9-2-13 former council president among applicants for council opening

Eleven candidates have applied for a vacancy on Fond du lac city council  including two former councilmembers.  Former council president Mark Jurgella and former councilmember Mick Burroughs have applied for the vacant seat.  Jurgella presently serves on the Fond du Lac school board.  Other candidates include Nicholas Stoffel, Brian Kolstad, Andy Land, Christopher Madsen, David Washkoviak, John Piper the third, Tanisha Alvarado, Terrance Kraus and Scott Rodman.  The seat became vacant when Rob VandeZande stepped down because of a family medical issue.  Council president Sam Meyer said earlier  he would like to see the field narrowed to six candidates for interviews September 6^th, 9^th and 10^th if necessary with the council voting for a new councilmember at their September 11^th meeting.  The new councilmember will be sworn into office

September 25^th.

8-31-13 captain dobogai memorial run-walk

The 5^th annual Captain Derek Dobogai Memorial Run-Walk is slated for this weekend.   The event will be held Saturday  at Winnebago Lutheran Academy.  Lisa Dobogai says her son, Scout Platoon leader Derek Dobogai and 13 other men lost their lives when their helicopter went down in Iraq on August 22^nd, 2007.   Proceeds from the event will go to the WLA Track Fund and Salute the Troops organization.

8-31-13 convicted fdl sex offender reaches plea deal in separate case

A North Fond du lac man who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for child sex assault and secretly videotaping his girlfriend has been sentenced in a separate case.  As part of a plea agreement 33 year old Jonathan Gurath was convicted on three misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges.  He was
initially charged with child sexploitation.  Judge Gary Sharpe sentenced Gurath to three 90 day consecutive jail sentences to run concurrently to a 32 year prison sentence he is now serving.

8-31-13 harris doesn't plan to run for governor

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris says he won't run for governor unless two other potential Democratic candidates opt out. Harris, former Trek executive Mary Burke and state Senator Kathleen Vinehout, all Democrats, have been mulling challenging Republican Governor Scott Walker next year. Burke hasn't announced whether she'll enter the race yet. Vinehout has said she'll decide next year.

8-31-13 state capitol protesters

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Governor Scott Walker's administration has granted protesters a permit to gather in the state Capitol for three days next month. Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch says Tom Kasper of Madison requested a permit for the singers. The application asked for a permit with no end date. In recent weeks police have made scores of arrests for demonstrating without a permit.

8-31-13 water quality problems-towns of osceola and mitchell

Forty-one households participated in the Towns of Osceola and Mitchell voluntary well water testing program with UW-Extension in July. At the results presentation Thursday night, residents learned that the percent of wells detecting arsenic was slightly greater than the state average.   While a few wells found nitrate at levels that are of concern to health, overall nitrate levels were low when compared to areas with similar land-use. Also encouraging was that the number of wells found to be positive for coliform bacteria was typical of most other Wisconsin communities. A small number of wells found low levels of the pesticide ingredient atrazine, common in corn-growing areas, however none were found above recommended drinking water standards.   Kevin Masarik, Groundwater Specialist with UW-Extension, informed well owners that water quality depends on soil type and well construction as well as local land use. “Testing water annually for bacteria and nitrates, and making sure your well cap is tight, are a few easy things home owners can do to protect the quality of their drinking water,” stated Masarik.   Arsenic is a naturally-occurring mineral found in bedrock layers. Eighteen out of the 27 wells in these townships sampled for arsenic detected it at low levels, and four wells found it at levels over the drinking water standard of .01 mg/L (10 ppb). Drinking water with high levels of arsenic is thought to increase the risk of skin cancers as well as lung, liver, bladder, kidney, and colon cancers, circulatory disorders, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and unusual skin pigmentation, which is why long-term consumption of water over the standard should be avoided.  As a result of what was learned through the testing program, it is recommended that all households sample well water for arsenic at least once. Recent testing has also found a higher incidence of arsenic in wells in the Town of Lamartine. If arsenic is present at any level, it is recommended that the well be sampled routinely because there are concerns that levels may rise over time. More information on labs that analyze arsenic in well water can be found at http://fonddulac.uwex.edu/arsenic.  Residents can sample for bacteria ($19) and nitrates ($16) through the Fond du Lac County Health Department, 160 S. Macy St., Fond du Lac. Bottles can be picked up from 8am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.  More information about this water sampling program is available from UW-Extension (920) 929-3173 (711 for hearing-impaired relay). 

 

8-31-13 merc and u.s. army to partner in recruiting efforts

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Representatives of Mercury Marine and the U.S. Army recruiting command are scheduled to sign an agreement Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 3 p.m. aimed at providing priority hiring status to qualified soldiers participating in the Army’s Partnership for Youth success (PaYS) program. The signing ceremony will take place at Mercury Marine’s headquarters at W6250 Pioneer Road in Fond du Lac.  The PaYS Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The program provides America's youth an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future careers. Under the partnership agreement, Mercury Marine, the PaYS partner company, agrees to reserve future interview opportunities in exchange for trained U.S. Army veterans. The Army agrees to pre-qualify, train, and provide honorably discharged veterans. The Army benefits by gaining a valuable industry partner who acknowledges the Army as a quality producer of skilled employees. The PaYS Soldier agrees to fulfill his or her Army obligation and benefits with future hiring preference with the partnership company. America benefits with a well-trained workforce that understands patriotic service.

