Green Bay News

MADISON (AP) – A Senate education committee has approved a bill that would delay the reporting of test results from a statewide exam being given to public school students this spring.

Committee chairman Sen. Paul Farrow said Thursday the bill will be voted on by the full Senate on Tuesday.

The measure was passed unanimously out of committee with bipartisan support.

A broad coalition of groups, including advocates for voucher schools as well as the state teachers union, supports the bill. It delays reporting this year’s Badger Exam results on report cards or using the results to evaluate teachers.

The Badger Exam, which is tied to Common Core academic standards, has been beset with a variety of problems in its first year and Gov. Scott Walker has called for it to be replaced.

GRAND CHUTE – Roller derby is a contact sport, but there are rules aimed at keeping it from being dangerous.

In the video above, FOX 11’s Emily Deem gets some pointers on the rules, including some illegal moves that carry penalties with them. Click the play button to watch.

• Click here to learn more about Fox Cities Roller Derby

Visit the links to the left to see more roller derby videos.

KENOSHA (AP) – The Menominee Nation’s purchase option on the former Kenosha dog track property has expired.

But, tribal chairman Gary Besaw says that doesn’t mean they’re giving up on pursuing gaming in southeastern Wisconsin. The tribe’s $800 million casino and entertainment complex proposal for the site was approved by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, but rejected by Gov. Scott Walker. Besaw won’t provide further details.

RIME Management Group has controlling interest in Dairyland Greyhound Park Inc., the corporation which owns the 220-acre property in Kenosha. RIME president Mike Hallman tells the Kenosha News they’re interviewing real estate firms to prepare for a sale of the property.

PORT WASHINGTON (AP) – A relative says one of the military members killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise along the Florida Panhandle has roots in Wisconsin.

Thursday’s search for the remains of the seven Marines and four soldiers on board the Black Hawk helicopter was hampered by fog.

Lora Waraksa, of Port Washington, says her brother-in-law, Marine Kerry Kemp, died in the crash. Waraksa says his remains have been recovered and her sister, Jenna Kemp, was notified by the Marines of his death overnight.

Waraksa says her brother-in-law was a “proud Marine, a loving husband and most wonderful father.” She says her sister and Kemp have a child about 1 year old. Waraksa says Kemp and her sister met at Port Washington High School. She says he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

NAVARRE, Fla. (AP) – Military search crews have found the core of the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed amid dense fog during a Florida training mission, killing 11 people. The flight recorder is still in the wreckage, which settled below about 25 feet of water in the middle of Santa Rosa Sound, authorities said.

With the discovery of the copter’s shattered core, which has been inspected by divers, the response officially changed from search-and-rescue to search-and-recovery, Col. Monte Cannon, vice-commander of the 96th Test Wing, said at Eglin Air Force Base.

“It was certainly a high-impact crash,” said Eglin Fire Chief Mark Giuliano.

“Very, very, very dense fog” still complicates recovery efforts, Giuliano added. There’s almost no visibility at the crash site, and search crews in boats are moving as slowly as they can in the rough surf to avoid running into each other or wreckage from the crash, he said.

One of the Marines killed was Kerry Kemp, who was based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, said his sister-in-law, Lora Waraksa of Port Washington, Wisconsin. She and her sister, Jenna Kemp, were notified by the Marines overnight that Kerry Kemp’s remains had been found.

Kemp was a “proud Marine, a loving husband and most wonderful father,” with a child about 1 year old, she said.

The military is not yet releasing the names of those killed, nor any details about them, Cannon said.

Neither has it described the cause of the crash, which happened Tuesday night in weather conditions so bad that another helicopter turned back.

The same fog and crashing Gulf waves surrounded a pier where a large gathering held vigil Wednesday night, creating a somber backdrop to the songs, tears and prayers of people with strong ties to the military and the sprawling Eglin Air Force Base.

Dozens of airmen walked the shores of Santa Rosa Sound on Thursday, and the Coast Guard searched for debris in the water, said Mike Spaits, a base spokesman. Pieces of clothing and bits of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter have washed ashore, and homeowners have contacted the military to pick it up, he said.

“My heart is really hurt right now knowing these people were here just on training – knowing they went and left their family members and did not give that goodbye, you know, because they weren’t going off to war,” a tearful Dolly Edwards, herself the wife of a Marine, said at the vigil.

