Full press conference from 10/16/16

Full press conference - 10/16/16

UNDATED (WTAQ) - In Wisconsin, voters are able to change their minds and their ballots if they're voting absentee.

According to state law, voters who choose to change their minds on Election Day while performing their civic duty inside a tiny booth are able to also. In fact, that's precisely why the law is in place.

"We have had four voters so far that have requested to spoil their absentee ballot and receive a new ballot," says Donna Austad, Eau Claire City Clerk. "With absentee voting, the ballot is not cast or counted until Election Day. So once that ballot is run through the machine, they're done."

Green Bay City Clerk Kris Teske was asked how many voters in the city have done the same thing. 

"Haven't had that yet," replied Teske this past Friday, adding that she thought the rule may have changed. Teske remembers it happening once or twice back in 2012, but isn't sure about the current rule regarding spoiled ballots. She reached out that day to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

"I've talked to four different people and I don't get a definite answer," Teske said.

WTAQ reached out to Wisconsin Elections Commission Public Information Officer Reid Magney on Friday, but was unable to get our questions answered.

According to Wisconsin Statute 6.869, also titled "Uniform Instructions for Wisconsin Absentee Voters", under the heading "Correcting Ballot Errors", it reads:

"If you make an error while marking your ballot or otherwise require a replacement ballot, contact your municipal clerk immediately. In most cases you must return your original ballot and certificate envelope before a replacement ballot will be issued. A voter may request that a replacement ballot be faxed or emailed to him or her. The ballot must be returned to the municipal clerk no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. The ballot may not be returned to the municipal clerk by fax or email."

But it says nothing regarding how many times a voter is allowed to "spoil" their ballot, or make a mistake, or even just change their mind.

THE SPOILAGE PROCESS

When you vote absentee in Wisconsin, an official with the municipal clerk's office will tell you to carefully read and follow the instructions for completing the ballot. 

"Mistakes may spoil your ballot and prevent your votes from being counted," the "Uniform Instructions for Absentee Voters" indicates.

Voters then must fill out their ballot, fold that ballot so it can be placed inside the certificate envelope and then seal the envelope. Those envelopes, clerks say, are held until Election Day. At that time, those ballots are run into the machine.

In the event there's an error, or in the case of voters unconvinced of their selections, what happens next?

"They return to the clerk's office, we retrieve the ballot which is sealed in their envelope, they make a tear in that ballot through the envelope, not tearing it in half, but make a tear so that it's spoiled," explains Austad. "We keep that in a separate envelope and then we issue a second ballot."

Austad adds that the rule of 3 ballots for absentee voters only applies until November 4, which is the last day of in-person absentee voting. For those doing this by mail or fax, the request for a replacement ballot must be received no later than 5 p.m. on November 5. Military absentee voters must have a request for a replacement ballot received no later than 5 p.m. on November 5.

There's another rule -- don't try and use one of your three ballots on Election Day if you've already voted absentee.

"When you cast an absentee ballot, you can't show up on Election Day and say you want to spoil it," Austad says. "Once you've voted that way, that's it. You can spoil it ahead of time, but you can't spoil it on Election Day."

THE FALL CLASSIC

In baseball terms, the World Series is also known as the "Fall Classic". Since presidential elections happen in November, it too could be considered a fall classic, except that happens once every four years as opposed to annually.

Another baseball analogy is that a batter gets 3 strikes before they're called out. In Wisconsin, apparently, a voter also gets 3 strikes before they're out of the ability to cast a ballot.

According to an email obtained by WTAQ, Wisconsin Elections Commission Lead Elections Specialist Diane Lowe says:

"There isn't a statute that says expressly that once a person submits their absentee ballot (and it is put in WisVote as returned) that they can change their vote. However, 6.80(2) (c) provides that a voter can get 3 ballots. It does not exclude absentee voters from this. All voters are entitled to no more than 3 ballots. The legislative intent has never been to authorize 3 ballots for election-day voters, but not absentee voters."

Looking up where that statute is, we learned that 6.80 is the heading "Mechanics of Voting", with section 2 being "Method of Voting". Specifically, Wis. statute 6.80(2) (c) reads:

"Any elector who, by accident or mistake, spoils or erroneously prepares a ballot may receive another, by returning the defective ballot, but not to exceed 3 ballots in all."

