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Working Wisconsinites Still Struggle

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - According to the new ALICE report released by the United Way of Wisconsin, more than one-third of households in the state can’t afford the basic necessities.

Tom Schoffelman, the Vice President of Resource Development and Communication for the United Way in Brown County, tells FOX 11 families in the area are experiencing the same struggles.

"They are people that contribute to the community and doing everything but they're struggling because they don't earn enough."

In Wisconsin, it takes $60,000 a year to afford basic necessities for a family of four.

In Brown County, the average family brings in a little more than $56,000.

Schoffelman said that leaves more than 30 percent of local families living without.

"Food, this is childcare, paying your taxes, transportation so the basics that people need to survive."

The same report showed one of the hardest hit demographics were those with disabilities and the elderly.

Laurie Ropson, the outreach coordinator for the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Green Bay, tells FOX 11 the center's main job is to help those find the resources they need to make ends meet.

"Persons who are people over 60 or disabled can be moving along just fine and then their disability progresses and that can really stress their budgets. We look for things that can help them free up dollars, or help with benefit check-ups for medical, prescription drugs or freeing up some housing costs."

With this report, United Way is hoping it will help change perceptions and increase understanding so communities can help more households reach financial stability.


Police Find Missing Woman

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - UPDATE: Anderson has been found, according to police. They also have confirmed that she was the individual spotted walking on E. Murdock Avenue earlier this morning.

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Oshkosh Police are on the lookout for a missing woman they say may be confused.

Just before 8 this morning, Judith Anderson's family reported her missing.

She is described as 74 years old, 5'4'', 135 pounds with short strawberry red hair.

Police say about an hour before Anderson's family reported her missing, a resident told police about a woman walking eastbound in the 1200 block of E. Murdock Avenue around 6:30 a.m.

The resident said the woman was wearing pants, a blouse, a scarf and possibly a bra over the top of her shirt.

The caller told police the woman seemed confused.

If anyone has information regarding her whereabouts, call the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700.

Fire Department Hosts Fundraiser

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BRILLION, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Brillion Fire Department hosted a fundraiser on Monday night to honor Jacob Glasow, a Reedsville volunteer firefighter that was diagnosed with ALS.

The fire department attempted to raise money for Glasow and his family by leaving boots at several area businesses.

"We work very closely with Reedsville, and a lot of guys on their department as well as my department are great friends outside of just the fire departments -- but the brotherhood, this is completely what it's all about," Brillion Fire Chief Joe Diener told Fox 11 News.

15 members of the Brillion Fire Department also had their heads and beards shaved last night during the fundraiser.

Chief Diener even had his hair died yellow to match the color of Reedsville fire trucks. 

Man Arrested for Alleged 8th OWI Offense

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A motorist was arrested on his eighth drunk driving offense early Tuesday morning by Manitowoc Police.

Police received a report that a vehicle was driving in the wrong lane of traffic and upon being pulled over 54-year-old Greg Stolzman told officials he had one or two drinks earlier.

According to the police report, there is no indication that a breath test was taken and no results were cited from a blood sample that was taken. 

A bail hearing for Stolzman in Manitowoc County court could occur Tuesday afternoon. 

Report Suggests Turning Former Hardwood Plant into Recreational Hub

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ALGOMA, WI (WLUK-WTAQ) – A new report suggests the city of Algoma create a “recreational hub” on the site of the former Algoma Hardwoods plant.

Algoma Hardwoods closed Aug. 31, 2017, putting 180 people out of work. At one point, the plant employed 350 people. The commissioned a report to examine the site and options for moving forward.

The 81-page report details the status and challenged poised by the 30-acre complex. Among the findings:

  • Changing standards for industrial space has rendered most of the building space unusable for modern industrial use
  • The site’s location in the flood plain may offer redevelopment challenges
  • Pollution on site would likely require investigation and remediation
  • “There appears to be potential to establish a significant regional recreational hub that can attract visitors to Algoma. The site’s proximity to the downtown and harbor amenities such as fishing charters, marina and condos reinforces the potential of the site to serve a regional market”

The study also includes the results of a community survey about the site. Among the findings:

  • A majority of respondents favor recreational use for the site
  • Most people want the site to be privately owned
  • 82% felt the site should sit idle for less than five years before the city considers taking action
  • The city’s development focus should be on creating jobs, and on cleaning up run-down properties

There are several strategies the city should consider. Among the recommendations:

  • “Encourage any new investment in the facility to be focused on the areas that would provide the biggest investment for the least investment”
  • “The city should anticipate a change in use for the property over the medium term”
  • “Investigate the concept of a regional recreational hub centered on the Algoma Hardwoods site.”
  • “Establish a Redevelopment Authority to evaluate blighted and under-utilized property in the City”

The Algoma City Council discuss the report at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 416 Fremont St.

