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No Answers on Ruenzel Resignation Settlement

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Why was a Brown County lawyer paid tens of thousands of dollars after resigning from her position earlier this year?

That was a heated topic at Wednesday night's county board meeting in downtown Green Bay.

Former Corporation Counsel Juliana Ruenzel was paid almost $61,000 in a settlement but county supervisors were not informed of that decision.

Brown County Supervisor Pat Evans was in the closed door session.

"We are not allowed to say anything about what happened in the closed door meeting but I will tell you there are other people involved."

Evans says he's not happy that Executive Troy Streckenbach failed to inform members of the board about Ruenzel.

"The county executive, you know, sitting up in his ivory tower and controlling everything that is going on without any input from the legislative body."

Although Evans couldn't say much, he did confirm that Ruenzel's resignation had no relation to issues surrounding the Shirley Wind Farm project.


Police: GB Man Behind 4 Fox Valley Robberies

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - More charges are being filed against a Green Bay man in a series of armed robberies from Brown County to the Fox Valley.

Appleton and Grand Chute police are recommending 52-year-old Kevin Gillispie be charged in connection with 4 armed robberies that took place in December and January.

Gillispie is accused of the December 30 armed robbery of Zza Odyssey in Grand Chute, the January 5 armed robbery of Secrets Lingerie in Grand Chute, the January 7 robbery of Cartridge World in Appleton and the January 11 armed robbery of a Family Dollar store in Appleton.

Police say each time the robber showed a handgun. No one was hurt in any of the heists.

Gillispie has not been formally charged with any of the Appleton or Grand Chute robberies.

However, he has been charged with 5 counts of armed robbery in Brown County and is being held on a $250,000 cash bond there. His trial in Brown County is scheduled for August 24.

Parking a Tight Squeeze for Cellcom

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Months of training and hard work are about to pay off for runners and walkers as this weekend kicks off the 17th annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

Starting Friday at 3 p.m., participants can begin picking up one of the 14,000 packets at Prevea Health and Fitness Expo inside the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Race Director Toni Jaeckels says parking will be tight this year.

"We're asking people to really focus on parking on the east side of Lambeau because they will not be able to find anything on the west side. All of the businesses that have been available in the past on the west side are no longer available. There's a lot of construction going on."

She says to pay attention to the no parking signs and says it might be easier to approach the event area from Ashland Avenue or Holmgren Way.

As for marathon Sunday, the forecast calls for sunshine with a high of 76.

Many participants may be wondering about water stations along the route. Jaeckels says there's no need to worry.

"We have a water station every mile to two miles out on the course, plus between those, there are medical stations as well."

On Thursday, the race director said there were 1,600 participants signed up for the marathon, 200 teams for the relay, and around 5,600 racers for the half marathon.

The Cellcom 5K and WPS Kids' Power Run are on Saturday. The marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay take place on Sunday.

Find more marathon details at www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.

Police Bust 2 Men in GB Vehicle Thefts

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Green Bay say two 19-year-old men were arrested Thursday morning in connection with a series of vehicle thefts on the city's west side.

According to police, the pair were taken into custody while officers were patrolling the 1800 block of 11th Avenue. Authorities say victims had reported overnight vehicle break-ins in the area recently.

Formal charges have not been filed.

Some of the stolen property have been recovered from the suspects, police say. They're now looking to return the items to their rightful owners while possibly linking the men to other thefts in the area.

Those who are missing things from their vehicles, or may have information about the crimes, are asked to call Green Bay police at (920) 448-3208. Anonymous tips may be left with Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-7867 or online.

Green Bay Sees Jump in Violent Crime

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Violent crime in the city of Green Bay is up about 12.5 percent from 2015.

That's according to Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith, who spoke with FOX 11.

Smith says he defines violent crime as murders, sexual assaults, robberies and aggravated assaults. Aggravated assaults included shootings and stabbings.

"There have been fluctuations throughout the years; I would say generally between 250 and 300 violent crimes per year is what we've seen," Smith said. "The high was 301 in 2014. (The violent crime rate) went down last year, and I'm hoping we can drive that number down this year."

Here is breakdown of the aggravated assault numbers, according to Smith:

  • 2016 (so far): 83 aggravated assaults
  • 2015: 265 aggravated assaults
  • 2014: 301 aggravated assaults
  • 2013: 264 aggravated assaults
  • 2012: 290 aggravated assaults
  • 2011: 242 aggravated assaults
  • 2010: 263 aggravated assaults
  • 2009: 260 aggravated assaults

"We're on par to be little up above where we were last year. According to my calculations, we are about four percent above in aggravated assaults compared to last year," said Smith.

