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WATCH: Help Requested In Murder Investigation

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BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - If you saw or had any contact with Douglass Detrie or Nicole VanderHeyden the night of Friday, May 20 or the morning of Saturday, May 21, the Brown Co. Sheriff's Office would like to hear from you.

VanderHeyden's body was found May 21 in a field near Bellevue. Detrie, her boyfriend, was arrested two days later in connection with her death, but has not been formally charged.

Detrie and VanderHeyden shared a home in Ledgeview. Prosecutors have indicated in court hearings that deputies found blood outside the home, blood inside VanderHeyden's vehicle and a footprint on her body, which they say appears to match a pair of Air Jordan shoes found in Detrie's home.

Prosecutors believe VanderHeyden was beaten and strangled.

During a court hearing for Detrie Thursday, the Brown County district attorney said he is waiting for results to come back from the State Crime Lab before he makes a decision on charging Detrie.

On Friday, the sheriff's office released a photo of VanderHeyden and Detrie together. The photo was shown in a cracked frame or electronic screen.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Brian Slinger at (920) 448-4404 or email him at Slinger_br@co.brown.wi.us. Anonymous tips may be left with Crime Stoppers by voice at (920) 432-7867 or by sending a text message with the keyword GBTIP to 274637.


Investigators Look Into White Powder Giving Off Vapors

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators in Fond du Lac are trying to figure out what exactly was a white substance that gave off vapors outside of a gas station early Friday.

Firefighters say they responded to the BP Kwik Mart, 136 W. Scott Street, around 1 a.m.

A person was searching a trash receptacle for aluminum cans when he found a white powder on a plastic bottle. Soon afterward, he started to feel a burning sensation in his eyes and face.

Fire crews had to call in a hazardous materials team when they came upon a white vapor emanating from the bin. While using a remote-controlled robotic device from the police department, the hazmat team removed the substance, which was inside a 2-liter bottle, from the receptacle.

It was then placed in what officers called a "safe location," along with other suspicious items from the bin.

State and local crime investigators are checking into it.

The incident shut down stretches of Scott Street and Military Road for a few hours.

Local Reaction to Aerobatic Crashes

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - Two plane crashes involving a Blue Angels jet and Thunderbirds plane is drawing attention to the world of formation flying.

On Thursday, June 2nd, a pilot for a Blue Angels jet was killed in Tennessee and a Thunderbirds pilot safely ejected before that plane went down in Colorado.

EAA AirVenture spokesman Dick Knapinski says he didn't know the pilots but knows that a tremendous amount of training goes into each show they perform in.

"Any air show pilot, often will fly at least daily, sometimes 2 of 3 times a day working on their performance routine making sure everything's right."

But despite extensive hours of practice there's always risk.

"Because you're taking a machine, similar to people who take motorcycles, boats, cars and race them and things like that. So, there certainly is a risk profile," says Knapinski.

When a tragic incident happens there's a specific protocol that follows.

"They will often pull back, do the investigation on the accident because those teams are not ones that you can simply put in a new pilot...put in a new airplane, because of the amount of practice and team building that goes into that," says Knapinski.

The Thunderbirds visited AirVenture in 2014.

This year the Canadian Snowbirds will be flying at the popular Oshkosh air show that runs from July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Green Bay Woman Accused of Domestic Violence

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay woman is due in court next week on allegations she beat up her live-in girlfriend.

26-year-old Ledawn K. Mcdore is charged with battery, false imprisonment and disorderly conduct. Each count includes a domestic abuse assessment.

According to the criminal complaint, Green Bay Police were called to an apartment on N. Baird Street on May 19 to speak with a possible victim of domestic violence.

Ledawn Mcdore's probation agent suspected that her client beat her girlfriend. When officers arrived just after 11 a.m., both women denied that anything physical had been happening. The girlfriend took off her baseball cap and showed officers her arms to reveal that she had no marks.

The probation agent asked Mcdore about possible plans to travel out of state, which she denied. Officers learned that Mcdore's girlfriend, "Stays there sometimes." Both officers left the apartment.

