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New Hospital Entrance, Building Names Announced at ThedaCare

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - With recent name changes for two Fox Valley hospitals, there's also word of new names for some of the areas within those hospitals.

Officials with ThedaCare recently changed the name of Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah and Appleton Medical Center to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.

But those aren't the only new names that will greet patients and visitors when they go to the hospitals.

At ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, changes include:

  • East Care Pavilion now known as Main Entrance
  • Medical Office Building South now known as South Building
  • Former Cancer Center (900 E. Grant) now known as East Building
  • Appleton Heart Institute now known as Cardiovascular Care
  • ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus now known as Orthopedic Care
  • Medical Office Building West now known as West Building
  • Groth Surgery Center now known as Outpatient Surgery
  • Chest Pain Center now known as Chest Pain and Resuscitation Center
  • Cafeteria now known as Fresh Market Café
  • PT/OT/Rehab now known as Therapy Services
  • Birth Services now known as Family Birth Care

At ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, patients can be directed to one of three places: the main entrance, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley or the Emergency Department. Other changes include:

  • Medical Office Pavilion now known as 100 Building/200 Building (Mailing addresses remain 100/200 Theda Clark Medical Plaza)
  • Breast Care Center now known as Breast Care
  • Birth Services now known as Family Birth Care
  • The North Entrance is no longer marked as such

Ripon Meth Bust Leads to 2 Arrests

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RIPON, WI (WTAQ) - A meth bust in Ripon has led to two people being arrested and two others getting sent to the hospital.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice issued a statement detailing the raiding of several locations Thursday afternoon.

State and local officers raided 204 1/2 Eureka Street, along with two locations in the area of 44 Parkway Terrace. Authorities say evidence of a meth lab was found at the Eureka Street location.

Two women were jailed, while a 17-year-old boy and a juvenile girl, whose age was not released, were taken to the hospital for exposure to meth. They were released pending further investigation.

Formal charges are expected next week.

Dry Weather Sparks Concerns of Wildfires in Wisconsin

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A dry weather pattern moving into Wisconsin is raising concerns about outbreaks of wildfire.

Catherine Koele, a DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist, says the majority of the state is either at high or very high fire danger.

"As soon as that snow cover disappears and with the warmer temperatures, lower relative humidity, and the lighter winds we are seeing, we're certainly at an elevated fire risk."

Koele says it hard to tell right now if it's going to be a rough season for battling blazes.

"As things green, that's what basically shut down fire season for the most part so, it depends on how much moisture we have and how quickly things will green up."

What should you do if you witness an out of control fire?

"If you do find yourself in a situation where you have an escaped fire, dial 9-1-1 immediately," says Koele." Please do not take any action on that fire. We do see a lot of injuries occur from people trying to put a fire out so, leave it to the experts and let us get to the fire as soon as possible."

Next week is Wildfire Prevention Week. If you are planning a controlled burn it's important to get a burning permit and follow the rules no matter what.

Find more information on preventing wildfires at www.dnr.wi.gov.

Fond du Lac Firefighters Battle Multiple Grass Fires

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - Fire crews responded to multiple grass fires along some railroad tracks near Interstate 41 in Fond du Lac Saturday.

According to Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue, they were called for a small grass fire at the tracks near I-41 and Hickory Street around 2 p.m.

Officials say the small grass fire spread near businesses before firefighters were able to put it out. Several semi-trailers and lumber were burned in a parking lot near the railroad tracks.

No one was hurt.

 

Job Fair at Lambeau Field on Tuesday

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A job fair will be held at Lambeau Field on Tuesday by the Packers food service provider Delaware North Sportservice.

The job fair, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will be held as Delaware North looks for employees to fill a number of part-time positions at 1919 Kitchen and Tap restaurant, along with the catering department at Lambeau Field.

If you're highly motivated, professional in appearance and demeanor and customer-oriented, the Green Bay Packers' food service partner is looking for you.

The job fair will be held on the third floor of the atrium. You're asked to enter through the American Family Gate or the Miller Lite Gate.

Tax Deadline Day is Today

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - Today is the deadline to pay your income taxes.

