2-3-14 propane complaints

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin consumer protection officials say they've received more than two dozen formal complaints about propane suppliers failing to honor delivery contracts as the Midwest's propane shortage drags on.  Sandy Chalmers, a state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection administrator, said Friday the agency has taken 27 formal written complaints since Wednesday about suppliers failing to deliver pre-paid propane, delivering at higher prices than originally quoted and adding on new delivery charges.  Chalmers says the agency has launched an investigation into Customer's Gas Service after receiving four complaints about the Amberg business, the most complaints about any single provider.

1-31-14 fatal crash-dodge county

At approximately 1pm on Thursday, January 30, 2014 the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a report of a head-on traffic crash on STH 33, just east of CTH I (North) in the Township of Oak Grove.  This was approximately 2 miles northwest of the City of Juneau. 

 Paul J. Wilder (46 years old from rural Beaver Dam) was operating a 1993 Ford Ranger truck west on STH 33 when he lost control and entered the east bound lane.  He struck an east bound 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Johnathan M. Barth (24 years old from Waupun).  Wilder was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Dodge County Medical Examiner.  Barth and his passenger, Alec R. Janzer (23 years old from Beaver Dam) were transported to a local hospital with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.  None of the three people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts.     There are multiple factors that are being investigated as to the causes of the crash and the injuries/death.  At the time of the crash, the roadways in Dodge County were snow-covered and/or slippery and were believed to be a factor, but were not the only cause to the crash.  Others assisting the Sheriff’s Office were:  Juneau EMS and Fire Department, Beaver Dam EMS, DCERT, and the Dodge County Medical Examiner.   The crash is still under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and our Crash Investigation Team.   

1-31-14 fcedc 25th annual meeting

The president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation says he’s proud of the accomplishments made over the last quaerter century and predicts continued success in the future.  The FCEDC celebrated its 25^th annual meeting at UW Fond du Lac Thursday night.  FCEDC president Steve Jenkins says signs are pointing to continued economic growth in Fond du Lac in the year ahead. Jenkins says moving forward the county needs to adapt to an ever changing manufacturing sector.  He says the govenror’s state of the state message encouraging Wisconsin businesses to hire more people with disabilities is a good idea.

1-31-14 governor addresses fcedc annual meeting

Governor Scott Walker says the state is moving in the right direction.  The governor was the featured speaker at Thursday night’s Fond du lac County Economic Development Corporation 25^th annual meeting.

The governor opened his speech by talking about the steps the state is taking to deal with the propane shortage and urging residents to check on elderly neighbors and relatives who use propane to make sure they are okay.  "Cause a lot of them don't think about the fact that their propane tanks might be at or below 30 percent capacity and that's dangerous,"  Walker said.  The governor again pushed for his tax cut proposal outlined in his state of the state address…saying the surplus revenue should go back to the taxpayers.  "What I hear repeatedly from people across the state is that if you want to continue the economic recovery that's happening here and all over this great state put the money back in the hands of the people."  The governor says the state continues to add jobs…pointing to the latest statewide unemployment rate of 6.2 percent.

During the state of the state the governor said he will spend much of this year encouraging Wisconsin businesses to hire more people with disabilities and he talked about that issue Thursday night. "We're not asking employees to do it based on charity, we're doing it based on quality, dependable, reliable employees,"  Walker said.  "We just need you to open up your eyes and look beyond what some determine to be a disability and help us find and identify those unique abilities to plug people into."

1-31-14 spelling bee champion

A Sabish Middle School 7^th grader is this year’s Fond du Lac Spelling Bee champ.  Emily Cannon correctly spelling the word “perishable.”  to win the competition.  Faith Lutheran School 7^th grader Brennan Kollman finished in second place.  Third place winner Ayden Heim is a 4^th grader from Lakeshore Elementary School.

1-31-14 fatal snowmobile crash-fdl county

On Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 1:06 pm the Fond du Lac County 911 center received a report of a snowmobile crash on the snowmobile trail off CTH S in the Town of Auburn. A snowmobile operated by a 47 yr old male crashed into a tree, the male was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is handling the investigation, any further information must be received from them.
Kewaskum EMS and the Fond du Lac Sheriff’s Deputies assisted the DNR at the scene

1-31-14 fdl man bound over for trial on child sex assault and weapons charges

A Fond du Lac man arrested on child sex assault and firearms charges has been bound over for trial.

