GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Two Green Bay hospitals have released the top baby names of 2017. 

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital says the top names at its facility were Liam for boys and Amelia for girls. 

At HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, Levi topped the charts for boys while Emma and Nora split the honor for girls.  

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Work to rebuild urban fishery in one local pond continues.

On Tuesday, the DNR drilled 46 holes in the ice of Appleton's Memorial Park pond.

Fisheries Biologist Adam Nickel says they used spray applicators to insert a tropical plant derivative called rotenone into those holes.

"Interrupt the ability for fish at the cellular level to utilize oxygen in the water.  With the proper treatment, we can get a complete kill of fish that are left in the pond."

Nickel explains the effort's goal.

"Remove the carp and then give us the conditions that we need with clearer water and better vegetation growth that we can bring back desirable fish species."

He says the problem dates back a few years, when carp were first discovered in the pond.

"Carp basically root out the vegetation and sediment.  That resulted in some pretty turbid water.  You don't get vegetation growth.  Species that like vegetation don't do as well." 

Nickel notes they hope to restock the pond in time for fishing in the spring. 

He says spring fishing in that pond is limited to children under 16 and disabled people, but they hope to re-establish year-round bass and panfish opportunities for all anglers.  

SHIOCTON, WI (WTAQ) - A local clinic that uses horses for mental health therapy will soon be closing.

The CHAPS Academy in Shiocton will shut down at month's end.

Board of Directors President Mary Downs says the decision is based on the costs of equine therapy and the low reimbursement from insurance providers.

"I deeply regret having to announce that CHAPS Academy will close January 31. On behalf of the board members and the staff, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who have helped CHAPS these 14 years."

CHAPS was first established to help kids who had trouble sitting still during therapy sessions in an office setting.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) -  New protections against gender identity discrimination in relation to county employees and housing could soon be in place, under proposals circulating amongst Brown County's board of supervisors. 

“This is one of those situations where perception matters,” said Aaron Linssen, a county supervisor.

Linssen is behind the proposal to protect people from being denied housing based on their gender identity.

“I'm not aware of any current problems of discrimination, but it's one of those things where we can plug potential holes, we might as well do it preemptively,” said Linssen.

Linssen says the county proposals aren't as encompassing as the ordinance De Pere recently passed.

De Pere's ordinance protects against gender identity and expression discrimination when it comes to all city employers, businesses, and landlords.

“We do have very strong protections against already in place at the state and federal level regarding sexual orientation and sexual identity, gender identity,” said State Rep. Andre Jacque (R-De Pere).

Jacque is co-sponsor on a bill that would ban local municipalities from having non-discrimination policies for employment.

“It's really something where the idea is do you want to create another layer of bureaucracy where you have one un-elected bureaucrat who basically makes a determination whether or not fines are going to be imposed,” said Jacque.

“It is an interesting question as to whether this should be a local issue, county issue, and state issue,” said Linssen. “That's one of the reasons the county hasn't taken this up at this point and looked at doing an ordinance of our own.”

It's unclear whether the state legislation would impact either of the proposals Brown County is considering. Jacque says he hasn't had the chance to look at either.

Brown County will look at the nondiscrimination proposal for housing at a committee level Wednesday night. The proposal for county employees was referred to county staff at a meeting Monday night.

LITTLE CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - UPDATE: The water has reportedly since drained.

***

A water issue has led to some street closures in Little Chute.

Authorities urge people to avoid the area of Lincoln Avenue between Grand Avenue and Madison Street.

No further information has been provided.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - The City of Appleton is considering how to proceed with the financing package for the new Fox Cities Exhibition Center. 

Mayor Tim Hanna says a presentation on one option was given at this week's finance committee meeting.  

"For the Redevelopment Authority to sell revenue bonds to support construction of the facility.  It's in the $34-million dollar range."

Hanna notes there is an alternative.

"Private placement: a group of five local banks that have put terms on the table to be able to finance the construction locally."

