APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A Little Chute man will spend more than 20 years in prison after being convicted of attempted homicide.

Zohn Yang was found guilty of all 8 charges against him during a September trial. 

Fox Valley Metro police were called to a home on Elm Drive in Little Chute in April 2015. During an argument, Yang got behind the wheel of a minivan and drove into his wife, Pachia Lor.

Lor had to have one of her legs amputated. 

In an interview with FOX 11 last year, Lor encouraged domestic abuse victims to seek help

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A Green Bay resident filed a verified petition Thursday afternoon to have Mayor Jim Schmitt removed from office.

Scott Vanidestine filed the petition with the city clerk. Vanidestine is the President of the Wilder Park Neighborhood Association on Green Bay's east side. he spoke to WLUK.

“I just think what he's done, something has got to be done about it” In the verified removal petition, Vanidestine lists Schmitt's three recent campaign finance violation convictions as reasons Schmitt should lose his job. Vanidestine also believes state law is on his side.

“I talked with numerous different lawyers. They helped me kind of put it together, draft it.”

Chapter 17 of Wisconsin State Statutes is listed in the petition. The law reads city officers can be removed by the common council, for cause. Even then, three-fourths of the members would have to vote yes to make it happen.

According to Schmitt's defense attorney, Patrick Knight, the key word in the statute is cause. Under Chapter 17, cause is defined as inefficiency, neglect of duty, official misconduct, or malfeasance in office.

“None of this involved anything related to the performance of mayoral duties. That's never been a consideration because quite frankly it can't happen.”

“The mayor's position is a 24-hour position,” said Vanidestine. “At what point do you say I'm not the mayor and I'm only a candidate?”

The petition also lists Article 13 Section 3 of the Wisconsin Constitution. That provision prohibits anyone from holding public office if they've been convicted of a misdemeanor involving a violation of the public's trust.

But the legislature has yet to define a violation of public trust.

Vanidestine also says under Wisconsin State Statute the criminal conviction should have disqualified Schmitt from being able to be mayor.

Wisconsin State Statute 12.60 2 (a), the statute Vanidestine points to in the petition reads 'if a successful candidate for public office, other than a candidate for the legislature or a candidate for national office, is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub, (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgement enter a supplemental judgement declaring a forfeiture of the candidate's right to office.

Lying to an election official is one of the criminal acts listed, which Schmitt was found guilty of on Monday.

TOWN OF NEENAH, WI (WTAQ ) - Crews were called to the scene of a gas leak in the Town of Neenah Friday morning.

Officials say construction workers hit a natural gas line on Oakridge Road around 8:30 a.m.

There are media reports that We Engeries has already repaired the leak.

UNDATED (WTAQ) - This weekend's big winter storm means that Wisconsinites need to be prepared in case they have plans to drive someplace.

"I would really recommend that unless it's absolutely necessary to travel, the safest thing to do is to simply stay home," says Nick Jarmusz, Wisconsin Public Affairs Director for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Stay off the roads and keep out of danger."

Jarmusz says if you do have to get behind the wheel during a severe winter storm event, here are some tips to follow:

• When you see flashers, move over a lane if possible and slow down as you’re passing emergency vehicles. This law applies to any vehicle – including tow trucks – that displays flashing lights and is stationary on the side of the road.

• Before starting out in snowy weather, remove the snow from the entire car so it doesn’t blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Make sure your mirrors, lights, brake lights and turn signals are clean.

• To increase your visibility, drive with your low-beam headlights illuminated at all times. 

• All passengers should be safely secured with their safety belts fastened.  Any items that may become dangerous flying projectiles during a crash should be stored in the trunk.

• Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even when the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.

• Always reduce your speed and increase your following distance when poor road or weather conditions prevail.

• Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra seconds to react.

• When changing lanes, avoid cutting in front of trucks, which need more time and distance than passenger vehicles to stop.  Hard braking may cause a vehicle to skid.

• Never use cruise control if the roads are wet, slick or snow packed.

• Remember that four-wheel drive helps you to get going quicker, but it won't help you stop any faster.

• If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal when stopping.  You may feel or hear a thumping sound when the system is engaged.

Drivers can avoid the causes of some roadside breakdowns by keeping their vehicles properly maintained.  AAA advises motorists to follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for the rigors of winter driving.Here are a few things to add to your list before heading out:

• Emergency Kit - AAA encourages motorists to update their emergency roadside kit for winter to include a mobile phone and car charger; blankets; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; a small shovel; a sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats; windshield scraper and brush; battery booster cables; and emergency flares or reflectors.

