MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Steven Avery's attorney has filed an appeal to overturn a decision denying her client a new trial for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. 

Attorney Kathleen Zellner says she has not received a response from the Sheboygan County judge handling the case on five consecutive filings, the latest coming Thursday. 

Avery is serving a life sentence.    

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Eight men were arrested Thursday in connection with a human trafficking investigation in Oshkosh. 

Police say it focused on people who were willing to pay for sex. 

The suspects are all from Wisconsin or Illinois, ranging in age from 20 to 60-years-old. 

The men were from Hortonville, Horicon, Fremont, Appleton, Waupaca, Neenah, Clarendon, IL and Orland Park, IL.

GREEN BAY (WTAQ-WLUK) -- A jury acquitted a Manitowoc doctor of charges he illegally overprescribed prescription drugs.

Dr. Charles Szyman faced 19 counts of allegedly “knowingly and intentionally distributed and dispensed unlawfully, and attempted to distribute and dispense unlawfully, a controlled substance outside of his professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose."

Wisconsin regulators also suspended his license. Proceedings on if license should be revoked will likely wait until after the criminal case is completed, state officials have said.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Roughly 400 season ticket holders bussed from Oshkosh to Milwaukee Friday to see the Wisconsin Herd play.

The game, against the Windy City Bulls, was originally supposed to be the team's home opener at Oshkosh's Menominee Nation Arena, but construction delays pushed it to the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

That didn't keep Jay Saubaran from being excited.

"It's cool that they're doing something like this, seeing how they had the issue with the arena being delayed for a couple weeks.  Pulling up here, seeing six coach buses, can't go wrong with that, traveling in luxury down to Milwaukee."

The team paid for transportation and offered free tickets to non-season ticket holders.

The Herd will play two more games at the Bradley Center this month, but both will be closed to the public.

The first game in Oshkosh is scheduled for December 1.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The Packers are honoring people who they feel have made a difference in their communities.

Ten volunteers were presented Friday with a 'Packers Give Back Award,' which comes with a $2,000 grant for their nonprofit organization.

Among them was Casa Alba Melanie's Father Ken DeGroot.

"It means a lot to the organization. I feel sort of like the quarterback, like he's the star, and all of my offensive line; try to open the holes or something which I feel the same way about the cooperation of so many people who are so interested in the welfare of the Hispanic people."

Other recipients include Becky Finkel of St. Vincent de Paul in Appleton and DuWayne Wieck of the American Legion Post in Plymouth.

GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The start of Deer Hunt 2017 is on the horizon.

"There's bow hunters, but gun hunting is just a different thing. You got thousands and thousands of people in the woods waiting. They wait all year for this," said Andy Sroka, Scheels Archery Manager.

And about 600,000 gun-hunters say the time for waiting is over, almost.

Daybreak Saturday brings the start of the nine-day, gun deer hunt.

Hunters will be huddled in their shacks, or in other prime places across the state.

Anticipation builds as hunters make last-minute preparations.

Hunters combed the aisles at Scheels in in Grand Chute Friday morning,

"Doing some last-minute shopping. Some orange t-shirts," said Dan Draheim, Greenville.

Draheim was gearing up, and burning off some nervous energy too.

"The night before opening, you have a lot of anxiety. It's almost like Christmas morning, or Christmas Eve, where you can't sleep and you're excited about the anticipation of the sun coming up and first light," he said.

Draheim hunts with family and friends in Outagamie County.

"It looks like a typical year. Farmers are just getting the crops off now, so the deer have been moving around a little more, coming into our game cameras," he said.

But what are the chances of bagging that trophy buck? Wildlife biologists say opportunity opening weekend typically is pretty good, opening morning, even better.

"We've had multiple mild winters in a row, and that's allowed for better productivity. And we're seeing that on the landscape. We saw a nice bump in the buck harvest up north last year, and we anticipate that trend to continue this year," said Jeff Pritzl, DNR District Wildlife Supervisor.

Back at Scheels, business was brisk

"It's been crazy the last couple days, and even for a couple weeks already," said Sroka.

Sroka says hunters shop according to the weather. Popular items include hats, gloves and those warmers too.

