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

Local Fans Optimistic on Brewers

0
0

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The 2017 baseball season should be a successful one in Milwaukee.

That's if you listen to the majority of fans we spoke with Monday afternoon at Stadium District bars during the Brewers' Opening Day game against the Colorado Rockies.

Lynn Sterhagen and JoAnn Smits were part of a table of Crew fans at Anduzzi's Bar and Grill.

While Smits is optimistic on the season's first day since "hope springs eternal," Sternhagen takes it a couple steps further.

"Well, I have to predict they're going to win the World Series!"

Sternhagen wasn't alone in sharing some playful optimism.  Steve McConnell was watching game one of 162 at Stadium View Bar and Grille.

"I'm always excited for Opening Day, because it's a clean slate.  Take the Cubbies down, this could be our year!"

Stadium View Owner Jerry Watson stopped short of predicting a World Series but believes the Brewers "should win over half their games." 

However, Watson also noted "Wisconsin is still Wisconsin. We know one thing...it's called the Green Bay Packers."

Mike Oechsner supported Watson's claim in saying "I'm looking forward to football season already."

Oechsner believes the Brewers' pitching will struggle, making for a long summer in Milwaukee.

Only sparse crowds were on hand around first pitch at just about every Stadium District establishment.

Watson expects there would've been at least twice the patrons if not for the rainy weather.

Even though past Opening Day games have drawn larger crowds, Watson notes establishments are never nearing capacity.

While it is necessary to offer food or drink specials to entice fans on Green Bay Packers' game days, Watson says Brewers' season openers consist of "turning on the television and hoping a few people come in."

The Brewers dropped the opener by a final of 7-5.  


Puking Problems Outside De Pere Bar

0
0

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - De Pere's Police Chief is hoping to put the kibosh on a smelly and gross problem that's been occurring outside one west De Pere bar.

Chief Derek Beiderwieden says over the last couple of months he's gotten four complaints of vomit in the front and back side of Buddha's Still, located at 363 Main Ave.

"We've written citations to the license holder for those violations but it has not stopped."

He says he's not sure why it keeps occurring, whether patrons are being over-served or maybe they're coming into the bar already intoxicated.

Beiderwieden has a goal in mind.

"It's not to suspend the license. It's not to revoke the license. It's to get somebody's attention...and get the bar's attention so we have full compliance. That's our ultimate goal."

The chief says the violations will be presented before the liquor license committee Wednesday to request a pre-hearing to see what action can be taken.

He has a message for the bar.

"You know, control your patrons. Get a bouncer or do something to stop people from coming in that are intoxicated. Keep them out because once they get inside your place, you're responsible," Beiderwieden said.

Brown County Promoting Work Zone Safety

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County drivers are urged to take extra caution in work zones during this year's construction season.

On Monday, Brown County officials discussed the county's observation of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs from April 3-7.

This year's theme is 'work zone safety is in your hands.'

County Executive Troy Streckenbach says people have a number of choices when driving through work zones, such as whether to observe the posted speed limit and whether to ignore distractions that prevent both hands from being on the wheel.

Public Works Director Paul Fontecchio says unsafe driving in work zones is a problem in both Brown County and throughout Wisconsin.

In 2016, there were over 2,800 work zone crashes in the Badger State.  Those accidents yielded 1,110 injuries and nine deaths.

Brown County was the site of 135 of those crashes.  A total of 59 people were injured.

Fontecchio notes unsafe driving around construction puts not only motorists at risk but also workers who often have only an orange cone between them and passing vehicles.

A couple years ago, Fontecchio says a paint truck was struck by a dump truck.  He notes the size and visibility of the county's paint trucks show the lack of attention being paid by the guilty party. The public works director says that incident resulted in multiple injuries that caused workers to miss a handful of months on the job. 

When in work zones, Sheriff's Captain Dan Sandberg advises drivers to observe reduced speed limits, remain calm behind the wheel, focus on any potential lane changes or closures, and keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.  

He says officers will enforce work zone driving laws, noting an increased presence in areas where workers cite frequent violations.

