SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - If you are looking for a job in Sheboygan County, there's good news and bad news. The good news is there are plenty of positions available, but the bad news is a fair number of them are for trade positions that require certain training and education.

It comes as hundreds of baby boomers and Generation Xers retire from their jobs, and Tammy Graf from the Sheboygan County Chamber says there are not enough younger workers to fill the positions.

"As our children are growing up, there is that skill shortage to find those positions and to fill the positions of machinists, CSC operators, welders," says Graf.

There have been efforts  over the past few years by local governments and the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation to attract people to move to the area to fill the positions.  Now, the Sheboygan County Chamber is taking a more active approach.

Graf says they will not specifically find the people that companies need to fill jobs.  "So what we do is we connect the dots between businesses, schools, tech schools, UW-Sheboygan, Lakeland College - that’s where we come in."

One way the chamber is doing this is with a workforce development summit next week, designed to help organizations find ways to attract, retrain, and develop the next generation of workers from Sheboygan County.

Learn more about the event by clicking here.

MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - A second person is expected to be charged in connection with the Labor Day robbery of a convenience store in Manitowoc County, after the first suspect was killed by police last week.

The sheriff’s department says 24 year old Raeanna Nagy of rural Maribel was arrested for her alleged role in the armed robbery of the KK Unimart in Mishicot September 7th.

It was determined Nagy was the store clerk at the time of the robbery and had ties to 25 year old Dustin Kuik.  The Two Rivers man was suspected in committing the robbery, and was killed after he failed to cooperate with law enforcement outside a hotel in Ashwaubenon last week.

The sheriff’s department says Nagy is in the jail facing possible charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of a firearm, and unauthorized use of information of a personal ID.  Additional charges may also be filed.

Fond du Lac, WI (WHBL-KFIZ ) - A Fond du Lac County judge Monday denied a motion to dismiss charges against the 29-year-old Bellwood, Illinois man suspected of killing his girlfriend’s 14-month-old baby boy.

Judge Daniel English ruled on the motion to dismiss the complaint when Daniel Griffin was arraigned. Griffin pled not guilty to the charges he’s facing for the July 7th incident at the Maplewood Commons Apartments in Fond du Lac that led to the toddler’s death and serious injuries for his twin brother. 

Griffin allegedly stood on the baby’s chest and hurt the other infant.  The baby’s 24-year-old mother, Airrealle Smart is also facing charges for the incident and has a jury trail scheduled next month.

Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) – Concerned citizens living in the area of High Avenue are being credited with shutting down an alleged drug operation in Sheboygan, six days ago.

The citizens apparently complained to Sheboygan police about what they believed was drug trafficking activity going on at 1138 High Ave. The Sheboygan County MEG Unit used that information along with tips obtained from a number of confidential informants to obtain a search warrant.

The search warrant was executed at the home on Thursday, September 10, 2015. That’s when a criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County court alleges officers discovered a full-fledged drug operation. They confiscated both drugs and drug paraphernalia including; a large number of sandwich baggies containing cocaine, marijuana, a weighing scale, crack pipes, and the prescription drug Adderall.

Two women found living at the home, and a male from Milwaukee were taken into custody.

 31-year-old Trista J. Windorski is charged with maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of a controlled substance, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

24-year-old Jessica G. Reyes was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.

34-year-old Wayne L Rogers Junior is charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine, and possession of THC.

The arrests come one week after the MEG Unit shut down an alleged crack house on North 14^th Street after conducting a months-long investigation.

Sheboygan County, WI (WHBL) - Sheboygan Falls police arrested 22-year-old Kyle .J Herber of Menasha, Wisconsin after he led officers on a high-speed chase at speeds of up to 140 mph on state Highway 23, in the town of Sheboygan Falls.

An officer first attempted to stop Herber for speeding on Friday, September 11, 2015 after he passed the officer at speeds of 80 – to-85 mph.

A criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County court alleges that when Herber realized that the officer was trying to pull him over, Herber lowered his head and shoulders and accelerated at times to 140 mph. The officer says he followed Herber for roughly one mile before ending the chase.

Police were able to make contact with Herber later and he denied being the person involved in the high-speed chase. Herber initially told the cops that another man, whom he did not know, test drove his motorcycle.

However, after further questioning from police, Herber admitted to being the driver.

When police asked Herber why he did not stop once he heard the police sirens and saw the emergency lights, Herber responded  that he did not hear the siren nor see the emergency lights once  he hit the gas.

