GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - In the wake of the police officers being gunned down in places like Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith says his department is taking some precautions.

"Right now, you'll see officers riding two deep to a car," Chief Smith told the media on Monday. "That's their option, they can continue to ride alone in the car if they want, but they'll be given the option to double up."

On Saturday evening, the department put out a notice that officers could choose that option. They're also asking officers to not cancel back-up calls if they are riding alone and responding with Green Bay Metro firefighters on some calls.

"I think it's one of those cautions we take now. I think it's prudent right now based on everything that's going on across the country, based on some of the violent anti-police rhetoric that we've seen across the country," said Smith.

Smith does concede that these new measures could increase response times to some calls.

"That's something we pay close attention to," Smith said. "If times get to be too slow, then we'll call in additional officers from home."

Smith says while there is no specific threat to police or firefighters in Green Bay, he's not blind to what's going on.

"We're monitoring Facebook and all the public websites, we've seen some anti-police rhetoric aimed in our direction, we're keeping an eye on that," said Smith. "But nothing that's too terrible and certainly nothing against our fire department."

A former Green Bay police officer and current Alderman Bill Galvin told WTAQ on Sunday that these steps could happen as a response to incidents in Louisiana and Texas.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Brett Favre will be honored with a halftime ceremony during the team's October 16th game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The team announced Monday that the event will be to celebrate Favre's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. That takes place on August 6th in Canton, Ohio.

Favre will have his name unveiled on the Lambeau Field Stadium facade next to other Packers Pro Football Hall of Famers.

The Packers will also wear their throwback jerseys for this contest.

MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ) - It's a time-honored tradition at Marinette Marine- a keel-laying ceremony to mark the building of a new littoral combat ship.

"We're bringing another ship to life," said Joe Noth, Vice President of Littoral Ship Systems.

A steel plate will be placed in the hull of the ship known as LCS 17; it's the Future U.S.S. Indianapolis.

For veteran Richard Thelen, the ceremony was more than bringing a ship to life. 

"To me you can't comprehend the honor I feel to represent everybody on that ship," Thelen said.

Thelen was on the first U.S.S. Indianapolis which operated during World War II throughout the Pacific Ocean escorting convoys and attacking enemy submarines.

It was hit by a Japanese torpedo on July 30, 1945 and ultimately sunk.

Only 317 of the 1,196 sailors on the ship survived.

"I should have died too, but I got through it and to this day I don't know how I am alive, but I made it," Thelen said.

Thelen is one of 23 living survivors of the original U.S.S. Indianapolis.

He says while being here is emotional, he is extremely honored, "The reason I'm alive today is to keep the story of the Indianapolis alive."

Richard's son, Dave Thelen, says his dad rarely talks about his time on the ship.

"It's honor," Dave said. "I'm almost in tears because of what he did and he never wants to be called a hero, but he is in my eyes."

Earl Henry's dad was also on the original USS Indianapolis. His dad died when the ship went down.

"I hope kids, and all citizens will remember the story of my father's U.S.S. Indianapolis and also think of that name, the USS Indianapolis, as always being special," Henry said.

The LCS-17 is expected to hit the water next summer.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Joannes Aquatic Center in Green Bay was closed early Monday because of a rescue call.

At this time, very few details are known.

Emergency crews were called to the park on Walnut Street around 4:30 p.m. Monday.

The pool was closed after that.

All requests for information have been directed to the Green Bay Parks Department, however, park officials have yet to release any information.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Surveillance video of a recent bank robbery in Appleton has been publicly released by police.

Officials say the Horicon Bank on E. Midway Road was robbed on July 13.

The suspect is described as a white man, 25 to 35-years-old, 5'10" to 5'11" and about 210 pounds. He walked into the bank and demanded money from a teller. No weapon was shown and no one was injured.

The man rode a bicycle from the bank to an area in a nearby mobile home park. The bike, recovered during the investigation, was hidden in bushes on the east side of the mobile home park.

Police say the suspect fled the area in a mid-2000's silver Chevrolet Impala. The car was last seen heading north on Highway 441 and has not been found.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Dustin Yule at (920) 832-5540. You can also Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274-637) with the keyword APDTIPS at the start of the text.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Officials in Winnebago County have identified the man killed in a shooting Monday.

