APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton firefighters say no one was hurt following a house fire Monday morning.

A report of a chimney fire was called in around 7:53 a.m. from a home at 2525 S. Schaefer Street.

Crews say they arrived to find light brown smoke on the roof eaves. 

According to officials, the resident was alerted to the fire around 5:30 a.m. when the smoke detector sounded.

The person living there investigated the cause before calling 911.

Officials say improper installation of the gas fireplace/chimney, combined with the extended use of the fireplace, contributed to the cause of the fire.

3 people managed to evacuate the home safely.

OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The Oconto County Sheriff's Department says a driver has died after a crash caused a vehicle fire Monday morning.

It happened in a ditch on Star Lake Road near Barcome Lane in the Town of Doty around 9:15 a.m.

Authorities say the vehicle was heading east on Star Lake Road, hit a tree in the north ditch and burst into flames. After crews extinguished the fire, the driver was found inside.

Deputies believe the crash may be weather-related.

The driver's identity has not been released and the crash is still under investigation.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Charges were filed Monday against a former Kiel High School wrestling coach accused of sexting a female student.

During an initial appearance in Manitowoc County court, Eric Billmann was charged with exposing a child to harmful material and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. 

Online court records indicate Billmann was released on a signature bond.

Authorities say Billmann sent sexually explicit text messages to at least one female student. There are no allegations of physical contact between them.

Billmann was fired from the school, where he worked part-time.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh police are investigating several dozen complaints of someone shooting the windows out of vehicles over the weekend.

Police say they received 20 complaints of damage to vehicles on Saturday, and another 10 on Sunday. Authorities say the vandals used BB or pellet guns.

The city's northeast side, in the area of Lincoln Avenue, Fulton Avenue, Dale Avenue and Jefferson Street, were the places hit.

Anyone with information is asked to call Oshkosh police at (920) 236-5700. Anonymous tips can be left with Winnebago County Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 231-8477, by text message to 274637 with the keyword IGOTYA or online.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Calling it an early "Christmas present", Brown County's 24 municipalities were presented checks Monday representing the excess Lambeau Field sales tax revenue. 

The event, held at the Ashwaubenon Village Hall, involved 98 percent of the money ($17.4 million). State Representative David Steffen (R-Howard) said that the remainder is still being processed by the state, but when all is said and done the total will be about $17.7 million.

"That's a game changing amount of money for these communities," said Steffen. "It provides an incredible opportunity to reinvest in their communities."

The checks were cut following the expiration of the half-percent sales tax in September. 

"When the Lambeau tax was put on, everybody said it would never sunset. It sunset. When it went off, everybody said the money would just be used in the general black hole of government. It wasn't. It was given back to the municipalities," said Ashwaubenon Village President Mike Aubinger.

The Legislature passed the bill sponsored by Steffen, state Senator Robert Cowles (R-Allouez) and others. Gov. Scott Walker then signed it into law. 

One-quarter of the money, about $4.35 million, was given to Brown County for redeveloping the Brown County Arena. The rest was given to the county's municipalities, based on population, to be used for lowering property taxes, debt relief or for economic development.

"What a wonderful, wonderful Christmas present for all of the Brown County residents and the municipalities," said Allouez Village President Randy Gast.

You can see how much money each community received by clicking here.

HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) - A letter sent home to parents at Bay View Middle School in Howard last week alerted them to keep an eye on their child's cell phone and electronic devices. 

This comes after WTAQ learned that several students reported a possible sexting ring among 8th grade students.

"A couple students did indicate to the teacher that they were concerned that these kinds of things are going on with some people that they know within our community," says principal Steven Meyers. "I'm not totally sure what they said to the teacher, but I believe it had something to do with the kind of language or pictures that are sometimes posted by people that they know."

Meyers did say that the reporting of it to the teacher came in an 8th grade health class after a lesson about cyber safety. Once the teacher learned this, they alerted Bay View's administration and that's when they decided to let all parents know what's going on within the halls of the school.

"As students are talking about it in classes, especially about sensitive topics, we typically inform parents," says Meyers. "We thought of using this as an opportunity to get the word out again, especially with how many kids getting new cell phones, we should get word out to parents and students that this should be something they talk about with one another."

WTAQ was not informed about how many students may have been involved, nor what the alleged photos were. A Howard-Suamico school district spokesperson did say that no district-owned devices were used in this incident.

Meyers says this serves not just as a lesson to parents about cyber safety and security, but for students to feel comfortable saying something to teachers, counselors or other school officials if they see something.

