OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - An attorney will be appointed for the man accused of trying to force his girlfriend's abortion by drugging her drink.
Manishkumar Patel faces one count of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child in Outagamie County.
If an attorney is appointed by Patel's court appearance next week, a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - UW-Green Bay Police is looking into a campus theft.
Officials say the investigation began June 10, after two suspects picked locks and took textbooks from an academic office.
Similar thefts have been reported at the UW's Stout and River Falls campuses.
Anyone with information should contact local authorities.
FOX CROSSING, WI (WTAQ) - A local construction company is holding a workshop aimed at attracting females to its industry.
The second annual 'Build Like a Girl' event is being held at Miron Construction's Fox Crossing headquarters Friday.
Vice President of Human Resources Dave Walsh says roughly 40 7th-10th grade girls from local schools and organizations will participate, taking part in a panel discussion with industry females, a safety briefing, and four hands-on work stations.
"They'll get to frame up a wall, pour some concrete, deal with the masonry brick, and then get to operate some heavy machinery."
Walsh explains the event's purpose.
"It's an opportunity for these girls to flow into a career that not only can make them money and good benefits, but could also be something that they might actually enjoy."
Walsh notes the goal of the workshops.
"(They'll) get a real sense of what it feels like to be a professional craftsperson in the industry, to understand what it feels like to lift up a block and put it on the wall or how to pour concrete."
According to Walsh, there is a notable lack of women in the construction field, including at Miron.
"We have about 1,600 professionals working for us, about 1,200 of those are in the field at any one time. We literally have a handful of woman, maybe 8-10."
Walsh says each of the 40 participants have expressed some interest in learning more about a construction career.
He notes the event is the same as last year, with the exceptions of more girls and Miron craftspeople taking part.
The event runs from 8 am to 4 pm.
ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - There's a home in Allouez that will no-doubt catch your eye when you drive past it.
72-year-old Jim Brisbane has created his own mini-version of Jurassic Park in his backyard with everything you could imagine; mannequin park rangers, Raptors, a T-Rex, even a dinosaur incubator.
Brisbane loves working in his yard, located at the corner of MacArthur Street and Kalb Avenue but wanted something different.
"I got tired of the same old water fountains and the deer and the same old routine and I started looking online," said Brisbane.
The retired Vietnam vet says that's when something caught his eye...a T-Rex. The rest is history.
"And so I ordered another one and then another one and then another one. So, I have a total of 7 dinosaurs in the back...actually 9 if you consider the Velociraptor," explained Brisbane.
The pre-historic oasis has piqued the interest of nearly 200 visitors since April.
Although he says he's done adding to the display for this year, his mind is never far away from thinking of other ideas he could add next.
"I only work on it so long, and then I get tired and I got to stop, hop in my car and go for a ride. Usually when I go for a ride I think of other things I could do with my yard. So, I'm never really getting away from it," said Brisbane.
But even though he loves the Jurassic Park theme in his yard, you might be surprised that he's not a fan of the movies.
"If I was to have made the movie, it would have been a lot, lot different," Brisbane said.
He thinks the movies are unrealistic with too much music and says there are no paths in real jungles.
Visitors are welcome to stop by and see the detailed display.
If Brisbane is there, he'll be more than happy to give a tour.
Otherwise, folks can get a glimpse of the Raptors and T-Rex over his fence.
The backyard jungle will be up through the end of October.
OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - One local county has a new space to house inmates.
Oconto County held a Thursday ribbon cutting ceremony for its new $32,000,000 jail.
Sheriff Mike Jansen says the new building includes "the sheriff's offices, the new jail facility, and we brought emergency management and the emergency operations center over."
Jansen notes the main reasons for the move are bolstering public safety and addressing overcrowding.
"In my current jail, I have 69 beds. We'll move into this new facility with 148."
Administrator Carol Kopp says professional visitors will have their own entrance, with access to the backside visitation booths.