"The hot hands. The little things you put in your gloves, in your feet. You shake them up and it gets you warm," said Sroka.

And there's even a full-body heated hunting suit.

"It's like a big sleeping bag, where you can crawl in it. They have a blaze orange cover for it," said Sroka.

Hunters will put their gear, and the weather conditions, to the test beginning early Saturday morning.

"Once the sun comes up, and you start getting tired, then deer start moving around, you hear the first gun shot, and then your heart races a little bit. So, good times," said Draheim.

CLINTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ)- Clinonville's Mayor is already saying "No" to re-election. 

Mayor Lois Bressette said she has already filed her Non-Candidacy papers because she is not on the same page as those around her.

Bressette said she feels the City Administrator and Council are spinning their wheels when it comes to growing the city of Clintonville, and they are not making things happen at the pace she desires.

"We have just come to the point where we do not share the same vision for the city."

Bressette said when she was elected Mayor, she had a big vision for the city, but that is not happening the way she would like to see it happen, and said it is time for her to step away.

"I maybe don't have patience to wait for people to catch up. I think I am too much of a bigger picture thinker for some people and I guess I just got really frustrated."

City Administrator Sharon Eveland said she found out about the Mayor's decision on Friday morning, but was not expecting it. 

She said she feels the city is making progress.

"There might be at least the appearance of things slowing down. I think the city is heading in the right direction, but things don't happen overnight."

Eveland was hired in February to take over for Chuck Kell, who held the position on a part-time basis during the transition period. 

Eveland says that in itself is an obstical. 

"For three years, they only had a part-time Administrator."

Along with Eveland, many of the council members are also newly elected.

"There is an adjustment period, and that does not matter what city you are in."

Bressette has been Mayor for two years, and said she feels that she has helped smooth the rough patches that the city had when she took over. 

"I know the Mayor cares about what happens here" Eveland said.

City Administrator Eveland said she too cares about the city, and has some goals, but their is a learning curve.

"I don't want to give the council aneurysm  by throwing everything at them at once." Eveland said they are taking things at a pace that they can handle.

Bressette said not all is lost. She has met many of her goals and fulfilled many of her dreams in her time as Mayor, and know the city will continue to move on and grow.

"The Department heads and those that work under them, are some of the most hardest working people that I have worked with for years" Bressette said.

Mayor Bressette will finish her term in April of 2018. She said filing early allows people time to consider running. 

"I appreciate what she has done for the city so far and I wish her the best." Eveland said.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Three St. Mary's Springs football players were held out of Thursday's state championship game.

School officials say it was due to a 'code violation,' with a letter to parents citing a Wednesday night disorderly conduct call to Pizza Ranch.

School President Kelly Norton's letter reads:

"Greetings SMSA Families,

You may have seen the FDL Scanner/Crime Reports Facebook post last evening, stating that there was a "disorderly conduct call to Pizza Ranch, reported to involve the St. Mary's Springs football team." We are not in a position to comment on the nature or details of the incident as it is in the hands of the FDL Police Department. However, as information is presented to the Administration of SMSA, we will manage the situation per the policies outlined in our student handbook and code of conduct. It is our expectation that our students and school community, whether on our campus grounds or elsewhere, serve as examples of the core values and Christian character that we teach and expect of one another.

Despite these circumstances, let this not be a deterrent from the importance, magnitude and community celebration of today, for there are many students, coaches, fans, and friends that have supported us on our journey to Madison. As we travel there today with our team, students and school, please remember we are ONE--in faith and community! GO LEDGERS!

In Christ,

Kelly"

One starter and two reserves missed the win over Iola-Scandinavia at Madison's Camp Randall Stadium.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Surreal is the one word Kimberly coach Steve Jones used to describe what his program has done the last five years after completing its fifth straight perfect season Friday night by winning the Division 1 state championship, 27-7 over Sun Prairie.

The Papermakers won their fifth straight state title, the last four coming in Division 1 after winning the 2013 title in Division 2.

Furthermore, the Papermakers have won 70 straight games, continuing to push their state-record winning streak into a territory nobody ever thought possible.

"If you would have asked me at the beginning of the year if we would be standing here, I don't know if I would've believed you," Jones said.

