GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Bay Packers offered a sneak peek inside the renovated Hall of Fame, by showcasing one of the more popular holdovers from the old space. 

The media on Monday got a first-look at the 1960's replica of Vince Lombardi's office.

"It's basically a rejuvenation of the old space, people loved coming in here and getting that historic feel of what Vince Lombardi did for our team," Packers Hall of Fame and Stadium Tours Manager Krissy Zegers. "Our new representation definitely shows a similar office, but now we're getting into a little bit of his coming to Green Bay and also his football strategy and how he coached the team."

This exhibit is part of the new 15,000 square foot space which will use the latest technology, enhanced interactive displays and more artifacts to help tell the story of the franchise.

A prime example of that is the new table kiosk, which can allow up to 6 people to use it at one time.

"We have lots of artifacts from Vince Lombardi, and it's impossible to display them all," said Packers Hall of Fame Curator Brent Hensel. "The kiosk allows us to show the visitor as much as possible including play diagrams, scrapbooks that you can flip the pages, photos, newspaper clips, and even children's letters that were written to him in the 1960's."

You're also able to sit at what Vince Lombardi's desk looked like and even take a phone call from the coach. 

"The phone will ring, and you can pick up the phone and actually hear his voice," said Hensel. "We have half a dozen different messages where Vince Lombardi is telling them what it's like to be a Green Bay Packer."

Hensel admits they discussed what the cost of having a hologram of Vince Lombardi inside the new Hall of Fame, but, "that's pretty expensive to do."

The hall of fame closed its old location in 2013 while the atrium underwent a $166 million renovation.

The public will get to see the new hall of fame Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 8:30 a.m.

SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The health officer in Shawano County says one person is being treated and monitored for tuberculosis.

FOX 11 reports that Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department officer Jamie Bodden confirmed the active case on Monday. Bodden said, "The department is currently addressing one active case of tuberculosis in the Tigerton area."

A community meeting is being held on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Tigerton Community Center to educate the public about tuberculosis. They will also provide further information as necessary.

Bodden and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services say steps are being taken to track down those who may have been exposed and possibly infected.

Health experts say cases are usually quarantined and treated at a person's home. There are about 50 tuberculosis – or TB – cases each year in the state.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It can be spread through air by coughing, sneezing, speaking or even singing.

Close and repeated contact with an infected person is usually needed to spread TB to someone else. Symptoms can be similar to that of a common cold, including bad cough, fever – but also includes chest pain and coughing of blood. If left untreated, TB can be fatal. According to the CDC, it was once the leading cause of death in the United States.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says this active case is not believed to be associated with a previous case in Shawano County earlier this year.

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The first games of the Wisconsin high school football season are just days away.

With the new season comes new data from the most recent concussion study going on at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sports scientist Tim McGuine says, in the last 3 years studying helmets, the brand, cost and age of the helmet has little to no effect on concussion prevention.

But data collected in 2014 regarding stricter regulations on contact during practices showed that prior to that, 9 percent of players were getting concussions. One year later the rate dropped to 7 percent.

However, concussions during actual games remained the same.

McGuine says that the benefits of high school athletics far outweigh the risks, but anything that can be done to minimize concussions is a good idea.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) - Returning excess revenue from the Brown County stadium sales tax which ends next month is the goal of a bill by a Howard lawmaker.

Republican State Rep. David Steffen introduced his bill Tuesday which would pay back over $17 million to communities in Brown County.

Last Friday, Steffen received the new fiscal estimate that indicates the amount of excess revenue Brown County and its subdivisions are likely to get from the 0.5% sales tax.

"This money is transformative, its game changing, and it provides a great opportunity for community leaders who are behind me and those throughout the communities to do some great things in coordination with the people," Steffen said, according to FOX 11.

That half-percent sales tax has helped pay for Lambeau Field's renovations and maintenance over the past 15 years.

The goal of that sales tax was reached at the end of March. However, the tax will continue to be in place until September and will generate the extra revenue that Steffen's legislation deal with.

Steffen's plan would see 25 percent of the money go to the county for redeveloping the aging Brown County Arena.

The remaining funds would be distributed to the county's municipalities based on population. Those municipalities would have to use the money for either debt reduction or economic development.

Over the past 2 years, the stadium district board has been working on plans for that excess revenue. The board has yet to take a stance on Steffen's plan.

His bill would still need to be passed by the full Legislature and signed by the governor.

STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The mystery surrounding the disappearance and cause of death for a Fox Valley doctor has ended. 

In a release Tuesday, the Door County Sheriff's Office revealed that 63-year-old Dr. Jeffrey Whiteside of Grand Chute died from suicide. That determination came from the Brown County Medical Examiner, who completed their report on August 14.

