LAKE WINNEBAGO (WTAQ) - Another 28 sturgeon have been speared on Lake Winnebago. 

Wednesday's haul brings the season's total to 543, with the season able to run through Sunday. 

DNR officials say the largest fish speared Wednesday was Kenneth Schneider of Chilton's 120.5 pound, 76.3 inch sturgeon.

An additional 297 sturgeon were speared on the upriver lakes, but that season ended last week.   

BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - The owner of a Bellevue firearm-related business is discussing the type of gun used in last week's Florida school shooting that claimed 17 lives.

Family Shooting Academy's Mike Shea on the AR-15:

"An assault rifle is a military rifle that is designed to burst fire, full auto fire. The AR-15 does not have that capability. With an AR-15, every time you pull the trigger, the gun goes off."

Shea says the rifles are popular due to their adaptability.

"You can set up the AR-15 however you want. So, if you purchase one base rifle, one happens to be set up with a video camera on top for coyote hunting. One's for more of mid-range competition, one's more for close range competition."

Shea says the rifle comes with a price tag of at least $650.

Green Bay Police SWAT Commander Keith Gering notes his team uses the rifles. 

"We can carry a lot of rounds because it's a lighter weight smaller round."

In Wisconsin, you have to be at least 18 years old and pass a federal background check to purchase an AR-15.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Nicole VanderHeyden's boyfriend Doug Detrie was on the witness stand for much of the day Wednesday.

The man that the defense says is Nicole VanderHeyden's real killer described his relationship with VanderHeyden, and the night of her disappearance.  

Detrie testified that the night of her murder, Nicole walked off while the two were at a concert with friends, and that was the last time he saw her.  

The defense questioned why Detrie was not more concerned when VanderHeyden took off. Detrie said he did not think VanderHeyden walking off was a real problem until later the next day when she was still not home.  

Detrie also described the moments when he found out that VanderHeyden was found dead, and how he felt when he was originally arrested for her murder.   

Also testifying Wednesday, a longtime friend of Detrie.  

Gregg Mathu, who has been friends with Detrie since they were 15, testified that Nicole and Doug were perfect for one another and that he rarely saw them fight.  

He said both he and Doug had a lot to drink the night that VanderHeyden walked off from a concert that they were attending, and said that he and Doug were both trying to communicate with Nicole, but her phone went right to voicemail.  

Mathu testified that Detrie has never shown real aggression towards people.     

Detrie will continue to answer questions by the defense on Thursday. The defense plans to prove that it was Detrie, not Burch, that killed VanderHeyden out of jealousy and anger.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - An Ethics Board hearing reviewing allegations of misconduct against Alderman Guy Zima, ended quickly Wednesday.

"I don't think I could, in good conscious, make an unbiased decision," said Alderman Bill Glavin, who is also a part of the ethics board.

"I feel strongly, because I know both parties very well. I want to keep good friendships," said Wa Yia Thao, who is also a member of the board.

Two members recused themselves, each citing a conflict of interest.

"Two people excused themselves. I was unaware they were going to do that," Zima explained.

There are six members on the board and with two stepping aside, and a third absent from Wednesday's meeting, the hearing was postponed.

Alderwoman Barbara Dorff tells FOX 11 she's disappointed.

"I was ready to move forward, I've done the work."

Dorff filed the complaint against Zima in January. She believes Zima violated six sections of the city's code of conduct.

She accuses Zima of being verbally inappropriate toward city employees.

In response Zima says....

"As far as I'm concerned, the committee and the code are on trial, not me. I don't believe they can evaluate, whether they can approve or disapprove what words I've said at meetings."

As for what's next, no new hearing date has been set.

"I think they're going to have to appoint a couple more members to the ethics board," Dorff told FOX 11.

Zima is currently running for re-election. He will face-off against Brian Johnson in the April General Election.

Johnson is currently the executive director of "On Broadway."

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - A handful of Democrats gather in De Pere Thursday to call on Governor Scott Walker to speed up the process of filling Wisconsin's vacant First Senate District seat.

The seat's been empty since December, when Frank Lasee took a position in the Department of Workforce Development. 

Kevin Kane is with the self-described 'social justice organization' Citizen Action of Wisconsin. 

"When people say they don't feel like they're being heard in Madison, that's one thing, but to feel like they have nobody to call because there is nobody in the position that's supposed to represent them, that's even more concerning."

Kane explains what he thinks is happening.

"It's kind of a power grab.  You don't have a chance for somebody to represented, even when the session is still going on right now in the Senate."

