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Kick Off To CVB Season

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - It may be the start of training camp for the Packers this week, but it is the real deal for the Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau Team.

They are rolling out the red carpet for fans from all around the world, coming to Green Bay to see the Packers up close.

"We typically expect about 90,000 fans to visit during the month of August."  

Brad Toll, Presiden, and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau says that equates to about a $9 million dollar economic impact.  

His team has three plays in their playbook for the next month, all focused around three "E's"  

"We like to extend the stay, expand the spend and encourage a repeat visit.   

Toll says last year Green Bay saw visitors from all 50 states and 36 countries.   

To help share what Green Bay has to offer, they will have tourism information available at practices and during the Shareholders meeting.


Brewers Win Walk-Off In 10

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MILWAUKEE, WI (METRO) - Tyler Saladino's sac-fly RBI in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted the Brewers to a 5-4 walk-off win over the Nationals in Milwaukee. 

Christian Yelich hit a two-run homer in the fifth and Lorenzo Cain singled in the tying run in the seventh as the Crew erased an early 4-0 deficit.  Cain finished 4-for-5 with two runs scored for the Brewers, who will go for the three-game sweep on Wednesday. 

Dan Jennings picked up the win. Junior Guerra started and gave up one run over six innings.

Adam Eaton drilled a three-run homer in the second inning for the Nats, who have dropped three-of-four since the break.  Matt Grace suffered his first loss. 

The two teams play this afternoon.

Airventure Brings An International Crowd

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The international visitor's tent at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture has been called the United Nations of Oshkosh by some.

Thousands of people from all over the world come to the convention.

But it's more than just a tent.

Visitors and tent volunteers say it's its own community…And it's a community that keeps on growing.

”It’s a whole group of people; like-minded people who just want to camp and experience aviation in Oshkosh, which is nothing else like it in the world,” said Neil Bowden organizer for the South Africa AirVenture group.

For the past 22 years, Neil has organized the AirVenture travel packages from South Africa.

But this year, he tells FOX 11 his crew of South African aviation enthusiasts arrived in Oshkosh with the largest group ever.

Last year, they set a record of 163 people...this year, 237 people are filling the 162 tents at Camp Schoeller.

The South African group is also the first there to ever have a permanent small shed on their site.

“We’re part of the whole Camp Schoeller/Oshkosh camping area, and it’s great because people – our neighbors – camp next to us, they come and mix with us, they come and talk with us, and I just feel like part of the whole scene.”

“They make connections and friendships that, outside of Oshkosh, maybe wouldn’t be possible,” AirVenture International Visitors Tent chairwoman Michel Bryson said.

“Here, there’s not politics, there’s no religion, it’s just airplanes and friendships.”

The number of visitors checked-in at the tent is already up.

The international tent has seen 200 more guests than it did this time last year.

For another international visitor, it seems nothing will stop him from attending AirVenture, not age or even cancer.

Eighty-eight-year-old Australian Dave Thomas has been making the trip to Oshkosh since the 70s.

He tells FOX 11 his passion for aviation has done more than keep him coming back each year.

“The only love in life, the only thing keeping me alive is flying airplanes, and talking about airplanes to people - these lovely people here,” Thomas said.

Over 2,000 people are representing over 70 countries, all speaking the universal language of aviation.

Paper Mill Purchase Keeps Jobs Safe

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KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Expera Specialty Solutions said Tuesday, its decision to sell its mills will help keep jobs in Northeast Wisconsin.

The company owns four mills in Wisconsin, Thilmany in Kaukauna, Nicolet in De Pere, as well as mills in Mosinee and Rhinelander.

At a news conference, Ahlstorm-Munskjo, announced its expansion into the U.S.

"First, I'm really happy to announce the acquisition of Expera Specialty Solutions," said Ahlstorm-Munskjo, CEO Marco Levi.

Those plans will be centered right here in Northeast Wisconsin.

The fiber material company based in Finland will now own Kaukauna headquartered, 'Expera Specialty Solutions'.

"We knew that this process would someday come," said Expera Spokesperson, Addie Teeters.

"But the fact that we are being sold to such a strong public company, that has a really good presence in specialty paper manufacturing, it's really great news for us."

Teeters tells FOX 11 the sale will change the manufacture's ownership from a private equity firm to a publicly-owned company.

Something she says will allow for growth and job security for it's nearly 1,800 Wisconsin employees.

"Our markets are growing. So, we're not seeing the same trends as perhaps, the printing and writing paper are seeing."

From a community standpoint, the Heart of the Valley Chamber says the sale will be good for local businesses.

