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Ag Showplace Planned For Manitowoc County

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MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Wisconsin has its fair share of farms, but pretty soon, there will be one less.

Instead, a field in Manitowoc County will be replaced with a center dedicated to teaching people about agriculture in the state.

Construction on the new Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center will start this coming spring.

Nic Schoenberger, a member of WAEC board of directors, spoke to WLUK.

“I can’t believe it’s finally here, and I’m looking forward to the spring. I’m looking forward to moving ground instead of turning the first dirt. "

The center, called WAEC for short, will be located off I-43 in Manitowoc County.

“It’s going to look like the old traditional red barn; it’s going to have a little bit of a modern flare to it; it’s going to be visible right from the interstate and people are going to pass by and want to stop.”

On Tuesday, a ground breaking ceremony was held at the future location.

The 29,000 square-foot center will have educational and hands-on displays.

Schoenberger says it'll also have a birthing barn, where visitors can watch calves be born, and a 300-person conference center.

“We’re hoping to host weddings and meetings. You know, in the farm industry, we have a lot of meetings, a lot of group get-togethers and we're hoping that this is a site that a lot of people will want to come to.”

Julie Maurer is the board president of WAEC.

“When I was a kid, everybody had an uncle or a cousin that you could go visit their farm and today that's not quite the case. So this is the farm that everybody will have the opportunity to come visit.”

Maurer is also a dairy farmer, and says the purpose of the center is to teach people where their food comes from.

“You’ll learn about everything from dairy, to corn, to cranberries and all the great products produced in Wisconsin.”

The entire project costs $13 million, so far 80 percent of that has been raised through grants and donations.Construction expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.


Fox River Cleanup Costs A Little Less Murky

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The on-going legal battle regarding who will pay for Fox River cleanup has gotten a bit simpler.

According to the 10-page document filed this week Appvion, the state of Wisconsin and the federal government have eliminated claims against each other.

However, The U.S. Department of Justice says NCR Corporation, Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP, and P.H. Glatfelter Company must continue and complete the cleanup ongoing work in the Fox River under a set of prior court rulings.

The United States and the State will continue their lawsuit against NCR and Glatfelter for recovery of unreimbursed cleanup planning and cleanup oversight costs paid by EPA and Wisconsin DNR.

Georgia-Pacific and other parties settled with the government and paid their share of those costs.

Appvion and NCR are still pursuing their own separate lawsuit against Georgia-Pacific, Glatfelter, and others to have a judge divide up the total costs among the parties that caused the PCB contamination.

The United States is not involved in that lawsuit. A March 27th trial is scheduled.

"Wanted To Kill A Cop", Suspect Arrested

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FOX CROSSING, WI (WTAQ) - A Fox Crossing man who said he had a gun and "wanted to kill a cop" was arrested after a chase on Interstate 41.

Police were called to an apartment in the 200 block of W. Calumet Street in Fox Crossing just after 12:15 a.m.

They say the 33-year-old man had called 911, saying he was in a car in the parking lot with the gun.

Officers from several departments were called in for help; they blocked off the area while a dispatcher talked with the man and officers looked for him.

When police on the scene found the car, they tried to get him to surrender.

Instead, police say the man maneuvered around police vehicles and drove off. He got onto Hwy. 441 and headed toward the Darboy area. Officers from more departments were called in to help; they used stop sticks on I-41 near Hwy. 441. The man eventually stopped near the exit to Hwy. 55 in Kaukauna.

Police continued to negotiate with the man on I-41. They eventually arrested him around 1:50 a.m.

Police are recommending charges of operating while intoxicated and eluding officers.

State Sen. Rick Gudex Dies at 48

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - An investigation is underway into the death of Wisconsin state Senator Rick Gudex.

Fond du Lac County sheriff's confirm information by the Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner's Office that Gudex died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. Officials say his body was found in the Town of Eden around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Toxicology test results are still pending, and typically take several weeks to complete.

The 48-year-old Gudex was a Republican representing the 18th Senate District, which includes Fond du Lac, Omro, Oshkosh and Waupun.

Gudex won the seat in 2012 by defeating incumbent Democrat Jessica King. King held the seat briefly after ousting Republican Randy Hopper in a recall election in August 2011.

Late last year, Gudex announced that he would not seek re-election.

Democratic Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris and Fond du Lac County Republican chairman Dan Feyen are running for the open seat.

Gudex, of Eden, is survived by his wife and two children.

In a statement Wednesday from the Republican Party of Wisconsin:

"We are saddened by the news of Rick Gudex’s passing, and we offer our prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues at such a difficult time. Rick was an outstanding legislator and a good friend to many, always looking to build consensus that put the people of Wisconsin first. He will be remembered for his commitment to public service and for his dedication to his family and to the people of Wisconsin," stated Brad Courtney, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

Governor Scott Walker issued this statement Wednesday:

"Tonette and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Rick Gudex. Rick was a good man who served his community and state well, and he will be missed. Our hearts and our prayers go out to his wife Kim and their two children during this difficult time."