According to the medical examiner's office, the estimated date of death was June 29, time unknown. No drugs or alcohol were found in the toxicology reports.

Investigators say the gun found near Whiteside's body was a .22-caliber Ruger revolver which had been fired once.

"The gun was purchased by a sporting goods company in Iowa in 1963 and interviews with siblings of Dr. Whiteside revealed that this store was frequented by their father," Door County Sheriff Chief Deputy Pat McCarty said. "That's the information we have is that potentially it may have been bought at that store by Dr. Whiteside's father."

Authorities also say a gun case recovered from the Whiteside boat had an impression mark that matched the revolver. Ammo found in that case was similar to the ammo that was in the gun.

As for the cell phone also recovered near the body, that has proven a bit more difficult to figure out.

"We conducted 2 search warrants in regards to the cell phone," said McCarty. "The phone was examined by an analyst from the Brown County Sheriff's Office and this examination was not successful."

McCarty could not discuss why these efforts were unsuccessful, but says the investigation of both the cell phone contents and handgun continue.

June 29 was also the last day Whiteside was seen alive at his family's boat slip in Ephraim after he and his wife had an argument. The body of Whiteside was found 2.5 miles away in a wooded area off of German Road in the Town of Liberty Grove on July 22 by K-9 searchers.

McCarty also took a shot at some media members, by stating in the official release that, "we appreciate the patience of most of the media members during this investigation".

"There's a process that needed to be followed, and some of the print media wanted us to prematurely comment on this case which would've been irresponsible for our officers to do," McCarty said when asked about that.

He added that while some in the Fox Valley community have expressed frustration with the lack of information on the case, he hasn't heard anything personally. 

"From time to time people comment on social media, but nobody has directly contacted us and questioned why we haven't released any more information," said McCarty.

McCarty said his agency is grateful for the assistance of both Headwater Search and Rescue and the group KERT during this investigation.

BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - The Brown County Sheriff's Department has provided a few more details surrounding the death of a police dog last week.

Last Wednesday, K-9 Wix died while inside a parked squad car at the PGA Championship in Haven. 

Sheriff's officials say Wix and his partner, Deputy Austin Lemberger, were conducting bomb sweeps at the golf tournament, under contract with organizers who agreed to pay the county for their time and expenses.

We're now learning that Wix, who was found unresponsive around 12:30 p.m., was last checked 47 minutes prior. Veterinarians say its normal for highly-trained police dogs to stay in squads with the engine running because the animals need to rest.

During a news conference last week, sheriff's said the squad car's air conditioning was left on but had quit working after the blower malfunctioned. An alarm that was supposed to sound if conditions became dangerous for the 3-year-old Belgian Malinois also failed.

Department officials tell FOX 11 that the alarm was faulty and didn't always work. As of now, no discipline is expected for Lemberger and there is no indication he did anything wrong.

Since the dog's death, the sheriff's department has tested its other K-9 heat alarms. All worked when tested. The faulty alarm will be replaced.

A necropsy - a procedure similar to an autopsy - is planned on Wix's heart to determine the exact cause of his death.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) —  A 23-year-old woman is dead after being struck by a semi in the area of Highway 54/57 at I-43 northbound in Green Bay.

It happened around 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials say the woman was suicidal.

The 51-year-old semi driver wasn't hurt.

Criminal charges aren't expected.

TOWNSHIP OF LOMIRA, WI (WTAQ) — One person is dead after a crash between two semis in Dodge County.

The crash happened around 2 a.m. Wednesday on I-41, north of State Highway 49 in the Township of Lomira.

Officials say a semi hauling water was making a u-turn through a median and was then struck by another semi with a box trailer.

The driver with the box trailer was killed. The other semi driver wasn't injured.

I-41 south in this area is still closed.

SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Court records show that the driver who caused a double fatal crash in Shawano County last week didn't have a valid driver's license due to a previous drunk driving conviction.

Authorities say 42-year-old Tony Garvey was driving a pickup truck which crossed the center line on Highway 47 and slammed into two vehicles Friday night near Bonduel. Garvey was killed in the crash.

The Shawano County Sheriff's Department says 55-year-old Roger Patoka, who was riding a motorcycle, also died. Other members of Patoka's family were inside an SUV that was struck. Patoka's wife and children did not suffer extensive injuries.

According to online court records, Garvey was convicted in 2013 of 4th offense OWI. He was sentenced to 14 months in state prison, serving 9 months before being released. Garvey's license was revoked for 3 years -- a term which would have extended into at least 2016.

Investigators have not said alcohol was a factor in Friday's crash.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton police say the family of a missing man is asking the public for help finding their loved one.

