Green Bay Packers go for 1st round bye in season finale against Minnesota

December 30, 2012, 9:09 am

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MINNEAPOLIS (WTAQ) - Things like byes and rushing records aren’t the focus for Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy or Minnesota head coach Leslie Frazer.

Just win. Everything else will take care of itself.

Packers Gameday starts at 1 p.m., with kickoff around 3:25 p.m. on 97.5/1360 News Talk WTAQ.

A win for the Packers would mean a first round bye in the NFC playoffs. If the Vikings can beat the Packers for the first time in six tries it would be their first postseason action since 2009 and would likely mean a rematch at Lambeau Field in the wild-card round.

The 9-6 Vikings can make the playoffs with a loss, but it is complicated. If they drop today’s home game, they would need the Bears, the Cowboys and the Giants to all lose.

Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson gouged the Packer defense for 210 yards the last time the two teams met December 2nd in a 23-14 loss. He needs 208 yards today to break the all-time NFL rushing record set by Eric Dickerson’s record.

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Convicted murderer hopes 3rd time is the charm

December 31, 2012, 11:49 am

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WTAQ, WI (WTAQ)-A Green Bay man is trying for a third time to get out of a homicide conviction for the 2008 death of his 4-month-old son. 24-year-old Jeremiah Felton has asked a state appeals court to reconsider a ruling earlier this month which upheld his conviction. The court refused to buy Felton’s claims that a prosecutor made an inaccurate statement at his trial – and that his lawyer was ineffective.  

Green Bay lifts boil water advisory after major water main break on Eastside

December 31, 2012, 11:49 am

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The city of Green Bay is lifting a boil water advisory for residents on the East side after a major water main break on Saturday morning. 

At least a million gallons of water shot up into the air along E Mason Street near the Main Street intersection. 

The 36 inch pipe that burst is one of the two major water mains that bring in water from Lake Michigan. 

A boil advisory of issued because of concerns about water quality.  Safe water samples came back this Monday afternoon. 

Green Bay Water Utility general manager Bill Nabak says the drop in water pressure led to concerns about contamination. 

Nabak says the last time the city issued a boil-water advisory was around 40-years ago.  But that was because of an error in sampling and Nabak says you just don't take chances with something like this. 

De Pere officials unveil wildlife viewing pier

January 1, 2013, 12:52 pm

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DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - People in De Pere got a chance Monday to see the debut of a big improvement to the city's Riverwalk.

The latest phase is a wildlife viewing pier.

Mayor Mike Walsh, who led visitors on a tour, says it's a great place to watch fish spawning in the spring.

"We've got a tremendous crowd here, this is really the crowning jewel of the entire project and we're so excited that we wanted to get people out here to be able to see it, even though it is a little windy, a little cold,” Walsh told FOX 11.

The second phase of the project is the fishing pier. It's expected to be done in February, which will complete the project.

Man seriously injured after stabbing in Marinette

January 1, 2013, 12:52 pm

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MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ) - A early morning stabbing in Marinette sends one man to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police say they were called to the 1700 block of Dunlap Avenue around 4:45 a.m.

Upon arrival, they found the 36-year-old victim with multiple stab wounds. He was flown to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

Police say a 22-year-old Marinette man was arrested on the scene and is currently in the Marinette County Jail on multiple charges.

Water pipe break leads to closure of Readfield Elementary School

January 2, 2013, 1:28 pm

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NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ) - Readfield Elementary School will be closed Wednesday.

Officials at the New London school say the closure is due to a water pipe burst that caused flooding in the school.

All other schools in the New London district will be open.

 

Keshena man arrested for alleged New Year's Day stabbing

January 2, 2013, 1:28 pm

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BIRNAMWOOD, WI (WTAQ) - Shawano County authorities say one man is arrested after he allegedly stabbed another man.

Sheriff's say it happened on Townline Road in the town of Birnamwood just after 5:50 a.m. Tuesday.

When sheriff’s officials arrived they found a 35-year-old Shawano man with serious stab wounds to his neck. He was taken to a hospital in Wausau and is listed in stable condition.

A 20-year-old Keshena man was arrested. He is being held in the Shawano County Jail.

The incident remains under investigation.

Packers looking for Lambeau Field bowl shovelers

January 2, 2013, 1:28 pm

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Packers are looking for team of snow shovelers. 

For the second time this year, the Lambeau Field seating bowl will need to be cleared of snow. 

The Packers take on the Vikings in the NFC-Wild Card playoff game on Saturday. 

The Packers are looking for as many as 600 people Thursday morning.Shovelers need to be at least 15-years-old and physically capable of doing the job. Workers will get paid $10 an hour and will be paid cash at the end of the job. 

Snow estimates in the bowl are between 3” to up to 10” in some areas because of drifting.

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Lunda Construction cited for US 41 fatal crane collapse in Oshkosh

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: Man arrested after bow and arrow standoff in Winnebago County

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Lunda Construction of Black River Falls is being fined and cited for willfully violating safety standards that led to a fatal crane accident along Highway 41’s Lake Butte des Morts bridge in Oshkosh. 

