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Free Running Gear for Kids in Need

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Hundreds of kids' running dreams are coming true thanks to a special running program and help from an Ashwaubenon trucking company.

For the 10th year, Schneider is providing running gear, plus a waived registration fee for 220 children in the Kids for Running program.

Tia DeLeers is the program coordinator and explains the service they provide.

"It's a program that encourages kids in grades 3 through 8 in area schools to train for the Bellin Run. It really encourages fitness and activity and getting their feet on the street," said DeLeers.

School coaches usually nominate students, within the program, to receive the free gear if they see a child in need.

"Some of these kids really this is the first time they are getting a new pair of shoes and it's really awesome for them," DeLeers said.

The running gear includes new shoes, socks, shirt, and shorts from ShopKo.

The new gear will be delivered to students throughout the rest of the week.

Nearly 2,300 kids in the program will be participating in the 10k race on June 10.

Read more about the program and the Bellin Run at bellinrun.com.

 


Police Looking for Stabbing Suspect

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GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - Grand Chute Police are looking for the 33-year-old man who may be responsible for a Tuesday stabbing.

Officers believe Evan Schultz might have caused significant stab wounds to a 25-year-old man's neck and chest.

The victim was treated at an area hospital and released.

Investigators say the incident occurred in a parking lot in the 3300 block of West College Avenue and stemmed from a dispute over a cell phone.

Anyone with information should contact Grand Chute Police at (920) 832-1575 or by texting “GCPD” and the tip to 847411.

Plea Deal for Packers' Drug Charge

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - One Green Bay Packers' player has reached a deal with prosecutors that drops a misdemeanor marijuana charge to an ordinance violation.

Geronimo Allison faced one misdemeanor count of Possession of THC.

It stemmed from a September traffic stop and arrest in Manitowoc County.

The wide receiver was scheduled to have a plea hearing Tuesday.

Instead, the two sides reached an agreement to drop a criminal misdemeanor to a county citation.

Allison has pleaded no contest, faces a $263.50 fine plus court costs, and could serve community service.

 

 

Plan Addresses 'Underserved' Green Bay Neighborhood

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A newly-drafted plan looks to attract businesses to one part of Green Bay.

City officials have spent recent months creating the Velp Avenue Areawide Plan.

Development Director Kevin Vonck says the plan "looks at redevelopment opportunities up and down the Velp Avenue corridor.  It's an area that has been underserved in terms of retail."

Vonck specifically mentions Velp's intersections with Locust Street, Military Avenue, and Atkinson Drive.  

The area was historically developed with a mixture of commercial, residential, and industrial uses, but Vonck says it hasn't been seriously looked at for development for 'a generation.'

Vonck notes city leaders have certain hopes in attracting businesses to that part of town.

"There is some industrial and flood plain on the northern side so we understand that some of those might be stand alone industrial or stand alone retail buildings.  We also want to make sure that this environment is comfortable for biking and walking so making sure buildings are close up to the street, provide good pedestrian access."    

In addition to businesses building new, Vonck says the plan covers "some of those properties that have maybe been vacant for awhile or maybe have been underused.  How can we get them better use."

Vonck notes the possibility of adding to the city's 15 Tax Incremental Financing Districts.

"What types of incentives or tools do we need to look at to get development rolling in this area?"

The draft plan will be presented at a public hearing tonight, which runs from 6-8 pm at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, located at 341 Wilson Avenue.

Input will be used in finalizing the plan before it goes to the city's Economic Development Authority, Plan Commission, and City Council for consideration.

If adopted, Vonck notes the plan could start to unfold within six to 12 months. 

Scaled Back Zippin Pippin

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Out of a concern for safety of its riders, Bay Beach Amusement Park announcing it will only run one train on the Zippin Pippin Roller Coaster ride for the 2017 season.

Last year, an investigation was launched after one of the trains malfunctioned and then collided with another train.

The incident sent three people to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The ride was closed for nearly three weeks. When it reopened, only one train operated for the remainder of the season.

At this point, investigators have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the collision.

