SHEBOYGAN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A 19-year-old Sheboygan man is dead after a two vehicle crash early Sunday morning.
The accident happened just after midnight near the intersection of South 12th Street and Camelot Boulevard in Sheboygan.
The Sheboygan Police and Fire Department were called to the scene and additional fire department units were requested for a vehicle extraction.
Three people were taken to the hospital.
The cause of the crash is unknown.
TWO RIVERS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Two Rivers Police say a man pulled up next to a 9-year-old boy walking along the street Saturday night and asked him to get into his vehicle.
The incident happened around 7:12 p.m. along Jefferson Street in Two Rivers.
Police say they're looking for a silver SUV, similar to a Chevrolet Traverse, with a green border around the license plate and rust on the rear wheel wells.
The SUV might have a sticker on the back.
According to police, the man asked the boy where he lived but the boy did not answer.
The driver was described as a young man around 16 to 18-years-old with dark skin, possibly Hispanic or African-American.
He was wearing a Green Bay Packers shirt and a black baseball hat.
Officials are still looking for the man.
If you have any information about the incident, you're asked to call the Two Rivers Police Department at 920-686-7200.
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Traffic will be altered on one of Oshkosh's busiest roads all this week.
The city is rehabilitating the sanitary sewer manholes on Main Street from West Packer Avenue to Fernau Avenue.
Public Works Director James Rabe says the goal is to "reduce the amount of clear water or storm water that can enter the sanitary sewer system, which can overload the sanitary sewer system, which may result in backups."
As a result, signs will be posted to navigate drivers through the detours, which are scheduled to be in place through this Friday.
Northbound traffic on North Main Street should head west on Packer Avenue, continue north on Jackson Street until the intersection of West Snell Road, and head east on West Snell back to North Main.
Southbound traffic on North Main Street should head north to West Snell Road, continue west on West Snell towards Jackson Street, head south on Jackson Street until the intersection with West Packer Avenue, and head east back to Main Street.
Rabe notes people will still have access to all area businesses.
He says this week's work is part of a larger project, most of which does not require detours.
"This part of Main Street, in order to get the work done, we couldn't effectively complete the work while maintaining traffic."
Rabe urges drivers to remember standard practices for traveling through construction areas.
"Be cautious when approaching road construction and keep in mind: when the signs say 'road closed,' that does mean the road's closed. If you can't get to where you're going, you might have to give yourself a little more time to get around."
ATLANTA, GA (WTAQ) - After putting up five runs in the first two games of their series against the Braves, the Brewers bats woke up in game three Sunday as they blew out Atlanta 7-0.
Both Domingo Santana and Keon Broxton went three-for-four at the plate.
Broxton had a big day hitting a solo home run in the second inning and singling home two runs in the third.
Travis Shaw went yard in the first inning, which was his fifteenth of the year.
Starter Zach Davies pitched seven shut out innings and scattered four Brave hits. Paolo Espino would toss two shut out innings from the bullpen as well.
Brewers are off today before heading to Cincinnati to play three games at the Great American Ball Park.
NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - New London is taking measures to prevent the Wolf River from seeping into residential areas.
Piles of sand and sandbags were placed in the sled hill parking lot for residents concerned about the water levels, but National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Last tells WLUK the sandbags may lay untouched this week.
"It is receding, so any impacts will be lessened here in the next day or two".
Last says it's not unusual to see minor flooding around the Wolf River.
Right now he says the river gauge at Shiocton is the only one in the area exceeding flood stage, with levels of 12.3 feet, that's 3 inches above flood level.
"It will take a couple of weeks I think. We've had some wet, from the Winter time to the early Summer, some wet periods here so it will take some time to get those rivers back to their normal level."
The gauge in New London is running near minor flood stage at just above 8 feet.
"Slow-no wake" zones were placed throughout the river, within 500 feet of any permanent building.
Last says, "I think the main concern is to follow the slow-no-wake signs that may be posted along there so that excess water doesn't slosh on shore an affect the parks and homes nearby."
