APPLETON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - A professor at Lawrence University in Appleton played in one of Prince’s bands during the height of the musician’s early fame.

Bill Carrothers is a jazz pianist, but he was on the keyboards and synthesizers for the spin-off band “The Family.”

Carrothers says they rehearsed and performed for 8  or 9 months. He says Prince wrote all the music, and he sometimes played with them.

Carrothers says they were getting ready to be an opening act for Prince’s world tour, when their lead singer signed a record deal. He says Prince was so furious that he fired them all.

Carrothers says Prince, “had really nice cars, and he dressed very strangely.” He says his musical talent was undeniable, and he doesn’t get enough credit for his drumming.

“His drumming was killing. I don’t think anyone gives him enough credit for his drumming,” Carrothers says.

He says Prince was a great ping-pong player, and he almost always was carrying around a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos.

STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Michigan Street Bridge in Sturgeon Bay was damaged after a truck towing a backhoe wedged itself in it.

It happened around 6:30 p.m. Friday, damaging multiple support beams.

Normally there are three bridges that cross the bay, but with the main Bayview bridge undergoing repairs, that left two.

The backhoe incident forced the Department of Transportation to close the Michigan Street Bridge overnight, leaving just one for traffic to cross.

"It's protocol anytime a vehicle strikes a bridge, an overpass any kind of structure that belongs to the DOT," Mark Kantola, Communication Manager with the DOT, told FOX 11. "We go out there, we inspect it and we make sure it's safe for travel before we let any cars on it."

Kantola says things could've been a lot worse.

"If you're talking in July this happens and you have all this tourist traffic heading up to one of the great tourist spots of Wisconsin, you're talking the impacts and delays could've been significant," Kantola said.

The bridge reopened Saturday, but is limited to vehicles weighing less than 20 tons. Trucks that exceed that limit will be detoured to the Oregon/Maple Street Bridge.

Early next week, the DOT will perform a more detailed inspection. Kantola hopes he can gather the manpower, equipment and traffic control devices Monday, so they can begin this project as soon as possible.

To check the status of the Bayview Bridge renovations, click here.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Officials say a fire that started in the attic of an Appleton building caused $150,000 in damage.

Appleton fire crews were called to the Epiphany-Rose building, 4211 N. Lightning Drive, around 11:59 a.m. Saturday.

Workers in one of the building suites noticed electrical lights were working. A couple of hours later more lights failed and one of the workers heard cracking and popping in the ceiling above his work station, according to a media release.

Officials said workers saw smoke coming out of the ceiling and the fire sprinkler system went off.

When firefighters arrived, smoke filled the suite and officials saw the fire burning in the attic. The automatic sprinklers and a fire wall, in the attic, prevented the fire from spreading to a neighboring law firm.

Crews put out the fire quickly but blown insulation in the attic kept firefighters on scene for several hours. Officials said they wanted to make sure the fire was completely out.

No one was hurt.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities say a Manitowoc man has been arrested on suspicion of his sixth drunken driving offense.

An OWI task force operation over the weekend conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol led to a trooper spotting a driver who didn't have his seat belt buckled around 1:20 a.m. Sunday.

Once the driver pulled over into a parking lot near Calumet and Dewey streets in Manitowoc, the trooper believed the man might have been drunk.

The 49-year-old man failed field sobriety tests. He has not been formally charged in the case.

ANTIGO, WI (WTAQ) - It's a somber day as students in Antigo return to class in the wake of this weekend's shooting outside the high school prom.

Police say it happened around 11 p.m. Saturday. The suspect, 18-year-old Jakob Wagner, was shot by police and died from his injuries.

Two students were wounded, but their injuries were not life-threatening.

Antigo police have ramped up their presence Monday as students head back to the scene of the crime.

In a statement, Governor Scott Walker said the following:

"Tonette and I send our thoughts and prayers to the students of Antigo High School, their families, and the community of Antigo. We pray for the full recovery of those injured, and we praise the response of the Antigo Police Department which undoubtedly saved lives."

The Antigo Police Department is holding a 2 p.m. news conference Monday to talk about the latest in their investigation.

In a release from the Antigo Police Department, an autopsy of Jakob Wagner has been conducted and results are pending. 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been enlisted to conduct an assessment of evidence from Saturday night's shooting. Their investigation is ongoing and they will be handling all future aspects of the investigation.