Discovered Body Could be Missing Swimmer

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DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A man's body was recovered on Sunday from Whitefish Dunes State Park by the Door County Sheriff's Office.

The man could be the swimmer that went missing on August 19 at Herrington State Park in Ozaukee County, according to investigators.

The name of the victim is being withheld until family can be notified and an autopsy is being conducted at the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office. 

Section of Roadway Closed due to High Water

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WRIGHTSTOWN, WI (WTAQ) - The Brown County Highway Department has closed a stretch of roadway due to high water.

A portion of Highway ZZ in Wrightstown is being closed between High Street and Dock Street.

The impacted section is where a bridge travels across a tributary of the Fox River.

According to the department, there is no set detour for the closed section. 

Mother Charged with Child Neglect

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay mother was charged on Tuesday with child neglect resulting in bodily harm after she ignored one of her child's dental issues until it became a life-threatening problem.

26-year-old Alicia Graf's four children were living in a drug environment and were exposed to domestic abuse, according to a criminal complaint.

The complaint also shows that her 7-year-old-son was deemed a severe hospital case after she failed to bring him to the dentist for a year and a half. 

The boy had developed severe cavities and likely had abscesses that were putting him at risk of sepsis and death.

The boy had dental surgery that included the removal of five teeth after he was put in the care of his grandmother, according to the complaint.

It also states that the boy told investigators that he informed his mother about his oral pain multiple times.

According to urine tests, Graf's 5-year-old had developed high levels of nicotine received from secondhand smoke and her 4-year-old had cocaine their system. 

Investigators were informed from the children that Graf's boyfriend, who is currently in Brown County Jail on drug charges, would physically abuse them.


Nature Preserve is Helping Endangered Species

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DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A nature preserve in northern Door County near Kangaroo Lake is helping an endangered species.

The Kangaroo Lake Preserve is a critical habitat for the endangered Hine's Emerald Dragonfly, which breeds in the headwaters of Peil Creek.

Volunteers spent Tuesday putting up signs to distinguish land between the preserve and private property.

"We're putting up signs for this part of The Nature Conservancy. It's a new parcel of land," said Deb Sherwood of Sturgeon Bay told Fox 11 News.

 

Volunteers plan on cutting down invasive species, such as reed canary grass, and planting trees in the meadow to assist the endangered dragon fly's. 

"In general, we'll be maintaining kind of these public access areas, So there will likely be a mowed area, where folks could park as well," Kari Hagenow, The Nature Conservancy Door Peninsula Land Steward, told Fox 11 News.

The 70-acres parcel cost about $300,000 according to public records.

Study Shows Good News For Allouez

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ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - An economic study done by St. Norbert College shows repurposing the current Green Bay Correctional Institute would result in over one thousand jobs and over 138 million dollars for Brown County annually.

The study was led by Mark Schaffer, an economics professor at St. Norbert College. He says the lawmakers should focus on three big factors.

"An annual economic impact of 1,463 jobs, about $58 million dollars of income for Brown County and about $138.5 million dollars of economic activity on an annual basis."

Part of the plan would be to close the existing prison, but what is being proposed to being built is exciting to Village President Jim Rafter. 

The plan is to turn the 64 acres of land into commercial property, retail space, parks and recreational space, as well as luxury housing.

It would include condos, apartments, outdoor retail plaza seating, a hotel, an amphitheater, and event center, the Fox River Trail and a zip line.

"Today it is kind of seen as a bedroom community, but people are asking for more."

The plan also calls for park space that would include athletic fields and courts, a sculpture garden, a bike or roller skating course, and rock climbing.

"If the site were to be redeveloped, it creates a tremendous upside for the village," said Schaffer.

Representative David Steffens says it's the new tax revenue of more than a million dollars that could be the selling point in Wisconsin.

"That impacts every single State Representative, every State Senator regardless of where they are located."  

He says that may be what helps pass legislation to close the existing prison.

State Senator Robert Cowles says the prison unsafe and costly, but today, closing a prison comes with a red flag.  

"Decommission the facility and you have to find a place to put the people, so that is the biggest dilemma is the 140% overcapacity in the entire system, so a lot of things need to happen."  

Cowles says he is in support of the plan because the existing GBCI is a money pit.  

"It will make it real clear if you want to save money, you have to make some changes, and there are people out there that are willing to take new facilities."  

Representative Steffen says talks have already started taking place.  

"Kewaunee County, Luxemburg, and Algoma have all had those discussions."    

He says with all the information they have, the next step is to take his plan to the Governor.  