Although water levels are expected to go down, Last says there's still some concerns.
"The biggest issue is the flow, how fast that water is flowing. If it is flowing fast, then certainly children should stay away from that because they could get swept downstream."
Last expects some scattered showers later in the week, but says it won't have any significant effect on the water levels.
ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Ashwaubenon authorities have determined the vehicle involved in a June 18 stabbing incident.
Several surveillance cameras captured the silver or gray four door car.
A 50-year-old man was stabbed on a mobile home property at 2218 South Ridge Road.
Anyone with information is asked to call Ashwaubenon Public Safety at 920-593-4474 or CrimeStoppers at 920-432-7867.
BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A trial date has been set for the 19-year-old Green Bay man accused of accidentally shooting and killing his friend.
Bryant Ellis will stand trial November 1 for three counts, including First Degree Reckless Homicide.
Ellis allegedly told an officer he didn't realize the gun was loaded.
He also reportedly admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana prior to the February 20 incident in an east-side Green Bay home.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A former Green Bay Area Public School District teacher says one district school has become unsafe for students and staff.
At a recent board meeting, Washington Middle School Sixth Grade Teacher Kerstin Westcott announced her resignation.
Westcott says disobedient students have taken over the school, constantly inflicting 'physical, verbal, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse' on fellow kids and staff members on a regular basis.
Addressing district administration and the school board, Westcott said "our students have the right to go to school and be safe, and your employees have to the right to go to work and be safe," claiming that is not currently the case.
Westcott provided a list of transgressions she claims occurred within the recent past of the June 5 board meeting. Examples included.
"A teacher was taken away in an ambulance with a bleeding head wound caused by a fight among three students.............A student was held down on a table and his legs put into vice grips so that other students could take his shoes."
Westcott also provided examples of the angst she says the school environment has caused staffers.
"One of my teachers wakes up every single Sunday night at around 2 am and throws up in anticipation of the week starting................"We (teachers) exhibit symptoms of PTSD because we live in trauma from 7:30 am to 3 pm every single day."
Westcott claims numerous colleagues spent part of the 2016-17 school year on leave due to stress.
She says that resulted in the remaining teachers having to take on extra classes, often without being left a lesson plan or class roster, since substitutes were unwilling to step foot in Washington.
Westcott, who spent the last nine of her 12 years in the GBAPSD at Washington, says things took a turn for the worse in the past five years, with the most notable change happening this past school year.
She says previously good students have had to adapt their behavior in an effort to survive.
"Our at risk school has no chance of survival if drastic action is not taken right now."
At the board meeting, Westcott called on the district's superintendent.
"Dr. (Michelle) Langenfeld, what are you going to do differently? Your teachers and students are abused, harassed, violated, and put in danger every single day."
Westcott says she is unsure when action will be taken.
"Just last week, a student told multiple people, multiple times, (quote) 'I'm going to shoot up everyone in this school.' Is it going to take someone getting killed for you to finally take the drastic action that is needed?"
Westcott calls on the district to provide stability for Washington, citing the school having seven principals in the past six years.
She also urges a more strict application of the rules in the district handbook.
Toward the end of this past school year, Westcott notes there was an increased presence of district office administrators.
While she says it helped, Westcott claims that was not enough to get things in order.
In a written statement, the Green Bay Area Public School District responded to Westcott's claims:
"As part of our ongoing continuous improvement, District administration has been working with Washington Middle School administrators and staff on its school success plan to address academic and behavioral areas of improvement. The Green Bay Area Public School District, like many school districts across the state and nation, is working to adapt to an increased number of students and families that are impacted by poverty, trauma and mental health concerns.
We ask that our community and families be assured that the District is taking all concerns that have been brought forth seriously and has been working with Washington Middle School staff to continue to improve our plan to specifically address student behavior concerns. Washington Middle School staff and its students have many wonderful achievements and much to be proud of and we ask for our community's support and understanding as we continue to work our plan to ensure student success and positive school culture for all."
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Local officials were called to Martin Elementary twice over the weekend for the report of criminal damage to property.
