SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Possessing acid and helping to build a marijuana growing operation inside someone’s home will cost a Sheboygan man three months in the local jail.  Judge Angela Sutkiewicz sentenced 19 year old David Sabrowsky last week after he pleaded no contest to possessing LSD, and manufacturing THC.

The criminal complaint for the charges states Sheboygan Police executed a search warrant at a home on Marie Court last March while investigating a different case. At the home police found a set-up for growing marijuana.

Sabrowsky admitted to paying the home owner to allow him to set up to grow marijuana, and also told law enforcement he had around two dozen doses of acid at the home and his own residence.

As part of a plea deal, three years of probation were withheld and a charge for possessing drug paraphernalia was dismissed.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - A Sheboygan man avoided a longer sentence for pointing a gun at others earlier this year.

34 year old Anthony Sims was originally charged with pointing a firearm at another person for an incident in downtown Sheboygan back in June that shut down traffic and forced a Burger King to close temporarily.

Last week, prosecutors decided to change the charge to disorderly conduct. Sims pleaded no contest and Judge L. Edward Stengel sentence him to 30 days in jail and one year probation.

According to the original criminal complaint, Sheboygan Police say Sims was seen pointing a gun at a vehicle that had a woman who he has children with inside and her boyfriend.

Sims claimed he was acting to protect himself and his girlfriend from the two.

Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) - It was all brought on by a meltdown over a lost cell phone.

33-year-old Thomas W. Blackburn of Sheboygan is facing one count of substantial battery after assaulting a “friend” with a claw hammer on September 5, 2015.

Shortly before 9 o’clock Saturday night, Sheboygan police were called to Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center where they spoke with Tony Fish Jr. Fish was being treated for a 3 inch stab wound to his left forearm and several abrasions on his right bicep.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County court, Fish told police that he and Blackburn had been hanging out at a park near the Boardwalk when they decided to visit a friend who lived near the 12^th St. and Superior Avenue area. Fish and Blackburn continued to a third location on Pennsylvania Avenue when Blackburn realized that he did not have his cell phone. Fish says Blackburn began looking for the phone and when he could not find it, he became unglued.

Fish alleges that he told Blackburn that he left his phone at one of the other two locations that they previously visited. He says Blackburn responded by walking out to his vehicle where he retrieved a claw hammer and began swinging in a threatening manner -angered about his missing phone.  That’s how Fish claims he was wounded by the claw hammer.

Add to that, the criminal complaint also says that immediately after Fish was stabbed,  Blackburn returned to the residence where he left his phone. He found the phone then offered to personally "Stitch up” Fish’s arm himself. Fish declined the offer and asked to be taken to the hospital.

In addition to the battery charge, Blackburn is facing one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. The combined charges could land him three years behind bars, if convicted.

Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) - Undercover officers arrested 52-year-old Candee L. Warren after an informant working with the Sheboygan County MEG Unit says he received a text message telling him to meet at "Candee’s House,"  to purchase crack. That initial purchase was allegedly made on June 12, 2015.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County court this week, the crack purchase from the 1119 North 14^th Street home led to a months- long undercover investigation at that location.

Investigators allege that the same informant arranged to purchase more crack from different sources at the North 14th Street home on July 24, 2015. This time he was to purchase $100 worth of crack.

Officers executed a search warrant at Warren’s home on September 4, 2015 and took her into custody. An arresting officer says that when confronted with the allegations of drug activity occurring at her residence, Warren reportedly admitted to the drug activity but claims that it ceased a few days earlier.

Warren is facing one count of maintaining a drug trafficking place as party to a crime, a repeat offense. She could face up to five years in prison if convicted, and face fines of up to $10,000.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) -   City of Sheboygan officials say was a great first year for hot in place asphalt replacement

The new road maintenance process was done on a portion of six streets in the city over the past month.  It involved one machine digging up existing asphalt, then re-lays it with a mix of old and new asphalt all in one pass.

Mayor Mike Vandersteen tells WHBL News  the quality of work was more than adequate, and it's not just city employees taking notice.  "I’ve had many compliments from people on how happy they are with the process."

