GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A suspect held a Subway employee at knife-point last night on Green Bay's east side.

Police say they received the call around 7:41 p.m. for an armed robbery at the restaurant located at 2265 University Avenue.

Officials say the suspect got away with some cash but couldn't specify how much.

No one was injured in the robbery.

LAWRENCE, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County Public Safety says part of a FedEx semi-trailer truck caught fire last night.

Officials say the driver was headed south on I-41 when the truck caught fire at the Freedom exit.

The driver was able to make it out of the truck safely and there were no passengers.

Officials say the cause of the truck fire was due to the brakes locking up.

The Freedom exit was closed for a time while crews assessed the damages. It's back open now.

There were no injuries, and no hazardous materials were spilled.

CLINTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ)- Police are investigating the death of a man in Clintonville.

Officers say they were called to N. Main Street around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

19-year old Damien E. Jones, was reported to be cold to the touch and barely breathing, and eventually died.

"It was learned that the subject possibly accidently overdosed on some sort of drug, so NARCAN was administered to him" said Clintonville Police Sergeant Chris Wendorf. 

Clintonville Police Sergeant Chris Wendorf said the Police are waiting on results of an autopsy which was conducted Wednesday in Fond Du Lac county.

SHEBOYGAN (WTAQ) - An armed robbery was reported and responded to Thursday afternoon in Sheboygan. 

Police say the robbery occurred at 12:46 p.m. at the Citgo gas station on North 14th Street.

Officials say they were able to take a subject in custody.

According to the report, a man with a hidden face held an attendant at gunpoint and then demanded money.

Police say the man that is in custody is a 37-year old man.

GREEN BAY (WTAQ-WLUK) – A federal judge has denied a De Pere businessman’s request to delay his sentencing his next week.

Ron Van Den Heuvel is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 5 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in connection with a loan for his business, Green Box.

Accordingly, defense attorney Robert LeBell filed a motion Wednesday, arguing “There are matters which are currently being reviewed by the defendant which may have impact on the disposition of this matter.As such, the defendant respectfully requests that the court afford that time to effectuate the review. It is therefore requested that the matter be adjourned for a relatively short period of time after January 5, 2018.”

LeBell’s motion did delineate or repeat the specific claims Van Den Heuvel made in his letter, however.

Prosecutors opposed the request for a delay.

Judge William Griesbach’s decision Thursday says Van Den Heuvel hasn’t shown grounds for a delay.

“Both the reason for and the length of the adjournment requested are too indefinite for the motion to be granted. If the defendant is in need of additional time to prepare for sentencing, he should explain to the court how much time he needs and why. A vague reference to “matters that may have an impact on the disposition of this matter” are simply insufficient for the court to determine whether or not an adjournment is warranted,” the judge wrote.

Judge Griesbach did leave the door open, however, for Van Den Heuvel to file a more detailed motion indicating why he needs more time.

Van Den Heuvel pleaded guilty to bank fraud Oct. 10, for illegally arranging a loan from Horicon Bank. At that hearing, however, he repeatedly said there was no intent to commit any crime. Van Den Heuvel was also admonished by Judge Griesbach at one point, who told Van Den Heuvel that if the guilty plea was accepted, he couldn’t later argue he was innocent. Van Den Heuvel faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Van Den Heuvel also agreed to pay restitution of $316,445.79.

He also faces prosecution in a second case, which is still pending. A scheduling conference will be held March 16. In that case, prosecutors allege Van Den Heuvel raised more than $9 million from investors, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., for his company, Green Box, but used some of the money on personal items, including a car and Packers tickets. If convicted of all 14 counts, he faces up 240 years in prison and more than $2.5 million in fines.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ)- Police have released surveillance footage from a Christmas Day burglary at the Lakeshore Shell and Dairy Queen on Memorial Drive.

Video footage shows the drive thru window pushed in and the burglary taking place.

Police say cash, cigarettes and other items were stolen.

The subject in the video was wearing dark clothes and driving a light colored vehicle.

Police say they continue to investigate the burglary.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ)- Manitowoc Police say they have a suspect in custody in relation to an armed robbery at the CVS Pharmacy Tuesday.

17-year old Andrew Hanney was arrested for a Manitowoc robbery.

Police Captain David Vorpahl said the investigation led to a total of three arrests, but the other two were arrested for unrelated incidents after being found at the scene.

"A 38-year old took off running and was caught and arrested for that." Vorpahl said the man also had a warrent.

A 17 year old Manitowoc man was also arrested. Police said that was for a probation hold. 

According to Vorpahl, the robbery was done with a knife. Desptite a key similarity to robberies in Green Bay, Vorpahl said they are not ready to connect those dots.

"As far as if this is related to other armed robberies in the area, we do not believe so.

