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Trails Open Despite Lack of New Snow

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OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Another sign of winter has arrived.

The snowmobile trails have opened in the northern part of Oconto County.

That despite there not being much new snow on the ground.

But Keith Van De Leygraff of Kaukauna notes he's impressed with the trails' grade.

"So far, I was surprised at how well this grade actually is. We got a cottage on Chain Lake up here. And we jumped on the grade and made it this far, and so far, they've been really good."

Since it wasn't the weather, Paul Bunyan Riders Snowmobile Club President Dave Thomson explains what did prompt the decision.  

"Our neighboring counties, Forest and Marinette counties, have their trails open. People were wandering into our county. Some of them didn't even know they were into Oconto County. And it's kind of hard to police it. They can get a citation for over $260. And the county decided that we would just open the northern part."

And it's not just the riders who are happy.

The decision is also a hit with business managers, like Cheri Prasser of Lotter's Lakewood Shell.

"Oh. It's a very big deal. Snowmobilers are big business up here. So we're very excited to have them."

Club leaders remind people it is early in the season, and riders need to be careful on the trails.

They say they need at least five inches of fresh wet snow, so the groomers can get out and shape the trails into better condition.


Escaping Wisconsin To Escape The Blues

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Experts are encouraging those who are tired of the cold, to take a flight.  Cold Weather tends to lead to the desire to travel, but this year that is showing more than ever.   "Coincidentalley, it got really cold so the phones are ringing off the hook. I think this cold snap has increased our call volume and walk-in volume."  Rose Gray, Business Development Manager of Fox World Travel says a vacation can get rid of the winter blues and Fox World Travel has many warm weather destinations with non-stop travel out of Milwaukee.  Places like Punta Cana and Jamaica are popular locations.  Gray said consistent cold can lead to depression, but, even putting together the plans for a vacation is an uplifting experience,  "When people have some warm weather vacation to look forward to, it brightens up their spirit and gets them through."  Gray says the anticipation of traveling to warm weather is helping many get through the winter blues.

Cash To Rural Communities Fighting Opioids

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WAUTOMA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - As the entire country and state grapple with the heroin epidemic some rural areas are struggling more than others.

However, new state grants could help some local counties in the fight.

In 2017, Sheriff Jeffrey Nettthe tells FOX 11 the opioid crisis hit Waushara County particularly hard.

"Last year we had more people die of overdoses in this county than we did from traffic crashes."

Nett says it's clear: treatment is the best option to help those addicted.

"They're not gonna be back in the criminal justice system."

However, opportunities for treatment are few and far between.

"We don't have a lot of resources here in the county and the ones we do have are overworked." Nett says.

Family Health/La Clinica in Wautoma provides out patient treatment, but Nett says the clinic serves several counties, and often patients need to be referred elsewhere.

"Oshkosh, Stevens Point are about a 45 minute drive. I mean, they're taking two hours sometimes to go to treatment."

The state department of health services announced Thursday Family Health/La Clinica is going to be one of four programs in the state awarded grants to provide that treatment.

"These clinics will be serving high-need areas that have been identified through a needs assessment done by the department of health services," explained Paul Krupski the director of opioid initiatives for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

According to DHS, under-served counties are those with 75% or more of their land falling outside a treatment facility service area.

Krupski says the department also looked at other criteria like number of overdose deaths in a county.

"We're required to focus on under-served and high-need areas.".

The federal funding is about two million dollars total.

Family Health/La Clinica will get more than $650,000 of that to start another out patient treatment program, likely in neighboring Adams County, to help ease the pressure in Waushara County.

"If these grants work out and we can get the programs established, I think it will benefit the criminal justice system overall," added Nett, saying it will also, hopefully, help the community overall.

A partnership between Fond du Lac and Dodge Counties will receive a grant as well.

The other two programs will also focus on methamphetamine addiction.

Shawano County Board Seat Remains Vacant After Passing of Supervisor

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SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ)- There is an open seat on the Shawano County Board after the sad passing of Supervisor Roger Miller.

Shawano County Board Chairman Jerry Erdman has decided to go with a vacant seat for the next few months, but that could change if he is told by Corporation Counsel that he has to fill the seat.

