WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Two people are safe after a truck fell through the ice on Lake Winneconne.
It happened around 10:30 p.m. Sunday in Winnebago County.
When crews got on scene, the truck was partially submerged.
One person was stuck in the truck and the other one on top of it.
Rescue boats from a couple departments rescued the male and female.
The female had a bump on her head, but other than that, they are fine.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Tensions are high around the world and country after a deadly shooting at a Quebec City mosque kills six people and injures many more Sunday night.
Green Bay Police Captain Todd Le Pine says they check in frequently with the Islamic Society of Wisconsin located at 1512 Velp Ave. and says the department hasn't had any requests wanting extra patrols.
"We actually stopped by there within the last couple of days just to check in, which we normally do and we haven't been able to contact anybody there. But we're going to check back to see if they request any kind of extra patrol or anything from us," Le Pine said.
Appleton Police Sergeant Dave Lund says they haven't had any calls or concerns either regarding safety within the Muslim community since the weekend attack.
"We have a good relationship with the community. We interact with them frequently," said Lund.
Both departments said should the Muslim community need them, they will be there to help out.
Islamic Society of Wisconsin Reacts to Terror
Hamayun Mian is a member of the Islamic Society of Wisconsin and says he doesn't feel fearful in Green Bay despite the recent act of terrorism in Canada.
"The shooting itself, I was disappointed and saddened by that and any kind of taking of life," said Mian. "People have to understand each other through dialogue and communication. But this kind of stuff goes on all over the world and we just have to be better for it."
Mian, says he's also seen an outpouring of support from the community in light of President Trump's executive order temporarily banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries.
"A lot of people have called us saying they support us if we have any needs or issues. They're happy to come support us in any efforts."
Mian suggests contacting your congressman or representative if you feel certain policies are not appropriate.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - President Donald Trump's executive order currently banning refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, has put many on alert.
Brent Blahnik, Director of International Education at University of Wisconsin Green Bay, spoke to WLUK and says he's already seen that firsthand.
"We're getting some questions from students about is this going to impact my ability to work after I graduate"
There are currently no international students on VISA at UWGB who are affected by the ban, but several international students say it's an unsettling time.
Students like Amr Dahroug of Eygpt.
"It's not a part of what's going on, but if you look at a map, Egypt is basically surrounded by all the countries that got banned, it's not a good signal."
Dahroug says he chose to study in the U.S. because of its core values: the right for liberty, justice and freedom for all.
"So that fact is you're stripping rights away, which is one step backwards"
Blahnik says the details in what will be the short term and long term effects of the ban is what has many students worried.
"It's just happening so quickly that it's catching all of our students off guard and that's where the uncertainty is"
He says the changes have had some even second guessing an education in the U.S.
"One student called the university and said, 'I don't think I'll be able to study there because even though I'm not from any of those affected countries, I'm Muslim.'"
St. Nobert College, UW-Oshkosh, and Lawrence University officials say they currently do not have any students who are affected by the ban.
GREENVILLE/NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - A puppy worth almost $400 was stolen from the Fox Valley Humane Association this weekend... only to be surrendered to another area animal shelter a day later.
A stressful couple of days for Dorothy, a 4-month-old Sharpei-mix puppy, and the staff at the Fox Valley Humane Association.
Vicki Prey, the Outagamie County humane officer, tells WLUK...
"One of our staff noticed today that a puppy was missing from a litter of five that was surrendered to us over the weekend."
That missing puppy was Dorothy.
After doing a full sweep of the shelter, Prey says staff found some suspicious security footage, leading them to believe the dog was stolen.
"It appears that they were a little aware of our camera system here. They used a back door to get out of the shelter, and parked in a very strategically located stall" Little did the Fox Valley Humane staff know, Dorothy was dropped off at the Neenah Animal Shelter.
Ellen Pichler, the shelter coordinator at the Neenah Animal Shelter, says...
"We had a person come in, say they found a stray dog, so we put the dog's picture up on Facebook like we always do."
