in the house.

Damage to the house is estimated at $40,000.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The fundraising pool is full as a group raising money to save Green Bay's Colburn pool has reached its $1 million goal.

The Friends of Colburn Pool group announced on Facebook the news this week, after donations from Dick Resch along with Jeff and Deb Marlow. 

Green Bay Alderman Chris Wery says the next step will take place at the upcoming city council meeting.

"I'll be announcing we've reached our goal, thanking the Friends of Colburn Pool, and asking that the city officially hire the architect and engineer and go through the bidding process," says Wery.

Last year, the city agreed to cover $3.5 million to rebuild the Olympic-sized pool if the fundraising group pulled together $1 million.

Mayor Jim Schmitt recently expressed hesitation with using city funds after Tundra Lodge owners discussed building a Las Vegas-style pool. But Wery doesn't expect any road bumps.

"I think the Mayor's always supported the pool, and I think he's seen now the great community support for this type of pool and I'm sure he'll come around and support it," said Wery.

Other large donations include businessman Bernie Dahlin and his wife, who donated $300,000 and the Ho-Chunk Nation, which gave $100,000.

Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police are investigating an incident outside a bar on the city's east side last night (THUR).  

Police say a 56-year-old Green Bay man was slashed in the face with an "edged weapon."

They won't say what type of weapon.  

It happened outside a bar on North Webster Avenue around 10:30.  

A 55-year-old Green Bay man was arrested.  The suspect is facing charges including recklessly endangering safety.  

The victim suffered a 5 inch cut and will need stitches and maybe plastic surgery.

Appleton, WI (WTAQ) - An Appleton man is now facing 29 felony charges, including repeatedly sexually assaulting a child.

27 of those charges were filed Thursday. 

Police say after Mark Kemps' arrest, they found troubling new evidence against him, leading them to a 13-year-old victim.

The initial arrest came this summer, when the 53 year old Kemps went to meet what he thought was a 16 year old girl in Seymour.

Outagamie County Assistant D-A Alex Duros says that arrest led to a search warrant at Kemp's house...and that's where they found his computer.

On the computer Duros says investigators found nude photos of a different underage girl...and evidence that led authorities to believe they had a sexual relationship.

Duros says Kemps met that girl for sex numerous times in 2010 and 2011, starting when she was 13.

"The defendant drove to Menasha where she lived with her mom, she snuck out of her house, he picked her up and took her to his house," said Duros.

The two hooked up on a dating website called Whisper.

Kemp's bail was set at $100,000 cash.

WASHINGTON D.C. (WTAQ) - House Republican Reid Ribble of Northeast Wisconsin will be part of a congressional conference panel which has just two weeks to agree to a new federal transportation package.

If they don't reach a deal by November 20th, federal highway funds could be temporarily cut off.

The House approved its version of the six-year, $325 billion package Thursday. It passed 363-64, with all eight Wisconsin members voting yes.

The Senate endorsed a different package earlier.

Ribble tried but failed to pass an amendment to raise weight limits for trucks on federal highways.

Wausau Republican Sean Duffy managed to add heavier weights for logging trucks on 12 miles of Interstate 39 in Marathon County, to get those vehicles off roads that go through smaller towns.

Both houses voted to require funding for the first half of the six-year deal. The House version mandates that Congress come up with a funding package for the finals three years -- while the Senate voted to keep Congress out of that.

There's talk about raising the federal gas tax, which is not raising enough to meet highway needs around the country.

Both houses also included a return of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Its closing was blamed by General Electric for moving 350 Waukesha jobs to Canada.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh police say a suspicious item left on a sidewalk has been rendered safe and is not a threat.

Officers called in the Brown County Bomb Squad to the area of 19th Avenue and Ohio Street around 8 p.m. Thursday after a person reported finding what appeared to be a hand grenade.

Authorities notified residents in the neighborhood while the bomb squad investigated the device.

The item was not confirmed as a hand grenade.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A suspect is being sought in Manitowoc after police say they injured a child in a hit-and-run crash.

Police say it happened in the 900 block of S. 19th Street around 5 p.m. Thursday.

Authorities say the child was crossing the street on a scooter and was struck by a black SUV.

The child suffered minor injuries.

Officers believe the vehicle's turn signal light broke off during the crash.

Anyone with information should call the Manitowoc Police Department at (920) 686-6500.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The so-called "dead zone" in the Bay of Green Bay did not last as long as expected this year.

The Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District says there were 3 days with extremely low oxygen levels in the southern part of the bay in 2015. That was 2 days longer than a year ago.

But in 2013, there were 15 days where oxygen levels fell to less than 2-milligrams per liter. And there were 33 days of low oxygen in 2011.

J-Val Klump of the Great Lakes Water Institute at UW-Milwaukee says scientists thought it would a terrible year for oxygen deprived water.

That's because conditions were favorable for large farm runoffs, spurred in part by a large amount of late fall manure spreading.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker says the Kraft Heinz corporate decision to close the Madison Oscar Mayer plant caught the state off guard...but he's not through yet.

Governor Walker, stopping at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay to address a group of small business leaders, says he's looking to leap-frog the Oscar Mayer people....and go right to the leadership of Kraft Heinz.

He wants to schedule a meeting with the corporate office, hoping to put the brakes on a big economic hit. 

Over a thousand workers will get pink slips over the time it takes to shut the plant down.

Walker wants to at least salvage some of those jobs.....and help those holding the ones he can't.

The Governor says he will make sure the state Department of Workforce Development does all it can to help those who lose their jobs 

Walker says the state had no advance notice about the closure.

He says if there's a silver lining it's that Dane County has the state's lowest unemployment rate at 2.7 percent and can absorb the loss of jobs a little better than other parts of Wisconsin..

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - From the Fox Valley all the way up through Brown County, you are starting to hear bells ringing.

That's because the Salvation Army of both the Fox Cities and Brown County are starting their annual Red Kettle campaigns in the days and weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday.

In Brown County, the Salvation Army's theme for 2015 is "Give Til It Helps".

"To show the different programs that we provide throughout Brown County, in that when you donate to our kettles or Christmas Campaign, it will help those most in need here in our community," says Salvation Army of Brown County Community Relations Coordinator Kathryn Kroll.

Their fundraising goal this year is $1 million, and will include newer initiatives like Packers Bell Ringing, a 12 Days of Giving restaurant fundraiser and a Bell Ringing Photo Contest.

In the Fox Cities region, Salvation Army Director of Communications and Financial Development Robb Waugus says the need is as strong as ever.

"This year we're experiencing increases in prices for our emergency food pantry for just purchasing milk, eggs and things like that," says Waugus. "So it's really critical that we meet our goal for the red kettles."

The 2015 campaign goal will be announced at a later date, but last year the Salvation Army raised over $1.2 million. Waugus says it's expected to be right in that neighborhood.

The Salvation Army - Fox Cities will have close to a dozen match days during the campaign, including the popular Thrivent Financial match day.

Both chapters of the Salvation Army still have plenty of need for volunteers to ring those bells, since a red kettle with a bell ringer brings in much more than an un-manned kettle.

You can sign up to volunteer in your community here.