Around 12:51 p.m., a Green Bay police officer who went to that apartment received a message from the probation agent saying that Mcdore's girlfriend was at her office and wanted to talk about the alleged physical abuse. She claimed that the victim, "Was afraid to say anything while we were at the house, but was now willing to give me a statement."

Just before 2 p.m., the officer arrived to speak with Mcdore's girlfriend. She told the cop that she has known Mcdore since January 2015, began dating that summer and in June 2015 moved in with her.

The victim then said Mcdore has been physical with her for a long time, the last incident happening on May 5. She allegedly told the officer that she was sleeping around 2 a.m., when she awoke after being, "Struck by Mcdore with a bottle of Patron." An attack followed, leading the victim to believe that she might be killed.

According to the complaint, the alleged victim was, "Yelling for help, but none of the neighbors came out to help her." She said at some point, she was able to get away and tried calling 911 from her cell phone. Mcdore allegedly grabbed the phone and shut it off.

A short time later, police knocked on the apartment door. Mcdore allegedly held her down on the bed and covered her mouth so she couldn't yell for help. The victim couldn't escape because of Mcdore's size and strength.

The police officer checked call records on that day to that address, and found a call at 2:23 a.m. from the victim's cell phone number. The complaint states that, "Officers attempted contact for several minutes, but there was no answer. The officers called, but her phone went directly to voice mail."

The victim repeated fears of an attack when asked again why she didn't say anything to the probation agent and the cop earlier at the apartment.

A search that day for Mcdore came up empty and an apprehension request was made.

On May 23, a Green Bay police officer was contacted that a Ledawn Mcdore was at a Community Police Center. Following that apprehension request already in place, the cop arrived to meet with Mcdore. She surrendered without incident, claiming that this whole thing, "Never happened and it was all made up."

Mcdore is on probation after she was convicted on January 11, 2016, of retail theft and intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She's currently being held in the Brown County Jail on a $500 bond.

Ledawn Mcdore returns to Brown County Circuit Court on Friday June 10 for her preliminary hearing. If convicted on all counts, she faces up to 7 years in prison.

Neenah Police Investigate Armed Robbery

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NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - The suspect in an armed robbery Friday in Neenah is being sought by police.

Officers say it happened around 9:10 p.m. at the BP gas station in the 800 block of S. Commercial Street.

The suspect is described as a black man, likely in his 20s or 30s. He was wearing a camouflage bandanna around his mouth, a light grey sweatshirt and white tennis shoes.

According to police, the man went into the business with a silver handgun and confronted the clerk. No one was hurt and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

Police are asking anyone with information to call (920) 886-6000.

Man Slams Vehicle Into Tree

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HOBART, WI (WTAQ) - A driver suffering from a possible medical condition slammed into a tree Saturday afternoon in Hobart.

Hobart police say it happened on Fernando Drive. They believe the 24-year-old man suffered a seizure before crashing his pickup truck.

He was flown to a hospital. Officials say he was responsive when first responders arrived on scene.

 

 

A Stormy Sunday Afternoon

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - 62 mile per hour wind gusts reported at the Appleton International Airport Sunday as a storm blew through.

There were some reports of half-inch hail, and other reports of 60-63 mile per hour winds in Wausau.

Wisconsin Public Service had crews out trying to restore power to thousands of customers across central and northeast Wisconsin.  

Most of the damages centers around trees coming down and falling into parked cars and homes.

WPS says some of the repairs may not be complete until this afternoon (Monday)

No serious injuries reported.  

 

 

 

Differences In Paying For Wisconsin Road Improvements

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KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) - A top Republican in the state Assembly is critical of Governor Scott Walker's continued opposition to gas tax and vehicle fee increases to pay for roads.

Walker says those options are off the table in his next budget, unless they come with a comparable tax cut.

Assembly Republican Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) says the state needs to look at new sources of revenue.

"it's pretty obvious that there's going to be a need for some type of revenue increase in the transportation budget in order to stabilize it and make sure we can keep up with the maintenance and construction needs that our economy demands"

The Kaukauna Republican is worried the governor could consider borrowing again.