Smith says most of the people committing the violent crimes are not from Green Bay.

"One of the things we are seeing is that the violent crimes specifically the shootings in this town seem to be caused by most people from outside of town. They come here they are involved in the narcotics trade, they get involved with a dispute with another person involved in the narcotics trade, a low level dispute, maybe 20 bucks worth of marijuana and they end up pulling out a gun and shooting each other," said Smith.

Proactive steps are being taken, according to Smith, to combat violent crime by making police officers more visible throughout the city.

"Just these past two weeks I've moved seven officers from administrative assignments back out into the field to work patrol, so you'll be seeing more police officers out there even though we haven't increased the total number of officers we just readjusted them back out into the patrol side," Smith explained.

Expansion Appeal by Fox Valley Humane Association

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Money is being raised in order to help the Fox Valley Humane Association expand.

The organization is looking to raise $100,000 in 100 days to provide space dedicated to animal recovery.

Officials say the current small treatment rooms are not big enough for the medical team and the animals.

"Everybody needs a hand up every once in a while. Our job is to meet our mission to help pets and people," executive director of the FVHA Deb Lewis told FOX 11. "The need is great and the list of animals waiting for services is long."

A celebrity made an appearance at the event -- Actor John O'Hurley who's appearing in the show "Chicago" at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. 

Tundra Lodge Yanks Pool Plan

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A proposal put forth by the Tundra Lodge to build an Olympic-size swimming pool has been pulled.

A letter to city of Green Bay leaders from Tundra Lodge Vice President Jason Hager made clear that not everyone shared their vision.

During last week's city council meeting, hotel officials pitched a public-private partnership to the Green Bay Redevelopment Authority to build the pool on its property. It would've been open to the public.

The hotel asked city leaders for a $3 million commitment toward the project.

Those who supported the partnership, including Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, said it made more sense to put $3 million into the pool at Tundra Lodge than to invest $6 million into the Colburn Pool Project.

Less than 3 miles away from the Tundra Lodge, the city had been working on plans to rebuild the aging pool at Colburn Park.

Opponents of the proposal argued it wouldn't have been fair to those who've already raised $1 million toward rebuilding Colburn Pool.

Hager said his idea was to save the city money, not to compete with Colburn Pool.

GB Alleged Domestic Abuser Seeks Buyout

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay man is facing multiple charges after he threatened and choked his girlfriend earlier this year.

25-year-old Charles J. Stanley is charged with strangulation/suffocation, false imprisonment, battery and disorderly conduct. All counts have domestic abuse enhancers.

According to the criminal complaint, Green Bay police spoke with a woman about an incident that took place January 19.

She says her and her boyfriend, identified as Charles Stanley, had been dating for 2 years and lived together in an apartment for one.

Stanley picked her up from work late on the night of January 18 and began arguing with her in the car. The woman told Stanley that she wasn't happy in their relationship, but Stanley replied by saying, "She needed to buy her freedom."

Stanley demanded that the victim buy him a car and an apartment before she could leave. They continued to argue as they arrived home.

At home, she told Stanley that she wasn't going to buy him those things. He then proceeded to threaten her with a pocket knife, threw her on the floor and attacked her.

During this time, Stanley kept asking about another guy and who she talks to on Facebook. 

Stanley started changing moods, going from apologetic one moment to full of rage the next. The woman managed to take photos of her injuries the next day and sent them to a friend.

Later that day, he kept threatening her over the phone that he was coming over, "Locked and loaded." 

She told police that these types of incidents happened in the past, but she never reported it.

Charles J. Stanley was arrested and booked into the Brown County Jail on May 4. He posted $1,000 bond the next day and was released.

Stanley is due back in court for his arraignment on July 15. If convicted on all counts, he faces nearly 12 years in prison.


Appleton PD Puts The Clamps On Drug Dealer

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton Police reporting several people were taken into custody during a drug investigation.

Police say around 6 p.m. Thursday officers went to a home on North Rankin Street.

The people taken into custody were on probation holds or had outstanding warrants.

This is an ongoing investigation and police aren't saying anything more at this time.

More information is expected to be released Friday.

Business Helps The Homeless

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Employees of an area credit union are making a difference Thursday by hanging out on a roof to support area homeless shelters.

The two Capitol Credit Union vice presidents say they'll be camping out Thursday night after exceeding their fundraising goal.

It's all part of the credit union's "Rooftop Challenge to Support Homelessness" to support St. John's Homeless Shelter in Green Bay and Homeless Connections in the Fox Valley.

