Quantcast
Channel: Local news from wixx.com
Viewing all 18355 articles
Browse latest View live

Brown County Parks Closed for Hunting

0
0

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - During this month's gun deer hunting season, some Brown County park areas will be closing to the general public.

According to the county's Park Department, Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve and the Fort Howard Paper Foundation Wildlife Area will be closed to all people except those who have special county hunting permits from sunrise November 19 through sunset November 27. However, the interpretive center at Barkhausen will remain open.

The county's Reforestation Camp, as well as the equestrian, hiking and biking trails will close as well, since hunting is allowed in parts of the camp. The camp's playground and fishing ponds, however, will remain open.

Lily Lake Park picnic grounds and boat launch remain open, although visitors are reminded that hunting is allowed in some areas of the park.

At the Vande Hei property, only hunters will be allowed access.

Parks officials are reminding those people using the open areas of the parks wear blaze orange or blaze pink during the hunting season. And although hunting is not allowed on the Fox River and Mountain-Bay trails themselves, there are nearby areas open to hunting, so those hiking and biking on the trails are urged to wear blaze orange or blaze pink.


Gun Toting Robber Hits Oshkosh Business

0
0

OSHKOSH (WLUK) - The Oshkosh Police Department continues to investigate an armed robbery.

At around 11 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to the Lang Oil Gas Station on the 800 block of North Main Street where a suspect allegedly showed a gun.

Police said the suspect is described as a white male with grey facial hair, between the ages of 30 and 40, standing between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 175 to 185 pounds.

Officials said the suspect was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and blue tennis shoes.

Anyone with information should call the Oshkosh Police Department at 920-236-5700 or Winnebago CountyWide Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477.

Ashwaubenon Community Center Ready To Open

0
0

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - After two years of construction, Ashwaubenon is preparing for the Grand Opening of their new Performing Arts and Aquatic Center.

Michael Aubinger, Ashwaubenon Village President, spoke to WLUK.

"It's like your dream has come true. of course the facility itself is gorgeous"

Construction of the village's Performing Arts and Aquatic Center began in 2014. After the community approved a nearly $20,000,000 referendum, helping to fund the project.

That referendum included an auditorium, competition pool, warm water activity pool, and community center.

Aubinger says it truly has been a collaborative effort

"We are really grateful to the community, very grateful to the business world. They have really supported us, and really been our partners."

Aubinger says the community also rallied together helping to raise an additional $1,000,000.

That money will be used for upgrades, and other enhancements including a new grand piano.

Brian Hanes is the Ashwaubenon School Superintendent.

"Theater, art, music, and swimming is very alive and well in Ashwaubenon, and will be for many years to come"

Hanes says the center's now 400 capacity, six lane competition pool will also be a major attraction.

"It will also be used for swim club through the recreation department, there will be community birthday parties, and other celebrations in our community room. A lot of different opportunities here"

A Grand Opening for the facility is set for Thursday November 10th at 5 P.M. It is free and open to the public.

Nail in Halloween Candy

0
0

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - Neenah Police say a nail was found in a piece of trick or treat candy on Tuesday.

The candy was found in the area east of Commercial Street, south of Division, and north of Cecil.

The incident is still under investigation but officials say it looks to be an isolated event.

Authorities say parents should always check their children's candy during Halloween season and if you notice anything suspicious, bring it to the Neenah Police Department at 2111 Marathon Avenue.

Pedestrian Hit by Vehicle

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Green Bay say a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle and taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

According to a statement by the department, the incident took place in the 2900 block of West Mason Street. 

Police say W. Mason between Country Club Road and La Count Road is closed while officers investigate the scene. Traffic is being re-routed via the Mason Street frontage road.

No other information has been released and it's unclear when the stretch of W. Mason will reopen.

Wisconsin DOJ to Monitor Polling Places

0
0

MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - The state Department of Justice will once again be sending out election integrity teams to monitor polling places on Election Day.

Attorney General Brad Schimel announced that staff will be in place to watch for issues such as violations of electioneering laws, misconduct by poll watchers, and whether voters are being wrongfully denied the right to vote. They will also provide assistance to local officials, if it’s asked for.

“Voters in Wisconsin must have faith that when they cast their ballot, the integrity of their vote will be protected,” Schimel said. “Our election integrity teams are well prepared to protect the democratic process in our state on Election Day.”

The DOJ plans to send to assistant attorneys general and special agents from the Division of Criminal Investigation to Brown, Dane, Outagamie, Rock, Milwaukee counties. They will also be in the cities of Eau Claire, Kenosha, La Crosse, Racine, Stevens Point, Waukesha, and Wausau.