Green Bay Police Captain Kevin Warych says they were called out to the school located at 626 Pinehurst Ave., once on Saturday and once on Sunday.
"In the investigation we learned that two juveniles, one was 9-year-old and one was 7-years-old, broke into the school and damaged a lot of doors, windows and took small things from the school."
Around $6,000 dollars’ worth of damage was done to the school.
"The items taken were so trivial and those items were later located in the investigation, which led investigators to believe that those two juveniles were responsible for the damage at the elementary school," said Warych.
A police K-9 was used to help secure the building and search for suspects.
The juveniles were turned back over to their parents.
Warych says this is a reminder to parents to know where your kids are at all times, especially during the summer months when they are out of school.
BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - Charges have been filed against the 34-year-old Green Bay man who allegedly fled after crashing his truck into a Bellevue home.
Ryan Fengler reportedly suffered significant injuries during the Saturday morning incident in the 2000 block of Jen Rae Road.
Fengler's preliminary hearing on counts of felony Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and misdemeanor Negligent Operation of a Vehicle is scheduled for July 6.
At an initial appearance Monday, Fengler was released on signature bond.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - With the Fourth of July just one week away, people are reminded of proper flag flying etiquette.
Fly Me Flag of Green Bay's owner Stacey Stewart notes the chief rule for displaying the United States flag.
"If you're going to leave your flag up all the time, flag code says it needs to be illuminated."
Stewart notes there are other guidelines for flying Old Glory.
"The U.S. flag should always be the highest flag or all the way to the left, when you're looking at a building from the street."
She says there is also a protocol for disposing of a worn flag.
"There are organizations like the VFW, some of the Boy Scout groups, Purple Heart groups that do flag burning ceremonies."
Stewart says the proper retirement ceremony is also offered at her store.
As for sales, Stewart notes the Memorial Day through Independence Day Period is once again shaping up to be their busiest season.
"We sell a lot of U.S. flags leading up to Memorial Day. This time of the year, we also sell the fans and the buntings and a lot of the other patriotic garden flags and banners."
Fly Me Flag is located at 1720 South Ashland Avenue.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay's 9-11 memorial downtown will be a topic of discussion at Green Bay's Public Arts Commission meeting this week.
Over more than a decade, the monument, located in from of the Neville Public Museum, has slowly deteriorated because the wrong type of marble was used as the base.
Years later, it was discovered that flight information had been etched into the marble incorrectly.
Written in the cracked stone, it says American Airlines 175 and United Airlines 93, when it should be United Airlines 175 and American Airlines 77.
The names of those lost in the terror attack, which are also engraved in the stone, are fading due to severe weathering.
Scannell says until recently, did they have a committee that could tackle the project correctly.
"We're really thinking it should be deaccessioned, taken down, and parts of it reused for a new memorial and that we should look for some artists, have them come up with some designs and see what we like," Scannell said.
If the city decides to replace the tribute, Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith says he has an idea on where to put it.
"It's going to be a huge expense for the city to repair it and possibly repair it over and over again. I suggested maybe with a new police and fire headquarters complex... that would be the perfect place to have a memorial," said Smith.
Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt's Chief of Staff Celestine Jefferys says one of the next steps will be to assess the monument and its condition.
It could take a couple of years to complete a new memorial, if that's the route the city's decides to go.
The Commission meeting takes place Wednesday at 8 a.m. at City Hall.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A ceremony held Monday to set the final steel beam for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's new Great Lakes Energy Education Center.
The 30,000 square-foot facility will provide more space for students and will also host new energy programs in power generation, transmission, and management.
The programs will create three types of associate degrees, two technical diplomas and two types of apprenticeship programs.
NWTC instructor Jenny Brinker tells WLUK the school is trying to accommodate the demand for jobs in the energy field.
"We are working with technologies of today and of course with the future, because buildings are going to become more connected. We will have a lot more information and technology and this building will be an excellent of where things are going in the future."
The center is also zero-net energy capable, meaning its energy consumption will be about equal to the renewable energy it generates.