The employees spent the afternoon on the roof of the Morris Avenue location until 5:00 p.m. with a goal of $1,000.

As of 4:30 p.m. they'd already raised $2,100.

Patti Bani is one of the rooftop dwellers

"Both the Fox Valley and Green Bay area are such generous communities, great communities to live in, it's a really good cause, the two homeless shelters in the area"

Those that donated a dollar or more received a supporting homelessness bracelet.

Flashback Friday: 2013 Leo Frigo Bridge Debacle

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge carries thousands of vehicles on Interstate 43 over the Fox River, but back in 2013 it wasn't so structurally sound. 

Fire Destroys Whitelaw Area Sheds

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WHITELAW, WI (WTAQ) - Fire overnight completely destroys several sheds in Manitowoc County.

Authorities say it began just before 2 a.m. Friday on County Highway K in the Whitelaw area.

One person on the scene tells our media partner FOX 11 that the sheds were abandoned.

 

5 People Homeless After Fire

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KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) - An overnight house fire in Kaukauna leaves five people displaced.

Fire crews say it broke out at a multi-family home on Elm Street around 4 a.m. Friday.

No one was hurt, but officials say a cat died in the fire.

It's estimated that the blaze caused $30,000 in damage.

WATCH: Ex-Manawa Teacher Dragged Autistic Student

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WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) - We're learning more details surrounding a former Manawa School District special education teacher charged with abusing an autistic student.

David Bessette is charged with physical abuse of a child and causing mental harm to a child after an incident in January with a 13-year-old boy.

Prosecutors say Bessette dragged the boy by the arm and sprinkled water on the boy's clothes. His mother told investigators that her son has sensory processing disorder and doesn't like wet clothing touching his skin. 

Witnesses say the boy immediately ran away and tried taking his clothes off.

According to the criminal complaint, Bessette told school officials he was trying to get the boy to return to a classroom. He said he got his hand wet in a drinking fountain and didn't intend to get the boy wet. Bessette conceded that the water splashed on the boy got him moving.

School leaders fired Bessette back in February from his job at the Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School.

Bessette is due back in court for his initial appearance June 21. If convicted, he faces up to 16 years in prison.

Reward for Finding Victoria Prokopovitz Endures

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - A reward for information leading to the location of a missing Brown County woman will stay at $17,000.

On April 25, 2013, Victoria L. Prokopovitz was last seen at her home at 5118 Kunesh Road in Pittsfield. 

Prokopovitz left without taking her purse, which included her ID, money and cell phone.

The Prokopovitz family says the reward will expire in 90 days.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to call any of the following: Brown County Sheriff's Investigative Division at (920) 448-4230, text GBTIP, plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES) or to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers hotline at (920) 432-7867.


VIDEO: Baby Peregrine Falcons Banded at Georgia-Pacific Broadway Mill

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Friday was a big day for four baby falcons that recently hatched at the Georgia-Pacific Broadway Mill in downtown Green Bay.

Greg Septon, a peregrine falcon researcher, applied leg bands to the chicks which help provide important information on their movement, habitat needs and identification in the future.

Septon says the chicks are around 22 days old.

"They hatch in a staggered manner, usually three will hatch. When you have a full clutch of four eggs, three will hatch one day and the fourth egg generally hatches a day and a half to two days later."

The first falcon nest at the mill was found in 2008.

Environmental Engineer, Mike Moore says the falcons are also a great moral booster for all the employees.

"It’s neat that every year we're able to produce young; it brings our whole mill together. Everybody's asking towards springtime, have the falcons returned, how many eggs do we have, how many chicks have hatched?"

Peregrine falcons were placed on the Wisconsin Endangered Species List in 1975.

Trooper Casper, 3 Others Honored Friday

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MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - A parade of squad cars from around the state circled the Capitol Friday, as four officers killed in the line of duty had their names added to Wisconsin’s Law Enforcement Memorial.

State Trooper Trevor Casper was killed in a shootout in March of last year, while McFarland Police Officer Ryan Copeland died in a traffic crash last November.

Joining them were Arthur Herman of the Racine County Sheriff’s Department and Earl Haslam of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, who both died in the 1920s as a result of injuries received in motorcycle crashes.

State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald said those four join the 274 listed on the memorial “who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their profession.”

During his comments, Governor Scott Walker praised the sacrifices of those named on the memorial, and urged the public to remember those touched by their lives.

“We remember not just the end of watch, but the lives that they each have lived…some far too short, but each leaving a lasting legacy.”