Normally it's on April 15th, but this year thanks to a federal holiday it's been moved to April 18th.

"Obviously if you're electronically filing you want that in by midnight," says Stephanie Marquis, spokesperson with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. "If you're actually going to file your tax return on paper, it has to be postmarked on Monday."

The Department of Revenue expects about three million tax returns, and nearly one-third are filed in the last two weeks of the tax season. With more people doing business online, DOR expects approximately 85 percent of income tax returns will be filed electronically.

"Our own tool that we use is free, it's secure and confidential," Marquis says. "What's nice about that is the tax forms actually fill in automatically for you as you go along and do the math, so you don't have those math errors."

The DOR offers some tips for you tax filing procrastinators:

  1. File an extension with the IRS if you won't make the April 18 deadline. You must request an extension from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 18 to avoid penalties.  Go to the IRS website and search "extension" for more information. Taxpayers who file an extension request with the IRS automatically receive an extension from Wisconsin. Keep a copy of the IRS' federal extension application (Form 4868) for your records.
  2. Request a payment plan if you're not able to pay your taxes in full by April 18.  You are able to request a payment plan online, including a payment amount. Before requesting a payment plan, make sure all of your state tax returns are filed.
  3. Pay your taxes online. The department offers easy online payment of your taxes. You can also watch this short one minute video to find out how to make your payment online.
  4. Use DOR's FREE online-e-filing tool called Wisconsin E-file.*       Easy, fast and accurate*       Secure and confidential*       Fill-in the tax forms do the math for you to help prevent errors*       Allows direct deposit or withdrawal from your bank account
  5. Download the WI Revenue mobile app available in the Apple and Android app stores. You can watch tax assistance videos, check the status of your return or refund, take action if you received an ID Verification letter, and more.

WPS Moratorium Ends

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Monday, April 18 is the first day that WPS customers will be subject to having their electricity disconnected due to non-payment over the winter months.

However, spokesman Kerry Spees says they are not in a rush to shut off people's service.

"We want to give them every opportunity to make a payment plan, make a down payment and keep their service going on."

The company's winter moratorium officially ended Friday, April 15.

Spees says customers getting their power terminated is a fairly common occurrence especially into the spring and summer.

"Unfortunately, if people aren't cognizant of the bills that they have to pay and they're not making a solid effort to pay their bills, then they're going to run the risk of losing service."

Spees says they disconnect service to more than a thousand people a year.  

If you need to get your electricity reconnected, it may take a day or two and it will cost you.

"There's a reconnection charge. There's no guarantee it can be reconnected the same day. It's unlikely, as a matter of fact, that it will be reconnected the same day that it's disconnected, if that happens."

You can find more information at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com.

Serious Injuries After A Pair of Winnebago County Crashes

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Winnebago County, WI (WTAQ) - A woman is in critical condition following a rollover crash in Winnebago County.

The accident happened on Highway 45 around 4:40 this morning (Monday) in the Winneconne area. The woman was taken to the hospital by helicopter. 

No word as to why the vehicle left the road.

Two people suffered serious injuries Sunday night in a motorcycle crash on Highway 45 in Winnebago County.

The bike went off the roadway near Highway 10 around 7:30 .

A 40-year-old Menasha man was driving with a 33-year-old woman as his passenger. The Sheriff’s Office says speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash.


Shots Fired Investigation in Oshkosh

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh police are looking for the person who fired shots on the city's south side early Sunday morning.

Authorities were called just after 2:30 a.m. to the 1600 block of Oregon Street for a report of shots being fired in the area.

The cops responding to the scene found several shell casings. Besides the original report, a few people at a nearby tavern also said they heard shots fired.

No injuries or damage were reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. April Hinke at (920) 236-5703. Anonymous tips can be left with Winnebago County Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 231-8477, by sending a text message with the keyword IGOTYA to 274637, or online.

Appleton Duplex Fire Caused by Pan Left on Stove

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - An Appleton duplex fire Sunday afternoon was caused by someone leaving a pan cooking on a stove.