After reaching out again Monday to Magney, we asked for clarification about the statute and whether or not municipal clerks would be confused by it.

"Information about the number of times a voter can spoil his or her ballot is in our manuals and our training webinars," Magney said. "That said, Wisconsin has 1,854 municipal clerks, most of whom are part time. There is also regular turnover, requiring training of new clerks. If there is confusion among clerks on this issue, it stems from a law change about three years ago affecting changes to absentee ballots at the polling place."

"Things change all the time in the election world, so I just want to get clarification," said Teske on Friday.

Magney went on to talk about it further in the email.

"It used to be that if you had voted absentee, you could go to your polling place and spoil your ballot there and vote normally. The legislature changed that so a voter can no longer spoil his or her previously-cast ballot at the polling place, which may have caused some confusion with clerks," Magney explains. "Voters have always been permitted up to three ballots in the event of a mistake or a defect (which includes changing your mind), and that applies to both absentee and regular voting."

Now that the rule appears clear, voters in Wisconsin can get their turn at bat in-person either before November 4 absentee or on Election Day. Don't be afraid to take a cut or two, but just don't strike out.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - An off-duty cop has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk this past weekend in Manitowoc County.

Officer Jeremy Weber, a 9-year veteran of the Manitowoc Police Department, has not been formally charged.

According to officials, Manitowoc County Sheriff's deputies were called about a vehicle swerving on Interstate 43 around 9 p.m. Saturday. A deputy found the vehicle on Highway 310 as it was turning into a park and ride, west of Two Rivers.

Weber was arrested and taken to the Manitowoc County Jail for OWI.

In a statement, Manitowoc Police Chief Nick Reimer said:

"The Manitowoc Police Department takes these allegations seriously, and it is an unfortunate circumstance. As law enforcement officers we are held to a higher standard, and we understand the public deserves much better than this from us."

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The man arrested in connection with the murders of an Oneida couple had his bond set at $1 million in court Monday.

19-year-old Vance Reed of Oneida is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the deaths of 77-year-old Harry Brown Bear and 67-year-old Lorraine Brown Bear.

Prosecutors say that Reed was drinking with the Brown Bear's the day of the murder and got into an argument with the couple. 

According to the criminal complaint, Reed said he was very drunk and blacked out that night. However, he admitted to remembering slashing Harry Brown Bear's throat, then stabbing and also killing Lorraine.

Officials say that a DNA sample from Reed matched a sample found at the crime scene. Prosecutors added that a gun stolen from the Brown Bear's home was found inside Reed's home.

MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - A federal judge has approved the distribution of new handouts which explain how Wisconsin residents who need a photo ID for voting can obtain credentials that will be accepted at polling places.

U.S. District Judge James Peterson ordered the state Department of Transportation last week to clarify the process for applying for an ID when someone is missing key documents, such as a birth certificate, or may face difficulty because of other issues.

The move came after an investigation by the group VoteRiders found staff at multiple DMV service centers gave out wrong or incomplete information to the public about how the process works and how long it would take to get an ID for voting.

The investigation prompted a hearing in federal court last week, during which the judge determined the state had not complied with his order to make sure the ID petition process was made clear to voter.

He called for creating a simple explanation of the process, which could easily be distributed by the state and voting advocates and put online.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A campaign appearance by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attracted thousands of people in Green Bay Monday night.

The sometimes controversial candidate rallying at the K.I. Convention Center reiterated many of this campaign promises including providing more jobs for Americans, building a wall along the Mexican boarder, and ending illegal immigration.

He also blamed the media for being part of what he calls the "rigged" election process.

"The media is trying to rig the election by giving credence to false stories that have no validity."

Trump says it's important that U.S. companies keep their jobs within America's boarders.

"They're taking our jobs away, they're going to Mexico. They're going all over the place. We are going to keep our companies here folks. They're not leaving. If they want to leave, there will be consequences. You understand." At least two protestors were escorted out of the event and one person had a medical emergency.

So, how are Wisconsinites feeling about the Republican candidate?

Kelly Ruh of Green Bay thinks Trump is getting a raw deal when it comes to media coverage.

"It think people these days just go by sound bites and what they're hearing on radio and T.V. and the little blurbs they read online, instead of digging for the facts."