Jeffrey MacMillan waived his preiliminary hearing Thursday afternoon in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court on five counts of  sexual assault of a child and probable cause was found at the hearing on 13 counts of felon

in possession of a firearm.  He was arrested earlier this month after sheriff’s deputies executed a search

warrant at his town of Empire home.   MacMillan is also accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl in the home.  He remains in the Fond du lac County Jail on $2 million cash bond.

1-31-14 obama-wisconsin

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Two years ago, Reggie Troop of Milwaukee had no job and a pregnant wife. Now he has a good-paying job — one that earned a shout out from President Barack Obama during a stop in southeastern Wisconsin.  The 26-year-old Troop is a machine operator at a General Electric plant in Waukesha. He got his job through an accelerated job-training program, the sort of program Obama promoted during a speech Thursday in Waukesha.  As Troop introduced Obama, he said he felt as though he'd won the Super Bowl of life. He says meeting the president was "remarkable," and he's grateful for the training program that enabled him to get a job that supports his family of four.  He says the program condensed about seven months of training into three months.

1-31-14 fdl police-death is not considered suspicious

Fond du Lac police say the death of a man who was found in an east side apartment complex is not considered suspicious.   Police say the body of a 40 year old man was found in an apartment at 168 Morningside Drive Wednesday.  Police say it appears the man had been dead for some time.

1-31-14 working seven days straight

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Democrat on the state Senate's labor committee says a Republican bill that would allow factory and retail employees to volunteer to work seven straight days will lead to bosses scaring workers into giving up their weekends. The bill's main author, Senator Glenn Grothman, developed the measure with help from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business group. The labor committee held a hearing on the measure today.

1-30-14 sheboygan county high speed chase fatality

OWN OF HOLLAND, Wis. (AP) — Sheboygan County authorities say a driver being chased by sheriff's deputies died after he crashed into a utility pole. Deputies tried to stop the vehicle in the Town of Holland last night after a report about an erratic driver. Authorities say the driver tried to elude deputies and reached speeds of more than 100 mph before crashing into the pole.

1-30-14 emergency heating assistance

With the severe cold weather, the Department of Administration (DOA) is reminding individuals about where to call for emergency heating assistance.

"With this severe cold weather that is making its way through Wisconsin, it is crucial that our citizens know where they can turn for emergency heating assistance," said DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch.

Customers that need emergency heating assistance can contact:
*       Their county or tribal office - please see the map of Where to Apply<http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=119&locid=25> at homeenergyplus.wi.gov<http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/> for local contact information
*       Wisconsin's Home Energy Assistance Program toll-free at 866-HEATWIS (432-8947)
*       Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund toll free at 1-800-891-9276

Governor Walker has directed DOA's Division of Energy services to release a total of $8.5 million in crisis benefits to counties and tribes that have households that use propane to heat their homes.  In addition, crisis benefits include financial assistance to purchase home heating full, help in locating fuel providers, and temporary lodging.  Residents may be eligible if the gross household income is 60% of the state median income level or less.

60% OF STATE MEDIAN INCOME
Household Size  Annual Income
1       $24,692
2       $32,290
3       $39,887
4       $47,485
5       $55,083
6       $62,680
7       $64,105
8       $65,529

The Keep Wisconsin Warm Fund (KWWF)<http://www.kwwf.org/> has agreed to temporarily allow an increase in their income limit for propane households to 80% of the state median income (from 60%), and will allow propane households to potentially receive an increased maximum benefit of $600.  KWWF has also temporarily adjusted its policy to allow propane households the ability to potentially receive two benefit payments in a year.

1-30-14 mayville man accused of threatening to set off chemical bomb

A Hartland man accused of threatening to use a chemical bomb at a Mayville residence as been arrested.  Mayville police say the 22 year old man was upset that his daughter was being exposed to second hand smoke when she stays with her mother and threatened to place a chemical bomb in her apartment so they
would suffer.   Police say the man has admitted to making the threats.  Police have referred charges to the Dodge County District Attorney’s Office.