The incident took place around 8:30 Tuesday night.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ)- An Oshkosh man has been formally charged after a train versus car accident resulted in two deaths last Friday.

Oshkosh Police say information obtained from witnesses helped them take an Oshkosh man in custody after a vehicle he was allegedly driving collided with a train.

"The witnesses said that a male was fleeing the scene after the accident, and then gave the description that fit."

Officer Kate Mann said 47-year old Shawn Schettle was charged with six counts, including two counts homicide by intoxicated use a vehicle.

He was also charged with two counts of Hit and Run resulting in death and Knowingly Operating a Motor Vehicle While Suspended, Causing Death.

Officers determined that Schettle and one of the deceased females and a dog left a residence on Boyd Street.

Mann said in this case, the witnesses made a big difference.

"It is very important that we have wittnesses coming forward and giving us information that they have."

The accident killed 37-year old Emily Mueller and 43-year old Jessica Roby and also injured a dog that is in need of medical attention.

 Anyone with additional information can contact the Oshkosh Police Department

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - 

Flu season is here, and it may be stronger than ever.

Doctor Edward Morales of Prevea Infectious Disease says numbers are much different than last year.

"We are starting to see the amount of cases that are starting to increase locally in our health system within the last week or so, and those cases are likely to increase."

At Prevea Health's partner hospitals in Green Bay 52 confirmed flu cases have been reported since December 1. Those numbers compared to 13 in the same time frame last year are alarming.

Across Northeast and Western Wisconsin, the numbers are similar. 54 confirmed cases this year since August and December has been a rough month. At this time last year, those numbers were 29 cases.

Doctor Morales says two words come to mind...Flu Shot

"Overall, people don't get vaccinated, and while the vaccine may not always prevent the disease, it actually does decrease the amount of complications related to influenza."

Doctor Morales says one misconception is that it is too late to get the flu shot.

"It takes about two weeks to get the full benefit from the vaccine, but during that time, you are actually starting to build up your defenses against the infection."

Other factors that play into how strong the flu can be are age and previous health conditions and the amount of traveling a person does.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - According to the World Health Organization spending too much time playing video games could be considered a disorder in 2018.

Step inside Mojo's, a video game store in Ashwaubenon, and you'll likely find a variety of games and customers.

"Gaming is such a general pursuit, that you got the kid, you've got the grown ups. It covers a little bit of everything."

George Maglio is the general manager of the store.

He tells FOX 11 he started playing video games as a kid.

"When I was younger, I might put in a couple of hours a day. Now having kids, I might put in a couple of hours a week."

The World Health Organization says spending too much time with a controller could be considered a disorder and recognized as such if gaming is continuous or repetitive and noticeable over at least a one year period.

How much is too much? The World Health Organization says that addictive behavior would mean gaming is more important than your personal and social life.

"It wasn't surprising to me when I saw and heard that this had come out. There's been some research that's been done in this area and mental health experts have been studying this a little bit."

Lisa Schubring is a therapist for Prevea behavioral care and says parents should have a limit on how much time children spend with technology.

"No more than two hours a day maximum and you have to consider that they are using electronics in school to some degree as well. So, that also counts."

Schubring adds, adults addicted to video games could be more of a challenge.

"Because, obviously they're grown ups, they get to do things how they want to do them but it's fair for somebody, a significant other, a parent, a boss, to express concern if it is interfering with daily functioning."

Schubring says it's important for kids and adults to balance work and play.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - There are concerns across the country and in Northeast Wisconsin these days about how the new tax law will impact charitable giving.

As 2017 comes to a close questions are swirling about how recently passed tax reform will impact charities in the years to come.

Dennis Buehler, the president and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, tells FOX 11 many non-profits have said it could mean less money coming in.

"We are certainly pleased that the charitable deduction has been retained in the current law. One of our concerns is that it doesn't offset the increase in the standard deduction, or potential changes that could happen because of the lowering of the top marginal rate, or potential estate tax implications."

He says the biggest concern is the new tax law doubles the standard deduction for single people AND married couples. That means it might no longer benefit people to itemize deductions like charitable giving.

"We're not certain whether or not people's giving patterns will or will not change based on the fact that they may not be able to deduct those since the standard deduction would increase."

Buehler says the changes have made a busy time of year even busier.

"Certainly this year we're had more calls about how they might be able to offset those changes."

According to Buehler some are doubling their giving this year to take advantage of the current tax laws.

"With the hope that they might be able to smooth out their charitable giving in the year or two to come...We certainly advise all individuals to make sure that they consult with their tax advisors about their specific circumstance."

And for charities concerned about changes, Buehler advised them not to panic. He says they CAN control the story they put out to donors right now.