Ruh says despite all the controversy surrounding his campaign, Trump will have her vote next month.

"He's the candidate who represents my beliefs and what I see is the real need in this country. I've got concerns with our national security, with our debt, with our military."

Jack Wojcik of Pulaski says he's had enough of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

"I'm just sick of the Clinton's. I wish someone would just flush them down the nearest toilet and be done with them."

Officials estimate around 3,000 people in attendance for Trump's second rally in Green Bay.

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

The final presidential debate against Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas at 8pm.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Tonight, the Green Bay City Council will consider a new proposal for an outdoor events center from the owners of the Bullfrogs baseball team.

Alderman Bill Galvin says it's a sweeter deal than one not adopted in April.

"The finances are troublesome, but I think it's more something I think a lot of people can buy into"

He's talking about the $ 9 million proposal that has the city putting up $8 million, and half of that being paid back over 20 years.

"I think it's some thing that Green Bay can make good use of. It's benefiting not just entertainment wise, but I think it's going to benefit the residential area"

Last week, a city committee approved a deal which would include the stadium in downtown Green Bay, along with an Anduzzi's SportsClub and an indoor concert venue.

"when this thing is up and running, right away there's going to be more property tax money coming in from the other two venues that are going to be attached to it. That makes it more palatable to the council and the people of Green Bay"

Council members will also take up term sheets for redevelopment projects for the former Cub Foods building and the East Town Mall.

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) -  According to a St. Norbert College Stargetic Research Institute Survey  released today (TUE) Tuesday, former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has a 52-40% lead on current Sen. Ron Johnson.

That's according to Wendy Scattergood, Assistant Professor of Political Science.

Of the 5% responding "not sure", Johnson has a 31-10% lead - but 59% of those say they still haven't decided T

The poll was conducted Oct. 13-16 of 664 registered & likely voters.

Results of the survey on the presidential race are expected to be released later today.

De PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Hillary Clinton leads Donald Trump 47-39%.

That's according to a St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute Survey Center poll released today.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein getting 3% and Libertarian Gary Johnson 1%. Only 5% said they were unsure.

The poll also asked several questions of those who said they watched the second presidential debate last week.

Of those people, 45% said Clinton was more trustworthy, compared to 41% for Trump, and 12% for "neither."

Of those who watched, 63% said Clinton has a better temperament to be president, and 26% said Trump did.

The poll was conducted Oct. 13-16 of 664 registered & likely voters.

BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County has a major problem with sex trafficking.

That's the word from local law enforcement following the arrests of 15 people over a 3-day period last week as part of a nationwide child sex trafficking sting.

"Having 15 arrests in 3 days is significant," says Lt. Jim Valley, Brown County Sheriff's Department. "We did not work around the clock. The results, I think, speak for themselves as far as what problem we have in this area."

The sweep was part of the national effort led by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to the FBI, 82 minors were rescued and 239 traffickers and their associates were arrested as part of Operation Cross Country X, focusing on underage human trafficking that ran from October 13 to October 16.

Here in Brown County, this operation included help from the Sheriff's Office, Green Bay Police Department, Ashwaubenon Public Safety, De Pere Police Department and the FBI-Milwaukee office.

"There's significant sex trafficking occurring in Brown County," says Brown County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Todd Delain. "We will continue to work together to eliminate this trade, which profits from preying upon young, at-risk members of our community."

According to local officials, 3 people were charged for child sex trafficking and child enticement. Two others were taken into custody for warrants unrelated charges and have been cited for municipal ordinance violations, prostitution and pandering a prostitute.

The remaining 10 were cited and released with municipal ordinances violations and for pandering a prostitute.

"One female and one juvenile female that both participated in acts of prostitution here locally were identified by this operation," Delain says. "They're receiving resources through Eye Heart World."

According to its website, Eye Heart World is a Green Bay-based organization working directly with survivors of trafficking by providing essential resources and facilitating the healing process.

"In the last year we've met with 26 different referrals from girls that have been involved in trafficking in Brown County," says Dawn Stang, Outreach Team Director. "They've all been from the state of Wisconsin, most of them are from Brown County."

FBI officials say, for the first time, this initiative also took place in several foreign countries. Law enforcement partners from Cambodia, Canada, the Philippines, and Thailand had operations in their respective countries.