She notes there will also be some changes for other guests.
"Family visits are going to be done via video. In our front lobby, we'll have video stations and in each one of the 19 housing pod areas, there will be video visitation available."
While the ribbon cutting cermony has been held, Administrative Coordinator Kevin Hamann says the inmate transfer likely won't happen until mid-July.
"Over the next month, six weeks, we gotta get all the bugs out, make sure everything works, before the state will come in and give us the final okay to open doors to house prisoners."
County officials say the old space in the county courthouse will now be used by the Oconto County Tech Services Department.
A public open house of the new jail is scheduled to run Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.
HOWARD, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - With hard hats and shovels in hand, Howard officials break ground at the village's newest apartment complex, "Howard Commons."
Village Administrator Paul Evert tells WLUK...
"In order to really have a public space that's vibrant, we need people to live here."
He says the estimated $22 million project is a part of a larger development plan, which started the New Perspectives Senior Living Center last year.
"The other anchor that we wanted to have was a large multi-family luxurious high end facility."
He continued to explain that the village is borrowing money to pay for the complex.
Evert says tax payers will not be on the hook for the funding, but rather, the money will be paid back through rent collected from the apartments.
"Well essentially it is paying its own way. We are going to borrow money and the rent for the facility will be able to pay all its own debt."
Village President, Burt McIntyre, says that has driven down the cost.
"Being the developer, we estimated we're saving about $3.5 million on the project."
He says this is all an effort to build a downtown district, "Hopefully we will have a restaurant down here, or a coffee shop, something like that."
The village hopes the 168-unit apartment complex will spark more development in the area. The complex is expected to be completed by late summer of next year.
ELLISON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - It will serve as a reminder for those who go to Door County's Newport State Park, to look up at the night sky.
A new sign added to the entrance, marking it as an International Dark Sky Park.
Only 48 parks in the world can make the same claim.
Parks officials say word of the designation traveled fast.
Newport State Park manager Michelle Hefty tells WLUK stargazers are already flocking to the park, located at the northern tip of Door County.
"Different photographers, astronomers to come and get the pictures of the night sky. Campers we're backpacking, camping only. We've had people who are asking which is the best campsite for dark skies. It should bring not only to Newport but the state park system, Door County and the State of Wisconsin."
The night sky over Newport State Park is considered to be on the same level as skies over the Grand Canyon and Glacier National Park.
MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ) - Make it back-to-back victories for the Crew as they salvage a split with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Milwaukee beat the Pirates 4-2 Thursday afternoon at Miller Park.
Chase Anderson picked up win number six on the season as he tossed six innings giving up the two Pittsburgh runs but struck out seven in the victory.
Corey Knebel pitched a perfect ninth inning for save number twelve.
Travis Shaw had it working for Milwaukee on Thursday as he went three-for-four, driving home three of the four Brewer runs.
Shaw also smashed a solo homer in the first inning off of Pirates starter Ivan Nova.
Brewers will now be hitting the road for six games, beginning with three in Atlanta against the Braves.
Milwaukee will call on Jimmy Nelson to pitch in the series opener tonight. Braves will go with Mike Foltynewicz.
Pregame coverage will start at 6 on WTAQ. The 1st pitch is set for 6:35.
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Four people were arrested early this morning (FRI) after a report of shots fired on Oshkosh's north side.
Police say the incident began just before 2:30 a.m. in a mobile home park in the 1700 block of Glenwood Drive.
Officers arrived and pulled over a vehicle with four people inside.
According to Officer Joe Nichols it was "basically a high-risk traffic stop."
All four were arrested:
A 32-year-old Oshkosh man, being a felon in possession of a firearm, recklessly endangering safety by use of a firearm, and bail jumping
A 30-year-old Oshkosh man, being a felon in possession of a firearm and recklessly endangering safety by use of a firearm
A 35-year-old Oshkosh man, being party to the crime of recklessly endangering safety by use of a firearm
A 34-year-old Oshkosh woman, being party to the crime of recklessly endangering safety by use of a firearm
Police say they found a revolver inside the vehicle.
