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Titletown Sledding Hill to Open

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The sledding hill in the new Titletown District park is ready to open.

Packers' officials say a ribbon-cutting for Ariens Hill will be held at 3:30 pm Thursday, with the hill opening to the public as soon as that's done.

The 46-foot high hill stretches 300 feet from start to finish, with an automated system returning tubes to the top, while riders climb the stairs.

'Grand opening holiday pricing' will be in effect for an undisclosed amount of time, with a single ride ticket costing $3.  

No unlimited ride tickets are being offered at this time.

Find more information on rules, hours, and prices by clicking here.


Man Charged In Sturgeon Bay Incident

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STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Charges have been filed against a man whose actions led to a Door County Sheriff Deputy being shot in the thigh Monday morning.

26-year old Brian Crook has been charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. 

Police say Crook was making threats with a knife. 

Officers were able to get Crooks to drop the knife, but said Crooks resisted arrest. 

Police reported that as they attempted to arrest Crooks, a rifle that was being carried by a Sturgeon Bay police officer, discharged into the floor, leading to bullet fragments striking a Door County deputy in the leg area. 

The deputy was released from the hospital the same day.

The investigation to what led to the gun being discharged is still ongoing.

Alderman Discusses His Schmitt-Zima Comments

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay alderman discusses the reason he made comments about Mayor Jim Schmitt and Alderman Guy Zima's ongoing feud, prior to Tuesday night's vote on the Shipyard project.

Alderman Joe Moore called that rivalry a 'dumpster fire.'

"The relationship that Alderman Zima and the mayor have has been a hindrance to us getting our jobs done the right way.  We need to keep this stuff out of the council chambers and focus on city business.  It's become a spectacle." 

Moore explains why he choose to do so at that particular meeting.

"(The Shipyard) was a very monumental project.  There's going to be a lot of development that spurs off of this, and that's where the focus needed to be.  I think that just about every meeting, you saw Alderman Zima and the mayor going at each other."

While Zima was not present, having been excused from the meeting, Moore says he spoke with Schmitt after it ended, noting the two were quite civil with one another.   

"Outside of City Hall, I consider the mayor my friend, but at the same time, I have to put my alderman hat on, and nobody gets a pass."   

Moore says it is up to Schmitt to define his own legacy in the 16 months before he leaves office

He also suggests Zima not run for re-election in the spring, following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Meanwhile, Schmitt released a statement Wednesday apologizing for a comment where he compared Zima to Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who has recently been accused of sexual assault by dozens of women.

Schmitt says he should have handled his differences with Zima in a more professional manner.  

Combating Aquatic Invasive Species

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A plan is in place to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

The Bait Shop Initiative is using the expertise of scientists and business owners.

At Fish Tales in Oshkosh, live minnows and custom lures are in good supply, with ice fishermen starting to take to Lake Winnebago.  

"Anything a fisherman is going to need, we have it," said Cory Van Vonderen, Fish Tales Owner.

Van Vonderen also gives advice.

"I keep a daily update on ice conditions. I stay on top of that. I make sure people know where the ice is safe, where it's not safe, and also where the fish are biting," he said.

Fish Tales is also part of a new bait shop network spreading the word about aquatic invasive species on Lake Winnebago.

"It's winter time, and yes it's really cold. But invasive species can still spread, if we're not following these steps," said Chris Acy, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator.

Those steps include inspecting equipment, removing any attached plants, and never moving weeds or live fish away from the lake.

"In the wintertime, that's more of what we're looking at. People who are going from one maybe ice fishing spot to another on the same lake," said Acy.

From the bait shops to the boat landings, project officials hope area fishermen will take that information and put it into practice.

"Make sure I clean all my stuff before we come off the lake. Make sure the drill is clean, all the cables coming up are clean," said Ryan Pinkall, Oshkosh.

Dozens of anglers were catching perch on Lake Winnebago's Asylum Bay Wednesday morning.

Back at Fish Tales, Van Vonderen says the initiative will help keep Lake Winnebago healthy.

"It's all about preserving the great fishery that we've got. And that's really at the heart of it all," he said.

Plans are in the works to expand the bait shop network.