Originally, ten communities agreed to commit room tax dollars to the fund the $31-million dollar effort.

Now, some mayors say they want all ten municipalities to agree on a financing package.

"The cooperation agreement does not give them the authority or the opportunity to sign off on the type of financing, but that's basically what they want.  That's not what the agreement was.  That's not how it was laid out.  But basically, they want to hold us hostage."

Hanna notes Appleton is the one who's name is on the bonds. 

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - A Shawano County man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for an accident that took the lives of three Shawano County teens in 2014.

20-year old Ryan Swadner, who was 17 at the time of the crash, was also sentenced to 30 years of supervised release to follow his prison sentence.

Judge William Kuessel sentenced Swadner to a prison term for each of the victims. 

A 4-year sentence was handed down for the death of 17-year old Shawano High School student Cody Borsch. A 5-year sentence was issued for the death of 18-year old Shawano High School student Tyler Welch and 6-year sentence was for the death of 15-year old Bonduel High School student Paige Brunette. District Attoney Greg Parker said that had to do with the circumstance and her age.

"He believed that there needed to be more time because of how young she was and the fact that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Judge Kuessel ordered that the sentences run consecutive to one another.

Parker said the investigation was unable to find a reason for Brunette and Brosch being in the vehicle, as text messages indicated that Swadner and Welch were in the process of a drug delivery.

Swadner was operating the vehicle at the time of the fatal crash and was accused of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.

Police reports also indicated that Swadner was driving at a high rate of speed at the time of crash.

Swadner pleaded No Contest to three counts of Homicide By Vehicle by Use of a Restricted Controlled Substance in the deaths of three teens in October 2014. Swadner also plead No Contest to Causing Injury by Operating a Motor Vehicle by use of a restricted controlled substance. Two other counts were dismissed and read in for Possession with Intent to Deliver THC and Keeping a Drug Trafficking Place.

In court on Wednesday, family members of the victims spoke out against Swadner's actions, and explained how that day has changed their family. Swadner also offered a short appology.

Parker said he argued for a longer prison sentence.

"There were no winners here" Parker said. "A young man is going to prison and three young teens died as a result. I think justice was served today for the victim's families."

Parker said this case shows a worst possible outcome of what driving under the influence of illegal drugs can do.

"This is becoming more common. Drugged driving is serious, and in my opinion, it is just as serious as drunk driving."

Before sentencing, Swadner's Attorney Nila Robinson Swadner's filed for adjornment to get psychological evaluation results for her client, but that was denied by the judge since it was not a critical part of the sentencing.

"The defense attorney filed a motion because they felt that probation agent did not use the proper method for conducting the pre-sentence investigation" Parker said. 

Attorney Parker said that would have been the third delay in the case.

The case has been ongoing for over three years, and has gotten quite a bit of attention. District Attorney Greg Parker said those in attendance were checked with a wand before they were able to enter the courtroom.

" We don't know who is all going to show up and sometimes a people from the public show up as well."

Parker said the security was ordered to protect everyone in the courtroom.

"Under the circumstances today, it was the victim's family that made up most of the court room and then there were people there from the defendants family as well."

Shawano County has been looking into purchasing stronger security equipment for the two courtrooms.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK)- Green Bay Alderwoman Barbara Dorff says she has filed a code of conduct complaint against Green Bay Alderman Guy Zima.

The details of the complaint will not be available until Thursday, but Dorff said it is related to Zima's actions towards elected officials, city staff and members of the public.

The primary election is February 20th.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- The desire to sport facial hair helped the Green Bay Police Department support local charities.

$25 dollars for a goatee and $50 dollars for beard resulted in $1,730 dollars to be split between the Salvation Army and Wisconsin Concerns of Police Survivors.

Police Captain Kevin Warych said many took advantage of the opportunity to grow hair for two months.

"It brought the department together and most importantly, we raised money for a good cause."

