CLAYTON, WI (WTAQ) - An investigation is underway after a small plane made a hard landing in a Winnebago County ditch.

It happened on Highway 10 at the intersection of Highway 76 in Clayton.

According to FAA officials, the single-engine CESSNA was experiencing engine failure while flying near the Brennard Airport when it hit a sign and rolled down an embankment into the ditch.

Three people were on board the plane, but no one was injured. The plane, registered out of Little Chute, sustained substantial damage.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Don't be fooled by someone calling you claiming to be a Green Bay Police Department employee telling you that you've been cheating on your taxes related to student loans.

Green Bay police say it's a scam.

According to the department, someone has been targeting female college students with these calls. The person tells the victim she is not paying her student loans, and proceeds to ask for money.

In a statement, police say no department employee would make such calls.

The caller using a spoofed number on caller ID, so it shows up in the victim's phone as coming from (920) 448-3200. This is not the actual number the person is calling from.

Police are sharing these tips to help people protect themselves:

• You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be careful about responding to ANY request for personal identifying information
• Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.
• If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency seeking personal information, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book or on the company's or government agency's website to verify the authenticity of the request.
• Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately
• If you have a voice mail account with your phone service, be sure to set a password for it. Some voicemail services are preset to allow access if you call in from your own phone number. A hacker could spoof your home phone number and gain access to your voice mail if you do not set a password.

UNDATED (Wisconsin Radio Network) - Governor Scott Walker will not be joining Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at a rally in Green Bay later this week.

Trump is scheduled to appear in Green Bay Friday evening, in his first visit to the state since the April primary.

While Walker has endorsed Trump, his campaign said the governor will be unable to attend because of prior plans to survey ongoing recovery efforts in parts of northwestern Wisconsin, which were badly damaged by flooding last month.

“Governor Walker’s number one focus is being governor, and he will continue leading the response to the violent storms that swept through northern Wisconsin last month,” spokesman Joe Fadness said in a statement.

Fadness added that the governor will participate in any future political events Trump has in the state, as long as they don’t interfere with his work.

Walker did appear at an event with Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence last week, when the Indiana governor made a stop in Waukesha.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Thousands of people are expected to descend on downtown Green Bay Friday for a number of high-profile events happening simultaneously.

The slate Friday evening includes: Donald Trump's rally at the KI Convention Center; the Tall Ship Festival in Leicht Memorial Park; Fridays on the Fox on the City Deck; the NiteLite 5k run starting on the City Deck; and a fireworks display over the Fox River.

"The police department is currently working with other law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service to determine the best operational plan for every attendee to Mr. Trump's speech and the activities downtown," says Capt. Kevin Warych of the Green Bay Police Department. "Public safety is our number one priority and we work with all the stakeholders in all of this so that the traffic routes are clearly marked, or even closed and re-routed."

Warych did not say which streets may be closed.

According to the Republican Party of Brown County, the Trump campaign is preparing for 5,000 people to attend his town hall event with his vice presidential nominee Mike Pence. The event could also attract protesters, since Trump's first Wisconsin primary rally did in Janesville.

"When we plan for a presidential campaign, coupled with a large Tall Ship Festival and Fridays on the Fox, we have scenarios we discuss within the police department and other local jurisdictions," Warych says. "And we 'what if' these scenarios so that we can discuss these and try to develop some plans so if something does happen with a seamless transition."

Warych adds that those discussions have taken place, but would not go into further detail about them.

Some people who don't plan on being part of the throng of Trump supporters at the KI Convention Center include some top Republican names in Wisconsin. 

On Wednesday, Gov. Scott Walker's campaign spokesman says Walker will be touring damage from flooding in northern Wisconsin. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and House Speaker Paul Ryan say they also have scheduling conflicts.

In the 8th Congressional District race, just 1 of the 3 Republicans seeking the open seat says he will be there. That's Wisconsin State Sen. Frank Lasee (R-De Pere). Candidate Mike Gallagher's spokesman says he has a scheduling conflict, while Terry McNulty has not announced his plans as of Wednesday afternoon.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Just ahead of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's visit to Green Bay, a member of the local Muslim community is speaking out about his view of the business mogul. 