Drivers are reminded that the state's 'Move Over, Slow Down' law requires motorists to shift lanes or slow down to provide a safety buffer for any squad car, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck, utility vehicle, or highway maintenance vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road with its warning lights flashing.

There will be no shortage of construction projects in Brown County this year.

While the state is handling reconstructions of I-43 from Brown County to Sheboygan County and I-41 south of De Pere, the county is reconstructing Highway D from Wrighstown to De Pere and resurfacing Highway HS from Glendale Avenue in Howard to Highway B in Suamico.

As part of the week-long observation, Wednesday, April 5 is 'Go Orange Day.'  People are asked to wear orange clothing in support of highway safety.  People can upload pictures or other posts to social media by using the hashtag 'OrangeForSafety.'

 

 

 

UPDATE: Body Found in Little Lake Butte des Morts

0
0

MENASHA, WI (WTAQ- WLUK) - UPDATE: A body has been recovered in Little Lake Butte des Morts Tuesday.

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department said the body was pulled from the water around 2:07 p.m., south of the Ninth Street boat landing towards the middle of the lake.

Officials have not confirmed if the body is Graham's.

*****

UPDATE: A missing boater has been identified as 50-year-old Mark Graham of Neenah.

The search will end Monday but will resume Tuesday morning.

*****

Officials in Winnebago County began searching for a missing person in Little Lake Butte des Morts Saturday afternoon.

Just after 12:30 p.m Saturday, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a person in the water.

When crews arrived, they discovered an empty boat.

The Neenah-Menasha Fire Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office searched the water throughout the weekend.

So far, no one has been found.

Officials will continue the search today.

Local Company With A BIG Addition

0
0

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - For Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, a new, big machine could be the start of big things for the company.

A new, cutting edge diecast machine is set to make some big improvements to Mercury Marine's operations.

John Pfeifer, President of Mercury Marine, spoke to WLUK

"It makes us operationally a lot more capable, and it facilitates future product that we're designing today, and our ability to bring those products to market."

It's the biggest high-pressure diecast machine in North America.

It was made by BuhlerPrince in Michigan, and it took 18 over-sized truckloads of parts to get it to Fond du Lac.

Pfeifer says for Mercury, the impact of the machine is even bigger than just its shear size.

"This allows us to grow our company, grow our business. We've been adding headcount, so that's all very meaningful to the community."

For Mercury Marine, this new machine is the next step in what has been nearly $800 million in expansions and new jobs since 2009.

"More than 80% of that investment is done with local businesses," Pfeifer said.

Because of that local involvement, Fond du Lac City Mananger Joe Moore says Mercury's mark on the community has been very positive.

"Anytime you're talking about the largest employer anywhere it's important that they do well. When a local company is on the cutting edge of technology, you know they're preparing for the future, and the success of the future, and that's exciting."

Pfeifer says the company will keep growing.

"We'll certainly continue to make investments in the community, this will not be the last. But this is a milestone achievement, and we're pretty proud of it."

Many of the company's expansions have come since the state and county agreed in 2009 to give Mercury tens of millions of dollars in tax credits and loans to entice the company not to move its production to Oklahoma.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kickoff

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ- WLUK) - April is designated as Sexual Awareness Month.

Monday, the Sexual Assault Center of Family Services brought it home with a kick-off event at Hagemeister Park in Green Bay.

The goal of the event was simple.... bring the community together and raise awarness of sexual violence.

It also honored survivors and their supporters.

Susan Lockwood, the center's director, spoke to WLUK.

She says it is important to get the word out about this topic.

"I think that there is a lot of myths out there about child abuse and sexual assault and anytime our community can get more information about those issues, it helps to make all of us safer . I also think it helps to create a climate that allows children and other victims of abuse to come forward"

In 2016, the Sexual Assault Center of Family Services served more than 1,100 victims of sexual abuse throughout Brown, Door, Oconoto and Marinette counties.

Evers Reelected State Superintendent

0
0

MADISON, WI (WRN) - 

UPDATE: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers has withstood a challenge from Dr. Lowell Holtz, being re-elected by a roughly two-to-one margin.

*****

Voters across Wisconsin are headed to the polls today for the state’s spring election.

