GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - It was the culmination of 9 months of hard work and through it all, a life-changing transformation happened for several special needs students Thursday.

That's when 8 Project SEARCH students graduated from the internship program at St. Vincent and Bellin Hospitals in Green Bay.

Project SEARCH is a program that helps young adults with disabilities obtain employment training in their last year of school.

Department of Workforce Development Deputy Secretary Georgia Maxwell explains some of the skills they develop.

"They learn to work on the computers. They learn to do food service. They learn to do all sorts of great things in these rotations especially at our hospitals."

Many times the host company will hire the workers after graduation.

"It's a 9-12 month program and Project SEARCH provides total emersion into a large community business. Students with disabilities are offered a workforce alternative for their last year that they're in high school," Maxwell said.

This program was established in Wisconsin in 2008 and keeps on growing with the help of Governor Walker.

"In 2014 Governor Walker announced the expansion of Project SEARCH in Wisconsin as part of year of the Better Bottom Line initiative. The core goal of the initiative was to expand Project SEARCH from 7 sites in the state to 27 sites by the 2017-2018 school year," explained Maxwell.

Maxwell says Project SEARCH has an exceptionally high success rate with 88% of those completing the program gaining full or part time employment.

Find more information on the expanding program by clicking HERE.

Green Bay (WTAQ-WLUK) - Green Bay police confirm they are investigating the death of a 16-month-old girl.

Officers notified of the girl's death Thursday.

Police say it's too soon to give out any other details. And they did not say when any updates might be released.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - UPDATE: A man who robbed a bank in Appleton Thursday afternoon, and got away on a bicycle, is now in custody. Just before 5, police say they were called to Huntington Bank in the 1900 block of E. Calumet Street for a robbery.  An 18 year old has been arrested and is being held in the Calumet County jail.

Appleton Police say a man who robbed a bank in Appleton got away on a bicycle.

Just before 5 Thursday afternoon police say they were called to Huntington Bank in the 1900 block of E. Calumet Street for a robbery.

Investigators say the suspect left the bank on a bike, headed east on Calumet Street.

At this time, police are not releasing details of what was taken.

Police say the suspect was last seen wearing a dark colored baseball hat, sunglasses, a dark colored bandanna covering his face, dark colored jacket or sweatshirt, and dark colored pants.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Appleton Police Department at (920) 832-5548.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can text-a-tip by texting CRIMES (274-637) with keyword APDTIPS at the start of your message.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Green Bay has been named the 'Drunkest City in America by the website, 24/7 Wall Street.

And perhaps the poster-child for that dubious distinction was in court Thursday.

WLUK was in the courtroom as 63-year-old Gerald Blasczyk of Hobart was being sentenced for his 13th OWI conviction.

"I'm not the victim here. I'm here to hold myself accountable"

The conviction came for an incident that happened in 2011. The case had been working through the courts since.

In court Thursday, Blasczyk admitted he is an alcoholic.

"I'm apologizing to this court and to the DA"

Assistant District Attorney Peter Hahn urged the judge to give Blasczyk a harsh sentence.

"The amount that he drank and his disregard for anybody else when he drinks and his decision to drive is astounding...Any treatment he is going to be given needs to be in a prison setting" Blasczyk's defense attorney Walter Piel asked the judge for leniency. He said his client's alcoholism comes partially from the culture in Northeast Wisconsin that condones heavy drinking.

A survey named Green Bay the drunkest city in America, with Appleton close behind at number three and Oshkosh-Neenah as number six.

The survey considered factors like the number of bars in an area, the percentage of driving deaths involving alcohol and the percentage of adults that drink to excess.

It shows more than 26% of adults in the Green Bay area admit to regularly drinking to excess.

Judge Mitchell Metropulos acknowledged the drinking culture surrounding Blasczyk, but still had strong words for the defendent.

"You're lucky you haven't killed yourself or someone else"

The judge gave Blasczyk the maximum sentence of 12 years and six months, with seven years and six months to be served in prison.

"Confinement for you to protect society...given your record, given your failures on supervision in the past. This is your 13th offense"

Blasczyk will be given credit for nearly three years he was in prison during this court case.

JACKSONPORT, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Less than a month after two kayakers lost their lives in Lake Michigan off the shores of Door County, a permanent reminder to be safe has been unveiled.

The U.S. Coast Guard installed a sign listing all the things it wants kayakers and paddle boaters to know before they head on the water.

Andrew Michaels of the Coast Guard’s Sturgeon Bay station tells WLUK...

“I think it’s very important that the public just have more information available to them”

The sign is located at the boat entrance in Cave Point County Park.

