UNDATED (WTAQ) - Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services say a rare and deadly bacterial infection has now been confirmed in Winnebago County.

On Wednesday, DHS officials added Winnebago County to the list of counties affected by Elizabethkingia. 

The majority of counties impacted by the disease is in southern Wisconsin. That includes the Milwaukee and Madison areas, along with Dodge, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties.

• Click here to learn more about the outbreak

Currently there are 52 confirmed cases of Elizabethkingia in Wisconsin, three cases under investigations and another 4 possible cases that health officials say will never be able to be confirmed.

Health officials say most of the people affected are over age 65 with underlying health problems. 

So far it's unclear where the infections came from, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have tested and ruled out health care products, water sources and the environment.

Since November, more than a dozen people have died as a result of the outbreak.

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Shoveling is a necessary task that follows any snowfall, and with it can come health concerns.

Family and Sports Medicine Physician for Prevea Health, Dr. Jeremy Metzler, says there are symptoms to watch for that might indicate you need to take a break.

"Any type of chest pain, shortness of breath or just feeling more fatigued than usual, especially if you develop any type of chest pressure where you feel like someone is sitting on your chest or a pain radiating to your neck or shoulder. That would be very suspicious of something going wrong of your heart."

Metzler says it's important to listen to your body and don't be afraid to take a break while digging out.

"If you're not used to doing something that strenuous, then you probably should have a neighbor help you or consider paying someone to come and move your snow."

It also might be a good idea to do shoveling in shifts; once after a few inches has fallen and then more later on.

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has declared a State of Emergency as a big winter storm begins to drop heavy, wet snow on the Badger State.

"This storm is bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and potential blizzard conditions across the state tonight," Governor Walker said in a statement. "It may cause dangerous drifting and blowing snow as well as limited visibility on roads and highways, causing treacherous driving conditions. As a precautionary measure, we want to ensure all state resources are available and ready, if needed.  We urge all Wisconsinites to be cautious of the weather conditions and remain safe while outside or driving."

The National Weather Service has forecasted up to a foot of snow for central Wisconsin from River Falls to the Green Bay area. Other areas will see lesser amounts of snow. Winds of over 30 miles per hour will cause blowing and drifting snow.

Governor Walker's State of Emergency calls to active duty elements of the Wisconsin National Guard as deemed necessary by Major General Donald Dunbar to assist local authorities. The declaration also directs all state agencies to assist in any response or recovery efforts.

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) has been monitoring this storm system and working closely with state agencies, local officials, and the National Weather Service to track the storm and monitor the road conditions.

If needed, actions could be taken to close roadways or portions of the interstate.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A snow emergency has been issued for the city of Green Bay.

Chris Pirlot with Green Bay Public Works says that means the public is not allowed to park on city streets.

"The big thing is if we can get started plowing and get the city mostly cleared, that's where we really need the snow emergency is at the beginning of the event."

Although they have lots of heavy equipment to combat the cement-like heavy, wet snow, it can still create problems.

"The plow on the truck will only go down as the heaviest, densest snow," states Pirlot. "So, once you drive on it, we won't be able to get right down to the bare pavement."

Road graders and some front end loaders use hydraulic pressure which can cut through the compacted snow.

Pirlot says the arterial streets will be cleared first and then they move to a full plow operation in the city.

For road conditions throughout the state, go to www.511wi.gov.

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - More charges are possible against a Manitowoc County man in a child pornography case.

30-year-old Sean Berry is due to stand trial in July on the original charges, but after new evidence was found, Berry was arrested Tuesday.

Investigators say they found 2 new videos on an external hard drive.

"The investigation began in July of 2015, at that time he was charges with second degree sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography. Then new information came up from evidence that was obtained from a search warrant that was conducted at that time in July," Manitowoc Police Captain Larry Zimney told FOX 11.

Last summer, Berry's computers and hard drives were seized by investigators. 

In one of the videos, Berry sexually assaults a sleeping 13-year-old girl.

"That shows a disturbing pattern, more than a one-time event. He now has these records that he can refer back to for sexual gratification," said Zimney.

