Plane that crashed in Oconto was doing volunteer work

February 14, 2014, 4:36 pm

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OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) - We're learning more about the plane that had to make a hard landing at an airport near Oconto Thursday afternoon.

The pilot's wife, Darlene Laws, told FOX 11 that her husband, John Laws, was flying the plane as a volunteer for Wings of Mercy. The non-profit helps transport low income patients to medical facilities.

The plane was flying patients from Rochester, Minnesota to Menominee, Michigan.

It was just after 3:30 p.m. Thursday that Oconto Fire and Rescue got a call about the plane flown by John Laws was having mechanical trouble. Officials say the plane came down hard on its landing gear, breaking the gear and causing the plane to skid off the runway on its belly.

Five people on board the 1971 Beechcraft Baron survived and three had to be hospitalized with minor injuries.

The Oconto County Sheriff's Department and the FAA are investigating the crash. Neither agency released any further details on Friday.

Darlene says John loves to fly, and has been a pilot for more than a dozen years, but that this crash has shaken him up pretty bad.

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Missing deaf snowmobiler found safe in Marinette County

February 16, 2014, 6:45 am

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MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A deaf snowmobiler, who was lost for over seven hours on a Marinette County snowmobile trail, has been found safe.

“When we found him, he was walking down the snowmobile trail,” DNR Conservation Warden Dave Oginski told FOX 11. “They were hearing impaired so that made things a little bit more difficult to try to figure out where folks were at.”

On Friday night three snowmobilers, including a husband and wife who are deaf, were riding in northern Marinette County.

The husband ran out of gas. The couple stayed behind, while their friend went to find fuel. The man’s wife and friend couldn’t find their way back and had no way of reaching him. Oginski says the snowmobiler didn’t have a cell phone.

“With the cold temperatures that there were, thankfully he had kept moving and kept the blood flowing and was able to keep himself warm. I got him on my snowmobile,” Oginski said.

DNR officials say that when you're out on the trails, it's important to travel in groups, stay on marked trails and make sure you have a cell phone or GPS. Also carry a first aid kit that has a flash light, a compass and a map.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11)

Heavy, wet snow will hit Northeast Wisconsin Monday

February 16, 2014, 6:51 am

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A big winter storm will greet folks across Northeast Wisconsin as they head back to work Monday.

FOX 11 says the heaviest snow will fall from the mid-morning to around 3 p.m. Snow should end during the evening. 

They predict areas north of Green Bay to the U.P. border will generally see the most snow, 5-6″ with perhaps a couple spots a bit above that. Green Bay will get close with most falling closer to 5″,  or a shade on either side of that mark. The Fox Cities will likely range between 3-5″ of snow.

Because of the timing of the snow, the morning commute on Monday will be very tricky. Leave additional time to reach your destinations if you’ll be on the roads.

This will be a heavy wet snow, so it will be a challenge to shovel.

Surprising announcement for a Green Bay lawmaker

February 17, 2014, 5:08 am

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Representative John Klenke announcing today he is not seeking re-election for the state Assembly.   He gave no reason for that decision.  Klenke has been in the news recently when he suggested the state hold off on a $2 million dollar award to go the the K-I Convention Center expansion project, because Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt was turning down an effort by Walmart to build a superstore in the city's Broadway District.

Green Bay man stabbed....police investigate

February 17, 2014, 5:59 am

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A 49-year-old Green Bay man is recovering after he was stabbed.  Brown County Sheriff's deputies say the man was brought to a local hospital early Sunday with stab wounds. The incident happened in the parking lot of St. Michael’s Pub in Allouez.  A 22-year-old Green Bay man was taken into custody.  The suspect along with two others brought the victim to the hospital.

 

Arrests made in Brown County gang fight

February 17, 2014, 7:55 am

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Five minors, four 17 year olds and one 16 year old, have been charged with being a party to the crime of attempted 1st degree intentional homicide, resuulting from an incident at 831 Sunridge Court in Howard ealier this month.  A party involving alcohol and drugs appearently turned violent with a fight between rival gang members.  One victim was hit in the head with a blunt object, another stabbed several times.  Brown County Sheriff's Department says more arrests are expected.

Tough economy has Wisconsin business packing

February 17, 2014, 9:40 am

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) -  A Wisconsin-based electronics and furniture store is going out of business. Citing five years of an “unforgiving” economy, American says it is closing. The Madison-based company has been in operation for 60 years.  Nearly 1,000 employees have recieved advance notice of the closing.  The company has 11 stores, a service center and a distribution center in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Two of the locations are in the Appleton area.

UPDATE: Manitowoc driver arrested after fatal drunken crash

February 17, 2014, 11:11 am

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MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A driver from Manitowoc is jailed after a fatal crash Sunday night.