1-30-14 physical education bill

A bill with bipartisan support that would require elementary students in Wisconsin to get at

least half an hour of daily physical education is moving forward.  The Assembly Children and Families Committee held a hearing Wednesday on the bill introduced by Republican Rep. Chad Weininger, of Green Bay.  Current law requires physical education three times a week for an unspecified amount of time. The daily gym class requirement was dropped in the late 1980s.

Weininger's bill would apply to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It has the

support of a wide array of health groups, including the American Cancer Society and the

Wisconsin Public Health Association.  Data from the state Department of Health Services shows that one in four Wisconsin adolescents are overweight or obese.

1-30-14 walker asks obama for assistance with propane shortage

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Governor Scott Walker is asking President Obama to help with a propane shortage in Wisconsin. Walker sent Obama a letter today asking his administration to speed up the release of money that helps pay for heating costs for those with low income. Walker also said he welcomed a Federal Trade Commission review of the impact of propane exports on domestic supply and any regulatory barriers to lower prices.

1-30-14 sentence handed down in starving case

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin father convicted of keeping his teenage daughter in the basement and starving her down to 68 pounds to 5 years in prison. The Associated Press generally does not name potential victims of sexual assault and isn't naming anyone in the family to avoid identifying the girl.

1-30-14 state treasurer candidate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Madison attorney David Leeper says he will run as a Democrat for state treasurer and his campaign will focus the need for a state-run bank. Leeper says in a statement that Wisconsin should use its credit and resources to provide small business, student and other loans for its residents. Leeper says it's better for the state to invest its money here than on Wall Street.

1-30-14 republican legislative aide charged with voter fraud

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An aide to a Republican state lawmaker has been charged with election fraud for allegedly voting in the wrong district in 2008 and 2010. The Wisconsin State Journal reports today that 33-year-old Marcie Malszycki was charged Monday with two counts of election fraud and pleaded not guilty. She allegedly voted in Onalaska in 2008 and 2010, when her home address was in Madison.

1-30-14 long prison sentence for camp counselor convicted of child sex assault

A long prison sentence has been handed down for a camp counselor convicted of sexually assaulting boys at a Campbellsport area YMCA camp.  Fond du Lac judge Robert Wirtz has sentenced 19 year old Troy Orthmann of South Milwaukee to 16 years in prison, followed by eight years of extended supervision and 10 years on probation.  Orthmann  reached a plea agreement last fall avoiding a trial when he pleaded no contest to five counts of sexual assault of a child.  According to a criminal complaint Orthmann performed sex acts on boys and fondled them, including a 12 year old boy at Camp Matawa in New Fane.

1-30-14 local unemployment rate

Little or no change in the local unemployment rate in December.  The city of Fond du lac’s jobless rate inched up one tenth of a percent to 6.6 percent.  The Fond du Lac County unemployment rate stands

at 5.4 percent…up from 5.3 percent in November.  In Dodge County the December unemployment rate of 6.2 percent was unchanged from the month before. Rates either decreased or remained the same in 27 of Wisconsin’s 32 largest  municipalities from November 2013 to December 2013. Compared to December 2012, rates decreased in all municipalities. December 2013 rates ranged from 3.1 percent in Caledonia to 10.7 percent in Racine.

1-29-14 one injured in six vehicle crash

One person was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries following a chain-reaction six vehicle accident in Fond du Lac.  Sheriff’s captain Rick Olig says the crash happened shortly after 8am

Wednesday on Highway 45 near the Highway 151 Bypass when a southbound vehicle on 45 rear ended

a vehicle stopped to make a left hand turn to get onto the Bypass.  The collision pushed four vehicles

that were stopped into the oncoming lane.

1-29-14 petri-state of the union

Washington, D.C.—Reacting to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, U.S. Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) called for a debate about helping low income families work their way out of poverty.  In his annual address to Congress, President Obama proposed raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.

“Congress and the American people heard loud and clear the President’s desire to raise the minimum wage to help low income families,” said Petri after the speech.  “In fact, I agree that low income workers—especially those trying to raise a family—should have the means to support themselves and work their way out of poverty.  However, I disagree that raising the minimum wage is the best approach.