Police say the second video was one of the reasons they knew they needed to take immediate action. They say it showed children in their bathing suites at the Manitowoc Public Pool.

"As far as we are aware he did not have any contact but if anyone has any information that is different than that, they should call our police department," Zimney said.

Berry is facing more than a dozen charges from the original case, including second degree sexual assault of a child. Two more counts are being referred by police, including sexual exploitation of a child.

Bond was set at $5,000 during Wednesday's court appearance.

Conditions as part of his bond include not being in any location where kids are present and he can't have contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Berry is due back in court on Monday.

Police say Berry admitted to battling with issues of viewing child pornography since he was 18 and that he needs help.

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BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities have announced a news conference for Friday morning to discuss more details about the arrests of 38 people earlier this week in connection with a meth investigation.

About 100 local, state and federal officials executed 14 search warrants to raid locations in Green Bay, Bellevue, Howard, Suamico and Ashwaubenon, as well as Kewaunee and Oconto counties on Tuesday.

The Brown County Drug Task Force, however, released few other details.

Some of those suspects were expected to appear in court Wednesday. 

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin U.S. Senator Ron Johnson says after this latest terror attack in Brussels, it's time America takes the lead in the battle against ISIS. 

During a stop at the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, Johnson talked about the need to take extra measures both to combat terror and protect us from it.

"What was so disconcerting about what happened was it wasn't on an airplane, it wasn't after the security, it was before it," said Johnson. "They're starting to pick the softer and softer targets which puts us all at risk."

Johnson, who chairs the Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, says the U.S. can't stand on the sidelines any longer.

"We have to assemble that coalition of the willing, of Arab states of other civilized democracies," Johnson explains. "We have got to relentlessly pursue Islamic terrorists wherever they reside until they are wiped off the face of the earth."

Among some of the ideas he'd like to see put into action are more Department of Homeland Security dogs at our nation's airports.

"I'm a big proponent of increasing the number of K-9 units because there is no technology that is better than the nose of a dog in terms of sniffing, for example, bombs," said Johnson. "One of the bills we passed was pre-clearance for allowing our TSA and Customs and Border Protection to be present in foreign airports. You know, extend that perimeter. I think we may have to be looking at that for some of our terminals as well."

MAJOR NATIONAL ENDORSEMENT

The Republican from Oshkosh was at the Greater Green Bay Chamber on Wednesday because the U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed him. It's the group's first endorsement of a U.S. Senate candidate in the 2016 election cycle, focusing on what's expected to be a battleground state.

"Ron Johnson is a proven and tested leader who understands that the American Free Enterprise system is the only way to drive sustained economic growth," said U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Political Director Rob Engstrom. "We're honored to be in Wisconsin and stand with the state and local business community to highlight his record. Senator Feingold, on the other hand, is a career politician who has spent almost 30 years championing a 'government knows best' approach that stifles the American economy. Voters in Wisconsin face a clear choice in this Senate race."

Johnson touted his background in gladly accepting the endorsement.

"As a manufacturer, not a career politician, I appreciate the support of others who have grown and started businesses that create good jobs and economic opportunity for all," Johnson said. "I will continue my work to get Washington out of the way of our private sector economy to help give hard-working Wisconsin families the economic security they deserve."

Johnson, who defeated Feingold back in 2010, also got the endorsement of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - Thursday marks the first anniversary of the death of Wisconsin State Trooper Trevor Casper.

The 21-year-old Casper was gunned down in Fond du Lac following a shootout with murder and bank robbery suspect Steven Snyder.

Despite being shot, Casper was able to kill the suspect before he died.

Today, a snow-covered memorial is seen under a tree near where Casper was killed.

"It is certain that more innocent lives would have been endangered or lost had Trooper Casper not ended the active and ongoing threat the suspect posed to the community," Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney said during a news conference last July.

Casper's funeral brought thousands of people from across the country to Kiel.

"He was always a friendly funny guy," said one man who attended Casper's funeral - a sentiment many who knew and worked with Casper felt.

Several months later, Casper's family accepted the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart from the State Patrol.

