APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Four of the six families suing the Appleton Area School District have agreed to settle their civil action.

School officials wouldn’t say how much the plaintiffs received.

They sued over allegations of physical abuse by a special education teacher.

The district says the monetary losses were covered by insurance.

An assistant came forward with reports of abuse allegedly committed by former Janet Berry Elementary School teacher Mary Berglund. She was placed on three years probation in 2011 on her plea of no contest.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay man has been charged in the domestic violence-related death of a woman on the city's east side.

50-year-old Michael Whitmire was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of 45-year-old Ouida Wright.

Whitmire had his bond set at $250,000 by a judge after his first court appearance Monday.

Wright was found stabbed to death at her Day Street home on Friday. Green Bay police said her 50-year-old boyfriend was a "person of interest" in the case.

Whitmire is due back in court May 17.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - A petition prohibiting any type of waste-to-energy plant being built on Oneida tribal lands has been approved.

The vote from the General Tribal Council happened Sunday during a special meeting at the Radisson Hotel in Ashwaubenon.

A circulated petition seeking to block the construction of any type of waste-to-energy facility by the Oneida Seven Generations Corporation was on the agenda. OSGC officials was looking at building a plastics-only gasification plant at Water Tower Place off of Highway 54.

The petition received the required amount of signatures to be put before the tribe Sunday.

"They made their decision, and I believe they made the right decision," Oneida Business Committee Chairman Ed Delgado told FOX 11 after the meeting.

Outside of the meeting room were signs of opposition to the hot-button issue of construction of a waste-to-energy plant on tribal land.

Delgado says the decision by tribe was the right one.

"The General Tribal Council, made up of almost 2,000 people, today made their decision and I believe they made the right decision," said Delgado.

The issue was whether the tribe was willing to direct its business committee to stop Oneida Seven Generations Corporation – from building a gasification, waste-to-energy or plastics recycling plant on tribal land.

Meantime, the OSGC continues to wage a legal battle to get a conditional-use permit back from the city of Green Bay to build a waste-to-energy facility on the city's east side.

Delgado wouldn't say if this would be the last time this specific issue would come before the tribe, as all members have the right to the petition process.

GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - A study by the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau shows tourism spending rose 2.5 percent in 2012.

The study found visitors spent over $392 million in the area. Bureau leaders say that led to $500 million in total business sales, and credit tourism with sustaining 7,150 jobs and generating $125 million in income for residents in the Appleton area.

It also showed visitors spent $115 million on food and beverage, $88 million on retail, $87 million on lodging and $52 million on recreation.

The study was conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - The S.S. Badger car ferry made its first trip across Lake Michigan Monday, under a new two-year deal which lets the 60-year-old boat keep dumping waste ash into the big lake.

A crowd showed up Monday morning in Ludington Michigan, as the 410-foot Badger got ready to head to Manitowoc.

About 100 passengers were on board, plus trucks hauling parts of wind energy turbines.

The Badger – the oldest steamship on the Great Lakes – was supposed to shut down after last year, unless it could find a cleaner way to dump its coal ash.

The company which owns the Badger says it’s working on alternatives, but they’re not ready yet.

The federal EPA granted its two-year extension in March.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s Lake Express Ferry is scheduled to begin its car and passenger transporting service to Muskegon Michigan and back on Saturday.

TOWN OF PITTSFIELD, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators continue the search for a Pittsfield woman who's been missing for over a week.

59-year-old Victoria Prokopovitz was last seen at her home on Kunesh Road April 25th.

"We were active all weekend long, searching back around the residence and also some local quarries in the area," says Brown County Sheriff's Capt. Jeff Sanborn. "We don't want to leave any stone unturned."

A cadaver dog picked up a scent not far from her home at a quarry south of Pulaski. The Brown and Door County dive teams went there Monday. Sanborn says it's part of their push to utilize all available resources.