Pichler says they quickly put two and two together.
"I saw on Fox Valley Humane's Facebook page, and I said 'Wow, that really looks like the dog we have in back.' So I gave them a call, we confirmed that it was the same dog" Both the Fox Valley Humane Association and the Neenah Animal Shelter say social media played a big role in Dorothy being returned to where she belongs.
"There are various outcomes that could've happened to her, so we're happy she's back where she should be," Pichler said.
Humane association officials say stealing Dorothy is a serious offense. But luckily Dorothy, and those caring for her, got a happy ending in this story.
Officials at the Fox Valley Humane Association say the person in the surveillance video matches the description of the person who dropped-off Dorothy in Neenah... but they don't know who it is.
There's a $250 reward for information that identifies the puppy thief, and leads to an arrest.
GREEN LAKE, WI (WTAQ) - The Green Lake County Sheriff's Department is investigating vandalism at a Berlin cemetery.
Authorities say between Jan. 20-22, cross symbols at the St. Michael's Cemetery were damaged and will have to be repaired and replaced.
Berlin Police are investigating the incident.
Any information regarding this or any other crime may be reported anonymously to Green Lake County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-GET-THEM (1-800-438-8436), texted to GETTHEM at 847411, or e-mailed to (getthem@co.green-lake.wi.us).
Tipsters may be eligible for up to a $1000.00 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of any suspects.
UNDATED (WTAQ) - Media sources say a previously planned stop in Milwaukee Thursday for President Trump, will not be happening.
WITI TV in Milwaukee says Trump was supposed to be delivering a speech on the economy.
No word on why his trip got canceled.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - On Thursday Punxsutawney Phil will be making his yearly Groundhog Day prediction of how long winter will last, depending on whether he sees his shadow or not.
Meteorologist Jeff Last with the National Weather Service has insight of what Phil might be seeing.
"Well, it looks like we are expecting sunny skies so he'll probably see his shadow on Thursday morning."
Folklore says if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter...if he doesn't, spring will arrive early.
Despite what the rodent predicts, Last has a more dependable guess on how much winter is left.
"Regardless of whether he sees his shadow or not we are going to have 6 or 8 more weeks of winter because that's how it is here in Wisconsin," said Last.
Green Bay and the Fox Valley received 37 inches of snow so far this season which is about half a foot above the average. At this point in 2016, we had received only 21 inches.
"At least for the first half of February temperatures are going to be probably at or below normal. So, I think we're going to see a few more intrusions of that cold arctic air," Last said.
PESHTIGO, WI (WTAQ) - The Peshtigo community came together to make a difference.
An "Orange Out" Fundraiser was held for Meghan Harper at Peshtigo High School Tuesday night.
The fundraiser took place at the girls JV and Varsity basketball games.
People wore orange in support of Meghan, who is battling leukemia.
There was a "Dash for Cash" collection at halftime during the varsity game. Students ran around to get as many donations as they could in 60 seconds.
Peshtigo's principal also read a letter to Meghan, dedicating the school's basketball season to her.
She says the outpouring helps keep her strong.
"It makes me feel supported to know that everyone is keeping me in their prayers"
Meghan is preparing for her last round of chemotherapy. She will also undergo a bone marrow transplant.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A development project on Green Bay’s east side stalled out Tuesday afternoon.
The city's redevelopment authority denied the term sheet for 374 new apartment units at the old Packerland Packing site on University Avenue.
RDA members had concerns about the need for more apartments in the area, and $4.5 million that would have been provided in city assistance.
The project was also seeking $1 million in city assistance to prepare the site for development, which RDA members agreed was a reasonable request.
The city council is expected to take a final vote on the RDA’s decision next week.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - The developers for the Hotel Northland are no longer asking for a new $500,000 loan from the city of Green Bay.
The developers say in the past two weeks they've found out they'll be receiving more money than expected in historic tax credits.
That led them to pull the loan request that was supposed to be discussed at Tuesday’s redevelopment authority meeting.