Attorney General Brad Schimel also paid tribute to the families they left behind and those who live with the fear each day that a family member may not return home from work.

“Those families know that the dangers are always lurking. The families of our law enforcement officers make sacrifices that we must not take for granted,” he said.

'Going to Puke': Green Bay Man Charged with Stalking

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay man is due in court Wednesday on charges he repeatedly stalked his ex-girlfriend.

39-year-old Jack T. Waite is charged with stalking and 2 counts of bail jumping. The stalking count has a domestic abuse enhancer, while all three charges have repeater enhancers.

According to the criminal complaint, Green Bay police were called for a harassment complaint on April 30 to the 1000 block of N. Platten Street. The caller told authorities that her ex-boyfriend, identified as Jack T. Waite, had been harassing her, following her, coming to her work and ringing her doorbell at 3 a.m.

One officer spotted a vehicle passing the squad car which matched a description given. After following the vehicle for a few turns, the officer conducted a traffic stop.

Waite told the cop that he stopped by his ex's place to drop off some of her items. He claimed that he himself didn't make contact with her, but that he had a, "Third party meet him and follow him there to have them bring the items to her."

The officer was told that Waite knew of the no contact order in place, and that he parked across the street while the items were brought to the front steps. However, the cop noted that Waite had a bunch of stuff still in the back of his vehicle. 

When asked about all that stuff, Waite replied, "Because some of my stuff is mixed in with some of her stuff and I needed to separate it." Waite couldn't come up with an answer as to why that wasn't done prior to going to her house.

After Waite's arrest, he told the officer in a statement that he woke up around 6:30 or 7 a.m. to call his friend to let him know he had to deliver some stuff to her. Before he left his house, Waite stated that he called his friend again to let him know he was leaving. 

Waite said that he knew there was a man helping his ex-girlfriend remove her items from his apartment while he was incarcerated. He said he arranged to have his friend meet him at a nearby gas station, before making their way to the home. 

He then said that he tried knocking on the door, but nobody answered, and so he just left all the stuff on the porch. 

When the officer asked to check Waite's phone to see the calls he had made, there were no calls made, received, or missed for the date of April 30 at all. Waite was asked why that was and he responded by saying, "I don't know."

Then on May 6, police were called to a business in the 1600 block of W. Mason Street for a report of a disturbance. The complainant stated that Jack T. Waite came into her place of work in violation of his bond conditions due to a no contact order.

An officer responded to the business and spoke with the woman and said that Waite came in to the store so he could give her some mail. 

A check of surveillance video of the business shows a person matching Jack Waite's description entering at 12:31 p.m. and talking with the victim. She told police that Waite makes her feel, "Sick to her stomach like she's going to puke." The victim added that she feels, "Paranoid and is constantly looking over her shoulder for Jack and she fears him because he attacked her several other times."

Later on that night, police were again called to the 1000 block of N. Platten Street after both the woman and a man living there received numerous phone calls from Waite.

The complaint states that the woman told police that Waite had called her, "Approximately 35 times today," and has begun calling the male friend. The officer looked at her cell phone log and confirmed repeated incoming calls from the same number, along with multiple numbers that were showing up as "blocked."

The woman explained to the cop that Waite has been, "Following her around showing up at her work, at the house, at her kids' school and at the kids' babysitters'."

Waite apparently keeps nagging her about getting back together, and that if she won't take him back that, "He will testify in an upcoming custody hearing between her and the father of her children saying that she's in an abusive relationship, that her male friend abuses the kids, and that she is an unfit mother."

She goes on to again state that Waite's actions have her terrified and, "Doesn't know what Jack will do."

Jack T. Waite was booked into the Brown County Jail on May 14. He's currently being held on a $10,000 bond. 

Waite is due back in court for his preliminary hearing on Wednesday. If convicted on all counts, Waite faces about 10 years in prison.

Drunk Driver Slams into Green Bay Pub

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Police have arrested a man for OWI overnight, after he crashed his car into Karen’s Pub in downtown Green Bay.

Authorities say it happened just after midnight near Roosevelt and Main Streets.

Officers say the driver hit 3 people as he crashed into the bar. All three were taken to a hospital for their injuries.

No word on the condition of the driver.

Authorities Investigate Shots Fired in Dyckesville

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DYCKESVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County sheriffs are investigating after shots were fired early Saturday.

It happened at a duplex on Vanwood Lane around 4 a.m.

Two men are reportedly in custody and the incident is believed to be alcohol-related.

The sheriff's department is still on scene investigating.

No other information is available.

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