SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - Shawano County Sheriff's Department aid they recovered a truck that fell through the Shawano Lake ice Wednesday.

It was not reported if anyone was hurt in the incident.

The Sheriff's Department is reminding people to use caution when on the ice.

Already this year, Shawano County has had multiple reports of shacks falling through the ice.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay man is facing charges for a string of convenience store armed robberies this week.

25-year-old Jaccob Pate was charged Wednesday with two counts of armed robbery and one count of attempted armed robbery.

Pate is accused of robbing Superior Discount Liquor, Dino Shell and Pit Row Shell before being arrested in Ashwaubenon.

A cash bond of $30,000 dollars was set.

Pate is also a suspect in a robbery in Luxemburg that occurred the same night.

LAKE WINNEBAGO, WI (WTAQ) - Eyes are on Lake Winnebago ice as Sturgeon Spearing is less than a month away.

"It is in state statutes that the season will be open starting the second Saturday in February through a maximum of 16 days or until preset harvest caps are reached."

While December and January traditionally are cold enough to make ice for Sturgeon Spearing, this year's warmer temperatures are similar to what we had three years ago, according to Ryan Koenigs, DNR Fisheries Biologist.

"We didn't have very good ice cover in January and then we were fortunate to have a cold snap in late January, early February."

He says he is hoping for the same this year, as Sturgeon Spearers will be on the ice in a month.

He says they never cancel the season, and they won't miss out on license money this year since all licenses had to be purchased months ago, but he says a lower number of participants is possible.

"Reduction in participation if anything would have an impact on things, like maybe the season goes a little longer because it takes a little longer to reach those harvest caps if they are reached.

He says the fewer participants affects the social aspect and could affect participation in future years.

"What constitutes safe ice conditions is really up to the discretion of the person going out onto the ice."

 He says he expects people to brave conditions even if it does stay warm because the opportunity is so rare and unique.

"There are only two locations where you can go out and harvest the lake sturgeon on the ice through spearing. It really is the social aspect associated with the sport that keeps people coming back year after year."

He says the fewer participants this year could affect license sales and the social aspect in future years.

"There will be a season in 2019 regardless if we have much ice or not."

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Eight mayoral candidates took the stage at the Brown County Central Library Wednesday evening to tell voters why they're the best man for the job.

A wide range of questions and topics were introduced in the two-hour forum, which allowed candidates a two-minute opening and closing statement and 90-seconds to expound on questions. 

Candidates went down the line and responded to questions going left-to-right as they were seated and there was no opportunity given for debate.

Individuals from the League of Women Voters of Greater Green Bay served to moderate the forum and collect questions from the community, which packed the auditorium venue.

Topics that were introduced to the candidates included road repairs, infrastructure, economic growth in the downtown area, voting hour expansion, public transportation, leveraging diversity, and more.

Many of the eight candidates early-on established that road repairs were one of their major focuses. 

Eric Genrich, a former Democratic member of the State Assembly, wasn't surprised to hear that concern be brought up early.

"I mean voters have talked a lot about the quality of our roads and the need to reinvest in our infrastructure over these last few months and that was something that came out tonight," he explains.

A more wide-range of answers and ideas were presented when candidates were tasked with identifying the biggest issue facing the next mayor.

Some looked towards finance and the city budget.

“The biggest problem facing the city is that we are in debt $152 million,” says Nick Mortensen, who currently works for his father’s business, Jones Sign Company.

Pat Evans, a Brown County Supervisor, focused this answer and a large portion of his rhetoric on what he believes to be the main concern for the city.

"The biggest issue is the budget," he explains. "Everything else is predicated on the budget."

Others took the opportunity to go down a slightly different path.

“I think what is important is to get economic development that gets on the tax roll,” says Guy Zima, a former alderman and county supervisor for more than 40 years.

Zima would go on to stress community safety throughout the forum and seemingly went against the grain on questions regarding economic growth for the city.

"We need to strengthen our city," he explains. "We need a better city, not a bigger city."

Paul Boucher, a self-proclaimed social researcher, spent most of the forum conceiving opportunities for the city to grow in population and diversity, which would, in his opinion, provide increased revenue.

For those reasons, he didn't find road repairs to be particularly pertinent.

“If we can find ways to create revenue, roads won't be a problem,” he explains.

With a crowded table of eight different faces and voices, it presented a unique challenge for candidates to make their ideas stand out.

