GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - As temperatures remain below freezing, it can be dangerous for pets.

Green Bay Animal Control Officer Mallory Meves tells FOX 11....

"There are concerns in the amount of people leaving pets outside or just chaining them up to go to the bathroom, and just that amount of time is too long."

In the last couple of weeks, Meves says she has responded to several calls.

"My calls do go up once we hit below 32 degrees."

Meves says the department follows guidelines provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

"They state that no pet should be out for long periods of time, below freezing which is 32 degrees."

She says their protocol is to first issue a warning but if called again, owners can face a $376 fine.

Meves also says officers may take the pet.

"If that's not corrected, then I will issue a citation and often seize the animal."

Meves says there are breed exceptions. For dogs built for the cold, proper shelter must be provided.

"We check for the appropriate shelter, water, and that their needs are being met."

At the Bay Area Humane Society, officials say this season they have taken in pets that were seized from owners.

"We do have two dogs in custody that basically somebody saw them sitting in this type of weather, and all day long, no shelter, no nothing," said Lori Nachtwey, marketing director at the Bay Area Humane Society.

She says pet owners need to keep one thing in mind.

"If you feel cold, then your animal is probably going to be cold too. Be smart about it."

Green Bay Animal Control says it has removed 17 pets in the past couple of months.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - While the winter weather causes inconveniences for just about everyone, it can be especially problematic for those who work outdoors.

Tim Lewis is the USPS Postmaster in Green Bay.

He says mail carriers have multiple ways to combat working in the elements for six or seven hours per day.

"(They) extensively use hand warmers and feet warmers.  Covering every part of their body in multiple layers is really the key.  Avoiding big, heavy, bulky coats but instead, dressing in multiple layers."

While the clothing helps, Lewis notes additional measures can sometimes be needed.  

"If they feel they have to go into a building to warm up, they just notify us via text.  They're responsible for their own safety, and they take it very seriously."  

Lewis reminds that snow and ice can also cause problems for letter carriers, urging residents to keep their sidewalks and porches clear. 

Meanwhile, Green Bay Public Works Director Steve Grenier says his department tries to keep employees from being outdoors from more than 30 minutes at a time.

"We ensure that they get regular breaks.  They're brought back inside to warm up and recooperate.  We try to make sure that we change out our folks so it's not the same crew outside all the time."

Grenier notes the importance of employees having proper clothing and equipment. 

He says the department has been delaying some projects that are not time sensitive, such as routine sewer maintenance.

"The trucks are carrying on-board water for that, and the water will actually freeze in the truck and cause damage to the vehicle."

Grenier says they've also had to delay filling potholes, since the material won't adhere to the underlying road when the temperatures are too cold.

Both Lewis and Grenier says their agencies have been fortunate to avoid any major cold-related problems thus far.  

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ)- The Oshkosh Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit seized a large amount of drugs and made multiple arrests after an investigation in the 300 block of Broad Street on Tuesday.

"We are starting 2018 out with a bang", Kate Mann of the Oshkosh Police Department said.

Investigators are calling it a large seizure of drugs including, approximately 256 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine, 6.7 grams of Heroin, ten doses of Oxycodone, 19 doses of MDMA, Marijuana, Butane Hash Oil, Cocaine, Schedule II Prescription Drugs, Schedule IV Prescription Drugs, Psilocybin Mushrooms and suspected LSD.

Mann said the amount of drugs and amount of some of the drugs stand out.

"Due to the 11 different types of drugs and the large amounts, we can recommend a charge of posession with intent to deliver."

A total of five individuals were arrested in the investigation.

A 37 year old male was taken into custody for Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 200-400 grams, Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin 3-10 grams, Possession with Intent to Deliver MDMA 3-10 grams, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Felon in Possession of Pepper Spray.

Mann added that the arrest is big for another reason.

"He was convicted felon who was in possession of a firearm and pepper spray. We were able to take a firearm out of a felon's hands."

Also arrested were a 30 year old female who  was taken into custody for Maintaining a Drug Dwelling, Felony BailJumping, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

A 35 year old male was taken into custody for a Probation Violation, Possession with Intentto Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms, Possession of Cocaineand Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

A 25 year old female was taken into custody for Possession with Intent to DeliverMethamphetamine and Possession of a Schedule IV Prescription Drug.

A 32 year old female was taken into custody on a Probation Violation.

Two other individuals are being referred on drug related charges.

"The message is that we don't want drug dealers in our city and that we are not going to tolerate it."

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A May release is scheduled for a movie that features a character that played a central role in a major Wisconsin court case. 

Sony Pictures' film depicts Slenderman. 

That's the fictional character that Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weir say they were trying to please when they stabbed a classmate 19 times in a Waukesha park in 2014.  