"What is the mission that's impacting all of us and why that support is so important.".

Buehler says the Northeast Wisconsin community is very giving and is hopeful people continue in that spirit despite what changes are to come.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - First Responders in Kewaunee County have a new way of connecting with children who are going through a traumatic experience.

The sheriff's department received 20 "Reach Bags," courtesy of Reach-A-Child, a non-profit based in Madison.

Each bag contains children's books and a draw-string backpack.

First Responders use these when helping children found in crisis situations.

Often, the officers will let the child pick a book, and they'll read together.

Reach-A-Child hopes children will remember reading the books rather than a bad situation.

Curtis Fuszard, Executive Director of Reach-A-Child, tells FOX 11 reading the books sheds a positive light on first responders.

"With regard to the books that we provide for the first responders in a positive environment all of a sudden they're having this library of books at their home pointing to it and saying that was courtesy of officer Tommy Foyez, or Sheriff Matt Joski of Kewaunee. "

Reach-A-Child now provides "Reach Bags" in every state patrol vehicle across Wisconsin.

SISTER BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - New Year's Eve is just days away, and many communities are planning celebrations.

That includes the Village of Sister Bay, in Door County.

And along with the fireworks, there will be something new to help people ring in the new year.

Inside a barn northeast of Brussels, work is underway on a possible Door County tradition.

"Cherries and Door County go hand-in-hand, of course. And we wanted to sort of fashion our event after a New Year's Eve ball drop."

Jaime Forest is one of the people working on the project and tells FOX 11....

"We are at just around 2,000 ligthts, and hope to have a few more yet."

The giant steel-framed cherry weighs close to 300 pounds. It is seven feet across, and about six and a half feet tall. There will be a green leaf, and a 2018 banner as well.

Forest says the welding began about two weeks ago.

"Barely able to fit through the door, to get out of here. So that's been kind of our limiting factor, has been the fabrication shop."

The giant cherry is scheduled to descend 120 feet to a spot in downtown Sister Bay. It's all part of the 4th annual New Year's Eve celebration in the village.

That includes Door County's only fireworks display at the Sister Bay sports complex.

"Our concession stand will be open. You can get warm drinks, and we also have a wonderful bon fire out there," said Louise Howson, Sister Bay Advancement Association.

Eight restaurants will be serving food, and businesses will be open late for shoppers as well.

Howson says despite a frigid forecast, the event will go on.

"Are you kidding? This is Wisconsin. It's Sister Bay. We are hearty souls. We don't care. We'll be fine."

Back in the barn, Forest says the big red ball is just about ready to go.

"We'll put it on a flatbed truck, and it will make its way to Sister Bay, and be ready for New Year's Eve."

The Sister Bay event runs from 8:00 p.m. to after midnight.

Organizers say they hope the new cherry drop will attract up to 1,000 people.

Meanwhile, Seymour officials canceled their planned hamburger drop for Sunday night over concerns about the weather.

The ball drop in Menasha is still a go.

The fire broke out a little before 7 p.m. on the first floor of a brick building and quickly spread upstairs, city Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro told a news conference with Mayor Bill de Blasio. The cause was under investigation.

"We're here at the scene of an unspeakable tragedy. In the middle of the holiday season is a time when families are together. Tonight, here in the Bronx, there are families that have been torn apart," de Blasio said.

Four people were in hospital in critical condition "fighting for their lives," the mayor said. Authorities said firefighters rescued 12 people from the building.

"People died on various floors of the apartment, ranging in age from 1 to over 50," Nigro told reporters. "In a department that is surely no stranger to tragedy, we're shocked by the lives lost."

Two of the dead were found in a bathtub, according to cable news station NY1.

"People were screaming and that's how we knew there was trouble," eyewitness Kimberly Wilkins told WCBS-TV, an affiliate of CBS News. "People were screaming, 'Fire. Help. Fire. Help.'"

The blaze erupted in the Belmont section of the Bronx, a primarily residential, close-knit neighborhood known as the "Little Italy" of the borough, adjacent to the Bronx Zoo and Fordham University.

New York is going through a bitter cold snap with temperatures in the low-teens Fahrenheit and high winds, which according to one media account, stoked flames inside the building as residents flung open doors and windows.

Wherever fire hoses sprayed, the ground was covered with sheets of ice, according to an NY1 reporter.

One witness, Rafael Gonzalez, who lives across the street from the building, told television station WCBS-TV, an affiliate of CBS News, he saw some youths on a fire escape of the burning building as the fire raged.

"What woke me up was the smoke, because I thought it was my building," he said.

More than 160 firefighters responded to the four-alarm blaze, the New York City Fire Department said.