The July 5^th accident killed 35-year-old Joseph Bidler of Green Bay who was a truck driver when the crane collapsed. The crane's operator was also seriously injuired.  

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also fined the Black River Falls construction company for another five violations for a total of $105,000. 

Choice Construction of Menominee Falls was also cited for four violations totaling $13,220 in fines.

Only months earlier, Lunda Construction was involved in fatal crane accident in De Pere along Highway 41.  The company was later cited for three seriously safety violations. 

OSHA has now placed Lunda Construction in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

Man arrested after bow and arrow standoff in Winnebago County

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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TOWN OF CLAYTON, WI (WTAQ) - A standoff in the Town of Clayton with a man armed with a bow and arrow ended with no one hurt. 

Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz say 21-year-old Shawn Coenen shot an arrow at his father while he was in his vehicle after an argument around 9:15 a.m. at a home located at 3501 W. Shady Lane. 

Upon arrival, Sheriff's did not know if Coenen fled into the nearby woods or was in the home, so authorities initiated a lockdown for a nearby school. 

But deputies found Coenen barricaded inside the home. 

The suspect threatened officers by aiming the bow and arrow at them and threatened to hurt himself. 

Sheriff Matz says deputies fired one non-lethal shot at Coenen, but it missed.  

Coenen tried breaking into a gun safe in an attempt to gain access to firearms. 

After nearly four hours passed, deputies were able to grab Coenen and take him into custody when he popped his head out of doorway unarmed. 

Family members say he has mental issues. 

DOT issues travel advisory for Packers-Vikings game Saturday

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin's Department of Transportation is reminding fans heading to Lambeau Field on Saturday, January 5th for the Packers-Vikings NFC Wild Card game that some road construction continues on major roads in Northeast Wisconsin.

While most projects have stopped and two lanes of traffic will be open, drivers might still encounter road conditions in the work zones that could cause backups.

WisDOT strongly recommends motorists allow themselves additional time to reach their destinations.

Here is a list of the major roads in Northeast Wisconsin most Packers fans will be traveling and the road conditions they should anticipate:

US 41

• Brown County - Drivers will encounter 11-foot travel lanes and reduced shoulders in multiple locations along a 10-mile segment of highway. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph from just south of Scheuring Road to I-43.
• Winnebago County - A majority of 12 miles of highway, from 9th Avenue to Breezewood Lane, has restricted shoulders and lane widths. The speed limit on US 41 between 9th Avenue and US 45 is reduced to 55 mph in both directions.

WIS 29

• Brown County - WIS 29 is closed to traffic between Packerland Drive and US 41 with all WIS 29 traffic being rerouted to the new Shawano Avenue adjacent to old WIS 29. Access is maintained to US 41 from WIS 29/Shawano Avenue. WIS 29 east and westbound between County J and Packerland have restricted shoulders and lane widths. Backups should be anticipated along this stretch of roadway.

911 dispatchers warn about children playing with old cell phones

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Emergency dispatchers say the volume of 911 calls are on the rise.

But some of those calls are not real emergencies.

Dispatchers say they can get from a handful to dozens of 911 calls each day from children playing with cell phones that have been deactivated.

Oftentimes when people upgrade to a new cell phone, they give their old phone to children to play with as a toy. But phones less than 8 years old still have the ability to dial 911.

Dispatchers say that leads to frustration when they hear silence on the other end of the phone. Often times they are not sure if there is a real emergency. Dispatchers also say because the calls come from a disconnected phone they can't call it back or pinpoint where the call came from.

Dispatchers say the easiest way to prevent those types of calls from happening are to properly recycle old phones or take the battery out before giving it to children to play with.

Titletown banners now up in downtown Green Bay

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Over 30 Titletown banners were put up in downtown Green Bay on Thursday morning.

The banners are hanging on light poles on Washington, Walnut and Main streets.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt had the honor of hanging the first banner. He says the playoff season is an important time for not just the team, but for the entire city.

"This is a community-owned team. A very proud community. And all the employees and a lot of businesses are pitching in to make this a very special weekend here,” said Schmitt. 

A Packers pep rally will be held Friday ahead of the big game. The rally starts at 3:30 along the 300 block of Walnut Street.

Fox Valley residents warned about flu, other winter illnesses

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Health officials in the Fox Valley are warning residents about winter illnesses that are going around.

ThedaCare and Affinity Health System say they are seeing an influx of patients at hospitals and clinics. Common illnesses include including influenza, pneumonia and norovirus .

Officials remind people to wash their hands often and thoroughly, get flu shots and stay home if they feel sick.

Those who have symptoms such as fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea should stay home from work or school and call their doctor.

St. Norbert College helps homeless, as shelter deals with capacity violations

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - St. Norbert College has been stepping up to help the St. John’s Homeless shelter. 