Jack Cullen, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Mobile, Alabama, said Thursday’s dense sea fog could persist through Friday, which is common when warm southern air meets cold water this time of year.

The helicopter that crashed had a veteran crew from Hammond, Louisiana, that served multiple tours in Iraq and helped humanitarian missions after Gulf Coast hurricanes and the BP oil spill.

They were carrying “unconventional warriors” from the Marines Special Operations Command. Like the Army’s Green Berets and the Navy’s SEALs, they were highly trained to endure grueling conditions and sensitive assignments on land and at sea, from seizing ships to special reconnaissance missions and direct action inside hostile territory.

Tuesday night’s training involved practicing “insertion and extraction missions,” using small boats and helicopters to get troops into and out of a target site, said Capt. Barry Morris, spokesman for the Marine Corps Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The helicopter crashed in a strip of water between the mainland of the Florida Panhandle and a long barrier island facing the Gulf. Military officials said search crews were focused on a 6-mile stretch of the sound.

Kim Urr, 62, who works at a nearby campground, said she heard the crash at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“It sounded like something metal either being hit or falling over, that’s what it sounded like. And there were two booms afterward, similar to what you hear with ordnance booms, but more muffled,” Urr said.

Human remains were found Wednesday, and debris was seen floating in the sound.

“We saw gloves, a uniform with a last name on it,” said Alan Collinsworth, a hotel desk clerk. Lots of debris was floating past the hotel’s waterfront. “We were very shocked.”

President Barack Obama has promised a thorough investigation.

___

Associated Press contributors include Lolita C. Baldor in Washington; Jason Dearen in Gainesville, Florida; Freida Frisaro in Miami; Kevin McGill and Stacey Plaisance in Hammond, Louisiana; and Emery P. Dalesio at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to cut the cord.

WELLSVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — The wife and children of a man apparently fleeing prosecution on charges he fraudulently claimed to have an ownership stake in Facebook are also missing.

State police say 36-year-old Iasia Ceglia and her two sons, 10-year-old Leeman and 11-year-old Joseffinn, were reported missing on Tuesday. That’s the same day a federal judge revoked bail for Paul Ceglia.

Prosecutors say the businessman dropped out of touch with his pretrial services officer and was no longer at his family’s rural home in Wellsville, 70 miles southeast of Buffalo.

Troopers say it’s unknown if the wife and boys are with Ceglia, who apparently circumvented his electronic monitoring device.

Prosecutors say Ceglia doctored a contract he signed with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2003 to make it seem he was part owner of the company.

BERLIN (AP) — Archaeologists say two pretzels unearthed during a dig on the banks of the Danube in the German city of Regensburg could be more than 300 years old — and are little different to the doughy product available in the state’s famous beer halls today.

Dorothee Ott, spokeswoman for the Bavarian Office for Historical Conservation, said Thursday the pretzel fragments went on display this week at the Regensburg Historical Museum.

Ott says the pretzels and other baked goods found were badly burned, which is why they survived the centuries. Archaeologists believe they were discarded from a bakery that was once on the site.

Carbon dating places their creation between 1700 and 1800. Taking into account about 15 percent shrinkage, Ott says “it’s a normal pretzel, maybe a little smaller than today.”

MADISON (AP) – The state Supreme Court says tenants evicted from federally subsidized housing for using drugs have no opportunity to correct the problem under Wisconsin law.

Federal law requires public housing authorities to use leases stating that drug activity is grounds for eviction. The justices ruled 6-1 on Thursday that the federal code trumps a state law that requires tenants get a chance to correct lease violations to avoid eviction.

The ruling reverses a state appeals court finding that the Milwaukee City Housing Authority improperly evicted Felton Cobb from his publicly subsidized apartment in 2013 for smoking marijuana. Cobb argued he wasn’t given a chance to fix the problem as state law required.

Cobb’s attorney didn’t immediately return a message.

APPLETON – Five new poems will decorate sidewalks throughout the city of Appleton this year.

The city announced the winning submissions Thursday. They poets are Appleton Classical Charter School eighth-grader Sam Schroeder, Appleton East High School senior Spencer Ropke and city residents Jen Rockey, Aaron Hunnel and Kim Nelson-Hojnacke.

The winning poems were selected from nearly 100 submissions.