Democratic Senator Dave Hansen's district neighbors District One.

"We'll take (the District One constituents) phone calls and do what we can for them, but there are issues that are going to be out there for the next year, and they deserve to be represented, and they're not getting that in the state Senate now."

Hansen says Walker is afraid that a liberal could win the seat, pointing to a nationwide trend.

"There's 37 districts that have flipped red to blue that were won by (President Donald) Trump.  It's amazing what's going on."

That includes last month's Democratic upset victory in Wisconsin's Tenth Senate District.  While Democrats point to that as a turning of the tide in the Badger State, Republicans say it was due to low voter turnout and has served as a wake-up call.  

Walker cites cost in waiting until November to hold the election.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- The state called ten witnesses to the stand on Thursday, with much of the testimony going over investigation and evidence collected at the home of Doug Detrie. 

Day four of the George Burch murder trial began the same way day three ended, with Detrie taking the stand for cross examination.

Detrie faced some tough questions from the defense team, as he was asked why he waited 17 hours to report his girlfriend Nicole VanderHeyden missing from the night before. Detrie testified that he figured VanderHeyden was with a friend, and was taking her time to come home.

Detrie was questioned about his testimony from Wednesday, when he said he took a shower before officers arrived at his house when he reported VanderHeyden missing. Detrie was asked if he took a shower to eliminate evidence that would show he killed VanderHeyden. 

The George Burch defense team is trying to prove that it was Detrie that committed the murder, and on Thursday, that was reflected in the questions.

Green Bay Police Detective Lee Kingston testified that Detrie was willing to surrender his pants and shoes upon request. He also confirmed for the court that Detrie was wearing a Fitbit.

The rest of the day focused on evidence collected.

Green Bay Police Department Forensic Specialist Baleigh Larson testified that she found a bloody tissue in Detrie's bathroom and also processed the car of Doug Detrie's friend Gregg Mathu.

Neighbors of Detrie were also called to the stand Thursday.

Matthew Petersen, a biology professor at NWTC testified that he was mowing his lawn the morning after VanderHeyden went missing. Petersen's house is across the street from Detrie. He told the court that he heard a click and saw a cord jamming his mower. He tossed the cord to the curb and continued mowing. 

It was testified earlier in the week that it was believed that the cord was used to strangle VanderHeyden.

Petersen also testified that he noticed a large area of blood in the street in front of his home. He said he originally thought it was an animal, but once his wife told him that VanderHeyden was reported murdered, he decided to contact law enforcement.

Detrie's neighbor Paul Neuenfeldt testified that he noticed a pool of blood that was about the size of a dinner plate. He said he noticed it while he was jogging, but like Petersen, he thought the blood came from a dead animal. 

Retired Detective Sergeant Monica Jahnke was working for the Brown County Sheriff's Department during the investigation in 2016. She testified that she did the investigation of the evidence that was found on the road.

She testified that they located a hairpin, hair, blood and the wire. 

During Jahnke's testimony, the name George Burch was brought up for the first time in days.

Burch, the defendant in the case, was first brought up Thursday when Jahnke talked about looking for his vehicle.

Jahnke testified that that she was trying to find his vehicle, but found it was taken to a salvage yard and shredded after it was involved in a crash.

Jahnke also testified to smelling a cleaning solution when she was collecting evidence at the Detrie house, which did not match the testimony from others who were at the home collecting evidence.

Marc Shield of Narcotics for Brown County said he did not notice any unusual smells in the home. 

He said he was first to respond when Detrie called in the missing person report for VanderHeyden.

Thursday ended a little earlier than the past two days. It was mentioned that the state has more witnesses to call on Friday, but they are pace to still finish by the end of next week.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A new way to commemorate Brown County's 200th anniversary has been unveiled.

A spin-off of the classic Monopoly board game has been created, containing Brown County landmarks and history.

County Executive Troy Streckenbach says "it’s a wonderful exhibit of history and economic development contained in a board game which can be shared with an entire family.  This is a wonderful collaborative effort which brought together small businesses and municipalities in order to celebrate Brown County’s 200th Anniversary.” 

Folks can win a copy by participating in a social media campaign, which will run throughout 2018 on the county's Facebook page and Instagram account.

Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport will also have a giveaway on its Facebook page.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Another 15 people have graduated from the Department of Corrections Opioid Addiction Program.

The voluntary program funding is part of Governor Scott Walker's efforts to address Wisconsin's opioid problem.

