ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - The Packers-Bears Game is not the only exciting thing going on at Lambeau this weekend.

To kick off the teams 100th season, crews are preparing for Saturday night's Steve Miller Band concert. Manager of Live Events Kandi Goltz says all hands are on deck.  

"All of our departments are involved. We have facilities, security and guest services are all involved."  

Preparations include barricades, stage set-up and clearing the way for parking, all while trying to avoid disrupting everyday business near Lambeau Field.  

"How can we do all of this and not interrupt the business that is going on? We are trying to keep everything contained in one little corner where the concert is going to be."   

Goltz says that is just half the battle, they also need to do a quick cleanup.   

"We need to be ready for game day. Lambeau Field needs to be pristine."  

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.  

The Johnsonville Tailgate Village opens at 4:30 and fans will need to clear the parking lot after the show.    

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - If you plan on visiting Grandma or Grandpa this Sunday for Grandparent's Day, it might be a good idea to have an important conversation with them about avoiding scam artists on the phone.

A popular technique is the phony family emergency, where seniors are conned into believing a family member is in trouble and needs money.

Michelle Reinen, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, describes how con-artists pull this off without any intimate knowledge.

"They set up open-ended questions, they use vague trailers," she explains. "And then that information is being handed over by that senior."

And often times the senior targeted plays right into the scammer's hand.

"Their response may be, oh Jimmy or Johnny," she says. "So they'll help the scam artist through the scam."

She says it's important to do some fact-checking with other family members to determine the emergencies validity.

"Remove the secrecy aspect," says Reinen. "Talk to family about it if there is a concern that someone is in danger."

Fortunately, there is an easy tip to follow to avoid falling for their scheme.

"Set up a pass-phrase that can be used should there be a legitimate emergency," she says. "That way everyone knows that what is happening is valid and does need attention."

A Senior Guide that helps individuals navigate through possibly tricky consumer issues and gives details on a wide range of scams can be found on the DATCP website.

BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ) - Brown County authorities talking up the multi-agency crackdown on human trafficking they've been involved with.

The Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Cook County Sheriff's Office in Chicago, De Pere Police, Green Bay Police and Ashwaubenon Public Safety took part in the 16th National Johns Suppression Initiative, which ran from July 25th to Aug. 26th.

The operation resulted in 19 arrests in the county, as well as Brown County Sheriff's Office making additional arrests on its own.

One of those arrests was a Michigan man and the rescue of a human trafficking victim.

Brown County chief deputy, Todd Delain, said investigators also sent 409 warnings to those they were unable to arrest.

During the operation, undercover officers posted online ads.

When investigators could not arrange a meeting with the suspects, a deterrence message was sent to them via text or email.

The message made it very clear to the offender that offering to pay someone for sexual contact is a crime and can also have negative, long-term effects on the victims.

Delain says he hopes the messages will make potential buyers think twice before soliciting victims of human trafficking.

"If you are a sex buyer, buyer beware because you may be talking to a law enforcement officer who wants to put you in jail."

The suspects range in age from 20 to 60 and older. Some are married. Some are divorced. One is a security officer. Another suspect is a doctor.

MANITOWOC, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) - The latest appeal for convicted killer Steven Avery is being denied.

Avery's attorneys argued that information the state failed to turn over entitled Avery to a new trial for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach.

Avery's attorney alleged the prosecution withheld a CD seized from a computer hard drive. Katherine Zellner said that hurt Avery's defense and warrants a new trial.

Sheboygan County Judge Angela Sutkiewicz denied the motion Friday.

She says the information the prosecution failed to turn over was not the key information the defense argued was critical in this case.

Judge Sutkiewicz said in her decision that Avery's computer hard drive included "violent pornography."

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A former University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh professor's art pieces are making a difference for students.

The art studio, located at 5724 I Ah Maytah Road, will feature one-of-a-kind sculptural ceramics and acrylic paintings.

Donhauser, who was born in Germany and later moved to Sheboygan, was the first American to win the grand prize at the International Ceramics Competition in Faenza, Italy. His work is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Prudential Plaza in Chicago, as well with private collectors.

Donhauser died of cancer treatment complications on Nov. 22, 2007.

