Green Bay News

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed into law a measure to create a nationwide alert system to help catch anyone who hurts, kills or makes credible threats against police officers.

The new system would be similar to the Amber Alerts used to find abducted children.

The bill is named for New York City police officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, who were shot in Brooklyn days before Christmas by a man who later killed himself. Families of the slain officers were on hand to see Obama sign the bill in the Oval Office.

Obama says it’s important for communities to do everything possible to ensure the safety of police officers. He says the alerts could help warn officers when there is an active threat against them.

MADISON (AP) – A disabilities rights group says the Legislature’s budget committee plans to vote on creating a special needs voucher program in Wisconsin, a divisive proposal that’s been floated and rejected several times in recent years.

Disabilities Rights Wisconsin on Tuesday urged its members to contact lawmakers and tell them to reject the idea. It’s expected to come up during an afternoon meeting of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee.

The Republican co-chairs of the committee did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Disabilities rights groups have historically opposed special needs vouchers, saying it drains money from public schools that are required to educate the students and those who accept the vouchers will not have the same protections under federal law that they receive in public school.

MENASHA (AP) – Authorities are finishing up an investigation into the background and mental health history of a gunman who killed three people and wounded another before taking his own life during a random shooting on a bridge in eastern Wisconsin.

Investigators are looking in every direction in an attempt to put a picture of what happened together, according to Menasha Police Department spokesman Aaron Zemlock. The mental condition of 27-year-old Sergio Valencia del Toro of Menasha is being closely examined by police, he told Post-Crescent Media.

“We’re looking into that and what, if any, diagnoses he had,” Zemlock said.

Police also are interested in analyzing behavioral records from Valencia del Toro’s military service, he said.

Valencia del Toro previously served as a senior airman in the U.S. Air Force when he was discharged for an unknown reason in 2014, according to military records. And he more recently had enlisted in the U.S. Army, according to police.

His fiancee, Haylie Peterson, told investigators that Valencia del Toro had been suffering from “major depression” and irrational behavior in the days leading up to the May 3 shooting on the Trestle Trail bridge. The couple had recently called off their wedding and got into an argument just over two hours before the shooting took place, according to police.

Jon Stoffel of Neenah, his 11-year-old daughter, Olivia, and Adam Bentdahl of Appleton were killed. Stoffel’s wife, Erin, survived after being shot three times and is recovering from her injuries.

Mental illness and depression are common characteristics of mass killers, but there are other factors that lead to homicidal behavior, according to Jack Levin, a professor of sociology and criminology at Northeastern University in Boston.

“There are millions of Americans who are depressed, and they never kill anyone,” said Levin, a national expert on mass murders and serial killings. “It is true that most mass killers are chronically depressed, but depression by itself does not normally lead to violence.”

A comprehensive report on what led to the shooting will be released soon, Zemlock said.

But it’s likely some questions will never be answered, he said.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – A Florida man charged with shooting at George Zimmerman last week had “a fixation” on the former neighborhood watch leader and had recently been admitted to a mental institution, according to a police report made public Tuesday.

The Lake Mary Police Department report said that 36-year-old Matthew Apperson had shown signs of paranoia, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Apperson’s attorney, Mark NeJame, didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Zimmerman told officers he had been driving in the Orlando suburb of Lake Mary last week when Apperson got behind his truck and yelled, “You remember me you fat mother f—–?” according to the report.

Apperson then yelled at Zimmerman, “You owe me your life. The only reason I didn’t press charges on you is because I wanted to kill you myself,” Zimmerman told detectives, according to the report.

Zimmerman and Apperson had a previous road-rage encounter last September, when Apperson alleged that Zimmerman had threatened him. Apperson decided not to pursue charges, and police officers were unable to move forward without a car tag identified or witnesses.

In the most recent incident, Zimmerman told officers he laughed and called Apperson a clown, and Apperson fired a gun at his car a short time later, leaving a bullet hole in his passenger-side window. Zimmerman suffered minor injuries.