8-31-13 ahern environmental rating

Ahern was recently named 127th largest environmental service provider on Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s list of the Top 200 Environmental Firms. The magazine ranks companies nationwide, based on gross revenue reported in 2012 from providing environmental services and products to domestic and international markets. Ahern’s environmental revenue of $49.8 million moves the Company up 16 positions from last year. Ahern remains the top Wisconsin-owned environmental firm listed, with wastewater treatment services contributing 80 percent of our environmental revenue, water quality 15 percent, and air quality 5 percent. A complete list of the Top 200 firms can be found on www.enr.com.
Whether a partner on new construction/retrofit projects, servicing existing facilities, or providing prefabricated piping; Ahern consistently reduces its clients’ risk for projects and service requests of all sizes. With approximately 950 employees specializing in pipe fabrication, mechanical, and fire protection contracting, we offer measurable expertise and experience:

·        Over 80% of all Ahern employees hold professional certifications.

·        More than half of our staff carries 10+ years of industry experience.

·        66% of all employees hold one or more college degrees.

For additional Company information, please visit www.jfahern.com.

8-31-13 fdl county law enforcement labor day holiday traffic enforcement

Over Labor Day weekend, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, and Police Agencies from the City of Fond du Lac, Village of North Fond du Lac, City of Ripon, City of Waupun, Village of Rosendale, Village of Oakfield, Town of Ripon, Village of Campbellsport, Village of Brandon-Fairwater and the Wisconsin State Patrol will be out in force throughout Fond du Lac County during a coordinated effort to crackdown on the "D" Drivers. "Drunk, Drugged, Drowsy, and Distracted"

Steps to Promote a Safe Labor Day weekend
1.Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
2.Before drinking, designate a sober driver. If you aren’t that driver, leave your car keys at home.
3.If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation or a sober ride program so you are sure to get home safely.
4.If you see a drunk or distracted driver on the road, call 911.
5.If you know about an underage alcohol party, call authorities so we can take action before something bad happens.
6.Remember when you get behind the wheel, your primary responsibility is to drive your car.

The law enforcement agencies throughout Fond du Lac County in conjunction the Drug Free Communities of Fond du Lac County will be continuing to work together throughout the year to crack down on drunken drivers, underage consumption of alcohol, social hosting, dangerous driving and seat belt violations.

 

8-30-13 mayville woman killed in two vehicle accident in dodge county

A Mayville woman was killed in a two vehicle accident in Dodge County Thursday.  Dodge County Sheriff  Pat Ninmann says 32 year old Angela Crist was pronounced dead at the scene on Dairy Road, north of Lomira Drive, in the town of LeRoy.  A preliminary investigation shows that a car driven by Crist was southbound on Dairy Road going up a hill when she struck a heavy duty pick up truck pulling a large flatbed trailer northbound on Dairy Road at the crest of the hill.  After impact the car traveled into the west ditch.  The pick up driver, 28 year old Anthony Clark, from rural Mayville was not injured.  The crash remains under investigation.

8-30-13 fdl government center upgrades

Improving handicap accessibility and upgrades to the legislative chambers sound and voting system are in the works for the the Fond du lac city-county government center.  The city-county building board reviewed plans to install an elevator system at the main entrance on the north side of the building.  County executive Al Buechel says the legislative chambers broadcasting and voting system needs to be upgraded.

8-30-13 harley davison party

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The rumble of motorcycles is growing louder in Milwaukee where Harley-Davison is celebrating its 110th anniversary with a Labor Day weekend party. More than 100,000 people from around the globe are expected to take part in this weekend's concerts, parade, street parties and other events.

8-30-13 dnr deer plan

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin wildlife officials have crafted a plan that would allow state residents to keep deer they find in the wild. The Department of Natural Resources' proposal comes after the agency was criticized for seizing a wild fawn named Giggles from an animal rehabilitation center and euthanizing it. Governor Scott Walker ordered his administration to make sure such a situation never happens again.

8-30-13 fdl police investigating car vandalism spree

Fond du Lac police are investigating a rash of car vandalism incidents.   Assistant police chief Steve Klein says windows were smashed out on at least a half dozen vehicles on the east side o f the city.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

8-30-13 couple involved in hwy 41 standoff identiified

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Authorities say a man and a woman apparently shot themselves to death during a standoff on a busy highway in Winnebago County. Oshkosh police identify the two as 29-year-old Randy Lamb and 28-year-old Ashley Luka, both of Neenah. Officials say Lamb matches the description of a man who robbed a liquor store in Vinland Wednesday.

8-30-13 governor walker visits wells expansion grand opening

Governor Scott Walker says the expansion of a Fond du Lac company shows that Wisconsin is headed in the right direction and the state’s economy is moving forward.  The governor was the keynote speaker at a grand opening celebration Thursday for Wells Vehicle Electronics.  "These aren't just 73 new jobs and retaining jobs.  These are exciting, dynamic new jobs out there,"  Walker told the crowd.  Walker says the expansion will allow Wells to continue to grow in Wisconsin. 

Company officials say the expansion will allow the company to retain more than 200 current employees and add more than 70 jobs over the next  three years.  The $7.1 million corporate headquarters facility is located on West Rolling Meadows Drive.

8-30-13 governor appoints new fdl county register of deeds

Governor Scott Walker has announced the appointment of Shawn Kelly as the new Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds.  Kelly fills the vacancy created by the death of Patricia Kraus.  Kelly has served as the UW Oshkosh controller for the past 16 years.  He is a member of the Fond du lac Historic Preservation Commission and on the board of directors for the Fond du lac Children’s Museum.   Kelly has degrees from Luther College and Marian University.