“To many, raising the minimum wage sounds appealing—pay people more so they will have more to spend.  However, it’s businesses—and mostly small businesses—that would shoulder the cost of such an increase, meaning many workers would be priced out of jobs.  The President’s proposal could actually harm the same people he is seeking to help.

“If the American people decide it’s a good idea to give low-wage workers a raise, we should consider how to put our money behind our generosity rather than putting all the cost on businesses.  We should look for a way to help lift working families out of poverty without eliminating the very jobs they need to move up the economic ladder.

“There are other options—some that already exist—to accomplish the same goal.  For instance, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been very successful in helping to lift working families out of poverty.  There are ways we could strengthen this program.  There are also wage subsidy proposals that would help support low income workers while likely expanding job opportunities.

“I am working on legislation now that would address this issue and help working families earn a better life.

“There are many in Congress—on both sides of the aisle—who want to help those who are working and living in poverty.  So, rather than moving forward with a ‘go it alone strategy,’ I call on the President to engage in debate with Congress on this issue so we can pass constructive legislation that moves us toward that goal.”

1-29-14 baldwin-state of the union

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today made the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union Address.

“The President delivered a strong call for action to build a fairer economy, to expand opportunity for everyone, and to grow the middle class. I believe we can create stronger economic growth and expand opportunity by focusing on job training and workforce readiness, strengthening our advanced manufacturing economy, and investing in innovation, science and research to fuel small business start-ups. So I applaud the President for giving a voice to these initiatives and calling on Congress to put progress ahead of politics.

“I am also pleased that the President made a strong push for raising the minimum wage. We need to reward the hard work of Wisconsinites so an honest day’s work pays more.

“Our economy is strongest when we expand opportunity for everyone. So I am hopeful that Congress will now answer this call for action by working across party lines to get the job done for the American people. We can’t continue to let gridlock in Washington stand in the way of both parties working together to make sure that everyone has a fair shot at getting ahead.”

1-29-14 state of the union

Excerpts of the President’s State of the Union Address

As Prepared for Delivery

“In the coming months, let’s see where else we can make progress together.  Let’s make this a year of action.  That’s what most Americans want – for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations.  And what I believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor, is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all – the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead.

Let’s face it: that belief has suffered some serious blows.  Over more than three decades, even before the Great Recession hit, massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good, middle-class jobs, and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on.

Today, after four years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done better.  But average wages have barely budged.  Inequality has deepened.  Upward mobility has stalled.  The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by – let alone get ahead.  And too many still aren’t working at all.

Our job is to reverse these tides.  It won’t happen right away, and we won’t agree on everything.  But what I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class.  Some require Congressional action, and I’m eager to work with all of you.  But America does not stand still – and neither will I.  So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.” 

…

“Opportunity is who we are.  And the defining project of our generation is to restore that promise.”

1-29-14 windchill advisory

FOND DU LAC-DODGE

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FOND DU LAC

338 PM CST TUE JAN 28 2014

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

.TONIGHT...BITTERLY COLD. PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 10 BELOW.  WEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. WIND CHILL READINGS 22 BELOW TO 32 BELOW ZERO.

.WEDNESDAY...BITTERLY COLD. NOT AS COLD. SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 15.  SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILL READINGS 23 BELOW TO 33 BELOW ZERO IN THE MORNING.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...NOT AS COLD. PARTLY CLOUDY UNTIL EARLY MORNING THEN BECOMING MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 12. SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH.

.THURSDAY...SNOW. SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 2 TO 3 INCHES. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S. SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. CHANCE OF SNOW 80 PERCENT.

.THURSDAY NIGHT...COLDER. MOSTLY CLOUDY THROUGH AROUND MIDNIGHT THEN BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 3 BELOW. WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.

.FRIDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. COLDER. HIGHS AROUND 9.

.FRIDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW.  LOWS AROUND 3.

.SATURDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW.  HIGHS AROUND 17.

.SATURDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 2 BELOW.

.SUNDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 10.