Vandersteen says the city was going to do just two streets, but the costs to complete that work was lower than their estimates.  "Those two projects then came in well under bid, less than half of what we expected, so then we scurried around and found some other projects that would work out."  In total, just under two miles of six roadways saw the technique done on them.

Overall, it will not be a one year experiment for the technique.  Vandersteen says the city plans to spend more on the process next year.  "This year we spent about $450,000 using that process, and we’re going to step it up to three-quarters of a million dollars for next year’s projects."

Vandersteen says that will increase the number of miles worked on with the process to around four.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - An annual tradition will be taking place at Fountain Park in downtown Sheboygan that will tantalize your taste buds. Taste of Sheboygan will be held from 4 to 10 p.m.Thursday rain or shine.

Organizer Randy Schwoerer says there will be a wide array provided by the 11 restaurants taking part.  "beef tenderloin, teriyaki grilled shrimp, short ribs, Hawaiian skewers, seafood baskets, brisket, St. Louis style ribs."

Food prices will range from one to six dollars, and water, soda and beer will be available at cost.

Schwoerer says the event will also be used as the unveiling of the Sheboygan County Business Champion mascots taking part in a punt-pass-and-kick competition.  "That’s going to be a unique event to see those six characters compete in a punt-pass-and-kick, and we’ll have an award for them for their debut party and their achievements in this effort."

There will also be live music.  All proceeds go towards the United Way of Sheboygan County.

Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) - Sheboygan Police have now charged the woman who claims that she was forced to solicit a teen girl in the vicinity of North 9^th Street and St. Claire Avenue on August 23, 2015.

The child told police that while walking in the area, a white Cadillac pulled up alongside her,  and a female passenger reportedly said, “My man really likes you, you want to smoke?” The woman also reportedly told the teen, “You’ll be safe with us, let’s go smoke.” The teen says the occupant of the car was trying to coax her into getting in.

After investigating the case, Police traced the Cadillac to its rightful owner who told police that he loaned the car to 25-year-old Markel Hogan of Milwaukee.

Hogan is already charged with one count of human trafficking and trafficking of a child in connection to this case.

The charges Hogan faces stem from information provided to Sheboygan police from his female passenger, now identified as 21-year- old Michelle V. Cortez of Sheboygan.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County court, Cortez claims that she was forced into prostitution by Hogan, and alleges that on August 23, 2015, she and Hogan saw the fifteen year old walking along North 9^th Street. Cortez alleges that Hogan told her, "Hey, hey, get that bitch…She’ll be my bitch...... She’ll get me money.”

Cortez maintains that she approached the child because she felt she had to – for fear of Hogan.

Cortez is now charged with trafficking of a child – as party to a crime.  

She could face up to forty years in prison and fines up to $100,000.00. if convicted.

Sheboygan, WI (WHBL ) The new Sheboygan CVS Pharmacy opened for business on North 14th Street during the Labor Day holiday weekend. It took no time  for the parking lot to begin filling up, since then.

The store location is poised to offer strong competition to the nearby Walgreens Pharmacy, which sits only a few feet away. Like Walgreens, both the pharmacy and store hours are open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sheboygan County, WI (WHBL) - Two women are facing felony retail theft charges, accused of stealing nearly $2000 worth of perfume from the Target store on state Highway 28, in the Village of Kohler.

The thefts were noticed by a member of the Target Asset Protection Team who picked up on discrepancies in the fragrance department. The security member contacted Kohler police who reviewed surveillance video in the hopes of identifying likely suspects.

A criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County court alleges that 17-year-old Vanessa L Guzman of Sheboygan, and 27-year-old Priscilla L Mercado of Green Bay entered the Target store on August 31, 2015 where surveillance video shows they split up before allegedly committing the thefts.

Initially officers thought that Guzmán, who is accused of stealing $968.80 worth of perfume, acted alone. Then, on September 1^st, a second member of the target asset protection team took a second look at the surveillance video footage and noticed that Guzman walked into the store with another female who remained outside of the view of security cameras, once inside the store. However, exterior footage shows the women met up outside of the building once the crimes were committed.