Participants spend three months working with a parole officer and engaging in supportive services.

Graduate Anthony Verbanac says his life was bleak before the treatment.

"It was a near death experience and (the non-addictive, non-intoxicating drug) Vivitrol saved my life as well as the DOC, and I owe them a lot to my recovery and for this program."

A total of 42 people have graduated in the program's three years.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A winning proposal has been announced for the development that will include Appleton's new public library.

The mixed-use development could also bring roughly 300 apartments or condominiums and retail space to the city's downtown.

The plan calls for the city spending more than $56-million dollars.

Phase one would include the library, retail space, and 96 apartments/condos.  The Soldiers Square parking ramp would be demolished, and the building would take place at that site. 

Future phases would see the additional 200+ apartments/condos built south of the downtown YMCA.

Officials believe it would add $66-million dollars to the city's tax base.

The proposal was submitted by Paul Klister of Commercial Horizons and his sons Dan and Tom.  It was selected over seven others.  

The project requires approval from both the Library Board and the City Council.  Discussions are expected at a 5:30 pm Monday meeting of the Finance Committee, Appleton Public Library Building, and Equipment Committee.  Officials say just discussion will take place, no vote.

If approved, construction could begin this fall, with the first phase wrapping up in May 2020.

LAKE WINNEBAGO (WTAQ) - Preparations in full swing Thursday for an annual fishing tournament on Lake Winnebago.

Event President Glenn Curran expects this weekend's 11th annual 'Battle on the Bago' to go better than last year's, where warm temperatures forced them to call off the fishing portion.

"Our first year we had 300 people fish in it.  Now, we have close to 8,000 people fishing."

Otter Street Fishing Club's Don Herman suggests not having more than one vehicle at any time on one of the bridges that have been placed.   

"Stay away from the mouth of the river.  There is a map out there.  If you see the cracks, any place in red, stay away." 

The tournament runs Friday and Saturday. 

Proceeds benefit youth and conservation efforts throughout the Fox Valley. 

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - According to a passenger on a United flight, the plane skidded off a runway early Friday.

Passenger Alex Wasnick tells FOX 11 the plane was coming from Houston and supposed to land in Minneapolis, but was rerouted to Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport.

"We were just happy that we were finally given a place to land, cuz after being up in the air, refueling and giving it another attempt, there's a lot of turbulence up there and we're in the middle of a snow storm."

Wasnick says he was pleased with how the pilot handled the situation.

"The pilot the whole time was keeping us informed letting us know why he was not landing and I feel like he did a good job and tool all the safety precautions he needed to keep us safe. And that's probably why we're not at the Minneapolis airport right now."

Passengers have been given the option to get a hotel or take a bus to Minneapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WTAQ) - A plane registered to Ponderosa Aviation LLC of Kewaunee apparently is the Cessna 441 that crashed northwest of Indianapolis on Thursday night, and Indiana authorities were being quoted as saying at least three people were killed.

Fox 11 has confirmed John Pagel, his son-in-law Steve Witcpalek, and one other person were killed in the crash.

According to flightaware.com, and the Kewaunee County Comet, the Cessna 441 took off from Eagle Creek Airpark near Indianapolis at 6:20 last night.

The 10-seater airplane took off from Eagle Creek Airpark in Indianapolis around 6:20 p.m. Central Time, and Carroll County 911 dispatchers received reports of a possible crash about 20 minutes later.

Responding deputies located the wreckage in a field about 15 miles east of Lafayette, Indiana.

“We do have some people who heard what they believe was a race car sound that we believe was related to the plane crash, and there were other witnesses that we’re still trying to verify their statements,” an Indiana officer said in a briefing with television reporters at the scene posted on Facebook by WISH-TV.

The plane had traveled from Green Bay to Indianapolis on Thursday morning.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Whether it's a desktop, laptop or tablet the Green Bay Area Public School District wants parents to know what and how their children are learning.

Diane Doersch, chief technology and information officer for the Green Bay Area Public School District, tells FOX 11.

"It seems like our students are used to technology for entertainment, right? But we still have to be very intentional about steering that digital energy toward learning and so we want to make our resources as available as we can."

Those resources can be found on the district's website, under the technology resources tab. Parents can see a number of sites students have access to like PebbleGo.

"That one's awesome for our younger students or ELL learners because it is short information on a page, very specific to a topic and then it reads it out loud to the kids and then it highlights words as it reads it," said Raquel Rand, technology integrator for the Green Bay Area Public School District.

But that's not all.