In the statement, Chief Eric Roller said, "I express my deepest sympathy to the attendees who had their prom night memories turn to fear and tragedy. I understand the concern and frustration of the families who were unsure of the situation and worried about their children. Officers and I appreciate the patience that was displayed by students and their families as our staff was able to secure the facility and ensure the same removal of students."

Stay tuned to WTAQ.com, WSAU.com and WHBL.com for the latest and watch the conference streamed online.

ANTIGO, WI (WTAQ) - We're hearing from the parents of a student who underwent surgery after being shot outside the Antigo High School prom Saturday night.

In a written statement provided through the Antigo Police Department, the family said:

"He is doing well. He has come through a long surgery and will recover with time and effort, but we have always believed that God is good and has a plan even in the midst of tragedy. We are so thankful for his girlfriend and two friends on the scene who acted so bravely and calm. We would also like to thank the police officers who responded so quickly, the medical staff, doctors and the surgeons that have already gone above and beyond to help our son, and all the law enforcement from many counties who have dedicated themselves to investigating this shooting."

The statement goes on to say:

"We would like to especially thank the officers who saved the lives of our son, his girlfriend, their two friends and the countless amount of students, staff and others in and around the school. Lastly, we cannot express enough thanks for our family, friends, fellow employees, church, employers, school administration, and those in the community who continue to show and communicate their kindness and love to our son and family. 

Please continue to pray for our son, his girlfriend, two friends, fellow classmates, and everyone else involved as they recover from this traumatic night. Please also pray for the family of Jakob Wagner. As much as we are struggling through this event, we cannot imagine the grief they are experiencing at this time. We want everyone to know that we believe and trust in the eternal God. We are so thankful for the hope that we have in Him. That all can be forgiven of their sins and have eternal life when they believe in Jesus Christ as Savior."

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker stopped in Northeast Wisconsin Monday afternoon to sign new legislation into law.

Walker is making it easier for veterans to find employment in the state.

"Today with the bills that we signed here, as well as a couple of others in Wausau, really was about focusing on new ways to help veterans particularly when it comes to employment."

The governor signed two bills at the Disabled American Veterans Department of Wisconsin in De Pere.

"It's important for our veterans, particularly for returning veterans, to have access to employment and as we saw with the bills today not only have access to grants to help with unemployment but for entrepreneur."

One law sets aside a percentage of employment for those who have served our country; the other helps provide grants for veterans wanting to startup businesses.

Walker says this last year the average unemployment rate for veterans in the state was 3.6 percent, one of the lowest in the country.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Some early duty for Ashwaubenon's fire department.  

The call came in at 3:51 a.m. Tuesday to Marine Technologies, 2984 Holmgren Way, for a report of a fire alarm.

Upon arrival, crews saw smoke coming from the roof line of the fiberglass business. Once firefighters entered the building they found heavy smoke conditions.

The fire was located at the rear of the building and was being contained by the sprinkler system.  Officials believe a piece of machine failed and that's what started the fire. 

Crews believe the fire could have been much worse. No word on a damage amount.

The road was closed for a time while firefighters got things under control. 

STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says one of the two currently open bridges crossing Sturgeon Bay will be closed for inspection Thursday morning.

Since Friday night, traffic on the Michigan Street Bridge has been limited to vehicles weighing no more than 20 tons. That's after a truck carrying a backhoe hit and damaged support beams.

The bridge was closed overnight, but reopened Saturday morning.

The DOT plans to close the bridge from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday. Engineers will be inspecting the bridge and determining what needs to be repaired.

A detour for vehicles weighing more than 20 tons takes them to the Maple Street/Oregon Street Bridge.

The Bayview Bridge is also closed for construction.

NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ) - A robbery in New London Monday night is under investigation.

Police say it happened at 1409 N. Shawano Street just after 9:50 p.m. 

The robber stole $300 from a man and fled before officers arrived.

Authorities say the victim and suspect may know each other.

No other information has been released due to the ongoing investigation.

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators say a fire that destroyed a popular bar and restaurant in Fond du Lac is a case of arson.

Firefighters were called on February 24 to the Wayside Bar, at the corner of Division and Gould streets. Upon arrival, the building was engulfed in flames around 5 a.m.

Patrons say the bar was famous for its fish fries.

Investigators have not said how the fire started, other than to say it was set intentionally.

