STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Nearly a dozen bars and restaurants in Sturgeon Bay have been cited for serving alcohol to minors.
Letters were sent out back in September warning the establishments that Sturgeon Bay police officers would be conducting complaince checks. They stopped at 33 businesses altogether, citing 11 for the offense.
Police say they will continue conducting compliance checks until there are zero businesses in Sturgeon Bay serving alcohol to minors.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A woman charged with crashing her car into two homes while drunk has pled no contest to two counts.
According to online court records, 23-year-old Janae Owens will be sentenced on January 17.
Owens was convicted of OWI causing injury and resisting an officer. Four other charges were dismissed.
Police say Janae Owens was speeding down Ninth Street in August, when she lost control and hit a home.
Officials say she then hit another vehicle and crashed into a second home. The vehicle narrowly missed a woman sleeping inside the second home.
NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Neenah need your help identifying two men that damaged and stole money from a vending machine.
Investigators say the two caused nearly $1,000 worth of damage to the machine around 1:40 a.m. on Friday, October 25.
The suspects also got away with an unknown amount of money.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Neenah Police Department at (920) 886-6000, and ask for Officer McDonald. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers at 231-TIPS or text IGOTYA plus your message to 274637.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - An updated proposal for a new Walmart in downtown Green Bay's Broadway District was presented to Mayor Jim Schmitt during a meeting Tuesday.
The retailer wants to build a 150,000 square foot store on North Broadway, near Kellogg Street.
However, Mayor Schmitt after the meeting says he's still not in favor of the proposal.
"The size is the same. They are convinced that that's what this market needs,” Schmitt told FOX 11. “You know - I am not there yet..."
Last month, Schmitt first met with Walmart officials and showed them some alternate locations on Velp Avenue and Ashland Avenue.
Walmart officials say they are dead set on building in the Broadway District, despite Mayor Schmitt's concerns.
"We did come back with a store design that's much improved. We feel that the square footage actually will meet the needs of our customers downtown,” said Walmart Public Affairs Director Lisa Nelson.
Store officials would only say the new revisions are significantly different and more pedestrian friendly.
As the plans currently are, even with revisions, Schmitt says they would have to go through a lengthy city approval process. He says it's not about Walmart, as a business. But how does it fit into the long-term.
“And that's the decision I'm going to make,” said Schmitt.
Walmart says it will now fine tune its revisions. Schmitt is looking to meet again and make a decision in the next two weeks.
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A proposed half-percent increase in Manitowoc County's sales tax has been voted down by the full board Tuesday night.
The plan would've raised the tax from 5% to 5.5%.
County Board Supervisor Todd Holschbach proposed the increase, arguing it would cover $4.8 million in backlogged maintenance and road repairs.
The proposal failed 23 - 2.
Some County Board members said while they oppose a higher tax, they believe the money generated from it would have been beneficial in the community. They believe maintenance and road repairs are items that should be considered in upcoming budgets.
“We have 11 deficient bridges and we’ve kicked spouses off the family health care plan. So we have big fiscal challenges,” said Holschbach.
But County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer claims the county has enough in its budget to cover the repairs. He says the motive lies in the employee health care costs.
$1 million of new tax revenue would have gone to that fund.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The Walnut Street bridge in downtown Green Bay malfunctioned Tuesday night.
Green Bay police were called to the bridge just after 6:30 p.m. after a fuse malfunctioned.
Officials indicate the eastbound arm is expected to be fixed on Wednesday.
MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Wisconsin has 18 new wildlife biologists.
The DNR said the new people began last month, and they're filling jobs that have been vacant for as long as two years.
Among other things, the new biologists are involved in overseeing public construction projects and recreation on state land.
They're stationed throughout the Badger State at places like Madison, Oshkosh, Mishicot, Green Bay, Wausaukee, Black River Falls, Eau Claire, Baldwin, and Merrill.
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Two Rivers police say a 19-year-old man is dead after his vehicle was sideswiped by another vehicle stemming from a rivalry.
Police say this could have all been avoided if someone took the higher road.
Cops say it all started around 10 p.m. Tuesday on S. 18th St. in Manitowoc. It ended with a crash on Highway 42 in Two Rivers.
Police say 22-year-old Shawn Lischka was behind the wheel, when he sideswiped the vehicle driven by Eric Neuman. Neuman lost control, spun and hit the guardrail. Police say Neuman was ejected from the vehicle and died.
Authorities say Lischka was later arrested at his Manitowoc home.
"We charged him with hit and run causing a death, as well as homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle," says Two Rivers Police Chief Joseph Collins, who called it a highly unusual event. "We have some issues with different people having disagreements that lead to confrontations, but never to this type of conclusion."
Lischka has yet to be formally charged. In court Wednesday, a judge set his bond at $5,000.
Manitowoc County court set bond at $5,000.