The Green Bay Police Department has a dress code that does not allow facial hair, but lifted that ban in November, raising $3,000 dollars for Special Olympics.

"There are a lot of officers and staff that would still like to have that goatee or beard."

The idea to extend No Shave November came from Chief Andrew Smith.

"Chief Smith challenged officers to raise more money in December"

Warych said normally, officers would have to shave by December 1st. He said many who would not grow a beard, did so for the cause.

"I think many officers sacrificed, either by growing a beard when they would not normally do so, or by donating money during the holiday season."

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- A recent survey looking at harassment in the workplace, shed some light on people's perspective.

The survey, conducted by H.S Group, was sent out to nearly 500 employees and employeers. Denise Knutson, trainer for H.S Group said it is a concern in Northeast Wisconsin.

"We decided to look at Northeast Wisconsin to see if this is something that happens just in big companies, or is prevalent in Northeast Wisconsin."

Knutson said they found out that working in a hostile work environment came up as a concern, as 40 percent aid that was one of the top form of harassment.

"Cute little nicknames like honey or sweetie pie. some people are okay with that, others find if offensive."

19 precent of those surveyed said unwanted sexual behavior is the top concern.

Age was also addressed.

"The thirty and under group were more likely to think sexual harassment is a serious problem."

Knutson said that survey results showed that recent national cases that have received a lot of attention, are having an effect on Northeast Wisconsin.

"People are speaking up and saying that is okay for my small company in Green Bay to say yeah, I don't need to be treated like this."

Complete survey result can be found here

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Those who deal with the fallout of domestic incidents discuss the impact of one that investigators say claimed two lives.

Police say Robert and Sarah Schmidt died in Tuesday night's incident in Calumet County.

Deputies arrived at a home in Harrison and heard gunshots.

A deputy then confronted Robert Schmidt, but he ran into the backyard.

Officials cornered Schmidt who eventually died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sara Schmidt was found dead in a vehicle.

Court records show she filed for divorce last Friday, and Robert Schmidt faced sexual assault and kidnapping charges.

Court documents also show the couple left behind three children.

Those who work with domestic violence survivors day in and day out say it's more common locally than you may think.

"It's not uncommon for us to average 38 crisis calls a day," said Wendy Gehl who is the program services director for Harbor House in Appleton, which serves Outagamie and Calumet Counties.

Gehl tells FOX 11 News domestic abuse-related homicide is becoming more common in the area, with two in the last four months. She said the most dangerous time for a victim is when they try to leave their abuser.

"That is when a perpetrator of violence and abuse realizes that they have lost that control...Could turn out to be a horrible, physical violence incident, it could be a horrible, sexual violence incident, it could be a homicide," Gehl explained.

According to Gehl domestic abuse between parents can have an extremely negative impact on children as well.

"So we have to understand that they too have gone through trauma."

We know from court documents that Sara Schmidt filed for divorce from Robert Schmidt only days before Tuesday's murder-suicide. The couple left behind three children.

Psychologist Frank Cummings has not treated the children in this case, but says overall, this can be an extremely traumatic time.

"Lots of spoken and unspoken un-truths that lead kids to believe that somehow they are the cause of this," he told FOX 11.

Cummings told us the children will need to learn the truth through something called trauma-informed care from trained counselors.

"Help them put this in an age-appropriate context and it's gonna unfold and change as they get older," he explained.

Cummings added that having a strong support system is also important.

"Really predicts the outcome and lowers the mental health consequences for the child," he said.

Gehl told us providing support through the trauma is why it's so important Harbor House has an extensive youth program.

"The good part is kids can be very resilient," she said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic abuse you can visit the Harbor House website here.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A touring version of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton is coming to the Fox Valley.

It will take the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center stage during its 2019-2020 season.

The show tells the story of the founding fathers, with a musical score that blends various genres.

"Hamilton did a fantastic job breaking through those Broadway barriers and being part of the social conscience of everyone in their community."