"I'm surprised that a major political party would elect or choose someone who is not believing in the Constitution and the values that have been set by the founding fathers," says Tamer Dawud of the Islamic Society of Wisconsin-Green Bay. "If anyone is following the law, regardless of their race or religion, they should not be pushed away or forced to leave the country."

According to the Republican Party of Brown County, the Trump campaign is preparing for 5,000 people to attend his town hall event with his vice presidential nominee Mike Pence.

It would be just the latest in a series of large crowds attending Trump events nationwide. But Dawud isn't surprised by his popularity.

"He is a businessman and a TV show guy, so he knows what to say and how to play on the public who listens to his speech," Dawud says. "Any expert in psychology and how to sell an idea, no matter if it's wrong or bad, you can sell the idea if you follow the proper technique and you have the money to spend on the media to convey your message the way you want."

When it comes to Green Bay or anyplace in the U.S., Dawud wants people to know that Muslim-Americans want the same things in life that you do. 

"Go and break the ice, go to the nearest mosque or Muslim neighborhood and meet with the people," says Dawud. "See how those people are, and see that they are working hard in this country as you are and loyal to this country as you are."

Dawud also says the Trump's back and forth with the family of a fallen Muslim-American soldier was misguided.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Northeast Wisconsin could be in for some severe weather later on Thursday.

FOX 11 says Thursday will be another hot, humid day. A cold front pushing through the state this evening will bring scattered thunderstorms with it.

The best chance for storms will be after 6 p.m.

Some of the storms may become strong or severe with damaging wind, large hail and heavy rain.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan says he's not going to renounce his support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Appearing on the Jerry Bader Show Thursday, Ryan says that doesn't mean he won't speak out against him.

"We are a party where the grassroots Republican primary voter selects our nominee and that's as it should be and that it what it is. I think there's something to be said about respecting those voters," Ryan says. "But if I see and hear things that I think are wrong, I'm not going to sit by and say nothing because I think I have a duty as a Republican leader to defend Republican principles and our party's brand."

Coming out of last month's Republican National Convention in Cleveland, the Wisconsin Republican is surprised that more of Trump's focus hasn't been on his Democratic opponent.

"You would think we ought to be focusing on Hillary Clinton and all of her deficiencies, she is such a weak candidate that one would think we would be on offense against Hillary Clinton," remarked Ryan. "It is distressing that this is not what we're talking about these days."

Trump and his vice presidential nominee Mike Pence are scheduled to appear in Green Bay for a town hall event Friday evening.

Ryan reiterated his stance on the back-and-forth between Trump and the parents of a Muslim-American soldier killed in the line of duty back in 2004, who spoke out against the real estate mogul at last month's Democratic National Convention.

"You do nothing but honor Gold Star families," Ryan says. "And if anyone's earned the right to say whatever they want, to express themselves, it is Gold Star families."

When asked about Wednesday's endorsement from the Republican vice presidential nominee, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, just a day after Trump echoed Ryan by saying he, "wasn't there yet," Ryan talked about his long-time friendship with Pence.

He also says the only endorsements he wants are for the voters in Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District. Ryan is in a Republican primary battle with businessman Paul Nehlen, as voters head to the polls on Tuesday. 

SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Officials in Shawano County say a man was killed in a crash with a semi Thursday morning.

It happened around 6 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 117 and E, near Bonduel. 

Investigators say it appears 20-year-old Samuel D. Peterson of Shawano was driving east on Highway E and ran a stop sign. His vehicle was then struck by a semi driving north on Highway 117.

Peterson was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi driver was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Shawano County Sheriff's Department is still investigating.

MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators in Marinette County say they're looking into a case of conspiracy to commit murder.

According to Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve, one un-named person has been arrested so far. 

Search warrants were executed by officials at Kranky Bob's Bar and Grill in the Town of Beaver. One home and one vehicle was also raided.

The state Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is helping in the investigation.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Manitowoc are searching for violent sexual offender who slipped out of his electronic monitoring device and is on the loose.

62-year-old Rene Antero Rodriguez is described as 5'4", 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Rodriguez has arm sleeve tattoos on both arms, a dragon tattoo on the left side of his chest which covers a 10-inch scar and a left leg tattoo in the shape of a heart with the words "Make Love".

Officials say Rodriguez was not at his assigned residence in the 7400 block of U.S. Highway 151 (Calumet Ave.) when workers from the Department of Health and Social Services made a routine visit. His whereabouts are currently unknown.