Since the cause hasn't been determined, the city says it's satisfied with running only one car to ensure there is no reoccurring risk.

Bay Beach Amusement Park will celebrate its 125th season, opening May 6.

Lock Likely Closed For Another Season

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MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The gateway between Little Lake Butte Des Morts and Lake Winnebago will be closed once again this boating season.

The lock has been closed since September of 2015 when fishermen found the invasive round goby below the Neenah dam.

The goal is to keep the gobies from entering Lake Winnebago.

Bob Stark, CEO of the Fox River Navigation System Authority, tells WLUK....

“While they have in other areas become part of the food chain, we don't really know what's going to happen here”

The Fox River Navigation System Authority is looking at three options to get boaters between the Fox River system and Lake Winnebago without the gobies coming too.

The options are:

1. An overland route, which would take boats out of the water for cleaning

2. An electric barrier.

3. Infusing CO2 gas.

The electric barrier and CO2 options are in the early stages of being looked at.

“There is a whole lot of discovery that has to happen before we would get to that point where we would be able to say hey next summer we're going to have this thing,” said Stark.

While its highly unlikely the Menasha Lock will open at all this year, boaters will be able to ride more of the Fox River than before.

Unlike last year, Stark says the Little Chute Lock will be open, allowing boaters to travel between Menasha and Kaukauna.

“Even with Menasha being closed, our usage numbers have actually been increasing”

Boaters at the Appleton Yacht Club have varying patience levels with the lock closure.

“I think they should be careful and make sure the round goby is not a problem,” said Dale Broeren of Fox Crossing.

“Precautions are good but how much time are they going to spend trying to find out what precautions we really need?” said Dick Miller of Darboy.

The board for the Fox River Navigational System Authority also decided Tuesday it wants to rebid for a transfer station at the Rapid Croche Lock near Wrightstown.

Two construction bids came in at more than $8 million apiece.

The goal of that transfer station is to keep invasive species, from the Great Lakes, out of the Lake Winnebago system.

Woman Jumps from Balcony of Burning Home

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BEAVER DAM, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A woman jumped from a second floor balcony in an early morning fire in Beaver Dam.

The fire broke out around 4 a.m. Wednesday at a home on Chatham Street.

It's not known if the woman that jumped was injured.

No firefighters were hurt.

Officials say the contents are a total loss.

They believe the structure can be repaired.

Park Officials: Zippin Pippin is Safe

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Zippin Pippin is safe for riders.

That's according to Bay Beach Amusement Park Manager Jason Arnoldi, who says both park officials and Wisconsin authorities have signed off on the popular roller coaster.

"We've updated some of the computer programs.  It's been inspected by the state, and they say it's ready to go, safe to operate.  We believe that as well."

Park officials announced Tuesday that only one of the ride's two trains will operate in 2017.  

That's the same policy used in the back half of last summer, following a crash of the vehicle's two trains that sent three riders to the hospital and shut the coaster down for roughly three weeks.

Arnoldi notes the manufacturer inspected the Zippin Pippin this offseason and "ran a series of tests to try to replicate what happened with the incident.  They were never really able to pinpoint what caused it.  They were never really able to replicate it."

Despite being Bay Beach's favorite attraction, Arnoldi does not believe wait times will be greatly affected.

Arnoldi says the lines last season did not move much slower after the crash than they did before.

"We would run one (train) around empty (before the mishap), because it is a lot quicker for us to load one train full than two half trains."

Arnoldi notes both trains are cleared to run.  They just won't do so simultaneously.

He feels that alone addresses the issue from last year.

When asked if the Zippin Pippin will only run one car beyond 2017, Arnoldi replied, "we'll have to evaluate as the season goes on.  Last year, we felt it worked really well with one train.  We were confident with how fast we were able to get people through there.  We'll see how that continues this year."

Bay Beach Amusement Park's 125th season begins May 6.   


Defibrillators Donated to Green Bay Schools

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Schools in Green Bay will be safer with the donation of life-saving equipment from the Brown County Women's Club.

