GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) -  The 20-year-old Green Bay woman accused of killing her friend in a drunk driving crash has been ordered to stand trial.

Savannah Dumas faces charges of felony Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle and misdemeanor Causing Injury While Under the Influence. 

On Wednesday, Dumas waived her right to a preliminary hearing and posted her $15,000 cash bond.  

No arraignment has been set since Dumas' attorney has requested a new judge in the case.

Dumas reportedly admitted she had been drinking prior to the April 19 Suamico crash that killed her 21-year-old passenger, Megan Frehse.

Officers say Dumas blood alcohol level was .123, which is above the legal limit of .08.

Dumas was also allegedly found in possession of a fake I.D.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh Police are looking for the man they say stole a computer from Walmart.

The incident occurred March 28.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brett Robertson at (920) 236-5700 or Crime Stoppers by calling (920) 231-8477 or texting 'IGOTYA' and your tip to 274637.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Expansion work has wrapped up at one of Ashwaubenon's 'sweetest' businesses.

Seroogy's Chocolate held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning following a construction project that allowed it to expand into the previously vacant, adjacent store to its north.

Company officials say the roughly $75,000 effort gives them an additional 1,800 square feet of retail space.

Retail Manager Jeff Olson notes "three years running now, we've been 'Best of the Bay' for gift stores so we're expanding on our gift selection by quite a bit here."

Olson says there is also a slight add-on to their storage area to ensure they can keep more product on site.  

Greater Green Bay Chamber Account Executive Allison Rodriguez was on hand for the ribbon cutting.

"They're unique to the area because they do make their own chocolates and package them all. They're certainly known nationwide, if not worldwide, so it is fantastic to have them here in the community."  

Olson notes customers will see some perks in the coming days.

"We have 15% off everything in the store for the next week.  We're going to give away a $200 gift card in each of our stores.  And don't forget: you can always come in for free samples at any time." 

People can enter the gift card giveaway through May 9.  

Winners will be notified following the May 10 drawings.

Seroogy's was founded in 1899 and is in its third generation of ownership.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Cash bond has been set at $5,000 for a 53-year-old man accused of assaulting two horses.  

Sterling Rachwal has not been formally charged, but he is being held in the Brown County Jail on five counts: two apiece of Mistreatment of Animals Causing Death and Sexual Gratification with an Animal and one of Burglary.  

In a Brown County courtroom Wednesday afternoon, prosecutors said they have proof Rachwal sexually assaulted horses at KJ Ranch in the Town of Eaton in mid-February and in Maribel last Saturday.

When the KJ Ranch's owner contacted police with concerns that a horse was molested, deputies suspected and questioned Rachwal.

Prosecutors say they obtained a search warrant and installed GPS tracking on Rachwal's vehicle, without his knowledge.

Rachwal allegedly made multiple trips to a barn in Maribel, near the Brown-Manitowoc county line.

Officers later installed cameras in the barn, which prosecutors say captured Saturday's assault.

The Maribel horse's owner, Jackie Miller, says "my horse really hasn't been the same since.  He certainly is skittish now. He's doing ok, but you can tell he's still like pretty weary when you're walking about him or when he's tied in his stall because he was tied."

Prosecutors say their evidence also includes boots found at Rachwal's apartment that match footprints found outside the Eaton ranch in February.

They claim Rachwal has denied all allegations, despite visual proof.

Brown County charges are expected next week, and Rachwal could also face charges in Manitowoc County for the alleged Maribel incident.

Rachwal has been convicted several times across the state for incidents with animals, often horses.

Those cases include:

In 1993 in Monroe County, he was convicted of three counts, including sexual gratification with an animal and mistreatment of animals causing death. He was sentenced to an eight-year prison term.

In 1996 in Waupaca County, he was convicted of four counts, including mistreating animals - but was declared not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

In 2010 in Fond du Lac County, he was convicted of disorderly conduct and sentenced to 90 days in jail. In that incident, he was found in a horse barn.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A Green Bay middle school group is making a donation that could potentially save a life.

This week, the Future Farmers of America group at Washington Middle School gave the Green Bay Fire Department a life-saving gift.

The group raised the money needed to buy four pet oxygen masks.

The masks will be used by first responders to save the lives of pets impacted by fire.

The FFA group raised the money to buy the masks through a silent auction, as well as donations from the community.

Members like Ellena Gallegos, say this is a cause near and dear to their hearts.

"I know there's a lot of like -- what's the word -- like awareness for human lives for fires, but not as much for pet lives and I feel like that's kind of disappointing because they're just as valuable as humans"

Green Bay Metro Fire Dept. captain, Joe Thompson tells WLUK saving lives is part of the job.