8-30-13 report says waupun police officer was suicidal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Court documents say a former Waupun police officer accused of going on a burglary spree planned to kill himself in a cabin.  Prosecutors in Green Lake, Barron and Burnett counties have charged Bradley Young with multiple counts, including burglary, car theft and leading police on a high speed chase. Police captured him at a cabin outside Spooner last month. The Burnett County criminal complaint says after Young eluded police in Barron County, he went to a family member's cabin in Burnett County. He planned to kill himself there but he couldn't find a gun at the cabin. He found a rifle in another unoccupied cabin but decided to surrender after he got a call from his mother and spoke to his children. 

8-29-13 armed standoff on hwy 41 over

An armed standoff on Highway 41 near Oshkosh ended when two robbery suspects apparently shot and killed themselves.  The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office says officers heard two gunshots

inside the car and found a man and woman dead.  Officers says the two were suspects in the robbery of a Neenah bar earlier in the day.  Officers pulled the suspect’s car over on Highway 41 near Oshkosh late Wednesday afternoon and tried several times to make contact with the people inside the vehicle.  Highway 41 was closed between Highways 76 and 45 and traffic was backed up for several miles during the standoff.

8-29-13 fdl council considers expanding hours for fire pit burning

The Fond du lac city council president says extending the hours residents can use outdoor fire pits will bring Fond du lac more in line with other communities in the area.   Council president Sam Meyer says he supports changing the local ordinance to extend the hours for open burning in residential hours to midnight on weekends and before federal holidays.  Meyer says residents also have to be good neighbors and not disturb others who are trying to get some sleep.  The issue was discussed at Wednesday night's council meeting  and the council is expected to take formal action at a future meeting.

8-29-13 freak accident kills sheboygan county man

TOWN OF MITCHELL, Wis. (AP) — Sheboygan County authorities say a 60-year-old man has died while digging a hole in a barn.  Emergency crews were called after 4 p.m. Tuesday to the Town of Mitchell. The victim was found in a 3-foot hole he was digging inside the barn.  Douglas Orzechowski was pronounced dead. He lived at the property.  The Sheboygan County coroner ruled the victim died of accidental positional asphyxiation, meaning he had gotten into a position where he could not breathe.

8-29-13 hwy 23 hearing

A Fond du lac state lawmaker says he is disappointed a proposed expansion of Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Plymouth has been delayed again.  Republican state representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt attended a public hearing on the project Wednesday night at the UW Fond du lac.  "Highway 23 east I think is one of the more dangerous roads in the state, we had evidence two weeks ago where a lady was killed on the highway by someone attempting to pass,"  Thiesfeldt said.  "I think this is an important project for us to get done sooner rather than later."  State DOT officials announced earlier this month that the $140 million project has been pushed back to 2018.

8-29-13 semi vs. fdl county sheriff's squad

Nobody was injured in an accident involving a Fond du lac County Sheriff’ squad car and semi truck.  The accident happened last Friday afternoon on Highway 23 in Fond du Lac.  The squad car was responding to a report of a reckless driver and attempting to turn around when it was struck by the semi.  The state patrol is investigating the accident.

8-29-13 fdl council applications

Several people have taken out applications and two people have returned their applications for a vacant seat on the Fond du lac City council.   Nicholas Stoffel and Chris Madsen have returned
applications to the city clerk’s office.  Stoffel applied for a vacancy on council earlier this year.  Madsen is the District Manager for the Action Advertiser-Reporter newspaper.  At least three others have taken out an application…but have yet to return the applicationt.  The deadline is Friday afternoon.  The vacancy was created by the resignation of Rob VandeZande due to a family medical

issue. 

8-29-13 attendance down significantly at both fdl outdoor swimming pools

Initial reports indicate that attendance at Fond du Lac’s outdoor swimming pools was down this summer.  Public Works Director Jordan Skiff says final reports won’t be available for a few weeks…but attendance was down at both the Taylor Park pool and Fairgrounds Aquatic Center.  "We won't have the final numbers for a month or so until all the payrolls make their way through the books but anecdotally we know the attendance was significantly down,"  Skiff told WFDL news.  "In some weeks down more than half."   Both pools closed for the summer season last Friday.

8-29-13 waupun council approves low bid for new swimming pool

Construction is expected to begin September 9^th on a new outdoor swimming pool at the Waupun County Park.  The Waupun Common  Council has approved the low bid of $4.1 million for the project at their meeting this week.  Waupun city administrator Kyle Clark says the new pool is scheduled to open June first and is expected to draw people from Waupun and outside the community.  Clark says a lot of the construction work will take place this fall and winter.

8-29-13 governor walker to attend grand opening thursday for fdl company

Governor Scott Walker will attend a grand opening ceremony Thursday morning for a multi-million dollar expansion project at a Fond du lac manufacturer.  The ceremony is being held Thursday on the $7.1 million corporate headquarters facility for Wells Vehicle Electronics on Rolling Meadows Drive.  Wells Vice President Don Lauby says the expansion will allow the company to retain 214 current employees and add more than 70 jobs over the next three years.  Wells is a global manufacturer of new and replacement vehicle parts.  The company was founded in 1903.  The project was made possible through a half million dollar forgiveable loan through the county and Fond du lac County Economic Development Corporation, a $1 million tax increment financing district through the city, and $1.25 million in state tax credits. 

