SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ) - On Wednesday, students from across country will take time to mark the one month anniversary of the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Two students at Bay Port High School are leading the charge at their school.

Junior Abbi Bender remembers watching the horror play out on February 14th.

"I just remember thinking that this could have been Bay Port. This could have been any of the schools in the Green Bay area."

So, marking the occasion seemed right.

Starting at 9:50 Wednesday morning, students will gather at the flag pole in front of the school, hear the names of the 17 victims, have 17 minutes of silence, then go back to class.

Senior Maddy Pritzl says it's been neat to see the buzz building up.

"Got people posting all over social media. It's really nice to see that everyone is coming together too. I just thought it might be a little group of us."

Pritzl says that's very encouraging to see because she fears people will just grow numb to the news reports of violence on a seemingly regular basis.

"It's crazy that this epidemic of mass shootings, no matter where you are, hasn't stopped already. That's so scary to think about."

Bender says the Florida school shooting has inspired her to be more than a spectator.

"And it made me scared, and made me realize that I can't just sit and do nothing anymore."

Pritzl and Bender went to Bay Port administration to tell them of their idea and ask how they can make it work.

While not endorsing the event itself, school official say if done peacefully, the action can be a valuable experience.

For its part, the district has sent out letters to parents, asking that any students planning to take part should have their parents contact the school to excuse their absence.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) -With each buzz and trim, Green Bay Metro firefighter, Chris Heil is fighting against childhood cancer.

"It hits close to home. Some dear friends lost their son to childhood cancer," he explained to FOX 11.

Heil, is also a cancer survivor, "I had a brain tumor, then I had testicular cancer after."

He's been going bald to find a cure, each year, since Green Bay's St. Baldrick's fundraiser began in 2004.

All proceeds from the event, which is hosted by St. Brendan's Inn, benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

"They donate all the money to local doctors and the money goes to fund grants for cancer research, for the children," said Ashely Oates, St. Brendan's General Manager.

She says each year, the event draws people from all walks of life, "People from the Green Bay Yacht Club, to the police departments, to kids in a group from middle school. They all come together."

Not needing a haircut any time soon, Heil says it's his way of giving back in hopes to find a cure, "Being a firefighter for almost 28 years, wanting to help people, this is another passion that's dear to my heart."

Oates says more than 200 people participated in this year's event. 

She says all together they raised up to $100,000 dollars.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - About 100 people participated in a school safety discussion Saturday morning at Green Bay Preble High School.

Brad Hopp spoke to FOX 11.

"One of the things we discussed today was the communication between parents and schools. One of my concerns was that, I fully understand what the school is doing what they can do to protect my child, but I'd like to know what that plan is," said Brad Hopp of Green Bay. 

"We talked a lot about mental health at our table, early intervention, having more resources, school psychologist and social workers in elementary schools," said Leah Liebergen of Ashwaubenon. 

Days after a school shooting at a High School in Florida, Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith said he thought it would be a good idea to have armed police officers in the Green Bay Schools. 

 "I think one of the most important parts of this proposal is the deterrence," Smith said, "Let's face it, if you're going to break into a school and shoot little kids, you're a coward. Cowards are afraid of cops with guns."

The cost was one of the concerns addressed during the public event. Smith said that it would cost about $2.5 million dollars to do. Smith said that is about 1 percent of the school district's budget.

That resulted in a mixed response on Saturday.

"With the Chief's plan, we're actually actively participating in the protection of those children."

"Spending $2.5 million on armed guards, I don't think that's the best use of the school's money," said Liebergen.

The next forum will be held on April 16 at 6 p.m. at Green Bay West High School.

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI (WTAQ) - Icebreaking preparations are getting underway. 

The cutters Mackinaw and Mobile Bay are scheduled to begin work Tuesday on Green Bay. The operation is needed to clear a path for fuel product shipments to the Port of Green Bay. 

Areas included are the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, the waters of Little Bay de Noc near Escanaba, Fox River Entrance Channel and Menominee River Entrance.