A befuddled officer  then asked Herber why he took off in the first place - once he knew that he was being pursued. Heber reportedly told the officer that he was told by friends that if a police officer attempted to pull him over on his motorcycle he should, “Just take off-because they won’t do anything.”

Herber is charged with attempting to flee or elude a traffic officer and can get up to five years in prison as a repeat offender if convicted. He could also face fines of up to $10,000 and lose his driving privileges for six months.

Sheboygan County, WI (WHBL) -Wisconsin State patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving an  18 wheeler and a car  on Interstate 43 S, near Cedar Grove.

The accident began in Sheboygan County, but extended into Ozaukee County where the vehicles came to rest.

All southbound lanes of Interstate 43 are shut down at WIS 32. Please check back for updates on this developing story.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Online court records show a three day trial is scheduled to begin Wednesday against a Plymouth man charged with sexual assault of a child.

19 year old Nicholas Pfeifer is accused of having multiple sexual  encounters with a 15 year old girl, who was the sister of his then girlfriend.

According to the criminal complaint, Pfeifer is alleged to have assaulted the minor between December of 2014 and last February while she slept, and would leave the room once the victim woke up.

Law enforcement was informed of the incidents in late February after the family of the victim contacted Safe Harbor about it.

Pfeifer has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second degree sexual assault of a child felony, and it will be a jury in front of Judge Rebecca Persick that decides if he is guilty or innocent.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Anyone who may come to Sheboygan to visit family, take care of business, or enjoy some leisure time can find a hotel that is working to keep its customers safe from crime. The Sheboygan Police Department recently began a “Sheboygan Safe Stay” Initiative, working with over a half-dozen hotels and motels in the city.

Captain Jim Veeser says the program came about after officers talked with owners who want to make sure visitors don’t have to worry about crimes committed at their business and endanger others.

The program will have both entities working together.  "Law enforcement shares information with hotel participants such as Wisconsin crime alerts, wanted suspects, and potential individuals that may be conducting criminal activity in the area," says Veeser.  "From a hotel perspective, employees are encouraged to contact law enforcement if activities in their hotel appear suspicious.  And a number of times the employee is right, and this ends up benefiting all who are staying within the hotel."

As of September 15, seven hotels have joined the initiative.  Veeser says more may join in the future.

Waupun, WI (WHBL - KFIZ) - Officials in Waupun are relieved that a former officer with their police department has been sentenced for the burglaries he committed while with the department. Forty-five-year-old Brad Young of Brandon was sentenced this week on burglary charges in Green Lake County Court. Young committed nearly 60 burglaries in multiple counties. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision. Waupun Deputy Chief Scott Louden says they have a good department and it’s unfortunate every time Young was mentioned in news reports his connection with the department was brought up.                    

Louden and Chief Dale Heeringa  attended the sentencing Tuesday. Louden says some of Young’s crimes happened in Waupun and it was important to have someone there representing the City and victims.

Young will also have to pay nearly $100,000 in restitution. He was arrested after a crime spree in August of 2013 that began with the attempted break-in of a restaurant in Green Lake. Charges in multiple counties were consolidated against him.  

Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) – Sheboygan County Sheriff Todd Priebe says a spate of high-profile drug busts in Sheboygan are the direct result of community activism - neighbors paying attention to their surroundings and keeping an eye out for potential criminal activity.

“I think what we’re seeing is our citizens getting involved and willing to provide information that assists us with the investigations. That is extremely important for our success and it helps to expedite our investigation, and the process of shutting down a drug house,” Priebe says.

The recent arrests of three people at a home on High Avenue are the latest in a string of drug busts conducted by the Sheboygan County MEG Unit.

31-year-old Tristan J Windorski is charged with maintaining a drug trafficking place as well as possession of a controlled substance, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 34-year-old Wayne L Rogers Junior is charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of THC.  24-year-old Jessica G Reyes is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.

On September 4, 2015, officers arrested 52-year-old Candee L Warren of 1119 N. 14^th Street following a months-long investigation into the sale of crack cocaine from her home. Warren is facing one count of maintaining a drug trafficking place, as a party to a crime.

On July 31, 2015, Sheboygan police arrested 32-year-old Chelsea Walloch of 1345 Winter Court on numerous drug-related charges including; maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of narcotic drugs, and possession of controlled substances.

All three drug busts result from concerned citizens tipping off cops about suspected drug deals taking place in their neighborhoods. Sheriff Priebe says it is a clear indication that some Sheboygan residents have had enough.