The only statewide race on the ballot this year is for state Superintendent of Public Instruction. Incumbent Tony Evers is seeking a third four-term as the state’s top education officials.

He’s facing a challenge from Lowell Holtz, a former teacher and school administrator.

Voters will also have a number of local races and issues on their ballots.

Dozens of school referenda questions are up for votes in districts across the state.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission says turnout could be between 13 and 18 percent, based on previous spring elections.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. tonight.   Be sure you bring your Voter I-D.

 

Lawmakers Consider School Referendum Restrictions

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - As Wisconsinites cast their ballots on a number of school funding issues today (TUE), Republican state lawmakers are looking at possible restrictions on school referendum votes.

That includes putting a time limit on any tax increase voters approve.

Appearing on the Jerry Bader Show, State Senator Dewey Stroebel thinks no referendum should be allowed to go beyond 5 years without a review.

"Let's revisit them every 5 years at minimum....when you're going to say we're going to spend more than what the levy amount is"

The Saulkville Republican thinks a lot of things change in that amount of time.

"Maybe that board was more radical and now we have a conservative, more level headed board"

Stroebel also has a bill that requires much more specific information on what money raised through referendums would go to.

"You still have every ability to have a referendum, but lets just make it a little more up-front for everyone to see"

He also believes the school votes should be done during the spring and fall general elections.

"A general election in spring or fall is good enough to elect our public officials, why isn't that good enough to decide whether we're going to do a referendum or not"

The package of bills comes after a 13-month period that has seen voters approve billions of dollars worth of referendums, with millions more appearing on ballots today (TUESDAY) .


Graymont to Close in Green Bay

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Graymont will close its lime kiln plant in Green Bay, putting 23 people out of work.

A spokesman for the company says it is "faced with continuing soft market conditions that have impacted the entire North American lime industry."

The kilns will shut down June 1 and remain idled until market conditions improve.

The Green Bay facility, located at 137 James Street, will be converted into a bulk hydrate and terminal operation.

About six people will remain to operate the restructured facility.

Green Bay is not the only Graymont facility to have been impacted by the downturn.

Last year, the company announced the restructuring of the Tacoma plant in Washington and the indefinite idling of the Pavilion plant in British Columbia.

JanSport Facility Closing, Nearly 400 Jobs Lost

0
0

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The JanSport collegiate apparel facility will be closing, as part of a transaction by its parent, VF Corporation, putting 380 people out of work.

VF Corp. announced Tuesday it is selling its licensed sports group business to Fanatics, Inc.

"Because of these fluctuations in our business, we have initiated some actions across parts of our operations at our VF Outdoor facility in Appleton. These actions include ceasing our apparel decoration operations at the VF Outdoor facility in Appleton later this year. This also includes our JanSport Collegiate Licensed Apparel business, which will be winding down business in the coming months," said Vanessa McCutchen, spokesperson for VF Corp.

"We have no plans to close our VF Outdoor facility in Appleton. It will remain open and will continue to service VF’s Outdoor brands with accounting, finance, credit and customer service functions. While we regret that these actions will impact associates and their families, we are confident that this is the right strategic direction for VF and will enable the company to refocus the composition of our portfolio for future growth," McCutchen said in an email to FOX 11.

Fatal Crash in Fond du Lac County

0
0

CAMPBELLSPORT, WI (WTAQ) - One woman is dead and a man was injured after their vehicle crashed into a tree Tuesday morning in Fond du Lac County.

Deputies say they responded to the one-vehicle crash around 8:30 a.m. in Campbellsport.

Officials say the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, when it went off the road and crashed into a tree.

The 87-year-old female passenger died in the crash. The driver, a 90-year-old man, was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. T

Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Zima Slams "Pathological Liar" Mayor

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The confusion continues surrounding a $44 million dollar redevelopment project in downtown Green Bay.

Court documents were just unsealed on Monday unveiling a dispute regarding who really owns the Hotel Northland, as well as a proposed settlement.

Alderman Guy Zima says Mayor Schmitt had plans to use $500,000 of tax payer money to pay-off one of the parties fighting over ownership of the project, Keith Harenda and Mike Frantz.