Mayor Jim Schmitt and city council members got a look at the hotel's first model room. A model room allows the hotel to see how everything fits before ordering furniture for the rest of the rooms.
Earlier this month, it was announced the senior lender for the $44 million project pulled its $12.8 million loan for the project.
Project spokesperson Brigette Breitenbach tells WLUK they hope to have a new senior lender deal finalized in the next few weeks.
“We're working with a very interested bank right now. They like what they see. In fact, over the last two weeks, we've identified increases in historic tax credits that are coming into the project. We've also identified some costs and fees that have gone done and therefore, the elimination of that need for additional financing and support from the city has occurred.”
“I hope they're just being wise with the dollars and that's what it's all about,” said Green Bay Alderman Joe Moore.
Some council members have called for an audit of the project's finances.
Those came after letters were made public showing the former senior lender accused the developer of loan defaults.The developer has denied those claims.
Moore isn't worried at this point about the city being left with an unfinished project.
“They submit where their expenses are going on a weekly basis to the city, so we're getting reports. I have no problem with a third party taking a look at those reports and just seeing what they look like.”
The Northland developers are confident the hotel will still open this summer.
The Northland first opened in 1924. When it reopens, it will have 160 rooms.
WASHINGTON D. C (REUTERS) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated Neil Gorsuch for a lifetime job on the U.S. Supreme Court, picking the 49-year-old federal appeals court judge to restore the court's conservative majority and help shape rulings on divisive issues such as abortion, gun control, the death penalty and religious rights.
The Colorado native faces a potentially contentious confirmation battle in the U.S. Senate after Republicans last year refused to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee to fill the vacancy caused by the February 2016 death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia.
The Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, indicated his party would mount a procedural hurdle requiring 60 votes in the 100-seat Senate rather than a simple majority to approve Gorsuch, and expressed "very serious doubts" about the nominee. Liberal groups called for an all-out fight to reject Gorsuch while conservative groups and Republican senators heaped praise on him like "outstanding," "impressive" and a "home run."
Gorsuch, the son of a former Reagan administration official, is the youngest nominee to the nation's highest court in more than a quarter century, and he could influence the direction of the court for decades. He is a judge on the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and was appointed to that post by Republican President George W. Bush in 2006.
Announcing the selection to a nighttime crowd in the White House East Room flanked by the judge and his wife, Trump said Gorsuch's resume is "as good as it gets." Trump, who took office on Jan. 20 and has sparked numerous controversies, said he hopes Republicans and Democrats can come together on this nomination for the good of the country.
"Judge Gorsuch has outstanding legal skills, a brilliant mind, tremendous disciple, and has earned bipartisan support," Trump told an audience that included Scalia's widow.
"Depending on their age, a justice can be active for 50 years. And his or her decisions can last a century or more, and can often be permanent," Trump added.
Gorsuch is considered a conservative intellectual, known for backing religious rights and writing against euthanasia and assisted suicide, and is seen as very much in the mold of Scalia, a leading conservative voice on the court for decades.
"I respect ... the fact that in our legal order it is for Congress and not the courts to write new laws," Gorsuch said, as Trump looked on. "It is the role of judges to apply, not alter, the work of the people's representatives. A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge, stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands."
A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the choice of Gorsuch was seen by the White House as a significant departure from Supreme Court nominations from the recent past, given that many justices have come from the eastern United States. Gorsuch lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he raises horses and is a life-long outdoorsman.
The official said a screening committee helped in the selection process that included Vice President Mike Pence, White House counsel Don McGahn, chief of staff Reince Priebus and top strategist Steve Bannon.
Gorsuch became the youngest U.S. Supreme Court nominee since Republican President George H.W. Bush in 1991 selected conservative Clarence Thomas, who was 43 at the time. Gorsuch was in the same 1991 graduating class from Harvard Law School as Obama
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - If you're out on the Lake Winnebago ice near Oshkosh, you may have seen the rescue boat buzzing by.