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is sponsoring the initiative with support from UW-Madison, UW-Extension and the Department of Natural Resources.

Toy Donation Shopping Day Brings In Hundreds

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ)- Shopko Hall in Green Bay has been transformed to a toy store for families in need.

"If you take your own Christmas and how your children react, I get to take that by 1,800 today" said Nan Pahl of the Salvation Army.

One by one, families line up to get assistance from a volunteer shopper, whose goal is to help parents pick out items to make their child's Christmas wish come true. 

Parents who otherwise would not be able to afford christmas gifts, are amazed at the selection.

"There is so much to pick from and stuff that you would never imagine to find. They make it possible for you as a parent to actually find those items" said one mother.

Pahl explains to make this day happen, it takes generosity from the community, and volunteer support, both of which they received plenty of this year.

"We use about 800 volunteer hours to meet all of the needs of our families."

Each family given the chance to pick out two toys per child, a stuffed animal, family game, stocking stuffers and food.

Pahl says one of the neatest things of the whole experience is that she has seen their efforts to help those in need go full circle

"They come back as donors, as shoppers and as volunteers after they get back on their feet. We have seen that a lot."

One of the volunteer shoppers Carrie said she pulled her daughter out of school for the morning so that she could see how tough Christmas can be for some.

"I brought her along so she see that no everybody has the same type of Christmas as she does, but also to see how happy these people are to get what the community has given."

Her daughter even took time to help one father who was shopping for his 11-year old daughter.

Shopping continues today. Many volunteers helped families pick out two toys per child, plus books, winter attire, stocking stuffers, a stuffed animal and a family board game.

A New HQ Means A Safer Community

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KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A new fire station is open in Kaukauna.

The 29,000 square-foot facility held its grand opening Wednesday.

It replaces the former station which was only 8,000 square feet.

The new facility, which can comfortably house 35 firefighters, took a year to complete.

The new station, located on Second Street, has more doors which shortens response time for crews.

During tours of the facility, assistant fire chief Donald Grindheim tells FOX 11 it's all about serving the community.

"This is a product for the citizens of the city of Kaukauna. We happen to be lucky enough to work out of here, to respond out of here and be able to help our citizens. But this building is for the citizens of the city of Kaukauna and they should be very proud."

The new fire station was part two of a three-part project.

Part three will be a renovation of the city's public works department building.

Advice As We Head Into The Deep Freeze

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - As we prepare for a cold snap next week, some reminders for cold weather safety for you, your family and your pets.

At the Oshkosh Fire Department, John Holland tells FOX 11 people need to remember to dress smart if you're going outside.

"Dress in layers so you can keep that heat in, hat, gloves, you can get frostbite very, very quickly."

Holland said it's also important to have supplies in your car in case you break down or get stuck. He recommends a full tank of gas, charged cell phone, blanket, shovel, water, snacks and jumper cables.

"Just common sense things that you think, 'well, what could I possibly need if I get stuck?'"

It's already been cold, so you've likely turned the heat on at your house.

However, Holland said if you haven't, get your furnace and any fire places and chimneys checked.

He also warned to please be safe with space heaters and have a carbon monoxide detector.

"Any time you are burning fuel you are creating carbon monoxide and without a carbon monoxide detector you're not gonna know you have it."

The cold doesn't just affect humans.

Joni Geiger at Oshkosh Area Humane Society says the temperatures hit pets hard too.

"Pads of feet can freeze, ears can freeze. It's really important to think about salt, that chemical can, obviously, burn through pads."

And Geiger advised for dogs with a little bit less fur a jacket or sweater is a good idea, even if they're just going to be out for a short period of time.

"You might wanna think about boots as well."

If your pet lives outside there are laws that require a safe shelter.

"There has to be insulation. It has to be off the ground."

Geiger says there have been cases of pets freezing to death or being seriously injured.

"We're always telling people if they see pets outside and they see them out for an extended period of time, call the authorities."

Above all, the experts said, this time of year use common sense and be safe.

If you know anyone who is home-bound, Holland says you should check on them during the cold snap.

No Commitment Yet From Shipyard Partners

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The forces behind the proposed concert hall and restaurant for Green Bay’s Shipyard plan say they still haven't decided whether they will proceed with the project.