1-29-14 flu season peaks locally

The Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer says the flu season has peaked locally…but its still not too late to get a flu shot.  Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says the predominant flu strain this season, H1N1, hit people hard with more than a dozen hospitalizations in Fond du lac.  "To date we've had about 14 hospitalizations,"  Mueller told WFDL news.  Mueller says 13 of the 14 people hospitalized had not received a flu vaccine.

1-29-14 milwaukee woman may have died from the cold

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee County medical examiner's office says an 87-year-old Milwaukee woman may have died because of the extreme cold.  The woman was found down in her backyard after apparently returning from a store. She was pronounced dead at the scene at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.  The medical examiner's office says the woman had a body temperature of 37 degrees. An autopsy will be performed Wednesday.  The National Weather Service says the mid-afternoon temperature in Milwaukee was 1 above zero with a wind chill of 20 below.

1-29-14 valuable violin stolen

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee police are investigating the theft of a 300-year-old violin.

The rare Stradivarius violin was on loan to Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Frank Almond. Police said Tuesday that the robber used a stun gun on Almond before taking the violin Monday night in a parking lot at Wisconsin Lutheran College.  The instrument is the so-called Lipinski Stradivarius, crafted in 1715.  In a 2008 newspaper story, Chicago violin dealer Stefan Hersh said the violin's value could be comparable to another Stradivarius that sold for more than $3.5 million in 2006.

The instrument was on indefinite loan to Almond from its anonymous owners. The violin's previous owners include virtuoso Giuseppe Tartini, who was known for his "Devil's Trill" Sonata, and Polish violinist Karol Lipinski.

1-29-14 man accused of killing dog with hammer

BANCROFT, Wis. (AP) — A Bancroft man is charged with mistreating an animal and causing its death after he allegedly got sick of his dog and beat it with a hammer.  Twenty six year-old Cody Phillips was arrested Tuesday.  The criminal complaint says that on Jan. 19, Phillips woke up to find the dog defecated in his trailer home. When he tried to pull the dog outside, it growled and Phillips told deputies he panicked and hit it in the head with a hammer. He allegedly said he hit the dog twice more to end its suffering.  The complaint says the dog had a broken jaw and muzzle and blood coming out of its ears.

1-29-14 oral chemotherapy bill

Some Wisconsin cancer patients are being forced to choose between oral chemotherapy that

could be the most effective treatment and traditional chemotherapy covered by their

 insurance.   So some lawmakers and advocacy groups want to require health plans that cover

treatments to do so equally for intravenous and oral therapies. The Wisconsin Coalition for Cancer Treatment Access is working with Republican state Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt of Fond du Lac, on a bill. That would ensure patients have access to oral chemotherapy products if traditional chemotherapies are covered by insurance.  "Its not a mandate, it doesn't force insurance companies to provide this,"  Thiesfeldt told AM 1170 WFDL's Between the Lines program.  "What it does instead is says if you are an insurance company and are providing chemotherapy treatments, that if you'e going to provide oral and intravenous that you have to charge the same amount."   It's already received bipartisan backing from 57  legislators. The Senate Insurance

Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to support the bill.  The bill is expected to come up for a vote in the Senate and Assembly.

1-29-14 state supreme court to hear voter photo id cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments in two cases challenging the state's voter photo identification law for next month. The justices announced today that they would listen to arguments in both cases during a joint hearing on Feb. 25. The Milwaukee branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the League of Women Voters have both challenged the law.

1-29-14 legislative fiscal bureau analysis on governor's tax cut proposal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau says the average taxpayer who owns a home will save $177 under Gov. Scott Walker's property and income tax cut proposal. The memo released today comes as lawmakers continue to digest Walker's $504 million tax cut plan he unveiled last week in his State of the State speech.

1-29-14 burke will not join president during wi stop

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke will not be joining President Barack Obama when he makes a stop in Wisconsin on Thursday. Burke's campaign spokesman Joe Zepecki says that Burke already had a full day scheduled in western Wisconsin and will not be able to make it to the Milwaukee area. Obama plans to tour a General Electric gas engine plant in Waukesha to talk about the economy.