Wisconsin state Senator Robert Cowles issued a statement:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Gudex.  He was a good friend and colleague here in the Wisconsin State Senate. Rick’s dedication and hard-work were the true mark of a great man who cared deeply for his community and his family. My sincerest prayers go out to his family, and all who mourn Rick’s passing, as they deal with this tremendous loss. Our state, the 18th Senate District, his community and family can be proud of the tremendous work he accomplished during his time in the Senate. His presence and tenacity will be sorely missed by all."

Also Wednesday, Democratic state Senate candidate Mark Harris issued this statement:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of state Senator Rick Gudex. My condolences and sympathies go out to the Gudex family and their friends."

Student Feels the Heat After School Fire

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Officials are questioning a student after a fire damaged a bathroom at Ann Sullivan Elementary School Tuesday.

Fire crews were dispatched just before 11 a.m. to the school at 1567 Deckner Avenue.

When they arrived, a building maintenance worker had mostly extinguished the fire inside a first floor men's bathroom.

Officials say no one was hurt. All students and staff got out safely and were able to return inside after an hour.

Damage is estimated at $100.

 

Green Bay Police Warn of Burglary Pattern

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities have uncovered a pattern of home burglaries in the Green Bay area.

Over the past 21 days, the Green Bay Police Department has received over 33 home burglaries and 39 theft and auto complaints.

Burglars enter the homes through a cut screen or open window, the incidents are happening during the daytime, and victims are reporting money, jewelry, and small valuables stolen.

Officials say the perpetrators may also knock on the doors and if someone answers, go to the next home.

As a precaution, police are recommending that residents lock your homes and vehicles, be a good neighbor and watch out for each other, and if you see something suspicious, call the police.

"As a community, we need to watch out for one another," said Chief Andrew Smith. "We will work tirelessly until the person or persons responsible for this are caught."

If anyone has information on these crimes, please contact Detective Allcox (east Green Bay) and Detective Weiss (west Green Bay) at 920-448-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 920-432-STOP.

Cattle Theft Under Investigation

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators are trying to find out who stole several cattle from a Manitowoc County farm.

Back on September 7, officials say a Jersey cow, along with four Jersey and Holstein heifers, were taken from a farm on Marquette Road.

A $500 reward is being offered for help tracking down the suspects. 

The animals were removed using a truck and trailer, however no vehicle description was provided by the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department.

Anyone with information is asked to call Manitowoc Crime Stoppers at (920) 683-4466.

Judge Unhappy About False Voter ID Info

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MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - A federal judge says it’s clear the state was not complying with his order to help all Wisconsin residents obtain a photo ID for voting.

However, Judge James Peterson says he’s not sure whether he has the authority at this point to halt the state’s Voter ID requirement at this time.

Liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now is calling for the law to be put on hold, following reports that DMV staff gave out wrong or incomplete information to those seeking a photo ID without key documents, such as a birth certificate.

Peterson is holding a hearing on the request Wednesday in Madison.

Before hearing from witnesses, Peterson told attorneys that he has concerns there is a real failure on the part of the state to communicate what residents must do to get an ID if they are lacking important documents. He also cited concern that DMV staff had received “manifestly inadequate” training on how to handle the issue.

The state released its own investigation into reports that a member of VoteRiders, a non-profit group that works to educate and assist voters in navigating ID laws, was given incorrect information about the process for obtaining a photo ID by staff at multiple DMV service centers.

The Department of Justice argued in a court filing Friday that the state is doing enough to address those problems, through additional training for staff and information for voters, and that the law should remain in effect.

However, Peterson noted that the state has shown a “disturbing pattern,” in which the DMV only seems to respond to litigation and does not proactively expect problems that should be easy to predict.


Oshkosh Man Died from Fall

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - We're learning more Wednesday about the death of a 20-year-old Oshkosh man.

Oshkosh police say that Daniel S. Tomter was walking south on Wisconsin Street around 3 a.m. Sunday when he fell crossing Pearl Avenue.

Officers say Tomter's friends took him to an Oshkosh hospital, but was eventually flown to a Madison hospital where he died on Monday.

Autopsy results showed he died from injuries consistent with a fall.

 

Packers Unveil New Tailgate Village

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers announced plans Wednesday for a new permanent tailgate space on the east side of Lambeau Field.

The Johnsonville Tailgate Village will be constructed where the Tundra Tailgate Zone has been located for nearly a decade.

The area is aimed at giving Packers fans a place to gather and share in game day traditions. It will be free and open to everyone.