22-year-old John Lee was reported missing on June 21. Police say the day before, officers were called to his home in the 1200 block of E. Taft Avenue for a criminal trespassing complaint. Lee was interviewed and was last seen that evening.

Authorities say Lee's vehicle and phone were left at a friend's house. Officers have conducted interviews and checked records, but have been unable to find him. Lee's family has also privately sought information.

Lee is described as being 5'7", around 280 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Chue Thao at (920) 832-5953. Anonymous tips can also be sent by text message to 274637 with the keyword APDTIPS at the beginning of the message.

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Manitowoc police say a woman has been arrested after hitting six vehicles on 10th Street early Wednesday.

Authorities say the 25-year-old New Holstein woman struck two trucks parked in a driveway, pushing them into 3 other vehicles around 1:30 a.m.

Another vehicle was also hit about a block away. 

The woman, who suffered non-life threatening injuries, was arrested for DUI.

ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy said today that the team will make an announcement Thursday about plans for the Titletown District development west of Lambeau Field.

During a question and answer session during a "Play 60" event, Murphy was asked about the project.

"If you have driven by, you've probably noticed there's no more buildings there. So, we've purchased most of the land - and I would love to be able to answer in very great specificity your answer - but, we have a major announcement we'll be making tomorrow. So, stay tuned, it will be called the Titletown District and we're very excited about it," Murphy said, according to FOX 11.

Ashwaubenon Village President Mike Aubinger also reference a Thursday announcement during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community center earlier today.

The Packers have acquired dozens of properties in that area west of Lambeau Field, including the former Kmart location. FOX 11 cites sources as saying the development will include a high-end hotel, restaurant and a medical facility.

TOWN OF CICERO, WI (WTAQ) - A fire caused by a fatal crash involving a semi-truck and an SUV has damaged part of Highway 47.

Outagamie County sheriff's report that the crash happened at the intersection with Highway G, north of Black Creek in the Town of Cicero.

Witnesses say the SUV was driving northbound and lost control before the crash Wednesday morning. Officials say it struck the southbound semi in the gas tank, causing the fuel to start on fire.

The SUV driver died in the crash, while the semi driver was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries. We're learning that the semi driver has died.

Authorities say the semi was carrying plastic bags.

Highway 47 is expected to be closed to traffic for several hours. The Wisconsin DOT says drivers can get around the crash using Highways 54, 55 and G.

KEWAUNEE, WI (WTAQ) - A couple convicted of beating and intimidating their children, some of whom were adopted from Africa, will spend time behind bars.

Christine and Steven Oswald of Kewaunee County were accused of child abuse, after reports surfaced that they would end outdoor chore sessions with slapping their children, locking them in their rooms and forcing them to eat soap.

The kids ranged in age from 4 to 18.

Christine Oswald will spend six months in jail and be put on probation for 3 years after being convicted of child abuse and child neglect.

Steven Oswald will spend 3 months in jail for a battery conviction, but entered into a deferred prosecution agreement on a felony child abuse count. That means it will be dropped in 3 years if he follows the terms of his three-year probation.

Neither Oswald will be allowed to have contact with the children unless approved by the probation agent.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The relationship between a city and its police force is a vital bond to allow people the freedom and ability to live, work and play.

These days, that bond is fraying. But the work on repairing this disconnect continues. 

WTAQ Anchor/Reporter Jeff Flynt spent a day in the life of a Green Bay Community Police Officer David Schmitz for a 3-part feature story entitled "Behind the Badge".

You can listen to those parts after they air on Mike, Matt and the Morning News this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

TOWN OF HOLLAND, WI (WTAQ) - Fire crews responded to a barn fire in Brown County Wednesday evening.

Authorities say the fire took place at a hay bar near Highway D and Lamers Clancy Road in the Town of Holland.

Officials could see heavy smoke from the road. No other details have been released.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The long-awaited announcement from the Green Bay Packers came Thursday, as team officials unveiled plans for the Titletown District.

It will be a nearly 34-acre development west of Lambeau Field, which aims to maximize its unique location to attract more visitors to the area, spur additional regional economic growth and offer new amenities to residents.

"We’re very excited to share our vision for the Titletown District," Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy said. "The public plaza, with its size and location near Lambeau Field, will be a draw that is very unique in our area and a wonderful public space for our community."

The Titletown District will feature a 10-acre public plaza, a park-like setting with year-round, diverse programming with cultural opportunities, and offers a versatile area for a variety of uses, including a winter ice skating rink and team-inspired public art, in addition to festive game day action.

The three key tenants are the Kohler Company, Bellin Health and Hinterland Restaurant and Brewery.