"In my mind, Trooper Casper is a hero. He saved lives that day," Sgt. Andrew Hyer told FOX 11.

Hyer helped put Trooper Casper into his squad car and left the crime scene to get help.

Caper's family has remained somewhat quiet about the loss. Last summer, they released the following statement, "Trevor always had a knack for putting others at ease, was blessed to have many friends around him and always put others before himself...we are comforted because we know Trevor will continue to protect and serve, at the highest level, as he looks upon us from above."

Casper's name will be added to the state and national law enforcement memorials later this year.

A few hours before the March 24, 2015 shootout in Fond du Lac, Snyder shot and killed Tom Christ in Wausaukee.

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is planning to become the first of the five remaining White House hopefuls to appear in Northeast Wisconsin.

According to the Cruz campaign, the Texas Senator will hold a town hall event in Oshkosh at 10 a.m. Friday. Cruz is also expected to make stops in Appleton and Green Bay Friday, per CNN.

Cruz previously made campaign appearances in Pewaukee Wednesday night, along with Dane and Janesville Thursday.

This comes after Donald Trump announced his first campaign stop in the Badger State, scheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Janesville Conference Center. 

Ohio Governor John Kasich stopped in Wauwatosa for a campaign event on Wednesday.

Marian Krumberger, the chair of the Republican Party of Brown County, tells FOX 11 she anticipates the 3 Republican candidates will host events in the area in the next week.

On the Democratic side, Chelsea Clinton is campaigning Thursday in southern Wisconsin on behalf of her mom, front-runner Hillary Clinton.

Bernie Sanders' campaign website says the Vermont Senator will hold a rally in Madison Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Alliant Energy Center.

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - State Representative John Nygren announces the launch of a new HOPE Agenda website.

It's a site that will help educate people about the issues of heroin and opioid prevention and education.

"Our goal is to try to make it as simple as possible for people to find the information they need," says Nygren.

The website is in conjunction with the HOPE Agenda, which was created by Nygren and stands for Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education, and was rooted by something the Marinette Republican kept hearing.

Even from his own daughter, who battles heroin addiction, Nygren heard that they feel hopeless. That's why it's called the HOPE Agenda.

"We see it in the future...we want to build resources for and links to treatment, treatment court and information, advocacy...really run the gamut," Nygren states.

Earlier this month Governor Walker signed 8 more bills in correlation with the HOPE Agenda.

You can find more information at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/hope.

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OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) - A woman was sentenced to eight years in prison in connection with a fatal overdose death in Oconto County.

The Oconto County Clerk of Courts office says 25-year-old Tiffany Gerrits was also put on extended supervision for 7 years.

Gerrits was convicted of first-degree reckless homicide for supplying the drugs which claimed the life of Donald Hudson in August 2014.

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Neenah and three police officers by the wife of Michael Funk.

The suit was filed Thursday by Theresa Mason-Funk, seeking more than $3.5 million.

Michael Funk was killed during a shooting incident outside Eagle Nation Cycles back on December 5, 2015.

Funk was taken hostage by suspect Brian Flatoff, and authorities say Funk did not comply with requests to lower his weapon when he exited the building.

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Fond du Lac are asking the public's help identifying a bank robbery suspect.

Authorities say the Associated Bank, 888 S. Main Street, was robbed around 3:40 p.m. Thursday.

According to witnesses, a man walked into the bank and handed an employee a note demanding money. After getting an undisclosed amount of money, the man left the bank on foot.

No one was hurt during the robbery.

Police describe the suspect as white, early 40's, about 6' tall with a thinner build. He was wearing heavy, dark-framed glasses, a red 'Coaches Corner' long-sleeved shirt with a gray hooded sweatshirt layered underneath. He was also wearing green or grey pants and tennis shoes.

The man was wearing a black-colored winter face mask with his face exposed and one black glove during the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fond du Lac Police Department at (920) 322-3740 or Detective Bill Ledger at (920) 322-3723.

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - An Outagamie County judge has dismissed an attempt by an animal rights' group to prosecute a church over their "pig rassle" fundraiser.