The proposed Shipyard site on the western edge of the Fox River has sat empty for the last 30 years.

Green Bay economic development director Kevin Vonck says they hope to know by the end of the year whether the property will be staying that way.

“I know it's the holiday season, but we'd really like to work to get some definitive answers so we can start putting the rest of the pieces of this puzzle together.”

The centerpiece of the puzzle is a $13.5 million plan to improve the waterfront and add parking to build a stadium.

For the past year, the stadium has been paired with an Anduzzi's Restaurant and a concert hall from Festival Foods President and CEO Mark Skogen.

While the city council approved the plan Tuesday night, Skogen tells FOX 11 he is still considering putting his concert hall in Ashwaubenon.

“Green Bay has done a nice job to put this offer in front of us and we are now working to see what an opportunity in Ashwaubenon looks like for cost, location, parking, etc,” Skogen wrote in a message.

As for Anduzzi's, city staff says it could end up being replaced with a different restaurant.

Staff says Anduzzi's wanted a deal provision that allowed it to sell the new restaurant back to the city in three years if business wasn't going as planned. The city did not include the provision in the deal it passed Tuesday night.

“Look, we've been loyal to Anduzzi's,” said Vonck.

“They've been a great partner. They ran a great business. We'd like to give them the opportunity to move forward with the deal that has been presented.”

Breakthrough Fuel is looking at consolidating its downtown locations into a new world headquarters on property just north of the stadium site.

The developers behind the Metreau Apartments and the proposed Broadway Lofts also said they'd be interested in building more housing in the area.

Vonck says all of the interest is contingent on the Shipyard moving forward.

“They would also like to see other amenities for their employees or other amenities for their residents, so they'd like to see us continue to work towards those things.”

If Anduzzi's and/or Skogen officially signs on, the city will move forward with its plan to start construction this summer, and have the stadium open for spring 2019.


Gas Prices Going Up Due To Refinery Disruption

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Gas experts say you may want to fill up before you leave for the holidays

Gas prices across the state are on the way up.

Patrick DeHaan of Gas Buddy says oil refinery disruptions at two locations could lead to a significant increase.

In the last few days, two refineries in the region are experiencing some setbacks, leading to the price increase.

"Maybe as much as five to fiveteen cents a gallon by the time next week rolls around."

Gas prices were likely to stay steady before the refinery disruptions, but the earlier you fill the tanks will save you money

"You will probally notice, compaired to today, Christmas Day and next week, the prices will be higher."

While it is not unheard of to have holiday increases, DeHaan said this one was not planned.

Titletown District Tubing Hill Opens

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The tubing hill in the new Titletown District park has opened.

A Thursday ribbon-cutting was held for Ariens Hill.

The 46-foot high hill stretches 300 feet from start to finish, with an automated system returning tubes to the top.

Packers President Mark Murphy took the inaugural ride down the hill.

"We're looking forward to seeing Ariens Hill become another destination here in Titletown for families, community members to come together and celebrate every winter.  A lot of folks really wanted a tubing hill.  They wanted something to bring people together outside in the winter.  This is really fun to see all of this coming together."  

Ariens President Dan Ariens is using the hill to find a bright spot in what's been a gloomy week for many football fans.

"We're going to bring a lot of people into the community, especially in Titletown, for all winter long.  If we can't have, and I'm sorry Mark (Murphy), but if we can't have a playoff (appearance), let's go tubing."  

Ashwaubenon Village President Mary Kardoskee took one of the inaugural rides, noting her experience with the daunting hill.

"I have issues with heights, and I did do a practice run.  I encourage everybody to come down the hill."

'Grand opening holiday pricing' will be in effect for an undisclosed amount of time, with a single ride ticket costing $3.  

No unlimited ride tickets are being offered at this time.

Find more information on rules, hours, and prices by clicking here.

Big Order For Valley Vehicle Builder

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - The U.S. Army has placed another $100.1 million order for vehicles from Oshkosh Defense.

The order calls for 258 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and accessories.

Dave Diersen, vice president and general manager of joint programs at Oshkosh Defense, said in a news release....