"We're looking forward to the Johnsonville Tailgate Village creating a fun, unique event space so our fans and guests can have another way to enjoy Lambeau Field year-round," says Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy.

The 13,242 square-foot event area will have a variety of amenities including a full kitchen, indoor restrooms, and heating and air conditioning.

The space will fit more than 2,000 people with a special activities for fans to enjoy, including music, entertainment, large screen televisions, food and beverages and more.

On non-game days, the structure will be a flexible space available for groups to rent and use for private events. The dining and event space will be able to seat more than 500 guests.

The Packers will be paying for the construction although they wouldn't release any details on the cost.

Construction is slated to begin in the spring and it will be completed before the beginning of the 2017 NFL season.

2 Home Invasion Suspects Sought

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MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) - A home invasion Wednesday morning leaves two men injured.

Menasha police say they were called to a home in the 300 block of Second Street for a report of two men entering the home with an unloaded shotgun and a pellet/BB gun.

According to officials, two men inside the home confronted the suspects which led to a physical altercation.

Both suspect fled the home before cops arrived, but left their weapons behind. The two victims received injuries, which were treated at a local hospital.

No one is in custody and police say they don't believe this was a random act.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Menasha Police Department at (920) 967-3500.

Teen Charged for BB Gun Incident

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Charges have been filed against an 18-year-old for allegedly bringing a BB gun to Green Bay West High School this week.

Brandon Latimore is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon at a school and resisting or obstructing an officer.

On Tuesday, school officials say a student reported having seen a BB gun near the school at Fisk Park. 

Students were interviewed by school officials who learned the gun was brought on school property in a backpack by a non-West High School student.

The BB gun remained in the backpack and was not a threat to students, officials say. Eventually, the BB gun was found on private property.

Bogus Game Tickets Making The Rounds

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Make sure your tickets to Sunday's Green Bay Packers-Dallas Cowboys game are real.

That's the message from Green Bay police, who say they have been investigating reports of counterfeit tickets from the Packers' two previous home games, as well as the Sept. 3 Lambeau Field College Classic between Wisconsin and LSU.

Many of the victims bought their tickets on Craigslist, police say.

The internet makes it easier to create and sell counterfeit tickets, police say, but it also makes it easier for ticket buyers to do research and protect themselves.

Police shared the following guidelines for ticket buyers:*Free online marketplaces that ask buyers to arrange to pay for tickets in person are often sources of counterfeit tickets.

*Fans are advised to only buy tickets from official sources and team partners, such as NFL Ticket Exchange.

*Ticket Exchange is the only resale ticket marketplace authorized by the Packers, with exclusive ability to electronically verify and reissue every Packers ticket sold. This ensures that tickets are authentic and valid for admission.

*According to the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection, other ticket sources to consider should be members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers, as these businesses may offer a money-back guarantee if a problem occurs with purchased tickets.

*Ticket buyers are advised to be aware of whether or not secondary ticketing sources or classified ad sites offer guarantees or have return policies in place.

*Ticket buyers are also urged to request identification from those selling the tickets, and should keep in mind that if the ticket pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is.

*Fans are encouraged to be diligent and do their research before choosing to buy tickets from unofficial sources, as well as to use a credit card to purchase, so that in the event of a problem, the charges can be disputed.

If there are any questions on game days, please locate a police officer in the parking lot or go direct with Will-Call at Lambeau Field.

Anyone who has information about the source of counterfeit tickets is asked to call Green Bay police at (920) 448-3200.

Trump Campaign Is Back In Green Bay

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GREEN BAY (WTAQ) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump plans to campaign in Green Bay on Monday.

According to his website, Trump's appearance at the KI Convention Center is set for 4 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m.

A Trump spokesman also said he would appear at a 7 p.m. event at the state fairgrounds in West Allis.

It will be Trump's first appearance in Wisconsin since his scheduled visit to an event in Walworth County was canceled last weekend, after recording was released featuring the former reality TV star making vulgar comments about grabbing women's genitals.

According to a Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday, Trump had the support of 37 percent of likely Wisconsin voters compared to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's 44 percent.

Donald Trump also appeared in Green Bay in Augusut when he hosted another rally at the KI Convention Center.

'Makeshift Knife' Used in Jail Attack

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Police say an inmate attacked an Oshkosh Correctional Institution officer with a "makeshift knife."

Officials say the incident happened while the 37-year-old correctional officer was escorting the 49-year-old inmate around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Other prison employees managed to subdue the inmate.

The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his arm.

Police are seeking charges of battery by an inmate. 

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections says the living unit where the assault happened was placed on temporary lockdown while the incident is being investigated.


Wisconsinites Skeptical of Election

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is expected to make a stop in Green Bay on Monday at the K.I. Convention Center.

It will be Trump's first appearance in Wisconsin since his scheduled visit to Walworth County was canceled last weekend.