The Oshkosh Fire Department is conducting training sessions this week, and firefighters say those sessions may compliment a busy month of fishing events scheduled on the ice.
John Ziemer, Oshkosh Fire Department Battalion Chief, spoke to WLUK.
"Every year, we try and get out on the ice and do some different water rescue training. Today, we're focusing a lot on boat operations, and operating the boat"
Ziemer say the Husky ice rescue boat can cruise in the water, on the ice or just about anywhere in between.
"As far as ease of use, and response time to ge out onto the lake, to get to a location on the lake, it is probably one of the most valuable tools we have"
During one training scenario, firefighters placed wooden sticks on the ice. Crews had to find the location, using GPS. Another drill involved driving this small rescue vehicle fitted with chains on the tires.
"Not everything that we respond to on the lake is water rescue. We also do have medical emergencies that happen out on the ice. So we also have our mule out here, which is like a four-wheeler," said Ziemer.
John Holland, Oshkosh Fire Department Public Information Officer, says firefighters say that training could be put to the test.
In the coming weeks, tens of thousands of people are expected to be on a frozen Lake Winnebago for events like the Otter Street Fishing Club Fisheree, sturgeon spear fishing, and Battle on Bago.
"With all that ahead of us, we want to make sure that we are ready to go, and it obviously is something that is on our radar, and makes us a little more prepared"
Holland says Lake Winnebago is a great resource...but must be treated with respect.
"The lake is great for recreation. We're lucky to have all this around us, but it is a very dangerous location as well. So many things can go wrong when you're out here"
Firefighters and other authorities remind people that no ice is ever considered 100 percent safe. Checking conditions with local fishing guides and bait shops is a good idea.
ASHWAUBENON, (WTAQ) - Some rags in a dryer caught fire at the Fairfield Inn in Ashwaubenon overnight.
It happened around 1 a.m. this morning at the hotel on South Oneida Street.
Officials say smoke filled the building.
It was evacuated and residents were moved to the Super 8.
After airing out the building, guests were let back in.
However some chose to stay at the Super 8.
No one was hurt.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - It's been speculation for the past week....now it's official.
One of the best selling artists of all time is coming to Lambeau Field.
You may know him as the "Piano Man" or simply, Billy Joel.
This morning, the Green Bay Packers organization, along with concert promoter Live Nation, announced more details on this year's summer concert.
The headliner is scheduled to perform Saturday, June 17.
It will be the third concert held at Lambeau over the past seven years.
Tickets go on sale Feb. 10 through Ticketmaster. A presale for American Express cardholders begins Monday.
Joel is a six-time Grammy Award winner and has sold more than 150 million records.
In 2012, Rolling Stone released a top 10 list of Joel's best songs of all time. Here's a look at the top five songs.
1. "Piano Man"
2. "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant"
3. "New York State of Mind"
4. "Only the Good Die Young"
5. "Captain Jack"
County music star Kenny Chesney is the most recent artist to perform at Lambeau.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay police continue to search for a man on the city's west side.
Officers say 20-year-old Jason Poe, ran away from a disturbance in the area of Shawano Avenue and Alvina Street.
Poe has a history of arming himself. Police are warning, if you do see him, do not approach him.
A related lockdown at two Green Bay public elementary schools, Chappell and Franklin, was lifted Wednesday afternoon.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - UW-Green Bay will be offering students a specialized degree only offered at a handful of other colleges in the state.
Beginning in the summer of 2018, a Master's degree in Athletic Training will be available on the Green Bay campus.
College officials say the degree provides a unique opportunity for students.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for athletic trainers across the country is expected to grow by as much as 21.3% from 2014-2024 and a projected 18% increase in the number of athletic training jobs in Wisconsin from 2012-2022.
To learn more about the new Master's degree, click here.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Music legend Billy Joel's concert stop at Lambeau Field on June 17 will mean a big payday for the city of Green Bay.
President and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau Brad Toll says they're are expecting 45,000 people for the event.