Appleton fire crews were called to the 2700 block of N. Mason Street just before 2 p.m. for a report of smoke coming from the kitchen.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the blaze had near burned itself out. They used a water extinguisher to put it completely out, then used fans to get rid of the smoke.

The tenant told firefighters that she had placed the pan on the stove, then turned away to do some dishes. She realized she needed a new sponge and went to a store to buy one. When she returned, she found the kitchen filled with smoke and called 911.

No one else was home and no one was hurt. The duplex had working smoke detectors.

The fire caused about $6,000 in damage.

Renovation Begins at Downtown Green Bay YMCA

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - One of the most historic places in Green Bay has officially started a $13 million renovation.

Construction is underway at the Downtown YMCA on a much needed renovation on the Jefferson Street building put up in 1925.

"The downtown building has been seen as the most historic looking building in downtown Green Bay," says Steve Harty, YMCA President and CEO. "So this is really our commitment to the community that this building stays in good shape for many years to come."

The three-part extreme makeover includes replacement of mechanical systems and upgrading the space inside like a two-story wellness area, an expanded gym center and new locker rooms.

According to its website, there are currently over 2,000 members who attend the Downtown facility, with more expected with the recent Downtown area revitalization in business and residence.

Harty adds gym-goers will still be able to work out during the renovation because all the equipment will be moved into the gym.

This 90-year-old building was recently placed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places.

Waupaca County Death Suspects In Court

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WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) - Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for two people accused of beating a man to death and leaving his body by the side of the road.

Tuesday, Adam Ozuna and Zachary Hohn were ordered to return to court May 11 for the preliminary hearing, according to online court records.

16-year-old Hohn and 24-year-old Ozuna allegedly beat 25-year-old Matthew Pagel to death April 11, and then dumped his body in a roadside ditch southeast of Clintonville.

Police said Pagel wanted to buy some Adderall, but the pair beat him instead. They also allegedly stole $200 and Pagel's jacket.

Although just 16, Hohn is charged in adult court under Wisconsin law.

Green Bay City Council Still Conflicted On How To Spend Lambeau Tax Windfall

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - After waiting for elections to be done, Green Bay's new city council is ready to end the four-month debate on what to do with the city's $5.3 million in excess Lambeau sales tax money.

Under state law, the money must be spent on economic development, debt reduction, or property tax relief. More than 30 ideas are under consideration. Barbara Dorff is one of the new city council members...and she's been talking to people.

"some of the things I've heard were the Bullfrogs stadium, there seems to be some interest in that. definitely the Colburn Park pool"

But Bill Galvin, also a new member of the council, says he's heard the opposite when it comes to the stadium.

"whole lot of people talking about the new baseball stadium, and didn't want to see any of the money go towards that"

Mayor Jim Schmitt says he wants to see some concrete ideas from the council sooner rather than later.

"they can come up with some point system or some priority system and then come to the council to vote on it or act on it"

For now, the money sits in the bank, and Schmitt says it's earning very little interest.

Future of Hospitals in Fox Valley to be Discussed at Public Forums

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Public forums will be held to discuss the possibility of combining two Fox Valley hospitals into one.

ThedaCare has scheduled four meetings to discuss the future of health care and how to provide it.

In February, the company announced that it is considering combining two hospitals it owns - ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah - into one. The hospitals were known until recently as Appleton Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center, respectively.

"We're starting from a very high point with a rich history of high quality, low cost care," Dr. Dean Gruner, president and CEO of ThedaCare, said in a news release. "But the future will likely require different space and capabilities to match the changing needs in healthcare. There are many questions and unknowns for us to tackle together."

According to ThedaCare, the public forums will begin with brief presentations and include question-and-answer sessions with Gruner and ThedaCare chief medical officer Dr. Greg Long.

The public forums are set for:

  • Thurs., May 12, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel, Neenah
  • Thurs., May 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel, Neenah
  • Tues., May 24, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Liberty Hall Banquet and Conference Center, Kimberly
  • Tues., May 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Liberty Hall Banquet and Conference Center, Kimberly

ThedaCare says it is also planning meetings with business leaders and civic groups to discuss future changes. Area coffee shops are also hosting casual conversations with ThedaCare leaders, the company says.