The group Global Conservation filed a motion in court looking "to permit the filing of a complaint against the Defendants, all affiliated with St. Patrick's Catholic Parish-Stephensville."

Global Conservation claims that the August 10, 2014 event violated state laws on animal cruelty. It also says that Outagamie County District Attorney Carrie Schneider has declined to pursue the case.

However, Judge Mark McGinnis denied the group's legal maneuvering in an order signed Wednesday.

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - A man has died following a one-vehicle rollover crash in Fond du Lac.

Police say the crash happened on Highway V near the Hampton Avenue intersection around 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

The man was driving north on Highway V when his vehicle went off the road and rolled over, according to investigators. He was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

The 33-year-old man was the only person in the vehicle.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

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OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) - More details about the major meth bust in Northeast Wisconsin this week are coming out.

On Tuesday, 38 people were arrested after 20 search warrants were executed in three counties. Most of them were in Brown County.

However, a home in the Oconto County Town of Chase is where one of those methamphetamine search warrants were executed. According to court documents, Romulus Ard owns the home and appeared in Oconto County court Thursday on a charge of maintaining a drug trafficking place.

Ard admitted to using meth and other drugs, according to a criminal complaint, but he denies being a distributor. Ard told investigators that, "When you talk to anyone about meth it leads back to Bill."

FOX 11 reports that is Bill Yang, 35, who was ordered held on a $500,000 cash bond in Brown County court Wednesday. Yang has not been formally charged, but his bond is the biggest anyone with pending meth charges has.

"The initial information came to law enforcement back in August and September of 2015 and from the beginning the information was that Mr. Yang was moving two to six pounds of methamphetamine per week," said Wendy Lemkuil, an assistant district attorney for Brown County, while in court on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say the street value of one pound of meth is $45,000, meaning they allege Yang was moving $90,000 to $300,000 worth of meth in the area per week.

A different Oconto County case shows the possible reach of the drugs and how investigators tracked them.

According to a criminal complaint, authorities had been using electronic surveillance to monitor 31-year-old Rebekah Matel and 33-year-old Justin Rose. Investigators had information that Matel would go to Green Bay to get meth, and bring it back to redistribute in Oconto and Marinette Counties.

Matel was arrested and charged earlier this month after authorities followed her from Oconto to Green Bay and back. Court documents show they found about 57 grams of suspected meth in her car.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A head-on crash Thursday morning has claimed the lives of two sisters from Oshkosh.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Department, the crash happened on Interstate 41, just north of County Highway K, in the Town of Hartford at 11:12 a.m.

A van driving northbound crossed over the media on I-41 and slammed into a semi-tractor trailer heading southbound.

Authorities say the van was being driven by a 24-year-old Oshkosh woman. Her 15-year-old sister was a passenger. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the van was traveling too fast for road conditions which had snow and scattered slippery spots throughout the county.

The 61-year-old semi driver was not injured but taken to the hospital as a precaution.

One southbound lane was closed for more than 6 hours during clean-up.

The crash remains under investigation.

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BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities are talking more about a major drug trafficking bust earlier this week in Northeast Wisconsin.

According to the Brown County Sheriff's Department, the Brown County Drug Task Force identified a large scale drug trafficking organization during late summer/early fall of 2015. The group focused on distributing methamphetamine not only in Brown County, but throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.

Authorities said that the Drug Task Force didn't have the capacity to conduct an investigation of this size alone. They sought help from law enforcement partners including the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), and the U.S. Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with neighboring drug task force units.

The culmination of this investigation happened on Tuesday, when over 100 law enforcement officers assisted in serving 20 search warrants in Brown (18), Oconto (1) and Kewaunee (1) counties.

In all, 38 people were arrested with 35 of those booked into the Brown County Jail on charges.

"It was a combination of information received during other investigations, basically information from community members, citizens complaining about drug houses," says Brown County Sheriff's Department Lt. Kevin Kinnard, who heads the Drug Task Force. "Patrol officers doing what they do every day in arresting people with methamphetamine present and getting information."

