OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A hit and run crash on I-41 in Brown County, led to a vehicle pursuit into Outagamie County.

It started around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in the southbound lanes near county highway S, where authorities say the hit and run occurred.

A state trooper says he saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in Outagamie County and tried to stop it.

Investigators say the driver didn't stop.

A little later, the vehicle crashed into another one near College Avenue.

The driver of the fleeing vehicle had a medical condition, and was taken to a hospital.

There were no injuries.

MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A fire broke out early this morning at a business in Marinette County.

The fire started around 3 a.m. at Dun-Rite Asphalt on County B in the Town of Peshtigo.

The shop part of the business was destroyed.

Mike Folgert is Town of Peshtigo Fire Chief.

"Fire was fully involved, the business part, the garage part, shop part of building was full involved already."

No one was injured.

Firefighters called in extra water tankers because there are no fire hydrants in the area.

The cause isn't known.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A new initiative aims to help Green Bay's four public high schools.

Multiple community organizations have teamed up to create special baseball caps.

"That includes the Green Bay Packers' iconic 'G' on the front, the Bellin Health logo on the back, and the school logo that they support on the side," says Bellin Vice-President of Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Mary Hiltunen.

Packers Sales Director Chad Watson explains how the idea benefits East, West, Southwest, and Preble.

"With proceeds going to the public schools to provide additional funding for their athletic fields and teams, specifically athletic training programs that they're doing at the school level and field maintenance.  Those are a couple of the big ones."

Tim Flood is the school district's co-curricular programming administrator.

"The hats will be available for sale in the schools' main office and we're exploring different options to make them available to other locations."    

The cost is $20 per hat.  Initially, 500 of each school's hat have been made available.  

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ)- A water main break on the east side of Appleton had crews working overnight.

City Spokesman Chad Doran said it was an eight inch main that broke in the area of East Crestview Drive and Linden Lane.

The issue caused sanitary line backups due to the higher-pressure water that it carried.

Doran said the issue caused water to back up into homes.

It was estimated that nearly a dozen homes were affected.

Crews have been going door-to-door all morning to check on homes.

Workers have also been sending video cameras into the water and sewer system to look for other potential leaks and breaks.

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - Two Fox Valley Kimberly-Clark facilities may be closing as a result of their restructuring plan that was announced last week.

Discussions were held about closing Neenah Nonwovens Facility and the Cold Spring Facility in Fox Crossing.

The company says the plan is to close the Neenah Nonwovens Facility within the next 18 months. A final decision on the Cold Spring Facility will come after consultation and negotiation with the labor union and stakeholders.

Kimberly-Clark says the closure will affect about 600 employees. There are around 2,200 people in the Neenah area.

A spokesperson said Kimberly-Clark will continue to be a part of the Fox Valley.

"We will continue to be one of the largest employers in the Neenah area, and our North American Consumer business will continue to be headquartered in Neenah. We remain committed to the Fox Cities community," read a statement.

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN (WTAQ) - Four of the nine Wisconsin Younkers locations that will close are in the northeast part of the state. 

Company officials say the Fond du Lac, Grand Chute, Manitowoc, and Marinette locations are among the 42 that will shut down nationwide. 

Younkers cites decreasing sales, saying the closures will happen over the next three months. 

Affected employees will reportedly have a chance to interview for other positions within the company. 

The locations in Ashwaubenon and Sturgeon are not believed to be affected.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Cash bond has been set at $25,000 for the 17-year-old Green Bay man accused of a Monday armed burglary.

Prosecutors say Dylan Wilber robbed a woman's home at gunpoint, fleeing officers as they approached the vehicle where he led the victim.

A total of five schools were placed on lockdown during the initial incident and his arrest the following day.

Wilber is due back in court February 14, on felony charges of Armed Robbery and Burglary as well as three misdemeanor Bail Jumping counts.   

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A Brown County judge says evidence obtained from a Fitbit will be allowed in an upcoming murder trial, at least in a limited capacity.

Prosecutors requested using the device in George Burch's trial to help show the whereabouts of Douglas Detrie, the man the defense claims is responsible for Nicole VanderHeyden's death.