The poems will be stamped into sidewalks in city parks, the downtown area and, for the first time this year, residential neighborhoods. The city’s sidewalk poetry program began with six poems last year, modeled after a similar program in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The winning poets are scheduled to be recognized at the Appleton Common Council meeting next Wednesday night. The poems are expected to be stamped into the sidewalks once the construction season starts.

Here are the winning entries:

Spencer Rokpe

The ones that you’re stuck with
are chosen by blood,
but the ones that you stick with
are chosen by love.

Sam Schroeder

“A Poem for Dad”

Dad, my life teacher.
You bring light
In the dark of the world,
Loving me even when I mess up.
You house me and support me.
I don’t know why I don’t
Thank you every single moment
Of every day.

Jen Rockey

“Beauty”

There are times
I wish I could be
as pretty as those I see…

Then I realize,
the beauty on the outside of them
is on the inside
of me.

Aaron Hunnel

Smile with gratitude,
for you are alive.
You have a purpose,
don’t exist to survive.
Find your true meaning,
while out on your stroll.
Happiness consists of your
mind, body and soul.

Kim Nelson-Hojnacke

Thank you for…
sharing yourself with me
for I need someone who cares.
Thank you for…
letting me be me
for sometimes I need to dare.
Thank you for…
listening to me
for I carry more than I can bear.
Thank you for LOVING me!

GREEN BAY – A 32-year-old Green Bay woman is suspected of slashing tires outside bars early Wednesday morning.

Police say they were called to the 1100 block of Main St. around 1:45 a.m. The victim told officers that she and a friend had just left The XS Bar when a woman pulled up, got out and said, “you’re drunk,” slashed the victim’s tire with a knife, got back in the car and drove away. Around the same time, police say other people leaving bars called officers to tell them their tires had been slashed.

A few minutes later, police say an officer saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s vehicle. The officer pulled the woman over. She was evasive in her answers, police say, but she matched the description of the suspect. Officers found a knife in her car and arrested the woman.

Police are now asking anyone who may have been a victim, and who has not yet reported the crime, to call them at (920) 448-3208 and refer to case number 15-202792.

The slashings which were reported took place at:

• Brewski’s Bar, 1100 S. Broadway St.
• Bourbon Street, 821 S Broadway St.
• Packer Stadium Lounge, 1342 S. Broadway St.
• No Limits Bar, 500 S. Baird St.
• Shannon’s Haystack, 1911 University Ave.
• XS Bar, 1106 Main St.

GREEN BAY – Kyle Smith was convicted Thursday of possessing ricin.

He faced two counts: knowingly developing and possessing ricin for use as a weapon, and having ricin not in its naturally occurring form and not for a reasonable purpose. The first count carries maximum penalty of life in prison, while the second count has a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.

He pleaded guilty to the second count, with the first count expected to be dismissed. Prosecutors will ask for a four-year prison term. The maximum sentence would be 10 years. Sentencing is set for June 2.

The deal avoids a trial, which would have started Monday.

According to a criminal complaint, Oshkosh police and the Wisconsin National Guard found 1 1/2 grams of ricin in Smith’s apartment on Halloween.

Fox 11’s Bill Miston is at the hearing and will have more on Fox 11 News at Five

GREEN BAY – An overturned semi is snarling traffic on Green Bay’s east side.

Police say the rollover is on the on-ramp from Hwy. 54/57 to Interstate 43 southbound. A load of hay shifted on the semi, causing it to roll over, police say. The driver suffered minor injuries.

Police say that the area will be closed for several hours and that detour signs are posted.

LA CROSSE (AP) – Forestry crews in La Crosse are making progress as they work to rid the city of 4,500 ash trees.

Parks and Recreation officials say it’s one of the biggest undertakings ever. About 2,500 ash trees have been removed so far, even if they are not infected by the destructive emerald ash borer.

Supervisor Jay Odegaard tells WKBT-TV crews have hit the outskirts of the city, removing 50 trees a week. Now, they’re moving into the neighborhoods.

The city wants to remove the trees as quickly as possible because it takes about 30 percent longer to remove a dead tree.

The emerald ash borer was first discovered in La Crosse in 2011. The insect has killed millions of ash trees since it was found near Detroit, Michigan in 2002.