Wednesday morning the group presented 4 defibrillators, wall storage cases, travel cases, supply kits and more to the school district.

Chris Collar is the Green Bay School District Safety and Security Coordinator.

"They are a very high dollar cost item for us, so anytime we can get a donation of this magnitude, it helps us with our budget to improve the overall safety in other ways."

Sue Protzman is head of fundraising for the club and says it's crucial to have defibrillators on hand because you never know when you'll need to use one.

"So, it's not just for the kids, although an incident can happen with the children, it can happen with those of us what are visiting the schools," Protzman said.

Wednesday's donation adds up to around $6,000 dollars.

Since 2010 the club has donated a total of 16 defibrillators to the district.

Charges Requested in Appleton Shooting

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Charges have been requested against the 28-year-old Appleton man who was taken into custody after police responded to a shots fired complaint on the city's north side Tuesday.

Ger Thao is expected to face one felony count of Attempted First Degree Homicide and five felony counts of First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety.

Prosecutors anticipate Thao will be in an Outagamie County courtroom Thursday.

Officers found a 35-year-old Manitowoc man shot outside an apartment building when they arrived near the intersection of North Union Street and East First Avenue at 1:06 pm.

The victim was taken to the hospital with a lower-body injury that is non-life threatening.  

Investigators say multiple rounds were fired into the apartment building and outside of the building.

After speaking with witnesses, officers quickly developed a suspect and took Thao into custody around 2:30 pm at the Riverside Cemetery. 

Thao was arrested along with his sibling, who was released a short time later when it was determined that person was not involved.

Investigators also recovered the vehicle Thao was driving and the gun they believe was used in the incident. 

Appleton Police say they would like to speak with 26-year-old Khungtao Kue of Green Bay, who was allegedly inside the apartment building at the time of the shooting.

While Kue is not a suspect, officers say he may have been injured during the incident.  

John Karll lives in the neighborhood of the shooting and heard what transpired.

"All of a sudden I heard a whole bunch of people screaming.  I looked outside and saw my neighbors running all over with their arms up in the air.  Two minutes later I heard just tons of sirens, and the neighborhood was just flooded with police cars."   

Six Appleton schools: Classical School, Einstein Middle School, Ferber Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Huntley Elementary, and Neighborhood Nursery 4K were put on lockdown as a precaution.

Sergeant Dave Lund notes "that lockdown is not because there was an immediate threat to the schools but based out of protocol and safety for those students.  We decided it was best to go into the lockdown of these local schools."  

Anyone with further information in the case should contact the Appleton Police Department at 920-832-5500.

Additional Charges in Marinette County Burglary

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MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Additional charges have been filed against the two people accused of burglarizing a Stephenson convenience store and leading police on a manhunt. 

Chad Setunsky now faces 41 criminal charges, 19 felony counts and 22 misdemeanors, including Burglary, Theft, Recklessly Endangering Safety, and Possession of a Firearm as a Convicted Felon.

Ashley Niewierowski faces 12 counts, seven felonies and five misdemeanors, including Burglary, Theft, and Recklessly Endangering Safety.

Both 27-year-olds live in Marinette.

The pair is accused of stealing an ATM and other items from a Stephenson convenience store during the early hours of April 8.

Investigators say police began pursuing the suspects' truck a short time later when the officers were fired at by its driver.  

The truck crashed into a pole before the suspects took off on foot.

Burglarious tools were reportedly found in the vehicle.

Setunsky and Niewierowski were both taken into custody the next day.

Both have initial appearances Wednesday afternoon. 

Layoffs at Broadwind Energy

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A Manitowoc energy manufacturing company is laying off more than 25 percent of its workforce.

Broadwind Energy didn't disclose how many employees will be affected.

They business removed two weekend shifts at its tower plant and reassigned as many people as it could to other shifts.

"It is never easy to have a layoff," said Joni Konstantelos of Broadwind Energy. "The layoff has nothing to do with the talent and dedication of our team. Unfortunately, the layoff is the result of what we believe to be a short-term pause in activity in the tower market, primarily in the Midwest."