"I certainly don't think borrowing our way out of this is more conservative than paying as we go"

The state is borrowing 850-million-dollars for roads this biennium.


Deadly Crash In Winnebago County

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WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - One person is dead after a Sunday night accident on Highway 45, near Winneconne.

The crash happened shortly before 9 p.m. on Highway 45 at Lakeview Road.

The area was closed for about five hours.

Officials say three adults and a child were also injured.

UPDATE: Derailed Train Cars Removed in De Pere

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DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities in De Pere have removed several derailed train cars which blocked traffic for a couple hours Monday morning.

According to firefighters, a Canadian National train derailed near the intersection of Reid and 6th Streets around 10 a.m. That forced Reid Street to close. Westbound traffic on Main Avenue was not impacted.

Just before noon, the De Pere Police Department posted an alert on Facebook that the cars had been removed from the street and traffic was expected to resume.

Fire officials say it appears the train, which had four cars attached, jumped the track at a switcher. No fuels or hazardous materials leaked.

Canadian National says the cars were empty and were just being moved.

Woman Charged in Fatal House Fire Case

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - An Oneida woman has been charged in connection with a fatal house fire last summer in Hobart.

47-year-old Roni Coonen Anderson has been charged with two felonies: murder and arson of a building without owner's consent. In court Monday afternoon, Coonen Anderson had bond set at $100,000 cash. 

According to the criminal complaint, witnesses saw flames on opposite ends of the house. Witnesses said the woman found outside the house - later identified as Coonen Anderson - would not allow others to get near 89-year-old Harold Ambrosius to help him.

One woman described Coonen Anderson's, "actions as not genuine and almost as if it was something she needed to do. (The witness) also recalled that the woman seemed very emotional but she never saw any tears," the complaint says.

Ambrosius died due to smoke and soot inhalation, combined with his high blood pressure condition.

Anderson told one investigator she believed Ambrosius started the fire.

She also faces an arson count from a separate incident on Oct. 8. 2015 for allegedly setting fire to a quarry office building.

Coonen Anderson is due back in court Friday.

Brown County Exec Talks Settlement for Corporation Council

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County Supervisors Guy Zima and Pat Evans held a news conference in Green Bay Monday, speaking out about the resignation of their former corporation council.

Juliana Ruenzel was paid almost $61,000 in a settlement earlier this year, but the county supervisors were not informed of that decision.

Evans says they are asking for answers and justice.

"A resignation when there becomes negotiation with the county, Ms. Ruenzel and her team negotiated with the county numerous times, that means you have to get the county board involved."

Evans says he wants the public to understand the truth.

"Do you want to use the term hush money, this is what it is...from the county executive hushing up an employee, say here's some money, don't sue, here's a recommendation letter, let's just move along," says Evans.

USA Today Network-Wisconsin reports that Ruenzel's departure derived from complaints made from her reaction to co-workers pumping breast milk at work.

Meanwhile, County Executive Troy Streckenbach responded in a statement relating to Ruenzel's settlement:

"Due to the seriousness of the allegations and possible legal liabilities, an independent special investigator was brought in to investigate employee complaints regarding Juliana Ruenzel. After reviewing the investigation findings I initiated termination. However, outside counsel strongly advised that a settlement be reached due to threatened litigation. In addition, the termination process would have severely crippled the functionality of the corporation counsel’s office and created potential lawsuits from the complainants. I believe it was in the taxpayer’s best financial interest to mitigate costly lawsuits, keep a fully functioning corporation counsel office and protect women’s rights in the workplace.

Since a few County Supervisors have apparently been speaking openly about the matter, the risk management basis for protecting the specifics of this matter no longer exist. So, I intend to release the investigative report consistent with statutory requirements.”

Zima and Evans would like to see an investigation take place.

GB Committee Holds Off on Single Serve, Pedal Pub Bans

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay committee will give the police department six months to enact ways to try and curb public intoxication and littering in the downtown area. 

During Monday's Protection and Welfare Committee meeting, members voted unanimously to put a request by Alderman Guy Zima to consider prohibiting the sale of single cans or bottles of beer, along with single small bottles of alcohol from convenience stores and liquor stores.

Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith provided an analysis of crime statistics from 2015 on the number of tickets issues for public intoxication in the city.

"There were a total of 101 citations in 2015, 79 in the downtown area," Smith said. "16 written warnings in 2015 with 13 in the downtown area."

Smith says they're hiring several new community police officers and will ramp up patrols to help deal with the problem, which includes littering and panhandling. 

The chief also cited his consultation with long-time officers, who prefer the issuance of their "no serving lists" to businesses which currently take place twice a year. Statistics show that 34 people are currently on the no serve list and business plans require that employees and owners follow it.

Smith also revealed that in his discussions with private entities about the single-serve issue, they would be willing to contribute money for "cleanup crews" to patrol those areas where littering is deemed problematic and help take care of it.

Alderman Zima questioned the idea of adding to the police departments' budget to tackle this issue which he maintains is connected with single serve sales. 

Alderman Bill Galvin, a former Green Bay police captain, questioned the effectiveness of the "no serve" list and whether businesses routinely abide by it. Galvin also brought up if those private entities would rather donate that money for alcohol abuse treatment.

In the end, committee members decided to allow Chief Smith the 6 month period to enact his ideas to see if they work. 

PEDAL PUBS

Right before the single serve item on the Protection and Welfare Committee agenda, members voted unanimously to put the brakes on drafting an ordinance prohibiting pedal pubs in Green Bay.

That came following community members voicing support for the four-wheeled quadricycles as a "tourist attraction" to the Broadway District.

"They don't have the high volume of incidents that require them to be banned, that is out there, the perception," says Will, who wants to operate a business. "The more people learn about these quadricycles, the more people are interested in them and want to have one in their community."

Supporters in favor of more study on the issue also included Brian Johnson, executive director at On Broadway, Incorporated.

"The alcohol consumption is an issue in our community, but first and foremost I think we're talking about a quadricycle, when we talk about things like bicycles and segues, I kind of view this in the same context," Johnson explained. "When you look at active, vibrant downtown areas, having amenities like this draws people to downtowns."

Committee members requested that city staff study the impacts of quadricycles in 3 other cities -- Milwaukee, Madison and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The committee will revisit the issue at next month's meeting.

 

Grand Chute Home Invasion

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GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - A man suffered minor facial injuries after he was attacked in his Grand Chute home.

The 37-year-old man says he heard someone enter the home on Wayman Court around 10:15 last night (Monday) and go into the basement.

The victim confronted the suspect.

Police say the suspect then assaulted the victimand then left the house.

Officers searched the area with a police dog, but could not find the suspect.

Police released a partial description of the suspect: a black male, taller than 6' tall, wearing a green hoodie and gray sweatpants.

Anyone with information is asked to call Grand Chute Police at (920) 832-1575.

Appleton Parks Going To The Dogs

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The movement to allow dogs in Appleton's city parks is gaining traction. The parks and recreation committee discussed the issue last night.

Current city ordinances don't allow for dogs in any city parks even if they're on a leash.

But that could change, according to Ali Koestner. She started a petition to change the ordinance and has already collected 800 signatures.

"there's definitely a community outcry. people want to bring their dogs to the parks and enjoy the parks with their canine companions"

But not everyone is in favor of it.

Dan Kohl says he thinks the current ordinance banning the dogs in parks is working well.

"you shouldn't have to keep up with other cities because it's trendy, and it's a dangerous situation for the children"

The proposed change would only allow for leashed dogs to be brought into the parks.

The parks committee will have to discuss the topic in further detail before it heads to the common council.

But first, the committee will get some input from the police and health departments and bring that information to the next committee meeting on July 11th.


WATCH: U.S. Sen. Johnson Releases TV Ad; Denounces Trump Critique

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UNDATED (Wisconsin Radio Network) - U.S. Senator Ron Johnson wants Donald Trump to retract his criticism of a federal judge.

The Republican presidential candidate has said U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was born in Indiana to Mexican parents, cannot be impartial in a lawsuit against Trump University.

The presumptive nominee has been under fire from Democrats over the comments, who argue Republicans who disagree with Trump should condemn his racist comments and withdraw support from his candidacy.