"This is the final piece of a very comprehensive data-driven argument. So regardless of where you are on the political spectrum or regardless of where you are geographicaly, if you represent part of Wisconsin, there is a benefit for you."              

Steffen said the plan does not call for closing GBCI before a new location is found. He says not only does the new home need to be found, but the new prison needs to be built before the keys are handed over.

 

 

Reminders Before Packers Kickoff

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police are gearing up for Sunday. The kickoff to the Packers season means starts a busy time for Green Bay police officers. 

Police Captain Kevin Warych says the major concern is drinking and driving. Having a designated driver is recommended, but the city does provide another option for a safe ride. 

"Use the city buses that are free on gameday to designated locations. We do not want anything tragic to happen on game day."

One change this year is that many fans will be using electronic tickets for the game.   Warych says since paper tickets are not being used, parents should make sure kids have an important piece of information on them if they get lost.   "Anything that has your seat number on it. If a child gets up to go to the bathroom or leaves the seat and gets lost, it will help them find their seats again."   Paper tickets were something that kids could carry with them to help them find their seats. Warych says they had a case during the preseason where a child could not find their parents and did not have a paper ticket that showed seat numbers.   

Warych added that preparation is key to having a good time at Lambeau.    "Know what bags are permitted and what bags are prohibited. A little prework will save them countless time when they get to the game."   He says that also includes leaving early.    Warych says that security plan is the same for each home game, but with Sunday's game being an evening game, it does provide one new dynamic.    "It is more time for fans to have a good time in the parking lot, but from the police perspective, security is security and we will provide the same security for the game to ensure that people have a good time."  

The Packers kick off their regular season Sunday night against the Bears.

Water Levels Expected to Rise Again

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BERLIN, WI (WTAQ) - Many areas in the state have already experienced flooding due to severe weather, but for some areas in southern Wisconsin, the threat isn't over.

The Fox River near Berlin is expected to rise another 5 inches this week and that location has already experienced minor flooding.

35-year Berlin resident Ronald Harke explains typically if the town experiences any flooding, it's in the spring or summer.

"Very rare to have this amount of water in the fall," he explains.

All he and other Berlin residents can do is attempt to make the best of their situation.

"Pretty used to it now after 35 years of living here," Harke says. "You just take it in stride."

And for comparison, 25-year Berlin resident Jim Peterson explains it's been worse in the past.

"There are years right in the spring where we've had to do sandbagging and right now we're not even talking about going in that direction," he says.

With the recent flooding and more rain in the forecast, Ronald Harke hopes people are smart enough to stay away from the river bank.

"It's not a good place to be," he explains. "Probably have to stop fishing for a while."

Water levels in Berlin are expected to exceed 14 feet by Thursday and the town remains in a flood warning.

"Bookmobile Bob" Turns the Page

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Brown County legend is hanging up the keys and ending a 3-plus decade career of sparking love affairs with books.

Bookmobile Bob (Ripley) is often asked how he became the famed bookmobile man around town. Well, how else do you find a job? The classifieds. 

"There was an ad in the paper and I put my name in and I got hired out of a group of people," he explains. "I've been bookmobiling since, February 20, 1984."

Bob spent his last day yesterday greeting visitors and old friends alike with his familiar smile.

He says he's enjoyed the opportunity to deliver books to kids that now have their own children and see those relationships grow.

One of the individuals present was Amanda, who has grown significantly since Bob last delivered her books.

"I haven't seen her since she was 12-years-old and now she brought in her two kids," he says. "That's what it's all about."

The current bookmobile that Bob has been operating is a model from the late 90's, but that seems like a major upgrade considering the vehicles humble beginnings. 

"I started with an old Gerstenslager bus and that was built in 1968," he explains.

No matter the vehicle, Bob has enjoyed his time delivering books and smiles to people all over Brown County.

His last wish? That the bookmobile keeps making its rounds around town and that someone continues the legacy that he's established. 

 

Marathon Proceeds Handed Out

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon gave back to the community in a big way by donating $102,026 to its 2018 charity partners.

This year's recipients include Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle Program, Special Olympics Wisconsin Unified Sports Program and Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.

Over the last 19 years, the organization has donated nearly $1.5 million dollars to 18 local charities.

Holly Schultz, Special Olympics director of special events, tells FOX 11 the money her agency receives is critical.

"What the money will end up helping us to do is to help the athletes go to different events, without any cost to them, helps provide them training. It also helps provide healthcare, we're able to give them different services for their vision and just overall well-being."

Next year's Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is scheduled for May 18-19, 2019.

New Ordinance Targets Packer Game Days

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - With the Packers days away from kicking off their 100th regular season, Ashwaubenon has taken the first step in banning game day solicitors.