"And of course at no time did he ever say he was going to use the money pay off one of the partners to try settle their dispute with each other. I don't think that's what taxpayers money is used for," explained Zima. "You know, he devoutly said at the February meeting that that was not true because I confronted him with it at that time. But of course this case was sealed."

Zima says Schmitt told him the money was to keep the project going and pay the back contractors among other things.

"Him and his staff have hid important information; the defaults from the bank, who he was going to give this money to. It just goes on and on and on," said Zima. "He's a pathological liar is what he is."

Zima would like to see the project completed but suggests a different solution.

"Nobody can get a loan right now so, maybe it's time for us to do a foreclosure on the project and put out a request for proposals and whoever can come up with the financing to finish the project, that's who we should give it to."

The ownership dispute will be played out in court and until that's finished, the hotel redevelopment will likely be on hold.

"I think all the hocus-pocus that the mayor has done has helped impede this project and he scrambles in secret to try to resolve it, and of course he just digs a deeper hole all the time," Zima said.

Schmitt’s office released a written statement Tuesday: 

Neither I nor City staff ever agreed to buy out Mr. Frantz, or to give funds to Mr. Harenda for that purpose. We made it clear at every point that any request to the City for a loan was exclusively for the project, and that it was contingent on City Council approval. The loan request was then sent to the RDA, but the developer withdrew the request before a vote was taken by the City Council, because they notified the City that the other junior lenders were able to provide additional assistance to keep the project moving forward.

My staff and I have always acted in the best interests of the City and I am offended by the accusations that the City would choose one owner over another.

The city council will discuss the matter at Wednesday night's meeting.

New Hinterland Opening Next Week

0
0

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The first business in Ashwaubenon's new Titletown District is expected to open its doors in less than one week.

After 18 years at its current downtown location, Hinterland Brewery plans to open its new facility at the corner of Lombardi Avenue and Ridge Road on Tuesday, April 11.

Owner Bill Tressler says the brewing area in the new building is four times larger than the one at the downtown brewery.

Head Brewer Joe Karls says that will increase productivity and allow the new Hinterland brew room to have 12 of their own beers on tap at all times, in addition to 12 guest drafts.

While the brew room will take up the building's first floor, Tressler says the second level will feature a kitchen that serves both lunch and dinner seven days per week.  The kitchen is expected to open in May.

Full-guided tours will be offered on weekends.

 

Groundbreaking Held for Ashwaubenon Hotel

0
0

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Ground was broken Tuesday at the site of a planned Ashwaubenon hotel.

The Homes2 Suites by Hilton will be located at 810 Morris Avenue.

No target completion date was provided, but the building will include 92 suites, priced from $100 to $200 per night.

Officials say Homes2 Suites will offer fully-equipped kitchens in the guest rooms as well as complimentary internet connection and breakfast spread.

WPS Proposes Electric Rate Freeze

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin Public Service customers could avoid rate hikes for the next couple years.

WPS says it has filed a proposal with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to freeze all customers' base electric rates through the year 2019.

The current rates went into effect last year.

Also requested is a permanent pricing option that WPS says would allow industrial customers to manage their energy use more efficiently and expand their operations.

WPS services over 400,000 customers in northeast and north central Wisconsin. 

 

 


Green Bay Schools Enjoy Referendum Success

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Tuesday could not have gone any better for the Green Bay Area Public School District.  

Both of the its referendum questions were successful.

The first question asked voters to allow the district to exceed state revenue limits by $16,500,000 per year for ten years to maintain current staffing levels, class sizes, and educational programs. 

It received 10,456 'yes' votes and 6,207 'no' votes, a 63/37 ratio.

Question two sought $68,250,000 for facility needs, including the construction of a new Baird Elementary School and the installation of safe, secure entrances at seven other elementary buildings.

That item passed with 11,625 'yes' votes to 5,027 'no' votes, a 70/30 clip. 

 

Howard-Suamico Referendum Easily Defeated

0
0

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Officials with the Howard-Suamico School District are stuck asking "what's next?"

The district's referendum question, which asked voters to allow it to exceed state revenue limits by $4,000,000 in 2017-18 and for an indefinite amount of years, was met with heavy opposition Tuesday.