8-29-13 wisconsin union leader arrested at capitol protest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Police have arrested a prominent union leader during a protest in the Wisconsin Capitol rotunda.  Capitol Police arrested Wisconsin State Employees Union Executive Director Marty Beil shortly after the protest began on Wednesday, leading him away in handcuffs.  Protesters have been gathering in the rotunda almost every noon hour for more than two years to sing songs against Republican Gov. Scott Walker. The sing-alongs are a remnant of massive demonstrations at the Capitol in 2011 as lawmakers passed a Walker bill that stripped public works of their union rights.  Police launched a crackdown on the singers last month after a judge ruled police can require groups of more than 20 to get a permit to gather in the Capitol. They've made more than 300 arrests so far.

8-29-13 health care overhaul-containing costs in wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A massive statewide database of health care claims years in the making is set to go public in 2014, allowing Wisconsin residents to do comparison shopping before they choose a doctor or schedule surgery.  The Wisconsin Health Information Organization database will operate as a complement to the health care exchanges set to open for enrollment in October under the Affordable Care Act.  It includes 250 million Medicaid and private health insurance claims for care provided to 3.7 million Wisconsin residents over the past several years.  Dr. John Toussaint is a former health care executive and the first organizer of the database. He says that it also has helped control health care costs in Wisconsin because doctors and hospital systems can see when they are charging more than their peers.

8-29-13 fdl county extension agent milestone

Ann Kaiser started her career with UW-Extension in 1978. A quick 35 years later, she is the indispensable Administrative Secretary for the Fond du Lac County UW-Extension staff.   When she began, her equipment included a typewriter, White-Out, and a mimeograph machine. The first computer in the office arrived in the 1980s and was shared by all the staff.  Later, one of Kaiser’s duties was to print everyone’s e-mail messages on a dot matrix printer and distribute them.  Originally hired to assist the 4-H program, Kaiser became the office manager and support staff for Family Living education.  She is supporting 4-H again and enjoys interacting with leaders, members and parents.   A more public face on the UW-Extension staff is that of Mike Rankin. As a crops and soils agent, Rankin works with farmers and agribusinesses to improve crop production and profitability. This August, he has been on the job for 25 years in Fond du Lac County. Need a spreadsheet on the value of straw and corn stalk fertilizer?  Wondering about inoculant and fungicide use in no-till soybeans?  Rankin answers questions about forages, corn, soybeans, winter wheat, and other crops. He personifies the Cooperative Extension mission: To apply university research to real-life practice.  For instance, Rankin has been collecting data on statewide alfalfa yield and persistence over several years. He has evaluated the economic viability of fungicide use. He has helped County residents deal with droughts, floods, and diseased crops. In fact, he has spoken in numerous states, and both Canada and Mexico, at agricultural conferences.   Local gardeners recognize Rankin because he oversees the Master Gardener training. Out of the public eye, he mentors newer agriculture agents and guides them through the University’s tenure process.  Rankin grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where he “learned a lot from baling hay, cleaning box stalls and milking cows.”  He earned a degree in Dairy Science, followed by a M.S. degree in Agronomy, from Iowa State University. When he’s not in a farmer’s field, Rankin is either on a baseball field or watching one. He is a devoted Brewers fan and a long-time Little League coach. He and his wife Nancy live in Malone.

8-29-13 fdl flight for life facility tour

Chances are you’ve heard the helicopter flying overhead, perhaps you’ve even seen the crew in action; no doubt about it, curiosity is peaked when it comes to the Flight For Life program and facility that operates out of Fond du Lac.  The Fond du Lac Area Safety Council is hosting a company tour of the Flight For Life Facility on Thursday, September 12 and the public is invited to attend.  The Fond du Lac Area Safety Council invites you to tour this incredible area business and learn more about the industry and its safety precautions. When lives depend on the resources of specialty care facilities and when rapid transfer is a priority, Flight For Life is ready to respond. How much do you know about the Flight For Life based right here in Fond du Lac? Attend this session and learn what safety precautions they take on a daily basis to keep those who use their services, safe.  This program will take place on Thursday, September 12, with registration and appetizers at 3:45 p.m., and the program taking place from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Flight For Life hanger in Fond du Lac (176 South Rolling Meadows Drive).  Open to the public, registration is required. Reservations must be received by Tuesday, September 10.  No refunds will be made after this date.  Cost for the program is $10 for Safety Council Members and $20 general admission.  Visit www.fdlac.com to register or call (920) 921-9500.   The Fond du Lac Area Safety Council is a division of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce that promotes safety in industries, homes, traffic and public places by providing educational forums, networking and recognition of safety program.  More information can be found at www.fdlac.com or by calling Tammy Young at the Association of Commerce at (920) 921-9500.

8-29-13 nfdl police golf shoot out

On August 9, 2013, the North Fond du Lac Police Benevolent Association hosted its 14^th Annual Golf Shoot-Out.  The proceeds from these annual golf shoot-out fundraisers are directed to charitable or non-profit causes to enhance growth in the community.  The Police Benevolent Association raised approximately $6500.00 this year from the golf outing.  Proceeds will be used for scholarships for seniors at Horace Mann High School and other area projects.

8-28-13 charges dismissed against former prison chaplain

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Charges have been dismissed in Winnebago County against a former prison chaplain accused of having sex with an inmate.  Jamyi Witch contends she was a hostage and the victim of an inmate assault at the Oshkosh Correctional Facility in August of 2011. But, prosecutors ended up charging Witch with three felonies, including sexual assault by correctional staff. Witch was employed as a Wiccan chaplain by the state Department of Corrections. She was dismissed in March of 2012.  Deputy District Attorney Scott Ceman says the inmate involved has changed his story and that prosecutors are no longer confident in a conviction. Witch says she plans to sue the Department of Corrections and other agencies in the coming days.

