APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Thousands of people showed up to see Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders host a town hall event at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton Tuesday.

Appleton police estimated about 5,000 supporters of the Vermont Senator lined up, snaked around the back of the building in city's downtown. The earliest arrived around 2:30 a.m., seven hours before the doors even opened.

"The establishment is doing everything in its power to block this candidate, to marginalize him, to write him off," says Susan Howe, one of the many showing up in support of Sanders. "The money in politics is controlling everything so people aren't being represented. That's the number one thing a candidate has to do to be accountable to people, and Bernie is doing it."

Many of those in line were young or disenfranchised voters, who are attracted to Sanders for his message. Tom is one of the many who are confident in Sanders' chances.

"Aside from his message of equality and bringing the working class up and redistributing the wealth a little bit from the elite who've been extracting it from the middle class, I'd say his consistency, his integrity and his character," Tom says. "Time will tell, but he's got it. This is gonna happen, he's going to be our next President, I guarantee."

Inside the PAC, Sanders was introduced by former Wisconsin Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton. Lawton says Sanders is the one candidate who's a bold, experienced leader who can input serious campaign finance reform.

On stage, Sanders described the momentum of his campaign. 

"We have won 6 out of the last 7 elections, often by landslide victories," Sanders said, disputing the corporate media myth that young people aren't interested in politics. "They understand that they are the future of this country and they are determined to help shape that future."

Lots of cheers, chants and even the wave was performed by the enthusiastic bunch in the run-up to the start of the event. Some of the loudest cheers were made after Sanders called out Republican governors for voter ID laws, including Wisconsin's.

"I will tell you this, that if elected President of the United States, we're going to take on the Scott Walker's and all these people," bellowed Sanders.

Other issues Sanders highlighted were wealth redistribution, college affordability and repairing broken economic and criminal justice systems.

This is the first event held in Northeast Wisconsin featuring Sanders, just a week before Wisconsin's April 5th presidential primary election.

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UNDATED, WI (WTAQ) - A bill that closes a loophole in Wisconsin's hit and run legislature will be signed into law by Governor Scott Walker Wednesday.

State Representative Andre Jacque helped push the legislation through.

"It really requires that a driver involved in an accident has to, really simply, investigate what they hit...if they don't know what they hit."

Jeff and Colleen Kennedy of Green Bay have been pushing for the bill since their son was killed in a hit-and-run crash five years ago.

Jacque says this is an example of how people can bring about change and make it law.

"If you have ideas to change our state laws for the better, get to know your state legislators and make sure they get to know you...and provide them with the opportunity to make changes. I'm very pleased we get to do it in this situation."

The entire Kennedy family will be there for the bill signing at 2pm in the Governor's mansion.

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke to a packed Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay on Tuesday.

The former Secretary of State opened by touting the backing she's received from union groups and promised to improve life for middle class families.

"The economy does better when we have a Democrat in the White House," said Clinton. "Here's what I will do, more infrastructure jobs, roads, bridges, tunnels, ports, airports, good union jobs for people."

Clinton, who's battling Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary election April 5, also took a shot at Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.

"You have a governor who has been taking a wrecking ball to the rights of workers, to the rights of women, to the rights of Wisconsinites who deserve a better future," Clinton stated to loud cheering.

• Check out our photo gallery from the rally here

She also echoed economic policies put into place by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, like raising taxes on wealthy Americans. But Clinton says she will help make it possible for middle and lower income families to send their kids to college without having to incur massive debt.

Clinton also touted her plans to defend the Affordable Care Act, raise the minimum wage, create equal pay for women and engage world partners in defeating terrorist groups like ISIS.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Out of the several hundred supporters who attended the rally on Green Bay's east side Tuesday, many believe that it's not so important to elect a so-called "political outsider".

"I know a lot of people are looking at Donald Trump because he's not a typical politician," said Rebecca from Green Bay. "But there is an advantage to being a politician is that you know the ins and outs, and what the position is going to entail."

