Green Bay News

GREEN BAY – A crash shut down traffic for a time on a stretch of W. Mason Street in Green Bay Friday afternoon.

The crash happened near the intersection with Country Club Road. Police say a truck rear-ended a county vehicle, pushing it into a second truck, breaking the second truck’s axle.

No one was hurt.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dozens of vintage military aircraft from World War II flew low over the nation’s capital to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, though one had to make an emergency landing due to mechanical trouble.

The flyover lasted nearly an hour Friday. Organizers say the historic plans flew at a low 1,000-foot altitude over the National Mall. Hundreds of veterans gathered at the World War II Memorial.

The aircraft flew in formations to represent the major battles of World War II. One plane participating in the flyover was the only B-29 Superfortress still flying. The planes that dropped the atomic bombs in Japan were both B-29 Superfortresses.

A B-17 from EAA in Oshkosh participated in the flyover.

There's our baby flying over DC just now. Proud moment for the #EAA B-17. #VEDay70 pic.twitter.com/t123mcAOud

— EAA (@EAA) May 8, 2015

Reagan National Airport was closed to flight arrivals and departures from about an hour to accommodate the flyover. Airport spokeswoman Kimberly Gibbs says a Curtiss Helldiver plane made an emergency landing because of a mechanical issue. No one was injured.

On Saturday, many of the historic planes will be displayed at the National Air and Space Museum’s facility in Virginia.

MARINETTE – A mom charged with child neglect in connection with injuries suffered by her child was convicted Friday.

Katrina Blasing-Goslin pleaded no contest to a count of child neglect. She will be sentenced July 20, according to online court records.

Ryan Lenz – who was helping care for the child – also pleaded no contest to neglect Friday. He is also set for July 20 sentencing.

No one has been charged with abusing the baby.

According to the criminal complaint, the baby’s mother, Katrina Blasing-Goslin, left the child with a friend in the town of Stephenson. Blasing-Goslin went to Milwaukee with the friend and the friend’s grandmother. Another man at the house – Lenz – was watching the baby. The complaint says he noticed the baby was injured and called Blasing-Goslin, who told him to wait until she returned. Prosecutors say Lenz cared for the baby and called Blasing-Goslin several times to ask if the baby should be taken to the hospital. Each time, Blasing-Goslin said to wait until she returned.

The four-and-a-half-month-old boy was taken to a Marinette hospital on Feb. 2. According to a criminal complaint, doctors there found that the child had severe injuries including fractures to his skull and other parts of his body, brain injuries and bite marks.

Sheriff’s investigators are still looking for more information in the case. They ask that anyone who knows anything call them at (715) 732-7627.

 

DE PERE — West De Pere entered Thursday’s baseball game with Denmark knowing if it had any chance to at least share the Bay Conference title it would need to find a way to beat an undefeated Vikings team which was starting Division I recruit Jack Collins.

Denmark has three pitchers who are DI recruits and one that is DII, so the Phantoms knew they would have to be at their best to win, especially after losing Tuesday at Denmark.

West De Pere received a brilliant effort from lefty Jacob Buboltz and a clutch hit from Reece Lade as West De Pere topped the Vikings, 4-1, Thursday.

(This) teaches us that we’re resilient,” Phantoms coach Joe Rukamp said. “This group of guys likes to play together and work hard every day. Tuesday was kind of a kick in the gut for us. We expected to go in there and play better Tuesday.”

West De Pere (13-4, 10-1) had multiple chances against Collins throughout the game, but for the first five innings the Phantoms only scored one run. In the bottom of the sixth, West De Pere loaded the bases for the second time against Collins with Reece Lade coming to the plate.

The catcher was down 1-2 in the count, but found a pitch in his “wheelhouse” and laced a double to right-center field, scoring three runs.

West De Pere’s Beau Mommaerts looks to throw out a Denmark runner during their game Thursday. (Doug Ritchay/WLUK

“I got down 1-2 and I was looking fastball and that’s what he gave me,” Lade said. “Luckily, I was able to hit it opposite field and it landed and knocked in three big runs.”

Buboltz then shut down Denmark (15-1, 8-1) in the seventh and forced a tie atop the conference. Buboltz allowed just four hits and struck out four.