8-28-13 fdl weekly street construction

Fourteenth Street from South Marr Street to South Park Avenue
Schedule: May 2013 to September 2013
Description: The project includes reconstruction of the sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, street, and lighting. The street will be widened to the 32-foot City standard.
August 26 to August 30: The paving subcontractor will place the asphalt pavement. The landscaping subcontractor will occasionally water the restoration areas.
Traffic Impacts: Fourteenth Street is closed to through traffic. It is illegal to drive past a “ROAD CLOSED” sign or to move any construction barricades. Residents, business owners, and customers may access properties past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs. Parking is not permitted on the street during working hours.
Grace Avenue from Woodland Avenue to Sunset Circle
Schedule: June 2013 to September 2013
Description: The project includes reconstruction of the sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, street, and lighting. The street will be widened to 28-foot.
August 26 to August 30: Crews for Alliant Energy will complete gas service transfers. The excavation subcontractor may begin general excavation and placement of the stone base.
Traffic Impacts: Grace Avenue is closed to through traffic. It is illegal to drive past a “ROAD CLOSED” sign or to move any construction barricades. Residents, business owners, and customers may access properties past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs. Parking is not permitted on the street during working hours.
Sunset Circle south of Grace Avenue
Schedule: June 2013 to September 2013
Description: The project includes reconstruction of the sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, street, and lighting. The street will be 29-feet wide from back of curb to back of curb.
August 26 to August 30: Crews for Alliant Energy will complete gas service transfers. The excavation subcontractor may begin general excavation and placement of the stone base.
Traffic Impacts: Sunset Circle is closed to through traffic. It is illegal to drive past a “ROAD CLOSED” sign or to move any construction barricades. Residents, business owners, and customers may access properties past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs. Parking is not permitted on the street during working hours. North Main Street from Scott Street to Frazier Drive
Schedule: July 2013 to October 2013
Description: The project includes reconstruction of the sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street, and lighting on the east side of the street only.
August 26 to August 30: The utility contractor will complete installation of storm sewer main and structures.  The excavation subcontractor will begin general excavation and placement of the stone base. The electrical subcontractor will install electrical conduit crossings. The concrete paving subcontractor will begin preparation for concrete pavement paving. Concrete paving will occur between Scott Street and Harbor View Drive.
Traffic Impacts: North Main Street is closed to through traffic and closed completely to northbound traffic. It is illegal to drive past a “ROAD CLOSED” sign or to move any construction barricades. Residents, business owners, and customers may access properties past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs. Parking is not permitted on the street during working hours.
Auburn Street from Brooke Street to Termini
Schedule: August 2013 to October 2013
Description: The project includes reconstruction of the sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, street, and lighting. The street will be widened to the 32-foot City standard.
August 26 to August 30: The utility contractor will begin installation of sanitary sewer. The contractor will begin in Brooke Street and work toward the west.
Traffic Impacts: Auburn Street is closed to through traffic. Brooke Street will be closed to all traffic at the intersection with Auburn Street until the completion of the underground utilities. It is illegal to drive past a “ROAD CLOSED” sign or to move any construction barricades. Residents, business owners, and customers may access properties past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs. Parking is not permitted on Auburn Street  during working hours.
Everett Street from Sheboygan Street to East Division Street
Schedule: September 2013 to October 2013
Description: The project includes reconstruction of the water main, partial storm sewer and partial street.
August 26 to August 30: No work this week.
Traffic Impacts: Everett Street remains open to traffic.
Champion Avenue from East Division Street to Merrill Avenue
Schedule: September 2013 to October 2013
Description: The project includes reconstruction of the water main, partial storm sewer and partial street.
August 26 to August 30: No work this week.
Traffic Impacts: Champion Avenue remains open to traffic

8-28-13 effort underway to recall two mayville alderpersons

Paperwork has been filed at Mayville City Hall with the intent to circulate recall petitions against two Mayville alderpersons.  City Clerk Deanna Boldrey says residents Mitchell R. McKinnon and Thomas C. Stollenwerk have filed statements of intent to circulate recall petitions for alderpersons Kathleen Sertich and David Pasbrig.   McKinnon and Stollenwerk both say Sertich and Pasbrig violated open meetings laws when they were involved in, “secret negotiations with the Dodge County Sheriff to abolish the Mayville Police Department,” and “involving Tax Incremental District 5.”  In July, representatives from Mayville approached Sheriff Pat Ninmann to provide a cost estimate for the Sheriff’s Department to provide full-time, around-the-clock law enforcement services, if the City abolished its police department.  Involved in the discussion were Sertich and Pasbrig, along with Mayor Jerry Moede and City Comptroller/Treasurer Kathie Wild.  If all of the necessary paperwork is filed, and the process reaches the signature gathering phase, Boldrey says 66 signatures would be needed in Pasbrig’s ward and 109 signatures in Sertich’s ward. But at this point, Boldrey says only the statements of intent to circulate recall petitions have been filed.

