GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A dental clinic celebrates Tuesday as volunteers and students recognized 25 years.

The Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's dental clinic is only open one day a week during the academic year because it's completely run by student and volunteer dentists.

Students in their final year are getting invaluable experience.

"The program really gives you the opportunity of having hands-on experience before you go out into the field," said dental assistant student, Emily Melichar.

But Melichar tells FOX 11, the clinic goes beyond just preparing for her career.

"I had a lady that was so grateful that we were able to do a partial for them, that they would have teeth there so they could go out for an interview and get them back on their feet. So it's really rewarding."

Program director, Laurie Fischer, says the clinic also provides a service to a portion of the population that may go unnoticed otherwise.

"Most of them are working; they just fall through the cracks. They make too much to qualify for services, such as BadgerCare; they don't earn enough income to provide for anything other than the basic needs of their housing and their groceries."

Charles Mueller is a general dentist in Allouez. He's volunteered at NWTC's community dental clinic for more than 20 years.

"It's nice to be able to help that part of the public who can't afford dentistry but I really enjoy being with the students."

Over the course of 25 years, the clinic says it has treated more than 2,000 patients.

ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Village of Allouez is circulating a petition, in hopes of having a new prison be part of the next state budget.

“Allouez has $20 million of road improvements it needs to pay for, we're in a rising cost world and no one wants taxes to go up, so we have to find a way to increase our revenues,” said Jim Rafter, Allouez Village President.

The village projects its property values would go up $80 million if it could redevelop the Green Bay Correctional Institution site.

Rafter tells FOX 11 collecting at least 1,000 Brown County resident and 100 business signatures will help sell the idea to lawmakers.

“We've heard a lot of support from area residents and businesses and we thought why not document that?”

A site for a new prison has not been selected.

“They're fighting for it,” said State Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard).

Steffen introduced a bill last year to replace the overcrowded, 120-year-old prison, with a privately built, state-run prison.

Steffen says the three main benefits to the plan are $150 million in state taxpayer savings over 10 years, a safer facility for inmates and workers, and the $80 million economic impact for Allouez.

According to Steffan, Green Bay Correctional Institution is in need of $200 million in repairs.

“The primary and I think the most reasonable approach, is the governor include it in his 2019 budget. It would just make sense.”

Steffen expects to see results this fall of a $600,000 study of all the correctional facilities in the state.

He believes it will show Green Bay Correctional has the greatest need for improvements, the same as what a similar study from 2009 showed.

“We have an opportunity here to do some big things, the right things, financially prudent things and now is the time to do it.”

Steffen says Allouez's petition is also coming at the right time, considering state departments will begin working on the next state budget in the next 30 days.

The prison is recognized as a historical landmark.

Rafter says parts of the facility, including the front building and wall, could be repurposed, but would not go anywhere.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Mountain bikers and horseback riders can hit the trails in Brown County starting this weekend.

The county's parks department says the trails at the Reforestation Camp and Fox River State Recreational Trail will open for the season on Friday.

The horse trails at Neshota Park remain closed, however, because of wet conditions.

The Reforestation Camp in Suamico has more than 17 miles of mountain bike trails and 8 miles of horseback trails. Passes are $5 per day or $30 per year.

The Fox River Trail is open to horseback riding on six miles between Greenleaf and Man-Cal Road. Passes are $5 per day or $25 per year.

Parks officials say users should buy passes before going out onto the trails.

Passes are available at the trailheads or online.

A user who does not have a pass will be issued a $10 fine and be required to buy an annual pass.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Ten charges have been filed against a man allegedly responsible for a fire at his Ashwaubenon apartment complex.

Dmitry Morozov is charged with negligent handling of burning material, interfering with fire alarms, seven counts of endangering safety, and criminal damage to property for the April 9 fire at 1680 Carole Lane.

According to the complaint, officers had contact with Morozov because the downstairs neighbor complained about water coming through the ceiling. Morozov was ordered to clean up the water.

Later in the day, officers again responded to his apartment for a fire, where a naked Morozov tried to escape out a window.