"Inexperienced group coming in but continued to grow, evolve, change as a group. It's really a neat experience to see them compete at such a high level on the biggest stage."

Kimberly (14-0) started slow against the undefeated Cardinals, falling behind, 7-0, in the first quarter after a turnover led to a short field for Sun Prairie. But eventually the Papermakers got going.

John Nett scored on a 25-yard touchdown run with 59 seconds left in the second quarter as the teams were tied 7-all at halftime.

The second half was all Kimberly.

It entered Friday having outscored opponents, 104-15, in the second half of state title games the previous four seasons and Friday it outscored the Cardinals, 20-0.

"To get those seven points up on the board really jump-started us," running back D.J. Stewart said.

"That was a momentum changer in the game."

The running game took over as Stewart rushed for 189 yards and two scores, while Alec Rosner added 108 yards and a TD and Nett 76 yards and a TD.

Sun Prairie's lone scoring drive was 19 yards after Rosner lost the ball on a pass attempt in a driving rain.

Kimberly picked off two passes and contained an explosive offense to 260 yards. In its last two games of the season, Kimberly held Appleton North and Sun Prairie to a combined 21 points.

"The defense played lights out all season," Rosner said. "They peaked at the right time."

WAUPACA COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Hundreds of thousands of hunters took to the field Saturday, looking for that trophy buck.

For many hunters it was a little damp, but for the most part, the snow stayed away.

Rays of green light guided the routine as the Mullins family and friends prepared for opening day.

At age 19, Sam Mullins tells FOX 11 has been hunting since he was 12.

"Got here an hour before sunlight. So out here at 5:30."

As daylight reluctantly arrived at a hunting blind near Marion, Mullins was on alert.

"This is deer central. Depending on where you are in Waupaca, but you normally see quite a few deer come out."

About a hour into the season, an eight point buck appeared at the far edge of the field.

"There's a deer right over in the, yep, there's a deer right over here. He's about two and a half, three, three and a half. That was an eight-pointer. That was a nice deer to see," he said.

Mullins passed on the deer, but others didn't. Pat Klingbile bagged an eight-pointer near Tigerton.

"This is probably the smallest one I shot in the last few years, but can't get the big ones every year."

Klingbile's harvest was the first and only animal registered Saturday morning in the big-buck contest at Lakeview Tavern near Marion.

"Usually by now, we got a parking lot full of bucks, and waiting on them to enter our contest. But this morning, it's a little slow," said Travis Beyersdorf, Lakeview Tavern Co-Owner.

Just up the road in Marion, Abby Krueger showed off a six-point buck. She bagged it in Waupaca County with the help of her cousin.

"Because it's my first one. I only got a doe before this, so that was three or four years ago, so it's exciting."

Meanwhile, back in the blind, bucks were on the move.

Mullins says it's common to see a dozen or more deer each day.

"Sometimes you see more does, than bucks. You just kind of want that ratio even. Sometimes you might take that extra doe every year because we're seeing more does than bucks, but in the end, it's just nice to be out to see all the deer." The Mullins hunting party says they saw plenty of deer Saturday, none were harvested.

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - College is nearly 5 years out for 8th grader Gianna Trotter, but she's already a step ahead, preparing for what's next.

"Still deciding if I want to be in special ed or in OB-GYN. I'm really interested in health and being a doctor," Trotter told FOX 11.

Trotter's interest came after seeing her sister give birth. Ignited with determination, she took to St. Norbert College for the Black Scholar program.

The program is hosted by the northeast chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The goal is to help students of color confront challenges while in school.

The chapter's programming and planning chair Jenene Calloway....

"We wanted to provide them with opportunity with other individuals that have attended college that look just like them who are just from background very similar to the background they're from and show them what's possible."

Organizers said the program is targeting African-Americans mainly due to the large achievement gap seen in recent data.

Chapter president, Ameerah McBrie told FOX 11.

"If you look on the department of public instruction website you can see that the students, the black students particular in the Green Bay area, are not graduating in the same rate as their peers."

According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, last year, African-Americans in the Green Bay area school district had the lowest graduation rate within four years.

Only 64 percent graduated. Whites had a graduation rate of more than 90 percent.