8-28-13 wisconsin woman testifies at fort hood gunman trial

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — A Wisconsin woman whose daughter was killed in the Fort Hood shooting rampage says she lives with her loss "every day."  Jerri Krueger, from Kiel, Wis., testified Tuesday in the penalty phase of Maj. Nidal Hasan's trial in Texas.  Krueger's daughter, Sgt. Amy Krueger, was one of 13 people, including 12 soldiers, killed in the November 2009 rampage.  Jerri Krueger told how she and her family frantically tried to find out if she was OK after hearing about shootings at Fort Hood.  She says she had "a very bad feeling." Eventually two Army officers showed up at her home.  Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was convicted last week. Jurors are expected to start deliberating soon on whether he should get the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

8-28-13 rural health care

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The rejection of Medicaid expansion by more than half of the states will disproportionately affect rural residents.  That's according to Tim McBride, a health economist with the Rural Policy Research Institute who spoke Tuesday to hospital administrators and others at a conference on rural health care in Milwaukee.  Twenty-one states, including Wisconsin, have opted not to expand Medicaid eligibility. McBride says about a half-dozen others are still debating the issue.  McBride says that when researchers look at rural residents who could be covered by the Medicaid expansion, more than half live in states that opted not to expand coverage. He says when researchers look at urban residents eligible for expansion, more than half life in states that are expanding coverage.  McBride says that makes Medicaid expansion a rural issue.

8-28-13 nfdl high school fight song stays

The North Fond du Lac Horace Mann High School fight song will stay.  The North Fond du Lac School Board voted unanimously this week not to change the fight song lyrics.  Superintendent Aaron Sadoff had proposed a change that he said  "edited some of the lyrics to more reflect what the high school and district is all about."   The proposed change would have replaced the words   “we’re out to win, take defeat with a grin and when victory is our goal we’ll fight,”   to “ You can’t hide that Oriole pride, with community on our side we will strive to be victorious.”  But Sadoff says the community and school board had other ideas.  "I'll tell you what, five to nothing the board voted to not change it,"  Sadoff told WFDL news.  "It was great.  The history and the people that came out and represented that don't change that song, it has a lot of meaning."

8-28-13 nfdl school board gives preliminary budget approval

The North Fond du Lac School Board has given preliminary approval for the  2013 budget.  Superintendent Aaron Sadoff says the budget includes a slight decrease in the tax rate.  "On an average we're looking at taxes on a $100,000 home may go down about $200,"  Sadoff told WFDL news.  Sadoff says the district was able to cut a projected million dollar budget deficit in half without cutting programs or staff.  He says the hope is to eliminate that deficit in the next two years.  The community will get a chance to review the budget at the district’s annual meeting  September 9^{th .}  Final board approval will come in October.

8-28-13 waupun police investigating whether downtown incident may have been an assault

Waupun police are continuing their investigation into an incident last week where a Waupun man was arrested for having sex with a woman on a street corner.   The man has been charged with lewd and lascivious behavior but deputy chief Scott Louden says investigators are trying to determine if the act was consensual.  "It was after bar close and both subjects were heavily intoxicated,"  Louden told WFDL news.  "We're still looking at the investigation to see if there was anything else that possibly could have been occurring, maybe even an assault."   Louden says the incident was reported by a citizen.

8-28-13 fdl animal shelter opens

The Fond du Lac Animal Shelter has reopened after a parvo virus swept through the shelter killing nine puppies and infecting a total of 19 dogs.  Shelter manager Renee Webb says the surviving puppies are recovering and it appears the danger of the virus spreading  to other dogs is now over.  "It has been the most emotional week for the staff, I on't think that any of us have cried so many times as we have in the last 14 days,"  Webb told AM 1170 WFDL's Between  the Lines program.  Webb says at this point there is no way of knowing where the virus came from.  She  says it could have come from someone walking into the shelter with the virus on their shoe.

8-28-13 sesquicentennial plates

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Transportation officials plan to replace the license plates that celebrate the state's 150th anniversary because the red lettering has faded.  The Sesquicentennial plates were first issued in 1996. The state Department of Transportation says the special plates will be replaced with regular license plates. About 160,000 Sesquicentennial plates are still on the road. The DOT says it will also replace 135,000 regular red-lettered plates with standard black-lettered plates.  The DOT hopes to complete the replacement process by September 2014.

8-28-13 wi dairy exports

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The value of Wisconsin dairy exports increased 23 percent for the first half of the year compared to last year.  Exports for the 6-month period totaled $171 million, putting Wisconsin fourth in the nation for the value of dairy exports.  Dairy-related products were Wisconsin's most valuable agricultural export.  Overall, Wisconsin exported $1.6 billion worth of agricultural products to 132 countries in the first half of this year. That's nearly 10 percent more than last year, ranking Wisconsin 13th overall for agricultural exports, up from 14th for same period last year.

8-28-13 wisconsin casino

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Supporters of plans for a tribal casino in Kenosha are pressing Gov. Scott Walker to green-light the project.  The Menominee Nation wants to open an off-reservation casino at the former Dairyland Greyhound Park dog track. Federal officials approved the plan last week but Walker must sign off before anything can happen.  Walker has said his approval hinges on no new net gaming, community support and consensus among the state's tribes. The Forest County Potawatomi, which operates a casino in Milwaukee, opposes the Menominee's plans.  Menominee leaders, southeastern Wisconsin legislators and labor leaders held a press conference at the state Capitol on Tuesday calling on Walker to approve the plans. They say the casino will create thousands of jobs and alleviate poverty on the Menominee's reservation in northeastern Wisconsin.