PAC President Maria Van Laanen says the only way to guarantee seats is to purchase tickets for the 2018-2019 season when they go on sale on March 5 and then renew them for the following year.

"Otherwise, for people who choose not to become season ticket holders, they'll have to wait until the single-ticket date is announced later in 2019, most likely."

Lawrence University Professor Kathy Privatt is excited.  She's been trying for months to get a ticket in Chicago.

"There are individual tickets going for $6,000.  There are low-end tickets, if you want the worst seat in the house, you might be able to get one three months from now for $160, plus you're going to need to drive three hours. The thought that people can literally buy season tickets to the PAC and know they'll have a seat for Hamilton, that's kind of astonishing." 

Individual ticket prices have not been announced.

STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ)- With the close of the shipping season on the great lakes, comes the rest of the ships in Sturgeon Bay. 

Todd Thayse of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding says when the ships are sitting, many come to see them.

"Every year we become home to anywhere between 15 to 18 large freighters."

 Pam Seiler, of the Strugeon Bay Visitor Center says with that comes the dollars.

"People think that all the shops are closed, but that is not the case, everything is open here.

Seiler says people can see the fleet, get some food and enjoy shopping or walking the trails. 

Thayse says the work does not stop.

"We typically have between 70 to 90 days with each of these vessels. When the locks open back up on March 25, we need to be back up and running."

During the rest time, repairs and upgrades are made for the next season.

More ships are scheduled to arrive next week, including two more thousand-footers.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK)- After a forgettable 2017, everything is in place for a memorable 2018 for the Hotel Northland.

“It will start flying pretty soon,” said Paul Swanson, the Oshkosh attorney a judge appointed to clean up the messy Northland project. “In 30 days you're going to notice a pretty big difference.

A judge's ruling earlier this week will allow for the completion of the renovation work that was interrupted for several months.

At this point, Swanson guesses renovation work is somewhere between 60 and 75 percent done.

With the money now in place to finish the $45 to $50 million project, Swanson is courting potential buyers.

“At this point it’s a free-for-all,” said Swanson. “I mean anybody that is a qualified purchaser that has the experience to run a hotel of this nature and obviously run it within the confines of the historic significance that it bears, the historic tax credits. I think we'll find out who has the money and experience to do it.”

“You don't just want a pretty building, but you really want something that is going to help generate revenue and generate activity in the downtown,” said Kevin Vonck, economic development director for Green Bay.

Kevin Vonck says there has been remarkable difference since Swanson took over decision making for the Northland.

“Getting it open is really what needs to happen in an expedited manner and I think all parties are working towards that,” said Vonck.

The hotel must open in 2018 to see the benefits of historic tax credits. The goal is to open in August, ahead of Packers season. Swanson believes there is no longer anything standing in the way from making that happen.

“Never say never, but I think we're pretty good now,” said Swanson.

The Northland's financing trouble started in late 2016 when the top lender pulled its $12.8 million loan, accusing the project’s developers at the time of loan defaults.

Virginia-based Octagon Finance has since taken over as the project's lead lender.

MADISON (WTAQ-WLUK) -- A Kaukauna resident was presented the Wisconsin Heroes Award Thursday at the state capitol for her dedication to suicide awareness.

Barb Bigalke, the founder and executive director of the Center for Suicide Awareness, received the award from First Lady Tonette Walker.

The recognition is awarded each month by Mrs. Walker to a Wisconsin resident who uses their time, effort and ideas to make the state a better place.

The Center for Suicide Awareness is a non-profit that provides education training and resources to individuals, schools, families, and businesses who need them.

The center also operates Hopeline, the only Wisconsin text-based emotional support service.

FOX CITIES (WTAQ)- The Fox Cities Exhibition Center is now open.

Many gathered for the ribbon cutting of the $31 million dollar facility Thursday afternoon.