Officers grabbed him and arrested him. They noticed something smoking on the stove and a disabled fire alarm outside the apartment.

Morozov denied doing anything wrong.

Seven other people living the apartment building were at home at the time.

A $2,500 cash bond was set at a court appearance last month.

He returns to court Tuesday for a balance of initial appearance.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - For nearly 50 years, Fredric March has been the name of the UW-Oshkosh theatre.

But now, some students want it removed.

That's because March reportedly had ties to a KKK club, according to a UW-Madison report.

"I don't think it's okay," says UW-Oshkosh student, Nathan Books.

"Especially going to a public university, you're going to see a lot of people of color."

The university archivist and communications librarian, Joshua Ranger, tells FOX 11 the theater was named after the Oscar winner because he had ties to Wisconsin and because he was a well-known actor.

According to the UW-Madison reports, March didn't have a relationship with the national organization but was rather an honorary member of the junior society.

Books is part of the Black Student Union and said because the theater was named after a man affiliated with a Ku Klux Klan club at UW-Madison, it should be renamed.

Other students have a different view.

"I don't see the point of trying to cover up a piece of history that happened," said UW-Oshkosh student, Dan Andrews.

"I mean, I suppose if there are alternative names that they really want to give it, then that's something to consider, but personally my belief is that it's been that way and why change it?"

"You look at some of the documents that they had, they were aware of his biography but this was one piece of his biography that was absolutely missing. I don't know if they knew anything about it," explained Ranger.

Chancellor Andrew Leavitt tells FOX 11...,

"At UW-Oshkosh, we have begun consulting with university leaders and scholars. We intend to engage in a campus conversation and process around the naming of our Fredric March Theatre. We are also reviewing UW System and Board of Regents naming policies and procedures."

Ranger says it takes a community to make a decision but he also reminds people what matters.

"The important part about the theater is what goes on inside it, not the name that's outside the door."

UW-Madison will cover two of its signs which display the names of people affiliated with the Klan.

Chancellor Leavitt said he prefers to wait until the UW-Madison task force concludes its investigation before making any decisions.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Green Bay Police are investigating a string of catalytic converter thefts.

Five reports have been made since February.

Police say those reports indicated that catalytic converters were stolen off of vehicles at Green Bay businesses and at two businesses in Ashwaubenon.

The thefts are occurring after business hours.

Officers are urging people to park vehicles in well-lit areas and set up video surveillance.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- TSA has presented summer safety tips and prohibited items to kick off summer travel at Austin Straubel International Airport Wednesday.

With safety being the priority, TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon says knowing what you can and can not bring on a plane is crucial.

"The more prepared you are, the more it helps us get you through quickly and efficiently.

Among the prohibited items that are most commonly seen are knifes of any size, fireworks and large bottles containing liquids. Harmon says those who have those items are subject to a bag search.

"That not only slows you down, but it also can slow the whole line down."

You can check out TSA's website for a list of prohibited items, or take a picture of it and send it to TSA's Twitter page for an immediate response."If you have an item that you want to snap a picture of and tweet it to us @asktsa, we will respond in real time to let you know if you can bring that item in your check bag, carry on, or if you should just leave it at home."

Harmon said people should also avoid putting firearm toys or replicas in their carry on bags.

MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ)- Wisconsin Republicans will be gathering this weekend in Milwaukee.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin State Convention has the theme Delivering Results, Moving Wisconsin Forward.  

Brett Healy of the Maciver Institute told WTAQ's John Muir Show that Governor Scott Walker should use the opportunity to explain the importance of the upcoming elections.  

"Remind them of why this election is so important, and what they stand to lose if they stand on the sidelines."  

One seat that many have an eye on is the U.S Senate seat held by Democrat Tammy Baldwin. Healy says either Leah Vukmier or Kevin Nicholson will get the party endorsement to challenge her.   

"A candidate needs to reach 60 percent of the delegates present in order to earn the party endorsement."  

Healy says at this point indications are leaning one way.  

"It seems like consensus is that Leah Vukmir would be the one that would earn the party endorsement."   Vukmir is challenging Kevin Nicholson for that nomination. 