Kohler police identify the second female as Priscilla Mercado. Police allege that surveillance video clearly showed fragrances being placed in Guzman’s purse which was  then later placed in  Mercado’s shopping cart, before the women exited the store with the stolen items.

An anti-theft alarm was activated as Mercado exited the store but she continued to the parking lot.

A Kohler police officer states that when he asked Mercado why she did not stop inside the store once the alarm was activated, Mercado replied, “Store alarms always activate when I walk past them.”

The officer says Mercado maintains that she did not understand that alarms activate when stolen items pass them.

Both women could face up to three years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, if convicted.

KOHLER, WI (WHBL) - It’s a disease that has become the sixth leading cause of death in the United State, and the only top ten cause of death with no known way to prevent, treat, or cure.  Alzheimer’s affects over two thousand people in Sheboygan County, and they will be recognized during the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event at Sports Core in Kohler Saturday.

Organizer Connie Thimmig says the funds raised by participants and activities will not only go towards finding a cure for the disease.  "To support those people that are caregivers in the community right now, to support those people that have been diagnosed with people right now."

In addition to the walk, there will be kids activities, silent auction items, and other activities.

There is another way to help an Alzheimer’s patient one song at a time. Thimmig says new this year is a request for donations of old CDs, MP3 players, and other music playing devices.

They hope to use them to help Alzheimer’s patients use music to trigger past memories.  "Find out what music they connected with and have that I-pod loaded specifically with music that connects with them," says Thimmig.

Items can be dropped off during the event on Saturday morning.

More information on the walk and other events can be found with the link below

Walk to End Alzheimer's in Sheboygan County

PLYMOUTH, WI (WHBL) - Past Panthers are being asked to help improve the education in their former school district.

The Plymouth Education Foundation is running a “Pay It Forward” campaign, asking for donations from past students.

"Many of our donors give because of the great memories and experience they had from education and the impact it had on their life; and that’s why they wanted to give back or pay it forward," says Ann Troka, executive director of the foundation.

Through the first ten days of the campaign, around 20 past students have donated to the foundation.  Troka says more alumni and classes are planning on giving at a later day.

The money raised from the campaign will fund foundation programs that benefit the district.  "Their donations that they give to the foundation really impacts students throughout our district, K-through-12, in all those different ways; between grants, scholarships, capital projects, and other ways that enhance the educational experience for all students in our district," says Troka.

The foundation is getting everyone in the area involved, asking students to do good deeds and community members to show their Panther pride.

The campaign runs through the district’s Homecoming day on October 9.  The game will be used to recognize the biggest donors and all the community projects done by students.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - Anyone planning to enjoy the waters of Lake Michigan Friday, will have to be careful.

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazard Statement for the Sheboygan shoreline south to the Wisconsin/Illinois border through this evening.  Weather conditions are favorable for high waves, strong long-shore and structural currents, and possible rip currents.

Officials say anyone going out in the water should be cautious and prepare for dangerous swimming conditions.

The combination of cooler air and warm waters could also spawn a few weak waterspouts near the shoreline.  The greatest threat is expected to be closer to the state border than in our area.

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, WI (WHBL) - The annual Oktoberfest in Sheboygan Falls got underway Friday at Riverview Park with a cool fall-like day. Attendees stayed warm with live music and plenty of food and drink.

Festivities continue today with a wide variety of activities. In addition to the traditional sheepshead and corn hole tournaments, a new activity is the Beer Olympics.

Organizer Al Mayer says it will feature competitors playing traditional drinking games.  "We have teams of six individuals, and they will participate in five different Olympic events.  We’ll have a preliminary round, first of all, to kick it off, and then the top eight teams will be seated into a championship bracket to see who will be crowned the Olympic champions."

Other activities include the 5K run/walk, food and live music through the evening.

TOWN OF SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - A Green Bay man suffered injuries after he lost control of his motorcycle in the Town of Sheboygan.