"We've utilized cadaver dogs, to dive teams, to the DNR with different technology," says Sanborn.

Prokopovitz is considered to be endangered, due to suffering from depression and not taking medication with her. Authorities haven't suspected foul play in her disappearance and remain hopeful.

"We've had in the past people just show back up, at the homeless shelters, in different hospitals or mental health institutions or different locations where they don't know they're missing," Sanborn says. "We're still optimistic."

Prokopovitz has no vehicle and is 5'6", 117 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. If you have seen Prokopovitz or know of her whereabouts, you're asked to contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office Investigative Division at (920) 448-4230.

BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - Local authorities and lawmakers are unveiling a plan to help stamp out fraud in state and federal welfare programs.

State Representative Chad Weininger (R-Green Bay) announced Monday details of a bill that already has received local bi-partisan support.

The proposal would incentivize all counties in Wisconsin to further investigate cases of welfare waste, fraud and abuse by returning 20 percent of the funds recovered to the counties. It would cover federal and state programs.

In 2012, Brown County authorities uncovered $593,214 in fraud. It cost the county $193,210 to investigate and prosecute, but only $82,291 was returned to the county.

Weininger says, under his proposal, Brown County would have received $264,734 – enough to pay for two sheriff’s deputies and an assistant district attorney.

Fellow state Representatives Andre Jacque (R-De Pere) and Eric Genrich (D-Green Bay) are throwing their support behind the legislation.

SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says U.S. Highway 41 between Suamico and Abrams should be able to handle traffic in its current configuration over the next 22 years.

According to a recent study, the DOT says that stretch from County M (Lineville Road) to the Highway 41/141 interchange would be able to handle traffic until 2035. The DOT says the study evaluated interchanges, adjacent frontage roads, traffic capacity, safety and operations.

The DOT adds that as a result, no expansion is recommended.

MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ) - A Marinette County judge ruled Monday that a man accused of killing his girlfriend doesn't qualify for a public defender.

48-year-old Brent Kaempf is charged in the murder of Patricia Waschbisch, who worked as an advocate for domestic violence victims.

The body of the 45-year-old Waschbisch was found April 27 in the couple's Peshtigo home. Prosecutors believe Kaempf stabbed Waschbisch to death.

A judge ruled that Kaempf must hire his own attorney. Kaempf is due back in court on Friday for a balance of initial appearance.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Green Bay are searching for two men who robbed a grocery store on East Mason Street Monday.

Police say it happened at the La Guadalupana Grocery store around 10 p.m.

According to authorities, one of the suspects held what appeared to be a gun and demanded money from an employee.

After receiving some cash, he ran out of the store and met another man. 

They later both ran off in separate directions. 

The first suspect was described as a slim black male with short hair.  He was wearing a tan colored sweatshirt and black pants. Police did not provide a description of the second suspect.

Call Green Bay Police at (920) 448-3200 if you have any information.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A plea deal has been reached by a man accused of setting a Brazeau church on fire.

Drew Chirstensen entered guilty pleas to 3 arson counts on Friday. They involved these incidents:

- Oct. 26, 2009, at the Everbreeze Resort in Mountain - March 19, 2012, at the Klondike Church in Brazeau - July 8, 2012, at the Jaded Bar in Suring 

Each count carries federal prison time of 5 to 20 years. Christensen will be sentenced July 29 in federal court in Green Bay.

As part of the plea deal, which included dropping a fourth count, the parties agreed to recommend a 10-year sentence (two consecutive five-year sentences plus a five-year concurrent term). However, Judge William Griesbach is not bound by those terms.

No one was injured in the incidents.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - With more rain in the forecast for Wednesday, Wisconsin farmers are trying to get more of their crops in the ground.

Last week’s rain and snow kept the tractors in the sheds, as farmers got further behind on their spring planting.

Four percent of the state’s corn was planted between the raindrops and snowflakes last week. 26 percent is normally in the ground by now.