"This love of art and dedication to work and teaching, I believe, provided a great outlet for Dad. Long after Mom would be in bed, Dad would be in his painting studio creating masterpieces. He was a night owl and claimed he didn't get into the groove until the late hours," said Donhauser's daughter.

The art sale is Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - After more than 37 years, a local dispatcher is retiring from her position.

Braun says the one thing she'll miss about the job is her coworkers and the relationships she built with them.

MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) - Fire officials say an apartment building fire that forced a baby to be rescued was started by a child playing with a lighter.

The building on 1st Street is uninhabitable after Thursday's fire.

The 18-month old boy was rescued and was not breathing at the time. Rescuers had to perform CPR.

The child's condition is unknown. 

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - After the ceiling collapsed at Manitowoc Lincoln High School Wednesday, inspectors say 12 classrooms are in need of repairs before students can and staff can return to them.

A decision on whether school will be held Monday will be made on Sunday.

Manitowoc Public School District superintendent Mark Holzman says classes held in those classrooms will be moved to new locations in the school until the repairs are completed.

LITTLE CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - For some kids in Little Chute, back to school hasn't even started.

When Little Chute students of all ages go back to class, the hallways will look much different.

It has a whole new look, feel and mission.

"We're turning this more into a junior college and tech school environment for students in grades 5-12," said Little Chute District administrator, David Botz.

BOTZ tells FOX 11 the layout will help students adjust to college, promoting collaboration, community, and creativity.

"We had 2 libraries, 2 offices, a lot of duplication, so what we've done is we combined a lot. So, now we have one library that's going to serve students 5th grade through 12th. We have one shared office that serves our community."

In the new library, Botz said students are allowed to be noisy. Students can talk with each other and learn by working together.

The old library? Botz says it's transformed into the math wing.

"These windows are always open, won't be blinded, there won't be anything that separates our students and where they're at."

The Flex Academy public charter school is also moving into the new facility from the Little Chute Civic Center.

It serves kids from kindergarten to 8th grade.

"We wanted to increase our number to 100, which is where we're at, and the other place didn't have the room for us. The kids that had been at the Flex are just going to be blown away," said Flex Academy teacher, Jennifer McDermot.

With new additions to the school, Botz told FOX 11, there are concerns about traffic congestion.

"That's an issue we're still ironing out. We're working with the local police department, police school liaison officer is giving inputs, we still have parking lot we want to design."

More people are also expected to use the fitness room, which quadrupled its capacity.

"Before we only had four double-sided half racks, now we have 10 double sided half racks," said activities director, Kelly Wallace.

With 2.5 years in the making, school leaders can't wait til that school bell rings on Monday.

"I think we hit it right in the head," said Botz.

To make up for the late start, Little Chute's summer break will be a week later than normal this year.

Money for the renovations was approved by a vote in April of last year.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) -The Oshkosh Police Department is investigating a series of assaults that occurred on September 8, 2018, between 1:14 AM and 1:45 AM.

These assaults occurred within a one block radius of the intersection of Lincoln Av. & Wisconsin St.

In the 3 reported incidents, the victims were approached by a group of 3 to 5 African American Males and were punched multiple times in the face.

In one of the incidents, the victim reports that his wallet was taken.

The victims are 3 males and 1 female between the ages of 20 to 22. The Oshkosh Police Department believes that all 3 assaults are related.

The Oshkosh Police Department is working with the UW-Oshkosh Police Department in this investigation. Currently, there are no suspects in custody.

If anyone has information regarding these assaults call the Oshkosh Police Department at 920-236-5700.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - 50 Northeast Wisconsin Vietnam war veterans will have the chance to go back to a place that for many of them was the focal point of heartbreak, horror, and intense friendship.

Old Glory Honor Flight, the group that typically takes veterans to D.C. for the day to visit memorials, is going a little farther in February.

They're taking this group on a two-week tour of Vietnam.

"We wanted to get as many as possible and 50 was the magic number....to take."

Scott Delsart is with Old Glory Honor Flight. He says 500 veterans expressed an interest in going...but they couldn't take everyone.

Those selected through a random drawing were thrilled to get the call.

"A lot of emotion over the phone, a lot of disbelief, lot of emotion."

And Delsart says there are many reasons for that.

"They want a chance at closure and peace of mind from such a defining moment in their life."

The tour will take the veterans from Saigon to Hanoi, and many battlefields in between.