“From a scheduling perspective, the JLTV program is on track. We are currently in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and have delivered over 1,000 vehicles since October 2016. The initial LRIP vehicles are undergoing a spectrum of government testing, and soldiers and Marines will begin receiving JLTVs for operational use in (the 2019 fiscal year).”

This is the seventh order under a contract signed in 2015.

Red Kettle Campaign Homestretch

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - By Saturday night the bells of the Salvation Army's red kettles will go silent across Northeast Wisconsin.

That's when the Christmas campaign comes to an end.

But before they do, local chapters say they still need help drumming up last minute donations.

If you're looking to put money in a red kettle, today that donation will go further in the Fox Cities.

Robb Waugus the development director for Salvation Army Fox Cities, says it's the Salvation Army's largest match day.

"The Community Foundation will be matching dollar-for-dollar up to $40,000 in the kettles in the Fox Cities."

"Our donors that pitched in to try and provide this match are really hoping to spark a little extra giving spirit," added Tammy Williams the vice president of communications and marketing for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

There is a concern, however, the Salvation Army is in need of bell ringers.

Waugus says they only have about half the shifts covered.

"We need about 200 people to come out to be at the kettles to help us ring bells. We'll be ringing from eight in the morning until nine in the evening."

The Salvation Army says kettles with ringers next to them are much more likely to bring in donations than the unmanned kettles.

"A kettle without a ringer is, generally, an empty kettle," said Nick Meisner the communications director for the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay.

Lack of bell ringers isn't just a concern in the Fox Cities or for Friday.

Meisner says the issue is the same in other areas like Green Bay.

"Varies by day, weekends tend to be a little bit better covered than weekdays, but in a general sense, yeah, we're right around that 50%."

The red kettle campaign ends Saturday night, but there's still time to help.

Waugus says you can sign up online or by phone to fill a one or two hour shift.

"All you have to do is smile and ring the bell and wish people a Merry Christmas!"

Organizers say a little bit of your time can make a big difference.

"Brings in much-needed funding for year 'round basic needs programming," said Meisner.

"You get to see your neighbors, you get to see the miracle of Christmas: people giving and giving of their time and their gifts to help make it a bright Christmas for families in need," added Waugus.

There is also a $10,000 match for red kettles in Green Bay Saturday through WPS.

You can sign up to ring bells in the Fox Cities at the local Salvation Army website here. You can learn more about bell ringing in the Green Bay area here.

Longtime Employee Honored

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Much like he has done for the past 50 years, Chuckie Pakanich showed up for work .

He works for ASPIRO, which provides employment for people with cognitive disabilities, but Thursday wasn't a normal day at the office.

Every year, just before the holidays, Paul Cantwell, ASPIRO Vice President of Manufacturing, tells Fox 11 they honor one of their own.

"We celebrate service awards for individuals that have been with us five years, up to 55 years plus in our organization."

Chuckie Pakanich has Down syndrome. He celebrated a half-century of work on Thursday.

"It's amazing. I don't know that there are a whole lot of people in the world today that have been 50 years on the same job," said Gary Drzewiecki.

Drzewiecki is Chuckie's brother-in-law.

"He looks forward to going to work every morning. He reminds us every morning, he's a working man, and he'll say tell the whole family, have a great day."

For most of those 50 years, Chuckie worked in a manufacturing setting.

People in the Green Bay facility make disposable jumpsuits for the U.S. military. State case managers refer the people to ASPIRO.

Cantwell says the workers are hired and paid according to their abilities, and production level.

"This is an amazing work environment. Amazing program, where with the supports that they are offerend and receive, with our staff, and as well as their friends. It's a great group of individuals that come together as a social group. Of course, they talk about the Green Bay Packers, the weather, so every day is something different."

ASPIRO serves about 1300 individuals and their families each year. including Chuckie, who says he isn't retiring any time soon.

The non-profit group ASPIRO is celebrating a milestone itself.

It has been serving people in the Greater Green Bay area for 60 years.

Eatery Robbed At Knife Point

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - On Thursday, December 21st, at approximately 7:57 P.M. the Subway at 1007 W Mason St was robbed.

A male, possibly Hispanic brandished a knife and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The employees in the store were unhurt from the incident.

GBPD set up a perimeter but was unable to locate the suspect. Green Bay Police Department Forensics Unit processed the scene.