Reports suggest that 35-year-old Bill Yang is considered the leader, or as Kinnard terms it, the "middler" of the organization. However, no one would confirm that.

"The person we have in custody here is the middler and head of the organization here in Northeast Wisconsin," Kinnard said. "Then beyond that it goes back to Minneapolis/St. Paul which DEA in Minneapolis is investigating, and then I don't have information where it goes from there."

The meth seized in this case, according to law enforcement, was produced in Mexico and moved into Minneapolis/St. Paul. From there, it was trafficked to our area where the organization would sell it to addicts. The origin of the marijuana and other drugs taken in this case was not revealed.

"In this case, it was primarily methamphetamine. They also saw that there was a demand for marijuana and they were trafficking in that," explains Kinnard.

Prosecutors say the street value of one pound of meth is $45,000, meaning they allege Yang was moving $90,000 to $300,000 worth of meth in the area per week.

At Friday's press conference, authorities would not comment on any of the suspects in this case. The investigation is ongoing and many of the court documents have been sealed.

CONCERN ABOUT FILLING THE GAP

"We created a major disruption in the methamphetamine supply flowing into Northeastern Wisconsin," Lt. Kinnard stated.

To that end, authorities realize that the demand created by users ultimately determines whether or not meth or any illegal substance is available in the community. Law enforcement is strongly encouraging people struggling with drug addiction to seek help from their family, doctor or another treatment professional before causing harm that's irreversible. 

"Our concern now is that because the demand is still there, but not the supply, that we may see an increase in meth labs," said Kinnard. "Which are not just a hazard to users, but they're an environmental hazard and a danger to people and property depending on where they occur."

Kinnard urges pharmacies and others to remain vigilant in the event that there's an increase in people trying to procure pseudoephedrine in order to make meth.

If anyone is suspicious, or observe and have knowledge of drug activity, you're asked to call the Brown County Drug Tip Line at (920) 437-DRUG (3784). Callers' identities remain confidential and you're asked to leave a recorded message. If you're willing to speak directly to someone regarding your concerns, leave your name and callback number.

Due to the large amount of tips received, authorities say it may take several days for someone to return your call.

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - A man from Appleton has been sentenced to five years in federal prison on firearms charges.

The case stems from a 2015 burglary of a licensed dealer in Oshkosh where 11 guns were stolen. Prosecutors say 21-year-old Kong Vang agreed to sell several of those guns on behalf of the burglars in exchange for money or drugs.

Vang pled guilty to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

During sentencing, the judge noted the number of guns involved, Vang's sale of guns to people prohibited from selling them legally and his prior history of dealing drugs.

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BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - Texas Senator Ted Cruz became the first presidential candidate to visit Northeast Wisconsin on Friday.

The day began in Oshkosh, where Cruz held a town hall event at Lakeside Plastics, Inc.

"This next election is going to come down to three issues: jobs, freedom and security," Cruz told the crowd, according to FOX 11. 

Friday was Cruz's third consecutive day in the Badger State, as he pushes to win as many of Wisconsin's 42 delegates as he can.

The Texas Senator couldn't go without responding to the latest in his ongoing social media feud with fellow Republican candidate Donald Trump.

"In the last few days, Donald Trump has taken to attacking Heidi," said Cruz, as the crowd booed. "How low will Donald go? Is there any level to which he won't stoop?"

On Facebook Friday, Trump wrote that he had nothing to do with a National Enquirer article about the Cruz's relationship. The billionaire added he does not surround himself with political hacks and henchman.

Afterward, Cruz and his family visited Lambeau Field before stopping in for a traditional Wisconsin fish fry at The Rite Place in Bellevue.

"Senator Cruz, I'm Representative Andre Jacque," Jacque said to Cruz as he made his way through the crowded bar area on the way to a table. "You've got your first endorsement here." 

Cruz thanked Jacque (R-De Pere) for his support and his leadership.

Other folks got to take a picture with someone they've only seen on TV, and who could be the next President of the United States.

Among the items Cruz, his wife Heidi and their two daughters ordered were Perch and Chicken Booyah. 

View WTAQ pictures from the event.

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