"They're going to get to go to this place where they've served under much better circumstances and I think they're thrilled about that."

Expenses are being covered through donations from people like you.

There are a couple of ways to donate to the "Return To Nam" campaign.

By mail:

Old Glory Honor Flight Return To NamPO Box 482Menasha, Wisconsin 54952

By text:

veteran 8445447171

GREEN BAY,WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A 48-year-old Green Bay man died in a crash Saturday morning.

It happened just after 10:30 at the intersection of University Avenue and Liebman Court.

University Avenue was closed from west of Rothe Street to Humboldt Road for several hours before it was finally reopened late Saturday night.

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TAYCHEEDAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A man is dead after trying to pass a tractor with his motorcycle.

The incident happened around 6:30 Saturday night on USH 151 a mile north of CTH WH.

Officials say a 49-year-old Chilton man who died was riding his motorcycle and tried passing a farm tractor.

A 47-year-old woman also riding the motorcycle suffered life threatening injuries and flown to a hospital.

Officials say a 36-year-old Plymouth man driving the tractor was not injured.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The Packers kicked off their 100th season, and instead of an opening day it was a weekend-long celebration.

Fans like Amy denma tells FOX 11 they brought lawn chairs and blankets and made a day of it.

She was surprised to see the lot wasn’t filling up as quickly as she’d expected. For those who arrived early, it paid off.

“We got to hear the sound check live and it was really amazing,” said Dennis Gillund.

Band members also got personal with some fans, signing one woman’s shirt.

“Everyone is awesome,” said Erika Hatcher. “We’re having a good time and we got to watch Steve Miller Band Practice and warm up.”

A topic of conversations among fans was today's season opener against one of the Packers biggest rivals, the Chicago Bears.

“I’ll be glued to my set watching it,” said Gillund.

Bears fans also took advantage of the free concert.

“It’s in good spirit, everybody’s having a good time. They’re treating me well,” said Nate Summers, a Bears fan.

Fans of both football and Steve Miller are grateful for a Sunday night game.

“At least it’s not ‘til late tomorrow. We have a chance to recover,” said Denise Renstrom.

Crowds at the concert were even larger than expected .

“I’ll be glued to my set watching it,” said Gillund.

Bears fans also took advantage of the free concert.

“It’s in good spirit, everybody’s having a good time. They’re treating me well,” said Nate Summers, a Bears fan.

Fans of both football and Steve Miller are grateful for a Sunday night game.

“At least it’s not ‘til late tomorrow. We have a chance to recover,” said Denise Renstrom.

Crowds at the concert were even larger than expected .

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - Sentencing is set for Tuesday in Brown County court in the case of a double-fatal drunk driving crash last year.

A mother and daughter from Lawrence were run down by a drunken driver. The defendant reached a plea deal in the case, but family and friends of the victims will also be heard by the judge.

Forty-seven-year-old David Meyer admitted to driving home drunk from a golf outing August 17 of last year.

His car hit 44-year-old Rebecca Pennenberg and her 18-year-old daughter Raelia as they walked along French Road in Lawrence. They died at the scene.

The Brown County District Attorney's office forwarded 48 letters from family and friends of the Pennenberg's to the judge for his review before sentencing.

Some of the letters emphasize this was not Meyer's first conviction for driving drunk. Other letters focused on the lingering impact of the deaths on family and the community

A friend of Raelia wrote, "Something tells me that I, and everyone who has met Rae, will always feel this pain. Raelia was irreplaceable."

Isaiah Pennenberg mourns the loss of his mother and sister in the crash. He shared memories of happy times spent as a family and how those family gatherings have come to an end, writing, "Mr. Meyer took all of this away from me. I feel like he took part of my childhood away from me."

His brother Noah added, "What I feel David should get for killing my mom and sister and destroying my family is the maximum sentence he could get."

The sentencing hearing will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Judge Atkinson's courtroom. The maximum prison sentence would be 50 years.

As of Friday FOX 11 was told the judge received no letters in support of the defendant.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Police responded to a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a car Sunday evening.

Officers say the crash occurred at Main and Abrams streets around 8:30 p.m.

Two passengers were on the motorcycle, one has died and one is in serious condition.

The road was closed for most of the night but was opened to traffic early this morning.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - After a long weekend, classes will be back in session at Manitowoc Lincoln High School today.