Anyone who cannot attend one of the meetings but would like to share thoughts may email journey@thedacare.org or visit ThedaCare's website.

Federal Judge Schedules Arguments in Menominee Tribe Hemp Suit

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Arguments will be heard by a federal judge next month on the Menominee Indian Tribe's lawsuit against the federal government over a hemp-growing operation.

Court records indicate that oral arguments are scheduled for May 13 before Judge William Griesbach.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration raided tribal land last October, destroying hemp plants. Tribal officials said it was growing hemp for research purposes. However, the DEA reported it confiscated 30,000 high-grade marijuana plants.

The difference between marijuana and industrial hemp is THC level. Industrial hemp has a lower THC level, preventing anyone from getting a high from it. It's used to make things like clothes and building materials.

The tribe sued the DEA and U.S. DOJ, seeking a federal court ruling declaring its industrial hemp growing operation legal under the federal 2014 Farm Bill. The federal government has asked for the suit to be thrown out.

The May 13 hearing on motions to dismiss the case, and on a motion for summary judgment. Arguments are scheduled to last two hours.


Antlerless Only Hunt Voted Down by Waupaca County Deer Advisory Council

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WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) - Hundreds of hunters attending a meeting at Waupaca High School Tuesday to hear about next fall's deer hunt.

"I just bought 120 acres here a year ago for hunting. I'm wasting my time," John Blosenski of Waupaca said, according to FOX 11.

Blosenski was one of many hunters protesting the recommended antlerless only hunt.

He says hunting bucks is a top priority for many, "It's important to me. I keep wanting to get one bigger than I have, you know? If it's a nice eight-pointer or something, I'll take it."

At the end of the hearing, members of the Waupaca County Deer Advisory Council voted against recommending an antlerless only deer hunt.

DNR wildlife supervisor Jeff Pritzl tells FOX 11 that the deer herd is becoming a problem in Waupaca County.

"We've got deer productivity that requires a significant antlerless harvest just to keep up with that antlerless herd growth," Pritzl explained.

Pritzl says statistics from past years' hunts show hunters are not taking in enough antlerless deer, "Those season frameworks are not likely to achieve an adequate antlerless harvest. So the proposal that's available that probably would is an antlerless only season."

But Blosenski says he's worried if there's an antlerless only hunt too many does might be taken.

"We have too many predators as it is. We have deer, we have coyote, we have CWD, we have car kill and we have people killing does," said Blosenski.

The final decision is in the hands of Wisconsin's Natural Resources Board.

"They will make a final determination on the 2016 fall deer seasons based on the input they got from each of the counties' advisory councils," Pritzl said.

The Natural Resources Board will make that decision during their meeting in May.

Deadly Stretch Of Winnebago County Highway Is Under the Magnifying Glass

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NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - Some Winnebago County residents want to see changes to an intersection they say is dangerous.

It comes more than a month after an Oshkosh woman was killed in a crash at the multi-lane intersection. Bob Schmeichel, Chairman of the Town of Neenah.

"what happens is people get impatient trying to get across that intersection"

The intersection is west of Neenah, where Winnebago County Highway CB and Oakridge Road cross.

According to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, there have been 25 crashes at that intersection since 2000; 14 of them have resulted in injuries, and three have been fatal.

But Sheriff John Matz says the intersection might not be to blame.

"it was failure to yield right of way or failure to stop at the stop sign, those were the causes of all those crashes"

Nearly 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for change. The county is looking to hire a consultant to do in-depth research on the intersection.

This isn't the first time that's happened. The intersection has been studied before, twice.

Nothing came of those efforts though, in part because of the cost to make the changes.

Because it'll take months for the site analysis and then even longer for the Winnebago County Board to decide whether to proceed, the highway department says it has added rumble strips and stop signs to the intersection.

Spring Cleaning Shuts Down Green Bay Bridges Next Week

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Drivers in downtown Green Bay will have to find a detour next week when the Wisconsin Department of Transportation closes two bridges over the Fox River for spring cleaning.