Doersch says the district wants parents to know that the information their children are accessing on this site is safe.

"We make sure we know which data is shared and we also make sure that we have assurances from the company that they keep our student data safe."

The district adds, information on the sites is accurate and reliable.

Teachers and technology integrators, like Jennifer Klemme, spend class time teaching students how to work well with others online.

"So, if I'm typing something, I'm not taking over what someone else has typed, I'm being respectful to other people in my space, when I'm collaborating with people knowing which tools to use within the classroom."

As long as students are connected to the internet, they can access many of the learning apps.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A proposal to place an armed security officer inside each Green Bay school.

Police Chief Andrew Smith notes it would help cut response time in a crisis, such as an active shooter situation.

"A recently retired police officer that has carried a weapon for 30 years and demonstrated 25-30 years of handling himself correctly.  The officer would have a sidearm and would have that sidearm with them wherever they go.  They would also have a police rifle that they would have easily accessible, in a place to be determined."

Smith says the program could cost $2.5-million dollars per year, looking at multiple options for covering that cost.

He notes nothing is final, saying he's open to hearing other ideas.

Smith believes something could be in place by the fall.

However, Smith notes they've already taken some steps since last week's Florida high school shooting that claimed 17 lives.

"Since the shooting in Florida, we've had an increased presence at our schools here in Green Bay.  That is going to continue."

Meanwhile, a Green Bay officer explains why the city's schools were not put on lockdown earlier this week. 

Authorities say a handful of Brown County school districts were mentioned in a Snapchat that threatened a Wednesday school shooting. 

Lieutenant Jeff Brester says "we had to investigate the incident first to see what kind of threat was even out there.  Through our investigation, we weren't able to get any documentation of what was said and in the threat."

Brester says they had nothing credible to go on, believing no lockdown was necessary.

Ashwaubenon Schools was locked down for roughly an hour.

Also, Green Bay Police and Green Bay Area Public Schools are planning to hold a 'community engagement session for parents, legislators, and community members to discuss the matter on March 8.   

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) - A 34-year-old man is in custody following a shooting in Fond du Lac.

Authorities say they received reports of a person on Linden Street with a gun around 7:30 pm Thursday.

The man reportedly headed to Third Street, where he was approached by officers.

Investigators say he led the officers on a foot pursuit, firing one round.

No injuries have been reported.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Three people have been charged in connection with a series of weekend disturbance incidents in Appleton.

Kareem Wallace faces felony counts of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide (x 2) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  Cash bond has been set at $100,000, and the 26-year-old Menasha man is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 20.

Demetrus Pickens faces two felony charges of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide.  Cash bond has been set at $75,000 for the 49-year-old Appleton man.  His preliminary hearing is set for March 7.

Tyrone Anderson faces counts of felony Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and misdemeanor Bail Jumping.  Cash bond has been set at $25,000.  The 24-year-old Appleton man's preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12.    

Investigators believe the incidents stemmed from a dispute over a game of pool.

MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ) - Charges have been filed against a 60-year-old Oshkosh woman in connection with three infant deaths. 

Prosecutors say Nancy Moronez may have killed the kids, who died between 1980 and 1985. 

Police say the incidents in question involved a less than one-year-old boy in Franklin in 1980, six-month-old boy in Franklin in 1984, and two-month-old girl in Milwaukee in 1985.

Moronez was taken into custody Tuesday.  

LAKE WINNEBAGO (WTAQ) - Another 23 sturgeon have been speared on Lake Winnebago. 

Friday's haul brings the season total on the lake to 597. 

The largest fish brought in Friday was a 138.1 pound, 76-inch one claimed by Zachary Rauls of Fond du Lac.

The season runs through Sunday. 

Another 297 fish were speared on the upriver lakes, but that season ended last week.    

GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) - Calls for college affordability from Wisconsin's junior Senator.

During a stop at Fox Valley Technical College, Democrat Tammy Baldwin discusses desire to reintroduce the 'America's College Promise Act.'

Baldwin says it could save a full-time technical college student $3,800 per year. 

"We have a student debt crisis in this country.  All students should get the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in a career, without drowning in student debt." 

If all states took part, Baldwin says roughly 9-million students could benefit from the program.

KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) - A 55-year-old Kaukauna woman has died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash.

Kaukauna Police says it happened in the 300 block of Taylor Street around 2:15 am.

Investigators say they found a car that hit a tree, with the woman being taken to a local hospital.

Officers continue to look into what caused the crash.