In the trailer released Wednesday, one scene shows a wall that is covered in drawings of Slender Man, similar to those drawn by Geyser.  

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The Brown County executive's office is speaking out against a recently-filed lawsuit aimed at stopping the county's newly-implemented half-percent sales tax. 

Deputy Executive Jeff Flynt questions why the Brown County Taxpayers Association would file suit against the tax, which is expected to fund $147-million dollars in infrastructure projects.

"This frivolous lawsuit, that we know about, is not going to prevent us from moving forward with the plans that we have in place for calendar year 2018." 

Flynt says the county anticipates moving forward this year with planning for road repairs, a new jail pod, and a museum exhibit redesign.

"We're at a loss as to why this group would want to adversely impact the property tax payers of Brown County.  Instead of getting help from outside the county to help fund these projects, they'd rather have the full burden put on the backs of the property tax payers."

Flynt claims there would be multiple repercussions if the county had to instead bond for the money to cover the various efforts.

"Extra finance charges of $40-million dollars, raise the property tax levy to be able to pay for the bonding of these projects."

The Taxpayers Association says a failure to reduce the property tax levy makes the tax illegal.

They are asking for a temporary restraining order on the tax being collected, with the tax having gone into effect on January 1.

However, no court dates had been scheduled at last word.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- The NFL is reporting that the Green Bay Packers have made some changes on the offensive side of the ball. 

According to reports, the Packers have fired Offensive Coordinator Edgar Bennett and Quarterback Coach Alex Van Pelt.

Bennett had been Offensive Coordinator for three years, and finished his 13th season as a coach in the NFL.

Van Pelt has been Quarterback Coach since 2012. 

On Wednesday, the Packers also confirmed that they have parted ways with Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers, Assistant Linebackers Coach Scott McCurley, and Defensive Line Coach, Mike Trgovac.

Mike McCarthy is scheduled to hold his season ending Press Conference Thursday at 11:00am.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A local woman is continuing an annual tradition of helping students at one downtown Green Bay school.

Grace Treml, who is known affectionately as 'Grandma Grace,' spent Wednesday delivering roughly 100 blankets to Howe Elementary.

Treml has been making the blankets since 2013.

A school social worker says roughly 90% of their students are at the poverty level.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Fundraising is underway for a new start-up airline that could be coming to Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport, but it's being met with mixed reactions.

Michael Heisman is looking to launch Fly Capri, more than four years after his Met Jet charter operation shut down after a year.

"Unfortunately, some of the lessons we have we learned the hard way. And people will find this business plan sort of takes the best practices and makes them better."

Airport Director Tom Miller says his facility has the counter and gate space to accommodate Fly Capri.

"Just from past history, I think when Met Jet was operating to Fort Myers, those flights did very well."

But not everyone is so optimistic. 

Trent Torzewski got nothing out of his $1,000 investment in Met Jet.

"I would tell potential investors to not invest whatsoever and get the word out as to what happened previously with Met Jet, definitely a buyer-beware situation.  You have to wonder why (Heisman) now believes that this can work again."    

Heisman has until August to raise the remaining 90% of his $1.9-million dollar goal.  He's seeking 200 investors at $9,900 apiece.   

The first flight would operate in November 2019, since Heisman is restricted from operating a charter any earlier due to penalties imposed after delays in paying back Met Jet customers.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Green Bay Police Department is sending an important message, remain with your cars.

Captain Kevin Warych says the warning comes after a recent discovery.

"What really sparked our interest is that the city of Milwaukee had over 100 cars stolen in a week."

He said stats show that 42 percent of auto thefts happen in the cold winter months.

Warych said they can't compare Milwaukee stats to Green Bay, but it serves as a good reminder.

"Crime has no boundries. That amount of crime is only two and a half hours from the city of Green Bay."

Green Bay had 78 auto thefts last year, 11 of which were in December.

Along with watching your car, Warych says there are other things you can do to help deter car thefts.

"Remain with your car, don't leave your car unattended, don't leave your keys in your car, lock your car and be a good witness reporting any suspicious behavior you see."

While many will use a second set of keys and lock one set in the ignition, Warych says that is not one hundred percent crime proof.

"That still does not remove the oppertunity for people to committ crime. There is no way to say that the criminal will not break a window, get in the car and take the car."

Police say if you have to walk away from your vehicle, an automatic starter which turns off the car when it's put in gear without the keys is the best recommendation.

If anyone has information pertaining to the auto thefts, please call the Green Bay Police Department at (920) 448-3208. You may also 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.

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney will be the special prosecutor reviewing separate complaints made against Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt and five city council members.

Work is just beginning to determine whether Schmitt committed any crimes in his handling of Hotel Northland money.

The same goes for deciding whether five council members violated open meeting laws in asking for an investigation of Schmitt.

Toney tells FOX 11 things are just getting started.