Below is a copy of the letter sent home:

December 17, 2015

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This letter is part of our continued efforts to promote digital citizenship and cyber safety for our students. Most students have cell phones or other personal devices by this age and we believe school plays a role along with you in teaching students about cyber safety and communicating with parents about current issues.

Our 8th graders are currently learning about cyber safety in health classes and 7th grade will learn about it in third quarter. Students have a chance to learn, discuss, and ask questions about such topics as social media, cybersafety, sexting, etc. Often when discussing social issues, students will share with a teacher, counselor, or parent any concerns they have about these topics or their peers.

Our district filtering software is set to regulate accounts and devices so we are notified if such activity is taking place on student iPads. However, students may still engage in such inappropriate activity utilizing their personal devices, and we would not know about it.

Some of the most common methods used are Google, Dropbox, Snapchat, etc. As a parent you may want to address dangerous behaviors if your child has access to any personal technology.

As is often the case, it is common to believe that “my child would not do this.” Experts say that those who participate in these activities can cross all cultures, socio economic levels, and family belief systems. In other words, even “good kids” are susceptible. We offer this resource https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Talking-to-Kids-and-Teens-About-Social-Media-and-Sexting.aspx to help inform students and parents about cyber safety and recommend all parents talk with their students about these topics and closely monitor personal devices for the student’s protection.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our kids safe.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Meyers Principal

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — We're learning more about a stabbing incident Monday night in Green Bay.

Police say that 29-year-old Tad Huempfner was arrested after a domestic disturbance that happened at a home in the 600 block of Chicago Street.

Officers had initially responded to a hospital just before 8 p.m. Monday. There, officers spoke with a 27-year-old woman with a stab wound to her lower abdomen. She's expected to survive.

Investigators say Huempfner and the victim are brother and sister.

Huempfner was jailed on charges of first-degree reckless injury and disorderly conduct. He has not been formally charged.

Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - The Salvation Army of Brown County is ready for its big distribution campaign of the season.

Handing out books, toys and food baskets for local families .

Nearly four-thousand volunteers helped make this happen.

The effort will impact nearly 22-hundred families and five-thousand kids in need this Christmas season.

The books and toys are donated through the "Toys for Tots" and "Give A Kid A Book" campaigns.

The doors at Shopko Hall will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. today (TUE) and from 8 until 12-30 p.m. tomorrow (WED).

And there's still time to donate a gift, you can do so at the Salvation Army's Union Court office or just come on down here to Shopko Hall during those times.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police continue to investigate a shooting on the city's eastside early Tuesday.

Police get the call around 1:40 a.m. to a residence in the 1300 block of Doty Street for a reported gun shot.

A 24 year old Milwaukee man had a gunshot wound to his face. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to live.

Police were seen carrying brown bags to and from the apartment building, and they also towed away a four-door car.

The Green Bay Police Department are asking anyone with information to call them at (920) 448 3208. If you'd like to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-7867.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A study funded by the state DNR shows that one-third of private water wells in Kewaunee County do not meet proper human health standards.

About 320 of the county's water wells were tested last month, as part of a project by federal researchers and UW-Oshkosh to determine the levels of groundwater contamination.

Kewaunee County has a lot more cows than people, due to its 15 large dairy farms which started up in recent years.

However, USDA microbiologist Mark Borchardt says it's way too early to blame the county's 98,000 cattle for the early contamination findings.

DNR work groups are looking at ways to reduce groundwater pollution, and manure spreading is banned from January through mid-April on land with 20 feet or less of soil content.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities say the driver of a vehicle that crashed into a Grand Chute pond last Friday night has died.

Police say it happened in the 2600 block of W. Grand Chute Blvd. around 11:20 p.m.

The vehicle left the road and drove into a retention pond on the west side of Lynndale Drive. Two people got out of the submerged vehicle, according to officials.

The driver, 30-year-old Brandon Martin, was trapped inside. Fire crews pulled Martin and his dog from the vehicle, which was submerged in about 5 feet of water. 

Martin was rushed to a hospital where he was listed in critical condition. 

Both passengers were treated for hypothermia.

OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) - No one was hurt in an overnight house fire in Oconto.

Authorities say it happened at a home on Cross Street around 11:30 p.m. Monday.

Two people inside the home got out safely. 

No word yet on what caused the fire.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton police have released surveillance video from an armed robbery that happened last month.

You can see the video by clicking here.

Authorities say the crime took place at Latinos Express in the 2200 block of S. Oneida Street on November 20.

The suspect was described at 5'10" to 6'0" tall and left the area on foot.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Rabas (920) 832-5546 or Sgt. Leitzinger (920) 832-5541. Anonymous tips can also be sent by text message to 274637 with the keyword APDTIPS.