In Canada, as part of a corresponding effort called Northern Spotlight, authorities recovered 16 children, while in Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines, authorities recovered 25 children, including a 2-year-old girl.

MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - The results of a new statewide test shows only about 42 percent of public and private choice school students who took the exam scored well enough to be rated as at least proficient.

The Department of Public Instruction says about 383,000 students took the new Forward Exam last spring – the third such test used by the state in the last three years. In addition to math and English, about 49 percent of students were at least proficient in science.

The tests also showed a big split between public and private choice schools. Of the almost 370,000 public school students who took the exams, proficiency numbers for math and English were slightly above the 42 percent mark.

Of the more than 13,000 students attending choice schools using vouchers, just 19.1 percent were proficient in English and 14 percent proficient in math.

State Superintendent Tony Evers said the numbers are consistent with other exams used in recent years and, while they are important for looking at where schools are right now, he argued they should only be considered a starting point.

“They’re not something to make a judgments about the efficiency and the academic achievement of our kids.”

The test results also showed a continued achievement gap for many racial and ethnic groups, as well as for those facing language barriers, disabilities, and in low-income living situations.

“I remain troubled by the achievement gaps that persist in Wisconsin,” Evers said. “As a state and within our communities, we must work together to raise awareness of this problem and implement policy-driven solutions. It is not an issue of one student or one school district, it is an issue that impacts us all.”

MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - Harley Davidson’s newest engine is the “coolest thing” made in Wisconsin.

Harley’s Randy Christianson accepted as Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce announced the award during a luncheon in Madison.

“The Milwaukee Eight is great testimony to the work that can be done, the manufacturing that can be done in the United States, here in Wisconsin, and at Harley Davidson,” Christianson said.

WMC’s Kurt Bauer says the “coolest thing” competition proved extremely popular.

“We’re not sure we’re going to do this annually. We’ll have to talk to our sponsors and we’ll have to figure out if we can keep the interest going, but this is definitely something we’ll do again. It was a lot of fun.”

There were more than 200 nominations, with Harley, Johnsonville Sausage and Fincantieri Marinette Marine the 3 finalists.

The announcement came the same day that Harley reported a sluggish third quarter, and plans to lay off 225 salaried positions between now and the end of the year.

UNDATED (WTAQ) - Attorneys for Brendan Dassey are continuing to push for his release from prison while the state appeals an order tossing his murder conviction.

The state of Wisconsin announced they would appeal a ruling from a federal magistrate judge overturning Dassey's conviction for killing Teresa Halbach.

Dassey's attorneys want him freed on bond, while prosecutors argue that Dassey should remain behind bars.

On Tuesday, Dassey's attorney filed a 12-page document arguing the state misinterpreted the judge's previous rulings.

"In short, the Respondent’s arguments against bond are conclusory, ill-supported, and not worthy of any weight. Petitioner Brendan Dassey therefore respectfully asks this Court to grant him his freedom by issuing a recognizance bond pending the Respondent’s appeal or, in the alternative, a bond with a reasonable and affordable surety," wrote attorney Laura Nirider.

Dassey and his uncle, Steven Avery, were sentenced to life in prison for the 2005 killing of Halbach. 

Interest in the case was renewed earlier this year following the release of the Netflix miniseries “Making a Murderer.” 

WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) - A Waupaca County judge has ruled a teen charged with murder will remain in adult court.

Prosecutors say 16-year-old Zachary Hohn beat 25-year-old Matthew Pagel to death, then left his body along the side of a road.

Children ages 10 to 16 charged with homicide or attempted homicide are automatically charged in adult court in Wisconsin. However, the defense can request to have the case moved to juvenile court.

That's what Hohn's attorney did, but after testimony Tuesday, Judge Raymond Huber ruled the case will remain in adult court.

Court records indicate that Hohn will be arraigned on October 25, just a day before his 17th birthday. If convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, Hohn is automatically sentenced to life in prison. He's also charged with robbery.

A second suspect, 24-year-old Adam Ozuna, also returns to court October 25 for a status conference. Ozuna previously pled not guilty and a trial date has not been set.

According to the criminal complaint, Ozuna and Hohn allegedly picked Pagel up from a motel in Clintonville where he was living. Pagel was looking to buy the drug Adderall and had been exchanging text messages with Ozuna and Hohn, according to prosecutors.