“I think people still fear retaliation, however I think for some folks in some neighborhoods it finally gets to that point where they want their neighborhoods back, and they’re standing up and they are willing to get involved for the quality of life that they want for their neighborhoods-realizing that if something is going to be done, they have to help the police.”

The sheriff says that when it comes to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into Sheboygan, there is no magic bullet because pinpointing the outside source of trafficking can be difficult.

“It kind of depends on the drug. It used to be that methamphetamine was coming from the Twin Cities and it would make its way towards Green Bay, and then eventually down to us. That used to also be the heroin route. But now that the heroin prescription drugs are more prevalent, it’s very possible that we’re getting most of this from Chicago, Racine, and Kenosha. Ecstasy was coming out of the Twin Cities at one point years ago, and during that same time cocaine and crack were coming from Milwaukee.”

Priebe says law enforcement agencies continue efforts to crack down on drug activity, but it is the direct involvement of citizens that is credited for shutting down recently discovered operations.

FOND DU LAC, WI (WHBL/KFIZ) - North Fond du Lac’s Fire Chief and EMS Director is in jail for allegedly stealing nearly 48-thousand dollars from an elderly aunt in Pennsylvania.  Richard Zmuda was arrested in the village after a criminal complaint was filed in Pennsylvania Wednesday.

The complaint states an elderly aunt was deceived by Zmuda into believing he was investing money from an insurance policy for her.

Zmuda joined the fire department in August after moving from Pennsylvania.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - The 2016 budget process continues for Sheboygan County, and supervisors approved a key piece of it this week.  The latest five year capital plan saw little discussion and unanimous support, as it helps the county decide how to fund major projects.

County Administrator Adam Payne says the newest item added is a new highway department facility in the Town of Plymouth.   The county recently purchased land at the intersection of Highway 67 and County Road J that will most likely be used to locate the new headquarters for the highway department, plus a shed to consolidate equipment in western Sheboygan County.

County Administrator Adam Payne tells WHBL News the project will not see any construction in 2016.  "Next year will be all the design, architectural work, ground work for the property in the Town of Plymouth, and then the year following we’ll see construction for the consolidated Plymouth and Elkhart Lake sheds."

The current estimated cost for the projects is just under 20 million dollars.  Payne says the county will work to keep costs to a minimum, which in turn will determine when the final completion date is set.  That could happen anywhere from three to seven years from now.

There has been talk over the decades to move the county Highway Department's headquarters from its present location in Sheboygan elsewhere.  The move is expected to save the county money by having a location near the geographical center of the county.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - It’s a big day for the United Way of Sheboygan County, as they launch their 2016 campaign to raise $2.75 million.

It begins with several hundred people expected to gather at the Sheboygan A’s Ballpark for a breakfast to celebrate.

Director of Community Development and Marketing Sandy Leske says the event will also feature recognition for six local companies that are being named “Business Champions”, which includes the introduction of company mascots.  "They are going to be introduced with the help of the South High School pep band, the North High School drum line, and members of the North High School cheer squad."

After breakfast, an estimated 400 volunteers will be donning blaze orange t-shirts to take part in United Way's Day of Caring.

Leske says the volunteers will be taking part with 25 projects across Sheboygan County.  "They will be in places like the Salvation Army, and Safe Harbor, and the Humane Society, and Generations out in Plymouth, and even Grasshopper Hill."

Leske says the projects showcase what can be done in just one day when the bond of non-profits and volunteers is strong.

People are encouraged to thank the volunteers if you pass by one of these sites.

Participants will get a chance to celebrate their work with a gathering at the Sheboygan A's Ballpark later in the day.

Fond du Lac, WI (WHBL- KFIZ) - North Fond du Lac’s Fire Chief was not surprised when he was taken into custody at the Village Hall Wednesday on suspicion of theft. Village Police Chief Darren Pautsch says he got a call around noon that day from police in Bradford, Pennsylvania.                 

A warrant issued for Zmusa  was for theft by deception, which is a felony in Pennsylvania.  Pautsch says he verified the warrant and went to Zmuda’s office. He says Zmuda knew it was coming.

Pautsch handled taking Zmuda into custody himself. (He then turned him over to another Village officer for transport to the Fond du Lac County Jail)

 Zmuda’s is accused of stealing nearly $48,000 from an elderly aunt who had entrusted him with money from an insurance policy. He has resigned from his position with the village and told court officials Thursday morning he would not fight extradition to Pennsylvania.   