The Fitbit will be able to be used for step counting evidence, but not to prove that Detrie was sleeping while wearing it.

Meanwhile, prosecutors are arguing that records from Burch's cell phone should be allowed at trial, saying it links him to the implicated bar and field and VanderHeyden's home.

The defense says the records should not be used, since Burch gave permission for the Green Bay Police Department to access his phone for an unrelated matter.

They claim he did not give permission to the Brown County Sheriff's Office, who investigated the murder case.  

Burch's trial is set to begin February 16.  

MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A barn that's dedicated to informing people about Wisconsin's agricultural history will open this summer.

The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc's grand opening is set for July 28.

The 29,000 square foot, interactive facility features hands-on learning opportunities, a birthing barn, a 300-person conference center, and a country store.

Julie Maurer is Farm Wisconsin's board president.

“Only 2% of Americans produce food for the other 98% of us. Wisconsin has a rich agricultural heritage. Visitors to the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center will connect with that heritage and learn about the fascinating future of agriculture through interactive exhibits, farm tours, and a birthing barn where they can witness the miracle of calves being born.”

Ground was broken on the $13-million dollar facility in October 2016, with the group at 96% of its fundraising goal.

The barn is located at 7001 Gass Lake Road, northwest of the I-43 and Highway C intersection.

MANAWA, WI (WTAQ)- A Manawa area school had to be evacuated Tuesday for a threat that was found on a bathroom wall at Little Wolf Junior Senior High School.

Manawa Police Chief Jim Gorman said it was second time they were called to the school this year for a written threat, and they once again pulled out all stops to investigate and keep students and faculty safe.  

"We notified the other schools in the area and had officers placed at the other schools. There is a multitude of things that goes into a situation like this.

Gorman said even though the two incidents are not believed to be related, this time around, they are referring charges to the District Attorney's office.       

"There has to be some sort of punishment" he said. "We will not tolerate it, it is very serious and there are serious consquences for it. I hope when the DA gets our report that people are held accountable."

During the investigation, students were kept in their classroom and then escorted to busses. Students and staff were taken to a safe location. Cheif Gorman said they can't take any less of an approach.

"We take all of these very seriously because we have to think of the safety of all the kids" he said. "It is very frustrating for some of these kids to do such things. It disrupts the whole school day and you are looking at very expensive day."

Students and staff were allowed back in the school as soon as the all clear was given. 

Manawa Police have a person of interest and it is believed that the person acted alone.

MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ)- Milwaukee County Zoo will have a different star to take on the responsibilities of the Groundhog's Day. This year's prognostication will be done by the zoo's Polar Bear, Snow Lilly.

This last year, Wynter, the zoo's groundhog passed away, after being part of the zoo's annual event since 2009. The passing lead zoo administration forced to find a quick replacement.

"We had to start brainstorming about what we would do to replace her" Public Relations Coordinator Jennifer Diliberti said. "Groundhog Day originated in Europe, and when they were unable to get a groundhog or a badger, they would use a bear."

Diliberti said all of their bear candidates excpet Snow Lilly are hibernating.  

"Really there was no option for us. We do have a badger, but he hibernates as well, so Snow Lilly is it, and it is a perfect fit."

Lilly will be given the royal treatment to help her do her job.

"Lilly will be summoned with her favorite treat of fish and peanut butter to start her day."

As legend goes, if Lilly sees her shadow, she will return to her den for six more weeks of winter, but no shadow means early spring.

Along with a different animal trying her paw at predicting when we will see Spring, this year the Milwaukee County Zoo will offer educational lessons on Polar Bears and family fun on Groundhogs Day.

"We have never had activities to go along with Groundhog's Day."

The celebration includes a free raffle for visitors to cast their votes to guess Snow Lilly’s weight. Several winners will be chosen, and will receive sought-after polar bear-themed accessories!  

After Lilly’s prediction, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., polar bear activities will take place inside Lakeview Restaurant. Touch and see polar bear artifacts like a pelt and radio collar; show your creative side and make a polar bear craft to take home, learn more about climate change affecting wild polar bears and what you can do to help conserve them.  Purchase polar bear cookies and hot chocolate to benefit the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers’ (AAZK) “Trees for You and Me” program.