Investigators say 29-year-old Luke A. Smith of Pickett died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a home in the Town of Utica.

A 36-year-old woman was also shot. She has undergone surgery for her wound and is recovering at the hospital.

Around 7 a.m. Monday, deputies were called to the home on Highway N after a neighbor reported a disturbance and heard several gunshots.

Authorities say 3 dogs were also found shot to death.

Sheriff's investigators say they are awaiting medical records, reviewing 911 calls, interviewing witnesses and interviewing the surviving victim as they try to piece together what happened.

OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Oconto County sheriff's officials are investigating a home burglary where a safe was stolen.

Deputies say the safe containing over $3,500 in currency and other valuables were taken from the home last Friday. The safe was bolted to the floor of the home, according to investigators.

The safe, colored black, has an electronic keypad.

It contained:

• $505 in presidential quarters, still in rolls
• $300 in Susan B. Anthony dollar coins
• $125 in Sacagawea dollars
• $900 in unblemished $5 bills
• $320 in unblemished $1 bills
• $500 in unblemished $2 bills
• $300 in unblemished $10 bills
• $640 in unblemished $20 bills
• Two "dollar" books
• Two "quarters" books
• Two "state park" books
• One "Sacagawea" book
• Six $2 bills with red paint indicating that they are 50 years old or older.

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Keith Johnson at (920) 834-6904.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Just days after replacing their stolen "Black Lives Matter" banner, an Appleton church says their new banner has been stolen.

This is the third time the banner has been stolen from the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Calumet Street.

"We are saddened and deeply disturbed by the recent criminal activity on our property," Rev. Kathleen Rolenz said in a news release. "As soon as a new sign is ordered, we'll replace it. Whoever has been stealing the sign obviously has not read our explanation of why we continue to hang a Black Lives Matter sign and what it means to us, a predominantly white congregation. We encourage members of the community to go to our website and read about our sign. I'd be happy to meet with anyone who wants to have a conversation. However, for those who commit a crime, we have no choice but to prosecute."

The banner was rededicated in a ceremony last Friday afternoon. It was discovered to be missing Monday morning around 9 a.m.

The church first put up a "Black Lives Matter" banner in February 2015.

UNDATED (WTAQ) - If you became addicted to the Netflix series "Making a Murderer", then get ready for another round.

Netflix announced Tuesday that new episodes of "Making a Murderer" are in production.

"The new installments will take fans of the acclaimed documentary series back inside the story of convicted murderer Steven Avery, and his co-defendant, Brendan Dassey, as their respective investigative and legal teams challenge their convictions and the State fights to have the convictions and life sentences upheld," Netflix said in a statement online. 

The original 10-part series followed the case of Avery and Dassey, who were convicted in the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach in Manitowoc County.

The series, which raised questions about the convictions, was a surprise hit for the video-streaming service.

Netflix says the new episodes being produced by filmmakers Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, "will offer exclusive access to Avery’s new lawyer Kathleen Zellner and Dassey’s legal team, led by Laura Nirider and Steve Drizin, as well as intimate access to the families and characters close to the case."

“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous response to, and support of, the series. The viewers’ interest and attention has ensured that the story is not over, and we are fully committed to continuing to document events as they unfold,” Ricciardi and Demos said in a news release.

“Because of Ricciardi’s and Demos’ incredible vision, commitment and keen eye, audiences around the globe became completely captivated by the personal stories of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey and the unique lens their experiences provide into the criminal justice system,” Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary Programming, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to be continuing our longstanding relationship with the filmmakers, and look forward to giving our global viewers eagerly anticipated updates on this story.”

Netflix's announcement does not indicate when the episodes will be available.

UNDATED (WTAQ) - Extreme heat and humidity is expected to hit northeast Wisconsin Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures are expected to rise to the mid-90s, with heat indexes reaching a potentially dangerous 95 to 108 degree range.

Tod Pritchard with Wisconsin Emergency Management says you should listen to your body.

"When you feel like you're body is getting stressed, maybe feeling dizzy, weak, light-headed, you're getting a headache," says Pritchard. "Those are all signs your body is getting into heat danger."

General heat exhaustion symptoms include fainting, rash, fatigue, and nausea. Skin can become clammy and moist, or hot and dry. Heat stroke can come on rapidly and may progress to life-threatening illness within minutes.