MADISON, WI (WTAQ)- Respect will be paid to those who died in the line of duty in Wisconsin.

The 28th annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will take place on Friday at the state Capitol.  

Green Bay Police Officer Craig Kolbeck chairs the committee that puts the event together, and says this year, four names are being added.  

Among them Detective Jason Weiland of the Everest Police Department and State Trooper Anthony Borostowski.  

"The other two names are found by doing historial research and the one is back from 1895."  

Kolbeck says the event is done to pay respects to those who died putting their life on the line, but also serves as a reminder to all in law enforcement.  

"We know as officers that at any time, we can be that officer."  

Attorney General Brad Schimel and State Patrol Superintendent J.D. Lind will speak.   Kolbeck says unfortunately, they have had names to add each year for much of the past decade.    

"It would be great if we could go one year without one, but we would still hold the ceremony because we are always remembering the officers that are still on the memorial."  

The event is part of National Police Week.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has approved its proposed budget for 2018-2019.

The $115.9 million budget was approved Wednesday.

School officials say the recently approved budget is less than last year's budget of $117.3 million.

While the budget is slightly less than last year's, it supports new programs such as associates degrees in farm production agronomy and event management as well as technical diplomas in project management, refrigeration, and metal fabrication.

NWTC president, Jeff Rafn issued a statement

“This budget addresses the new reality of strong employer demand for a high skilled workforce, the rapid increase of baby boomer retirements and the increasingly competitive global market. We intend to get more people into College, help more students succeed in their classes, open up new career paths and see more students complete a credential and contribute to the area's economic stability and growth."

Property owners in the district can expect to pay about $83 on a $100,000 home compared to about $166 five years ago.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - It started with a single volunteer dentist more than a decade ago.

Now Oral Health Partnership (O.H.P.) in Brown County has three locations, four full-time dentists, and a staff of more than 50.

The non-profit dental clinic has been providing free children’s care to lower-income families since 2007.

And this year, O.H.P. will serve more than 9,000 kids in Northeast Wisconsin.

O.H.P. has all the bells and whistles of other dental clinics.

But as a non-profit, they provide no-cost dental care to kids 18-years-old and younger.

Many staff members have worked in traditional clinics before, but say the benefits of working for a non-profit go far beyond a paycheck.

Dr. John Sledge tells FOX 11 there's a payoff for him.

“It’s really a great feeling, no matter what happens in your day, no matter how crazy things get, you know that you are helping people who would not get helped under any other circumstances. It lets you sleep pretty good at night.”

Some patients say O.H.P. is providing a vital service that otherwise they might have to live without.

Liz Benecke has been taking her kids, including Parker, to the clinic for the past three years.

“They’ve been able to get us in on an emergency basis. Prior to O.H.P., he was starting to miss school, he was having problems eating. All sorts of different problems because of the oral health that he had at that point.”

In addition to Medicaid reimbursement, members of the community have donated funds to the clinic over the years.

Executive Director Michael Schwartz-Oscar says the result is better health for kids both now and later.

“When we started, preventable oral health concerns were the number one leading cause of missed school days. And now it no longer is.”

“They’re great,” says Benecke. “They’re phenomenal. They want to help families, and they do help families.”

Every week, O.H.P. also goes into local schools to see kids who may not be able to make it to one of the clinics. O.H.P. currently has about 40 schools on its rotation.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh police say the preliminary investigation into a crash that killed a four-year-old girl last week does not appear to be criminal in nature.

On May 3rd, police were called to the 1300 block of W. South Park Avenue for a report of a child struck by a vehicle while riding her bike.

The girl, Arya Rae Vaughn, was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Police say the driver of the vehicle has been fully cooperative and voluntarily submitted a blood sample to officers.

The results of that test are expected to take several months.

Police say there is no indication that alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

The case will be submitted to the Winnebago County's District Attorney's office for review.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - For the first time in 70 years, the kitchen at Ardy and Ed's Drive-In is closed.

"It was such a shock to us," said Steve Davis.

He's co-owner of the Oshkosh restaurant.