SOBIESKI, WI (WTAQ) - The Oconto County Sheriff's Department is investigating after a man's body was found in a ditch early Tuesday morning.

Deputies called out to County Road S just west of Sobieski around 7:43 a.m.

Sheriff Mike Jansen says they believe this was a hit and run because of the vehicle parts that were found near the body.

According to investigators, the crash happened between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday.

Evidence gathered at the scene are leading police to believe that the vehicle involved is a 2002 to 2006 light colored GMC 2500 Sierra Pickup, Suburban or Yukon. The vehicle likely has damage to the front passenger side headlight and missing a passenger-side mirror.

They're asking anyone who may have been traveling down County Road S Monday night, and saw anything suspicious, to contact them.

Oconto County Sheriff's Department number is 920-834-6900

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A student at Green Bay Southwest High School is facing charges after police say he punched a teacher in the face.

17-year-old Ridwaan Mohamud was charged Tuesday with battery and disorderly conduct following the incident that took place inside the teacher's classroom Monday morning.

The teacher, Wade Wittman, suffered two facial fractures, according to the criminal complaint. Wittman returned to the school on Tuesday.

The complaint reveals that the altercation stems from a conversation the teacher and student had Friday. Wittman was talking to Mohamud about being picked on by others. During the conversation, Wittman said, "I would date you."

Prosecutors say that Wittman said it was his way of telling Mohamud that he wasn't ugly and people would date him. Wittman indicated he was trying to be funny, and didn't mean it as a homosexual remark.

Other students are quoted in the complaint as saying that Wittman didn't defend himself or throw any punches.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Lawrence University is doing a mea culpa after a photo taken this summer inside the cupola of Main Hall showed a racial slur, and it was published in the school's annual report.

The photo of administration officials was taken in front of a wall which included graffiti and the n-word visible just above the head of one of the university cabinet members.

You can see the photo by clicking here.

"We did not see that slur in the photograph, a lot of other people had not seen it, and many eyes took a look at it and proofed it," said Associate Vice President of Communications Craig Gagnon Tuesday. "Unfortunately we overlooked that."

Gagnon says its unknown who wrote the slur, as it's been a tradition for students to write on the wall in the cupola dating back to the 1880s. He says a faculty member had noticed it, and pointed it out.

This comes just a month after some Lawrence University students of color turned in a list of demands and concerns over racism on campus. Gagnon admits the timing isn't good.

"When it comes to printing a racial slur that's really unacceptable, so I can certainly understand how some people would react very strongly to that," said Gagnon. "Which is why we're working with the students who've expressed some concern before in implementing some changes on campus."

Lawrence University officials sent an email to alumni and donors on Saturday apologizing for the photo. 

UNDATED (WTAQ) - If you still dream of a White Christmas, you might have to let that go.

Michigan State agricultural meteorologist Jeff Andresen says the Midwest will stay under the El Nino's upper air pattern that has given us our mild December.

One exception is northwest Wisconsin, where snow has come and gone -- and a winter weather advisory is in effect for another 2 to 5 inches through late Wednesday.

For the rest of us, the dry but rainy period will help an estimated 2 million Wisconsinites with their travel plans between now and January 3rd.

But it might not be easy to drive in southern Wisconsin Wednesday, with wind gusts up to 50 miles an hour and wind advisories in effect into Christmas Eve morning.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Oshkosh are asking the public's help locating a person they say fraudulently used a credit card at a local store.

Authorities say it happened at Dick's Sporting Goods, 1015 N. Washburn Street, on November 3.

The surveillance images above were released by the Oshkosh PD on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Oshkosh police at (920) 236-5700. 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.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - There may not be snow in the forecast, but driving could still be an issue later Wednesday.

A Wind Advisory is in effect for much of Northeast Wisconsin, with sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour. Gusts up to 50 miles per hour are possible.

Those winds will make driving high profile vehicle difficult, especially on bridges. They will also blow unsecured outdoor objects like garbage cans around.

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - An administrator at Neenah High School is apologizing after a video being shared through social media shows him flipping off the camera.

The district says associate principal Chad Buboltz made the gesture while setting up a video live stream project.

You can watch the entire video above.

In a statement from the Neenah Joint School District:

"A valuable lesson related to livestreaming video was learned by a Neenah High School administrator who unknowingly recorded an inappropriate gesture on Tuesday. The administrator has taken full responsibility for his unprofessional behavior and apologized to students, staff and families for his actions. While the Neenah Joint School District expects its students to engage in appropriate online behavior, the same is expected of all staff members."