"The employee's down there are the ones that are supporting our local coffee shops, restaurants, our local stores," explained Exec. Director Kelli Clussman.

"The idea that the jobs are going to stay."

Kaukauna Mayor, Tony Penterman also saying in a statement: "This Kaukauna mill has been around for 100 years and has provided for hundreds of families. This sale shows a long-term commitment to the city of Kaukauna."

As for what's next? Teeters tells FOX 11 it's an exciting time for the company.

"So, we will be going through a bunch of integrating planning the next 30 to 60 days."

The transition is expected to be completed in the next few months.

Keeping Track Of Rental Properties

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BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - If you live in Brown County and rent your house on websites like Airbnb, your municipality will now likely know about it.

The Greater Green Bay Area Lodging Association is paying about $10,000, so Brown County communities can know who is advertising a home on the internet as a short-term rental.

As one of the first homes near Lambeau Field to receive a short-term rental permit from the City of Green Bay, Debbie Jacques tells FOX 11 documentation is key for renting out your home for short amounts of time.

“Because if something goes wrong, it's going to reflect on all of us.”

Jacques operates her rental property under the name Under the Lights of Lambeau.

She not only has a permit, she also pays taxes on the money she makes from renting half of her duplex. The health department also made sure her property was up to code.

Soon, all Brown County communities will have the ability to make sure homes on sites like Airbnb follow the same steps.

“Once we get the software, we can identify all those properties and make sure all the rules are being followed,” said Mary Kardoskee, Ashwaubenon Village President.

Previously, it was up to each municipality to monitor the short-term rental sites.

Now, each community will have a Texas software company, Bear Cloud Software, doing that for them.

Kardoskee says once the information is compiled, it's up to each municipality to decide what to do with it.

“We'll identify them and make sure they know that they are to be collecting room tax and having the inspections done and all the licensing fees.”

FOX 11 also talked with an Ashwaubenon property owner who rents his home out on Airbnb. He didn't want to talk on camera but said he believes there are more important things the communities should be worrying about rather than who is trying to rent their home out on the internet.

But Jacques believes this is important.

“When we have people stay with us, we want to make sure that their experience of Green Bay is above and beyond what they were expecting and we want them to come back again.”

Jacques says an easy way to do that is to follow the rules.

To know what those rules are, it is best to check with your municipality, because each one that has a short-term rental ordinance has varying guidelines.

The Green Bay Area Room Tax Commission helped arrange the new software each community will be using. The agreement with the Texas company is for one year.

Police Looking For Armed Robbery Suspect

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - After an armed robbery Manitowoc police are asking for help looking for the suspect.

Police put out this report:

On 07-24-18 at approximately 2:40 pm, Officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at a business in the 1700 Block of S. 41 St.

Witnesses state the suspect entered the business, displayed a weapon and demanded cash.

The suspect is described as a male white, wearing sunglasses, a black hooded pullover sweatshirt, black shorts with a silver stripe and white tennis shoes.

The suspect was last seen running behind the business on foot.

The suspect did take an undisclosed amount of cash. The victim, in this case, was not injured.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Manitowoc Police Department

McCarthy Ready for Changes

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers are getting ready for the start of training camp tomorrow in their 100th season and for Coach McCarthy it's his 13th year.

But the re-introduction of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin will create schematic changes and has kept McCarthy busy throughout the offseason.

"I have a list of probably 15 or 16 things just for Joe, things we need to just tweak or add to the offense," said McCarthy.

The Packers are set to enter training camp on Thursday coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs, which is the first time since 2008.

Some experts may not consider Green Bay as favorites heading into 2018 and for Coach McCarthy, that's just fine.

"I've never really got caught up in that, whether you're favorite or not-favorite we understand who we are," remarked McCarthy.

The gates open at 10 AM tomorrow morning at Lambeau Field for the start of Packers training camp, while the "Packers Experience" will begin an hour earlier. 

 

Door County Man Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges

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STURGEON BAY (WTAQ-WLUK) - A man who was allegedly involved in shipping drugs from Miami into Door County pleaded not guilty to all three drug-related charges on Wednesday.

Harold Baker is being charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana with intent to deliver.

No trial date is set, but he will return to court on October 1st for a status conference. 

 


Appleton Food Bank Receives Grant

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Feeding Wisconsin received a $700,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare during their Employee Volunteer Day on Wednesday.

The grant will help the Appleton-based food bank deliver more fresh produce to those in need.

Specifically, Feeding Wisconsin will be able to install new refrigerators at over 50 different food banks across the state. 

UnitedHealthcare is continuing their initiative to provide better health options for Americans that are underserved and uninsured. 