While the facility will be big locally, Stephanie Klett, Wisconsin Tourism Secretary say it does not stop there.

"This is incredible. It's not just a big deal for the Fox Cities, but really for the state of Wisconsin. I knew it was gonna be really good. I didn't know how outstanding it was gonna be. So this is just a huge asset to the Fox Cities and to our state."

Planning for the facility began about 30 years ago.

As confetti rained down, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate, including Appleton's Mayor.

"It's better than I expected," said Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna.

Hannah said the center does have some unique features.

One of the features is the "We are Here" portrait project that consists of 10,000 pictures of people in the Fox Cities.

Ground was broken in September of 2016.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ)- Oshkosh Police say they arrested eight men who were willing to pay for sex.

Those arrested ranged in age from 18 to 57.

The arrests were made during a special detail operation Wednesday night. 

Oshkosh Police say they will recommend prostitution charges for the men.

One man was taken to Winnebago County jail on a parole violation.

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - A 53-year-old Oshkosh man has been convicted for his role in a scheme to fraud a Fond du Lac business out of $14-million dollars. 

Sterling Kienbaum pleaded no contest to racketeering and theft by false representation.

Prosecutors say Sterling Kienbaum of Fox Valley Iron and Metal paid employees of Sadoff Iron and Metal to accept overloaded scrap vehicles filled with dirt. 

Two Sadoff workers have also been convicted. 

A restitution hearing is scheduled for May, with sentencing on June 5.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Green Bay Alderman Guy Zima said he does not plan on changing despite a lengthy complaint of misconduct filed against him by Alderwoman Barbara Dorff.

"In truth, I would not change 99 percent of the things that I said. If they think they are going to turn me into a politically correct wimp, they have another think coming."

The complaint filed by Dorff, highlights six sections of the cities Code of Conduct that Zima is accused of violating. He says, he has problems with the code to begin with.

"Their codes are just artifical anyway. I don't even think this Code of Ethics is worth the paper it is written on. It is just politically correct junk."

 Zima said the claims of verbal and physical attacks towards council members and city officials seems like a witch hunt.

"I have always told it like I thought it was, and I am not going to mince my words just because Miss Dorff or somebody else was offended."

Zima stated he believes that the efforts were started by the City Attorneys officer and the Mayor.

 Dorff said her motivation of filing the complaint is to stop Zima from behaving the way that he is.

"My motivation for filing this complaint is to stop Alderman Zima to stop the inappropriate behaviors that he is engaging."

In her statement, she stated that it is now out of her hands.

"I will put this in the hands of the ethics board, and trust in the process."

The complaint focuses on decorum, maintaining order, attacking staff, and conduct in meetings.

"The Guy Zima that people have known is the same Guy Zima today, and none of this phony pressure is going to make me change my ways."

Zima says the complaints are exaggerated, and he stands behind almost everything he is accused of saying or doing.

Dorff citied over 30 examples of violations.

You can see the complete complaint here 

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Green Bay Police Officers spent Wednesday saying thank you in a tasty way.

Handing out free food at McDonalds Wednesday, was the way that officers offered appreciation to the community.

Random people who came in for lunch received a free sandwhich, drink or ice cream cone, all courtesy of the police department.

"We are taking three hours at two different McDonalds just to offer a sign of thanks to the community."

Captain Kevin Warych also gave out some Walmart giftcards to some of the customers that he visited with.

 Yan, a Green Bay father, brought his two kids in for an after school snack, and was welcomed with some free food.

"We also appreciate the work that they do for us, so it is even more nice seeing them out here doing this for us."

Officers also spent time at the drive thru windows adding a free McChicken or Hamburger to peoples orders when they came to the window.

“Today is about giving back to the community. We receive countless thank you cards, food and monetary support through out the year. Today is about saying thank you and showing how much we appreciate the all the support we receive from the Green Bay community." said Chief Andrew Smith.

Officers were at McDonalds on the West and East side of Green Bay.