Apperson gave police officers a different account. He said Zimmerman had pointed a gun at him as they were driving, so he fired at him with his revolver. A detective at the scene said he overheard Apperson say, “I hope I got him this time,” according to the police report.

Apperson was charged last Friday with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery and firing a missile into an occupied conveyance. He was released over the weekend on $35,000 bond.

Zimmerman was acquitted of any crime two years ago for fatality shooting unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. The case sparked protests and a national debate about race relations. The U.S. Justice Department later decided not to bring a civil rights case against Zimmerman.

Zimmerman has had several brushes with the law since his acquittal in 2013. He just recently moved out of Florida but had returned to the Orlando for Mother’s Day.

MADISON (AP) – A newspaper is reporting that records suggest Gov. Scott Walker received a letter pledging a $500,000 loan to a campaign donor’s construction company.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Paul Jadin, then-chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, sent a letter in September 2011 to Building Committee Inc. owner William Minahan pledging WEDC would give the company the loan. The letter noted that Walker was copied in.

Jadin is a former mayor of Green Bay and president of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. He left WEDC in 2012 for to head a Madison-area economic development group.

Minahan gave Walker $10,000 in 2010. Democrats have called for a federal investigation into the loan, which hasn’t been repaid. The governor has said he wasn’t aware of any part of the loan process for BCI.

A Walker spokeswoman told the Journal Sentinel that Walker never got a copy of the letter.

TOWN OF VANDENBROEK – One person was killed and another injured in a crash Tuesday morning just north of Kaukauna.

Outagamie County sheriff’s officials say the crash happened around 9 a.m. at the intersection of highways 55 and JJ. A truck headed north hit a car headed east.

The driver of the car was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials later said that person had died. The driver of the truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Highway 55 is closed in both directions. Traffic is being detoured onto Coenen Road, Weyers Road, Highway JJ and Highway J.

MADISON (AP) – Republican Gov. Scott Walker says he wants the board that runs his troubled economic development agency to discuss a questionable loan at its next meeting.

The Wisconsin State Journal newspaper has reported the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation gave Building Committee Inc. a $500,000 loan in 2011. The company’s owner, William Minahan, gave Walker a $10,000 campaign contribution in 2010. The company didn’t create any jobs with the loan and hasn’t paid it back.

Walker serves as WEDC’s chairman but has said he wasn’t aware of any part of the loan. Democrats have called for a federal investigation.

His state spokeswoman, Laurel Patrick, announced Monday evening that Walker wants WEDC’s board to discuss the loan at its next meeting, scheduled for July 20. She says the issue needs thorough discussion.

NEENAH – The lone survivor of a shooting on Menasha’s Trestle Trail has made her first public statement since the May 3 shooting.

Erin Stoffel, 32, was injured in the shooting and remains in good condition at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. Her 33-year-old husband, Jon, and 11-year-old daughter Olivia were killed in the shooting.

Through a hospital spokesperson, Stoffel released the following statement:

“I am grateful to my friends, family and the community for their outpouring of support and prayers to me and my children. I have a long road ahead of me, but my doctors say I am making progress. It is still hard.

“Jon was such an incredible husband and father. I was so honored God chose me to be his wife. He taught me so much and was so selfless, loving and funny. I could go on and on. Olivia was the most sweetest, dear daughter. She had a heart of gold and loved her family and close friends. I miss them so much and the pain is deep.

“However, I cherish my visits in the hospital with (her children) Ezra and Selah and, with the help of God, will be strong for them. I look forward to joining them at home soon.”

Investigators believe the victims were shot at random. Another man, 31-year-old Adam Bentdahl of Appleton, was also killed. The shooter, 27-year-old Sergio Valencia del Toro, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.