Rodriguez is considered armed and extremely dangerous. He has an extensive history using edged weapons, along with assault, robbery, theft and burglary. 

He is known to have family members in the Manitowoc area so it's not known if Rodriguez has left the area. 

Anyone who sees Rodriguez should not approach him. Instead, call 911 immediately and provide your location, a clothing description of Rodriguez and the direction he is traveling. If you have information about his whereabouts, you're asked to call the Manitowoc Police Department at (920) 686-6551.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - In a matter of hours thousands of supporters will be gathering at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay to hear from the Republican presidential nominee.

Preparations are underway for a campaign stop from Donald Trump and running mate Mike Pence Friday, August 5th.

The rally begins at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 4 p.m.

Police chief Andrew Smith says they are prepared to keep everyone safe.

"We really don't anticipate any problem there. Obviously if there's protesters we'll be able to take care of that...working closely with the secret service to make sure everything goes safely and it should be a great event."

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says the extra police presence at events like this cost money.

"Sometimes these visits can be as low as $10,000 up to $30,000 but we will invoice the campaign for that. We're happy to pay for the security that we provide normally."

Schmitt says the Trump campaign is paid up from the last visit however he believes the Clinton campaign still owes money.

"We just enjoy having them choose Green Bay out of all the places they can go and everybody pretty much wants them. It's great they chose the city of Green Bay," say Schmitt.

WTAQ will have live coverage on-air and on our Facebook page during the event.

WRIGHTSTOWN, WI (WTAQ) - A new water pipeline delivering 200,000 gallons of water each day to the Village of Wrightstown is now open.

The $7 million project will be part of the Green Bay Water Utility. The 12-mile pipeline connects Ashwaubenon to Wrightstown with water coming from Lake Michigan.

“The new pipeline provides Wrightstown with a long-term solution to our water needs, and ensures that our community will have a sustainable water source for many years to come.” said Dean Erickson, president of Village of Wrightstown.

As part of the deal, Wrightstown will pay about $140,000 per year to the water utility. Village officials say residents will see an increase on their bill of about 30 percent.

Previously, Wrightstown relied on underground wells rich in iron for its water; this resulted in hard water issues and overall substandard water quality from the groundwater.

“By switching from groundwater to surface water, Wrightstown will enjoy an abundance of softer, higher quality water,” said Nancy Quirk, general manager for Green Bay Water Utility. “Green Bay is committed to providing safe, potable drinking water to all of our water customers.”

The Villages of Ashwaubenon and Hobart and the Town of Scott also purchase their drinking water from Green Bay.

WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) - Nearly $57,000 in fines has been announced by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration against Waupaca Foundry Inc. for safety violations.

Two serious and two repeat safety violations has been issued by OSHA against the company.

According to the agency's investigation, the company overexposed its employees to noise, silica dust and carbon monoxide. If breathed, silica dust and carbon monoxide can lead to a variety of health problems, according to OSHA. In addition, OSHA says Waupaca Foundry failed to implement a formaldehyde training program and engineering and administrative controls to reduce exposure to hazards.

“Waupaca’s willingness to continually allow occupational noise that exceeds safety standards puts its workers at risk of permanent hearing loss and undermines their quality of life,” Robert Bonack, OSHA’s area director in Appleton, said in a news release. “Our inspectors also found workers exposed to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide and silica dust, a known respiratory hazard that can cause cancer and other health complications. Like all employers, Waupaca Foundry is responsible for implementing health and safety programs to protect its employees from exposure to these and other hazards.”

In response, Waupaca Foundry issued the following statement:

"Waupaca Foundry will meet with regional Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) representatives in an informal hearing on Aug. 19 to discuss alleged safety violations.

The safety of our employees is our number one business priority. Waupaca Foundry has invested millions of dollars to continuously improve our workplace. Investments in air quality, engineering controls, and state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment have been made to keep our employees safe.

Waupaca Foundry employees are protected with personal protective equipment (PPE) including hearing protection, air-supplied and cooled hoods, protective footwear, safety glasses, hardhats and flame-resistant clothing; which is supplied by Waupaca Foundry.

Results of the informational hearing will be provide to our employees pending the Aug. 19 meeting."

Waupaca Foundry has roughly 4,000 employees at nine locations in five states and makes iron castings.