Manitowoc County Sheriff's were called to the crash scene just before 7 p.m. on Highway 10, west of Village Drive, in Branch.

Investigators say a pickup truck driving eastbound on Highway 10 crossed the center line and slammed into a vehicle going in the other direction. The driver of the westbound vehicle, a 26-year-old from Manitowoc, died at the scene.

The pickup driver, 20-year-old Codi Olson of Manitowoc, was arrested on suspicion of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and knowingly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's license while causing death.

Olson appeared in Manitowoc County court Monday afternoon and had his bond set at $5,000 cash. He's due back in court a week from Monday. The crash remains under investigation.

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American going out of business

February 17, 2014, 11:19 am

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - A Madison-based furniture and electronics store is putting up a permanent "closed" sign.

American, who's been in operation for six decades, is going out of business citing five years of an "unforgiving" economy.

“While this is a sad moment it is also a proud moment. It’s a moment to be proud of our efforts and to be proud of what we have delivered to the community,” president and CEO Doug Reuhl said in a news release. “Words cannot adequately express how grateful we are to our millions of loyal customers, and to the incredible, dedicated family of employees that we have been blessed with over our 60 years of business.”

According to company officials, 989 employees have received advance notice of the closing. The company has promised workers will be compensated, with benefits, through the closing process. Most of them will continue to have jobs, according to the company.

On Thursday, all stores will begin a going out of business sale. Gift cards will be honored through the closing process; refunds will be offered to customers who choose not to redeem their gift cards, the company promises. Customers who have open orders waiting for delivery will receive their goods or a refund of their deposit. All products in the service center will be repaired or returned to the customer before closing. Finally, all extended warranty policies are valid and insured, the company says.

According to American’s website, it has 11 stores, a service center and a distribution center in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Two of the locations are in the Appleton area.

(Partial reporting by FOX 11)

Development agreement for Hotel Northland approved by Green Bay's RDA

February 17, 2014, 11:23 am

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay's Redevelopment Authority has okayed a development agreement for the redevelopment of the Hotel Northland.

During a special meeting on Monday, the pact with Frantz Community Investors would pave the way for the near 90-year-old hotel's rebirth as a boutique, 180-room hotel.

Developer Mike Frantz says the project will cost approximately $35 million.

A new Wisconsin law increased the tax breaks developers can receive on rehabilitation expenses for buildings built prior to 1936. Frantz says the tax credit law's passing was essential to taking on the project.

Wisconsin's spring primary election day today

February 18, 2014, 10:17 am

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - It's primary election day in a number of Wisconsin communities.

There are no statewide contests or referendums on the ballot.

Voters in a number of places will nominate finalists for municipal offices and school board seats. Winners will advance to the general election in April.

Among the items on the ball locally, the Appleton and Stockbridge school districts will be voting on school referendums.

 

All polls close at 8 p.m.

Once again, voters will not have to show photo ID's in order to cast ballots. The Republicans' 2011 ID requirement has been on hold for two years, while lawsuits at both the state and federal levels challenge the ID law on constitutional grounds.  

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

PolyFlex to build new expansion facility in Kaukauna

February 18, 2014, 2:39 pm

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KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) - A Wisconsin manufacturer is expanding and adding jobs in the Fox Valley.

PolyFlex has agreed to build a 59,000 square foot building just off Highway 41 in Kaukauna.

"We are acutely aware that the health of our local economy depends on the revenues produced by manufacturers like PolyFlex to sustain and grow the tax base that is essential for the provision of municipal services," Kaukauna Mayor Gene Rosin said in a statement.

The Walworth-based company makes large plastic parts for a variety of industries including transportation and waste collection. It's expected to add about 40 workers at the new facility.

"The decision of PolyFlex to locate its new facility in Kaukauna represents the first industry attraction success for the Fox Cities Regional Partnership," said Fox Cities Regional Partnership Executive VP Larry Burkhardt in a statement. "The Regional Partnership worked with representatives of the City of Kaukauna to explain and market the city's advantages throughout the company's due diligence process."

PolyFlex hopes to break ground next month.

Hortonville High School on lockdown after "kill list" found

February 18, 2014, 3:47 pm

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HORTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - Officials at Hortonville High School put the building on a soft lockdown Tuesday after a "kill list" was brought to the staff's attention.

FOX 11 reports that the district sent a message to parents that said they were made aware that two students wrote the list and brought it to school. According to the message, the list wasn't created at the school, but included the names of several students.

District Administrator Heidi Schmidt says students have not been told whether they were on the list and the investigation is ongoing.