8-27-13 pioneer road railroad underpass project update

CTH VV; West Pioneer Road Reconstruction, Hickory Street to Morris Street

Schedule: September 2012 to October 2013
Length: 0.47 miles
Cost: $7,538,801.74
Location: Hickory Street to Morris Street

Description: The project involves the reconstruction of CTH VV (Pioneer Road)
between Hickory Street and Morris Street with a new grade separation railroad structure
(roadway under railroad), constructing a roundabout at the Hickory Street and Morris
Street intersections, three retaining walls, and the construction of the Wild Goose Prairie
Trail within the project limits.August 19 to August 23: Landscapers finished installing the retaining wall in front of

Pump and Pantry. Grading crew finished grading along the new railroad tracks. Bridge

contractor removed the temporary shoring along the new railroad bridge.August 26 to August 30: Paving crew will continue to pour concrete on Hickory Street
and Pioneer Road Intersection. Grading crew will continue to place topsoil.Traffic impacts: CTH VV (Pioneer Road) will be closed between Hickory Street and
Morris Street for the duration of the project. Both the Hickory Street and Morris Street
intersection will be open to traffic at all time. There will be stages of construction where
traffic will only be allowed in certain directions. Morris Street is now open as a three
legged roundabout. Traffic can go North or South on Morris Street and East on Pioneer
Road. Pioneer between Hickory Street and Morris Street continues to be closed.
Traffic will only be able to travel North and South on Hickory Street. Traffic will not be
able to go west or east on Pioneer Road. The contractor will coordinate with residents
and businesses prior to any closures.Detour Route: Fond du Lac County will post and maintain a detour during the duration
of the project. The detour route for eastbound CTH VV traffic is CTH VV to Military
Road/CTH D to USH 151 to Main Street to CTH VV. The westbound detour route will be
the reverse of the eastbound detour route.

8-27-13 senator gudex holds office hours in fdl

On Tuesday August 27, Senator Rick Gudex will be holding office hours at the Fond du Lac City-County Government Center. Senator Gudex will be available to meet individually with constituents from the 18^th State Senate District to discuss issues that are important to them, or to field requests for assistance from the Senator.  “This is a great opportunity for those that I serve to meet with me on an individual basis. Some people are just not comfortable in a large group setting discussing issues important to them, and I’m happy to offer a variety of opportunities for those I represent to have these discussions with me,” said Gudex.  Those not able to attend can contact the Senator’s office at (608)266-5300 or Sen.Gudex@legis.wi.gov .

Office Hours

Tuesday, August 27

                                                    6:00pm-7:00pm, Rooms D&E
                                                       FDL City-County Government Center
                                                                      160 S. Macy St.
                                                                     Fond du Lac, WI

8-27-13 new climate report says more than half of parents, students and staff view bullying as moderate to severe problem at fdl high school

The Fond du lac School superintendent says he believes the school district is on the right track when it comes to creating a safe and respectful learning environment for students.  The district’s annual
climate report shows there were a total of 362 bullying incident reports last school year with most occurring at the middle school level.   The report also shows at the high school, 51-percent of students, 52-percent of parents and 53 percent of staff perceive bullying as a moderate to severe problem.  Superintendent Dr. Jim Sebert says the good news is that those percentages are down
slightly from the year before.  "I think its good that we know that and I think we look at the areas that we outlined in the recommendations of things we continue to do, the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support) model is huge ,"  Sebert said.   "...continuing to focus on being safe, respectful and responsible, and continuing to use our school resource officers, and to have teachers develop positive relationships with kids.  Those are the keys to continue to eradicate bullying across the district."  

8-27-13 lakeside park dredging update

Bids are scheduled to be opened soon on a major dredging project at Lakeside Park.  Public Works Director Jordan Skiff says potential bidders attended a mandatory pre-bid meeting last week.  Skiff says the Lakeside Park channel will be deepened from just a few feet to closer to eight feet.  Bids are scheduled to be opened September 12th and actual work will take place in late October and November.  Skiff says the city learned last week that it will receive at least some financial assistance from the state.  "We were approved for a $60,000 grant from the recreational boating facilities through the state waterways commission,"  Skiff said.  Skiff updated the advisory park board at their meeting Tuesday night.

8-27-13 bids for new waupun swimming pool come in more than $1 million under estimate

Bids have come in well under estimates for a new Waupun swimming pool.   City administrator Kyle Clark tells WFDL news the low bid for the pool at the Waupun County Park is more than a million dollars under the original estimate of $5.2 million.  Clark says if the common council accepts the low bid at their meeting Tuesday construction could begin September 9th.  The new pool would be open next summer.  Fond du Lac County is earmarking a million dollars for the project.

8-27-13 police shootings-investigations

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new bill would change the way Madison police and other law enforcement agencies investigate fatal shootings and other deaths involving their officers.  The measure would require police departments to include at least two people from outside agencies on the team that investigates whether a law was violated.  Republican state Rep. Garey Bies says he's close to introducing the bill. He says there have been public concerns after police in Kenosha and Madison fatally shot two young men, and another man died in the custody of Milwaukee police.  Democratic Rep. Chris Taylor says she's also working on a measure that would require a more independent review of whether an officer-involved shooting violated department policies or procedures.

8-27-13 lawmaker introduces bill to make english official language

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker has reintroduced a bill that would make English Wisconsin's official language. Representative Andre Jacque's proposal also would require of state and local government to put their documents in English. The measure does allow exceptions in individual cases.

8-27-13 walker on campaign trail for south carolina governor

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has appeared at a re-election campaign kickoff rally for South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Walker, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal joined Haley onstage at the rally outside the BI-LO Center today in Greenville, South Carolina.