Former alderman Joe Moore believes he was able to accomplish that.

"I am the only one that did bring up renewing a service agreement with the Oneida Nation, which I think is really important," he explains. "Now years ago, that was about a $300,000 revenue to the city." 

Creating and mending connections in the county and community was another popular area of focus for some candidates. 

Mark Steuer, Green Bay’s city council president, touched on this when asked what is the biggest issue facing the next mayor.

“I think it is important for the next mayor to build relationships with the county and also all the other communities around us,” says Steuer.

And inevitably taxation crept into the conversation.

“We're one of the highest taxing municipalities in Brown County, yet we can't balance our budget without going to our general fund," says Patrick Buckley, a Brown County Supervisor, retired law enforcement officer, and owner of 57 Subway restaurants. "To me, that is a problem."

The primary election will be held on February 19 and the top two vote-getters will then advance to the general election, which will take place on April 2.

The candidates are running to replace current mayor Jim Schmitt, who is not seeking re-election after four terms on the job.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The leader of Northeast Wisconsin's largest school district has announced plans to retire.

Michelle Langenfeld plans to step down as superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District when her current contract expires on June 30, 2020. She has been in charge of Green Bay schools since 2011.

In a written statement Langenfeld said...

“I am humbled and indebted for the opportunity to serve the District’s 21,000 students and their families. The greater Green Bay area has been a wonderful place to live and work. Each day, I am very grateful for the amazing educators and staff I have the privilege to work with and learn from. I am also very appreciative to our community and community partners who join us in our mission to ensure that every child being served in the Green Bay Area Public Schools has the resources, supports, and opportunities to successfully find their way to graduation and a postsecondary option. And finally, I wish to thank our Board of Education for the opportunity to serve the Green Bay Area Public School District. I look forward to our continued efforts to educate all students to be college, career, and community ready.”

In a January 2018 performance review, Langenfeld received praise for successful referendums the previous year to expand programs and add space.

However, she also faced challenges in her tenure, most notable concerns of dangerous conditions at Washington Middle School. Last summer, the district hired a new principal and an outside consulting firm to turn around the school.

“During the past eight years, the collective impact of Dr. Langenfeld’s leadership to operationalize the Board of Education’s mission, coupled with the immense support from our community has positioned the District well for the future,” school board president Brenda Warren said in a news release.

“Together, we have developed personalized pathways for students, closed achievement and graduation gaps for students, created partnerships that support students and families and have invested in important sustainable infrastructure efforts such as connecting to the Brown Countywide area network and school building improvements. During the next year, we will continue to be focused on our continuous improvement efforts, closing achievement gaps, expansion of community schools, and addressing the enrollment inequities.”

Langenfeld has been active in the community, serving on the boards of Achieve Brown County, Partners in Education, Greater Green Bay Chamber, Einstein Project, and Brown County United Way. She was also appointed by state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to serve on the Blue Ribbon Commission for School Funding.

Before coming to Green Bay, Langenfeld was an associate superintendent of a school district in the suburbs of Minnesota's Twin Cities.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities are looking to identify two women accused of stealing credit cards and going on a shopping spree at a Green Bay area mall.

The victim reported her cards stolen on January 2 and later that day the cards were used by a light-skinned woman at Bay Park Square Mall to buy more than $2,000 worth of clothes and jewelry. 

The woman was accompanied by a black woman with long hair that was styled in dreds.

She also was wearing a multicolored jacket and had a number of children with her.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Brown County Sheriff's Office at (920) 448-4230 or callers can remain anonymous by calling the Green Bay Area Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-7867.

MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ) - A Northeast Wisconsin community and their cross-border partner are hoping their bond will propel them into big bucks for a small business makeover.

The twin towns of Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan have advanced to the final ten for a reality series called Small Business Revolution - Main Street, which awards $500,000 to the winning community.

Business owners in the area say the competition and subsequent advancement into the final ten have brought people from both sides of the border together.

So much so, that both sides have done something new.

"First time that the interstate bridge has ever sported the same banner between Marinette and Menominee across the whole bridge," says Keith Killen, a small business owner in Menominee.

The banner was hung in an effort to roll out the red carpet of hospitality for show executives from the Deluxe Corporation that came into town on Thursday to tour the community and speak with business owners.

Killen says both towns have banded together to create as inviting an atmosphere as possible.