Icebreaking will increase in coming weeks as thawing continues and commercial navigation picks up.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A three vehicle accident has resulted in at least one injury.

The Green Bay Police Department wasy the accident happened Saturday evening on Military and Shawano Avenue.

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ)- Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber says it is time to take a different approach to drug use and opioid abuse.

The comments were made during a round table discussion that county had with Representative Gary Tauchen and Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel.

Sheriff Bieber says Shawano County is no different when it comes to problems stemming from drug use.

"Every county in the state has issue with opioids, drug use and mental health issues," Bieber says. "In Shawano County most of the thefts and robberies that we see are related to drug use." 

During the round table discussion, County officials addressed the issues they see.

"We always talk about counseling for these folks, locking them up and jail time," Bieber said. "These are all steps that are reactive."

Bieber says a reactive approach is not the best way to go.

"I would rather focus on preventative measures so that people never have to get into that cycle of addiction."

Bieber says that starts at home.

"My focus as a sheriff is getting back to the family. We need to make sure that families are staying together, and it is important for us as a society to make sure that families are supported."

Bieber says that includes helping parents get the tools needed to raise their kids.

"We used to have programs in the county that would help parents with their kids. Churches used to talk about ways to raise kids, but too many have dropped the ball."

He said it also could include the government passing legislation that would limit the violence that kids are exposed to through media.

"We don't have shows like Mr. Rogers on anymore."

Bieber says he turns to a quote from former President Teddy Roosevelt.

"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society"

Bieber says he truly believe that.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Roughly 1,000 members of the Wisconsin tourism industry gather at Appleton's Fox Cities Exhibition Center this week. 

The Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism kicked off Sunday night and runs through Tuesday. 

Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett notes there are a number of presentations Monday and Tuesday, including one from Chris Gardner. 

"You may know him from a movie that Will Smith starred in called "The Pursuit of Happiness."  That was based on the life of Chris Gardner.  He's a self-made philanthropist and multi-millionaire businessman who was born and raised in Milwaukee."

Klett says tourism has a $20-billion dollar impact on Wisconsin's economy, with the state having expanded advertising efforts into St. Louis.

"We did a partnership with the Cardinals' Radio Network, because it airs in 18 states.  We plastered Travel Wisconsin billboards throughout their downtown."

Klett and Governor Walker are unveiling this summer's advertising campaign at Monday morning's opening keynote address.

"That includes a commercial called 'Gemutlichkeit,' a German word about being warm, friendly, and welcoming."

Klett notes one commercial will also feature a gold medal winning Paralympian from the state.

OCONTO, COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The Oconto County Sheriff's Department responded to Benser Lane in Lena Sunday afternoon.

Officials say a suicidal man was armed and barricaded in his home.

He fired several rounds at deputies. No word on injuries.

The man was taken into custody shortly before midnight. He was transported for medical evaluation.

The man was wanted for domestic related crimes earlier Sunday and is facing several charges.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A state lawmaker from Green Bay says he won't run for re-election to the Legislature, and instead will run for mayor of Green Bay.

90th Assembly District State Rep. Eric Genrich made the announcement today (Monday).

In a statement, Genrich said he made his decision after spending "a lot of time talking with family, friends, and community members."

Genrich has served in the Legislature since 2012.

In a statement, Genrich says...

"I...never intended to make a lifelong career out of legislative service. I am proud of my record of advocacy and bipartisan accomplishment, and I plan to carry forward with that spirit in the future."

The race for Green Bay mayor next spring is expected to be wide open after longtime incumbent Jim Schmitt announced he would not seek a fifth term.

Genrich is just one of several people who have expressed interest in running for the job.

He goes on to say the next year will be a busy one for him.

"I will talk to my fellow citizens in every neighborhood, listen to the hopes and dreams they have for our community, and give voice to those ideas as best as I can."

The mayoral election is set for April 2019.

If more than two candidates run, a primary election would held in February.

NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - An upcoming holiday is once again prompting changes to the name of one Northeast Wisconsin city.