But will the recent controversy surrounding his campaign with recordings being released featuring the real estate mogul making indecent comments about women, affect the way people will vote in Wisconsin?

"I think we still have to look at him as a man and a candidate and it wouldn't affect my voting at all," says Dan from Marinette. "I feel like Hillary Clinton is not a great candidate either, but at the same time she has been a politician for a while. She's been under President Obama," says Courtney from Green Bay.

Many people WTAQ spoke with Thursday afternoon still don't know who they'll vote for on November 8.

"Yeah, I'm still searching for who to vote for. It's up in the air right now," says Ashley of Green Bay. "Frankly, I'm disgusted with both candidates and I won't be voting for either of them," says Green Bay resident Jane. "I won't want to vote because they're both bad," says Elizabeth of Green Bay.

Trump's rally is set for 4 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m. He's also expected to appear at a 7 p.m. event at the state fairgrounds in West Allis.

According to a Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday, Trump had the support of 37 percent of likely Wisconsin voters compared to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's 44 percent.

WATCH: Police, NWTC Discuss Race

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A roundtable discussion at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Thursday with the Green Bay Police Department aimed to bring the agency and community closer together.

"We've invited students, faculty and also our Green Bay Police Department to come and have a discussion about some of the current climate around policing," says Mohammed Bey, NWTC Diversity and Inclusion Director. "Also to understand what our police department is doing to help strengthen the relationship with our diverse communities here."

Police Chief Andrew Smith, along with several officers from the department, took part in the 90-minute session entitled, "A Place at the Table: Hard to See Behind the Blue".

"Anytime we can have a dialogue with the community," says Chief Smith. "Anytime we can get together and talk about things that people are concerned about brings us closer."

Students, like Hakeem Fernandez, wanted to hear what police had to say.

"Genuine responses because I believe in what they do, I respect the work that they do," Fernandez says. "But I think that there's a way to do something better."

Smith feels that this is just another step in his goal to make his police department more aware, more involved and more diverse to meet the changing needs of Green Bay.

Austin Straubel Gets HOF Nod

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay native and World War II hero, Austin Straubel, will be inducted this weekend into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame.

"It is fitting that Major Austin Straubel be among those honored in the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame," says Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. "He led countless missions during World War II and ultimately gave his life for our country. In fact, he was the first Brown County aviator to lose his life during the war."

Straubel graduated from Green Bay East High School and UW-Madison, where he played football for the Badgers. After graduation, Straubel returned home to work in his father's business before joining the Army in 1928.

In February 1942, while Commanding Officer of the 11th Bombardment Squadron and Acting Commanding Officer of the 7th Bombardment Group, he flew over the Makassar Strait in Indonesia as Japanese Zeros attacked and shot his plane down. Straubel managed to land on an emergency airstrip, but he and the crew died from injuries sustained in the incident.

The Brown County Board of Supervisors voted in 1946 to name the county's new airport Austin Straubel Field in honor of Straubel's dauntless courage, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice.

"We've always taken great pride in being named after such an outstanding individual," said Airport Director Tom Miller in a statement. "While our name has been adapted throughout the years to reflect our operation, we have always retained Austin Straubel's name as part of our name. It's a constant reminder to all of us about the sacrifices our military makes to keep us free."

Other inductees will include Dick Hanusa of Oshkosh, Jim Szajkovics of Greendale, and Billy and Judy Zivko formally of Hartford. The ceremony takes place Saturday at EAA's AirVenture Museum.

Road Warriors Battle Over Budget

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SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - An extra 14-million dollars is apparently enough to get local government leaders on-board with Governor Walker's latest road budget.

The Wisconsin Towns Association's Jerry Derr says his group is satisfied the extra money will be enough to improve local roads and bridges.

Derr says Governor Walker promised the money at the Towns Association meeting early this week.

Walker says that 14-million, plus another nine-million from the DOT budget should be more than enough for local road projects.

The stage is being set for a budget battle over roads and transportation in Madison next year.

The Republican Governor has gone on record as saying no tax or fee hikes will get his signature for the transportation budget, unless lawmakers find other places to cut.

Some GOP leaders in the legislature say it is too soon to take tax and fee hike options off the table.

UPDATE: Deadly Early Morning Crash

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FREEDOM, WI (WTAQ) - Outagamie County Sheriffs are investigating a fatal, head-on crash that happened early Friday.

Deputies were called to Greiner Road and County Highway N in Freedom around 3:20 a.m.

Lt. Terry Hammen says a 46-year-old Freedom woman died at the scene. A 20-year-old De Pere woman and a 21-year-old De Pere man were injured. The woman had to be extracted from the vehicle using Jaws of Life.

Hammen did not have an update on the status of the people injured. No word yet on what may have led up to the crash.

 

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