Bob Hickey says he's new to the political process, and attended both Democratic events in Northeast Wisconsin on Tuesday.

"We did go see Bernie this morning, just kind of see the difference between the two," Hickey says. "Definitely put her on the radar just because of her experience in politics."

While some supporters did feel Clinton's weakness is appealing to the younger voting bloc, many fresh faces were seen among the crowd. That included families with kids who aren't quite voting age yet.

"I was very involved as a child with my family, because they've been involved with politics and it's important to understand what's going on in the country around you," Nina said, attending with her husband Miles and two children Alexa and Evan. She pointed out Evan as the one who signed them up.

"I really liked how she spoke on TV, her confidence, I look up to Hillary and I think she's a good person," Evan explained.

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Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - A variety of plans were reviewed and unveiled Tuesday night at Green Bay's annual 'State of the City' address.

Right off the top, Mayor Jim Schmitt wants the formation of an OWI Taskforce.

"I've had it with the continued OWI arrests....and I refuse to accept the idea that it's our culture and that's how it's always been"

He'll need the city council in his corner for that and things like a policy to remove lead water pipes, a contract to assess the needs for a new police station, and an engineering contract to begin restoring the beach at Bay Beach.

City Alderman David Nennig was one of those listening closely to what the Mayor had to say.

"not everything that is put forward gets implemented, but a lot of it does"

Still, Nennig and other aldermen say they'll give the Mayor's wish list a good going over. They just want to make sure tax-payer dollars are going to get a good return.

Schmitt says building the sports and events stadium on the west side of the Fox River is currently his number one priority.

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay man faces over more than three decades in prison after he pulled out a machete during a domestic incident.

67-year-old Eugene Woods is charged with five counts, including 2 for first-degree recklessly endangering safety and child abuse/intentionally causing bodily harm.

According to the criminal complaint, Green Bay police were called to a home on Langlade Avenue on the morning of February 15 for a weapon used during a disturbance.

Officers arrived to hearing a lot of yelling and sounds of a physical fight. They forced entry into the home because of the possibility of someone in great danger.

The cops saw 3 people in the living room area and were able to securely take the machete, which had been placed in the kitchen.

A teenager, who had been hit in the mouth by Woods, said he'd been living at the home with his mom for "about six months". The teen had been sleeping on the couch, when arguing between his mom and Eugene started up.

Woods apparently was upset over the teen's cell phone, a struggle ensued over that phone. Woods then went and got his machete and said, "You guys are going to give me my phone."

Police were called after the machete was unsheathed. It was eventually put down, but Woods apparently struck the mom. That's when the teen and Eugene got into it.

Eugene Woods is due back in Brown County court for his arraignment on April 22.

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De Pere, WI (WTAQ) - GOP front-runner Donald Trump bringing his campaign win the party's nomination for President to northeast Wisconsin today.  

Trump has rallys going at Saint Norbert College in De Pere this morning.  

He heads to Appleton for another rally at the Paper Valley Hotel this afternoon.  

He's also taping a Town Hall meeting on the UWGB campus that will air tonight on MSNBC. 

On Tuesday, Democrat hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders campaigned in northeast Wisconsin.

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - An apartment building fire has sent five people to the hospital.

Green Bay Metro Fire officials were called just before 7:40 a.m. Wednesday to 1119 Cherry Street for a smell of gas. When crews arrived, they found smoke from a basement fire had spread throughout the two-story, 8-unit building.

Two people were rescued from second-story windows.

5 people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. 10 others were taken by city bus to another location.

Firefighters are working to figure out exactly where and how the fire started.

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DENMARK, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities say a man was taken to the hospital after he crashed his car into a barn early Wednesday.

It happened on Bohemia Drive in Denmark around 4 a.m.

According to officials, the man ran a stop sign and struck the barn. 

Damage to the barn appears to be minimal. The driver was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

No other information is available.

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JANESVILLE, WI  (WTAQ) - Police are investigating an incident involving a teenager who was pepper-sprayed while protesting outside of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's rally in Janesville Tuesday.

Police say the victim is 15-years-old.