"People consider their pets part of their family and to be able to help all members of the family is what we're here for"

The masks can fit all different sizes of pets, ranging from a hamster to a 150-pound dog.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The start of the inland sportfishing season is just a couple of days away.

But before you, and thousands of other anglers head out, the Department of Natural Resources tells WLUK there are new rules and regulations to keep in mind.

"It's a very common thing that we find out here, anytime that we're out on the boat. I would say conservatively, 80% of the fishermen that we contact do not have their paper copy. And it's always the same response, we didn't know"

Darren Kuhn, DNR Conservation Warden, says resident fishing license information may be stored electronically on a Wisconsin drivers license.

But those who fish in a boat on the Great Lakes which includes Green Bay, and the Fox River below the De Pere Dam, need to carry a paper copy of their Go Wild fishing license.

Those fishing waters which border the state, like the Menominee River in Michigan, do too.

"And a Michigan officer contacts you, they're not going to have access to our drivers license system, or to our Go Wild system. So they're going to still require paper copy of a fishing license" This is the second year Go Wild is being used for sport fishing.

Last year, many retailers, like Jay Zahn with Smokey's on the Bay, struggled with getting the new system to work.

"They've gotten a lot of the bugs worked out. Still have people that don't really like the paper, compared to the old tape thing. It was easy to keep in your wallet, didn't disintegrate or anything like that. But other than that, getting the license and everything now, seems to be working out pretty good" And there is another suggestion.

Kuhn says the DNR is asking fishermen to consider alternatives to lead, commonly used to make jigs and sinkers.

"We don't want to put something that we know is detrimental to the environment, intentionally into the environment"

Meanwhile, wardens suggest anglers should not only carry that paper fishing license, but brush up on the 80-page regulation booklet too.

"Those will all be listed in the rule book, but they need to take the time to review that rule book" The season begins Saturday morning right after midnight.

The DNR reminds boaters to have a wearable floatation device for each person on board.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Reports of a disturbance this morning at Ashwaubenon High School caused some very tense moments and a large police response.

The building was evacuated while police did a sweep.  

No threat was found...students and staff let back in.

Police say this all started when a passer-by saw someone wearing a Star wars costume, including a mask, going in a back door.  They became concerned and called police.   

Below is a statement the school district sent out to parents & staff:

Ashwaubenon School Families and Staff,

This is a follow-up to today's, May 4th, evacuation at Ashwaubenon High School. The original email we sent earlier this morning is at the bottom of this email.

There was no legitimate threat at AHS today. It was a misunderstanding where a student wore a Star Wars costume for May the Fourth Be With You day. There was no intent of a threat, but the student will be held accountable.

We appreciate someone, in this case a parent, reporting something suspicious looking. As the saying goes, "If you see something, say something". We also want you to know that our Crisis Plan, in conjunction with the cooperation of Ashwaubenon Public Safety, worked well.

We take all threats seriously because student safety is our number one priority.

Finally, all district-wide after school activities are still being held today.

Thank You,The Ashwaubenon School District

****

Below is an earlier message the district sent out

Ashwaubenon School District Families & Staff,

This morning (5/4) we had a possible threat at Ashwaubenon High School.

Ashwaubenon Public Safety was called and we evacuated the High School.Parkview Middle School and the Community Center, where some students were taking an AP test, were put into lockdown.Public Safety did a sweep through the High School.The situation has been resolved - there was no threat.High School students are returning tho the High School, and Parkview and the Community Center are no longer in lockdown.

Thanks for you understanding as we mainting our number one priority of keeping students safe,

The Ashwaubenon School District

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Seven Oshkosh residents have been arrested following a Wednesday drug bust.

Police say they executed a search warrant on the 600 block of Boyd Street.

Those involved are:

-A 56-year-old female who was taken into custody for a drug related warrant and Manufacturing and Delivery of Cocaine

-A 31-year-old male who was taken into custody for Maintaining a Drug Dwelling and Manufacturing and Delivery of Cocaine

-A 49-year-old female who was taken into custody for Maintaining a Drug Dwelling and a Probation Hold

-A 48-year-old male who was taken into custody for Possession of Cocaine as a Repeat Offender

-A 54-year-old female who was taken into custody for  Manufacturing and Delivering Cocaine as a Party to a Crime, and Bail Jumping

-A 55-year-old male who was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

-A 30-year-old male who was taken into custody on a Probation Violation

All seven people were taken to the Winnebago County Jail.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A credit card skimmer has been found on a Manitowoc gas pump.

Officers say the device was spotted Thursday morning and removed before there were any victims.

Police received a call from the 41st Street Shell station at 7:15 am.

Three men who patronized the business around 7 am are suspected of attaching the skimmer.