Those who are most at risk are older adults and young children, and people living with chronic or mental health conditions. Also remember to keep an eye on your pets.

"Pets are just as vulnerable as any of us and they don't handle the heat sometimes very well either," Pritchard says. "It's also critical to remember never leave a pet or a person inside of a car. In these kinds of conditions, literally, you're going to turn your car into an oven in 10 minutes."

If heat-related symptoms appear, action should be taken immediately to reduce body temperature. This includes taking a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Wearing wet clothing also has a cooling effect.

People who do not have access to air conditioning in their homes are encouraged to seek out air conditioned facilities such as public buildings, malls, libraries, or senior centers, or stay with family or neighbors who have air conditioning. Some cooling centers may have extended hours and services to alleviate the stress of high temperatures. Call 211 for more information on cooling centers in your area.

Here are some tips to keep safe in hot weather:

• Never leave anyone, especially children or pets, in a parked car – even briefly. Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car, even with the windows cracked slightly, can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
• Keep your living space cool. Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in. If you don’t have an air conditioner, open windows to let air circulate. When it’s hotter than 95 degrees, use fans. Basements or ground floors are usually cooler than upper floors.
• Slow down and limit physical activity. Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark when temperatures are cooler.
• Drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Do not wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool, and don’t forget sunscreen.
• Don’t stop taking medication unless your doctor says you should. Take extra care to stay cool and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any special heat advice as some medications can react adversely with increasing temperatures.
• Taking a cool shower or bath will cool you down. A shower or bath will actually work faster than an air conditioner. Applying cold wet towels to the neck, head, and limbs also cools down the body quickly.
• Check on neighbors throughout the day who may need assistance to protect themselves against dangerous temperatures.
• Empty any small containers, rain gutters, or any tires on property that may contain water. Standing water during extreme heat can lead to an increase in the mosquito population. Increased exposure to mosquitoes can increase the risk of mosquito borne diseases.
• Pets and livestock can also suffer from the heat. Make sure all pets and livestock have access to cool, clean water, and shade. If you can, bring pets inside where there is air conditioning. Try to provide shade for all animals pastured outside. Limit exercising your pet to early morning or late evening hours when it is cooler. Some of the signs of heatstroke in pets include heavy panting, glazed eyes, and excessive thirst. Seek veterinary assistance immediately.
• The heat can cause roads to buckle. For up-to-date closures and detour information visit www.511wi.gov, download the free mobile app or follow @511WI on Twitter.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Firefighters respond Tuesday afternoon to a fire in Green Bay.

Crews were called around 4:30 p.m. to a warehouse in the 400 block of S. Broadway near Chestnut Street.

Heavy smoke could be seen for miles around Green Bay.

Wisconsin Public Service crews are also at the scene. 

No word yet on what may have caused the fire, or if there are any injuries.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Brown County Health Department is launching a social media campaign to try and hear from you.

They want to know -- What Is Public Health??

"It's a way to engage the public to see what they thought it was about before we introduce the campaign," says Anna Destree, Preparedness Coordinator with the Brown County Health Department. "Which is going to include marketing around what our services are."

Destree says it's modeled after a national effort to brand public health and raise awareness of how public health affects individuals, families, communities, and populations.

"In general we've found that people really are not aware of the services that public health provides, so that's why we want to do this," Destree says.

Destree says it's all part of their big event October 15 at Shopko Hall where they will have interactive displays of all that they do.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay's City Council has approved a new multi-story office building at the corner of Lombardi Avenue and Ridge Road.

The mixed-use space would be known as Vainisi Plaza.

The top three floors would be used as office space.

The first floor could include businesses like a coffee or sandwich shop.

The plan calls for knocking down five homes to make way for a parking lot.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Three people were rescued on the waters of Green Bay, near UW-Green Bay, Tuesday evening.

The three were paddle boarding without life jackets and the wind got strong and made it hard for them to get back to shore.

One of the people used their cell phone to call for help.

The Green Bay Fire Department used its rescue boat to bring the three back to the South Bay Marina. The Brown County Sheriff’s Department was helping with the rescue from shore.

No one was injured.

On Sunday, 3 Saint Norbert College students were swept into Lake Michigan when waves knocked them off a pier.