Pictures posted on Twitter by the fire department showed two fire trucks with aerial ladders extended to the upper floors of a brick building bathed in flood lights, and firefighters on the fire escape outside what appeared to be a second- or third-floor unit.

The number of civilian fire fatalities in New York City last year dropped to 48, the fewest in the 100 years since record-keeping began, the FDNY said on its website. Data on 2017 fire fatalities was not immediately available.

(Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)

BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - A fire was reported last night on the 1700 block of Keehan Lane.

Crews were called out around 7:30 and found a fire in the attic and roof sections of the garage and rear family room of the home.

No-one was home at time.

The fire was under control in 40 minutes, even with the difficultly of the freezing temps.

No injuries were reported.

No cause has been determined.

The estimated loss is $85,000.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton Police are searching for a suspect after a Dollar General store was robbed.

It happened Thursday night just before 9:30 on West Wisconsin Avenue.

Police say the suspect had a knife and left with an unknown amount of cash.

No one was injured.

The suspect was described as a male, possibly in his late teens or early twenties.

Police say he's 5’8” to 5’10” and having a slim to average build. The man was wearing a dark colored jacket and dark colored hat at the time of the robbery.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Sgt. Brian Leitzinger at the Appleton Police Department (920) 832-5541.

If you have information, but wish to remain anonymous, please consider using Text-a-Tip. Text CRIMES (274-637) with the keyword APDTIPS at the start of your message.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - De Pere Republican State Senator Frank Lasee is stepping down to take a job with the Walker administration.

On Friday, Lasee (R-De Pere), issued the following statement regarding Governor Walker's appointment to serve as the Division Administrator for Worker’s Compensation in the Department of Workforce Development:

“It is an honor to have been asked by Governor Walker to serve as the Division Administrator for Worker’s Compensation in the Department of Workforce Development. I look forward to working with Secretary Allen and my co-workers in the Department of Workforce Development. Earlier this year the Worker’s Compensation Research Institute recognized Wisconsin as being first among the 18 states studied for lowest level of attorney involvement in worker’s compensation cases. This study showed Wisconsin’s Worker’s Compensation programs promote rapid resolution of disputes and those quick determinations lead to lower costs and faster payment of benefits.”

“I thank my constituents and the people of Wisconsin for the honor and privilege of serving them and our state as their State Senator. I look forward to serving our state in my new role as Division Administrator for Worker’s Compensation.”

He will make about $101,000, roughly double his legislator salary.

State Representative Keith Ripp has also stepped down.

The Lodi Republican will become assistant deputy secretary at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

That is the No. 3 position at the agency. He will earn about $105,000.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Wisconsin service workers are about to do something that has not been done before.

"This is the first time that WPS and We Energies has been called upon to help restore power outside of the continental United States" said Matt Cullen of WPS.

Crews will help restore power that was knocked out by Hurricane Maria back in September.

Vehicles and Equipment are already in route to Puerto Rico, and soon 11 employees from Northeast Wisconsin will join a few dozen other employees from the state to work outside of the county for the first time.

"They are prepared to assist wherever they are needed to restore electricty as quickly as possible."

After the company asked for volunteers who were willing to make the trip right after the holidays, Cullen said they got a strong response.

"There was a number of employees that volunteered to be apart of it" Cullan said.

Those making the trip are expected to be there for a month to a month a half or longer if necessary.

Six of those who will be making the trip are employees in Green Bay. 

Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies will be sending a total of  55 workers to Puerto Rico next month.

WPS Operations Manager Craig Kahoun says it is a great opportunity for many.

"When our trucks roll into areas, it's a good feeling. Our people are very good at what they do, and the oppertunity to go to a place like this is so unique."

40 to 50 percent of residents are still without power from Hurricane Maria in September.

HOWARD, WI (WTAQ)- Another Subway in Brown County was robbed Friday evening.

Howard Police and Brown County Sheriff's Department had a presence outside of a Subway in Howard Friday evening.

The restaurant is located on 445 Cardinal Lane.

Sheriff Officials confirmed that the robber was armed with a knife and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The restaurant is located on 445 Cardinal Lane.

Recently, Fast Food restaurants have been a target of a string of knife point armed robberies in Brown County.

FOX CROSSING, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Fox Crossing Police Department was presented a check in hopes to afford a K-9 officer.

Community First Credit Union donated $2,500 to the department Friday.

The agency says it is one of the last in the Fox Valley without a K-9 officer.

The department has a goal of raising more than $90,000.

Fox Crossing chief Tim Seaver tells FOX 11 the K-9's will help in situations where officers have limited capabilities.

"What a dog can do to a community and help with detection and everything with drugs is just amazing. I can tell you story after story about a successful dog that officers can't do sometimes."

The department reached $10,000 in donations.