The 5,046 'no' votes compared to 2,097 'yes' votes, made for just over a 70/30 margin.

School officials say the funds were needed to maintain current staffing levels and class sizes while also covering facility maintenance.

Appleton to Revisit Chicken Resolution

0
0

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - One of Appleton's newest resolutions will have to withstand a test Wednesday night.

The common council is expected to revisit a measure that would allow urban homeowners to raise up to four chickens in their backyards.

While the resolution passed last month when Mayor Tim Hanna broke a 7-7 council tie, city policy allows any alderperson who was not present for a vote to request the topic be revisited.  That is the case here with Council President Kathleen Plank, who has voiced opposition to the matter.  

Plank declined to speak with WTAQ.

Vice-President Chris Croatt voted against the measure last month, citing constituent concerns that included: increased noise levels, unpleasant odors, and health risks such as salmonella and airborne illnesses.

Since that last vote, Croatt says he has heard from a number of constituents on both sides of the debate and as of Tuesday night, notes he was undecided on which way he would sway if another vote were to happen.

The resolution was introduced by Alderwoman Vered Meltzer who believes allowing residents to raise chickens would come with educational benefits by bringing people closer to their food source. Meltzer feels that could be particularly useful for children.

Meltzer says restricting each household to four hens, not allowing roosters, and implementing a permitting and inspection process would limit any potential health risks.

Multiple nearby municipalities, including Green Bay and Oshkosh, allow urban residents to raise chickens.

Before another vote on the resolution could take place, the council would need to vote on whether to take up another vote.  The latter could happen Wednesday.

 

UPDATE: Body Found in Little Lake Butte des Morts Identified

0
0

MENASHA, WI (WTAQ- WLUK) - UPDATE: The body recovered in Little Lake Butte des Morts Tuesday has been identified as 50-year-old Mark Graham of Neenah.  Crews had been searching for Graham's body since Saturday when his boat was found floating empty on the lake.

*****

UPDATE: A body has been recovered in Little Lake Butte des Morts Tuesday.

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department said the body was pulled from the water around 2:07 p.m., south of the Ninth Street boat landing towards the middle of the lake.

Officials have not confirmed if the body is Graham's.

*****

UPDATE: A missing boater has been identified as 50-year-old Mark Graham of Neenah.

The search will end Monday but will resume Tuesday morning.

*****

Officials in Winnebago County began searching for a missing person in Little Lake Butte des Morts Saturday afternoon.

Just after 12:30 p.m Saturday, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a person in the water.

When crews arrived, they discovered an empty boat.

The Neenah-Menasha Fire Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office searched the water throughout the weekend.

So far, no one has been found.

Officials will continue the search today.

Treasurer: Hundreds of Millions have been Wasted

0
0

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin has wasted hundreds of millions of dollars on government building costs alone.

That's according to State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk, who appeared on WTAQ's Jerry Bader Show Wednesday morning.

Adamczyk pointed to two deals that were agreed upon in the year 2000.

He says the state agreed to pay roughly $90,000,000 over 20 years to lease the old American Family Insurance headquarters in Madison for the Department of Corrections.

Adamczyk notes the $5,300,000 being paid each year to utilitze the property is likely the building's current value and reminds that the state will have no equity in the facility at the end of 20 years.  He says the $90,000,000 has been "squandered" and is "gone."

On the other hand, Adamczyk says state officials did a much better job in buying Department of Revenue's headquarters for $45,000,000, paying less money and receiving ownership rights.  

The treasurer, who touts the financial benefits of buying over renting, says the state court has been renting its facility for the last 45 years, asking "who does that?"

According to Adamczyk, the questionable deals may not be over.  He says the state is looking into the possibility of building a crime lab in the Milwaukee area.

While the building could cost roughly $70,000,000, Adamczyk says bonding would account for an additonal $30,000,000.  

If the state decides on the new facility, he encourages borrowing the funds from the Board of Public Lands so the money can be paid up front.  The agency would then repay the board, which Adamczyk notes gives that money to taxpayers by means of public school funding.  

Adamczyk says he's working with state legislators on ways to find cost savings and get out of bad deals. 

Viewing all 18355 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images