The downtown Green Bay homeless shelter has been transporting its overflow residents to campus gym that is not in use right now because students are on winter break. 

The shelter has been cited for being over their approved permitted capacity since Dec. 21^st.

Rev. Jay Fostner says the temporary fix is available until students return January 22^nd.

Fostner says “as a Catholic intuition, we feel it’s our duty to invite these guests to our campus.” 

Meanwhile, the shelter is incurring extra costs of between $300 to $350 every night because of transportation and extra staff. But that’s less than potential violations of upwards of $500 a night for going over capacity. 

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Alcohol sales cut, increased security part of Lambeau Field security plan

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: UPDATE: Manitowoc County barn damaged by fire

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Packers officials are reminding fans about code of conduct and safety procedures ahead of Saturday's playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Some of the measures in place are ramping up security and law enforcement inside Lambeau Field to respond to problem calls.

Another is alcohol sales being cut off at the start of the 3rd quarter, earlier than the normal end of the 3rd quarter.

"We want to make sure all our fans get home safe, are responsible at our game so everyone can enjoy it," says Packers' director of corporate security/risk management Doug Collins. "Cutting alcohol sales just a little bit earlier may help us in that regard."

Collins says with the perfect storm of a Saturday night kickoff against a division rival in a playoff game means expectations of fans tailgating for long periods, in addition to tempers flairing.

"Night games previously have presented us with more challenges than normal with regard to inappropriate behavior. We are asking fans to enjoy the game responsibly and also help us out by reporting poor conduct to stadium and law enforcement personnel, either in person, or by text at the number posted in the stadium," Collins said.

Officials are also reminding fans to head to the stadium entry gates early, with enhanced security screening measures still in place. Collins adds by entering early, fans can ensure themselves of being in their seats for kickoff. Fans can also help themselves to move through screening by bringing only the essentials to the game, lessening their time getting screened.

UPDATE: Manitowoc County barn damaged by fire

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: UPDATE: New Holstein apartment fire kills 1, injures 4

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TOWN OF LIBERTY, WI (WTAQ) - A barn in Manitowoc County was destroyed by fire early Friday morning.

It happened on Viebahn Road in the Town of Liberty.

Valders firefighters say there were about 100 cows inside the barn. While most got out of the barn, some died and others may need to be euthanized.

Crews continue to investigate how the fire started. 

UPDATE: New Holstein apartment fire kills 1, injures 4

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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NEW HOLSTEIN, WI (WTAQ) - Officials say one person is dead and four others are hurt following an apartment fire in New Holstein.

Fire crews say the flames began in a kitchen area. They would not say whether it was on the upper or lower level of the two-story building on Railroad Street. Firefighters do not know yet how the fire started.

The building's roof caved in. Other than that, firefighters say there were no major obstacles to fighting the fire.

Officials say the building was originally a bar and boarding house before being converted into an apartment building. They did not say how many apartment units were in the building.

New Holstein Police have identified the victim as 42-year-old Nicole Masucci.

 

Wind turbine sound study results extend debate over health risks

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A new report confirms the presence of wind turbine sounds in one of three homes where residents claimed they were forced to leave due to health problems caused by the turbines.

The state Public Service Commission partially paid for the study, which was done at the Shirley Wind Farm south of Green Bay.

Clean Wisconsin and four independent groups tested audio levels in the 3 homes, after the residents appeared at a hearing to oppose another proposed wind farm in St. Croix County.

Clean Wisconsin scientist Tyson Cook told FOX 11 there were no audible wind turbine sounds in none of the 3 homes that were investigated – and only the most sensitive equipment picked up audio in the house nearest to a turbine.

Two of the three residents of that house said they suffered nausea – and the four independent firms recommended further health studies.

But wind farm opponents say the tests confirmed what they knew all along. State Assembly Republican Andre Jacque said the state should not approve any more wind energy farms until the results of the new tests are known.

Jacque said the study clearly shows a connection between wind turbines and people’s health – and he said statements from wind farm advocates have been contradicted by the study’s investigators.

Meanwhile, the PSC expects to act on the St. Croix project in February. 

Funeral for Lamers Bus Lines founder Friday in De Pere

January 5, 2013, 8:51 pm

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DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Funeral services will be held in De Pere Friday for the founder of Lamers Bus Lines.

97-year-old Lyle Lamers died from natural causes last weekend at his home in De Pere.

If you’ve driven in Wisconsin for any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly seen one of those white Lamers buses with the large red lettering – or perhaps a yellow Lamers school bus.

The company began in 1944 when Lyle’s brother-in-law sold him a school bus. Lyle was a dairy farmer at the time – and he and his wife continue to farm until the early 1970’s while growing their business.

Lamers is now Wisconsin’s largest locally-owned bus line. It has 29 branches in the Badger State and one in Florida. They provide trips to casinos and Packer games, shuttle rides to airports, trolley rides, and medical transportation.

Lyle’s son Allen Lamers is now the company president, and many Lamers family members still work for the firm.