The state has been providing election monitors since 2004, when the effort was started by former Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager.

Lodge Kohler 'Tops Off' Building

0
0

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The final structural beam was put into place by construction crews on Wednesday, signaling a significant milestone for Lodge Kohler in the Titletown District.

"We appreciate our construction team’s tireless efforts and dedication to get us to this point as we drive toward a grand opening next July," said Christine Loose, Group Director Lodging for Kohler Co. "While we take time to celebrate the progress and placement of the last exterior beam, the real exciting news for our future patrons is that starting today, guests can book a room and reserve their place amongst the first to experience Lodge Kohler."

Crews will now work on installation of the exterior windows and interior construction of the 144-room hotel. 

"It’s been a thrill to get a first look at the progress of Lodge Kohler and the Titletown District today," Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said. "This project will enhance the entire Green Bay experience, grow the local economy and give people more reasons to visit. We look forward to supporting this new development with our own promotional efforts."

In addition to opening room reservations, Kohler Co. also released the first design renderings of the interior of Lodge Kohler. The interior design team worked diligently to create a rugged-yet-refined atmosphere that is approachable to both guests from around the country, and the community.

Guests will be embraced by a neutral color palette set against warm wood tones, bronze accents and painted finishes for a design inspired by Kohler's history of gracious living and craftsmanship,” said Tim Andreas, Director Architecture & Interior Design for Kohler Co.

Beginning Wednesday, guests are welcome to book room reservations for July-December 2017 online or by calling 888-4KOHLER (888-456-4537). Five different room categories are available with mid-week rates starting at $195 (plus tax) and Game Day rates starting at $463 (plus tax).

"This is a great addition to the tourism product here in Greater Green Bay," Brad Toll, president of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, told FOX 11. "Titletown, I think, is going to be a generator of more interest in the community." 

Local View on Police Shootings

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Police Department is grieving the loss of an officer in Wisconsin and others around the country this week.

Last weekend Rusk County Sheriff's Deputy Dan Glaze was gunned down and Wednesday two cops were murdered in Iowa, Urbandale Police Officer Justin Martin and Des Moines Sergeant Anthony Beminio.

Chief Andrew Smith says there's a low-key feeling around the station.

"All of us are wearing our mourning badges now, and to have this double tragedy on top of the tragedy we already had here in our state, is just really devastating for us."

The mourning band is a cloth band that wraps over the badge and is worn when they lose an officer in Wisconsin. They wear it from the time the incident occurs, until nightfall on the day the officer is buried.

Smith explains these kind of ambush attacks are the hardest to plan for and are the one's officers fear the most.

"To have someone jump out from around a corner or somebody walk in front of your police car and suddenly pull out a gun and shoot you, I think it's the thing the hardest to plan for."

The chief says he spoke with his officers Wednesday morning about the surge of violence against law enforcement.

"You know we've seen a huge increase in officers attacked and killed with firearms, in fact it's up 52% so far this year. Last year we lost, by this time, 33 officers to firearms attacks, this year it's up to 50."

Smith says officers are always vigilant, and during times like this, they have the option to have two officers to a car.


WATCH: Trump Sign Vandalized Again

0
0

(***WARNING: The video includes some obscene language.)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay homeowner has caught someone vandalizing his Donald Trump campaign sign again.

Police first alerted the public to the vandalism at a home in the 900 block of Chicago Street last week. The homeowner had set up a surveillance camera, lights and sprinklers in response to repeated vandalism of the sign.

Then on Tuesday, another video was posted to YouTube showing more vandalism.

Overall, police say they have not seen an increase in campaign sign vandalism in Green Bay.

If you have any information on campaign sign damage, you're asked to call Green Bay police at (920) 448-3200. Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 432-7867, by text message with the keyword GBTIP to 274637 or online.

Warm Temps Continue

0
0

UNDATED (WTAQ) - It's hard to believe its November in Northeast Wisconsin when you can step outside without a jacket.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jeff Last says temperatures are about 20 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year.

"Typically we see 40's and 50's for high temperatures and we hit 70 Tuesday and again even today the cooler readings in the mid 50's, we're still running a bit above the average temperature for this time of year."

Last says this warm up will continue for at least another week.

However, the winter months will be looking much different.

"We're expecting temperatures probably colder than last winter and perhaps even colder than normal with precipitation probably a bit snowier than what we had last winter," said Last.

But for now, we can enjoy the above average temperatures and won't complain one bit.