The case remains under investigation.

If anyone has information concerning this case,, please call the Green Bay Police Department at (920) 448-3208.

You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward by contacting Green Bay Area Crime Stoppers by phone at #920-432-7867, through their website at 432stop.com, or by downloading the P3 tip app through Google Play or the App Store.

Generous Donation Means New K-9

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - An anonymous donation is being called a Christmas Miracle.

An anonymous donation of $12,000 dollars was made to the Green Bay Police Department for the pruposes of purchasing a new K-9. 

The department will be able to replace K-9 Echo, who died this week. 

The Green Bay Police Department have had to replace three K-9's in the past 18 months, which has been costly.

 


Man Hospitalized Following Stabbing

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - A 27-year-old Oshkosh man is in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries following an overnight stabbing.

Oshkosh Police says it happened around 3:30 am Friday in the 700 block of Central Street.

Investigators believe the person responsible knew the victim.

No further details have been released.

Anyone with information is asked to call police headquarters at 920-236-5700 or Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477.

Tips can also be submitted by clicking here or on the free P3 smartphone app.

Fatal Drunken Driving Suspect Moved to Jail

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OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 57-year-old Neenah man accused of causing a double-fatal drunken driving crash has been moved to the Outagamie County Jail.

Officers say Joseph Konetzke was in the hospital, recovering from injuries suffered in Sunday's accident in Bovina.

He's not expected to make an initial court appearance until Tuesday.

Two elderly Illinois residents were killed after Konetzke allegedly ran a stop sign.

Lambeau Disturbance By Former Contracted Food Service Employee

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - A man is in custody after causing a disturbance at Lambeau Field Friday.

Green Bay Police were called out to Lambeau Field just after 1:00pm.

Chief Andrew Smith said the original call was for an active shooter on the property.

Police say the suspect, 40-year old Chay Vang of Green Bay, was a former employee of an outside food service that was contracted by the Green Bay Packers.

Chief Smith said the man attempted to harm a man who he had a previous incident with.

"Apparently he was involved in a disturbance on December 3 with another employee, and that was a physical altercation, and he was ultimatly fired from his employement."

Smith said the man returned to Lambeau Field on Friday and located the man he had a disturbance with.

According to the initial report, another altercation took place, and the suspect chased the victim with his car, after the victim fled from his vehicle.

"The suspect was in his vehicle when he started chasing the victim who was on foot. He chased him down to the loading dock area."

The altercation also caused damage to multiple vehicles. 

"A total of five vehicles were damaged."

Police say the area on the Southside of Lambeau Field is still blocked, and the scene remains under investigation.

Police also confirmed that they did not locate any weapon.

Chief Smith and the Green Bay Packers say the incident is not expected to affect Saturday night's Packer game against Minnesota.

"Obviously this is going to be a topic of discussion for us tomorrow, but I can assure you Saturday's game is going to be as safe as any other game at Lambeau."

Smith said this will take some time to piece together. The Green Bay Police Department will be looking to speak to anyone who saw the incident take place.

Groundbreaking for Luxury Apartment Complex

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Ground has been broken on a new luxury apartment facility in Ashwaubenon.

The 50-unit 'Bohemian Park' in the 700 block of Morris Avenue will feature a mix of one and two bedroom units.

It will also have an outdoor courtyard, resident clubhouse, and enclosed lower level parking.

In addition to having an all-seasons retail park for residents to shop at, Ashwaubenon Village Manager Allison Swanson notes there are some other nearby benefits.

"Titletown really kicked us off, and we're appreciative of what the Packers have done, and this just really adds to it and brings a lot of residents back into the neighborhoods that can enjoy all the amenities that are available." 

The complex is set to open in 2019.

Apartment Fire Displaces Residents

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Fire has caused an unknown amount of damage to an Appleton apartment complex.

Crews were called to 3132 North Ballard Road around 1:45 pm Friday.

 

Residents had already evacuated by the time the responders arrived.

Firefighters found a ceiling fire in a second floor unit, which was quickly extinguished.

No injuries have been reported, but the damage caused power to be shut off to the building.

No word on how many residents from the facility's 24 units were displaced or a cause.

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