"There are signs all out through the community," he explains. "There are digital message centers flashing the welcome."

Of the ten nationwide finalists, Marinette/Menominee is the only twin town community on the list.

"It's our superpower, I think," says Killen.

For those in the communities, they believe their relationship serves as a shining example to others.

"Pulling together for us is, we think, an example for other small communities and small towns, whether they're divided or not," explains Killen.

And with all the encouraging comradery and teamwork taking place, he thinks, win or lose, the twin towns will both benefit from the experience.

"It really is more about what they do and what we do with the opportunity, than about the money," says Killen.

Business owners took the opportunity on Thursday to speak with executives and explain to them the various challenges and obstacles they face.

"What it is we'll do on the other side of that," he explains. 

Individuals from the Deluxe Corporation will be making the rounds over the country visiting all ten finalist communities before the field is narrowed down to five in the second week of February.

At that point, the five remaining towns go into national voting, which will allow the public to cast their vote on which town they think is most deserving.

The winning community will be announced at the end of February.

TOWN OF GIBSON, WI (WTAQ) - Deputies are saying that a backpack found in a Manitowoc County ditch on Wednesday was deemed safe after officials initially found explosive-like material inside.

A citizen initially reported the backpack on State Highway 147, east of County Highway R in the town of Gibson.

That individual initially believed the backpack to contain items related to drug manufacturing paraphernalia.

Upon arrival, detectives discovered items inside that could be considered volatile and possibly explosive.

Outagamie/Brown County bomb squad officials were able to deem the items safe through x-rays and all items are currently being analyzed.

There were indications that the subject(s) attempted to detonate the item when it was possibly thrown from a vehicle into the ditch, according to investigators.

Lieutenant Dave Remiker with the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office says, unfortunately, it's not difficult to find information about how to set an explosive.

"Online videos will give you or show you information that is very similar to these types of set-ups," he explains.

He adds that often times with explosives, a small package can carry a big bang.

"I've seen videos online related to some of the components of it where they've blown up cars," says Lieutenant Remiker.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Dave Remiker at (920) 683-4214 or you can also remain anonymous by calling Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers at (920) 683-4466.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - An ex-YMCA employee that is facing sexual assault charges was ordered to stand trial on Thursday.

B.T. Adams, who allegedly sexually assaulted a three-year-old girl while working at an Oshkosh YMCA, will return to court on February 22 for an arraignment, according to court records.

He faces three counts, including two of first-degree sexual assault of a child.

Adams allegedly inappropriately touched the girl’s pelvic area through her clothes while he worked at the daycare drop center.

Similar actions were shown from a video from another date and he reached under her shirt. He also allegedly kissed the girl on the lips during those occasions.

After the investigation began Adams was terminated from the YMCA. 

He was employed at the location, 3303 W. 20th Ave., for several years and worked in various capacities.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton school officials met on Thursday to discuss a new course of action regarding their widely criticized truancy program.

After complaints that a judge bullied students the truancy court permanently shut down last month.

The Appleton School District also came under fire for possibly referring students to the program without due process.

Appleton resident Ronna Swift says one of her relatives was a victim.

"The only issue was the kid didn't get to school and it was a combination of medical condition and social anxiety," she explains.

At the meeting, district members willingly admitted that their program has faults and improvements are needed.

"It's back in the lap of the school district where we actually address the issues because we weren't doing a good job previously," says Alvin Dupree, a school board member.

Others mentioned that the core process needs changing going forward.

"We need to be more consistent across all buildings in terms of process and procedures we go through, prior to referring students to habitual truancy," says superintendent Judy Baseman.

Beyond addressing the current problem, members of the district committee worked to find a solution for the program.

One idea was the possible addition of specialized staff.

"We realized we need to put in some additional human resource into that process district-wide," says Baseman.

Those members could focus solely on issues such as attendance and truancy.

Another proposal related to the conception of a truancy task force, which could address various concerns. Representatives in that task force would include parents and community members.

Superintendent Baseman also addressed what happens to current students eligible for the truancy program, since it was suspended for the rest of the year.

"They'll still be cited, then they will be given a time in court, just wouldn't happen in a school setting," explains Baseman.

Concerned community members, such as Ronna Swift, seemed encouraged by the meeting.

"I'm very optimistic that going forward, we're going to be in a much better place than we were," she says.