The Walnut Street Bridge will be closed on Wednesday from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. between Washington Street and Broadway, according to the Green Bay Public Works Department. Traffic will be re-routed to the Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge via Broadway, Dousman Street, Main Street and Monroe Avenue.

On Thursday, the Donald Tilleman Bridge (Mason Street) will be closed from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. between Monroe Avenue and Ashland Avenue. Traffic will be re-routed to the Walnut Street Bridge via Ashland Avenue, Walnut Street and Monroe Street.

Changes in the Works for Brown County Library System

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Changes could soon be coming to the Brown County library system.

Executive director Brian Simons says physical changes to some the buildings are needed and that they're in talks with an architect firm from Milwaukee.

He says Green Bay's East Branch and Central locations are a top priority.

"The facility needs some work, just in terms of the quality of the facility but it's also not that big. It's not big enough for the way that area's expanded."

Simons says they are establishing a 10-year master plan.

"Library services have changed in the last forty some years and we need a facility that can accommodate those, so we can do the best for our community in terms of library service."

Simons said although it's too early to tell how much upgrades would cost, funding for the project would come from the county as well as private fundraising efforts.

"What we're doing is trying to lay the groundwork to get something started and it's at a point where, especially with some of them, with central and the east facility, where we really need to make some decisions and get moving on them," says Simons

There are nine libraries in the Brown County system.

WATCH : Gov. Walker to Support Trump if GOP Nominee

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker today said he would support whomever the eventual Republican presidential nominee is -- and that includes Donald Trump. 

During a stop in Green Bay highlighting state investments in the FoodShare Employment and Training Program, Walker says he's been consistent on this issue.

"I said it on August 6 of last year when I stood on the debate stage in Cleveland that I would support the republican nominee against Hillary," Walker stated Wednesday. "I've also said very clearly that I hope and I believe that it will not be him, that it will actually be Ted Cruz."

Walker believes the Texas Senator will win the nomination on the 2nd or 3rd ballot at the convention in Cleveland.

The former Republican presidential candidate says he has not been asked to speak or take a prominent role. He doesn't think the schedule for the program will be settled until June.

FSET CRITICISM

Governor Walker spoke to employees at Bay Central Job Center in downtown Green Bay about the importance of this job training program and met with local staff and participants.

"Prior to our investments in this job training program, we contracted with 54 different agencies to serve our 72 counties and 11 tribes," Walker said. "This led to almost no consistency in the quality and type of services offered to program participants and made coordinating with local employers incredibly difficult. We've seen right here in Brown County the effect our $60 million investment has made. Services provided by this job training program are now consistent across the state, which makes coordination with local employers easier and results in more jobs, better work experience opportunities, and stronger communities."

But not everyone is pleased with the initiative. In a letter from the Hunger Task Force, a number of groups statewide are asking Walker to help out those who've been kicked off the program, losing their food stamps.

"Only Governor Walker can help us resolve this crisis," wrote Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of the Hunger Task Force. "The job training program has not placed people in jobs, it's only closed their FoodShare case. We are spending millions in taxpayer funds on a government boondoggle."

The letter states that over 30,453 people have become ineligible for federal food aid under FSET. 

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), along with fellow Democratic Rep.'s Ron Kind, Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan, have called on Walker to seek a federal waiver for 20 counties and 10 cities with high unemployment rates.

“The solution to these problems should not be to build barriers and make it harder for people to achieve economic independence. Rather, we must continue to support opportunities to lift people up and out of poverty and ensure that our jobs training programs are truly working,” the members of Congress wrote to Governor Walker.

Walker responded to these calls saying they just don't understand what the program does or are intentionally trying to mislead the public. 

"The bottom line is that nobody gets kicked off of food stamps if they are enrolled in job training or are working," Walker explained. "In fact, if someone chooses not to be in a job training program and not to work, they still have 3 months to make up their minds. So nothing happens immediately."

The governor added that he believes most Wisconsinites, no matter their political affiliation or background, would say there's got to be a, "line in the sand" that says the state will help you out if they're willing to help themselves.

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