• Antifreeze - Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing.

• Windshield wipers and washer fluid - Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking. Where appropriate, consider the use of special winter blades that offer improved performance in snow and ice conditions. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter detergent fluid to prevent freeze up.

• Tires - Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure found on the driver’s door jamb—not the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work, and when the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems.

• Battery - Check for a secure fit and clean away any corrosion on the battery and its cable connections. If the battery is out of warranty, it’s advisable to have it tested before cold weather hits. Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor.

• Gas Lines - Keep the fuel tank at least half-full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.

• Belts and hoses: Replace accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.

Throughout the winter season across the United States, AAA expects to service nearly 7.8 million calls for help. More than 1.4 million requests for help with a dead battery are expected, AAA also expects to retrieve more than 1 million sets of keys locked inside vehicles, change more than 1 million flat tires and perform more than 338,000 vehicle extrications during the winter season.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The first major winter storm is about to hit Wisconsin this weekend.

Forecasters expect a storm system to move in from the southwest and bring accumulating snow Saturday night into Sunday. There are also indications that a second system may dump additional snow behind the first wave Sunday into Monday.

These are quick moving storms that may shift north or south, impacting snow amounts.

Right now, it appears like accumulations by Monday morning will be between 3 and 5 inches in Green Bay and the Fox Cities with higher amounts to the south.

The National Weather Service this first system could dump 5 to 9 inches of snow in central and southern Wisconsin.

Winds at 10 to 15 mph will create some blowing and drifting snow.

Locations in Iron and Vilas counties had up to a foot of snow Wednesday night through Thursday evening. Communities further from Lake Superior got much less — about two inches in Eagle River and Rhinelander.

(Additional reporting from Wisconsin Radio Network)

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The city of Appleton is once again collecting submissions for its Sidewalk Poetry Program.

The program stamps original works by city residents and schoolchildren into squares of concrete. They're then placed into sections of sidewalk that were already scheduled for replacement.

• You can check out where to see previous sidewalk poems here

It's open to anyone who lives in Appleton or attends an Appleton Area School District school.

A poem may be previously published, but it must be an original work of the person submitting. The subject matter must be appropriate for the general public, must be in English, and fit within a maximum of 10 lines, 35 characters per line and 225 characters overall, including spaces.

To submit a poem, email it by Feb. 17, 2017, to paula.vandehey@appleton.org. The final selections will be announced in March.

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - The next president at St. Norbert College will be introduced publicly next week.

Last year, current president Thomas Kunkel announced plans to retire next May.

School officials will hold a news conference Monday morning to announce their 8th president.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Appleton say they've arrested two women and are on the lookout for a third suspect in connection with an attempted extortion.

Officials say someone left a note on the door of a business owner's home in the 3600 block of N. Racine Street around 1 a.m. Friday.

The note demanded $7,000 be placed behind a building on W. Whitter Drive as payment for an alleged wrong connected to a business the man owns.

Instead, the man called police. Officers then placed a bag at the drop location and waited.

When several people picked up the bag, they were taken into custody for questioning.

Police say two women, ages 21 and 24, remain in custody. Another suspect involved in this incident is still being sought.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A $100,000 cash bond was set for a man who allegedly crashed his vehicle into another on Interstate 43, killing a man, and leaving the scene.

32-year-old Juan Zuniga, appeared by video in court Friday on charges of hit and run causing death. He is suspected in the Wednesday death of Michael R. DeGrave.

Zuniga was arrested on Wednesday night after police say he hit the vehicle DeGrave was driving and left the scene. Investigators say DeGrave died from injuries suffered in that crash.

The crash happened just before 5:30 a.m. DeGrave's body was found in his vehicle six hours later.

Police said an imprint of a license plate number on DeGrave's vehicle connected the crash to Zuniga's vehicle.

According to court documents Zuniga's friend called police telling them he had information on the crash. He claims Zuniga told him he ran from the scene because he didn't have insurance.

Prosecutors say Zuniga could face more serious charges as the investigation continues, like first degree reckless homicide.

He is due back in court Dec. 20.

BRILLION, WI (WTAQ) - Police need your help finding out information about a man who robbed a Brillion gas station on Friday.

The man walked into the Brillion Weber's gas station at 9:15 p.m. armed with a screwdriver demanding cash from the clerk and left the store.