The various recommendations made in Thursday's meeting will next go to the full board for approval on Monday.

MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ) - Move over New York, Billy Joel has a Milwaukee State of Mind.

Live Nation and Joel announced on Thursday that he'll be returning to Wisconsin and will perform at Miller Park on Friday, April 26.

Starting Monday, January 14, presale tickets for American Express card members will go on sale.

Tickets are available to purchase for the general public beginning Friday, January 18 at 10 a.m.

Joel performed a concert at Lambeau Field in June of 2017.

This will be the artists only performance in the Midwest throughout 2019.

SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - With recent approval from the County Board, the Shawano County is making their jail up to date with technology.

The jail is about to get a long-overdue facelift in technology.

County Board Supervisors recently approved up to $3.5 million dollars for the project.

"The actual physical door locks that secure the doors closed, the electronic controls that control those locks, security video systems, and an intercom system."

Jail Administrator Greg Trinko says being behind in technology also added an additional expense.

"This facility was designed long before the digital age, so it is going to require a re-wiring project to actually run wires to all of those locks and doors."

He says they did not have a security incident in the past but wanted to make sure to prevent a problem before one occurs.

"The safety and security of our staff, our inmates and the general public all hinge on our ability to run an effective jail. Everyone is here because of a court order or because of an arrest. That does not always lead to the happiest or compliant population within our walls."

Trinko added that parts to repair and replace their existing equipment are hard to find.

The actual cost has not been determined.

There is no real timeline on when the upgrade will begin, but Trinko assumes it will be sooner rather than later.

Trinko says the changes are being done in order to make the Shawano County Jail more up to date with the modern technology that other nearby jails have.

UPDATE:  MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Manitowoc Police say a missing 8-year-old boy has been found safe.  Anthony M. Hauschultz was last seen at the YMCA in Manitowoc by family members just before 7 last night.  After an overnight search police say Anthony was found hiding inside the Y around 4:30 this morning.  He's been reunited with his family.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - The Manitowoc Police Department is requesting assistance locating a missing 8-year-old boy.

Anthony M. Hauschultz was last seen at the YMCA in Manitowoc by family members at about 6:50 pm on 01-10-2019.

Anthony is described as a Male / Black, 4' 10', 55 pounds, short brown hair, and hazel eyes.

He was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve shirt with white sleeves, blue jeans, black tennis shoes, and a red jacket.

Anyone with information about Anthony's whereabouts is asked to contact the Manitowoc Police Department.

Assisting in the search with the Manitowoc PD are members of the Manitowoc Fire and Rescue and the United States Coast Guard. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Manitowoc Police Department at (920) 686-6551. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at (920) 683-4466 and be eligible for a cash reward.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A local airport is reporting a record traffic increase in 2018, which they say is due to a number of factors.

Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay saw a lot of passengers in 2018.

Specifically, 652,357 of them.

That's over a 12-percent increase from 2017, the biggest jump in passenger traffic year-over-year in the past 30 years.

Airport Director Marty Piette gives one reason why more people are flying locally.

"Time is money," says Piette. "Convenience certainly is one of the things that we talk about a lot, as far as why you should choose to fly local."

And Piette says the conveniences at Austin Straubel, compared to larger airports in Milwaukee or Chicago, extend to many different areas.

He believes that inexpensive parking, fast lines, and familiarity all work together to create an enjoyable flying experience.

"Look at more than just the cost of your ticket, look at everything else," he says.

Piette adds that concerns over ticket prices may be a bit of a misnomer, because he says fares are becoming increasingly more competitive compared to larger airports in the Midwest.

"We've worked closely with our airlines to try to get the fares to be as competitive as they possibly can with other airports," he says.

Another reason why more travelers are passing through Austin Straubel is that simply more people can afford to fly right now.

"Overall just the economy, in general, is doing well," explains Piette. "So I think we're seeing more discretionary income from our residents in the region."

County officials agree that this upward trend is indicative of a prospering community.

"This continues to show the strength in Northeast Wisconsin's economy," says Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. "Thriving economies are born out of great infrastructure, with the public showing support for high-quality community assets like Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport."

And the money flows two-ways as more air traffic locally means good things for area businesses, hotels, shops, and attractions.

"There are people staying in hotels and going out to restaurants and going to events," says Piette.

He adds that an uptick in traffic should result in more options for local travelers.