"I think the achievement gap has several different factors, I don't think there's one specific reason we can touch on."

McBrie added that the gap exists largely because a lot of parents aren't informed about education.

"Another issue that we see is that there may not be culturally relevant or culturally competent education going on."

The seminar taught students like Trotter everything from applying for school to dealing with the college life.

"I learned more than I thought I would learn and so a lot of the things they said, I would have never thought I would do. I'm a procrastinator, which they said will not get you through college so it's like okay."

And there's no doubt Trotter is already soaking in that lesson as she prepares for college five years early.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - More than 30 downtown Manitowoc storefront windows were "aluminized" Friday night.

It's all part of the Evergleams on Eighth celebration.

More than 40 different sizes, styles and colors of vintage aluminium Christmas trees will be on display.

Beginning in 1959, Aluminum Specialty, a Manitowoc company, produced more than one million of the "space-aged" trees.

The downtown district worked with two Manitowoc natives who have become avid collectors of the aluminium trees.

The trees will be on display until Jan. 7.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Is deep-fried turkey on the menu for your family this Thanksgiving?

Cabela's, in Ashwaubenon, hosted a seminar Saturday featuring tips on how to safely deep-fry a turkey.

The goal was to make sure that people don't end up in the hospital or having to call 911.

They remind you to only use a fully-thawed turkey while cooking, never frozen.

Alson make sure the turkey is dry before putting it into the oil.

Nicole Hanley, Cabela's marketing manager, tells FOX 11 they're happy to help people around the holidays.

"We love to be the experts here, we love to be the people that people come to for advice and to ask questions to and we like to be able to just educate the public and help them have a safe and a happy holiday."

After the demonstrations, attendees got to taste the delicious deep-fried turkeys.

FON DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - On November 19, 2017 at approximately 4:10 a.m., Fond du Lac Police were called to St. Agnes Hospital for a report of a 31-year- old Fond du Lac man who presented himself to the Emergency Room with a gunshot wound from an altercation that took place outside a residence in the 100 block of Western Avenue.

During the course of the investigation, Investigators believed the suspect in this incident was possibly at a residence in the 100 block of Western Avenue.

The Fond du Lac Police Department SWAT team was called out to assist in searching the residence for the possible suspect.

The suspect was not located inside the residence.

Investigators are looking to locate the following suspect who is wanted in connection with this incident, Antino D. Jones. 

Jones is possibly armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Lead Detective Steve Kaufman at (920)322-3725 or thecrime alert at 888-339- 7855.  Persons calling can remain anonymous.

DEPERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Surprised and upset by an unexpected message in De Pere, Sean Loughney, told FOX 11, " I think it's disgusting. It's not something that you should show as your president whether you like him or not."

Loughney hopes whoever tagged the railroad bridge along Main Avenue with a swastika next to the name "Trump" learns to express their views in other ways.

A resident agreed vandalism isn't right but is willing to accept the text. 

She said, "I don't like graffiti but I can't say I disagree with the sign, I don't know, I don't know what he is."

The context wasn't the only surprising factor; some say it's unusual to see vandalism in that part of the city at all.

"I just thought it was kind of weird, usually you don't see that stuff in a not so big city," Austin Marcks of De Pere said.

George Jackson, another De Pere resident, said he's seen graffiti on the bridge before but nothing like the current one.

"I’ve definitely seen graffiti on that bridge before, nothing like that offensive though." Jackson said.

He believes whoever tagged the bridge only did it for fun and not necessarily to convey a message.

"Some kid probably did that and by this point already they probably already forgot about it."

But whether it's fun and games or fits someone's beliefs, residents aren't welcoming any type of vandalism.

Tommy Maher told FOX 11, "I think we should get rid of that as soon as possible to portray De Pere better."

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Today marks the start of Austin Straubel International Airport's busiest week of the year.

That according to Airport Director Tom Miller, who expects roughly 10,000 people will go through the terminals for Thanksgiving travel.

"That's a 20% increase in traffic compared to the same weekend a year ago."

Miller predicts the trend of Wednesday being the busiest day ahead of the holiday will continue.

However, he expects a change from previous years in weekend travel.