"Unless they tell me otherwise, my recommendation is to wait until after the election. We had two people take out papers for the seat, and we have an election in April so why fill it right now for three months when it will be filled in April."

Erdman said that is because they do have two candidates that took out papers for that seat once it became vacant, and it can be a messy process to fill the seat right away.  "I would have to find someone who is interested, and take that name to the County Board for approval. They would have to run again in April."  He said that could be a problem because they would have already had to take out papers for that seat.   "I don't see us having any problems at the board level by having one fewer vote, the only thing it could do is make things closers at the committee level."  Miller served on the health and public safety committees. Erdman said he will wait until after the April election to fill those seats.   "Roger was a good board member. He knew health issues and he also knew law enforcement so it is always a loss."  Miller represented the Bowler area. 

Drug Deal Goes Wrong

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Just after 5 Thursday night, the Manitowoc Police Department got a complaint of an armed robbery at a home near Washington Street and South 16th Street.

After talking to the victim, officers learned that the victim and a friend went there to buy marijuana.

Once inside, the victim was held against his will while the suspects robbed him of his cash.

The victim’s friend was outside, but when the victim started yelling for help, his friend forced his way into the apartment.

One of the suspects pointed a handgun at the victim and threatened to shoot the victim and friend, but they were able to escape.

The suspects have not yet been caught.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Manitowoc Police Department.

Garage Fire In Bellevue

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BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ)- Bellevue Fire and Rescue responded to a garage fire, just after 8am Friday.

Crews were dispatched to the 2000 block of Lane Road.

 

Smoke and fire was coming out of the garage when the fire department arrived.

A large amount of damage occurred in the attic, and it is believed that is where the fire started.

Bellevue Fire and Rescue needed additional help due to the cold and a lack of fire hydrants.

Two engines, one rescue truck, a Battalion Chief, Chief and 14 firefighters responded to thecall. The DePere Fire Department responded with one engine, four firefighters and a DutyChief.

Green Bay Metro Fire had one Assistant Chief, an engine and 4 firefighters on scene.

New Franken, Denmark, and Ledgeview each provided a tender.

Denmark additionally provided an engine and a Duty Chief.

Reports indicated that no vehicles were in the garage at the time of the fire, but the estimated damage was reported to be estimated at $20,000 dollars.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Gallagher: Korean Peninsula Dialogue Positive

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Wisconsin legislator feels the recently reopened dialogue between North and South Korea is a positive.

Eighth District Congressman Mike Gallagher tells WTAQ's Jerry Bader Show that could be one piece of a successful formula.

"That, combined with our enhanced military presence in the region, combined with increasing our partnership with our allies in the region, gives us our best chance of solving this crisis peacefully and avoiding war."

Gallagher says the Trump Administration has largely been spot on in efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula, despite some concerns over the president's rhetoric in tweets on the matter.

Shifting gears, Gallagher is voicing support for the Trump Administration's decision to significantly expand offshore drilling, discussing the benefits of opening up most coastal waters for potential oil and gas exploration.

"I think this is actually something that could be transformative.  It's not only going to produce more economic growth, but it's actually going to enhance our power on the world stage."

Gallagher believes the move could also undermine Russian President Vladimir Putin's power, with the resource being a cornerstone of his country's economy. 

Meanwhile, Gallagher says the United Nations needs the United States more than the U.S. needs the U.N, expressing opposition to the U.N's vote to condemn President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capitol.

"I think the vote in the U.N. was absurd and revealed a long-standing anti-Israel bias.  We have dictatorships lecturing Israel about human rights.  Israel is the one country in the Middle East where your human rights are respected more than anywhere else."

Gallagher says he does not believe the United States should pull out of the U.N, but also says we cannot surrender our sovereignty to the global organization.

Also, Gallagher feels the states need to be given more freedom when it comes to healthcare, noting he's working on a bi-partisan effort on price transparency, saying competition is needed to reduce costs.

"Until we're able to shop for healthcare like we shop for other products, with an understanding of what we're actually buying and where the money is going, the market is not going to function effectively."

The Green Bay Republican says there's a need for real insurance, not the 'faux' insurance of recent years that doesn't actually afford people access to necessary care.  