A spokesman for Johnson said Monday that the Wisconsin Republican “disagrees, just as he has in the past.” Spokesman Brian Reisinger said Johnson will hold both candidates accountable when they’re wrong.

Johnson’s opponent, Democrat Russ Feingold, called Trump’s language “disqualifying for him to be president.”

CAMPAIGN AD RELEASED

Meantime, Johnson has released his first television ad in his battle against Feingold.

The ad shows Johnson on the floor of the Oshkosh-based manufacturer Pacur, a company he helped build and was CEO of before winning the U.S. Senate race in 2010.

"Career politicians manufacture hogwash. I manufacture plastic," Johnson says in the video, taking a shot at Feingold.

In a statement to the AP, Feingold spokesman Michael Tyler says, "Senator Johnson is not manufacturing anything now, he's just a typical politician who votes time and time again to send Wisconsin's jobs overseas."

(Additional reporting by WTAQ's Jeff Flynt)

NWS Confirms Weak Tornado in Shawano County

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SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A weak tornado has been confirmed to have touched down just north of Shawano Lake on Saturday.

The National Weather Service says the EF-0 tornado was nearly stationary over the smaller Loon Lake around 7 p.m., technically making it a waterspout. Officials estimate the twister had 40 mile per hour winds.

This type of tornado, officials believe, was likely a landspout. Landspouts are tornadoes formed without a large, rotating thunderstorm overhead. Most of these types of tornadoes are EF-0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with wind speeds below 85 miles per hour.

No injuries or damage was reported. The twister was only reported once video of it surfaced and was passed along to the National Weather Service office in Green Bay.

Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Babysitter

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - A Fond du Lac man is facing several charges after being accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a babysitter beginning when she was 11-years-old.

41-year-old Jose Veliz made an initial court appearance Tuesday. Online court records indicate Veliz had a $50,000 cash bond set.

Veliz is charged with repeated sexual assault of a child, second degree sexual assault, 2 counts of child enticement and a count of intimidating a victim. He's due back in court for a preliminary hearing June 16.

According to the criminal complaint, the now-14-year-old girl described to police multiple incidents of Veliz having sex with her, estimating it happened 30 to 40 times.

The girl claims that Veliz would threaten to hurt her, her mom, or the child she babysat if she said anything.

Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day

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UNDATED (WTAQ) - We may not be thinking about the summer heat now, but soon enough sweltering temperatures will be here and all the dangers that come with it.

Governor Scott Walker has declared Thursday, June 9, 2016 as Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day.

Alishia Parma is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Prevea Kewaunee Health Center and says you need to be aware of heat related illnesses.

"There can be things from heat exhaustion all the way to heat stroke. Heat stroke can become quite dangerous and actually lead to death if not taken care of."

Parma says some individuals are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.

"The people we look at with the most concern would be infants and young children, those who aren't old enough to care for themselves or unable to verbalize that they're feeling ill. We also look at older adults, particularly aged 65 and older, those who live alone and may not have much contact with family and friends. Lastly, we also look at people who are overweight or have chronic medical conditions as they can be affected by the heat more rapidly."

It's important to drink as much fluid as you can to keep cool on hot days. Parma says on a normal day to consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day but during a heat wave drink more than that. If you're working or exercising outdoors, drink 2-4 cups of water every hour.

If you have to be outdoors, make sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Find more information on Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day at www.readywisconsin.wi.gov.

 

Liquid Fertilizer Spill Closes Area to Residents

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FREEDOM, WI (WTAQ) - A crash involving a truck hauling diluted liquid fertilizer has kept residents in part of Outagamie County from getting home Tuesday.

Fire officials in Freedom says the driver of the truck was trying to turn around when it tipped over around 2 p.m. on Greiner Road near County Highway N and Highway 55.

Residents are able to go to the Freedom Town Hall on County Highway S, or make plans to stay somewhere else while crews clean up the spill. 

Officials say there is no immediate threat to the community and the spill is nearly contained.

As of 5:00 p.m., Freedom Fire says they expect the road to be open to residents to return to their homes in a few hours.

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