Police, firefighters and the state fire marshal's office are looking for help from the public. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Lee Mikulec at (920) 322-3726 or the Wisconsin Arson Hotline at 1-800-362-3005.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Oshkosh say a meth lab was found inside a hotel room.

Authorities say they were called to the hotel in the 1500 block of W. South Park Avenue Monday around 10 a.m. to locate a man who had an outstanding warrant.

Cops found the 27-year-old man in a parking lot in the area and arrested him.

During a search of the man's hotel room police found the meth lab. They also found a 26-year-old Oshkosh woman and a 10-month-old child in the room. The child was placed in protective custody with human services officials. 

Other people staying at that hotel had other arrangements made.

A Chicago-based hazardous materials disposal team was called in to clean up the meth lab and cleared the scene around 9 p.m.

KESHENA, WI (WTAQ) - A first-year teacher in the Menominee Indian School District has been charged with possession firearm on grounds of a school.

34-year-old Jarrod Kuehn of Neenah appeared in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court Tuesday afternoon on the felony charge.

According to the criminal complaint, Kuehn told police he didn't know he couldn't have the gun in his car on school grounds.

Kuehn says he uses the gun for target practice on Monday nights. He knew he couldn't bring the gun into the school, but didn't realize the prohibition extended into the parking lot.

Another staff member told school administration about the gun. Kuehn then showed it to school officials.

The gun was found in the center console of the vehicle but it was not a locked case. One of the exemptions to the prohibition of having a gun on school property is if the unloaded gun is in a vehicle encased or in a locked firearms rack, per state law.

The defense attorney said in court they would argue the locked console counts under the exemption. The judge denied a motion to dismiss the case on those grounds but the issue may be raised again.

Kuehn teaches technical education at the school and has been placed on administrative leave.

According to a statement provided to FOX 11, Superintendent Wendall Waukau said the teacher had a firearm inside his vehicle parked at the back of the school.

"We do not have any information at this time that would lead us to believe the teacher had any bad intent or motive in having the handgun in his vehicle. The teacher has a valid concealed carry permit and the firearm was unloaded," Waukau said.

Kuehn was released on a signature bond. A balance of his initial appearance is scheduled for Monday.

ANTIGO, WI (WTAQ) - The family of the suspect in Saturday night's shooting outside of the Antigo High School prom has issued a statement.

It was released Tuesday morning and reads:

"We have lost our son, grandson and nephew -- a quiet young man whom we loved. His actions Saturday night confuse us and fill us with pain. We realize his actions have torn open a wound in our community. We pray for healing.

We are filled with sorrow over the injuries caused to his victims, the position in which the police officers were placed along with the prom goers and their families. Our prayers are with each of you and your families.

We are not comfortable addressing the media. While we grieve the loss of Jakob, we ask the media to respect our privacy in the time leading up to his funeral, and during his visitation and funeral service. We need the healing embrace of our community to get through this difficult time and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you,

The family of Jakob Wagner."

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A man has been convicted of killing his girlfriend in Winnebago County.

The two-day jury trial for Samson Gomoll returned a guilty verdict for first-degree intentional homicide, according to online court records.

Gomoll shot and killed Stacey Strange during an argument on September 20, 2015.

Winnebago County Judge Scott Woldt will decide if or when Gomoll will be eligible for to seek parole when he's sentenced July 22. The conviction carries an automatic life prison sentence.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Howard village trustee waived his preliminary hearing during an appearance in Brown County court Tuesday.

James Widiger will enter a plea on May 27 on two counts of repeated sexual assault of a child and one count of second-degree sexual assault of a child under age 16. He also is charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

According to the criminal complaint, the charges are in connection with 2 separate victims.

The first victim, then age 13, was taking piano lessons from Widiger, when he allegedly put his hand on her buttocks and patted her. That incident allegedly happened in March 2003. It's this incident that the second-degree sexual assault charge relates to.

The second victim, age 14, came forward earlier this month. She told police Widiger repeatedly touched her under her shirt during a period of several years. The complaint divides up the assaults into two time periods, with at least three assaults allegedly happening in each period.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Schneider Foundation is helping hundreds of area kids prepare for success when participating in the Bellin Run this summer.

Clothing items and shoes were selected Tuesday morning from the Shopko in Bay Park Square Mall.

Tia De Leers is the Kids for Running program coordinator and says it's about preparing the youngsters to do their best.