The sign is located where 29 year old Mathew Tauferner, of Sturgeon Bay and 21 year old Dylan Dohr, of Clintonville died on April 28th.

Their kayaks capsized about 100 yards off shore. Neither were wearing life jackets, according to Door County Sheriff’s officials.

“It’s in a matter of just short time things turn serious and can turn deadly,” said Tom Ash, the fire chief for the Jacksonport Fire Department.

The kayak deaths were the first in Ash’s eight years as Jacksonport Fire Chief. Ash, along with members of other safety agencies joined the U.S. Coast Guard to unveil the sign.

Michaels says that case was difficult for the community.

“We’re just wanting the community to realize that we’re here for them and we’re going to provide them as much information as necessary”

Ash says you can't take the conditions for granted

“Especially when you go out in a place like Lake Michigan, the conditions can turn so fast that they really need to be experienced kayakers or be with people who are experienced”

On average, Ash says his department responds to five or six distressed kayakers near Cave Point Park each year.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A charge of first-degree intentional homicide has been dropped in a Manitowoc County case.

Quinn Smith had pleaded not guilty for the Feb. 5, 2016, murder of Kor Yang on the front porch of Yang's home.

"The Manitowoc Police Department has continued the investigation into the death of Kor Yang and will continue the investigation. Further review indicates there is insufficient evidence for the State to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at this point in time. The State has consulted with law enforcement and the victim's family when making the decision. Therefore, the State respectfully requests to move to dismiss without prejudice with the ability to reissue charges when appropriate," court records say.

The state has the ability to re-issue the charges if more evidence is found.

Police said that Smith and Joe Vang - who has not been charged - allegedly went to Kor Yang's home on Feb. 5, rang the doorbell, and then killed Yang when he answered the door.

Neither police nor court documents have indicated a motive for the incident, but both have detailed Smith and Vang's alleged gang ties.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh Police have named a suspect in a December beating.

Investigators believe 29-year-old Michael Thor is in California but has ties to Oshkosh.  

Officers say four men attacked a 20-year-old Greenville man in the 400 block of West Lincoln Avenue during the early hours of December 11.

Anyone with information on Thor's whereabouts is asked to call (920) 236-5726 or the Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8477.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) -- On Thursday, state's budget- writing committee approved a new engineering school for UW-Green Bay.

The new school is part of the overall UW System budget.

The Joint Finance Committee also reduced the funding increase Walker proposed from $42 million for the UW System to about $36 million.

The committee also rejected Governor Walker's proposed five percent tuition cut, but did vote to keep tuition rates frozen for another two years.

"To me I would love to have a reduction, it's what I proposed," Walker said Thursday. "But having a freeze over the next two years would be a great victory."

JFC co-chair, State Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, released the following statement on the new engineering building:

“I'm happy to announce the approval of a new engineering school for UW-Green Bay as part of the overall UW System budget. This school will be a great asset to Green Bay and the surrounding area. Manufacturing has always played a key role in northeastern Wisconsin’s economy. As our jobs climate continues to improve, local businesses are in need of more trained engineers. The new engineering school at UW-Green Bay will be a game changer. More students will have access to quality educational opportunities to learn marketable skills, and local businesses will be able to hire more qualified college grads for well-paying positions.”

The budget still has to be approved by the full Legislature.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) -  Oshkosh Police are looking for the two people who stole more than $800 worth of vacuum cleaners from Walmart late Wednesday afternoon.

Investigators say the suspects put the Dyson-brand products in their shopping cart and without paying, left in a brown/tan Ford Explorer or Expedition.

Anyone with information should contact the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Cash bond has been set at $7,500 for the 18-year-old Appleton man accused of robbing an Appleton bank.

Joshua Xiong faces one felony count of Robbery of a Financial Institution for the alleged Thursday incident.

Xiong reportedly told investigators he robbed the Huntington Bank of more than $2,000 because he's graduating soon and his family needs the money to pay bills.

A bank employee says Xiong walked into the bank wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt, dark-colored glasses, a baseball hat, and a bandana to cover his face.

There were no customers inside at the time, and other tellers were working the drive-through window at the time.

Xiong reportedly passed the teller a note that demanded money and stated he had a gun.

While no weapon was displayed, the employee says Xiong had his hand inside his pocket.

Xiong allegedly left on his bicycle, and the bank's panic button was activated.

Investigators visited Xiong's home, where he reportedly admitted to the crime, saying he had a hatchet in his pocket instead of a gun.

The $2,756 taken from the bank was allegedly recovered from Xiong's mother's car.

An initial appearance in a Calumet County courtroom is scheduled for Wednesday.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Memorial Day means busy times for one local retailer.