For the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, New London has ceremonially changed its name to New Dublin.

City workers dressed up Monday as they changed the city's welcome signs to accommodate for the temporary change.

The week culminates with Saturday's New Dublin Irish Fest, which runs from 11 am to 6 pm, in the city's downtown.

It includes the St. Patrick's Day Grand Parade, which is set to start at 1 pm.  

LAWRENCE, WI (WTAQ) - A Town of Lawrence company that makes custom metal products is expanding to Manitowoc. 

Robinson Metal says it plans to begin production at the new facility as soon as May, adding 30 new jobs. 

More details are expected at a Wednesday morning press conference. 

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - A string of mailbox vandalism has been reported in Neenah.

Police say they've taken several reports of smashed mailboxes over the past two weekends.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police headquarters at 920-886-6000.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A 48-year-old Stevens Point man faces nearly 300 years in prison at his May 16 sentencing for causing a fatal standoff. 

A jury has determined Brian Flatoff did not suffer from a mental disease or defect, three days after finding him guilty on all counts. 

Prosecutors say Flatoff took hostages at Eagle Nation Cycles in 2015, leading to police mistakenly shooting and killing Michael Funk. 

Flatoff was charged with Felony Murder for Funk's death.  

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Crews continue work to prepare Green Bay's Bay Beach Amusement Park for its 2018 season opener.

Interim Parks Director James Andersen says they aim to have a new addition ready for opening day.

"We've got a new train track going in.  It's going to be going towards the west end of the park, underneath one of the hills of the Zippin Pippin (roller coaster).  It's going to go back around the west side of the park and then back to the train depot."

It will be the park's second train. 

Andersen notes that's not the only new offering.   

"A new concession stand that's about double the size (of the existing one).  It has also has a nice eating plaza just to the east."

Despite all the new stuff, he notes they haven't forgotten about their existing offerings.  

"Painting and getting everything up to date with their colors, keeping some of the rides running tip-top."

While crews are working to prepare Bay Beach for its 2018 opening, city officials are also looking to the future.

Andersen notes they're still hoping to have a proposed beach and pier in place for 2019.

"We're waiting for some permits.  Hopefully we can secure those by the end of this month, depending on how bonding goes this year, we potentially will see some things happening with the beach as early as this next year."

The city council is still discussing funding for the project.

The park's season begins May 5.  Click here to view the full 2018 schedule.

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - The Shawano County Sheriffs Department is working to restore special photos that were erased from a stolen I-Pad.

“You stole a piece of my heart.”The words from Lorena Parsons hit home for many last week.

Parsons took to Facebook to explain when thieves took her I-Pad from her vehicle, they also took photo memories that she can't get back.

In her post, she addressed the individuals that went into her vehicle and stole her device. She explained that the I-Pad had some special memories on it.

"Just all of our personal stuff from that particular day, anything and everything that we could capture."

The photos were of her son's wedding day.

Parsons son served in the military, and spent time oversees. He returned home suffering from PTSD, which was unknown to his family. His life ended a year ago.

Shortly after the report was made, Shawano County Sheriffs Department located the I-Pad and those they believe to be responsible. Sheriff Adam Bieber said when they recovered the device, the photos were deleted. 

He took the I-Pad to see if their equipment could help recover and restore the photos.

"It has taken a few more steps on our end, but it is something that we wanted to do."

Bieber says it is an example of a positive interaction that the department has.

"I am so grateful for the Shawano Sheriff's Department in trying to make this better for me and the rest of my family," Parsons said. I never get to take another picture of my son. What I do have is all the pictures and the goodtimes that my family had before our lives were ripped apart by this terrible disease."

She says the message she wanted to get out is when you make a decision to do something selfish, you never know what affect it has on the other person. Parsons says to the theives, it was just an I-Pad, but to her, it was important memories.

Success or not, she was surprised how quickly the department located the thieves and the I-Pad after she reported it.