Ingredients:

4 oz of cream cheese at room temp
1 cup sour cream
4 oz blue cheese
2 Tbsp fresh chives
Sprinkle of pepper

Directions:

With a handheld mixer, blend cream cheese and sour cream. Add the crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives. Add pepper and beat until blended.
(Can be made 1 day ahead) Serve with vegetables or chips

KENOSHA (AP) – Health officials in Kenosha County are investigating an outbreak of a food-borne illness.

County health department spokesman Mark Melotick says more than 20 people have gotten sick from suspected salmonella. Health officials are looking for the source of the salmonella, which can result in flu-like symptoms.

State health officials are working with the county Division of Health on the outbreak.

BALSAM LAKE (AP) – A Minnesota man accused in a fatal stabbing along the St. Croix River is back in court, accused of violating terms of his bond.

Prosecutors allege 19-year-old Levi Acre-Kendall used his Twitter account to contact a couple of witnesses who were with him when the deadly confrontation occurred last month. During a court appearance Monday, the teen’s $75,000 cash bail was rescinded until a judge rules on the new bail jumping charge against him.

Thirty-four-year-old Peter Kelly, of St. Croix Falls, was fishing on the Minnesota side of the river and got into a verbal altercation with Acre-Kendall and others who were on the Wisconsin side. Kelly was stabbed in the chest when he went to confront the group at Interstate Park April 14.

KMSP-TV reports Acre-Kendall earlier pleaded not guilty to first-degree reckless homicide.

TOMAH (AP) – The Tomah VA Medical Center has a 30-day plan that leaders say will improve the hospital’s operation in light of recent criticism.

Veterans Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating reports of overprescribing practices and retaliatory behavior at the facility. Tomah VA spokesman Matthew Gowan says objectives of the plan released Monday include improving partnerships with the labor union, emphasizing leadership and reaching out to care providers.

WAOW-TV reports the hospital plans to hold five employee listening sessions.

Candace Delis, of Marshfield, says she’s not impressed. Her father died in the hospital’s waiting room last January. Delis calls it “administrative nonsense” that doesn’t address patient needs, including wait times.

The hospital plans to report on progress after 30 days.

• Click here to read the plan

Looking for some grilling ideas for the Memorial Day weekend?

Leah Fogle, the executive chef from the Appleton Beer Factory, showed us a couple great recipes.

Grilled Italian Potatoes:

3 cups diced potatoes
½ cup diced mushrooms
½ cup diced mixed bell peppers
¼ cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons herbes de provence
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Square aluminum fail pan

Toss ingredients directly in the aluminum pan. Cover with foil and put on the grill immediately after lighting. When the coals are ready your potatoes should be done. If you want to bake them in the oven I suggest 400 degrees until tender (about 30 minutes)

PESTO BURGERS:
1 large sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1 ½ lb. ground chuck
4 tablespoons pesto
1 tablespoon garlic
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
Italian style rolls

Prepare gas or charcoal grill. In a bowl, toss the onion and bell pepper with the oil to coat and then season with salt and pepper. Place then in an aluminum foil pan. In a bowl, combine the beef, 2 tablespoons of the pesto, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and mix gently until combined. Form into 4 equal patties. In a small bowl, stir the remaining pesto into the mayonnaise. Set aside.

Place the vegetables on the grill and cover. Add the patties about 15 minutes after the veggies. Turn after 4 to 5 minutes for medium burgers. At the last minute, add the rolls to the grill to toast.

To assemble, spread the pesto mayo on the bottom of the roll, top with the beef patty and finish with the grilled onions and peppers.

PESTO BURGERS:
1 large sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1 ½ lb. ground chuck
4 tablespoons pesto
1 tablespoon garlic
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
Italian style rolls

Prepare gas or charcoal grill. In a bowl, toss the onion and bell pepper with the oil to coat and then season with salt and pepper. Place then in an aluminum foil pan. In a bowl, combine the beef, 2 tablespoons of the pesto, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and mix gently until combined. Form into 4 equal patties. In a small bowl, stir the remaining pesto into the mayonnaise. Set aside.