“He’s throwing the ball great for us this year,” Rukamp said. “You talk about pitchers kind of having that bulldog mentality, for a guy who doesn’t throw overpowering he wants the ball and he wants to be the guy.”

“He’s outstanding, especially with having a D1 pitcher on our team, too,” Lade said in regards to Brendan Meissner. “A lot of people kind of look over him. He’s been pitching lights-out this year.”

While West De Pere managed to end Denmark’s bid at a perfect regular season, the Phantoms haven’t scratched the surface as to what they hope to do this season. They hope this is the start.

“Our goal is to win the conference,” Rukamp said. “We knew we had to get one back today. I like playing these little two-game series, because after playing them Tuesday we get after them again.

“We still have bigger goals. In Division 1 we want to try to get to the state tournament. We just have to come out and play good baseball. Seeing those pitchers we saw the last two days are only going to help us come playoff time. They are as good as anyone else around.”

Lade agrees, but was all smiles about beating an elite team.

“You get those 10-0 games, they’re fun to get a big win,” he said. “When you get in a real close game like this and win in the last inning, those are the best games you can get.”

Follow Doug Ritchay on Twitter @dougritchay

MADISON – Three new styles of license plates are now available.

The state Department of Transportation says a law enforcement memorial plate joins the “In God We Trust” and Trout Unlimited designs.

Unlike other plates, the law enforcement memorial plate is not designed as a fundraiser.

Extra fees for the Trout Unlimited plates, released in March, benefit the organization of the same name. Extra fees for the “In God We Trust” plates, made available last fall, go to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Trust Fund.

• Click here for more information on ordering specialty license plates

BROWN COUNTY (DOT) – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is announcing full closures of Highway 172 at the I-41/Highway 172 interchange in Brown County will take place overnight Monday, May 11, through Thursday, May 14. Various interchange ramps will also close nightly. The closures are needed work on bridge structures over Highway 172. Details of the closures and detours are listed below.

Monday and Tuesday, May 11 and 12:

• 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.: Overnight FULL CLOSURE of westbound Highway 172 between the off and on-ramps at I-41.
• 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Northbound I-41 off-ramp to westbound Highway 172 will be closed.
• Traffic will be detoured north on I-41 to Lombardi Avenue, take Lombardi Avenue west to southbound I-41 and follow I-41 south to westbound Highway 172.

Wednesday and Thursday, May 13 and 14:

• 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.: Overnight FULL CLOSURE of eastbound Highway 172 between the off and on-ramps at I-41.
• 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Southbound I-41 off-ramp to westbound Highway 172 will be closed.
• Traffic will be detoured south to Oneida Street, take Oneida Street east to northbound I-41 and follow I-41 north to WIS 172.

All lane restrictions and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change.

NEENAH – The church attended by three of the Trestle Trail shooting victims is holding a card-making party for the victims’ families as well as emergency crews.

The event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Monday at Calvary Bible Church’s Calvary Cafe, 1450 Oakridge Rd., Neenah.

Calvary Bible Church in Neenah is seen, May 4, 2015. (WLUK/Eric Peterson)

Card- and poster-making supplies will be provided, organizers say. Pre-made cards and note paper will also be available. Drop boxes will be available for each of the groups being sent cards: EMS crews, hospital staff, the Stoffel family and the Bentdahl family.

Those who cannot attend Monday night may also drop off cards at the church office by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Jon and Olivia Stoffel, who were killed in Sunday’s shooting, as well as Erin Stoffel, who survived, attended Calvary Bible Church. Adam Bentdahl was also killed in the random attack.

The shooter, Sergio Valencia del Toro, died of a self-inflicted gunshot, investigators say.

MANITOWOC – Tear down the Mirro building or it will be condemned: That’s the message from Manitowoc leaders to the owners of the downtown building.

Mayor Justin Nickels sent a letter to the owner of the shuttered cookware plant at 1512 Washington St. The letter demands the property owner submit to the city a demolition permit for most of the property by June 22. If that does not happen, Nickels says the city will pursue condemnation of the property.