Work Resumes on Hotel Northland

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Work has resumed on a major Green Bay construction project.

Crews are continuing renovation work on the Hotel Northland, following a two-and-a-half month pause.

An ownership dispute caused the delay.

On April 14, a Brown County judge ruled Keith Harenda is the hotel's sole owner

While work throughout the building has resumed, some of the larger projects, such as drywall, won't start for a few days.

Officials hope Hotel Northland will be open for business by this fall.  

Man Accused of Stabbing Roommate Faces Charges

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GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A man accused of stabbing his roommate earlier this week has been charged.

23-year-old Josue Hernandez-Reyes faces charges of second degree recklessly endangering safety, substantial battery, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

Police say the stabbing happened in the 1500 block of Tri Park Way Tuesday.

The incident began as an argument and escalated to a physical fight between Hernandez-Reyes and his 31-year-old roommate.

The roommate was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries.

Hernandez-Reyes is due back in court May 3.

13 Year Old Takes Car, Then Crashes

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Green Bay Police investigating a crash involving a 13-year-old driver Wednesday night.

The crash happened on Cherry Street, near Irwin Avenue, just after 8:00 p.m.

Police say a 13-year-old drove off in his brother's car without permission.

There were four other people inside the car, all juveniles. 2 of them suffered minor injuries in the crash.

An officer attempted to stop the car as it was speeding on Doty Street.

Police say the driver was driving north on Irwin and tried to turn onto Cherry Street when he lost control of the vehicle, rolled over and hit a tree.

The 13-year-old driver is in custody in a juvenile facility and two others in the car were taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Four out of the five juveniles were found at or near the scene.

One of the juveniles ran off but was found at his house about 30 minutes after the crash.


Big Buck Pledge For Big Ticket Projects

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Green Bay-Brown County Professional Football Stadium District Board agreed Wednesday to pitch in for two major area projects.

The Shipyard stadium in Green Bay and a replacement for the Brown County Arena would receive the funding help.

That's if both projects get the necessary approvals to actually happen.

It's been 17 months since the owners of the Green Bay Bullfrogs publicly unveiled a plan to build a new stadium on a city-owned vacant lot on the edge of the Fox River.

Vern Stenman, the president of Big Top Baseball, which owns the Bullfrogs, tells WLUK they hope the idea reaches home plate this June with final approvals to move forward from the city council.

“Even though it's taken a while to get to this point, there has always been kind of positive energy, positive movement” Now the proposal has backing from the stadium district board in the form of $500,000.

A ticket tax from special events at Lambeau Field like concerts and the Badgers/LSU football game allow the stadium board to help fund area economic development projects.

The project also has support from Anduzzi's in the form of a $2 million restaurant that would be connected to the stadium.

Also connected would be a 2,000-person capacity indoor concert venue.

Green Bay economic developer director Kevin Vonck says the city is also in discussions with developers to build housing north of the stadium, a corporate office headquarters near the stadium, another baseball facility and a cycling facility.

“I think we really just kind of hit the tip of the iceberg. Once we start to push these things along and they become more real, I think we're going to see that interest continue to generate for additional projects.”

The Bullfrogs would pay $1 million up front for the stadium. With the stadium board putting in $500,000, the city would need to put in $7.5 million up front.

Although, the Bullfrogs would eventually pay back $3.5 million of that through a 20-year lease with the city.

The stadium would be programmed 180 days a year: 36 days for Bullfrogs baseball, 90 days for high school athletics, four to six days for 5,000 to 8,000-person capacity outdoor concerts. A premier soccer league development team would also play home games in the stadium.

The stadium district board also agreed to give $1 million to a new expo hall that is proposed for the current home of the Brown County Arena.

The county is also considering private development at the corner across from Lambeau Field. Those private proposals are due Friday.

A feasibility study unveiled last month provided three replacement recommendations for the aging Arena.

The stadium district board money is contingent on the county board choosing to build the largest option, which is projected to produce a $13 million annual economic impact.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach says the money gets the ball rolling for a replacement.