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - The mayor of Neenah has created an online survey to learn the community's feelings on plans to combine two hospitals into one.

Back in February, ThedaCare announced they are considering closing its hospitals in Neenah and Appleton to build a new hospital somewhere in the Fox Valley.

Now mayor Dean Kaufert wants to hear from you.

ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, formerly known as Theda Clark hospital, has been a part of downtown Neenah since 1909.

Kaufert's survey consists of 3 questions: whether the respondent agrees with the direction ThedaCare is taking, whether ThedaCare has made a compelling case for a new hospital and an open-ended form for comments.

Kaufert says he will share the results of the survey with ThedaCare.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A traffic alert for folks looking to head to downtown Green Bay this weekend.

The Green Bay Public Works Department says the Ray Nitschke Bridge, which carries Main Street/Highway 141 over the Fox River, will close to traffic at 8 p.m. Friday. The bridge will reopen at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Officials say bridge lifts will continue as needed for boat traffic on the river. The bridge will be shut down between Broadway and Washington Street.

Traffic will be detoured onto the Donald A. Tilleman Bridge (Mason Street/Hwy. 54) using Ashland Avenue, Mason Street and Monroe Avenue.

The Walnut Street Bridge will remain open, but officials warn that there may be traffic backups since some lanes are closed for an ongoing construction project.

TOWN OF SCOTT, WI (WTAQ) - A crash in Brown County has caused traffic slowdowns on Highway 57 just north of Green Bay.

The crash happened on Highway 57 at the intersection with Champion Road (Highway K).

Officials say it appears 2 vehicles were involved. No word yet on how it happened or if there are any injuries.

One lane of the divided four-lane highway is closed in each direction.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker says he wants higher education in the state to benefit students, taxpayers, and the businesses that will eventually higher college graduates.

Walker is defending his pitch to keep a two-year tuition freeze.

College and university leaders say freezing tuition could hurt their ability to pay professors more.

Walker says he's open to performance based funding, but is firm in his tuition freeze strategy.

The higher education funding debate is heating up at the same time some GOP lawmakers are at odds with Governor Walker over how to pay for much needed road and bridge improvements across the state.

Some legislators say raising the gas tax has to be part of the discussion, while the Governor says no to that idea.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says 60 people died on the state's roads last month, the deadliest month so far this year.

Wis-DOT says 39-people died on the roads in July of last year.

They don't have an explanation for the spike in deadly crashes.

As of the end of July, Wis-DOT says 338 people have died in accidents on Wisconsin roads.

The DOT says lower gas prices and a very busy summer travel season has put more vehicles on the highways.

CANTON, OH (WTAQ) - Legendary former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow in Canton, Ohio, and received his Hall of Fame gold jacket last night.

He was given a standing ovation at the Canton Civic Center during the ceremony, calling it a "special moment" to be joining other football greats.

Keep checking wtaq.com through the weekend for special reports on Brett Favre's historic Hall Of Fame weekend.

The Packers will play the Indianapolis Colts in Canton on Sunday to open the NFL's preseason in the Hall of Fame Game.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A local doctor is headed to the Olympic games next week.

He'll be there to help out with the U.S. decathlon team.

Inside this exam room, Doctor Curt Draeger is using a therapeutic laser to help people suffering from chronic pain, it’s the same laser therapy he uses on Olympic athletes.

“It goes four or five inches deep and it feels like a heat lamp. That light, which is invisible, will go inside the nucleus of a cell that's damage and starts RNA and DNA repair”

The Green Bay doctor is heading to Rio with Team U. S. A. making it his fourth trip to the Olympics.

“I specifically take care of the world's greatest athletes or the decathlon team, they do 10 events"

He says he's worked with a number of athletes, including Olympic Gold Medalist Ashton Eaton.

"The majority of the injuries we see are extremity related, sometimes spinal, and pelvic related, because all the power for an athlete comes from their hips and pelvis, so they'll injure their groin or their hip”

Draeger says although working with Olympic athletes is a dream come true, it’s what he learns them that he can apply to his daily practice.

"What’s nice is, that all that I learn from treating the world's greatest athletes I bring back for my chronic pain patients so they can have a quality of life, that's what's most rewarding for me"

It leaves a lasting memory that he can then share with patients in his exam rooms.

The decathlon is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17th and Thursday, August 18th.