The cashier said all three had dark skin but were not African-American.

One man came into the store to buy a pack of gum.  

He is described as 6' 3" to 6' 5", wearing a Green Bay Packers hoodie, camouflaged baseball cap, beige/tan shorts with purple flowers on them, and spoke poor English with an 'Arabic sounding accent.'

A control panel in the store alerted the cashier to an issue with the pump.

When she went outside to investigate, the men drove off an a dark burgandy pickup truck with a Florida rear plate and no front plate.  The cashier was unable to get the plate.  

They were last seen going northbound on South 41st Street.

 Anyone with information should contact Manitowoc Police.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A 21-year-old Oshkosh man has been accused of convincing two underage girls to send him nude photographs.  

Kai Funches faces eight felony counts: two apiece of Child Enticement, Possession of Child Pornography, Using a Computer to Facilitate a Child Sex Crime, and Child Sexual Exploitation.

Funches reportedly connected with the minors through social media, sending them sexually-explicit messages.

After receiving the inappropriate images from the 12-year-old and 15-year-old, he then allegedly asked them to meet up.

Officers were tipped to the incident by one of the girls' parents, who was concerned about the well-being of their daughter and her friends.

Funches is scheduled to appear in an Outagamie County courtroom Thursday afternoon.

HORTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - After months of controversy, Hortonville's police chief has resigned.

Michael Sullivan was able to keep his job, despite being disciplined earlier this year and having other grievances filed against him.

Here is Sullivan's resignation letter: 

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers have announced the date for this year's shareholders meeting.

The more than 360,000 stock owners are invited to Lambeau Field on July 24 at 11 am.

Last year's gathering drew roughly 8,200 people.

Packers officials say shareholders will receive a formal invitation, and any relevant materials, in mid-June.

ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ) - A 20-year-old Oneida man has been convicted of murdering an Oneida couple.

Vance Reed has pleaded 'no contest' to two felony counts of First Degree Intentional Homicide.

Reed killed Harry and Lorraine Brown Bear during an argument in their duplex last September.

Their bodies were found during a welfare check and were believed to have been there for several days.

Thursday's plea avoids a trial, which was scheduled for later this month.

Reed's sentencing is set for July 10.  He faces life in prison.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Local organizations tied to tourism are voicing support for plans to replace the aging Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena with a new expo hall.

During a Thursday morning press conference, leaders from the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Green Bay Area Lodging Association, and Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Green Bay chapter announced each of their organization's boards have approved resolutions of support.

Visitors Bureau President/CEO Brad Toll says the proposed arena would allow them to attract more conventions.

"Most big trade shows require at least 100,000 square feet."

Toll believes the new arena could help Brown County attract events that currently only make Wisconsin stops in Milwaukee or Madison.

He also expects the revenue it brings to the community could not only keep businesses from leaving, but intrigue some of those that have left.  Toll says he has already discussed the proposal with some of those companies.

"Many have been very excited about the potential of being able to come back to Green Bay with their business."

Toll does not believe the implementation of a .5% sales tax will have a negative affect on Brown County tourism since most other Badger State counties already have the same.

Lodging Association Board Chairman Ron Zellars shares Toll's stance.

"The room tax does not go up.  It just creates all this additional opportunity as far as growth in the area and visitors coming to the area."

The man who has proposed the arena plan was on hand Thursday.

County Executive Troy Streckenbach feels "what today represents is the confidence from the tourism industry that if we build it, they will come, and that they're supportive.

The county board is expected to discuss Streckenbach's proposal Monday.  

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A 28-year-old Appleton man is headed to trial on charges that he opened fire at an Appleton apartment complex last week.

Ger Thao faces eight felony counts, including Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide and First Degree Reckless Injury.

Thao's arraignment hearing is scheduled for June 6.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - When people dig into their closet Friday morning, one local group is asking them to pull out something yellow.

At Lambeau Field Thursday, Sting Cancer has urged people to participate in their annual 'Wear Yellow Day.' 

The day is meant to raise awareness in the Green Bay area for the impact of cancer and the need for a cure.

Sting Cancer was founded by Green Bay Area Public School District faculty member Nicholas Nesvacil in 2004.

Nesvacil battled brain cancer when he was 20-years-old.

"I would not have made it without all the family and friend support.  That's what really sparked me to start this, because I know that nobody can get through it alone."

According to Nesvacil, what started with a small group of students at Preble High School has expanded into more than 30 area schools.

"It's very rewarding, and it's very fulfilling.  It shows that while cancer is very, very horrific, it can be battled.  The passion that comes out in people is very worthwhile."

In addition to organizing 'Wear Yellow Day,' Nesvacil says Sting also provides people with cancer that are tied to the district assistance throughout the year.