1-29-14 uw fdl chemistry professor receives grant

Ron Theys, Ph.D., UW-Fond du Lac chemistry professor, has received a $7,300 University of Wisconsin System Portals of Discovery grant for undergraduate collaborative research on an anti-inflammatory drug.  He will collaborate on the study with M. Mahmun Hossain, Ph. D., UW-Milwaukee chemistry professor. UW-Fond du Lac students Dillon Abhold and Alex Lundberg will also participate in the research study.   This grant is part of the larger National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Portals of Discovery initiative which seeks to increase the number of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) graduates in Wisconsin. Funded projects focus on research collaborations between two-year and four-year colleges with the goal of increasing student interest in STEM fields.  Theys also plans to involve students at the high school level by collaborating with Fond du Lac High School teacher Robert Doeckel.  Students in Doeckel’s concurrent enrollment chemistry class will participate by doing a joint lab experiment with UW-Fond du Lac chemistry students related to this research. Concurrent enrollment students are earning high school and UW-Fond du Lac college credit for their coursework.

1-28-14 bitter cold

FOND DU LAC-DODGE
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FOND DU LAC
345 AM CST TUE JAN 28 2014

...WIND CHILL WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY...
...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 AM CST
WEDNESDAY...

.TODAY...BITTERLY COLD. SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 3 BELOW. WEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILL READINGS 32 BELOW TO 42 BELOW ZERO IN THE MORNING.
.TONIGHT...BITTERLY COLD. MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 11 BELOW.  WEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. WIND CHILL READINGS 23 BELOW TO 33 BELOW ZERO.
.WEDNESDAY...BITTERLY COLD. NOT AS COLD. SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 15.  SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILL READINGS 18 BELOW TO 28 BELOW ZERO IN THE MORNING.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...NOT AS COLD. PARTLY CLOUDY THROUGH AROUND MIDNIGHT THEN BECOMING MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 13. SOUTH WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH.
.THURSDAY...LIGHT SNOW LIKELY. SNOW ACCUMULATION AROUND 2 INCHES.  HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S. SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. CHANCE OF SNOW 60 PERCENT.

1-28-14 record cold

The National Weather Service says this winter is shaping up to be one of the coldest on record.    Meteorologist Sarah Marquardt says windchills Tuesday morning are expected to be in the -30 to 40 below

zero range.  Marquardt says when its this cold it take only minutes for frostbite to occur on exposed skin.

Marquardt says even though high temps are expected to rise into the upper teens or near 20 starting Thursday and through the weekend…bitter cold is expected to return early next week.  She says there is nothing in the forecast to indicate the arctic cold will lessen its grip on Wisconsin anytime soon.

1-28-14 school make up days

The Fond du lac School District superintendent says the plan right now is to add any missed school days due to the cold at the end of the school year.  The school district has two days built into the school calendar…but superintendent Dr. Jim Sebert says the plan is to make up this week’s missed days the second week in June.

Sebert says at this point the district has not considered  eliminating an in-service day or cutting back on spring break. He says the district doesn’t have a lot of flexibility in altering the school calendar.

1-28-14 dodge county hit and run investigation

The Dodge County Sheriff is pleading for the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit and run injury crash to step forward.  The crash early Sunday morning critically injured a Beaver Dam man.  Sheriff Pat Ninmann says the incident happened as the victim and a friend were walking home along a road just south of Beaver Dam.

Ninmann says detectives are trying to obtain video footage from nearby  gas stations and convenience stores to see if the suspect’s vehicle is recorded on tape.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.

1-28-14 former waupun police officer charged in green lake county

Bail was set at $50,000 cash for a former Waupun police lieutenant facing multiple charges in Green Lake County circuit court.  Forty four year old Brad Young made his initial court appearance Monday on charges of burglary, possession of burglary tools, criminal damage to property, obstructing and taking a vehicle without the owners consent.  A status hearing is scheduled for February 25^th.    According to a criminal complaint Young is accused of breaking into grocery stores in Berlin and Markesan, and Walker’s Kohlerville restaurant in the town of Green Lake.  The complaint also said Young admitted to breaking into the Waupun Piggly Wiggly store August fourth, stealing more than $3000 in cash. According to the complaint Young stolen a pickup truck from a town of Green Lake residence, driving to a cabin in northwest Wisconsin, leading police on a high speed chase in Barron County before crashing into a ditch.  He was later arrested at a Cabin near Spooner.   Young resigned from the Waupun Police department in September.