Man arrested after bizarre incident on Lake Winnebago

February 19, 2014, 9:15 am

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TOWN OF CALUMET, WI (WTAQ) - A bizarre incident on Lake Winnebago overnight leads to one man being arrested.

Authorities say the man was found on the ice in his underwear off the shore of the Fond du Lac County Town of Calumet.

Officials say the driver and his brother-in-law were apparently traveling from Minnesota to Canada, but they ended up on Lake Winnebago.

The driver became combative, according to the brother-in-law. So he got out of the car and called police.

Fond du Lac County sheriffs believe the driver may have mental health issues.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Fire at Shawano County resort

February 19, 2014, 10:11 am

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CLINTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - Fire crews from multiple departments in Shawano County are battling a fire at a resort.

The call went out just before 9 a.m. Wednesday to the Rustic Resort and Banquet Hall in the Town of Belle Plaine.

According to fire officials, one person suffered minor burns. Everyone else got out safely.

The building is considered a total loss.

 

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Two Hortonville high school students suspended over "kill list"

February 19, 2014, 11:39 am

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HORTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ) - Hortonville police say two high school students have been suspended after the discovery of a "kill list" inside one of their homes.

It was found Tuesday night, after Hortonville High School was placed on a "soft lock down". 

According to a press release from the district, the building was put in a soft lock down to conduct searches in a timely manner. In working in conjunction with the Hortonville Police Department, student interviews were conducted.

Through those interviews, it was determined that two students created the list. Once the investigation is complete, charges will be recommended by law enforcement.

On Wednesday, police said there were over 60 names of students on the list. Although more than one draft of the list was written, police say the threats did not seem credible, as the students did not have a plan or the means to harm anyone.

Cops say It was a list of schoolmates the students did not like.

Classes resumed as normal on Wednesday as well. District administrator Heidi Schmidt says that, "at no time were students and staff in imminent danger. All threats will be taken seriously and the safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority."

(Additional reporting from FOX 11)

"Death list" by Ashwaubenon 4th grader leads to discipline

February 19, 2014, 2:01 pm

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ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Ashwaubenon Public Safety officials say they're investigating a threat discovered at Valley View School.

On Monday, authorities say a Valley View student found a note written by a fourth grader that had the words "death list" on it. It apparently included the names of two classmates.

Both police and school officials feel the note wasn't a valid threat. School officials said the student who wrote the note was severely disciplined, but declined to provide specifics.

“With any incident, whether there’s a certain threat, that is not just unusual, it’s alarming that it happens, and of course there are concerns that are raised across the school district about it,” Lt. Jody Crocker of Ashwaubenon Public Safety told FOX 11.

Meantime, parents are being asked by school leaders to review safety policies with their kids. If children learn of anything that sounds unsafe, they should tell an adult. They also should be reminded that intimidation and threats will lead to disciplinary action.

4 Green Bay teens charged in gang-related fight

February 19, 2014, 2:05 pm

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Charges were filed Wednesday against four Green Bay teenagers in what police called a gang-related attack.

Cory Mayer, Tyler Brickham-VanVorce, Sergio Rivera and Royce Bressette, all 17, are facing multiple felony charges, including battery and reckless injury. Police had sought attempted homicide charges in the incident at a Howard home earlier this month.

A 16-year-old was also arrested. That teen was charged Wednesday in juvenile court.

Investigators say it all began with a fight between members of two rival gangs. One group apparently left and came back with weapons, including a baseball bat and knives.

One man was hit over the head and another was stabbed multiple times.

Preliminary hearings for the teens are scheduled for February 28.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11).

Two years prison for Menasha woman in fatal OWI crash

February 20, 2014, 9:29 am

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A Brown County judge sentences a woman to two years in prison for causing a fatal drunk driving crash.

Denise Winters of Menasha was convicted of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle in the June 22 crash.

Winters lost control of her vehicle, causing it to go into a ditch and over turn. One passenger inside the car, Lyle Bones, was killed. A second passenger was hurt.

Online court records indicate that Winters will also spend two years on extended supervision after she's released from prison.

Manitowoc man holds burglary suspect at gunpoint until cops arrest him

February 20, 2014, 9:34 am

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A Manitowoc man with a concealed weapons' permit held a burglary suspect at gunpoint until the police could come and arrest him.

It happened around 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Police said a resident heard someone break into his neighbor's garage -- and when the man checked it out, the burglar was inside. The man then drew his concealed weapon and held the suspect for authorities.  

Police lieutenant Matt Wallander said the 911 caller mentioned that there were guns involved -- and both men were initially detained. Officials later learned that the man with the gun was the victim's neighbor, and was actually a witness.

The suspect, a 25-year-old Manitowoc man, was booked for burglary and criminal damage to property.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)