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Local residents who have had their life impacted by a suicide of someone they know or love are invited to take part in this year’s There is Hope Walk in Sheboygan.

Denise Pazur, event supporter and President of Empathos, tells WHBL News the walk will be held this Saturday.  "And it’s sponsored by Mental Health America with underwriting and support from Acuity.  It’s the tenth year, and it’s going to be at Deland Park."

Some of the activities taking place at the event include a walk, silent auction, music, craft activities, and information booths.

The event is a fundraiser for the local MHA chapter, which raised 32-thousand dollars from it last year.

Find out more about the event by clicking here.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - A Milwaukee man will spend five years in a state prison for selling marijuana in the Sheboygan area.

Judge L. Edward Stengel sentenced Adam Slawinski earlier this week to the jail time, plus five year extended supervision.  The 24 year old pleaded no contest last month to possession of intent to deliver THC and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Sheboygan Police arrested Slawinski after responding to a complaint June 22nd of the smell of marijuana coming from an apartment on the 2700 block of North Eighth Street.  Inside, police found nearly three thousand grams of marijuana and a rifle, which Slawinski admitted he owned.

A second suspect arrested in this incident, 24 year old Jamie Newcomb of Sheboygan, faces charges of possession of THC and amphetamines.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - It was a warm and breezy day for several hundred people taking part in United Way of Sheboygan County’s Day of Caring Thursday.

The event had volunteer groups from various businesses taking part in 25 public service projects throughout Sheboygan County.

Carmen Roska with Alliant Energy helped with landscaping around the Senior Activity Center in Sheboygan.  "I feel like in our jobs we get so much, it’s just nice to be able to give too."

Amanda Downard from Kohler was helping out with landscaping work at the United Way/Big Brothers, Big Sisters headquarters in Sheboygan.  "It’s just a good activity to give back to the community, so something we all like to do."

One of the projects is connected to a new dog park next to the Sheboygan County Humane Society.  Executive Director Leah Helms says members of Muth Mirror Systems helped to start clearing out some of the land for it.

"It’s amazing how the workers and the community come together just to support everybody," says Helms.  "So this is a much needed project and we’re very fortunate for all the work they’re putting in today."

Other projects included helping Nourish with weeding out and picking produce from their gardens, sprucing up the clubhouse at the Sheboygan A’s stadium, and helping to put together a new kids play area at the Salvation Army.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - There was another delay Friday for Pao Chang’s sentencing for human trafficking and trafficking a child charges.

 It was in May when the 29 year old Appleton man agreed to plead no contest to trafficking a child and human trafficking charges for bringing in several teenage girls to Sheboygan for prostitution.

Since then, Chang has made several motions challenging the plea.  The most recent involves a request to have Chang speak with the person who created the pre-sentencing report from the state.  However, that meeting would take place October 8th with a new report available by October 28th.

Saying it was not preferred but will have to do; Judge L. Edward Stengel agreed to it and rescheduled sentencing for November 3rd.

He also warned Chang and defense attorney Marcus Falk that this would be the last motion for this case in his court, saying he wants to bring some closure.  Any future motions challenging the plea and sentence would have to be made in the state appellate courts.

Sheboygan , WI (WHBL) - Sheboygan Scanner has more than 20,000  loyal followers who check Twitter feeds regularly to be alerted about real time emergencies occurring in and Sheboygan County.

Fans of the page are accustomed to reading everything from medical emergencies to hazards on the road, fire, and weather related updates.

As with scanner enthusiasts across the country, anything the owner of the twitter handle “Sheboygan Scanner” hears broadcast over emergency scanners gets live tweeted out to the masses.

But, Sheboygan Scanner, who has never been publicly identified, may have just outdone him or herself with a live tweet of a broadcast sent out on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 7:19 PM.

The tweet was apparently picked up from the Elkhart Lake Fire Department and reads, “FD is out of fish, but has pulled pork sandwiches.”

So, basically the emergency is ... the Elkhart Lake Fire Department needs more fish.

SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Click on the link below to re-listen and watch the most recent "A Closer Look" program.

This week's show takes a closer look at Bookworm Gardens, one of the top childrens attractions in Sheboygan County.  Executive Director Elizabeth Wieland gives us a rundown of what the gardens currently consist of, how the location was developed, what it takes to maintain the attraction, and what the future may hold.

A Closer Look Replay: Bookworm Gardens