He's described as an African-American, in his late teens or early 20s, about 5'9" and last seen wearing a red flannel shirt, black hood and dark-colored pants.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Brillion Police Department at (920) 756-2211 or text your tip to CRIMES (274637) and include the keyword "Calumet" in the body of your message or call Calumet County Crime Stoppers at 877-765-8327.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - As frigid winter temperatures move in across Northeast Wisconsin, what happens to those without a home or warm place to stay?

The New Community Shelter, located at 301 Mather Street, is a place where those in need may find solace.

Development Director Kris Olson says they accept people 18 years of age and older. It's also a sober living facility and they do background checks to make sure all residents are safe.

"We have great case management here and a lot of different educational programing to really help a person help themselves get back on their feet."

Unlike other shelters, this one is open 24 hours and day, 365 days a year.

"You know a lot of times when folks are coming to us at the shelter, they're lucky if they have a suitcase or a backpack. A lot of times it's a garbage bags with their belongings in it. We don't charge anything for staying here," said Olson.

The New Community Shelter also offers hot meals, not only for those staying at the facility but the public too.

"The meal program that we have, we serve dinner 365 days a year, lunch every weekend and all holidays and that is open up to anyone."

Olsen says people are welcome to stay at the shelter as long as they're moving forward with their goals.

Find more information at www.newcommunityshelter.org.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police say 3 children have been found safe and sound after going missing on Sunday.

Officials say the kids were playing in Joannes Park and decided walk to the west side of the city but it got dark and temperatures dropped quickly.

The kids found shelter at an area laundromat to get warm and then stayed at a friend's house.

"The friend's parent tried to get a hold of the mother but did not have any luck and when she woke up at approximately 7 a.m. and saw that the kids were missing, she put two and two together and then called the police department," said Captain Kevin Warych.

Warych says officers worked throughout the night looking for the children.

****

Green Bay Police are searching for three missing children. The two girls and a boy were last seen at Joannes Park on Sunday afternoon.

11-year-old Amarria Alexander is about 5' 1" and 155 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a gray jacket, black leggings and black boots.

10-year-old Arshawne Alexander is 4' 9" and 70 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a mohawk haircut., and was last seen wearing camouflaged jogging pants.

6-year-old Tremaih Williams is 3' 11" and 50 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing jeans, a purple jacket and had barrettes and bows in her hair.

The children were last seen playing together at Joannes Park at 205 S Baird Street, Green Bay at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Amarria, Arshawne or Tremiah please call 911 or contact the police.

HOWARD, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Brown County dispatched 44 snow plows to tackle Sunday's winter storm, to ensure road conditions remained safe.

Brown County Public Works Director Paul Fontecchio spoke with WLUK.

"We've got really great crews because they've been out all night, and day dedicated to keeping the roads clean"

Fontecchio says Saturday night crews focused on keeping main state highways opened up.

And that during the early morning hours Sunday, when the snow fall picked up, additional crews were brought in.

He says for the first heavy snow fall conditions remained favorable in helping to melt the snow.

"The ground temperature is around 30 degrees, so the snow is melting off the roads pretty quick, we didn't have the high winds, and the really cold weather is holding off for another day or two to help us get the roads nice and dry" Fontecchio says compared to past years, this storm was a nice ease into the season.

"There was probably 4,5,6 inches of snow but it wasn't too bad, could of been a lot worse."

For the rest out shoveling, and snow blowing, many found the snow wasn't too much of a chore this first time around.

Fontecchio says plowing snow will get much tougher in the days to come as temperatures remain below freezing.

He says salting the roads will take a lot longer, and drivers will need to take extra caution.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police investigating an armed robbery.

Just before midnight Sunday officers were dispatched to the U Pump Citgo, 1233 Velp Ave, for an armed robbery.

The suspect showed a handgun and took off with some cash. The suspect left on foot southbound from the gas station..

A perimeter was set up and a GBPD K9 did a track. The K9 tracked the suspect to the intersection of Marshall Ave and Thomas St.

It appears the suspect got into a vehicle and left east on Thomas St.

Evidence was collected and the investigation is continuing.

Suspect information is a white male, 18-22 years old, approximately 5'08", 130-140 lbs, wearing black zip up hoodie and green back pack.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - One other thing to keep in mind as you shovel the snow this winter, take a look around your house and make sure the heating, hot water, and dryer vents aren't blocked with snow or ice.

"Carbon monoxide could vent, or seep, into the home and cause carbon monoxide issues, which can be fatal"

Lisa Prunty is with Wisconsin Public Service.

"You should really take a look around your house and take a broom and clear all those vents that could possibly get blocked and cause those issues"

And she says ice buildup can cause the same problems as the snow.

