Top Stories April 19th

Three Injured in Highway 151 Crash

4/19/09 - Two passengers were injured early yesterday morning when a driver lost control of a vehicle in Waupun just after talking on a cell phone. Fond du Lac County authorities say 26-year-old Matthew Ortegon was driving on Highway 151 just north of Highway 26 when he lost control of the vehicle, went into the median and rolled over. 26-year-old Juan Gonzalez was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was flown by Flight for Life to Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee where he was listed in critical condition yesterday afternoon. Another passenger in the vehicle, 22-year-old Hector Gonzalez of Waupun, was taken to Waupun Memorial Hospital as was Ortegon. Both were treated and released. An initial investigation into the accident showed Ortegon had been talking on his cell phone right before the accident occurred and authorities say alcohol and inattentive driving were factor in the crash.

Police Investigating Shooting in Appleton Area

4/19/09 - Grand Chute police say an off-duty Appleton fire lieutenant shot and killed his estranged wife, and wounded his mother-in-law, in a double shooting Friday. Town interim police chief Greg Peterson said the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute in the driveway. He said 39-year-old Kelly Schmidt was killed, and 66-year-old Barbara Wing is receiving treatment for a gunshot wound. Peterson said an Appleton police officer arrested 38-year-old Scott Schmidt after the officer was the first to arrive at the home. He said Schmidt dropped the weapon and was arrested. Peterson said the shooting happened in the driveway and two children were inside the home at the time, in a bedroom. They were not hurt. The house is across the street from Fox Valley Lutheran high school. The school was not locked down because police told administrators that the students were not in any danger.

Authorities Looking into Claims of Favoritism by Judge

4/19/09 - Is an Outagamie County judge's son getting a pass from the justice system? That's what some law enforcement officials and alleged victims would like to know. 34-year-old Michael Froehlich, the son of Circuit Court Judge Harold Froehlich, is accused of numerous violent crimes in the past four years, which officers have referred to the Outagamie County district attorney's office for prosecution. Criminal charges have yet to be filed in any of the cases. The allegations, which date back to 2005, contain serious violent felonies, such as substanial battery and false imprisonment. Hortonville police chief Michael Sullivan doesn't understand why these very serious allegations have been left to linger for years. Sullivan the fact that no charges have been filed has stymied his ability to protect and reassure Froehlich's victims. Some of the allegations are misdemeanor counts, which carry a three-year statute of limitations.

New Methods to Help Kids Pay Attention in School

4/19/09 - More than a decade ago as a teacher Lisa Witt began having her kids sit on stability balls, not for physical education but in a standard classroom setting. She founded WittFitt five years ago selling modified Swiss balls. It comes at a time when students nationwide are seeing P.E classes cut and recesses scaled back. WittFitt claims their modified Swiss balls provide movement, encourage posture and enhance attention. Witt says teachers are usually on board with the proposal but may be apprehensive picturing a classroom of two dozen kids chaotically bouncing balls. However, the Hudson, Wisconsin based company provides proper training for teachers. The children must also "earn their ball" by signing a contract and following rules. Witt has also arranged for grant money to schools across the country who cannot afford the balls.

Recount Gives Win to 22 Year Old in Manitowoc

4/19/09 - Now that a recount has confirmed his win, 22 year-old Justin Nickels is ready to take office as mayor of Manitowoc. A recount this week gave Nickels a seventeen vote win over fellow city council member Dave Soeldner. He'll be sworn in Tuesday.

Janesville Area Continues to Struggle in Wake of GM Plant Closing

4/19/09 - A growing number of out-of-work families in Janesville is sparking an effort help those facing poverty. A Janesville City Council member wants to organize several non-profit groups into an anti-poverty coaltion. The most recent numbers available from the Department of Workforce Development show Janesville has the highest unemployment rate in the state, at 13-percent. Councilwoman Kathy Voskuil says poverty concerns are being addressed by a variety of agencies in Janesville. She's currently working with non-profit agencies and the city's neighborhood services department to help form a solution.

Crash Kills Driver, Pedestrian and Dog

4/19/09 - A crash in Milwaukee County has killed a pedestrian and his dog -- along with the driver of the car that hit them. The accident happened when 72-year-old Robert Litzow of River Hills ran his car into 47-year-old Doctor Michael Richter. Richter was walking his dog, which was also killed by the car. Police say they don't know what caused the wreck.