 

Republican State Senator Against Tax Break Bill

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - A tax break bill may allow Kimberly-Clark to keep their Cold Spring facility open, but a Republican State Senator has already spoken out against the bill.

Senator Chris Kapenga said Wednesday he will not support the tax break bill, which would force all remaining Republicans in the State Senate to vote for the bill in order for it to pass.

 

Republicans currently hold an 18-15 majority in the Senate. 

The tax incentive bill has already passed the state Assembly, but has yet to come to vote in the Senate, which does not return to regular session until January. 

Tariffs Are No Small Potatoes For Wisconsin Farmers

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MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - Wisconsin farmers are feeling the squeeze as the trade war intensifies.

Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan says specific tariffs on frozen potato products are going to make it to Wisconsin farmers.

“Wisconsin does not export a lot of potatoes, but when our friends out west, like Idaho, Washington, Oregon, when they can’t export than their potatoes have to stay on the domestic market which hurts everybody in the US.”

Houlihan says he’d much rather be able to not have to deal with retaliatory tariffs. “Our goal is to expand potato trade. It’s a priority over these mitigation efforts.”

Those mitigation efforts include a plan to distribute $12 billion to American farmers.

Houlihan says he’d much rather see better trade deals and reductions in tariffs rather than aid packages. He says a loss of trade now might never be restored.

New Exhibit For New Inductee

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - A new exhibit at the Packers Hall of Fame was unveiled Wednesday.

 

The ribbon cutting for the Jerry Kramer exhibit officially opened up a tribute to soon-to-be newest Packer representative in the NFL Hall of Fame.

A tribute to Jerry Kramer's career and the road to the NFL Hall of Fame includes a look back a key block in the historic Ice Bowl.

Standing inside the exhibit, Kramer says the wait was long but worth it.

"Packer fans have been so wonderful and so comfortable for me to be around."

Packer CEO/President Mark Murphy says it is kind of fitting that the wait ended on the same year that the Packers are celebrating a special season.

"We are celebrating the whole 100 seasons, and to have one of the great players from arguably one of the best seasons is pretty significant."

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place next weekend in Canton, Ohio.

"You don't dream these kinds of things," said Kramer. Your brain is not capable of imagining this kind of reception. You maybe dream of scoring a touchdown or recovering a fumble, but a brain is not big enough to imagine this."

Kramer will join Brett Favre and Ron Wolf as recent Packer inductions.

 

 

School Safety Grants Round Two

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SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - After 97 percent of public schools in Wisconsin applied the first time, another round of grants is soon to be available for schools.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel says even with that response, they have enough money left over to offer a second grant, with a new focus.

"The schools are required to put ten percent of their teaching staff through a very high-level twelve hours of training on mental health issues of juveniles."

He says it will also require a special group with one main focus.

"We are requiring that the school work with their law enforcement and counselors to put together a school safety intervention team to identify the at-risk kids."

Schimel says focusing on mental health will make a difference now and in the years to come.

"We want to build in these requirements because those are going to be long-term solutions for us."

Schools that applied the first time are able to apply again. $45 million dollars is being made available.

"The three percent of public schools that did not apply the first time are welcome to apply now and give it a shot this time."

Schimel made his comments to a group of Republican supporters in Shawano County Tuesday.

 

EAA AirVenture Displays Tanker Plane

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - The US Air Force Reserve is celebrating its 70th anniversary at EAA AirVenture and this year is being deemed "The Year of the Tanker."

One of the many aircrafts on display is the KC-135R Stratotanker.

The mammoth aircraft, which is designed to refuel military aircrafts in mid-flight, is being displayed at the Boeing Plaza this entire week. 

Also, keep an eye on the sky as some tankers will be participating in the daily air shows. 

Historic Oshkosh Lighthouse is Vandalized

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OSHKOSH, WI - (WTAQ) Crews in Oshkosh spent time removing graffiti off of a historic lighthouse Tuesday. 

On Saturday, it was reported to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office the Asylum Point Lighthouse was vandalized. 

The parks department surveyed the damage and were able to remove 95 percent of the damage.  Crews will return today to finish cleaning. 

Lieutenant Lara Vendola-Messer assures those responsible will meet consequences and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Winnebago County Sheriff's department. 


Ground Shaking Experience

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WAUPACA COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Two confirmed earthquakes in Waupaca County are similar to ones felt in 2012.

North of Iola, the USGS says two earthquakes were detected on July 7 and July 15.

"There is nothing we can really do about it other than recognizing that it is an earthquake."

