Racine's Vista Dental Products to relocate near airport, add 43 employees

Racine's Vista Dental Products to relocate near airport, add 43 employees

RACINE (WITI) -- Racine's Vista Dental Products is planning a major expansion.The company is looking to purchase a new $30,000 square foot building on South Street near the Racine Airport.The purchase and renovation will cost more than $1 million.The company, with 46 employees, plans to add 43 people within three years.

Racine Fire Department rescues two teens stranded on Lake Michigan ice chunk

Racine Fire Department rescues two teens stranded on Lake Michigan ice chunk

RACINE (WITI) -- Racine firefighters rescued two teens that were stranded on a chunk of ice on Lake Michigan located behind the Racine Zoo.A sheet of ice breaks off shore, sending the teens into open and very dangerous waters.A photograph taken by Racine Uncovered, shows the teens adrift on a slab of ice that broke off from shore around 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7th.

"Now, we're in a scramble:" Bus transportation could be cancelled for some at Racine Co. "Choice" school

"Now, we're in a scramble:" Bus transportation could be cancelled for some at Racine Co. "Choice" school

MOUNT PLEASANT/KENOSHA (WITI) -- Their day begins with a ride on the bus, but some students at a Mount Pleasant "Choice" school are being told their ride may soon be cancelled.Fourth-graders and fifth-graders start their day at Renaissance Schools campus on Taylor Avenue in Mount Pleasant before they're bused to the campus on 72nd Avenue in Kenosha."We're obligated as a public school district to provide that transportation to non-public school students, and we do that every single year.

Racine Zoo announces birth of emperor tamarin

Racine Zoo announces birth of emperor tamarin

RACINE (WITI) -- The Racine Zoo announced Thursday, January 8th a pair of emperor tamarins, primates known for their small size and signature long, white mustache, have just welcomed an offspring.Arriving the morning of December 23rd, the newborn is doing well and weighing in at approximately 2.2 ounces.

77 employees to be laid off as Racine JCPenney store closes in April 2015

77 employees to be laid off as Racine JCPenney store closes in April 2015

RACINE (WITI) -- The Department of Workforce Development has announced it has received notification the Racine JCPenny store will be closing in April 2015.Approximately 77 JCPenny associates, of which 46 are considered full-time employees, employed at the Racine store at the Regency Mall located at 5900 Durand Avenue in Racine will be laid off due to the store closing, with layoffs beginning on or about April 5th, 2015.The Southeast Workforce Development Board staff will coordinate delivery of Rapid Response Services to the affected workers.The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Dislocated Worker Program provides assistance to workers, companies, and communities affected by mass layoffs or business closings.Under state law, employers employing 50 or more individuals in the state may be required to give 60 days notice before a mass layoff or closing.

Look familiar? Racine police target suspect in string of armed robberies

Look familiar? Racine police target suspect in string of armed robberies

RACINE (WITI) -- Racine police responded to three different armed robberies at local businesses in Racine on Friday, January 2nd -- they believe the description of the suspect in all of the robberies is very similar.The first robbery occured at the Family Dollar located on Durand Avenue at 10:20 a.m.About two hours later, the Family Dollar located on Washington Avenue was robbed.The final robbery occurred at Bohl Automotive located on Douglas Avenue just before 5:00 p.m.The suspect is described as a black male in his 30's, approximately 5'7"-5'11" and about 200 lbs.

Racine holds community march for justice, ralliers chant "hands up, don't shoot"

Racine holds community march for justice, ralliers chant "hands up, don't shoot"

RACINE (WITI) -- People in Racine held a community march for justice.Marchers chanted "hands up, don't shoot" as they wound through downtown Racine.They are rallying to show the injustices of the recent shooting deaths by police across the United States.But rally organizers say it's not just all about pointing out these injustices."Law enforcement has a very tough job to do, the few bad eggs are giving them bad names, we need to work together to weed them out and work with the good ones to work with us," said Stephen Olugbemi, march coordinator.Organizers say they will hold more rallies if they see them needed in the future.

"Machinery Row" development project needs $4.5 million loan from city of Racine

"Machinery Row" development project needs $4.5 million loan from city of Racine

RACINE (WITI) -- A major project in Racine is now in need of a loan from the city.The "Machinery Row" development project is asking the city of Racine for a $4.5 million loan from up to two years.It is part of a $65 million plan on 20 acres north of Water Street and east of Marquette.The goal of the project is to incorporate a large amount of commercial tenant space and about 110 apartments.Project developers are already asking for a large amount of tax credits from the state.CLICK HERE for more on this story via the Milwaukee Business Journal.Related stories:

City of Racine officials announce bus fare changes taking effect in 2015!

City of Racine officials announce bus fare changes taking effect in 2015!

RACINE (WITI) -- Children and students ages six and above paying cash for their bus fare in Racine will no longer be offered a reduced rate effective in January 2015, according to city of Racine officials.Using a pre-paid 10-ride pass which sells for $15 will still provide a $1.50 per ride identical to the existing “student fare” but kids age six and above paying cash will be required to pay the standard bus fare of $2.