Fallen Volunteer Firefighter Honored

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Town of Oneida volunteer firefighter who died in the line of duty this week has been honored by area brethren.

Green Bay Metro Fire Fighters gave a "final salute" to John C. Brocker, who died while responding to a fatal crash earlier this week.

In a posting on Facebook, "The Green Bay Metro Fire Fighters want to offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Fire Fighter John Brocker and to our Brothers and Sisters at the Town of Oneida Fire Department. Our members were honored to give Brother Brocker a final salute as he was escorted through the city to his hometown. "Rest Easy Brother, We Will Take It From Here"..."

While on scene Monday night, the 65-year-old Brocker was in the process of setting up a landing zone for an inbound medical helicopter when he complained of chest pain. Fire officials say he was treat on scene and then taken to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay where he was pronounced dead.

The U.S. Fire Administration online listed Brocker's nature of death was a heart attack.

According to a release by the Town of Oneida Fire Department, Brocker was a 14-year veteran, having served both as a firefighter and fire inspector. 

"He was known to be extremely dedicated to the fire service, and his presence on emergency calls, particularly as an apparatus operator, will be greatly missed by his fellow volunteers," the statement reads. "Additionally, John was an employee of the Oneida Nation for 22 years, most recently serving as the Supervisor of Buildings and Maintenance at the Turtle School."

A visitation will held on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home in Seymour. An additional visitation will take place Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour, with the funeral services starting at 11 a.m. 

Uniformed public safety personnel are encouraged to attend as a showing of support for Brocker, his family and the Town of Oneida Fire Department.

Most Absentee Voters Not Wanting Redo

0
0

UNDATED (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Elections Commission reports that more than a half-million people have cast early absentee ballots in the 2016 election.

During his campaign appearance in Eau Claire on Tuesday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump urged those early voters who chose his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, over him to reconsider. In Wisconsin, you can "spoil" your ballot up to three times by Friday.

So have clerks across northeast Wisconsin seen voters seeking a legal "do-over"? Not too much.

"One person by mail asked that I mail out another ballot because they changed their mind," says Annette DuPrey, Deputy Clerk in the Village of Howard.

DuPrey says as of mid-day Wednesday, 1,713 in-person, absentee ballots have been cast. Did DuPrey mind if Trump touted the idea of recasting an already filled out, sealed and delivered ballot?

"I don't have a problem with it," DuPrey says. "The state of Wisconsin allows you 3 times, so even in a primary, you tell a person they have to vote with the same party and you can't jump around. And they don't believe you, so they mark all over different parties and they get their ballot, go put it in the machine, it kicks out, they get another ballot. They still screw it up, they get one more try and then they're done. So they get three tries, so it doesn't matter to me. That's the law and that's the way it is."

That 1,713 number is about what their office expected, DuPrey adds. The same can be said for the city of Appleton, which has had 6,350 absentee ballots cast through mid-day Wednesday. 

"For the last presidential election in 2012, there was 6,565 total," says Appleton City Clerk Kami Lynch. "We still have a few days left and I thought we would exceed probably by about 1,000 that number."

But the city of De Pere is a different animal. According to the clerk's office, as of end of the day Tuesday, 4,047 absentee ballots had been cast.

"Honestly I thought it was a little bit lower," De Pere City Clerk-Treasurer Shana Ledvina says about her expectations for voters getting it done early. "Last presidential election, we had a total of about 5,500 absentee ballots for both in-person and by mail. I anticipated having more people voting absentee this election than last election, so I'm kind of having a hard-time figuring that out."

Ledvina explains that part of the reason she believed De Pere would get more in-person, early absentee voters was the expansion of time to do so. They went with six weeks of availability, rather than just two.

"And I just thought with those four weeks that we would just see an overall increase in absentee voting just because we had it open for so much longer," says Ledvina. "But that just hasn't been the case."

ELECTION DAY EXPECTATIONS

The state of Wisconsin has not released their projection of voter turnout coming up on Tuesday. But no matter what that number is, Lynch says the city of Appleton always comes in above the bar.

"I would say somewhere around 90 percent, that's based off the last one, that probably is a safe estimate," says Lynch.

In Howard, about 85 percent of voters are believed to be ready to line up at the polls in the village.

"We're guessing up to 7,000 voters," DuPrey says. "With our growth, that's right on."

St. Norbert College, which is in De Pere, makes estimating turnout on Election Day a nightmare for the clerk's office.

"A lot of those college students stay on the books for four years, even though they've moved away and are living out of state, sometimes their registration doesn't get pulled until they re-registered somewhere else," explains Ledvina. "So I always feel like our turnout is always skewed because of that."