"Well it's fantastic and certainly a destination our size, to have a venue that can seat this number of people is pretty special."
Toll says the economic impact of the event is estimated to exceed $6,000,000.
To get that number, the bureau takes into account past revenue from home Packers games and also past concerts at Lambeau Field, like Kenny Chesney.
"We look at all those things and then try to estimate from there. So, I think $6,000,000 is a pretty solid estimate. They are always an estimate. You never know what people spend when they come into the community," said Toll. "An overnight stay typically means breakfast, dinner, you know, they go out and have fun in our community. Maybe they come early and visit one of our attractions or do some other things while they're here."
Toll says if visitors have a good time in Green Bay, there's also the chance they will come again in the future.
FOND DU LAC (WLUK) -- A Fond du Lac police officer was given a hero's send-off as he prepares to deploy overseas.
James Darnell is a sergeant in the U.S. Army.
He's one of nearly 100 guardsmen from two aviation units deploying to Kuwait and Afghanistan.
Sgt. Darnell is part of a MEDEVAC unit which travel to war zone areas to assist soldiers wounded in combat.
As a thank you, and to show their appreciation, Sgt. Darnell was presented with a Wisconsin state flag.
Sgt. Darnell said he thinks about the unknown but he is thankful for the support from the community.
"The support from the Fond du Lac community today was overwhelming. A big thank you for all that support because there's nothing harder than when you know you have to travel somewhere long distance and you don't have at least somebody behind you," said Sgt. Darnell.
Sgt. Darnell reminded those that attended to remember the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day for their community.
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) - On February 11th, thousands of spearers will take to the Lake Winnebago system hoping to harvest a sturgeon.
The chances of landing the prehistoric fish are fairly slim, so anglers are always looking for an edge.
One concern about the area below the surface typically tops the list.
DNR Sturgeon Biologist Ryan Koenigs spoke to WLUK.
"Water clarity, year in and year out is going to predict how many fish are going to be speared"
Koenigs says crews surveyed most of the system Monday, including Lake Winnebago.
"Average clarity was about 10 feet. It's a little bit below what you would want to see, or 12-13 feet average to be a more successful season. But still decent clarity, and hopefully conditions will improve"
Koenigs says water clarity on Lake Butte des Morts was about 2-4 feet, and water clarity on Lake Poygan was about 4-5 feet.
Another factor has to do with the sturgeon's diet. Koenig says, among other things, the big fish eat lake fly larvae, also know as red worms, and small fish called gizzard shad.
"We did have a strong gizzard shad hatch this last year, in 2016. So, there's an abundance of shad out in the lake. There's no kind of smoking gun, on what that means for where fish are going to be concentrated. But it's something spearers can kind of look for when they're scouting, are concentrations of shad increases the probability that there's going to be fish in the area"
And new this year, sturgeon are "Going Wild," as part of the state's electronic licensing system.
The green carcass tags are gone, replaced by a paper license.
"We're still requiring that spearers validate their tags immediately, but they do not have to attach the tag to their sturgeon, unless they're going to leave the fish. So the rule of thumb is, if you leave it, tag it. There is not an on line or call in registration where you get a confirmation number. With sturgeon, all fish still have to be registered at one of our registration stations"
The D.N.R. is also collecting sturgeon heads to be used in a comprehensive study on the fish. Fish biologists say ear bones in the sturgeon provide the most accurate measurement of the age of the fish.
Spearers can drop off the heads at one of 10 registration stations around the Lake Winnebago System.
The season starts Saturday morning, February 11th, at 7:00 a.m. and runs each day until 1:00 p.m.
The season is scheduled to last 16 days, or until the harvest cap is reached.
LOMIRA, WI (WTAQ) - A 25-year-old Lomira man was killed in a crash early Thursday morning.
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office says the man was driving his SUV south on Richard Street when the vehicle went off the road, hit a snowbank, went into a fence and flipped over.
The driver was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No one else was in the vehicle.
Investigators believe speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