18 percent of Wisconsin oats have been planted, up from 5 percent a week ago. Normally, 62 percent of the oats are in by now.

Alfalfa is coming out of dormancy, and more winter-kill is being seen. Sheboygan County estimates that 60 percent of its alfalfa is lost, along with 25 percent of its winter wheat. Brown and Rock counties also report significant damage.

A number of counties are waiting for things to green up before assessing the damage. Spring field work is 12 percent finished, up from 4 percent the previous week.

Most soil moisture is rated adequate. 28 percent of the state’s topsoil has surplus moisture, along with 11 percent of subsoil.

Another sunny and mild day is in store, with highs mostly in the 70’s. A cold front is due in Wednesday, a chance of rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.

Rain chances diminish on Thursday and Friday, with highs cooling down to the 50’s and 60’s.

CARLTON, WI (WTAQ) - The Kewaunee Power Station has become the first U.S. nuclear plant since the late 1990’s to shut down for good.

Dominion Resources stopped producing power at the facility just after 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The company first announced the shutdown a few months ago. It said the electricity from the plant became too expensive compared to natural gas, which is much cheaper.

Dominion spokesman Mark Kanz said a cool down phase will last into this evening.

Spent nuclear fuel will be transferred to a large storage pool in the complex. Then the company will de-commission the plant is a slow process that could last for 60 years, and cost almost $1 billion.

The plant operated since 1973, and it employs over 630 people. They’ll be phased out beginning at the end of May.

BLACK CREEK, WI (WTAQ) - A 38 year old man from Black Creek is charged with child abuse and bail jumping after an accident on a recreational vehicle.

The Outagamie County Sheriff's Office says Thomas A. Laschiava was drunk when his ATV crashed last weekend, leaving a six year old girl with a broken arm.

Laschiava was reportedly operating the all-terrain vehicle with two children sitting behind him and the six year old victim in front.

All three children were thrown from the vehicle when it ran into a ditch and overturned.

A breath test showed he had a blood alcohol concentration of point-one-zero at the time.

Laschiava returns to Outagamie County Court next Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - City leaders are rolling out the latest way to learn about Packers history.

It's the Packers Heritage Trail Trolley Tours, which will begin July 19th and departing from the Resch Center.

Riders will travel the new Packers Heritage Trail on a 90 minute tour. There will be 22 stops guided by the players from Let Me Be Frank Productions.

"In particular during training camp it'll be a great attraction for us," says Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Brad Toll. "The heritage trail was very popular last year, now we have a way that people can tour it and learn beyond just reading the plaques, so we've been able to expand the attraction."

The tours run through August 17th. Organizers say private tours are offered year round.      Tickets go on sale May 16th and are $25. They can be purchased through Ticket Star.

KEWAUNEE, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities are investigating a string of burglaries and thefts in Kewaunee County.

Sheriff's officials say most of the items stolen were hand tools that were taken from detached garages and storage sheds. Some of the buildings were unlocked, and the burglars broke into other buildings.

Deputies are searching for anyone who saw a suspicious vehicle or person between April 20 and April 28. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's department at (920) 388-7108.

Investigators remind people to lock their garages and storage sheds. They also recommend having a property inventory, complete with serial numbers. Etching property with markings that will identify it as your is also a good idea.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Officials say an Appleton fourth grader could be in trouble after bringing a soft air gun to school.

McKinley Elementary School Principal Sheree Garvey confirms the student brought the gun to school, but didn't point it at others.

The school district was immediately notified and began disciplinary procedures. 

Garvey says the school is following school board policy for discipline. She would not say what those consequences might be. 

Appleton police are also involved.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Local government leaders showed up at the State Capitol today, to urge their lawmakers not to repeal municipal residency requirements.

The Joint Finance Committee is scheduled to vote tomorrow on whether the new state budget should put an end to long-standing requirements that local public employees live in the communities they serve.