Janesville police are looking to identify a man (photo above) in reference to a possible assault that led up to the pepper-spraying.

If you know the subject's identity please contact the Janesville Police Department, (608) 755-3100 or Janesville Area Crimestoppers (608) 756-3636. 

This alert is being sent statewide due to individuals coming from several states to attend the rally.

The girl and a woman standing next to her were taken to a hospital, treated and released. Authorities say the girl could face charges for punching the other man.

This incident is the latest in a series of clashes outside Trump events nationwide.

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DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - GOP frontrunner Donald Trump made an appearance on the campaign trail Wednesday at St. Norbert College in De Pere.

Hundreds of supporters and students filled the Walter Theater on campus.

Wendy Bennet drove from Marinette to see Mr. Trump speak.

"I think the country is definitely in need of a big change. I'm a Trump supporter because he speaks to my condition and a lot of people. I think he tells the truth...maybe not in the most eloquent of ways at times, but he's not a candy-coated liar."

The Republican Presidential candidate's stop wasn't without opposition.

Students gathered in front of the art building to sit in peaceful protest of Trump's visit and his policies.

"I personally don't agree with pretty much everything that Mr. Trump has been preaching lately," says junior Erick Konop. "I think he discourages diversity...really doesn't offer any solutions to the problems facing the United States right now."

Trump spoke about jobs and the economy. He also spent a significant amount of time talking about success and momentum. The business mogul is also still standing by his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, over a recent incident with a female reporter in Florida.

"This young woman, reporter, who shouldn't have been where she was, and she grabbed me twice, she said I was jolted backwards...she wasn't, right? Did anyone disagree?"

Wisconsin's primary will take place Tuesday, April 5th.

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A teenage angler can tell quite the fishing story for decades to come.

13-year-old Zach Kohlbeck reeled in a 54-inch musky while fishing with his dad on Green Bay.

Father and son were fishing for walleyes at the time, and were surprised after 22 minutes of fighting to get the catch into the boat.

"It was fun," said Zach, who called this a once-in-a-lifetime fish. "The pole was bent over completely. I thought it was going to break the pole."

Zach says he previously caught a musky in Minnesota, but that one was only 12 inches.

He released the fish and it swam away nicely. 

Zach says he is going to have a replica made of his catch.

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A De Pere man is facing several charges for allegedly hitting two women while being kicked out of an apartment.

46-year-old Daniel F. Deyo is charged with battery, disorderly conduct and intimidation of a victim. Two of the charges carry domestic abuse enhancers.

According to the criminal complaint, Green Bay police were called for a disturbance at an apartment on Western Avenue on the night of February 24.

Officers found two women inside an apartment with its sliding door open and items knocked over inside.

The older woman says she arrived home from work to find her on-again, off-again boyfriend at the apartment. She says the boyfriend, identified as Daniel Deyo, was in the process of moving out. She said Deyo was upset and began yelling at her. 

Another woman living with the victim was also assaulted

Daniel Deyo is due back in Brown County court on May 3 for a final pre-trial hearing. If convicted on all counts, Deyo faces more than 2 years in prison.

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities say a Milwaukee man was arrested this week in connection with several recent heroin distribution investigations.

Earlier this month, investigators completed several controlled purchases from the 36-year-old man at various places in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties.

Investigators arranged a meeting to buy heroin from the man in Sheboygan County Monday.

The man was arrested with more than a quarter pound of heroin intended to be sold for distribution in Manitowoc County.

The street value of the heroin is estimated to be $30,000.

Quentin Smith made a court appearance Tuesday and is being held on $50,000 cash bail.

Smith was charged Wednesday with 2 counts of delivery of heroin. He returns to court April 4 for an initial appearance.

Manitowoc officials say they also arrested a 34-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman related to a February heroin delivery on the south side of Manitowoc.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to campaign in Appleton on Friday for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

President Clinton will speak at the Warch Campus Center at Lawrence University at 10:30 a.m. Doors to the event will open at 9:30 a.m.