Ledvina did say that 75 to 80 percent turnout is a reasonable guess, although just to be on the safe side she ordered enough ballots for 100 percent turnout. That's because, in this election, you just never know.

Overnight Fatal On Brown County Highway

0
0

TOWN OF HOLLAND, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County Sheriff's deputies continue to investigate a fatal crash.

Deputies called just after 11:30 last night to the scene on County Hwy PP in the Town of Holland.  

The vehicle was driven by a 22 year old Town of Holland man who was northbound on County PP when he left the roadway.  

The vehicle struck a culvert and rolled ejecting the driver.  He was was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The cause of the crash or other factors remain under investigation by the Brown County Reconstruction unit.  

County Hwy PP was closed in that stretch for about 3.5 hours.  

Name being withheld pending family notifications.

Solberg Arrested on Extradition Order

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The suspect at the center of both a state and federal investigation in connection with used car dealerships in northeast Wisconsin has been arrested.

34-year-old John M. Solberg was arrested by the Brown County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday on an extradition order from Michigan authorities. 

According to the fugitive complaint, Solberg is accused of a felony charge of check-non-sufficient funds of $500 or more in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. A magistrate in the city of Manistique issued a warrant which, "recites on its face that the defendant, John Michael Solberg, is now a fugitive from justice in the State of Michigan."

Solberg posted his $2,000 cash bond on Wednesday and was released from the Brown County Jail. He returns to Brown County court for an extradition hearing on November 21.

WTAQ spoke with a court official in Schoolcraft County who confirmed that a felony warrant is out for Solberg and that he has a notice to appear on Wednesday, November 9 at 9:30 a.m. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison or by a fine of not more than $500, or both.

Online court records show that special prosecutor Jacob Evans appeared on behalf of the state during Solberg's initial appearance. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's website says under "Special Prosecutions" that:

"At the request of district attorneys, unit members investigate and act as special prosecutors throughout Wisconsin in homicide, white-collar crime, public corruption, election fraud, multi-jurisdictional criminal cases, and other cases where the district attorney needs assistance or is unable to act."

Solberg is currently a defendant in several civil lawsuits in Wisconsin, along with a Wisconsin Department of Transportation suit and the apparent target of a FBI investigation. This all stems from his connection to the shuttered used car dealerships Standard Pre-Owned in Suamico and Standard Pre-Owned #1 in Kaukauna.

One of those civil lawsuits appears headed for circuit court in Outagamie County, coming out of their last court appearance October 24.

Solberg has continually maintained his innocence in each of these cases, claiming he's being framed by others involved with the dealerships.

Suspect Wanted for Disturbance

0
0

KIMBERLY, WI (WTAQ) - Police in the Fox Valley are looking for a man in connection with a domestic disturbance last week.

According to Fox Valley Metro police, 24-year-old Anthony R. Gilbert has a warrant for his arrest. Gilbert is known to have violent tendencies and anyone who sees him should not confront him.

The incident took place at a Kimberly home on October 28.

Anyone who knows where he is asked to call police at (920) 788-7505. Anonymous tips may be left with Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 788-9090 or by email at tips@stopcrimenow.org.


"Wrecked at the Weidner"

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Area Green Bay high school students spent part of their Thursday learning about the consequences of being distracted while behind the wheel.

The 90-minute reality based production called "Wrecked at the Weidner," took place on the UWGB campus.

One of the speakers was Green Bay police officer Mike Knetzger. He hopes this event will help teens understand the life-long effects of the decisions they make today.

"The emphasis of course is on prevention but it's a staged reenactment of ultimately what can happen when you are driving distracted."

Knetzger also shared the very personal story of losing his daughter, Ashley, to a drunk driver in 2008.

"I do everything I can to always share that impact with the audience, because it's one thing to see a reproduction, it's another thing to live it and I try to bring that real-life experience to the table."

Wesley Radloff is a student at Green Bay West and attended the event. He says it brought back some painful memories but was a great reminder of what he already doesn't do while driving.

"My uncle went on a vacation once in New York and was killed by a drunk driver. I kind of blame myself because he got the idea of going on vacation to some other city from me," said Radloff. "The choices you make behind the wheel will not only change your life but the people in the car with you and other people around."

Professionals from the Green Bay Police Department, fire and rescue, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, and the court system were involved in the program.

"Wrecked at the Weidner," which is in it's first year, was fully sponsored by Hospital Sisters Health System- St. Vincent and St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center. 

Armed Robbery Leads to School Lockdowns

0
0

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - As police searched for an armed robbery suspect Thursday, five Appleton schools went into lockdown briefly.