Bieber says this is not something that they can do all time, but given the circumstances, and the fact that Parsons son was a veteran, along with the fact that it is still a criminal investigation, he felt it was important to do.

BEAVER DAM, WI (WTAQ) - Investigators say there are no known links to terrorism, in connection with last week's deadly explosion at a Beaver Dam apartment complex. 

The building where the March 5 explosion, and March 7 detonation of chemicals, took place is set to be burned down this Wednesday.  Still no word on what type of chemicals were in the Building 109 unit.

Officials say road closures and flight/drone restrictions will be in place in the area of the burn, starting at 9 am Wednesday. 

The identity of the man who died has still not been revealed. 

A total of 15 families have been displaced.  County officials and local organizations are helping those folks.

Monetary donations for the displaced residents are being collected at all Dodge County Horicon Bank locations, with $4,444 having been collected as of 11 am Monday.

Non-monetary donations can be taken to either the St. Vincent de Paul on Dodge Drive or the Dodge County American National Bank location.     

OUTAGAMIE CO, WI (WTAQ) - An overnight fire in Outagamie County leaves one man dead.

At 1120 PM on March 12th, the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department and the Bear Creek Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Pine Road in the Town of Deer Creek.

When Fire and Deputies arrived on scene the structure was completely engulfed in flames.

Three residents, including a toddler were able to escape the fire.

Unfortunately an adult male was unable to escape and was found deceased in the residence.

The Outagamie County Sheriff’s department continues to investigate the cause of the fire. Name of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification.

The Red Cross was dispatched to assist with the displaced family.

Bear Creek Fire Department was assisted by Manawa Fire Department, Shiocton Fire Department and Clintonville Ambulance.

OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A sure sign of spring is a sugary sight.

It's maple syrup being made across Northeast Wisconsin.

Miles and miles of bubbling sap move through a plastic pipeline in the woods near Suring.

At Scheer's Sugar Shack, Scott Scheer tells FOX 11, the middle of March is the sweetest time of the year.

"When the weather gets right. It has to freeze at night, and get warm, around mid-40s during the day. That would be a perfect day."

The Scheer's tap about 900 maple trees. They say this year is a little behind the previous two, when relatively mild winters pushed the season ahead.

And in addition to the somewhat sluggish spring, the Scheer's say theyr'e still recovering from last summer, when strong storms raced through their property.

Scheer says straight-line winds toppled hundreds of maple trees, along with about a third of a typical season's production.

"We had to take all the pipeline down, and remove all the fallen trees, and that took all fall. And now, we just got back into production last month."

And that means just in time for maple syrup season.

"Usually it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup."

Scheer says so far, the sap is running sweeter, so he won't need as much of it to make the syrup.

Over the five-week season, Kim Scheer says this state of the art evaporator could produce about 500 gallons of fresh maple syrup.

"The bottling and the labeling, that's the end where I do the bulk of my work. And we have a crew, like my mom and dad, and my relatives, help us in the kitchen."

The Scheer's sell their syrup on site and at local grocery stores too.

"It's the sweetness, I'll be honest with you. In the spring, people just rave over it," said Scheer.

Scheer says there are many uses for syrup beyond pancakes.

He suggests a topping for oatmeal and ice cream.

He says there is even a recipe to use it as part of homemade lemonade.

Wisconsin's typically the 4th largest maple syrup producing state.

BEAVER DAM, WI (WTAQ) - A change in the weather forecast is being cited for delaying the controlled burn of a Beaver Dam apartment building by 24 hours. 

Officials say the burn of Village Glen Apartment Building 109 will now take place at 9 am Thursday. 

An unnamed man died in a March 5 explosion at the complex. 

That was followed by a March 7 detonation of chemicals.    

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Approval has been received for Appvion's assets to be auctioned off. 

The Appleton-based paper company filed for bankruptcy last year and is now working with a potential buyer. 

If no other qualifying bids are received, there will be no auction. 

The unnamed buyer would be the successful bidder. 

A federal bankruptcy court has set an April 19 deadline for bids.