George Rapp of Fly-Me Flag in Green Bay says that's usually the case during the buildup to the May holiday.

"Normally, our business peaks up about mid-April and goes through July 4.  The week before Memorial Day is normally our busiest week.  We've put in 14-16 hour days the last four days, just trying to keep up with repairs and installations."

Rapp offers a solution to why this week is typically even busier than that leading up to the Fourth of July.

"It just seems like everybody puts their yardwork off until they're able to get outside and work in the yard.  Once they're out in the yard, then they realize they need new rope for their pole or they need a new pole or they want to put a pole in or the U.S. flag looks tattered so they're in buying flags."

Rapp says business has been booming even more than normal this season.

"Patriotism is on the rise.  People are very proud to be American, and they support their troops."

Fly-Me Flag, located at 1720 South Ashland Avenue, offers a variety of patriotic flags and banners and also installs residential and commercial flagpoles.  

NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A heightened police presence was on hand for New London High School's graduation ceremony Friday night.

It was the result of a picture posted to social media, which is being described as bullying.

The picture has been taken down, but a screen grab of the original post has since been shared more than a thousand times on Facebook.

Missing among the people walking into the high school’s graduation were three senior girls. Superintendent Kathy Gwidt says the absences had to do with the picture posted to Instagram the night before.

“We made the recommendation for the safety and wellbeing of all that they should not be a part of tonight's ceremony,” said Gwidt.

The girls who posted the picture did not want their names shared, but spoke to FOX 11 on the phone. They say they followed police recommendations to not attend graduation, because they have been receiving death threats from across the country in response to their picture.

WTAQ and FOX 11 have decided not to show the picture, because it involves minors. Plus, the person who originally posted the picture has since taken it down.

The picture includes the three senior girls posing and gesturing in the middle of the street. In the background, down the street, you can see emergency vehicles tending to a car crash.

Some people who have seen the picture say what angers them the most is the caption, because they believe it makes fun of injuries a girl suffered in the crash.

“There is no space for bullying in our community, in our schools,” said Gwidt.

“The fact that three girls would think it's funny that somebody was involved in a car accident and could have been seriously injured and not only that, but there is people in the background who are doing their job to protect and serve the community and somebody makes a joke of it,” said Carissa Griffin, a 2012 graduate of New London.

The girls who took the picture say they only meant for it to be a joke, not to bully.

Gwidt says one of the girls in the picture emailed the school's principal in the early morning about the post and that she had taken it down.

Following district protocol for bullying, the principal called police.

The city implemented an ordinance against bullying in 2014.

“We don't certainly want to see any bullying in the city of New London, involving social media or otherwise,” said Captain Chris Gregory of the New London Police Department.

Violators of the bullying ordinance can be issued a citation. However, none were issued in this case because no formal complaint was filed.

However, the department did increase its presence at graduation after seeing potential threats on social media in response to the girls' picture.

“I've since talked to some girls who are friends with someone who made a statement on social media about causing a disturbance and she said they would not be going on school property,” said Gregory.

As for possible school punishments, the superintendent says that is confidential. However, Gwidt says the girls involved with the post received their diplomas privately before the regular ceremony.

FOX 11 did talk with the girl involved in the car crash. She says she is fine after suffering whiplash and a bruised kneecap in the crash.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A woman has been taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being struck by a car on Green Bay's west side.

Police say the accident happened around 9:30 pm Friday on Fifth Street between South Chestnut Avenue and South Maple Avenue.

Officers say the woman was conscious when she was loaded into an ambulance.

No names have been released.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Multiple people have been injured in a three-vehicle crash in Green Bay.

Police say the accident happened at 6:41 pm Friday near the intersection of University Avenue and St. Anthony Drive.

A car that turned onto University from St. Anthony reportedly crossed the center line, crashing into two eastbound motorcycles on University.

Both motorcyclists were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Charges are expected as alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WTAQ) - A 33-year-old man faces a variety of charges in connection with a Saturday fleeing incident.

Sheboygan County Sheriff's officials say a deputy tried to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Highway J and Highway 42 in the Town of Sheboygan at 6:41 am.

Officers say the driver failed to stop for the deputy and continued on Highway 42 toward the City of Sheboygan.

The vehicle then failed to stop at a stop sign, sped off, and became disabled after colliding with the curb on Superior Avenue and North 14th Street.

The driver reportedly fled on foot but was apprehended after making it only a short distance.

He was taken to the hospital for medical clearance and faces charges of Eluding an Officer, Operating with a Revoked License, Failure to Stop for a Stop Sign, and Recklessly Endangering Safety.