Waupaca County Emergency Management Director Andrew Carlin says what one resident described was similar to an occurrence 6 years ago.

"He started explaining what he was feeling and hearing and I thought, oh my gosh that sounds just like Clintonville."  

The noises and shaking are enough to be annoying, but the 1.3 and 1.5 quakes have not been dangerous.   Carlin says not too many people felt these.  

"It is not really populated. There are a few hunting cabins and a few people that have homes up there that are hearing it.  

Carlin says what makes these occurrences different than Clintonville, is that these are lasting longer.  

The county is continuing to monitor the situation and are reporting any booms or shakes heard or felt.        

Singing the Praises Of 'In Home' Services

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Brown County (ADRC) took some time Wednesday and explained some of the resources available for seniors and people who have a disability.

Inside the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Green Bay, Sam Warpinski talked about the type of care he receives on a daily basis.

"I have a staff of six caregivers. I get 24-hour care. So, they come in and help with everything from all the household stuff, feeding personal care."

He tells FOX 11 his at home service also allows him more independence.

"It gives me the autonomy to run my household, mainly to be able to recruit, interview, train, manage and train all of my staff and it's so important because I'm able to shape the culture of my house."

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach tells FOX 11 at home services save taxpayers money.

"Once you go into either a hospital or nursing home the average cost is about $241 a day. You analyze that over a period of a year, it's roughly $87,000. When you're going to an in-person or home care the cost is on average around $150 a day."

He went on to say the quality of life increases for seniors or people with a disability who can live at home.

"They also have options of their own choices."

Director Devon Christianson said to think of ADRC as a starting point for people who need it.

"We help people know every company and what are the pros and cons of those companies or those programs and what would best fit their needs. They then choose and we help them enroll. A person can leave those programs and go into a different one if it doesn't fit their need."

The ADRC is located at 300 South Adams Street in Green Bay.

Celebrating Women In Flight

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture focus on Wednesday was on women and aviation.

For the past 11 years, EAA has continued to steer women toward aviation careers through events like the annual WomenVenture.

Less than seven percent of all active pilots in the country were women, and that's actually up from previous years.

Two female pilots on EAA grounds are helping increase that number even more.

A group of pilots in their own right, The Ninety-Nines, fittingly founded by Amelia Earhart in the late 1920s, knows what it's like to want to be a woman in aviation.

The organization that started out with just 99 members is now made up of thousands of licensed female pilots from several countries.

The group’s international president, Jan McKenzie, tells FOX 11 flying started off as just a hobby.

“Really, it's no longer a hobby, it is an absolute passion! I think most of us - the 5,500 of women pilots around the world - this is our passion, and it's really what we love to do."

These women are pilots who teach, pilots who fly for pleasure and pilots who are technicians and mechanics. But first, they are women who love to fly!

The goal of The Ninety-Nines is to get more girls and women up in the sky to soar with them.

To accomplish that, McKenzie says the non-profit organization provides scholarships to women who want to learn to fly and programs like the Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative.

"That is a group of airline pilots that are our members that mentor the younger women that are wanting to become pilots.”

Another group, Women in Aviation, wants to see more females in this field, as well…and not just as pilots.

Kelly Murphy is Dir. of Communications for Women in Aviation....

"Really, our hope is, and really our mission is to get more girls involved in aviation. Whether they want to be a pilot, or an aircraft technician, or an airport manager, there are lots of jobs available, and it's a great career for the future."

Women in Aviation also offers scholarships and mentor programs for girls and young women interested in going into aviation.

The two groups may differ slightly, but both believe when it comes to women and aviation, the sky is the limit!

Deputy's Car Scrunched After Collision

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WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A 60-year-old Neenah man was arrested after he allegedly crashed into a sheriff's squad car that was parked along the side of Interstate 41.

Winnebago County sheriff's deputies say the crash happened around 10:30 last night on I-41 southbound.

A sheriff's deputy was investigating a previous crash when the Neenah man hit the rear of the parked squad car, spun into the highway and hit another car traveling south.

The squad car was pushed into the disabled car from the previous crash.

There were no serious injuries.

Sheriff's deputies say alcohol was a factor.

Police Determine The Cause Of Woman's Injuries

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton Police say a piece of metal that went through the windshield of a vehicle and seriously injured a woman, was on the road prior to the incident.

After reviewing surveillance video in the area of E. Calumet Street and then talking with witnesses, Appleton Police was able to determine a leaf spring went through the vehicle's windshield on July 21st.

A leaf spring, like the one in the photograph, is used on heavy-duty or commercial vehicles.

The woman remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

Police say there is no evidence that shows there was any intention to cause harm.

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