"The newer homes have the energy efficiency furnaces that vent outside. Those definitely need to be cleaned out, everytime it snows"

Prunty says other advice includes the purchase a Carbon Monoxide alarm for your home.

Do not use any heating source other than your furnace.

Never run a generator in the home, garage or other enclosed spaces.

If you do use a generator follow the factory installation instructions and read all safety information.

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - St. Norbert College introduced the school's eighth president on Monday.

Current executive vice president and chief operating officer at Minnesota's St. Catherine University Brian Bruess.

"Through this process, Dr. Bruess reflected the skill, the passion, the vision, and most important the values, to be the right leader to continue the success of President Kunkel," says Jay Williams, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. 

"It's a tremendous privilege to be invited to lead and serve the very institution that's had the most profound effect on not only Carol and me, but on our entire family," Bruess, a 1990 St. Norbert College graduate, said. "The only institution in the world built on the powerful, tripartite mission of Norbertine, Catholic and liberal arts."

Bruess, who received his Bachelor of Arts degrees in sociology and psychology, is just the second St. Norbert graduate to hold the position of president. Back in 1926, the Rev. Dennis Burke was the first.

Bruess promises to continue making the curriculum vibrant and modern, yet affordable for the best and brightest. He also vowed to stay the course on community partnerships. 

Nearly two years ago, Kunkel announced that he would retire at the end of May 2017.

MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - A member of Wisconsin’s newly formed Ethics Commission has resigned, just a few months into his term.

In a statement released Monday, Robert Kinney detailed the reasons behind his decision, which include concerns about the secrecy and transparency that the agency is designed to operate under.

“There exists among several of the commissioners an observable lack of commitment to the underlying purposes of the agency,” he wrote.

The Ethics Commission was formed when lawmakers dissolved the state Government Accountability Board, splitting it into separate panels that will oversee ethics and election issues. Each commission is overseen by a partisan-appointed panel, rather than the retired judges who made decision for the GAB.

Kinney, a Democrat, was appointed by Governor Scott Walker.

Kinney, who served as a circuit judge in Oneida County and currently serves as a reserve judge, also cited concerns about obstacles for staff that are being erected by commission members.

“Staff are confronted with overbearing nit-picking at virtually every meeting. Over time (if it hasn’t already happened) this disrespectful treatment will erode staff morale and we will lose these talented people. Perhaps that is the goal,” he wrote.

Kinney said the commission is one that should strive to conduct thorough and timely investigations of allegations of campaign finance, ethics, and lobbying law violations.

“Sadly, it appears we have created a system which almost guarantees that this will not occur,” he said.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Health officials in Brown County say that a house previously condemned due to high levels of mercury has been declared safe.

In a release by the Brown County Health Department, officials say a contractor hired by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cleaned the house. Follow-up testing revealed that it is now safe for people.

Last week, the house in the 1000 block of Shawano Avenue was deemed unsafe after a girl who lives there brought a vial of mercury to Lincoln Elementary School. That forced an evacuation of students and staff outside, then into the school's gym for several hours Tuesday so they could be tested for mercury contamination.

Lincoln Elementary School was closed on Wednesday for cleaning, but reopened on Thursday.

The girl's mom told FOX 11 the child thought the mercury was an arts and crafts supply. She says her children found one vial of mercury at another older home she was cleaning in the city.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Oshkosh are looking to question a man in connection with a hit-and-run crash involving a squad vehicle at a McDonald's.

According to police, 25-year-old Joshua P.A. Saffold is being sought for the incident in the parking lot of the restaurant in the 1800 block of Jackson Street on December 2. Officials had previously released photos of the damaged squad vehicle.

A warrant has also been issued by the Appleton Police Department for Saffold in connection with stealing the car believed to have been used in the hit-and-run.

Saffold is described as 6'3", 200 pounds, with brown hair in dreadlocks and green eyes.

Anyone who knows where Saffold is, is asked to call Oshkosh police at (920) 236-5700 or Appleton police at (920) 832-5500. Anonymous tips may be left with Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 231-8477, by sending a text message with the keyword IGOTYA to 274637 or online.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Two people who skipped out on their bar tab in Oshkosh are now being sought by police.

According to Oshkosh police, the incident happened Sunday at The Bar, 825 N. Washburn Street.

The man and woman had food and drinks, but left without paying.

Officials have released surveillance images of the pair. The woman, investigators say, had a tattoo on her right hand.

Anyone with information is asked to call Oshkosh police at (920) 236-5700. Anonymous tips may be left with Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 231-8477, by texting IGOTYA and the tip to 274637 or online.