“We've had some initial information sent, but it's still in the early phases and it's hard for me to comment on the specifics at this point.”

Brown County District Attorney David Lasee asked Toney to review allegations against the elected officials because of a conflict of interest. Lasee's office sometimes deals with Schmitt and members of the city council.

“We've handled financial crimes here and we've had prosecutions for a number of, I guess, elected officials,” said Toney. “Some of them tickets and things like that, but we treat everybody the same, regardless of whether they’re an elected official.”

Toney is reviewing accusations made in a late October news conference, by a Guy Zima-led group of aldermen.

The group accused Schmitt of fraud, perjury, intent to deceive, and violation of public trust.

The group, which includes Zima, Tom DeWane, Andy Nicholson, Chris Wery, and Mark Steuer, said Schmitt diverted $3.2 million in public funds, creating loan defaults in the Hotel Northland project.

The aldermen also accused Schmitt of lying to the council and the Redevelopment Authority.

In early 2017, Schmitt requested a $500,000 loan to keep the project moving forward. However, the aldermen say court documents prove the money would have paid former owner, Mike Frantz, to walk away from the project.

Three days after those accusations were made, Alderperson Barbara Dorff accused the aldermen of holding a walking quorum.

The state defines a walking quorum as a “series of gatherings among separate groups of members of a governmental body, each less than quorum size, who agree, tacitly or explicitly, to act uniformly in sufficient number to reach a quorum. A walking quorum may produce a predetermined outcome and thus render a publicly-held meeting a mere formality.”

Both Schmitt and the aldermen have repeatedly denied doing anything wrong.

“It's just a crazy accusation made by some mean-spirited obstructionists,” said Schmitt on October 30th, shortly after the aldermen held their news conference.

“We didn't discuss any personnel actions that we would for the council or anything like that,” said DeWane on November 2nd, after Dorff filed her complaint.

Schmitt and the council members have also said they have no problem with a special prosecutor looking at the cases.

Toney isn't sure when his reviews will be complete.

“Without knowing if follow up is needed, it's impossible for me to put a timeline on anything,” said Toney.

If any follow up is needed, Toney says the Department of Criminal Investigation has agreed to do that work.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - If you plan to venture out onto the frozen waters of Green Bay for any outdoor activities, you need to be aware of ice-breaking operations.

The shipping season on the Bay isn't over, just yet.

The 730-foot freighter Algosteel was loaded with salt and headed for the port of Green Bay on Wednesday.

Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay Director, tells FOX 11 the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mobile Bay, cleared the way.

"They'll make a track. They break the ice, and then they come back. They move at a faster speed, and they'll kind of flip some of the ice on top of itself, creating a traffic lane."

A 70-100 foot wide traffic lane. The open water path stretches from Sturgeon Bay all the way to Green Bay.

"The concern is, whether you're a snowmobiler, lost fisherman or whatever it may be, that tries to go across. I wouldn't advise anyone to plan on crossing the bay east to west," said Haen.

"They're telling us anywhere from 8-14,15 inches of ice," said Scott Gille, Smokey's On the Bay Bait Shop.

Gille tells FOX 11 ice conditions on the Bay are good, and so is the fishing.

He says anglers notice the ships coming in.

"When the cutter went through, they can kind of feel the pressure of the water being moved around underneath them. But it's not like it's cracking or opening up. It's just more of a sensation that they kind of hear the rumbling of the pressure cracks."

Haen says people can expect to see the ice breakers, and other vessels until the third week of January.

"Just know where you are, and what you're doing. And stay away from the shipping lanes. The ice breakers are out there. That's what they're here for and they're working."

14 terminals make up the Port of Green Bay.

About 200 ships visit the each year, importing and exporting about two million tons of cargo.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Salvation Army was able to reach its $1.1 million Red Kettle Campaign goal thanks to the Green and Gold.

Through its series of autograph signings at Lambeau Field, Packers players helped raise a total of $34,274.65.

Fans were asked to give monetary donations to the Salvation Army in exchange for Packers players' autographs.

The five-week series ended with Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, signing autographs for fans on Dec. 18.

Rodgers matched the $34,274.65 donation collected by the previous four autograph signing events, bringing the grand total to $68,549.30.

The rest of the money was raised during Packers Give Back Day, a day designated for Packers staff to raise money for the Salvation Army.

Staff raised a total of $23,150.88, which was matched by the team up to $15,000, resulting in a total donation of$38,150.88 for Packers Give Back Day.

Adding all efforts together, the Packers helped raise a grand total of $106,700 for the Salvation Army.

Last year, the Packers raised more, giving a $110,862 donation for the 2016 holiday season.