Classes were canceled Thursday and Friday of last week after a ceiling collapsed over one of the classrooms.

Superintendent Mark Holzman told parents that 12 classrooms on the third floor will need additional supports, but the rest of the building was determined to be structurally sound.

Classes that were held in that area of the building will be moved. 

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Three firms have officially submitted proposal plans for the redevelopment of a parking lot in downtown Green Bay.

The plans will be reviewed by a city panel on Tuesday.

The parking lot under consideration, which is often still called the Boston Store parking lot, is located at the 200 block of North Adams Street and adjacent to the Alorica building. 

One of the proposals by Base Companies and Barsan Construction includes plans for a 16-story building.

“We propose two high-rise buildings joined by an open, green courtyard that will add a bold, unique, and distinctive shape to the city’s skyline. The ground level floors will house commercial space and upper-level floors will meet market demands for apartments, condominiums, and offices. Our proposed mixed-use development will provide a safe, healthy, well-connected site that complements existing venues while enhancing the beauty and vitality of the downtown district,” the proposal states.

This proposal would include 121 public parking spaces, with a total of 300 spaces around, under, and within the building. The $60.7 million project would include two towers, one that would feature apartments, retail space, offices, and restaurants and a second tower that would include condominiums and penthouse suites. 

The second proposal by Bond Realty is a $17.7 million plan that would include a six-story complex featuring retail space, apartments, condominiums, and parking spaces.

“The development of this project builds upon the cities ambition of extending and strengthening the retail and pedestrian corridors of the surrounding neighborhood by providing space for public parking,retail, public squares and arcades for pedestrian movement and civic art, and a scale and datum aligned with the local modern and historic vernacular,” the proposal states.

The third proposal by T. Wall Enterprises is a plan that could exceed $35 million and features a 4-story building in the shape of a trident.

“Our overall concept is to develop a beautiful and appropriately sized new community that is woven into the fabric of downtown rather than a freestanding building walled off by itself. We have studied the land and surrounding buildings and based upon the challenges of the site and adjacent buildings, we feel that the city really needs to execute on the plan to build the new central town square with a new residential community that is tied to that,” the plan states.

This plan would feature 250 apartments that would be built in four separate phases. 

Review of the proposals will take place on Tuesday at 1:30 PM in room 604 of City Hall.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The rivalry between the Packers and Bears extends further than the football field.

It was mostly a sea of green and gold, but there were also blue and orange jerseys sprinkled in.   Husband and wife even root on opposite sides of the fence. Nicole Perry is a Bears fans and her husband Shane is a Packers fan. Ironically, Sunday's game fell on their one year wedding anniversary.

“I love him for so many qualities, it’s just I, that’s the exception to the rest of what I get out of him,” said Nicole Perry.

For some of the teams’ fans, the rival lasts year around.

“It’s always been a divided house,” said Kiara Schuster.

Kiara Schuster is a Packers fan, but her mom roots for the Bears.

“It’s just fun to be a Bears fan amongst all the Packers fans. I tried with my children but obviously failed,” said Nancy Schuster.

Both team’s fans were confident in their new team.

“The bears will win. I’m confident it’s a new bears team,” said Bears fan Ronn Ridgley

“I think it’s going to be a close game,” said Packers fan Deedee Klug.

But one thing these rivals could agree on.

"Packers fans, Brewers fans Wisconsin fans tailgate the best no matter what it is that happens. it’s a Wisconsin thing, got to love it," said Nancy Schuster.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Better Business Bureau is warning Wisconsin homeowners of a misconception when it comes to a water line warranty offer.

Homeowners in Wisconsin are getting postcards from Service Line Warranties of America and/or Home Serve selling insurance protection for utility repairs.

"That is a private company that is selling service line insurance for your water connection from your house to your main line out in your street."

Susan Bach Regional Director of the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Wisconsin says some don't know how to respond to the offer.

"A lot of customers are saying that there is a lot of fine print, they are confused or it looks like a bill."

Bach says it is not a bill, but the big problem is that some think it is a mandatory purchase required by their water utility company. 

"I would guess that they are just recently sending out these letters to Wisconsin residents, and that is why were are hearing all about it."

Bach says it is a private company which is offering an option for homeowners, but it is not required.