GREEN BAY –  Saturday, March 14th is National Pi Day, celebrating the infinite number Pi that starts with 3.1415.  Some are calling this the Ultimate Pi Day because you can take that number further at 9:26:53 in the morning. And in Ashwaubenon, Not By Bread Alone is celebrating Pi Day by making all sorts of pies! Owner Jen Servais showed us a few of the pies they are preparing for the big day.

Beef and Vegetable Pot Pie With a Blue Cheese Biscuit Top
Braised Beef, Red Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Celery, Garlic and Fresh Tarragon.
*Make a salad and you have a perfect dinner.

Mac N Cheese Pie
Blend of Velveeta, Sharp Cheddar and Mild Provolone Cheese. Panko, Garlic and Butter Crust on Top
*Perfect for kids or indulgent for adults.

Strawberry Pie
Fresh Strawberries packed into a delicious pastry crust topped with Whipped Cream.
*Bring on SPRING

In a separate segment Servais also shared some ideas for easy appetizers that could also be turned into a full meal.

Dinner:
Sundried Tomato Focaccia Bread
Pizza Focaccia – Marinara Sauce, Sausage, Pepperoni, Mozzarella Cheese and any other toppings that to your liking

Appetizer:
Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Garlicky Artichoke Focaccia – Butter, Garlic, Artichoke, Parmesan Cheese, and Mozzarella Cheese

Not By Bread Alone
940 Hansen Road
Green Bay, WI 54304

M-F 6:30-6:30 Sat 7-3

(920) 429-9422

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin revenue officials say if you are one of the taxpayers whose state return is targeted for possible identity theft, it could take up to 12 weeks if you’re getting a refund.

The taxpayers whose returns are analyzed and then flagged for possible identify fraud are notified by mail and directed to an online quiz. The Department of Revenue website and its phone inquiry line say it could be 8 to 12 weeks to issue refunds to those taking the quiz.

Revenue administrators said recently the department was expanding its fraud detection efforts.

About a third of Wisconsin’s 3 million income tax returns have been processed so far.

GREEN LAKE – A Berlin man was sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexual assault of a child and producing child pornography.

Kenneth Hoffman also must register for life as a sex offender, according to the sentence issued March 6 by Green Lake County Judge Mark Slate, online court records indicate.

Hoffman claimed taking the nude photos would help her modeling career. According to the criminal complaint, Hoffman then told the girl she could have the pictures if she had sex with him.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – A Utah toddler rescued from a car 14 hours after it crashed into a frigid river was released from a hospital Wednesday, days after the accident that killed her mother.

Eighteen-month-old Lily Groesbeck was released from Primary Children’s Hospital at about 4 p.m., spokeswoman Bonnie Midget said. Other than a few bruises, the girl is in great condition – playing, talking and reciting nursery rhymes, said father Deven Trafny.

“She should be gone. She shouldn’t be here,” Trafny, 34, told reporters. “I’m blessed. I’m counting all my blessings right now.”

Rescuers found the baby strapped into her car seat, hanging upside down as icy water flowed through the car.

A fisherman spotted the car Saturday, the day after it hit a cement barrier on a bridge and careened into the river in Spanish Fork, about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Police said that even though the road over the bridge gets plenty of traffic, no one saw the wreck because the cement barrier obstructed the view. Police were investigating what caused the crash but say the girl’s mother, Lynn Groesbeck, 25, of Springville, could have been distracted or drowsy.

Spanish Fork police Lt. Matt Johnson told Salt Lake City television station KUTV on Wednesday that investigators found a bag of what looks marijuana in the car, along with a bottle of 16 pills they think are pain medications and an opened syringe. Johnson said they won’t know if drugs contributed to the crash until toxicology reports come back in several weeks.

Lynn Groesbeck was engaged to Trafny, a drywall worker who was working in Montana when he learned about the crash, the Deseret News newspaper in Salt Lake City reported.

FLORIDA- Golfers in Englewood, Florida claim they saw a giant alligator on the golf course.

The photo of the giant reptile was taken over the weekend.

But not everyone is buying it, saying it’s a fake.

But the photo has been shared thousands of times on Facebook.

GRAND CHUTE – The Fox Cities Roller Derby is prepping for a big event this weekend.

FOX 11’s Emily Deem spent Thursday morning in Grand Chute to see how some members are getting ready!

The bout will be on Saturday. March 14 at Skaters Edge in Grand Chute.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. — the bout begins at 6:00 p.m.

Click here to learn more about the event on Saturday.