WAUPACA, WI (WSAU) - A 17-year-old who accidentally shot and killed his friend has been found guilty of reckless homicide. Austin Hovarter was in court yesterday as part of a plea bargain in the death of Jacob Peglow. Judge Troy Nielsen found him guilty and ordered a sentencing hearing for Mach 19. 

Last July Hovarter was playing cops and robbers at his family's home when he pulled the trigger on his father's handgun. 

Hovarter's younger brother was in the home at the time, and told police that the gun was normally kept unloaded in a safe. He also said that Hovarter had pulled the gun's trigger during horseplay on other occasions and it had always been unloaded.

Hovarter is free on bond while a pre-sentencing investigation is conducted. He could get 60-years in prison.

ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - A campaign is underway to help keep those in need warm during the cold winter months.

Dan Wadle's Brown County United Way is teaming with the Greater Green Bay Labor Council Community Services Committee for the seventh annual 'Blanketing Brown County' drive.

It aims to collect new and gently used blankets to dish out to 38 county programs that serve homeless and low-income residents.

"This starts every year at the coldest time of the year, but it really emphasizes what the need is for those low-income families.  In times like this when it's bitterly cold outside, they need those extra blankets to stay warm."

Tana Koss's Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin is one of the organizations whose clients benefit.

"It's an opportunity to provide at least some amount of warmth and comfort to any children in our community who are suffering."

Koss notes the recipients are quite grateful.

"The biggest impact is when we provide blankets to families that are living in their vehicles, trying to keep both adults and children alive and safe."

Wadle says the 2,555 items collected last year pushes the total since the program began in 2011 north of 12,000.  

This year's goal is 2,600 blanket and bedding items.

The collection runs through January 31. 

Click here for a complete list of drop-off sites.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - One fisherman's truck breaking through the ice on Lake Winnebago wasn't enough to keep him from heading out for today's catch.

Oshkosh Fire officials say they were called to a spot on the lake less than one mile off Merritt Street, around 5:40 am Thursday.

Crews say the front driver's side wheel of the truck broke through the ice, leaving the man in water up to his knees.

He passed a medical evaluation and went back on the lake.

Firefighters remind that no ice is ever 100% safe, despite the cold temperatures.  

SHEBOYGAN (WTAQ) - Sheboygan Police say a shooting that took place on New Years Eve is under investigation, and they are looking for a man who was allegedly involved.

Police say 23-year-old Deontre Tremiane Smith, shot a home, while driving by Martin Avenue in the early morning hours.

Police say several people were home at the time, but left before police arrived on scene. 

No injuries were reported.

Tremaine Smith is described as 5'11" tall, weighing 160 pounds with short black hair and has a tattoo of a cross between his eyes.

Tremaine Smith also goes by the name "Chop."

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Sheboygan Police Department at (920) 459-3333.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Local weather experts are taking note of the bitter cold temperatures we've been seeing.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jeff Last notes the Green Bay area has not set any records the past couple of weeks, however "since about the Christmas holiday, our temperatures are averaging anywhere from 15-25 degrees colder than average."

Last says this winter has already brought an impressive, and for many people less than desirable, run.

"Twelve consecutive days with low temperatures at or below zero, surpassing the 2009 winter where we had ten consecutive days."

He says the last time the area had a longer streak was 14 consecutive days in 1977.  

However, Last notes relief may be in sight.  

"There is an indication of a change in the weather pattern coming up for later in the weekend and early next week, with high temperatures perhaps approaching 30 degrees in spots on Sunday or Monday."   

Though, he doesn't expect that to be permanent, with a stretch from January into February typically being the coldest time of the year in Northeast Wisconsin.  

"Another period or two of cold weather that may be similar to what we've experienced because of the overall weather pattern we've been stuck in over the past few weeks."

While no records were set in Green Bay, Last says one previous mark was broken in Antigo in late December.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Freezing temperatures are being blamed for a 60-year-old woman's death.

Green Bay Police believe the woman may have dropped her keys Wednesday night in the 600 block of Eastman Avenue when she tripped and hit her head.

While toxicology results are pending, the death does not appear suspicious.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 29-year-old Appleton man has been convicted in connection with an April shooting in Appleton.

Ger Thao has pleaded no contest to felony counts of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide and First Degree Reckless Injury, while six other charges were dismissed but read into the record.

Prosecutors say Thao struck a man after opening fire because his neighbors were making fun of him.

Thao is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A former Oshkosh West High School soccer coach has been convicted of having inappropriate sexual contact with female students.

Fredrick Baier has pleaded no contest to felony counts of Causing a Child to View Sexual Activity and Sexual Assault of a Student by School Staff, while a third charge was dismissed.  

Prosecutors say the Oshkosh man sexually assaulted a 16-year-old, sent explicit pictures to a 14-year-old, and had inappropriate conversations with at least three girls.

Baier's sentencing is set for April 3.