After a busy weekend, Davis tells FOX 11 he decided to temporarily close the restaurant because the number of cooks reached an all-time low.

"You know, we have never had to do it or there have been times we've been short but we always had other people you could either pull in or something."

Davis says there's usually 30 to 35 on staff with 10 to 14 people in the kitchen.

"We were down to about seven or eight and then to lose three, we really lost half our kitchen staff."

When asked Davis why people aren't applying to the restaurant, he said it's based on a number of different factors.

"A lot fewer kids are working. You know, many of them have either their involvement in sports or school activities."

The drive-in is seasonal which Davis says has always made hiring somewhat of a challenge.

"The job market, the unemployment rate is so low and there are so many jobs available."

According to Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the most recent unemployment rate number is at a historic low at 2.9 percent.

If you look at Winnebago County, the unemployment rate is even lower at 2.7 percent.

When asked how Ardy and Ed's can be more competitive in the market, Davis says he's always on the lookout for that.

"That's something that we're working at trying to figure out because, I mean, we don't really know the answer right now. We try to be competitive wage-wise."

While the job applications are ready to be filled, Davis said at least six people stopped on Wednesday and applied.

"We would still welcome more."

The restaurant is hoping to re-open today...but with a limited menu or just root beer and ice cream.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The recent rain and snowmelt from last month's blizzard are causing a concern for some area farmers.

Water-logged farm fields got even soggier from Wednesday's rain.

Farmers are hoping for drier days.

"I don't want to see this. We don't need this. If it doesn't rain for the next month, we'll be ok. We got so much moisture now with that snowfall and stuff," said Dan Sprangers, of Sprangers Family Dairy.

Sprangers tells FOX 11 it seems spring may never arrive. The Sprangers Family Dairy is still recovering from rain and snow.

"That put a damper on everything. We had part of our barn collapsed at one end. So we're dealing with that. Right before that snowstorm, we were pretty close to getting on the fields, but that really set us back."

Sprangers says water is everywhere.

On Wednesday morning a stream flowed through the front yard. The fields on the 600-acre farm are soaked.

"Everyone's in the same boat. I don't see anybody working land around here," said Sprangers.

It's a similar scene throughout Outagamie County.

"We should be in the fields by now, and when you come out of a tough winter like we had, this doesn't help," said Kevin Jarek, UW-Extension Crops, Soils, and Horticulture Agent.

Jarek says for best yields, farmers prefer to plant corn by May 15th.

"A week after that, we're losing a half a bushel per day. Once we get unto that May 20th range, we're losing a full bushel. By the time we get to late May, first part of June, two bushels a day. So, it adds up quickly."

Jarek says it will take about 10 days of windy warm weather before fieldwork can begin.

Sprangers hopes the rain quits, so he can get started.

"It's going to be a lot of nights with no sleep. Like I said, when the sun shines, we got to go and make good time of it. And hopefully get in there sooner than later."

With only 15 percent of Wisconsin's corn crop planted statewide, and even less locally, the crop is approaching a week later than average.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Mayor Jim Schmitt tells FOX 11 he's looking forward to another year of hard work here in Green Bay.

"For us to really attract talent and retain the talent we have we need to be competitive and compete with other Midwest cities like Minneapolis and we need to show people we have amenities that people are looking for."

Schmitt gave his 15th State of the City address Wednesday.

Schmitt mentioned recently approved tax incentives for businesses, called Economic Opportunity Zones and the reconstruction of Bay Beach.

The mayor also says developing new services for residents is a top priority.

Longtime city council member Chris Wery says he's excited about the new projects and believes they will be a nice way to draw people to the city.

Wery says it's good to hear about some of the businesses that agreed to come downtown and bring a couple hundred workers and will continue to help bring jobs to Green Bay.

To pay for the projects, Mayor Schmitt says the city will utilize a combination of grants and donations.

He also mentioned a wheel tax, something he says could bring in an additional $2.1 million.

Wery says when it comes to the wheel tax, there's a lot of research and public input before the controversial action takes place.

"there is a lot of devil in the details, but there is a lot that needs to happen before it goes into place."