Place the vegetables on the grill and cover. Add the patties about 15 minutes after the veggies. Turn after 4 to 5 minutes for medium burgers. At the last minute, add the rolls to the grill to toast.

To assemble, spread the pesto mayo on the bottom of the roll, top with the beef patty and finish with the grilled onions and peppers.

PESTO BURGERS:

1 large sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1 ½ lb. ground chuck
4 tablespoons pesto
1 tablespoon garlic
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
Italian style rolls

Prepare gas or charcoal grill. In a bowl, toss the onion and bell pepper with the oil to coat and then season with salt and pepper. Place then in an aluminum foil pan. In a bowl, combine the beef, 2 tablespoons of the pesto, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and mix gently until combined. Form into 4 equal patties. In a small bowl, stir the remaining pesto into the mayonnaise. Set aside.

Place the vegetables on the grill and cover. Add the patties about 15 minutes after the veggies. Turn after 4 to 5 minutes for medium burgers. At the last minute, add the rolls to the grill to toast.

To assemble, spread the pesto mayo on the bottom of the roll, top with the beef patty and finish with the grilled onions and peppers.

GREEN BAY- It was an exciting morning on Good Day Wisconsin.

7 qualifiers joined us in studio for the Ellen Vacation Celebration contest.

Marilyn Bloy of Kaukauna won the grand prize, a trip of Hollywood to see Ellen.

Click on the video to see Marilyn win.

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) – A 22-year-old father has been charged with manslaughter in Connecticut after an autopsy showed there was a high level of alcohol in the system of his 5-month-old son.

Jorge Chiclana of Bridgeport was arrested Monday after a yearlong investigation into the death of the boy, who was not breathing when emergency workers responded to a 911 call from his Norwalk home on May 16, 2014.

Police say post-mortem toxicology tests eventually revealed the high blood-alcohol level.

Authorities tracked down Chiclana at a motel in Stratford, where he was arrested on Monday.

He was unable to post a $75,000 bond, and it’s not clear if he has hired a lawyer. He was due in Superior Court on Tuesday to face charges of second-degree manslaughter and risk of injury to a minor.

GREEN BAY – An art studio formerly in De Pere has found a new home in downtown Green Bay.

The Assemblage Studio opened in 2006. The studio made the transition to Green Bay this year.

The Assemblage studio features different types eclectic art from book art to jewelry and mixed media art.

FOX 11’s Pauleen Le spent the morning checking out the Assemblage Studio’s new home.

For more information on the Assemblage Studio and upcoming art classes, click here.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY- A home is a total loss after an overnight fire.

The fire broke out around 3 a.m. Tuesday on County Highway F near Luxemburg.

It took about a half hour to put out

When firefighters got on scene, flames were coming from the roof.

The people living inside said they heard crackling noises. They got out safely.

No word on what caused the fire.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) – A Wisconsin man has been ordered to pay more than $2,300 for mistakenly shooting and killing a grizzly bear in northwestern Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials said Monday that Richard Kutcher thought the animal he shot May 16 was a black bear, not a grizzly.

Grizzly bears are listed as a threatened species and are illegal to hunt.

FWP officials say Kutcher reported the shooting to wildlife officials immediately and cooperated with the investigation.

Kutcher pleaded guilty in Flathead County Justice Court to killing a grizzly bear in a closed season. He was fined $235 and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY- Kewaunee County officials are asking people to watch out for some loose bulls.

Deputies responded to a report of three to four bulls on Highway 29, near Pilsen.

They got the bulls off the road but warn one of them was aggressive.

If you see the bulls, you’re asked to call the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department at (920) 388-7108.

GREEN BAY- Police are looking for a man who robbed a Green Bay gas station overnight.

Police say the man was wearing a mask and had a handgun.

Officials say it happened at the Grand Central Station on Radisson Street, that’s on the city’s east side.

This is all the Green Bay Police Department will share with us right now.