Diliberti says they hope to find a new groundhog for next year, but that is a detailed and lengthily process.     

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ)- Shawano Middle School Administration is placing limitations on what kind of water bottles can be brought to school.

District Administrator Gary Cumberland said one morning last week, some students were found with alcohol inside a non-seethrough water bottle.

"So they wanted to be able to see what is in the bottles, and obvisouly if it is discolored, they want to know more about it."

Cumberland said he was told that administration wanted to be able to have control over what is brought into the classroom, but at the same time, still allow students to carry water bottles during the day.

Students in the Shawano School District have been allowed to have water bottles in class, but said situations like this can ruin good things for everyone. 

"I don't think we have a problem at this point, but they are trying to find a way to not have to worry about it in the future."

Cumberland said it is disappointing to have to deal with this at the Middle School level, but not surprising.  

"It does not exactly surprise me, but is it something that I expected to hear about that morning? No"

Middle School Principal Mary Kramer sent an email to parents to confirm the incident.

"SCMS administration made this decision in order to keep students safe and to prevent certain beverages from being brought to school" she said in the email. "We must make sure that the beverage in the bottle is indeed water."

Kramer confirmed to parents that the last thing they want to do is limit the ability for students to have water in class.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - No one was injured in an apartment fire in Green Bay.

It broke out around 6:30 last night (Wednesday) at apartment complex on Western Avenue.

Green Bay Metro Fire Department says wiring in the basement started on fire.

The fire was quickly extinguished and power, gas and water were turned off to the building.

About $10,000 in damage was caused.

13 people and 3 pets were displaced.  The Red Cross is assisting them.

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - A local organization plans to help the workers affected by upcoming changes to Kimberly Clark's Fox Valley operations. 

Bay Area Workforce Development Executive Director Jim Golembeski says they'll aid the up to 600 employees affected by the closure of the company's Neenah Nonwovens Facility and possible shut down of the Cold Spring Facility in Fox Crossing.

"Retraining, how to deal with unemployment these days (which is all online), as well as that you don't lose your healthcare."

Golembeski notes a trend with workers from similar facilities, such as Appleton Coated and Appvion, that have recently closed their doors.

"We are seeing very few workers deciding to go into any retraining programs, so that tells me that they're getting new jobs with the skills that they have."

Golembeski is asked if the closures of multiple similar area companies in recent months has hampered their ability to help these folks.  

"There are adequate resources available to address the needs of these workers.  The hardest thing is just to help these people relax a little bit and make sure they make good decisions."

While noting that losing ones job is never easy, Golembeski offers a silver lining for the impacted workers.

"In 25 years of my being in this position, this is the best employment position that I have seen."

Golembeski says they'll reach out to affected employees, holding a job fair specifically for those workers at a date that is yet to be determined.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A string of windows being shot out has been reported in Brown County.

The incidents have occurred on both the east and west sides of Green Bay and in Bellevue.

Both vehicle and houses have been targeted.

More information is expected to be released Friday.  

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Green Bay Police Department at 920-448-3208 or the Brown County Sheriff's Office at 920-391-7450.You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward by contacting Green Bay Area Crime Stoppers by phone at 920-432-7867, through their website at 432stop.com, or by downloading the P3 tip app through Google Play or the App Store.

MENASHA (WTAQ) - Menasha Police are looking for a man that they say crashed his car into a convenience store and stole some beer.

Police were called to JS Foods on Plank Road around 1:15 Sunday morning.

Surveillance video shows a car crashing into the front door and shows a white male with dark pants and a light colored hooded sweatshirt. The sweatshirt had a black-and-white design or character on the upper left chest.

According to the police report, the suspect took 12-packs of Bud Light.

Police say the incident caused thousands of dollars in damages to the building.

Anyone with information is asked to call Menasha police at (920) 967-3500 or email sgruss@ci.menasha.wi.us.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The return of tax season brings multiple dangers for those filing. 