“After the community listening sessions I held on this subject and talking to a plethora of citizens and business leaders, this is clearly the direction the city needs to take to eliminate this eye sore in our community,” Nickels said in a news release.

Part of the building has already been demolished. In this letter, the city asks for three-, five- and seven-story sections to be taken down. City leaders say a six-story section of the building should also be torn down, but that request was not part of this letter.

After operating in Manitowoc for more than a century, the plant closed in 2003. At its peak, 3,400 people worked there.

A special city council meeting has been set for June 22, where leaders hope to approve a demolition plan. Demolition would be required to begin by Aug. 6 and end by June 22, 2016.

DE PERE – In the classroom, De Pere High School senior Nicholas Ngo stands out.

And now he’s received a special distinction: As one of two Presidential Scholars selected from Wisconsin.

“Honestly, it still hasn’t set in yet. I’m still in shock because the odds are just so small,” said Ngo.

Ngo was chosen to apply based on his ACT and SAT scores, which he humbly declined to share.

“But I did pretty well,” he said.

After two rounds of essays, he was chosen.

“I think it’s something that has reflected my growth academically and as a person through the help of my teachers and the school,” Ngo said.

He also selected one teacher that inspired him towards his achievement, English teacher and academic decathlon coach, Becky Hawley.

“She’s been a really illuminating role model over the years,” said Ngo.

“Nick is certainly one of my once in a lifetime students. He’s so motivated and he’s so intelligent,” said Hawley.

In June, Ngo will head to Washington, D.C., to be recognized with other scholars.

He’ll live on the east coast starting in September.

“In the fall I’ll be attending Harvard. I’m planning on majoring in computer science or electrical engineering,” said Ngo.

So, is Ngo the next Mark Zuckerberg?

“It’s possible,” he said, with a bit of a laugh. “Because in an environment like Harvard, there are so many supportive people who are willing to make your dreams a reality.”

“I could see him being the next Mark Zuckerberg or something along those lines, because he’s so talented,” said Hawley.

While his future remains wide open, Ngo says he’s certain it will lead him towards his dream of helping others.

“I guess the larger goal in the grand scheme of things is to have a positive impact on the world. Some sort of contribution that will help better the human condition,” said Ngo.

The Presidential Scholar program selects one boy and one girl from each state each year for the honor.

STURGEON BAY – Two Northeast Wisconsin banks plan to merge.

Sturgeon Bay-based Baylake Corp. says it is merging with Kewaunee-based NEW Bancshares. Baylake Corp. operates 20 Baylake Bank locations, while NEW Bancshares operates four Union State Bank locations in Kewaunee, Two Rivers and Green Bay.

The move is expected to cost Baylake about $9.7 million. It’s subject to approval by regulators as well as NEW Bancshares stockholders.

Baylake leaders say the merger will let the bank establish a presence in the Two Rivers market. The two banks’ branches in Kewaunee are expected to be consolidated.

The deal is expected to close later this year.

UPDATE: The sheriff’s office says Jess Wehrman has been found. No further information was given.

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OSHKOSH – Winnebago Co. sheriff’s officials are looking for a missing man who they say may be a danger to himself.

Jess A. Wehrman, 33, was last seen walking near 1376 Highway FF around midnight.

Wehrman, of Oshkosh, is described as 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, with a thin build. He has blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a white shirt, blue jeans and boots.

Anyone who sees Wehrman is asked to call 911.

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A new study has found Wisconsin residents are less likely to splurge on fancy cars, homes and five-star meals than their counterparts on the East and West coasts.

The data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis determined the state’s residents spent an average of $34,721 on household goods, utilities and general personal consumption in 2012, below the national average and much less than big spenders like Massachusetts’ average of $47,308. The District of Columbia beat out at 50 states in personal per capital spending, with an average of $59,423 spent in 2012.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the findings are part of the first data set of its kind created by the federal agency.

The statistics cover a 16-year span from 1997 to 2012.

GREENVILLE – Some animals are missing from a zoo in the Fox Valley.

The Outagamie Co. Sheriff’s Dept. says it took a report of animals stolen from the Special Memories Zoo, W7013 Spring Rd., Greenville. The animals are a 5-month old kangaroo and four baby goats.