The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department says the accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on the west roundabout where Highway 42 and I-43 meet.

The department says 50 year old Michael Adams was traveling northbound on his 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle when a tire slipped on tar that was on top of a painted arrow, causing the machine to lose control and forcing him off.

Orange Cross Ambulance transported Adams to Sheboygan Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for injuries.  The extent of the injuries were not known as of Saturday morning.

The department adds Adams was cited for riding too fast for conditions.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Click on the link below to find the latest program of "A Closer Look", a public affairs program on WHBL and WSCS.

This program focuses on the topic of workforce development in Sheboygan County.  We speak with Tammy Graf, workforce development director for the Sheboygan County Chamber.  She describes an upcoming workforce summit being held later this month, and how strategies being shared at this event are being used to increase how businesses fill open positions and alleviate the worker shortage in our area.

A Closer Look Replay: Workforce Summit

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Sheboygan Police investigated a hit and run accident that injured one person Saturday morning.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Tenth Street and Superior Avenue, where a vehicle hit a sign.

A witness tells WHBL News there was a trail of vehicle fluids for several blocks from the scene, resulting in the Sheboygan Fire Department to be called out to clean up.

Also, an ambulance was called to the scene to treat a female for a leg injury.

Sheboygan Police tell WHBL News they know who was driving the vehicle.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Anyone who has traveled Pennsylvania Avenue in Sheboygan near the Courthouse has had to deal with road work since mid-July.  The replacement of a water main has made the road rather bumpy with gravel covering where the new main was placed.

The good news is the City of Sheboygan has hired a firm to work on reconstructing the street from Seventh Street east to 150 feet east of Fifth Street.  It will be a lengthy process that will be split up into two parts due to the winter season.

The first part, which begins on Tuesday, will replace the sanitary sewer and storm sewer mainlines, as well as the street’s concrete.  This will result in Pennsylvania to close between Fifth and Seventh streets, as well as crossing the street at Sixth and Fifth streets.  The road is scheduled to reopen again sometime in November.

The second part of the project will be the replacement of sidewalk, street lighting, and trees.  That will happen next spring and be completed by June.

Anyone with questions can contact the city’s Engineering Department at 459-3394.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - For the second time in the past week, going into Lake Michigan waters along Sheboygan County is not recommended.

Similar to last Friday, the National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazard Statement for the county, running from 10 a.m. through the evening hours.

The greatest risk for high waves, strong structural and longshore currents, and rip currents will be at General King Park Beach and the waterfront along the Kohler Andrea State Park.

These conditions could be life threatening, so caution is advised for anyone who plans on heading out to the waters.

The National Weather Service adds the swim risk for the area could be moderate or high on Tuesday.

BEAVER DAM, WI (WHBL/KFIZ) - Two motorcyclists were killed in southeast Wisconsin over the past five days.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department says 52 year old Joseph Doubek died Saturday afternoon after his motorcycle struck a deer on State Highway 73.  The Johnson Creek man was ejected from his bike after he struck the deer in the Town of Westford.  He was taken to Beaver Dam Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  This was the fifth fatal traffic accident in the county this year.

Meanwhile, no names have been released in connection to a accident involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in Washington County last Friday night.  The 28 year old Town of Hartford man riding the motorcycle died after a pickup truck turned in front of him in the Village of Richfield at the intersection of State Highway 164 and Hubertus Road.  The motorcyclist died at the scene.  The 75 year old driver of the pick-up and his 73 year old female passenger, where not injured in the accident.

GREEN BAY, WI (WHBL) - A Milwaukee man with connections to robberies in our area of the state will serve 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Green Bay for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced Monday 27 year old Justin Nalls received the minimum sentence possible for the charge.

Nalls had been convicted of two armed robberies in 2005 and a burglary in 2009 when he was arrested last October after he robbed a Kewaunee County tavern.  A further investigation found he was also responsible for an armed robbery in Sheboygan County and a violent robbery in the City of Milwaukee.

Nalls also was found to have worked with a female associate to place online ads for prostitution services, but would then rob at gunpoint those who answered the advertisement.