8-27-13 waupun police officer resigns

A Waupun police officer accused of  burglary and leading authorities on a high speed chase has officially resigned.   The Waupun Police and Fire Commission is expected to accept Lt. Bradley Young's resignation when it meets Thursday, Aug. 29.  Waupun Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Louden said Young submitted a letter of  resignation last week.  Department officials placed Young, a 22-year veteran of the department, on administrative leave following the alleged crimes earlier this month.  But Louden tells WFDL news he is relieved that Louden has voluntarily stepped down.  Young, was arrested Aug. 6, and is in the Burnett County Jail.   Young faces multiple charges in  Green Lake County for burglary and stealing a car. He also is charged in Barron County for

allegedly stealing a car and leading police on a high speed chase.   Charges of breaking into a cabin and eluding police are pending in Burnett County.   Louden said the state is looking into additional charges against Young.  The Waupun officer admitted to investigators that he had burglarized Piggly Wiggly in Waupun.

8-27-13 waupun man charged with lewd and lascivious behavior

A man seen having sex with a woman on a Waupun street corner has been charged with lewd  and lascivious behavior, obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct as well as bail jumping.  Thirty two year old Eric J. Anderson IV,  faces up to seven years and nine months in prison if convicted.
 

 

8-26-13 craft beer-wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — From Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee to Angry Minnow Brewing Co., in Minocqua, Wisconsin is home to dozens of regional breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs.  The Brewers Association says there are nearly 100 breweries in Wisconsin of all sizes. More than two dozen others are in the planning states around the state.  Does that make for too much competition? Sprecher Brewing Company President Jeff Hamilton doesn't think so. He predicts another five or six years of industry growth before some breweries will fold.  South Shore Brewery owner Bo Belanger is president of the Wisconsin Brewers Guild. He tells Wisconsin Public Radio there's plenty of room for more craft breweries, since they account for just 5 percent of beer sold in Wisconsin. Craft beer captures 30 percent of the market in some other states.

8-26-13 plentiful skunks

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Trappers in southeastern Wisconsin say they've been responding to more skunk complaints than usual this summer.    Fifty four percent of the animal calls to which police community-service officers responded this year have been for skunks. Last year it was 45 percent.  Marty Johnson of the state Department of Natural Resources says when an animal population explodes, it's probably because food and shelter have become easily available. Food could be pet food or scraps scavenged from loosely capped garbage cans. Foreclosed homes could be providing shelter.  Wisconsin considers the skunk an unprotected species that can be hunted or trapped year-round by people with proper licenses. However, a trapped skunk can't be released on public or private lands without the owner's permission.

8-26-13 goose and dove hunting seasons

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Canada goose and mourning dove hunting seasons are about to open in Wisconsin.  Both hunting seasons begin on September 1st. The Canada goose season runs through September 15th, while the dove seasons ends on November 9th.  The state Department of Natural Resources says the early Canada goose season, with a more liberal bag limit than the regular season, is allowed by federal rules due to the growth of local giant Canada goose populations.  The DNR estimates that Wisconsin's resident breeding goose population is nearly 139,000.  The early season harvest last fall was estimated at 21,302.   On average, between 100,000 and 200,000 mourning doves are harvested every year.

8-26-13 meth problem growing

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — After the meth problem in northwest Wisconsin all but disappeared from 2007 to 2010, local authorities say the highly addictive drug is making a strong comeback,  Meth usage is especially high in Barron, Dunn and St. Croix counties.  Eau Claire police Sergeant Andy Falk runs the West Central Drug Task Force. He says there's a big push to tackle the meth resurgence because the drug drives users to commit smaller crimes such as burglary to fund their habit.  The number of suspected meth cases submitted to the state crime lab for analysis last year rose 86 percent to 440. The figure was on a similar pace in the first half of this year.

8-26-13 city and county offices closed on labor day

In accordance with Fond du Lac County’s holiday schedule, all County offices in the City/County Government Center, the Sheriff’s Office Lobby Window, the Portland Street Annex including the Veterans Service Office, the Department of Social Services and the Highway Department will be closed on September 2, 2013, in observance of Labor Day. 
City offices in the City/County Government Center will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2013 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The Municipal Center will also be closed on September 2^nd for all services, including refuse and recycling collection and bulky waste drop off. Refuse and recycling normally collected on Monday will be collected on Tuesday, September 3^rd with the normal Tuesday collection. Although, yard waste and brush may still be dropped off during the holiday hours.  The Senior Center and Fond du Lac Public Library will both be closed on September 2^nd, resuming regular hours on September 3^rd.  City Transit Buses will not operate on September 2^nd, but will resume regular routes on September 3^rd.  As always, Police and Fire Departments will be fully operational throughout the holiday period.

8-26-13 heats on program

The Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 400 of the Fox River Valley and the Department of Senior Services of Fond du Lac County are sponsoring the “Heats On Program”   On Saturday, September 21^st beginning at 8:30 a.m.  The “Heat’s On” community assistance program is working to improve the health and welfare of our communities by ensuring their heating systems are safe and reliable for the upcoming winter.  The Project “Heats On” volunteers will come into your home to inspect your heating system, change furnace filters and inspect smoke alarms and put new batteries in them.  This is will be an annual program for the senior citizen homeowners in Fond du Lac County.  Application deadline is September 9, 2013.

To Qualify:

Ø Need to be 60 years of age or older

Ø Homeowner and have a current property tax bill
Ø Reside in City of Fond du Lac or Village of North Fond du Lac
Ø Be within the income guidelines:
·    Single $1,675 monthly/$20,107 annually
·    Couple $2,262 monthly/$27,142 annually

Please contact Julie Hilbert, Benefit Specialist for Fond du Lac County at 929-3521 to sign up and register for this exciting free service.