"Each of the kids that need it will get a pair of running shoes, and we give them a six pack of socks, and then they also get shorts and a t-shirt that goes with it."

Over 200 participants, who are chosen by their coaches, also receive free registration to the event.

De Leers says this program has been around for 15 years and sets the youngsters up for success.

"It really is a way to encourage, you know everyone, all kids to participate."

The Bellin Run is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The race takes place Saturday, June 11th.

ANTIGO, WI (WTAQ) - We're learning the names of the Antigo police officers involved with Saturday night's shooting outside the prom at Antigo High School.

According to a release, Officers Andrew Hopfensperger, Ryan Bula and canine officer Natscho were actively patrolling the parking lot of Antigo High School at the time of the shooting.

Police say Officer Hopfensperger was near the 2 victims when they were shot by 18-year-old Jakob Wagner. Hopfensperger then fired multiple shots, striking Wagner and ending the threat.

According to the Antigo P.D., Hopfensperger was able to call EMS for both Wagner and the victims.

"The immediate action of Officer Hopfensperger and Officer Bula directly saved the lives of the couples exiting the prom and prevented an increased tragedy that evening," says Police Chief Eric Roller in the statement. "I am very proud to have Officer Hopfensperger and Officer Bula working for the Antigo Police Department."

Both Hopfensperger and Bula are on paid administrative leave as is department protocol.

Hopfensperger has been employed with the Antigo Police Department since January of 2013. Bula has been with the department since June of 2012.

SEARCH WARRANT, AFFIDAVIT RELEASED

WTAQ has obtained a search warrant and supporting affidavit from the Antigo Police Department on Tuesday, which provided more insight into the tragic shooting and the subsequent search of Jakob Wagner's residence.

Officer Hopfensperger shot the 18-year-old Wagner multiple times before the gunman was rushed to a hospital. Wagner was pronounced dead early Sunday.

Among the items seized as evidence by police from Wagner's residence listed in the documents were spent ammunition, journals, a notebook with pictures, a gun sling, notecards "devil in nature", a knife made of wood and teen suicide reading materials.

On Monday, the warrant was filed in Langlade County court.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators say an Oshkosh man has been arrested and charged in connection with a marijuana trafficking operation.

24-year-old Matthew Summerville is facing multiple charges including possession of marijuana and psilocybin, in addition to possession with intent to deliver.

According to investigators, Summerville was arrested in the 1200 block of Algoma Blvd. Authorities found a pound of marijuana, a small amount of psilocybin mushrooms and about $9,000 in cash on him at the time.

While serving the warrants, investigators determined evidence may also be located at a storage shed at Barr Warehousing in Oshkosh.

A search warrant was obtained for the storage unit and approximately 75 pounds of marijuana was found within the unit.

Officials say additional charges for a 28-year-old Oshkosh man are being considered pending the results of the investigation.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Milwaukee man will be arraigned later next month on charges in connection with a domestic abuse incident in Green Bay.

30-year-old Michael A. Alexandrowicz is charged with two felony counts of strangulation and suffocation and false imprisonment, along with 3 misdemeanor counts of battery, disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer.

According to the criminal complaint, Green Bay police were called to a residence in the 2000 block of Imperial Lane back on July 10, 2013, around 9:30 a.m.

When officers arrived, Alexandrowicz got out of his vehicle after making a U-turn while leaving the home. He made his way to the cops with an attitude described as, "confrontational and argumentative."

Officers say it appeared Alexandrowicz wasn't happy they were there and said they should, "just tow away his vehicle." When asked why they would do that, he replied that the cop, "was going to take him to jail anyway."

Alexandrowicz told police he wanted his wife to move out and that she has no right to be there. Another officer, after speaking with the victim, said that Alexandrowicz would be arrested. He then proceeded into a profanity laced tirade and had to be held down on the ground so he could calm down.

A large sum of money in Alexandrowicz's pocket was given to him by his wife so that he could go file divorce papers. 

In a statement to police, the victim said that she and Alexandrowicz had not been getting along and that she needed to speak with him. After trying to engage a conversation, Alexandrowicz threatened her, then attacked his wife.

She was able to get away to a neighbor's house when the police were called.

Alexandrowicz is due back in Brown County court for his arraignment on May 31. If convicted on all counts, he faces more than 13 years in prison.