Nichols notes the shots fired may have stemmed from an earlier incident.
"There was a previous incident that had occured outside of the city limits. It may have been retribution for this incident that had occured."
Nichols calls it a 'disturbance' incident but did not have any further details since it was outside Oshkosh Police's jurisdiction.
It's not known how man shots were fired, but police say no one was hurt.
Nichols says the park does not have a history of similar incidents.
"Not with shootings. We get called out there every once in awhile for thefts, burglaries. We had an overdose death a few years back."
FOREST COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators believe the death of a 25-year-old Lac du Flambeau woman was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot.
Forest County Sheriff's officials say Savanna Larson's body was found when they responded to reports of shots fired on the 200 block of Crandon's East Cobb Boulevard Wednesday morning.
Three people were arrested on potential counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Tampering with Evidence, and Obstruction, but no formal charges had been filed at last word.
The case remains under investigation.
BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A former Brown County social services employee has been convicted on multiple drug charges.
Dale Leonard pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of Manufacturing and Delivering Meth and one count of Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place.
Investigators say they purchased meth from Leonard multiple times and saw him smoking meth before going into work.
Leonard has been on unpaid administrative leave.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 18.
BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The man accused of escaping Brown County Community Treatment Center last July has been ordered to stand trial.
Daniel Patrykus has waived his preliminary hearing and is scheduled to enter a plea July 10.
After escaping, Patrykus was arrested in Chicago.
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) - Two kayakers have been rescued from the Fox River, near the Menasha Dam.
Emergency responders say the pair got hung up shortly after noon on a cable that reaches across the river.
The man and woman both grabbed onto the cable but were unable to free themselves from the water's current.
A boater rescued the male kayaker by getting him to grab onto his boat and pulling him to shore.
Neenah/Menasha Fire and Rescue Captain Troy Jahns says crews rescued the female by throwing a rope down from the Racine Street Bridge and guiding her up the catwalk on the bridge's side.
Both were taken to the hospital as a precaution but are expected to be fine.
Officials say the two out-of-staters had rented kayaks for the day from a local business.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Walker was at Green Bay Police Headquarters Friday to sign new legislation that changes a procedure for law enforcement dogs if they bite a person.
On the rare case that a police K-9 has to use force to apprehend a suspect, officers will no longer have to follow the protocol of a regular citizen.
"Here and across the state you've got dogs who are already vaccinated, they're healthy, they're observed and so to have them have to be taken out of service via quarantine just doesn't make a whole lot of sense," said Walker.
Walker says it's an example of "good common sense."
Officer Joe Merrill is the handler of K9 Neo.
Neo's been a Patrol Dog with the Green Bay Police Department since 2010.
Merrill says explains why this law makes so much sense.
"We keep a very documented vet history of our dogs where they're constantly checked up on. They're up to date on all their shots and all their immunizations and especially on rabies," Merrill said.
Before this legislation, if a police K9 bit a person, the animal had to visit the vet within 24 hours, another 10 days later, and finally a 3rd visit.
Although this protocol officially changes for police K9's today, procedures do not change for citizens of the public who own dogs.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A frontrunner has emerged for the site of a new Green Bay police and fire headquarters.
The roughly 10-acre area is behind the Green Bay Metro Transit Center. The streets that border it are Webster Avenue, Quincy, Day, and Harvey Streets.
The region is primarily filled with homes.
“That could be problematic, because there are a lot of private homes on that spot, but I think a police station in that neighborhood would be really beneficial for that neighborhood, plus it’s close to downtown,” said Chief Andrew Smith of the Green Bay Police Department.
Being close to downtown, within a two-mile radius, is one of several criteria in the search for a headquarters site.
The property also must be at least five acres, enough for a building with an 80,000 square foot first floor.
