Racine woman charged in connection with welfare fraud

RACINE (WITI) -- 33-year-old Sharneta Claybrook of Racine has been charged in connection with welfare fraud.Claybrook faces one count of Wisconsin Works -- failure to disclose changes -- a felony charge.A criminal complaint in this case says a welfare fraud complaint was filed by the Racine County Human Services Department.A fraud referral stated that when Brian Blair went to apply for public assistance, he told the financial assistance worker he was living with his son and Claybrook for awhile -- reporting that he had moved in with Claybrook back in April of 2008.

Racine Co. DPW Director calls salt situation there "critical"

RACINE COUNTY (WITI) -- We've seen a pretty decent amount of snow this winter -- and now that we're headed into February, there is concern in some areas over whether there will be enough salt to keep the roads safe for the remainder of winter.

Two adults, four children homeless after Racine house fire

RACINE (WITI) -- Racine fire officials say two adults and four children are homeless after a fire broke out at a home on Forest Street on Wednesday, January 28th.The fire broke out just after 1:00 p.m.Fire officials say a tenant noticed scorch marks on a living room wall and called 911.

Racine Zoo’s red kangaroo Suli loses battle with cancer

RACINE (WITI) -- The Racine Zoological Society announced on Wednesday, January 22nd that Suli, the first red kangaroo who survived having her pouch removed to successfully take out a cancerous mass, passed away at the age of 17.Although Suli received a clean bill of health from veterinarians this past summer, a follow-up exam in December revealed cancer returned and moved into her stomach and lungs.

Hess sentenced to four years in prison for fatal crash

RACINE (WITI) -- A Racine County judge sentenced 39-year-old Daniel Hess on Friday, January 10th to four years in prison and another five years of extended supervision.Hess pleaded no contest in September to a charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

Racine Zoo closed again on Tuesday due to extreme cold

RACINE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned the Racine Zoo is expected to be closed on Tuesday, January 7th due to the extreme cold.The zoo, along with its administrative offices will be closed Tuesday -- in an effort to protect guests, staff and animals from dangerously cold temperatures.The zoo is expected to reopen on Wednesday, January 8th.

Racine Zoo closed Monday due to extreme cold weather

RACINE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned the Racine Zoo is expected to be closed on Monday, January 6th due to the extreme cold.The zoo, along with its administrative offices will be closed Monday -- in an effort to protect guests, staff and animals from dangerously cold temperatures.The zoo is expected to reopen on January 7th.

Police seek suspect in robbery of North Shore Bank in Racine

RACINE (WITI) -- Officials in Racine are investigating a robbery that occurred at the North Shore Bank on Thursday afternoon, December 26th.Police say it happened just before 11:15 a.m.Police say the suspect is described as a black man between the ages of 20 and 30, 6' to 6'2" tall with a thin to medium build.The suspect had freckles and a scruffy goatee.He was wearing a black hoodie, black track pants with a white stripe, a black knit hat and sunglasses.Police say the suspect approached a teller and demanded money.

Friends say Lexi Lopez took her own life after being bullied

RACINE (WITI) -- The death of a 14-year-old girl is bringing many issues to the forefront in Racine. 14-year-old Lexi Lopez took her own life over the weekend -- and now, kids at Racine's Horlick High School are mobilizing to start "The Lexi Project" -- meant to tackle the issues of bullying and sexuality.A memorial of stuffed animals and balloons marks the corner where Lexi Lopez lived.