Two Rivers City Manager Greg Buckley said small cities like his rely more heavily on off-duty police, fire-fighters, and public works employees when emergencies break out.

He said it keeps staffing and spending as low as possible and quote, “It’s how we’ve held our services together.”

Governor Scott Walker and other Republicans say local public workers should have the freedom to decide where they want to live.

Milwaukee police and fire unions despise their residency law so much, they endorsed the Republican Walker for governor in his last two elections against Milwaukee’s mayor, Democrat Tom Barrett.

Opponents of the repeal say Walker is paying back the unions for their support.

The governor has denied it, but Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said he wondered how sincere Walker is toward public employees after he virtually eliminated most of their collective bargaining privileges in 2011.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Residents in Brown County are being asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food by their mailbox Saturday at 9 a.m. 

It's for the 21st Annual Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

"At this time of the year, supplies at pantries are significantly lower and they've used up any reserves they've collected back around Christmas time," says Vicki Lewis-McKay, Chair Member of the Green Bay Local Letter Carriers Association. "Children will soon be out of school and families will be more dependent on pantries to help meet their food needs as the school programs will not be available."

In 2012, the food drive collected 254, 585 pounds of food throughout Northeast Wisconsin, including 160,096 pounds taken in Brown County. The Brown County total was distributed to 22 local food pantries.

To take part, residents are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable food items, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, peanut butter, pastas, rice or cereal next to their mailbox by 9 a.m. on Saturday May 11.

A local letter carrier or designated volunteer will pick up the items. If you do not have a mailbox, simply place the bagged item on your porch or in an outside visibile area. Green Bay's letter carriers will collect the food donations as they deliver the mail and take them to both the Packerland Postal Station and Cofrin Postal Station for collection, sorting and distribution to local Green Bay food pantries.

The Letter Carriers are still in need of volunteers to assist with the food drive. East side Green Bay residents should contact Tim Voelker at (920) 217-7726 and west side Green Bay residents should contact Vicki Lewis-McKee at (920) 606-3457.

For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive in Green Bay, visit www.helpstampouthunger.com or www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger and follow the drive at www.twitter.com/StampOutHunger.

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - A Wittenberg man who murdered his father is suing the Shawano County Sheriff's Department, alleging that the department's inaction led to the murder.

Joshua Johnson was convicted on February 21, 2012 of killing Donald Johnson. Joshua Johnson was later found to be not guilty by reason of mental disease and is currently at a state psychiatric facility.

According to the lawsuit filed last week:

- Joshua Johnson called Shawano County 911 on Feb. 20, 2012, reporting that he was being raped by his father. He indicated he wanted to meet with officers outside the presence of his father.

- A second call was later made to 911 by Donald Johnson.

- Two deputies were sent to the house.

- "Both deputies took Donald Johnson's word that he could he handle the situation and left Joshua alone with his father without speaking to Joshua out of the presence of his father."

- Joshua Johnson later called 911 again, to report he had killed his father.

- Johnson contends "that had Joshua been interviewed privately or had he been removed from the scene at that time, the tragic death of Donald Johnson would have never occurred."

- Johnson also argues that if the statements to 911 had "been taken seriously, Donald Johnson would be still be alive and this entire episode could have ended much differently with Joshua receiving treatment and being able to resume a normal life."

Johnson's suit does not ask for specific damages.

A companion suit was also filed by Lori and Bob Boris. Lori was Donald's wife before a divorce and is Joshua's mother. The suit repeats the allegations relating to the course of events leading up to the murder. It also claims that the couple had to sell property to pay for Joshua Johnson's legal bills.

The Boris' seek $250,000 in damages.

Shawano County Corporation Counsel Tony Kordus talked with FOX 11 Wednesday afternoon. He said, “We are in receipt of the two lawsuits that were filed. We believe Shawano County has absolutely no liability here whatsoever. We look forward to our day in court and having the lawsuits dismissed."

Shawano County has 45 days to file an answer.