GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay is praising the community for helping them reach their Christmas Campaign goal and beyond.

Spokesperson Kathryn Kroll says they never lost faith they'd reach the $1 million dollar amount.

"The final total for the campaign was $1,118,840.69."

Those donations will be used for to provide social services to those in need in the area throughout 2017.

"A lot of this money gets spent year round on those basic needs that we consider food, clothing, and shelter as well as our various family and senior programing," said Kroll.

Kroll says they'd like to thank everyone in the community who stepped up to help to the challenge.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Washington State man, who came to Lambeau Field to fulfill a lifelong wish, has died.

Josh McCall was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy after birth.

His family confirmed to KOMO news in Seattle that he died Thursday.

McCall was a huge fan of both the Packers and the Seahawks.

He attended the Packers-Seahawks game at Lambeau Field on Dec. 11.

While in Green Bay, McCall and his parents got to meet several Packer alumni and even had sideline passes, allowing them to get close to the field to watch warm-ups.

McCall was 30 years old.

OSHKOSH, FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Police and firefighters have strong warnings for drivers during this deep freeze.

Since December 28th, thieves have stolen five cars throughout Oshkosh.

"And in each instance the owner left the keys in the vehicle," Oshkosh Police Officer Joe Nichols tells WLUK the drivers left cars running to warm them up during this deep freeze.

While tempting, he told us that is a big mistake.

"It's just inviting. Whether they have to get across town, or whatever, they're doing, staying warm, they're stealing these vehicles and they're leaving the owners in a lurch" In each instance the car has been found, although one was damaged in a crash. The thieves have not been caught.

Nichols says dealing with a cold car is better than having no car.

"Lock your cars, take valuables out of your cars and don't leave your cars running unattended"

And firefighters are saying for you own, personal safety you should not turn your car on until it is out of your garage.

"When you leave them in there, you get the right amount of air moving the wrong way, of course, then the CO is in the house," explained Fond du Lac Fire Division Chief Troy Haase.

CO, meaning carbon monoxide, the deadly, invisible, odorless gas.

"We've had a couple calls lately where we had people running their vehicles. We get there for the alarm going off" He explained it's not just cars that cause CO. Space heaters and malfunctioning furnaces are common culprits.

Oshkosh's Fire Department also has a warning for drivers at the gas pump. They say you should stay with the pump the entire time and never leave your car running.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A 17-year-old Denmark High School student has been charged with ten counts of possessing child pornography.

Ten days short of his 18th birthday, Brandon Zittlow was taken to jail, accused of trading child porn on his cell phone.

Beau Liegeois is an assistant district attorney for Brown County.

“The allegations are the defendant was not only viewing child pornography, but also was distributing it to others”

According to a criminal complaint, the Brown County Sheriff's Department was warned last month of suspicious video uploads to a Dropbox account linked to Zittlow's email. Dropbox is an online file-sharing service.

On Wednesday, sheriff's deputies pulled Zittlow out of class at Denmark High School to question him.

The complaint shows Zittlow admitted to using an online messaging application and Dropbox to trade child porn images and videos.

Zittlow told investigators 'he last chatted in November and that the youngest age that he's seen of child porgnography was 10 years old.'

When questioned why he looks at child porn, Zittlow told investigators 'he has an obsession with it.'

Zittlow also said 'he no longer views child pornography because he has a girlfriend and that he feels guilty.'

The complaint also shows after being told he was likely going to jail, Zittlow said, “I didn't think it was illegal for me to have possession of it since I thought when you were 18 it was illegal is what I got from it but the possession of it from when I was younger under the age of 18 I thought it was legal.”

Investigators say a search of Zittlow's cell phone found 10 child porn videos. Half of them were of girls under the age of 12.

In court, Liegeois recommended Zittlow be issued a $15,000 cash bond.

“We normally ask for a $25,000 cash bond on these types of cases”

The state says it considered Zittlow's age and clean record in the lower bond request.

William Fitzgerald, Zittlow's public defender, asked for an even lower cash bond of $5,000, which the court commissioner agreed to.

A condition of Zittlow's bond is he cannot use any device that can access the internet.

ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - Thursday was the kickoff for the sixth annual Blanketing Brown County Drive.

It collects new and gently used blankets for distribution to shelters and agencies.

Its goal is to keep low-income families warm this winter.

Last year's drive collected more than 2,300 blankets.