Clinton will talk about why Hillary Clinton is the best candidate to raise wages and incomes, defend workers’ rights, and fight to break down economic, social and racial barriers for families as President.

• For more information on the event, click here

Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - Businesswoman, and one time GOP Presidential hopeful, Carly Fiorina, is on the stump on behalf of Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

Cruz is trying to close the gap on front-runner Donald Trump in the battle to win the delegates needed to lock-up the party nomination. On WTAQ's Jerry Bader Show, Fiorina says we're finding Donald Trump has no solid plan or substance for moving the U-S forward.

"Donald Trump is a big act, Donald Trump is an act.....he's an entertainer"

Fiorina also says Trump's claims that he'll challenge the system a joke.

"Donald Trump has made his billions by buying people like Hillary Clinton off. He isn't going to challenge the system, he's going to protect and to preserve it"

She says Wisconsin has a chance to stop Trump on April 5th, and give Cruz a major momentum boost. She calls Ted Cruz the only true conservative left in the race for the White House.

Fiorina also says Trump's success in the race so far is a direct result of the media attention he's received.

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton police say a fake bomb near some railroad tracks caused a scare Wednesday morning.

Authorities say a Canadian National Railway employee found the device while inspecting the tracks near W. Second and S. Outagamie streets around 11:20 a.m.

The employee called the cops, who responded to the scene along with firefighters and ambulance crews. The device looked like road fuses taped together with a watch face attached. It appears to have been there for some time.

The Outagamie County Bomb Squad was called in to dismantle the item and confirm it to be a fake.

KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) - A warning is being sent out by a Fox Valley nature center for visitors to use caution on its trails.

On Thursday, 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna shared several photos on its Facebook page showing the Fox River overflowing.

That's causing flooding in parts of the trails running on either side of the sections of trails made up of wooden boardwalks.

• Get the latest flood conditions on local waterways here

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The pains of allergy season are right around the corner.

Seasonal suffers are bracing themselves for itchy eyes, runny nose and many other symptoms that come with the affliction.

Dr. Bradley Locke is an Allergist at the Prevea Howard Health Center and says trees and grass are the biggest trouble makers this time of year.

The recent cold and wet weather also could make it more difficult for sufferers this spring.

"People would predict that we might have a worse allergy season than normal just because it will start allowing the pollen to grow a little sooner. It might be worse than typical around here," says Locke.

A question that doctors are frequently asked is 'how do you know if it's an allergy or just a cold?'

Locke says there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

"The allergy symptoms should be more chronic...it should last a lot longer than a week or so."

A fever also tends to accompany a cold or infection.

You can find more information on seasonal allergies at www.prevea.com.

JANESVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - A 15-year-old girl is being referred for disorderly conduct charges after Janesville police say she punched a man at a Donald Trump rally earlier this week.

Police are recommending juvenile authorities charge the girl.

During a press conference Thursday, Janesville Police Chief David Moore said while initial reports indicated she was groped in the crowd outside the Tuesday rally. they couldn't prove it happened.

"Detectives were able to review video, they interviewed 13 witnesses, the alleged sexual assault victim and the alleged sexual assault suspect," Moore said. "Video does not support evidence of a sexual assault. It does support that a punch was delivered by the 15-year-old."

The man punched by the girl elected not to press charges.

The video does show another man wearing a Donald Trump hat pepper spraying the teen. Police continue to try and identify that man.

Moore says the man slipped, and had officers seen what he did they likely would have detained him immediately.

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - Officials with the Shawano School District say they are suspending talk about changing the school start time until further notice.

The school board proposed pushing back start times by up to one hour, after some people argued that early start times can hurt children's sleep, which can affect academic performance.

However, opponents argued that the change creates an inconvenience.

The district says after receiving a great deal of feedback from the community, they decided to suspend any action.

According to Shawano Board of Education President, Tyler Schmidt, while he appreciates the energy and efforts of the school board, "this issue has left of our community divided and we feel that it is in the best interests of our students, staff, families and community to take a step back from this issue now."