According to the Appleton Area School District, police told school leaders about an armed robbery that happened in the 1200 block of N. Badger Avenue around 10:40 a.m. 

The schools in that neighborhood, West High, Wilson Middle, Highlands and Lincoln elementary schools and Creative Child 4K were put on lockdown for about 30 minutes.

Officials say the lockdowns have been lifted and classes are continuing as normal.

Appleton police say the suspect was eventually tracked to a used car dealership on S. Commercial Street in Neenah. 40-year-old Chad Goland was taken into custody on a count of armed robbery, but has yet to be formally charged.

7 Suspects Arrested in Burglary Spree

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Seven people have been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries throughout Green Bay.

Green Bay police announced the arrests on Thursday of the seven suspect. Four of them have been formally charged.

27-year-old Kristy King of Green Bay, 32-year-old Ka W. Lee of Sheboygan, 26-year-old Paul P. Vang of Green Bay and 25-year-old Jordan T. Yang of Green Bay are facing charges of burglary and theft. The other three suspects arrested have been identified as 24-year-old John P. Culligan of Green Bay, 28-year-old Arlena A. Peterson of Green Bay and 26-year-old Thomas Hacker of Green Bay.

Investigators say the arrests cleared 7 burglaries and 4 auto theft cases within Green Bay along with 8 auto thefts in Ashwaubenon.

A pattern of burglaries on both the east and west sides of Green Bay were identified, investigators say, and through evidence collected from each crime the suspects were located and arrested.

Green Bay police last month arrested 50-year-old Joseph J. Thyrion of Green Bay also for a number of burglaries. However, police say that after Thyrion's arrest these crimes continued.

According to police, Thyrion and the other seven suspects were not working together.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes is asked to contact the Green Bay Police Department at (920) 448-3200 or crime stoppers at (920) 432-STOP.

More Suspicious Candy Reported

0
0

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - After a Neenah mom posted a photo on Facebook showing a nail inside a Tootsie Roll that her daughter got while trick-or-treating, police sought reports about other suspicious looking candy.

"Based on that one we heard from a couple of other people and ended up taking two additional pieces of candy for evidence," says Kevin Wilkinson, Neenah Police Chief. "They looked like they possibly had a contaminant, or substance, not a nail placed into them."

As the investigation continues, Wilkinson says they didn't perform too deep of a search of the tainted treats in order to preserve any possible evidence.

"Because we'd be potentially compromising any DNA evidence," Wilkinson says. "We're going to be sending those to the (state) Crime Lab and have them analyze exactly what, if any, form of foreign substance might be there and then is there DNA to show a possible perpetrator that may have tampered with it."

The initial Tootsie Roll incident, police say, took place in an area between Laudan and Division, east of Commercial Street. These new complaints didn't come with any specific location, making it difficult for investigators.

"It's always hard when you don't have a defined area where the crime may have occurred and certainly DNA may be our salvation in that," Wilkinson explains. "When you think about, it's not just the area where the person trick-or-treated, it's was candy combined with somebody else's and after the candy was in the home, and did anybody have access to it? There's a lot of little avenues that you have to explore."

Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to call Neenah police at (920) 886-6000. Anonymous tips about the candy can be sent to Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 231-8477 or online.

No Top Cop In Hortonville

0
0

HORTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The people of Hortonville are still asking why their police-chief was put on leave.

Chief Michael Sullivan was put on paid leave about two weeks ago, but village leaders refuse to say why. Sullivan has been the village's police chief for 14 years.

Dozens of people filled the Hortonville Village Board room Thursday, They were there to show solidarity with Sullivan.

He spoke to WLUK.

"I appreciate everybody coming out and supporting me. I mean, the way I've been treated is just completely unfair"

The issue was not on the regular agenda, and the village administrator and board members did not discuss the issue in public. They did discuss it in a closed session, private meeting earlier in the evening.

In public the board would only say the matter is up to the police and fire commission, whose members were not present Thursday.

During the meeting, however, several Hortonville firefighters were among those who showed their support for Sullivan. Nick Knuth spoke for the firefighters.

"Getting the community behind him, in support of him, because we know he's a good, stand up guy"

But the confusion is frightening for community members like Bill Hauser.

"Who's minding the store then? He is the chief. His responsibility is to keep his personnel in the know and on the go. Those people keep our community safe"

Sullivan says there's no time table that he's aware of for when a decision could be made.

Community members and the fire department handed-in a petition to have the police chief re-instated. It had just over 100 signatures in about a day.

Viewing all 18355 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images