Neither of the female passengers in the vehicle were injured and both were released from the scene.

Aside from the suspect's vehicle, no other vehicles or property was damaged. 

CLAYTON, WI (WTAQ) - A 55-year-old Larsen man has been taken into custody following a domestic incident.

Winnebago County Sheriff's officials responded to a residence on Fairview Road in the Town of Clayton around 9:30 pm Friday for reports of gunshots.

Deputies were unable to make contact with the male suspect and verified a female was still inside, unable to exit safely.

The SWAT Team was deployed and got the 57-year-old woman out of the building.

Around 12:15 am Saturday, the man surrendered and was taken into custody.

He was transported to the Winnebago County Jail and booked on a variety of charges.

No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A peaceful protest was held in Appleton Saturday in response to a man being shot and killed by an officer last Sunday.

The protest started at 3 p.m. at Jack's Apple Pub, where the shooting occurred.

The incident resulted in the death of 33-year-old Jimmie Sanders. He was shot by Lt. Jay Steinke.

Tuesday, criminal charges were filed against 33-year-old Henry Nellum. Some of the charges include attempted intentional homicide.

A criminal complaint states Nellum was in a fist fight with another man in the bar.

Sanders’ role in the incident to is still unclear and questions surrounding his death prompted the protest.

Saturday, some of the streets in downtown Appleton were filled with demonstrators, people wanting to know what happened to Jimmy Sanders.

"We're trying to get the facts making sure the concerned citizens of Appleton and the concerned citizens of Milwaukee, get to the truth of what took place with Jimmy," said Tory Lowe of Milwaukee, who is a community advocate representing the Sanders family.

Lowe says the family wants Lt. Jay Steinke's incident reports released.

Appleton Police say Steinke, a 28 year veteran with the Appleton Police Department fatally shot Sanders.

Steinke was responding to the call of the bar fight.

"I know better, I know that we have to wait till the investigation is done to really make those kinds of suggestions," explained Lowe.

The Green Bay Police Department is in charge of the investigation. But Lowe isn't happy about that because Appleton's Police Chief Todd Thomas used to work for Green Bay police.

"There is a conflict of interest with the Green Bay Police Department investigating due to the officer involved," he said.

On May 22, Appleton Police Chief Todd Thomas released a statement which said in part,

We hope we have proven to the community from previous incidents that we have developed an investigative process that is credible and timely. We created this process to ensure we are able to quickly respond to the community and those involved when these tragic incidents occur; we only ask for patience so that the investigation is not compromised in any way. We appreciate those who are giving the investigators the time they need to properly investigate this incident. We also want to thank those in the community who have offered support and best wishes to Lt. Steinke and our other employees who are involved. We ask for you to keep in your thoughts and prayers the other individuals involved in this incident, and their loved ones.

As they stand in a circle, within the intersection of Jack's Apple Pub, Lowe adds, "Till we can understand exactly what took place, then we can make those types of assumptions, after we understand the facts."

FOX 11 reached out to the Appleton Police Department for comment on the protest, and did not received a response.

Green Bay Police continue to handle the investigation, because it was an officer-involved shooting.

Steinke is on administrative leave.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - An apartment fire in Ashwaubenon is believed to have caused $250,000 in damage.

Ashwaubenon Public Safety responded to reports of a structure fire at 2708 Viking Drive at 6:02 pm Sunday.

Upon arrival, crews found flames coming out of the building's second story windows and tenants being evacuated.

It took roughly 40 minutes to get the fire under control.

The unit where the blaze is believed to have started was unoccupied at the time.

The fire's cause is unknown and remains under investigation.

One person was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and four cats were rescued from the building.

All twelve apartment units are uninhabitable. 

The Red Cross is assisting with temporary housing, food, and replacement clothing.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay apartment fire has displaced seven people.

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department responded to reports of smoke coming from an eight-unit apartment building at 2025 Eastman Avenue, Apartment 2 at 4:56 pm Sunday.

Upon arrival, crews found fire in a first floor unit.

The blaze was quickly extinguished.

Ventilation and overhaul were performed since heavy smoke filled the entire building.

The fire was contained to the unit of origin, but there was smoke damage throughout the structure.

Unattended cooking has been cited as the cause of the blaze.

While nobody was injured, seven people have been displaced from a total of two units.

Damage is estimated at $25,000.

The Red Cross is providing assistance.

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - An extension ladder was used Sunday evening to rescue a man who was hanging from a chimney.

Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue received a call from a man whose friend was stuck on the roof of a Scott Street home, was losing his grip, and was about to fall.

Crews say the roof was steep, but they were able to use the ladder to save the man.