More than 30 Brown County programs benefit from the drive, including Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin.

Tana Koss is with the program.

"These blankets are going to go to families and children and individuals that we're providing support to that are living in their cars or even outside. They are going to provide vital warmth in the winter"

There are collection sites throughout the county, including at fire stations, Shopko stores and Brown County Library branches. Blankets will be accepted until Jan. 31.

Appleton Police Retrieve Weapons in Student Disturbance

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton police responded to a call of a gun being displayed during an altercation involving area high school students on Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities were called to the 1500 block of Schneider Place around 4 p.m. where students from Appleton were planning on fighting students from Menasha.

A 16-year-old student from Menasha revealed a Taser and later obtained a pellet gun. He walked down the street pointing the weapon at people.

The incident ended before officers arrived at the scene.

No one was injured.

Four students are being referred to Juvenile Intake and four others are receiving Disorderly Conduct citations.

BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - Sheriff's officials have released surveillance images from a December shoplifting incident.

A woman is suspected of stealing from Fleet Farm, 2460 Main St. in Bellevue, around 3 p.m. Dec. 6. Authorities did not say what she allegedly took.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Brown County Sheriff's Office at (920) 448-4230.

Anonymous tips may be left with Crime Stoppers by phone at (920) 432-7867 or text message with the keyword GBTIP to 274637. 

UNDATED, (WTAQ) - New protections are in the works for those on the front lines in Wisconsin.

State Representative David Steffen proposed his Blue Lives Matter legislation Thursday.

If signed by the governor, the bill would elevate crimes against the badge.

"So if an assault happens against a police officer, specifically because he's a police officer, a judge and district attorney will have the opportunity to increase those penalties and prison times to appropriately punish those people. What it does is elevate specific actions against law enforcement to a hate crime," says Steffens.

The proposal declares law enforcement officers a protected class in the state.

Steffen says now's the time to step up and protect those who protect us.

"It's important that we, at this time, take that stand against those who are involved in these crimes and again also showing our strong support for the men and women who protect us every day."

The lawmaker expects the proposal to get bi-partisan support.

It could take 60-90 days before it reaches Governor Scott Walker's desk.

BROWN COUNTY (WTAQ-WLUK) - A warning from police for all parents to monitor their kids' internet activity.

It comes after a student in Brown County was charged with possessing child porn, which investigators say he accessed through the internet.

Internet crimes, including child pornography, are all too common for the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Lt. Jim Valley with the Brown County Sheriff's Office spoke to WLUK.

"We investigate 100-150 cases a year"

One of those cases involves 17-year-old Brandon Zittlow.

Zittlow is facing 10 counts of possessing child pornography. He was in court Thursday.

Prosecutors say he viewed and shared child porn using the file-sharing service Dropbox, and the phone app, Kik.

Valley is familiar with both.

"Dropbox, we've seen before, we've done numerous cases before involving it, and also Kik. Kik is notorious, you can chat anonymously with other people, you can trade images."

Valley recommends that parents keep an eye on their kids' phone and internet activity.

"I don't think every kid wants their parents to see what they're doing and I understand that. However, I think in a lot of ways, the parents have the right because they know what the consequences are of getting into certain content" According to the criminal complaint, Zittlow stated that while he acknowledges and takes responsibility for his mistakes, he also stated he did not realize that viewing child pornography was illegal at the time, while he himself was a minor.

Valley said, "Anytime you have an image of someone under the age of 18 in an unclothed state, it's illegal to possess, it doesn't matter what age you are."

And in Wisconsin, 17-year-olds are treated as adults in the court system.

Zittlow is out of jail after paying the $5,000 bond.

As part of the agreement, Zittlow cannot use any device that is able to access the internet.

TWO RIVERS (WTAQ-WLUK) - For people heading out on the ice, falling through can happen quickly.

Exec. Petty Officer Kenneth Morris, with the United States Coast Guard, spoke with WLUK.

"Setting up events like this, because we're not responding to this everyday takes care of that complacency and keeps our crews ready”

On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Two Rivers Fire Department held an ice rescue training at Veterans Park, despite the single digit temperatures.

Capt. Chris Kelin with the Two Rivers Fire Department.

"This is really realistic for this time of year. There are lot of fishermen out doing some ice fishing, and they're out on these waters trying to fish and the ice is too thin in some areas”

However, this training session was a little different than normal, the Coast Guard didn’t tell its crew the training was happening, making the response more realistic.