"As we see more passengers using the service that we have that gives us the ammunition that we need to present to the airlines to add additional service," says Piette.

An expansion in air service options could mean more routes, larger aircrafts, or even new routes.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - In one of his first decisions as a head coach, Matt LaFleur has decided to retain Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine. 

Pettine's defense ranked No. 7 in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt (8.35 percent), with 16 different players recording at least a half-sack.

Pettine's first year with Green Bay saw the Packers' defense rise to 12th in the NFL in pass defense after ranking 23rd in 2017. 

It was also reported that LaFleur has made a change in special teams and will not be retaining Ron Zook as Special Teams Coordinator.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - A critical accident has caused a portion of I-41 in Ashwaubenon to be closed for much of the afternoon Friday.

Officials say lanes between Main Street in De Pere to Onedia Street will be closed, but drivers can get onto I-41 northbound at Onedia Street.

Lt. John Bain with Brown County says a person was on the interstate near a stalled vehicle when that person was hit by a driver.

Bain also says that reports show the person ventured out into traffic lanes before being hit.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A local mental health expert says that Jayme Closs will have a long road ahead of her with plenty of potential obstacles.

Pam Clough is an outpatient therapist with Bellin Health and says there are quite a few concerns in an extreme case, such as this.

"The foremost concern would be grief for her parents," she explains.

A tricky dynamic moving forward is ensuring that Jayme isn't rushed back into everyday life at too quick of a pace.

"It would be a very slow pace and it would depend on how the person is reacting to being reintegrated," she says.

Another dynamic of note is Jayme's age.

"When a person is in their early adolescence their main job for development is starting to break away from their family and learning how to trust others," explains Clough. "And if something like this happens it can definitely inhibit another person's trust for other people."

That means Jayme's friends and family will now play a vital role in helping her along the way.

While Clough notes that her friends will be put in a tricky spot at a very early age, as well.

"That's tough because sometimes, especially when we're talking about adolescents, peers may not know what to say to that person," she says.

And while it may be difficult to know exactly what to say, it's always better to acknowledge the incident, rather than pretending it never happened.

"It's better to address it, to say, 'This is a terrible thing that happened and we all know that it happened,'" she explains. "Otherwise, that's when shunning happens."

And in extremely traumatic incidents sometimes the victim moves away to start fresh somewhere else, but that's not a course of action that Clough would recommend.

"I believe that it's always best to try to go back to where you came from," she says. "Because that's where your roots are, that's where the people are that know this person the best."

NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - Fox Valley Workforce Development Board is doing what they can help workers affected by the shutdown of Kimberly-Clarks Neenah Nonwovens Facility.

The company announced Thursday that the plant would close by May 31 and 74 employees will be impacted.

The board is doing everything from employee outreach sessions to helping them find new jobs and offering classes and training for those affected.

“Because this is not an immediate closure, the Board will work with company leadership to create a transition plan for these employees which will allow the Neenah plant to complete any remaining orders and allow for an orderly wind-down of operations,” Anthony Snyder, CEO of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, says in a news release. “It’s a balancing act whenever there’s an announced future closure. We have a mandate to do everything we can to help the soon-to-be displaced worker, but also ensure the employer is able to meet its obligations to its customers.”

Basic computer classes and a private job fair could also be offered by the workforce development board.

More intensive training programs, paid for by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, are another possible avenue in which the board could steer workers.

Kimberly-Clark's Neenah Nonwovens Facility is separate from the Cold Spring Facility in Fox Crossing.

The Cold Spring facility will be staying open after a deal was reached with the state for the company to receive tax incentives.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay police say they are looking for a missing girl.

Elizabeth A. Jamrosz-Moen is 5 foot 8, 120 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Officials say she was last seen by her mother at her home in Green Bay last month.

Officials say they have reason to believe that she ran away from home and is not in danger. 

Please call the Green Bay Police Department if you have information on her whereabouts.

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Oshkosh Police have taken a man and woman into custody during an undercover prostitution sting.

Undercover agents made an arrangement on January 7 to meet to exchange cash for sexual contact.

The woman was taken into custody for prostitution after the two met at an undisclosed location, police say.

A 25-year-old man drove the woman to the location and was also arrested.

Charges of solicitation, pandering, possession with intent to deliver a Schedule IV drug and possession of marijuana are being recommended against the man.