Ozuna and Hohn offered to drive Pagel to get some Adderall, but instead beat him to death in the car and robbed him. They ended up with $200 and Pagel's jacket.

Prosecutors say the used a car belonging to the mother of Hohn's girlfriend, who also lives with Ozuna. When the two returned, they were covered in blood and told Hohn's girlfriend about the beating.

Her mother eventually found Pagel's body in a ditch southeast of Clintonville and called 911 around 2:30 a.m.

GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - It's not something you see every day. 

A miniature ram was found in Outagamie County after wandering onto someone's property Monday. That person called the sheriff's department thinking it was a stray dog.

When a deputy arrived, he contacted the Fox Valley Humane Association to take care of the so-called "mysterious" ram.

The ram spent just over a day at the Humane Association, where he was fed food and was well taken care of. The shelter says it's well equipped to take care of farm animals.

Officials say the owners came forward to get their ram back.

DODGE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - One person is dead after a crash in Dodge County Tuesday night.

The crash happened on Pond Road near Jefferson Road in the Township of Rubicon.

That's about three miles west of Hartford.

Officials say the car left the road, rolled and ended up on its roof in a farm field.

The man driving was killed. He was the only one inside the car.

The name of the dead man has not yet been released.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Amid heated debate last night, Green Bay City Council approved two of three major development term sheets.

Alderman Joe Moor expressed frustration to WLUK.

“I think it's absolutely insulting that we can't get development done in Green Bay because dinosaurs are killing everything.”

Moore's comments came right after Alderman Guy Zima tried to refer back term sheets to redevelop East Town Mall and the next door former Cub Foods building.

“I think all of us would like to see the mall better utilized and folks come in there, but these people are asking for a lot of money.”

The council voted 7 to 5, declining the East Town Mall term sheet. Under the deal, the city would have kicked in $3 million for a New Jersey developer to turn the mall into a strip mall with larger box stores. The council is asking staff to renegotiate the terms of the deal.

But, on a 10 to 1 vote, the council did approve a term sheet to kick in $800,000 to turn the old Cub Foods on East Mason into three to five small box retail stores.

The council also approved a term sheet to build a multi-use downtown outdoor stadium on the western edge of the Fox River.

An Anduzzi’s restaurant and an indoor concert venue are also a part of the project, which would create a new entertainment district called The Shipyard.

Vern Stenman is President of Big Top Baseball, which owns the Green Bay Bullfrogs.

“I think we actually got some votes at the end of the day that we didn't actually expect to be with us at the start. I think it shows the council's flexibility and open mindedness to try to figure a project out.”

The term sheet approvals are not the final decisions for the projects. Development agreements also still must be reached, which means more heated council exchanges are likely to come.

The term sheet for the stadium project calls for the city to kick in $8 million up front.

The owners of the Green Bay Bullfrogs would pitch in $1 million, but would also repay $4.5 million through a 20-year lease with the city.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay residents could face a tax hike for the first time in 5 years.

Mayor Jim Schmitt says the money would fund pay raises for city workers.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reporting the Mayor brought out his proposed $106 million spending plan for 2017 on Tuesday for the City Council to review.

He says the tax hike is needed to attract and retain employees.

The proposal would increase the tax on a $128 thousand dollar home by $21 a year.

The budget includes $2.4 million for staff.

Pay raises for police make up the biggest increase at $784 thousand. Fire department staff would get a $452 thousand boost.

No comment yet from the City Council, scheduled to vote on the budget November 7th.

Public comment set for October 26th at an open house from 33:30 to 5p.m..

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Fire crews in Appleton say a house fire put five people out of a home Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were called to 229 N. Lawe Street around 5:26 a.m. for a reported house fire. When crews arrived, fire crews reported smoke showing from the home and flames were visible in a basement window.

Firefighters quickly doused the flames upon entering the home, which had been confined to the basement. All levels of the home were filled with smoke. Crews used fans to help remove the smoke from the home.

One adult and four children were sleeping in the home at the time. The family woke up thanks to smoke alarms. Everyone evacuated safely and no one was hurt. Once they were outside of the home, 911 was called.

The cause is still under investigation and there is no damage estimate at this time.