Tony Wachewicz, Ashwaubenon’s Village Attorney, tells FOX 11 who the ordinance targets.

“It would really be more kind of businesses going out around talking about whatever services they may provide.”

A village committee agreed Tuesday to change its ordinance to ban solicitors and market managers on Lambeau event and game days. The change still needs full village board approval.

Tom Wall, the owner of Tundra Town Clothing Company, is one of several street vendors that showed up to the meeting.

He tells FOX 11 say misinformation originally led him to believe the ordinance change would shut him down.

“I was afraid we were going to lose our business in one vote.”.

The village clarified that anyone with a direct sales permit, for a fixed location, will be allowed to continue selling.

“It's fun offering stuff that is unique, that is kind of by the fans for the fans, so we've got a great offering and a great following,” said Wall.

The effort to limit solicitors is partly to free up public safety officers.

A few months ago, with the same goal in mind, the village passed an ordinance to fine people who've had too much to drink, requiring officer response, but not to the degree they should be taken to jail.

Wachewicz says resources are limited on Packers game days, so it's really a matter of prioritization.

“I don't see a lot of solicitors and if it is, it's people, it's kids pulling a wagon with some candy bars, cookies, or whatever it is,” said Wall.

“That's the most we see. It's really a pretty well regulated, well-controlled environment down on game days.”

While village officials say the ordinance change will be enforced, they do not intend to start ticketing Girl Scouts or other children who are fundraising.


NWTC Student Claims Rights Were Violated

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A student at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College filed a federal lawsuit against the school, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated when she was prohibited from handing out religious-themed Valentine’s Day cards.

Polly Olsen claims she was not being disruptive, was not a threat, and that the suppression was “based, in part, on the religious content of the cards.”

The school has not formally responded to the lawsuit.

NWTC officials told Olsen she was violating the school’s public assembly policy, which sets a designated space for distribution of literature, picketing or displaying protest signs.

Olsen was not in that area, the report says.

The suit claims that the policy is itself unconstitutional.

“The Defendants have maintained and enforced a set of policies that unconstitutionally restrict the First Amendment rights of the Plaintiff and other students at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College by, among other things, restricting expressive activities to a tiny portion of campus, requiring prior approval even within that tiny area, and arrogating to administrators unfettered discretion as to whether to confer that approval, and enacting broad and vague restrictions on speech throughout campus,” it states.

NWTC's vice president of advancement, Karen Smits, released the following statement on the lawsuit:

"Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) is committed to the free exchange of ideas and to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment that promotes student success.

Because we respect student confidentiality, we do not comment on student conduct. We take student concerns about free speech seriously and we take our legal responsibility to protect student records seriously as well. Free speech is exercised every day in many different contexts all over the NWTC campus. The policy deals with “public assembly” as the law recognizes that, unlike a public park, not all physical areas of educational institutions are open for public assembly.

The policy in question has been under review since October 2017 and is in the final stages of revision and approval. The student referred to in the lawsuit was invited to participate in the review to provide a student perspective."

Read NWTC's current Assembly Policy here

Crash Kills Driver Attempting to Help Change Tire

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MARATHON COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A semi-tractor driver died in a crash last night near Rothschild, in Marathon County.

The driver had pulled over to help someone change their tire and was hit by a straight truck when he was attempting to get tools from the tractor.

The crash, which is currently under investigation, happened on I-39 South and officers don't know the condition of the man changing the tire or the driver that hit the person trying to help. 

Health Insurance Company Looking to Hire

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Humana is looking to add 40 full-time employees in Green Bay to work as Medicare Inbound Call Center Representatives.

Interviews would be scheduled for Tuesday, September 18 thru Thursday, September 20 and the position has a start date of October 15.

The health insurance company is looking for candidates with a high school diploma or GED, and at least two years of administrative or customer service related experience. 

The company is strongly encouraging bilingual candidates to apply and the position will pay hourly with benefits.

Applicants can apply online here.

Correctional Employee Injured Following Assault

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ALLOUEZ, WI (WTAQ) - An attack by an inmate at the Green Bay Correctional Institution resulted in an employee being injured, according to the Department of Corrections.

The incident occurred Tuesday morning in the facilities kitchen and the employee was sent to the hospital to be checked out.

An investigation is underway by the Department of Corrections and the incident was referred to the Brown County Sheriff's Office. 

A New Face On Campus

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Sly Fox was unveiled Wednesday as the new face of Fox Valley Technical College.

The college is using the new mascot to build school spirit and pride.

The idea was a combined effort between the FVTC Student Life Center and the Marketing Department.

 The Fox's origins date back to 1969 when "Freddie the Fox" was originally introduced.

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