The kangaroo needs to stay with its mother during the first year of its life, investigators say.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s department at (920) 832-5500.

GREEN BAY – Brown Co. sheriff’s officials held a news conference May 8, 2015, to release more details into the investigation into money missing from the DARE program.

Investigators say longtime anti-drug education Kevin Vanden Heuvel admitted embezzling money from the program while parking cars for Green Bay Packers fans. The parking was a fundraiser for the DARE program.

Click the play button above to watch the full video.

Click the links to the left to learn more about the investigation.

NEW RICHMOND (AP) – One of the three inmates who walked away from a corrections boot camp in western Wisconsin has been recaptured.

New Richmond police say Kyle J. Peterson was arrested around 8 a.m. Friday at a home in Whitewater on a tip from the public. He’s being held in the Walworth County jail.

Peterson is from Winnebago County.

Peterson and fellow inmates Andre L. Vance and Jesse J. Fairley walked away from the St. Croix Correctional Center in New Richmond on Wednesday night. It’s a minimum security facility where the men were taking part in a boot camp program that includes manual work assignments and discipline.

Authorities are still searching for Vance and Fairley. While authorities don’t believe the two escaped inmates are in New Richmond, residents are advised to keep their homes locked.

GREEN BAY – Brown County’s longtime DARE officer admitted embezzling money from the program, Sheriff John Gossage said at a news conference Friday.

Last October, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department placed Kevin Vanden Heuvel on “…administrative suspension…” as part of what it called “…a criminal and internal investigation.” The department says two days after Vanden Heuvel was suspended, he resigned.

In a May 8, 2015, news conference, Brown County sheriff’s officials announce the results of an investigation into money embezzled from the county’s DARE program. (WLUK/Mike Raasch)

Vanden Heuvel was the face of the anti-drug education program for 20 years. To thousands of former students, he’s simply known as “Officer Van.”

“Kevin was the corrupt one,” not the DARE program itself, Gossage said Friday.

According to investigators, Vanden Heuvel stole the money during the past 4-7 years while parking cars in the former Kmart lot on Green Bay Packers game days. The parking was a fundraiser for the DARE program.

Officials say Vanden Heuvel admitted embezzling the money and returned $1,200 after he was questioned.

Vanden Heuvel has not been formally charged in the case. The sheriff’s department is requesting charges against Vanden Heuvel and two other people: a former county printing employee and a drug and alcohol abuse counselor. The names of the other two have not been released.

FOX 11’s Robert Hornacek and Ben Krumholz are working on this story and will have full reports tonight on FOX 11 News at Five.

DE PERE – Investigators don’t think a fire that caused half a million dollars in damage at St. Norbert College was a crime.

However, they haven’t been able to figure out exactly how it started.

Firefighters say they were called to the Ray Van Den Heuvel Campus Center around 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Although the fire was put out in about 10 minutes, the building had to be ventilated because smoke had seeped inside.

The police and fire departments, which investigated the fire, determined the fire was in an open boat storage area underneath the building.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – The body of a 73-year-old Wisconsin man who was missing in Alaska for nine months has been found in a river.

Alaska State Troopers say an autopsy positively identified the body found May 2 as that of Roger Yaeger of Eagle River, Wisconsin.

Troopers say evidence suggests Yaeger shot and killed himself. They say there was no sign of foul play.

Yaeger traveled to Alaska last summer. Family members last heard from him in early August when he visited a relative in Wasilla. His travel was then traced to Fairbanks, where he returned his rental car a few days later.

According to troopers, family members suggested Yaeger was suicidal. He also was believed to have a gun.

Watch as Brown Co. sheriff’s officials give an update on the investigation into money missing from the DARE program.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is marking the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat during World War II by paying tribute to the men and women who he says helped save the world and lay the foundation for peace.

Obama says in his weekly address to the nation that this generation showed “selfless grace” as they risked — and gave — their lives so that people around the world could live free.

He asks Americans to do more than just commemorate history. He asks them to rededicate themselves to the freedoms for which these men and women fought.

The White House released the radio and Internet address a day earlier than usual to coincide with Friday’s 70th anniversary of the victory by Allied forces over Nazi Germany in 1945.