Construction is expected to finish in spring of next year.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)-WLUK) - Green Bay Police spent hours talking with a despondent man, armed with a gun, who shut himself inside a home in the 300 block of Webster Avenue.
A SWAT Team was called in as a precaution
The man finally surrendered without incident at little after 1a.m. this morning.
For a time, neighbors were told to stay inside and Webster was blocked off between Crook Street and Stuart Street.
ALLOUZE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Nearly three months ago, State Rep. David Steffen introduced a proposal to close Green Bay Correctional Institution and build a new maximum security prison elsewhere.
"The problem with not acting now, is the delay is incredibly expensive," explained Steffen.
Steffen's proposal is expected to be taken up by the Joint Finance Committee this week. However, he tells WLUK, it is lacking support from members of the State Senate.
"It's the Senate where it is much more dicey and a little more uncertain."
Steffen said Republican State Sen. Robert Cowles wants to do a study of all Wisconsin prisons to see if other prisons are dealing with the same over crowding issues as GBCI.
In a statement Cowles said "A study would look at the problem holistically." It went s on to say "GBCI, the maximum-security prison at Waupun and possibly a third facility likely need replacing."
Steffen said a study was done in 2009, he says it showed GBCI is in the worst condition.
"It reported that $142.4 million was required for GBCI, it also evaluated Waupun, the amount of money that facility needed to bring up to code was $9 million"
Allouez Village President Jim Rafter says if Steffen's proposal is rejected, it could cost taxpayers more money because the facility is expensive to run.
"That one piece of property that GBCI sits on is a very valuable piece of property, and it's not generating any tax revenue."
Rafter added redeveloping the land would generate about $80 million for the village.
"We are landlocked as everyone knows, 30% of our property is tax exempt, we have nowhere to grow, we have to redevelop." Steffen said if the proposal is taken out of the budget it could be taken up as its own bill.
"There is an opportunity for it as a standalone piece of legislation to make its way through the process, the Assembly, Senate, and the Governor, that would take longer."
Steffen added he is meeting with Senator Cowles this week, to talk more about his proposal.
Governor Walker's proposed budget includes $22.2 million for renovations to the current prison.
Kewaunee County has already expressed interest in housing a new prison.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay officials says the two missing boys have been found safe.
*****
Green Bay Police are searching for two missing boys who are considered runaways.
14-year-old Tramayne Allen and and 12-year-old Messiah Forrest of Green Bay were reported missing Monday night around 10 p.m.
Allen, is described as 6 feet tall and was last seen wearing only black jogging pants.
Forrest, is described as 5 feet tall and around 100 pounds. He last seen wearing navy blue checker shorts. He is also autistic.
Neither boys had shoes or shirts on. Police say they ran away from the 1300 block of Doty Street on the city's east side.
Officials say they may have been in the area of Berwyn Ave. and Deer Trail around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.
If you have any information on where Allen or Forrest might be, please contact the Green Bay Police Department at 920-448-3208 and ask for Lt. Jeff Brester or Detective Mike Wanta.
You can remain anonymous by contacting CrimeStoppers at (920) 432-STOP, on the web at www.432stop.com, or by texting GBTIP plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The top official in the Green Bay Area Public School District has responded to allegations made by a former teacher.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Langenfeld has issued a written statement in response to the comments made at the district's June 5 school board meeting by Washington Middle School Sixth Grade Teacher Kerstin Westcott.
Westcott submitted her resignation that night, citing a 'toxic' school environment at Washington that is unsafe for both students and staff.
The 12-year Green Bay Area Public School District veteran claimed disobedient students had taken over the school in recent years, with matters worsening in 2016-17.
Westcott says those kids have subjected their peers and superiors to constant 'physical, verbal, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse.'
Langenfeld issued her written statement Tuesday:
"On behalf of the Green Bay Area Public School District, I would like to assure our families and community that safety is our highest priority. We have and continue to be committed to the Washington Middle School students, staff and families to ensure a positive learning environment. District administration and the Board of Education have taken all concerns brought forth seriously and have been working with Washington Middle School administration and staff to improve student behaviors and to address any safety concerns for both students and staff.