One of them was rescued, but two others died.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Bay City Council was set to determine whether one of its members should be punished.

However, it's a decision it appears the council is not yet ready to make.

Council members say they need more time.

On June 13, the Green Bay Ethics Board found Alderman Chris Wery violated three sections of the city’s ethics code when he used his temporary position at Associated Bank to look at his former election opponent’s financial records without permission.

Those sections deal with integrity of public officials, operating with public interest as a prime concern, and not exceeding authority.

Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, Wery filed an objection that he violated the city’s ethics policy.

In an email to the city's attorney, Wery said, “this matter has no standing before the Green Bay Ethics Board and should be dismissed.”

The email, which included several documents to support his objection, goes on to say, “Due to the erroneous decision of the Green Bay Ethics Board to proceed, personal and financial harm has been caused to myself. To avoid further damage, an immediate decision to dismiss this matter before the Ethics Board is requested.”

Wery says he's paid a price already.

"Both the Green Bay Police Department and the District Attorney reported there was no illegal activity on my part. Her allegations are not effecting my ability to support my family. I firmly believe based on expert's opinion that the Ethic's Board is over stepping its bounds"

Debbie Jacques, who filed the complaint against Wery, has also filed a civil lawsuit.

Associated Bank confirmed Wery accessed Jacques' accounts without authorization and was fired as a result.

Green Bay alderman, Bill Galvin

"I think that citizens that vote are getting tired of businesses as usual and no accountability, and then finger pointing on both sides and everything gets lost in the rhetoric. I think at this point people really need to be held accountable."

The council will take up the issue again in August.

UNDATED (Wisconsin Radio Network) - With substantially hot and humid weather conditions in the forecast once again, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is reminding motorists of the potential for pavement buckling.

Hot temperatures cause pavement to expand, and where there are expansion joints, the slabs of pavement push against each other. If the pressure becomes great enough, the pavement can buckle.

While it’s difficult to predict if or where buckling may occur, WisDOT offers the following tips for motorists:

• Slow down, buckle up and eliminate distractions to focus your full attention on the roadway. Along with pavement issues, other concerns this time of year include deer or debris on the roadway.

• Watch for slowing traffic, and be ready to Move Over for all roadside workers including highway crews as they repair damaged pavement.

• Before your trip, check 511 Wisconsin, the department’s free 24/7/365 traveler information system, for the latest on any incidents or delays.

• If necessary, report serious pavement issues by calling 911. Be ready to provide specific location information.

ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Department of Corrections secretary visited the Green Bay Correctional Institution on Wednesday in the wake of a couple attacks on correctional officers by inmates.

Secretary Jon Litscher says his visit is an outreach to employees.

"We are here to let them know that we have empathy and concern about the issues that affect them on a daily basis," Litscher said, according to FOX 11.

Last month, 3 officers went to the hospital after an inmate assaulted them. Two of the victims were stabbed and beaten, while a third employee was hurt trying to restrain the inmate.

Then earlier this week, another officer was treated for burns after an inmate threw a pot of boiling water in their face.

"There is a risk factor at our maximum (security) institutions, I can't diminish that, I can't decrease that, what we have to do is have the best policies in place, get input from our front line people that work in those areas and say what can we do to do better, to have the best safe, secure institution as possible," said Litscher.

Litscher says hopes this visit will be a step in the right direction in trying to solve the problems at Green Bay Correctional.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Bell ringing will return to Brown County this weekend as the Salvation Army holds their Christmas in July campaign.

The goal of this summertime campaign, which runs Thursday through Monday, is $35,000 and features special events fundraising and opportunities to interact with the community. 

“We are very excited for this year’s Christmas in July Campaign,” Major Bob Mueller, County Coordinator for The Salvation Army of Brown County, said in a statement. “We have been providing year-round services to those in need in Greater Green Bay for 125 years and this campaign is essential to ensure we can continue to provide those much needed services.” 

The funds raised through the Christmas in July Campaign will benefit The Salvation Army of Brown County’s year round programming. These efforts a Noon Meal Program, Transitional Housing Program, rent and utility assistance, hotel and Thrift Store vouchers, senior programming, Emergency Disaster Relief and more.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas in July Campaign will bring out the iconic Red Kettles, giving volunteers the opportunity to ring bells in shorts and a t-shirt. Kettles will be at the four local Festival Foods, the three local Copps and Cabela’s. Volunteers can sign up to ring bells online at www.ringbells.org or by calling (920) 884-3077.