“It allows us to move forward as we go and speak to our respective boards in the community. They are now seeing there is support by the stadium district to make this investment.”

The largest expo hall recommendation is projected to cost between $81 million and $85 million.

To receive the stadium district's money, the county also must come up with a funding plan in the next 18 months.

Shooting Range Due To Re-open

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OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Machickanee Forest site in Oconto County was closed after complaints of stray bullets hitting nearby homes.

Now, three years later, Monty Brink, Oconto County Forest Administrator tells WLUK improvements are just about done.

"They put it first on their list this spring. It's been a long time coming,

Brink says for the past two weeks, Oconto County Highway crews have been busy sculpting the framework for a new shooting range.

"It was facing east to west. You shot to the east. There were houses a quarter mile away, to the east".

Oconto County leaders closed the range, after complaints of stray bullets hitting homes nearby.

Brink says a new design directs shooting to the north and east, four and a half miles away from the closest home. The dirt berms will be higher, and canopies over the 20 firing lines, should help shooters concentrate.

"So all you can see if you're shooting from the bench like you're supposed to, all you'll be able to see is the target"

Improvements also include security cameras.

"We're not here 24-7, so it will be a live feed on the internet" The range will be open four days a week. Volunteers and staff will be there to supervise.

People who live in the area, like Dave Behrend, say the improvements are needed.

"It won't be the free-handed people coming out here, doing what they wish. That was the problem the first time. The people who are most affected in that part of town, will be happier with what is taking place. It's not exactly what they want, but it is better than what they had"

In the meantime, crews expect to be on the Machickanee range for another three weeks.

Construction on the firing line is expected to begin in the summer.

The cost of the project is about $175,000, and is being paid for through grants and shooting range fees.

As of now, the range is scheduled to reopen in the fall.

Trial Ordered for Sex Assault Suspect

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BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 43-year-old Hobart man is headed to trial on charges he had inappropriate contact with multiple women and downloaded illegal images at work.

Christopher Anderson has waived his preliminary hearing on 17 felony counts, including First Degree Sexual Assault of a Person Under 13, Second Degree Sexual Assault, Child Sexual Exploitation, Capturing a Nude Image Without Consent, and Possession of Child Pornography.

Anderson initially faced charges for reportedly downloading and viewing child porn during his time as a certified nursing assistant at Allouez Parkside Village.

The IP address was traced to the nursing facility.

A supervisor says Anderson brought his personal laptop to work on the night of February 24 and connected to the building's Wi-Fi.

Anderson was later accused of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her 11-year-old daughter, in two separate 2014 incidents.

Prosecutors say both instances were recorded and appeared to show that the victims were unconscious at the time of the abuses.

An arraignment hearing is set for May 22.

 

 

 

 

New Beer Debuting in Green Bay

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A new brew will be on tap for Green Bay's third annual 'Craft Beer Week.'

Seven local breweries gathered Thursday morning to bottle the Guava Juiced IPA.

Stillmank Brewing hosted the project, which was done in collaboration with Badger State Brewing, Copper State Brewing, Hinterland Brewery, Leatherhead Brewing Company, Noble Roots Brewing, and Titletown Brewing Company.

Those same entities met a few weeks ago to decide what style of beer to create, before the brewing got underway.

According to Stillmank Brewing Company Owner Brad Stillmank, "we're going to produce 43 cases of it. The beer's going to be available at each of the breweries, on tap and bottles purchase to go and then Ridgeview Liquor is also going to be taking some of the bottles."

Stillmank adds, "we anticipate, with the amount of beer that we've made, it will likely be available just that week."

This year's Green Bay Craft Beer Week runs from May 8-14.

Last year's special brew was a Blackberry Belgian Rye.

 

 

Winnebago County Deputy Passes Away

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WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A Winnebago County Sheriff's deputy has passed away.

Through its Facebook page, the department announced Deputy Adam Bauer died off-duty Wednesday night of a 'cardiac incident.'

The 30-year-old, eight-year veteran of the force leaves behind a wife and two-year-old son.

 

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