"We do whatever people need, whether its a gas card or a gift card for people to go to treatment."

This year, Nesvacil says there is one particular person being celebrated.

"A student at Southwest, Alexis Cumber, who is battling brain cancer, but she is a fighter and she is a soccer player.  I think cancer picked the wrong person to mess with for her." 

While he says more than 38,000 official 'Wear Yellow Day' shirts have been sold in ten years, Nesvacil notes the supplies flew off the shelves this year and encourages anyone who doesn't have one to wear their own yellow attire. 

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Ground has been broken on a new, 99 unit, senior living facility on the Fox River, called "Eagle Point".

The facility will be located off of John Street, along the Fox River in Appleton.

The sights and sounds of Appleton's waterfront are something community leaders think is a big draw.

Speaking to WLUK Karen Harkness, the City of Appleton's director of community and economic development, says...

"We want to be able to have the community come down here and have access to the waterways, enjoy the nature."

Tom Pientka, with Tukka Properties, has big plans.

"We don't want it to be a sleepy property. Introducing the walking trails, the biking paths, and fisherman gives our residents things to look at and participate in"

The waterfront access won't just be a benefit for the people living in the facility, there will also be walking trails connected to downtown Appleton that will be accessible to anyone from the public.

Mayor of Appleton Tim Hanna says getting more access to the river has been Appleton's goal for many years.

"There's not a lot of room right on the riverfront, so when we have these opportunities we have to do it, and make sure it's being used to the greatest extent"

But leaders say developing the site was tricky. It's been vacant for about five years after being an industrial site.

Harkness says the site is not easy to develop.

"There's a lot of transitions and elevations, there's a lot of contamination that you still have to be able to develop around."

They say they think it'll all be worth it.

Hanna said, "It's not just about economic development. It's really about quality of life."

The Eagle Point facility will have its own parking, so residents will not need to worry about finding parking on nearby streets.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Appleton is unveiling new plans for its property along the river. The city has a number of projects in the works.

Soon Appleton will own and control three former Canadian National railroad trestles.

City spokesman Chad Doran tells WLUK the plan is to turn them into trails.

"It will help us connect trails that already exist to other trails. It will also connect our parks with our trails"

The trestles span different areas of the Fox River.

One connects the area around Pullman's restaurant to the Paper Discovery Center and Fratello's restaurant. Another connects the RiverHeath apartments to the Newberry Trail. The third links Lawe Street and the former Foremost Dairy site.

The city has been in talks with the railroad for about a decade. Wednesday Appleton's Common Council voted to take ownership.

Now, Doran says it's on to the next steps.

"Funding the creation of these trestles, turning them from trestles into usable, walk-able paths that people can enjoy,"

Doran says the trestles could include amenities like viewing and fishing platforms.

"Our hope is to do some design work here, possibly as early as next year and then construction soon after that"

Which will go hand in hand for the city's plans to build a new park along the river.

Parks Director Dean Gazza says the hope is to get construction on that going by 2019.

"Our idea is to try to do the construction with the trestle trail so both can be done together"

That will be the Ellen Kort Peace Park, which will be accessible by Water Street and one of the newly acquired trestles.

"The two of them together really make that a special place. With that connection we'll be able to get from one side of the city to the other and we'll be able to get up through Jones Park and there'll be a connection to the downtown"

The city revealed some preliminary designs for the new park Thursday. The park is named after Ellen Kort an Appleton native and Wisconsin's first state poet laureate.

Doran says the point of these projects is to try to make the most of the river.

"We know that people wanna use this resource and we're trying to make it as accessible as possible"

The projects are still in the planning stages.. so at this time, there's no set budget for either one.

BEAVER DAM, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A series of threats emailed to school administrators led to Beaver Dam public schools being closed Friday.

Police say the threats involved guns, explosives and intents to hurt students and staff.

The threats were specific to the school's fifth period, which runs from 11:15 a.m.-noon.

Two Beaver Dam High School students are being questioned and are cooperating, police say.

Authorities are still looking to talk with a third student, who apparently lives out of state.

Police say federal officials are helping out.

The third person was communicating with the other two over Skype, investigators say.

At a news conference Friday morning, school leaders made an impassioned plea to students to stop making threats against schools.

District officials say they closed all public schools for the day because they had no way of knowing whether a person who intended harm would move on to another school if no one was at the high school.

It is unknown whether classes will resume on Monday.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - The public is being asked to help investigators find the man suspected of stealing from a local Walmart store.

Oshkosh Police are trying to determine the whereabouts of Michael Fisher.

The 32-year-old is suspected in the March incident and also has a probation warrant.

Fisher is 5' 9", 170 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information should call Detective Brett Robertson at 920-236-5723.