A 16-year-old boy in the vehicle with Neuman suffered minor head injuries. The other two men in that vehicle are said to be alright.
Police say alcohol and drugs played a role in the incident.
Lischka is due back in court next week.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - A resident of Green Bay is calling into question the gift of a cruise given to Alderman Brian Danzinger.
In a letter obtained by WTAQ, it accuses Danzinger of, "accepting a free 4th of July Food and Booze Cruise on the Foxy Lady."
The letter, dated Tuesday, November 19, was apparently submitted to the Green Bay City Clerk.
"This is the first I've heard of it, I'm not really sure where it's coming from," Danzinger said by phone Wednesday. "I know there were a number of city council members on that cruise."
WTAQ has learned that the cruise in question was sponsored by the Fire Over The Fox Committee. Officials say the city of Green Bay is influential in the event taking place and the offer of two tickets to the cruise was given to all council members.
According to Foxy Lady's website, they offer a cash bar and light snacks on their cruises. They also don't allow outside food or drinks.
"I take ethics very seriously and if somebody has a complaint, I want to make sure it's handled properly," said Danzinger, who represents part of Green Bay's west side. "I don't believe in handouts of money, I've made it very clear that I don't take campaign contributions and my numbers reflect that."
The letter said that they are, "concerned about retaliation and the heavy hand of Alderman Danzinger. The Foxy Lady staff said on the phone that the tickets were $32.00 each. This is a substantial amount of money to many of us who don't have the luxury of participating in booze cruises on the 4th of July because we're not elected. Public officials should not engage in illegal public perks. I think he should be fined, reprimanded and the amount be given to an anti-alcohol group. In addition, I would like to see elected officials receive ethics training. I have faith that Amy Kocha will bring this to light!"
MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Madison received a top rating of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign's annual Municipal Equality Index for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons.
Milwaukee also fared well, with a rating of 91. Green Bay had a relatively low score of 48.
The Human Rights Campaign evaluated 291 cities, at least three in each state. The ratings were based on how fairly LGBT people are treated in local laws, policies, and municipal services.
Madison and Minneapolis were among just 25 cities that got perfect scores. Milwaukee fell just short of perfection, mainly because it does not require that contractors provide equal benefits for LGBT workers.
Green Bay fell short in several categories involving its non-discrimination laws, while not ensuring that LGBT individuals are included in city services. The report also said Green Bay does not have a specialized police liaison or task force, and the city's overall relationship with the LGBT community has room for improvement.
WASHINGTON D.C. (WTAQ) - Three Wisconsin Indian tribes were among 33 honored at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, for helping save countless American lives during World War II.
Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to recognize "code talkers" -- Indians who used their native languages to send messages that the enemy could never understand.
The Ho-Chunk Nation had seven code talkers during the war. The Menominee had five, and the Oneida had four. None of those soldiers lived long enough to see their secret contributions recognized.
House Democrat Ron Kind of La Crosse co-sponsored a bill in 2008 to create the medals for the native soldiers. He said the famous battle of Iwo Jima would have been much longer and far bloodier, had it not been for the code talkers who could send messages in seconds.
If it wasn't for them, the troops might have needed a coding machine that would have sent messages in a half-hour.
Kind said the Indians sent out 800 battlefield communications with perfect accuracy at Iwo Jima -- and the enemy was none the wiser.
Congressional leaders John Boehner, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi were also among those honoring the Indians with the medals. Menominee chairman Craig Corn called the ceremony "outstanding."
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A $2,500 reward is being offered by Lawrence University in connection with the hit-and-run crash that injured a student back in October.
On October 9, Shannon Grant was struck by a car while crossing College Avenue in a marked, lighted crosswalk. The driver, who was heading west, left the area without stopping to check on Grant's condition. She suffered a broken leg and pelvis, along with road rash.
Investigators think the car involved was a silver or gray Chevrolet Impala with a spoiler on the trunk lid. Based on the wheel rims and markings on the vehicle, it is believed to be from a model year between 2010 and 2013. The vehicle may be damaged on the bumper or hood in the area of the driver's side headlight.
Lawrence University and Appleton police are working on creating a flyer with information on the suspect vehicle and driver. Plans call for the flyer to be distributed to businesses, hospitals and schools in the Fox Valley.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Leitzinger at (920) 832-5541. Anonymous tips can be made by sending a text message, starting with the keyword APDTIPS and followed by the information, to 274637.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The IRS is investigating a charity run by former Green Bay Packers' All-Pro safety LeRoy Butler.
Gannett Wisconsin Media said the government wants to know why Butler only made one annual filing, even though it's been raising money for more than a decade.
Gannett said the LeRoy Butler Foundation has not filed a report with the IRS since 2002, even though it kept raising funds through this year.