“We got on scene, evaluated the scene, and realized we could pull him out by using our board. The two gentlemen, they went out there with the board and executed the mission,” said Petty Officer Second Class Michael Starr.

The Coast Guard said an ideal rescue time is under 30 minutes.

“We were here and had the person out within in 26 minutes. We want to get that a little bit better, set the truck up a little bit better that way it's a lot quicker to get out on the ice.”

The agencies say while they prepare for the worst, Morris says people also need to be prepared.

"Good things to have are like; screw drivers, maybe some ice picks, proper clothing. personal flotation device”

Both agencies said although they haven't been called on an ice rescue this winter, training session like this keep them ready.

GREEN BAY (WTAQ) - To help fans keep warm, the food provider of Lambeau Field will be offering free hot chocolate at the Packers-Giants game Sunday.

Delaware North says free hot chocolate will be available at 40 concession stands throughout the stadium. The limit is two per customer.

Officials are also asking fans to allow for extra time when entering the stadium.

Due to colder weather and extra layers, the screening process at the gates may take longer than usual.

Blankets and unzipped sleeping bags may be allowed inside the stadium if they are carried loosely.

Bellin Health is also asking fans to dress appropriately for the chilly weather.

Health officials suggest to wear loose, dry layers that will allow you to shed layers and adjust to weather changes.

It is also recommended to wear a mix of cotton and wool underneath and wear something waterproof on top. Hats, mittens, insulated boots should be worn as well.

Hypothermia and frostbite can occur without subzero temperatures.

The warning signs of hypothermia are severe shivering, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice grayish white or yellowed skin, pain or numbness or waxy skin.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Five people were displaced by a kitchen fire in Green Bay.

Crews were called to an apartment building at 1184 Western Avenue just before 10 p.m. last night (Saturday).

Officials say the fire started on a stove top and spread to some cabinets.

The fire caused about $15,000 dollars in damage.

The American Red Cross is helping those affected by the fire.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Governor Scott Walker is set to deliver his seventh State of the State on Tuesday.

The address is meant to lay out his agenda for the new legislative session.

"I'm going to talk overwhelming about workforce issues," said Gov. Walker during a stop in Green Bay last week.

Gov. Walker said while there has been improvement when it comes to unemployment, there are still issues to discuss.

"Years ago, it was jobs, jobs, jobs. Because the economy has improved so much, we've got more people employed this past year then we've had in our states history, the challenge with that, is we have unbelievable workforce needs”

Walker said he will also address prescription drug abuse, and how it ties to the challenges facing the workforce.

"If people are free and clear of addictions, they're not only better employees they're able to take on new jobs and new responsibilities”

Green Bay State Representative Eric Genrich spoke to WLUK.

"Unlike him, I'm not quite ready to reach for the sunglasses, you know. I think our future is not quite as bright as it might be if we were serious about addressing some of the real problems we face as a state”

Genrich said some of those problems include the one-billion-dollar shortfall to the transportation budget, along with issues at correctional facilities.

"Green Bay Correctional in particular, that is unsafe for many of its correctional officers on too many occasions. So I'm looking forward to the Governor talking seriously about addressing these problems"

Genrich said with Republicans holding the majority in both the Assembly and the Senate, these next two years could be tough for democrats.

"I think it's incumbent upon us to respond to that in a constructive way and lay out policies that will actually improve the lives of working people in the state and that's what we plan to do”

Normally the State of the State Address is delivered at 7 p.m. however, Walker moved his address up to 3 p.m. Tuesday due to President' Obama's Farewell speech.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Four people have been displaced after an early morning duplex fire in Green Bay.

The fire broke out around 4:30 this morning (MON) on Beech Tree Drive, on the city's west side.

Officials say both sides of the duplex were damaged.

No one was injured.

The Red Crross is helping residents.

There is no word yet as to the dollar damage amount or how the fire started.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Ashwaubenon Public Safety is investigating a fatal crash near the National Railroad Museum.

The crash happened at the corner of Cormier Road and South Broadway this morning (MON).

Traffic is being detoured around the area while investigators try to determine exactly what happened.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The man whose alleged threats led to the closing of Fox River Mall made his initial appearance in Outagamie County Court Monday morning.