Sentencing in Fatal Substance-Involved Crash

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BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 19-year-old Greenleaf man will spend five years in prison for causing a Brown County crash that killed two people.

Devon Robley pleaded no contest to felony counts of Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Vehicle (x2) and Operating a Vehicle with a Detectable Amount of a Restricted Controlled Substance in the Blood.  Two other counts were dismissed but read into the record.

Prosecutors say Robley admitted to smoking marijuana at a Ledgeview park prior to the July 11, 2016 crash, saying he may have been driving at speeds around 70 miles per hour.  

Robley reportedly blew a stop sign, crashing his pickup truck into an SUV.

That accident killed his passenger, 16-year-old Simon Hill of Greenleaf, and a passenger in the SUV, 32-year-old Laurie Shaha of De Pere.  


Woman Sentenced for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

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BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 21-year-old Howard woman will spend three months in jail and ten years on probation for causing a fatal drunk driving crash.

Savannah Dumas pleaded no contest in October to one felony count of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle and one misdemeanor count of Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence, Causing Injury.

Two other counts were dismissed.  

Dumas reportedly admitted to drinking at a bar prior to the April 2017 Suamico accident that killed her 21-year-old passenger, Megan Frehse.

Prosecutors say Dumas missed a curve, with her vehicle overturning and landing in a ditch.

Brown County Releases Surveillance Of Thursday Armed Robbery

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HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) - The Brown County Sheriff's Department is investigating an armed robbery at a Howard business.

It happened at the Shell Gas Station at the corner of Lineville Road and Cardinal Lane.

Deputies reporting the call came in shortly before 8 p.m.

The Sheriff's Department says the suspect had a knife and demanded money from the cashier.

The suspect was able to get away with an unknown amount of cash.

No one was hurt.

Anyone that saw something or was in the area at the time, are asked to contact Brown County Sherrif’s Office.

Detective Sergeant Zak Holschbach 920-448-6187

Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward by callingCrime Stoppers at (920)432-7867 or text GBTIP and your tip to 274637(crimes).

Entertainment Venue's Opening Nears

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The long-anticipated Fox Cities Exhibition Center is almost ready for business.

“This is something that we did look all over the Fox Cities, looked at the best site, what made the most sense, how can we maximize this kind of facility,” says Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna.

The site, attached to the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, was maximized through construction crews relocating 11 Goodyear blimps worth of dirt. That allowed the building to be configured so convention goers can walk outside, into what will eventually be a revamped Jones Park.

“A lot of engineering societies and groups have already contacted us and want to come in,” said Dean Gazza, Appleton Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Management. “They are really intrigued by the structure and the eight foot beams, how it was created.”

The $31-million dollar project features massive walls of windows on the street-level floor. An escalator ride downstairs will put you in a sprawling prefunction area that attaches to a flexible 30,350 square foot exhibition space.

“In the exhibition space, if you've got 3,200 people in there and another 800 in the prefunction and operations staff in here, that could get quite congested, so making sure you have the escalators to move people in a fast and efficient manner,” said Gazza.

There are already 20 events booked for this year, bringing in 4,000 hotel room nights this area wouldn't have otherwise seen. Appleton city leaders believe those numbers will grow as more people get the opportunity to get here and check this space out.

“And then knowing you’re in the middle of a downtown area, I think that is going to be very attractive to people,” said Hanna.

The exhibition center is projected to have an annual economic impact of $6.5 million dollars.

Before it was built, ten area municipalities agreed to use hotel room tax revenue to pay for the project. The final financial agreement still needs signatures from 7 of the 10 municipalities.

Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert says he fully supports the exhibition center, but his staff and others want a fixed interest rate to pay off the project's loans.

“I don't think it's prudent to jeopardize and play roulette with the interest rate in the future,” said Kaufert.

Kaufert says Neenah might withhold its room tax if the interest rate isn't fixed.

Appleton's finance committee is expected to discuss options at its meeting on Monday.

“I have all the confidence in the world that once we can put the numbers to the paper and see the different scenarios that we will pick the best one,” said Hanna.

Appleton has been paying construction costs until the financing is settled.

Skimmer Found In Oshkosh Gas Pump

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ)- The Oshkosh Police Department has located a "skimming device" at a gas station.

Police say the device (pictured) was found at the Blue Moose BP gas station on West Murdock Avenue. 