The Better Business Bureau's Susan Bach urges Internet filers to verify the website they are using before entering personal information. 

"If you are doing your taxes online, make sure that you are on the site that you think you are on."

Bach notes a common hoax has the scammer posing as an IRS agent.  

"A phone call, an email, claiming to be someone from the IRS, don't give them any personal information, rather go to the legitimate IRS website or phone number that you know to be IRS."

She says thieves will try to claim your refund before you get the chance.  

"What they want to do is file taxes on your behalf, they'll put any kind of crazy number that they want and then have your refund re-directed to their bank account."

Bach urges people to file early, as a way to minimize chances of falling risk to some of these scams.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A decision on whether cell phone data can be used in an upcoming Brown County murder trial is expected next week.

Prosecutors say George Burch's phone records place him at several key locations tied to Nicole VanderHeyden's death.

Burch's team says the records were illegally obtained, since he only gave permission for a different agency to search his phone in connection with a separate case.

They argue the Brown County Sheriff's Office should've used a warrant to get that information from Green Bay Police.  

Prosecutors claim Burch's consent came with no limitations.

A hearing was held Thursday.  The trial starts February 16.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Two Green Bay Officers received a state wide award Thursday for their work with mental health. 

Officers Barb Gerarden and Kamra Allen were awarded the Sir Robert Peel award at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay Thursday afternoon.

The officers have made a difference with a alternative approach to policing. Allen says Crisis Response Oriented Policing is more about helping rather than just arresting.

"With mental health, it's a whole new way of viewing calls and helping people" she said."Before we were bringing someone to jail, now we are trying to bring them into a treatment center."  

The Green Bay Police Department added the full-time mental health positions in early 2017.  

The Sir Robert Peel award honors projects that have made a significant impact in the community. Gerarden says through support from the community, their efforts have increased.  

"It's a true blessing that we get to be part of this. I got into law enforcement to help people, and we have been able to work a full time mental health position which a lot of agencies do not have that.  

The purpose of the initiative is to get those people they encounter suffering from a mental illness, the help they need, rather than making them feel like a criminal.  

Allen says the department uses the philosophy of Sir Robert Peel in their work.  

"Sir Robert Peel says the the public are the police and the police are public, and we could not have worked on any of these issues without having community partners."  

Gerarden says since it has been a focus, the department has encountered many situations where intervention was better than an arrest.  

"There are days when it feels like 80 percent of the calls have a mental health component, and other days it is more like 20 percent.  

Main areas of focus have been the emergency detention process, using mental health court as a jail diversion and collaborating with adult protective services.    

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A roundabout was added to make one of Appleton's most dangerous intersections, safer....but is it working ?

The number of crashes continues to add up.

The roundabout in question is at the intersection of Northland and Richmond in Appleton.

Since September, there have been almost 80 crashes recorded at the roundabout.

Appleton Police Sergeant Dave Lund told FOX 11 News the number is shocking.

"We don't like that number either. It's much too high for us."

Lund says the silver lining is that only one of those crashes resulted in an injury.

"The reality is roundabouts aren't supposed to be the cure to eliminate all crashes. They're supposed to do exactly what this roundabout is doing, which is eliminating the serious, injury-causing accidents."

So what's causing the crashes ? Lund has a theory....

"Primary factor seems to be failure to yield. Some of that is speed."

City spokesman Chad Doran says some of it is not realizing you have to yield to ALL lanes coming from the left.

The city installed new signage Thursday to help with the confusion.

"A good reminder that when you're coming up to the roundabout you always need to yield to the traffic that's already in there."

Lund says police have also increased patrols nearby.

"As you might imagine, having a squad car around makes people drive a little bit slower."

Doran tells FOX 11 there are plans for a renewed educational campaign in the works too.

"We're going to roll out some new social media things that, hopefully, will reach as many people as we can."

He says once you're in a roundabout, it's too late to think twice about what lane you need to be in.

"What we wanna do is get to drivers when they're not behind the wheel. so they can see the correct way to navigate a roundabout."

Lund said it's also important to remember to always give semi trucks the right of way in a roundabout.