Executive Director of Secondary Education Tom Hoh, who supervises all secondary principals, has worked closely with Washington Middle School administrators to provide direction and support. As concerns emerged in the winter of 2017, a District office student success team was created that included administrators and staff from the departments of special education, teaching and learning, technology, and pupil services, who meet with Washington Middle School administrators on a regular basis to continue to strategize how to best support staff and students. These supports were implemented due to our recognition that additional resources were required to address student academic and behavior needs at Washington Middle School.
In early May, the Board of Education and administration became aware of the growing staff concerns similar to those shared by Ms. Westcott in June. Upon learning of these concerns, the Board of Education and District Administration took the concerns very seriously. In response, the following occurred:
Due to our observations and staff reporting improvement in student behavior based on the actions taken in the spring, the District will continue and expand our support of the efforts described above. The District’s plan for next school year, with input from staff and community, includes additional school administrators and staff to provide support with counseling, ELL and special education services, family engagement, and student behaviors.
Specifically, in response to Ms. Kerstin Westcott’s statement to the Board of Education on June 5, 2017, first, I would like to state that Ms. Westcott is an excellent teacher. I know this because I have been in her classroom as recently as April of this year, during an unannounced visit, where I found students to be engaged in learning. I also visited Washington Middle School two other times in May, and at those times I did not witness behaviors that would have raised concerns. So it is with deep sadness that Kerstin had not shared her concerns with me prior to her resignation in June.
I do think it is important to note that Washington Middle School staff and its students have many wonderful achievements and much to be proud of and we ask for our community's support as we continue to ensure student success and a positive school culture for all."
WTAQ requested interviews with Langenfeld and other district officials on both Monday and Tuesday, but those requests have been declined.
CHICAGO, IL (WTAQ) - Brendan Dassey's attorneys are again asking for their client's immediate release from custody.
A ten-page motion filed today, which you can read in full courtesy of Fox 11, calls Dassey an 'unconstitutionally incarcerated man' and responds to the state's request to keep Dassey behind bars through the appeals process.
Last week, a three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision to overturn Dassey's conviction for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach.
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Illegal fireworks are being blamed for a blaze that destroyed an Oshkosh barn.
Crews found the structure fully-engulfed when they responded to 4020 Sterns Drive late Monday night.
There were no people or animals in the barn.
Firefighters were on scene for more than eight hours.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Many people will be celebrating the 4th of July with family, friends, and likely fireworks.
Green Bay Metro Fire Lt. Cody Johnson reminds folks that any type of fireworks that leave the ground or explode are not legal to use in the city of Green Bay.
"What is permitted is sparklers, snakes, spark fountains, and smoke bombs. That's pretty much the only thing that's permitted without applying and receiving a permit from the city."
Although they seem harmless, sparklers can cause some big problems.
"Please don't allow any children to use any fireworks, including sparklers. Most people tend to forget sparklers burn at 1200 degrees...put that into perspective, glass will melt at 900 degrees," Johnson said.
Johnson says on average nationwide, 18,000 fires take place around the holiday with half of those attributed to fireworks.
A Medical Perspective
This time of year can bring in more injuries due to fireworks, including minor burns and eye trauma...but that's not all.
"We do see other types of injuries where it's affecting bone, muscles, joints and obviously anything with the face can be devastating to someone's appearance," said Dr. Al Salmi, an emergency department physician at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.
Sparklers can cause some painful injuries if not used properly.
"The heat, their sharp, kids will drop them and step on them. So, we even see foot injuries from the sharp metal wire sparklers. I know they've come out with bigger stick ones that are wooden that may not be as prone to puncture the skin.
Salmi also reminds folks to not drink alcohol while using fireworks.
"Certainly there are going to be parties going on and we don't like to mix alcohol with the fireworks. Certainly a responsible adult would be the appropriate person to be lighting the fireworks."
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were over 11,000 firework-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments in 2016.