Schreiber, the Green Bay Packers, Broadway Automotive and Pepsi of NEW are helping to ensure the Red Kettles are successful by matching donations each day of bell ringing. Broadway Automotive will match $1,000 on Thursday, Pepsi of NEW will match $1,000 on Friday, Schreiber will match $3,000 on Saturday and the Green Bay Packers Give Back will match $1,500 on Monday.

Duck Creek Golf Center will again be hosting the “Chip in Challenge.” Participants can make a donation to receive golf balls and attempt to hit the Big Red Kettle stationed at the driving range.

For the third year, The Salvation Army is partnering with Associated Bank for “Strike Out Hunger” night at the Bullfrogs game on Thursday. Associated Bank will donate $100 for every strike out thrown by a Bullfrogs’ pitcher and volunteers will be ringing bells and collecting monetary donations throughout the game.

The Salvation Army’s volunteers will be grilling brats and burgers at the Brat Barn at Festival Foods in De Pere on Thursday. Staff from The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center will be working the Brat Barn at Festival Foods East on Monday.

GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - A Facebook post that's being shared frequently across the social media platform is being investigated by Grand Chute police.

The post by Savannah Nguyen talks about her mother's experience while in the Fox River Mall parking lot. Someone parked next to her mom, and after finding a baggie with jewelry in it on the windshield, concluded it, "is exactly how human trafficking and abductions take place.

Grand Chute Police Chief Greg Peterson, however, says there's no evidence to suggest it is related to sex trafficking.

The department also made this post on Facebook:

"While we do not know the motive for placing the item on the windshield, it is possible the person responsible had ill intents such as stealing a wallet or purse, stealing recently purchased items, stealing the vehicle itself, or other crimes," read the posting. "Help us send the message that we take public safety seriously--they should think twice before trying to commit crime here. Pay attention to your surroundings and remember...if you see something say something!! Stay safe."

If you have information about the incident, please call our department at (920) 832-1575. You can also text your tip by texting "TIPGCPD" and your tip to 847411 (TIP 411).

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The Outagamie County Board is scheduled to decide Wednesday night if they will use eminent domain to acquire land for the purpose of building a new sheriff's department.

On Wednesday morning, Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna spoke out against the measure, largely because of the optics in how businesses and the community feel about government.

"I'm just worried about the message we're sending," says Hanna. "We all like to talk about economic development and being business-friendly and promoting business growth and expansion. But when it comes right down to it, what do we do about it when given the opportunity."

Wednesday's special meeting of the county board will be for members to vote on a recommendation to take the property for fair value, under state law. 

The property is located in Appleton's Northeast Business Park, which is close to Interstate 41 and Highway 441. 

Hanna says that the seller of the property had negotiated with other buyers and accepted an offer from a local business looking to expand and bring more jobs to the area.

"Now the other party, which happens to be the county, says we're upset with the process, we really want that piece of property," Hanna told the media. "So we're going to use our power to ace you out of a legal contract."

According to the Outagamie County Board Resolution No. 28-2016-17:

"The Goodland Drive site was listed for sale with a list price of $1,999,999.00. The county tendered an offer at the appraised price of $1,930,000.00. The county's offer is believed to be the first offer tendered. A subsequent offer was tendered by another interested party for an amount understood to be in excess of $300,000.00 less than the county's offer. Despite the other offer having been tendered later and for a price significantly less than the county's, the seller opted to submit a counter-offer to the other party at list price. Further, despite Bechard Group, Inc.'s advice to the seller to submit a multiple counter-offer, which would have allowed the county to compete for the property, a single counter-offer was submitted by the seller and accepted by the other interested party."

Hanna argues that if he were the county, he would've handled this situation differently.

"If we're looking at a building, and all of a sudden a neighboring business comes and says we want to expand, I'd say 'Hey, Hallelujah,' thank you very much, how can we help you," says Hanna. "We'll go explore other options, it's not like the county doesn't have other options."

The meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the county's administrative building on Walnut Street in Appleton.