Mayor Schmitt has announced he will not seek re-election in 2019.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- Green Bay Police say a scam is targeting house hunters.

The department has received complaints of people taking photos of homes online, and reposting them to get money from prospective buyers.

Police say the ads will ask victims to deposit money without seeing the property or meeting the seller in person.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK)- The state Court of Appeals will not hear a challenge to the state’s felony murder charge before the defendant in an Appleton shooting goes to trial.

Henry Nellum allegedly started a disturbance at Jack’s Apple Pub last May. 

During the police response, Appleton Police Lt. Jay Steinke shot and killed a bystander, Jimmy Sanders, who was not involved in the fight. Lt. Stenke was cleared of any wrong-doing.

Nellum, however, was charged with felony murder for Sanders’ death. Under Wisconsin law, because Nellum allegedly initiated the sequence of events which led to Sanders’ death, Nellum can be charged with Sanders’ death, even though he was not directly responsible for it.

While Nellum is scheduled to stand trial in August, earlier this year, an Outagamie County judge placed the case on hold so Nellum’s attorney could challenge the felony murder statute before the court of appeals.

In a ruling issued Thursday, however, the Court of Appeals said it would not grant what’s known as an ‘interlocutory’ appeal.

The one-page order says the request fails to accomplish any of three purposes allowed for such an appeal: materially advance the termination of the litigation or clarify further proceedings in the litigation, protect the petitioner from substantial or irreparable injury, or clarify an issue of general importance in the administration of justice.

Nellum returns to court Friday for a status conference.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ- WLUK)- Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says it may be time for elected officials to have term limits.

The idea was brought up during Green Bay's State of the City address that was held at the Meyer Theatre Wednesday.

In addition to new projects around the city, Mayor Jim Schmitt says he wants to introduce term limits for elected officials.

However, some city council members aren't too supportive of the idea.

Council member Chris Wery says the term limits are an artificial constraint on democracy.

Schmitt argues voters should have more choices when it comes to their elected officials, and more people should have the opportunity to run for positions.

With the proposed limits the Mayor and members of the Common Council could serve no more than 12 consecutive years.

This means they could have no more than three terms of four years each.

Schmitt also says council members should serve a three-year term instead of two.

The idea of term limits is something he says he's been considering and will be working with the Law Department to create a final proposal.

Once the proposal is complete it will next head to city council for approval.

If it's approved voters can expect to see it on the ballot for the November 6 election.

RACINE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ)- Foxconn is helping Wisconsin in more ways than one.

Governor Scott Walker says while the number of jobs the company will bring on a day to day basis will make a big impact.

The recent announcement of contracts with Wisconsin companies during construction is even better news as 27 of the 28 contracts come from Wisconsin.

"Neenah Foundry Company in Neenah and Panacea Group in Seymour and its companies all over the state of Wisconsin, that is just phase one as we prepare the site."

The Governor says that will allow for a large impact.

"Almost 98 percent of all the money is flowing to those companies."

Walker says it will help statewide.

"The impact will be felt in 60 different counties across the state of Wisconsin."

That impact will include 800 direct and indirect jobs.

The contracts are worth $100 million dollars.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK)- The recovery of a struggling school and a look towards the future of the Green Bay Area School Distirct was the focus of Green Bay District superintendent Michelle Langenfeld's State of the District Address Thursday.

Langenfeld began with praises for Fort Howard Elementary School.

School Principal Deann Lehman said the school made a big turn around.

"Four-and-a-half years ago we were identified, it was very shocking," she explained. 

Langenfeld recognized the school for improving from failing then to exceeding expectations in 2017.

She says the district is adopting a 'Turn-Around Model,' similar to the 'Every Child, Every Way' approach used at Fort Howard.

"With the right support and the right amount of time, students can be successful," explained Lehman. 

Langenfeld said they are also working to provide more support for the cities growing diverse student population.

She says the Turn-Around Model will include extending educational opportunities to adults inside the homes of students.

"That's what we hope to see particularly when we talk about a community school effort," Langenfeld said. "Bring the whole community in."