Police say they were contacted by the business owner to investigate. 

Oshkosh police say they have not identified any victims from the device at this point in the investigation, but say anyone who purchased gas at pump #3 between December 1st and January 5th should review their account statements. 

Anyone who feels that their card has been used fraudlently, should contact the Oshkosh Police Department and report it.

If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Oshkosh Police Department at 920-236-5700.

If you have information about this incident, but wish to remain anonymous, please contact the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8477; or add the free P3 App to your Apple or Android phone and add a tip; or go to www.winnebagocrimestoppers.org to submit a text tip.

If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Alleged Jealous Ex-Boyfriend Enters Not Guilty Plea

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- A Green Bay teen accused of shooting a man in the neck last November, pleaded not guilty in court Friday.

17-year old Adolfo Gonzalez allegedly shot the man during an argument about a girl.

Police reported the shooting took place over a relationship dispute over the same girl.

No future court dates have been set.

 

Cops Cleared in Officer-Involved Shooting

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MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The four cops involved last month's fatal officer-involved shooting in Marinette County have been cleared.

Sheriff's deputies David Oginski and Spencer Elias and Marinette Police officers Greg Haemker and Derrik Maye were involved in the December 7 shooting of 35-year-old Jesse Cole Shuping.

Investigators say the incident began at a Marinette motel and resulted in Schuping getting out of his vehicle armed, following a pursuit that led to Peshtigo.

Popular Destination For Lottery Tickets Is Busy Again

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ)- A lottery ticket location that has a strong history, has been a busy place this week.

Korneli's gas station in Fond Du Lac is like that slot machine most likely to hit.

Located on the historic Miracle Mile in Fond Du Lac, Manager Amy Karow says their business has sold some money winning tickets in the past, and while they are always busy on lottery day, this weekend is bringing busy to a whole new level.

"As far as I can remember, we have never had two big jackpots worth over a half million dollars a piece on back to back days."

Double the chances, Double the fun, and double the business.

"We have had people come in and buy Powerball and they see that the jackpot is high for both so they buy tickets for Mega Millions too.

The combined jackpots for the two nationwide lotteries this weekend topped one-billion-dollars. 

The jackpot for Mega Millions is 445 million dollars. Powerball is 550 million bucks.

The combined jackpots for the two nationwide lotteries this weekend topped one-billion-dollars. Amy Karow said they are normally busy on large jackpot drawing days, but two drawings means more interest.

The jackpot for Mega Millions was 445 million dollars. Powerball on tonight is for 550 million bucks.

 


Fire Erupts at Fish Fry

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CLINTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - No injuries have been reported after fire broke out during a Friday fish fry.

It happened at the Moose Lodge on Clintonville's Lakeshore Road.

The cause had not been determined, at last word.

Crews were on scene for several hours.  

Man Rescued on Lake Winnebago

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FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - A 42-year-old man has been rescued from Lake Winnebago.

Fond du Lac County Sheriff's officials say the man called for help at 2:24 am Sunday, saying he was lost on the lake.

Officers responded within minutes, with the man being found roughly a quarter-mile off shore.

He had reportedly been drinking and passed out as he was being taken back to shore.

The man was taken to the hospital to be treated for his exposure to the extremely cold conditions.

Police Investigating Infant Death

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police is investigating the death of an infant who was just two days old.

Officers say they responded to a call for a child who was not breathing at a home in the 1100 block of Marquette Avenue around 11:30 am Saturday.

The boy was dead on arrival.

No further information is expected until at least Monday.

NFL Reports Gutekunst As New Packers GM

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The NFL is reporting that the Packers are staying in house, and have chosen Director of Player Personnel Brian Gutekunst as their next General Manager. 

Inital reports are that the Packers and Gutekunst will agree on a five-year year deal.

Sources say Gutekunst was scheduled to interview for the Houston GM position.

 

Conditions Cause Interstate Accident

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Driving conditions caused a Sunday morning crash on I-41 southbound.

Brown County Sheriff's officials say it happened at the interstate's Lombardi Road exit.

Investigators say a 24-year-old woman was driving a pickup truck with a generator attached to the back of the truck when she lost control and crashed into the center median.

No injuries have been reported.

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