News Briefs 1/26/12

High-speed chase visits UWGB campus

A 64-year-old man was arrested Jan. 18 after leading officers in a high-speed chase that reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. David Baranczyk drove through streets in Green Bay flashing his lights and honking his horn, and eventually made his way to the UWGB campus where he was stopped by Public Safety. Baranczyk fled the scene, and eventually caused four accidents on U.S. Highway 41 and Interstate 43. He has been charged with  two counts of recklessly endangering safety and two counts of resisting an officer.

Antigo principal faces drug charges

An Antigo elementary school principal was charged with eight drug counts Jan. 20. John Lund, 47, is also the head varsity football coach at Antigo High School. Lund has been on paid administrative leave since Nov. 30 while the Langlade County Sherriff's department conducted the investigation. Four of Lund's assistant coaches, both past and present, have also been listed in the police report as being involved. Lund faces four charges of manufacturing and delivering THC, three counts  possession of THC with intent to sell and one count of maintaining a drug trafficking place. If convicted, he faces up to three years, six months in prison for each count.

Joe Paterno dead at 85

After being diagnosed with lung cancer nine days after being fired from Penn State, Joe Paterno lost the battle to the disease Jan. 22. Paterno was the head coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1966-2011, and is the winningest coach in FBS college football history. He was fired Nov. 10 after a child sex abuse scandal broke involving his former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky. Paterno was aware of Sandusky's actions, but only reported them to Penn State Athletic Director Tim Curley, not authorities. Paterno leaves behind his wife of nearly 50 years, five children and 17 grandchildren.

Icy conditions close Interstate 43

A mix of rain and later freezing rain led to Interstate 43 becoming ice-covered and eventually closed for more than two hours Jan. 22. By 2:30 p.m., at least 20 accidents had been reported, including a rollover that ejected the driver. Motorists were directed off the interstate at the Bellevue exit, and used County Road R as a detour.