"Kohler Co., Bellin Health and Hinterland are three great Wisconsin organizations that provide exceptional service in their respective areas. We’re thrilled they will be a part of Titletown," said Murphy. "They each will bring more visitors to the area, serve our current residents and add to the draw for our community as a whole."

Kohler Co. will build a hotel called "Lodge Kohler", a proposed Four-Diamond hotel on Ridge Road. The new hotel will include a panoramic bar and restaurant, an indoor/outdoor garden pool, spa and fitness facility, and an outdoor area featuring a tented event space. 

"Kohler Co. is proud to collaborate with the Green Bay Packers to develop Lodge Kohler in the new Titletown," said Kohler Executive Chairman Herb Kohler. "The hotel will be our company’s 4th hotel in an iconic location adding to The American Club and Inn on Woodlake in Kohler, Wisconsin, and The Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland. The new hotel will offer guests a high level of accommodation, excellent service and unique amenities."

Bellin will operate a nearly 30,000 square foot sports medicine facility, geared toward injury prevention, performance improvement, and treatment and therapy for injuries. It will include lab, x-ray and MRI, along with sports nutrition and sports psychology services.

The clinic will be staffed by longtime Packers team physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie, as well as Dr. Jim Ebben, Dr. James Spears and other sports medicine specialists.

"The proximity of this location to the team’s facilities certainly heightens the level of convenience for Dr. McKenzie and the players needing injury evaluation and treatment," said George Kerwin, Bellin Health president and CEO. "That being said, the most prominent aspect of our relationship with the Packers has been our shared desire to elevate the health and wellness of the community. This facility is an opportunity to share a magnificent sports medicine facility with athletes of all abilities."

Hinterland Restaurant and Brewery will move out of their downtown Green Bay location, and headquarter in a new 20,000 square foot facility at the corner of Ridge Road and Lombardi Avenue.

"This is a big day for us," said Bill Tressler, owner and creator of Hinterland restaurant and artisanal brewery. "My wife, Michelle, and I have been brewing for over 20 years and pairing our beer with exceptional food in our restaurant. This new location, across from Lambeau, will allow us to expand our brewing operation and create a craft beer experience that is unique to Hinterland and will wow our guests."

Hinterland will feature a main floor brew pub and restaurant experience that pairs farm-to-table culinary experiences with game day specialties. The exterior walls will be retractable for outdoor experiences – complete with heated concrete and heat lamps for the ultimate tailgating, event or concert environment.

The restaurant’s upper level will host an intimate 50-75 seat restaurant featuring Hinterland’s signature Green Bay culinary experience; and also have rooms for private events.

The brewery will produce 20,000 bottles annually and have tours and tasting rooms for guests to learn about Hinterland and its unique approach to craft beers and the art of brewing.

Team officials hope to open parts of the Titletown District before the 2017 season.

You can learn more about the Titletown District here.

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A suspect tied to a human trafficking and prostitution ring in Northeast Wisconsin made his initial court appearance Thursday.

An Outagamie County judge set Brandon Smith's bond at $10,000. 

Smith is one of 3 suspects charged in the case which alleges they coerced about 10 women into the prostitution ring by buying them things or giving them a place to stay.

Police say these crimes happened in several cities in the Fox Valley, in Green Bay and even out of state.

Elizabeth Johnson is due to be arraigned in court August 28, while a court date has not been set for Charles Nash.

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The public is getting their first chance to see the new Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Friday.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday morning for the new 15,000 square foot space, which is spread across two levels.

Officials say the reimagined Hall of Fame incorporates new technology and interactive displays to give fans the ultimate experience in reliving the Packers' finest achievements in history.

The Hall of Fame closed to undergo renovations in November 2014. During that time, fans could still see some of the artifacts at the Neville Public Museum.

For more information on the Hall of Fame and ticket pricing, click here.

KESHENA, WI (WTAQ) - A Menominee Tribe proposal to grow marijuana for medical or recreational purposes passed in an advisory referendum that took place this week.

Results released Friday show about 58 percent of those voting said yes to legalizing recreational marijuana. Even more tribal members, about 77 percent, approved allowing pot for medicinal purposes.

After Governor Walker rejected a proposal for the tribe to build a casino in Kenosha, some tribe members say marijuana is a way for the tribe to make some extra money. Others say the drug has too many bad side effects.

If the tribe ultimately approves growing marijuana, it will only be available to tribal members, and only allowed on tribal land.

If the tribe does move forward with the proposal, leaders say there are other issues to consider, such as making sure minors do not have access to it, gangs do not become involved, and that it does not go outside the reservation to places where it is illegal.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)