A scholarship fund started in 2009 lost its tax exempt status after Butler's foundation had not filed its returns by 2012. A short form filing from 2011 was the only one submitted for the scholarship fund.
The 45-year-old Butler played for the Packers from 1990 through 2001, and he won a Super Bowl ring in the 1996 season.
Butler has not commented to reporters. On social media, Butler said he was doing an independent review -- and a media report made him look "money hungry" when he was only trying to help people.
Gannett published a story earlier this week about athletes' charities that don't report expenses and returns correctly. The foundation said almost a week ago it would shut down after a final fundraising cruise next February.
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A man is facing numerous charges after Appleton police say he used his iPod to secretly videotape co-workers undressing.
It was reported to police back on September 11 at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
"A recording device had been found inside one of the employee restrooms," says Appleton Police Sgt. Dave Lund. "It had been recording images of other co-workers who were utilizing that restroom."
This week, 26-year-old Sean R. Babino was charged in Outagamie County Court with 17 counts. Ten of the charges are felonies for capturing an image of nudity without permission and 7 misdemeanors for privacy invasion.
"Mr. Babino had been videotaping had been videotaping without permission or consent activities within that employee restroom," Lund says. "There is no indication that the videotaping had occurred outside this restroom, or that it had involved anyone other than employees."
Police found several videos on the iPod, as well as videos on a hard drive at his home.
Babino is due in court December 12.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - It's going to be a busy weekend on the roads across Northeast Wisconsin.
With deer hunters, shoppers and Packers fans all getting behind the wheel, Wisconsin Department of Transportation spokesman Kim Rudat is urging folks to plan ahead.
"The most direct way may not be the quickest," says Rudat. "Mostly drivers know where they're going, and the best thing you can do is give yourself enough time."
The Leo Frigo Bridge remains closed with traffic routed onto Highway 172. Construction is also continuing on Highway 41 in Brown County. Two lanes of traffic will be open; however, drivers might still encounter road conditions in the work zones that could cause backups.
Local traffic in both the Fox Valley and Green Bay metro areas should consider using local roads to avoid congestion. Hunters and holiday travelers should also give themselves more time, especially in the event of inclement weather.
Deer hunters:
Deer hunters can expect to encounter heavy northbound traffic on most highways in the region beginning at noon on Friday, Nov. 22 and heavy southbound traffic on these routes from noon Sunday, Nov. 24 until approximately 8 p.m.
Heavy traffic will continue during the Thanksgiving holiday, with Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday being busy days.
Leo Frigo (I-43) Bridge
US 41
Brown County – Drivers will encounter 11-foot travel lanes and reduced shoulders in multiple locations along a 10-mile segment of highway. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph from just south of Grant Street to I-43. Temporary barrier walls at various locations will cause traffic to slow.
WIS 172
Brown County – Eastbound WIS 172 to northbound US 41 ramp is closed due to a bridge demolition that began before the Leo Frigo Bridge incident. Eastbound WIS 172 traffic wanting to exit to northbound US 41 will continue east on WIS 172 and take the Oneida Street/Ashland Avenue exit which ends at Vanderperren Way; take Vanderperren Way west to Holmgren Way, follow Holmgren Way north to Pilgrim Way and take Pilgrim Way east to westbound WIS 172 on-ramp to northbound US 41.
Shoppers:
Fox Valley: There are four exits along US 41 that can be used for access to the Fox River Mall shopping area. Planning alternate routes helps avoid backups on US 41 during the holiday shopping season.
For instance, motorists traveling north on US 41 can exit on County BB or WIS 96 (Wisconsin Avenue), avoiding a potentially frustrating and time-consuming back up that occurs at the WIS 125/County CA/College Avenue exit. Motorists traveling south on US 41 should consider exiting at WIS 15 (Northland Avenue) or WIS 125/County CA/College Avenue, again avoiding potential backups at the WIS 96 (Wisconsin Avenue) exit. Using these alternate routes will provide Fox Valley shoppers with a safer, less stressful holiday experience.
Green Bay area:
Law enforcement agencies will also be keeping a close eye on traffic. Capt. Nick Scorcio, Wisconsin State Patrol, offered this safety tip to motorists that might get caught in a back up on US 41. “The best thing for motorists to do when they spot a back up at their exit is to simply drive on to the next exit,” said Scorcio. He also had a tip for drivers passing through this area. “Be alert and move to the center or left lane early and cautiously if you observe traffic backed up into the right lane.”
Here is a list of the major roads in northeast Wisconsin most Packers fans will be traveling as they head for the game and the road conditions they should anticipate:
Leo Frigo (I-43) Bridge
Local residents are strongly encouraged not to use US 41 or WIS 172 on gameday. WisDOT will use eight message boards to inform motorists of traffic conditions on gameday.