"A lot of people, rather than coming home on Sunday, which is normal, they're going to be coming back on Saturday."

Miller says people should arrive at least 75 minutes before their flight.

"TSA has implemented some enhanced screening measures, which are causing a little bit longer wait times in line for clearing the security checkpoint."

He explains how this week compares to travel around next month's holiday season.

"There's a wider range of dates in which people can travel, almost a two-week period during Christmas, so Thanksgiving is typically our busiest time of year." 

Miller urges travelers who plan to bring Christmas gifts on their Thanksgiving trip not to wrap those items until they arrive at their destination, as packages that cannot be screened could lead to delays. 

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A weekend burglary has been reported on Manitowoc's southwest side.

Detective Sergeant Michael Stone says a resident woke up Saturday morning to find that their home had been entered

"Numerous items were found to have been missing from the house.  The suspect was apparently able to locate a set of keys to a car and took a vehicle as well.  A white 2013 Dodge Charger with black pinstripes (and Wisconsin license plate: 354VSC)." 

Stone notes there were other crimes reported in the same area, having declined to comment on which neighborhood or streets were involved.  

"Some vehicles had property that was stolen from them and some other buildings associated with residences were also entered.  Some property is missing from those cases."

While he says they have not received reports of similar incidents in the recent past, Stone has some advice for residents since the holidays are approaching, which could increase the potential for these sorts of crimes.

"I would encourage people to lock their vehicles, lock their homes.  If you anything of value inside your vehicle or your home, put it somewhere where people cannot see it."

No word on any suspect(s).

Anyone with information is asked to call 920-683-4466.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay Packers playmaker faces three citations following an October traffic stop.

Running Back Aaron Jones has entered not guilty pleas to Operating Without a Valid License, Speeding in a 55 mph zone (20-24 over), and Operating with a Restricted Controlled Substance.

State Patrol officials say Jones was clocked going 77-79 miles per hour on Highway 172. 

Jones' eyes were reportedly red and bloodshot, having allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana after breakfast that morning.

Jones agreed to give a blood sample.

The next court date is scheduled for February 1.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy discussed the matter at his Monday press conference.

"He made a mistake. Aware of the situation. Spoke with him. It’s a pending legal matter.”

Jones' attorney has declined to comment on the matter.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Trials have been ordered for the two people accused of posting online sexual ads in their neighbor's name.

Michael Wilz and Julie Wittrock allegedly posted the ads to Craigslist, prompting numerous men to show up at Becky Drake's door in recent months.

Both Wilz and Wittrock were bound over for trial on Monday, following preliminary hearings where an Omro Police officer testified.

Arraignments are scheduled for December 20.

Wittrock's request to have her $15,000 cash bond reduced was denied.  

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - DNR officials are reflecting on the opening weekend of this year's nine-day gun-deer season.  

All three hunting-related accidents involve a hunter having been shot when their firearm accidentally discharged.

Conservation Warden John King says "it's not an alarming number to me.  Traditionally, we have about a handful of hunting accidents that occur during the opening weekend."

King notes one of those incidents happened in Brown County.

"A male subject trying to get into his treestand, and his firearm went off and shot him in the ankle.  He ended up going to the hospital and having surgery."

In Shawano County, King says a hunter was taken to the hospital and released after his handgun went off in his holster while he bent down to pick something up, with the bullet striking him in the leg.

King notes the Forest County incident stemmed from a hunter trying to ready his gun in his vehicle, with a bullet also striking his leg.

Following those incidents, King urges hunters to follow four rules to avoid further problems this season.

"Treat every firearm as if it's loaded, always point your muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of your target: what's in front of it and what's beyond it, and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you're ready to shoot."

While two hunters died in Marquette County and one in Manitowoc County, King notes none of the deaths are considered to be hunting-related by the DNR's definition. 

"Where somebody is injured while hunting from the discharge of a gun, bow, or crossbow."

While he was not familiar with the Manitowoc County report, King says one Marquette County death has been attributed to health issues, with the other still under investigation by sheriff's officials.

The nine-day gun-deer season runs through Sunday.  

DNR officials expect opening weekend harvest numbers will be released Tuesday.