Christopher Hawkins is charged with making a terrorist threat for the Dec. 27, when he allegedly told a woman he had argued with that he was going to shoot up the mall. The mall evacuated as a result.

Bond was set at $25,000 cash. He returns to court Jan. 17 for a preliminary hearing, according to court records.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - The man who allegedly belly-flopped onto a squad car, damaging the windshield, was ordered Monday to stand trial.

Cody Romano faces five counts, including two of battery to a law enforcement officer, for the Jan. 1 incident in Menasha.

He also faces a criminal damage to property charge for the squad car damage.

He waived a preliminary hearing. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 26.

According to the criminal complaint, the entire incident started when Romano was asked to leave a house party in a Menasha neighborhood near Oak Street and Nicolet Boulevard.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton Police say they arrested a man linked to a series of thefts from unlocked garages and vehicles by following his footprints in the snow.

Police say they received at least 12 reports of theft from unlocked cars and garages in the area of S. Telulah Avenue Monday morning.

The footprints led police to a nearby apartment where officers recovered the stolen property.

A 43-year-old man living in the apartment was taken into custody.

Police believe the man could have entered other vehicles and garages during the theft spree.

If you would like to report a theft, please contact the Appleton Police Department's non-emergency number at (920) 832-5500.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - If you're hoping to see the Packers take on the Cowboys Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Texas, it'll cost you.

Ticket sellers, like Ticket King in Ashwaubenon, say prices to the game nearly doubled overnight.

Travis Loftus, Manager at Ticket King, spoke to WLUK.

"I would say as soon as we won the game Sunday, we noticed there was about a 40 percent markup on tickets"

Loftus says tickets are currently ranging anywhere from $300 to $1,000.

"A standing room only ticket starts at $300, to get a regular chair back seat ,it's $450, and if you want a decent seat, you're looking at like a $1,000 to get into the bowl."

He says the higher prices are a result of high expectations.

"They have so much hype going on with their rookies, and then we obviously won the last seven games, so we're hot right now"

If you're looking for a flight, hotel, and ticket to Dallas, Event USA in Green Bay will have packages available through the week.

Amy Borowski is Tour Operations Coordinator at Event USA.

"Crazy busy, it's what we thought was going to happen. It was going to be a good sell" Borowski says she started booking trips last week.

As of Monday, with the packages they offer a one-night stay for two people is around $600.

She says that includes transportation to and from the game, hotel and tickets.

That number goes up to around $1,600 when adding in airfare out of Green Bay and staying for two nights.Borowski says prices are constantly changing.

"So our packages, you can do land packages, we do have some air packages that will be custom air, if we get some good flights, right now the pricing is kind of going up and down."

On additional sites such as Stub Hub and NFL Fan Exchange, the lowest price tickets were just over $300 a piece.

DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Along the Lakeshore, it was a close call for four ice fishermen.

The men needed to be rescued.

The ice they were fishing on, broke loose, and began to float into the waters of Green Bay.

It happened Sunday afternoon in Door County. They were near Circle Ridge Road, in the Town of Gardner.

Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Dietman spoke to WLUK.

"We did see the individuals that were in need of rescue about 400-450 yards off shore"

The Stugeon Bay Fire Department was one of four agencies on scene. The Door County Sheriff's Office was also there, and sent up a drone to provide images of the fishermen.

"We were able to see that the crack that was separating them from getting to shore, was about 8-10 feet wide, and extended both north and south for quite a distance," said Dietman.

Dietman says ice shoves in the area towered seven feet in the air. Rescuers used an inflatable boat to escort the men to safety.

"Our guys tethered off on the good side. We paddle across and we bring them across to solid ice a couple at a time" Dietman says no one was hurt, and the fishermen were able to leave once they reached the shore.

He says wind, current, and winter shipping operations on the Bay contribute to changing conditons on the ice.

"If you start crossing pressure cracks on the way out, that should be a pretty good indication, with a little bit of wind, that we can be getting some movement"

Meanwhile, fishermen were spotted Monday in the general area of the crack.

Dave Poulton says he stays much closer to shore.

"You got to be careful. You have to know what you're doing, don't take chances going across those cracks, expecially when it's windy"

Authorities remind everyone, that no ice is ever considered 100 percent safe.

Officials say always carry a charged cell phone, hopefully with G-P-S capabilities. And if you are in a group that is stranded, stay together so you are easier to find.