So far, the city hasn't found any existing buildings that would fit those desires.
“Everything is on the table right now,” said Smith. “We're willing to look at any site or any other site that pops up while we're doing this investigation.”
“It's about as centrally located as you're going to find,” said David Nennig, one of the city’s aldermen and a member of the steering committee looking for a site. “That's one of the reasons why transit located there because the access for going on either side of the river is very good at that site.”
Another reason the police department likes the site is it could incorporate Brisk Park.
The department has somewhat taken ownership of the park because it is named after former police captain, Harold Brisk.
“We would definitely maintain a Brisk Park site on the property over there,” said Smith.
One of the next moves will be looking at cost.
Bray Architects has estimated a construction to cost at least $34,400,000.
That's not counting the price of any land acquisition.
The site would require the city to purchase about 30 properties.
“Because it's in the flood plain, they can't make any real substantial improvements to their property without going through an elaborate process,” said Nennig. “So people that are in that area may be eager to sell it if they can get a fair price for their properties.”
City and police leaders say the department has outgrown its current building, which is nearly 50 years old.
Chief Smith says it needs short-term work as it is.
For example, water was coming through the roof, onto employees, during the last rainfall.
The city hopes to finalize a new site before the end of the year.
CAMBRIA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) -- A fifth person has died from injuries sustained in a corn mill explosion May 31.
Representatives of Didion Milling in Cambria confirm Carlos "Charly" Nunez died.
They issued the following statement:
“It is with sadness and sympathy we report the peaceful passing of Carlos “Charly” Nunez due to injuries sustained in the May 31 incident at our milling operation in Cambria. He will be missed more than words can express. The family thanks the University of Wisconsin Burn Unit doctors and nurses for their tireless efforts and encourage others to support and recognize their efforts in this very important work. The family has asked for privacy and space to grieve their loss, and with the utmost compassion, we request others to respect their wishes. The Didion Milling family and the community send our heartfelt condolences to the family. We ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for the family and for Didion Milling as we build a stronger future together here at Didion.”
Nunez, along with four others, Angel Reyes, Duelle Block, Robert Goodenow and Pawel Tordoff were killed in the explosion.
Several others were injured.
The community continues to collect items for the families affected by the explosion.
VILLAGE OF BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - The Brown County Sheriff's Office is looking for the driver of a pickup after he crashed it into a house early Saturday morning.
The incident happen around 2:12 a.m. at 2217 Jen Rae Road in Bellevue.
Residents were inside sleeping when the accident happened.
No one was injured.
Officials are looking for the driver, 35-year-old Ryan P. Fengler of Bellevue.
They think he might be injured and need medical attention.
If the public knows where he might be, you're asked to contact the Brown County Sheriff's office 920-391-7450.
TOWN OF BUCHANNAN, WI (WTAQ) - Multiple fire departments are responding to a fire overnight on Block Road in the Town of Buchanan.
The call came in just after 3:30 on Saturday morning reporting a house on fire, as well as two nearby vehicles.
According to the Outagamie County Sheriff, the fire started in the garage and spread to the home.
There were people inside the house at the time, but they were able to get out safely.
No injuries have been reported.
GREEN BAY, WI (Metro Source) - The Green Bay Packers, in the NFL's smallest market, want to host the NFL Draft.
The Packers have expressed interest to the commissioner's office about hosting the event, especially in 2019 which is the 100th birthday of the Packers' founding.
The NFL hasn't announced a site for the 2018 draft.
The event was held in Philadelphia last year and in Chicago the previous two years.
In Philly, the draft drew over 250-thousand people over the course of the three-day event.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Green Bay police are currently investigating vandalism at Martin Elementary School at 626 Pinehurst Drive.
On Saturday, police recieved a call around 7:40 p.m. from a security guard notifying them of broken windows at the school.
A police K9 searched the building.
Authorities say there may be $3,000-$4,000 worth of damage.
It's not known if anything was taken.