WisDOT has an extra Freeway Service Team dedicated to US 41 and WIS 172 to quickly remove any disabled vehicles. One truck will be operating from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a second truck will be operating from 8 a.m. to noon and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Wisconsin State Patrol will have additional officers patrolling I-43, US 41 and WIS 172 to assist motorists.
US 41
All construction on US 41 will cease on Packer Gameday, although barrier walls and orange barrels will be present in various locations
Brown County –
WIS 172
Brown County –
I-43
Brown County –
WIS 29
Brown County –
WIS 32/57
Brown County (De Pere)
MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Hundreds of thousands of deer hunters will hit the woods in Wisconsin Saturday, to start a nine-day gun season that poses a number of challenges.
First, it's a later season than usual -- and the DNR's Kevin Wallenfang says it could mean less rutting activity. He says many areas as fairly wet, and that could limit hunters' access.
Also, Wallenfang says the deer will have lot more room to hide, because about 40 percent of the state's corn crop is still standing due to a late planting.
This fall's bow hunting harvest is lower in the north, because lots of deer could not survive the long winter from a year ago.
The current weather is not helping, either. Much of the state's mid-section received its first real snow cover this week -- but a lot of it's gone, as daytime temperatures continue to rise above freezing.
That won't be the case this weekend, though. Highs Saturday and Sunday are supposed to be in the teens and 20's statewide.
Deer hunters had good success a year ago. Bow hunters took a record number of bucks, and gun hunters shot their highest buck totals since 2007. A total of 368,000 deer was taken in 2012, more than each of the previous three years.
ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ) - A Green Bay man is under arrest after police say he drove into the side of the Oneida Mason Street Casino.
Authorities say it happened Thursday just before 7 p.m.
Cops say the 47-year-old man was driving on W. Mason Street, when he went through the median, across the frontage road, and then hit the casino.
The crash caused moderate damage to the building and the vehicle. There's no damage estimate yet.
No one was hurt. The driver was arrest for first offense OWI.
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Police in Appleton are looking for two people suspected in a purse snatching at a grocery store.
Authorities say it happened at the Copps store, 511 W. Calumet Street, around 5:20 p.m. Thursday. The victim, a 68-year-old woman, told cops her purse was stolen as she was walking into the store.
A police dog tried to track the suspects but couldn't find them. They were believed to have left to the east on Calumet Street.
The male suspect was wearing a white, zip-up jacket with a hood. The female suspect was wearing a long black jacket with a fur-lined hood and UGG brand boots. She had long hair.
Police released surveillance photos of the suspects, which can be seen above.
Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Gleiss at (920) 832-5516. Anonymous tip scan be sent in via text message, beginning with the keyword APDTIPS, to 274637.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - New details were revealed on Friday into the mysterious firing of a Green Bay elementary school principal.
At a press conference, Green Bay Area Public School District officials say former Nicolet Elementary principal Melisa Ellingson was fired October 16th for stealing staff-generated funds for personal use.
"Approximately $1,500 generated from funds from the staff soda machine, staff donations for the sunshine account, and proceeds from the sale of popcorn," said Green Bay Area Public School Superintendent Michelle Langenfeld. "It was because of the current checks and balances that we were able to place this misappropriation and it came to our light."
District officials say the funds have been recovered and returned to the district. That, along with consultation with the Green Bay Police Department, is the reason criminal charges were not pursued against Ellingson.
According to the district's legal counsel, Melissa Thiel Collar, officials were unable to share this information earlier due to compliance with state privacy law.
Documents provided to the media detail the case made for Ellingson's termination, along with the questionable purchases she made. They include multiple cash withdrawals from the "Sunshine Account", a $192.09 purchase at a Fond du Lac Walmart on August 15 and a $236.21 purchase from Pier One Imports on September 14.
The district says Ellingson admitted to opening a debit card on the Nicolet "Sunshine Account".
Also detailed is lying about failing to attend a three-day seminar in Rice Lake this past June. Ellingson apparently attended for a morning session on June 26, but told school officials, "She was hit by a drunk driver in a Walmart parking lot." It turned out Ellingson was cited for a retail theft violation at that Rice Lake Walmart.
District officials say if other allegations against Ellingson come to light, they will investigate them and could press charges at that time.
Phone calls and letters did go out to Nicolet Elementary School parents on Friday.
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - A Sheboygan County judge has scheduled a hearing in Steven Avery's criminal case.
On Friday, Judge Angela Sutkiewicz had a phone conference set for December 17. She has been appointed to the case following the retirement of Manitowoc County Judge Patrick Willis.
Avery is currently serving life in prison for the murder of Teresa Halbach in 2005.
Up until now, all of Avery's appeals have been denied. However, in June, he filed a motion seeking the appointment of a taxpayer-funded attorney, according to online court records.
Judge Sutkiewicz is also handling a civil lawsuit filed by Halbach's estate against Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey. That case has a scheduling conference set for Monday.