1-28-14 poll-walker and burke

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A new poll shows a close race between Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Democratic challenger Mary Burke.  The Marquette law school poll released Monday says 47 percent of registered voters would vote for Walker and 41 percent support Burke. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.  A Marquette poll conducted in October showed Walker with a smaller edge over Burke, 47 percent to 45 percent.  Pollster Charles Franklin says the numbers suggest people are still making up their minds about Burke, a former executive with Trek Bicycle Corp. He says it's interesting that Walker's number didn't go up, considering that he has a 51 percent approval rating.

The poll of 802 registered voters was conducted from Jan. 20 through Thursday, with about 700 interviews conducted before the governor's State of the State address last week.

1-28-14 poll-walker

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Half of registered Wisconsin voters approve of the job Gov. Scott Walker is doing.

The Marquette law school released its latest poll numbers Monday. The poll says 51 percent of voters approve of how the Republican governor is handling is job. Another 42 percent disapprove, and 6 percent say they're not sure.  Those numbers are generally in line with Walker's recent ratings. His average approval rating has been 49.9 percent, and his disapproval rating has averaged a little over 44 percent.  Approval ratings refer to how well people think Walker's doing his job. Their favorability impressions of Walker as a person trend similarly.  The poll says 49 percent see him favorably and 44 unfavorably, about the same as in October.  The poll interviewed 802 registered votes between Jan. 20 and Thursday. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

1-28-14 propane shortage

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says Wisconsin will help propane dealers secure loans to purchase gas and release more money to help low-income propane users.   Wisconsin and other Midwestern states are grappling with a propane shortage and rising wholesale and retail prices. The governor declared a state of emergency on Saturday that clears the way for calling out the Wisconsin National Guard if needed.  On Monday Walker announced the state Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority would set aside $8 million to guarantee loans propane dealers take out to purchase gas. Walker also announced the state would release another $8.5 million to help low-income consumers pay for propane.   He also urged people to conserve their propane and track their supply closely.

1-28-14 bitter cold

Wisconsin residents are dealing withmore bitterly cold temperatures and plunging wind chills. Schools across the state closed Monday and are closed againTuesday including the FDL school district.  The Department of Transportation is advising against unnecessary travel.  Forecasters say the coldest period and lowest wind chills are expected Monday night and Tuesday morning.

1-27-14 dangerous cold

FOND DU LAC-DODGE
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FOND DU LAC
303 AM CST MON JAN 27 2014

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY THIS
MORNING...
...WIND CHILL WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON
CST TUESDAY...

.EARLY THIS MORNING...BREEZY. MOSTLY CLOUDY. AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW. WIND CHILL READINGS 16 BELOW TO 26 BELOW ZERO. NORTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH.
.TODAY...BITTERLY COLD. MUCH COLDER. MOSTLY SUNNY. PATCHY BLOWING SNOW. HIGHS AROUND 6 BELOW. WEST WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH. WIND CHILL READINGS 24 BELOW TO 34 BELOW ZERO.
.TONIGHT...BITTERLY COLD. COLDER. PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 20 BELOW. WEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. WIND CHILL READINGS 34 BELOW TO 44 BELOW ZERO.
.TUESDAY...BITTERLY COLD. MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 3 BELOW.  WEST WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILL READINGS 35 BELOW TO 45 BELOW ZERO IN THE MORNING.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...BITTERLY COLD. PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 12 BELOW. WEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. WIND CHILL READINGS 24 BELOW TO 34 BELOW ZERO.
.WEDNESDAY...BITTERLY COLD. NOT AS COLD. SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 15.  SOUTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILL READINGS 22 BELOW TO 32 BELOW ZERO IN THE MORNING.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY THROUGH AROUND MIDNIGHT THEN BECOMING MOSTLY CLOUDY. NOT AS COLD. LOWS AROUND 12.
.THURSDAY...PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW.  HIGHS AROUND 19.

1-27-14 dot- winter weather alert

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds motorists throughout Wisconsin to
plan for freezing and potential life-threatening cold winter weather conditions as a mass of arctic air
approaches the state tonight, Sunday morning, and then lingers during the upcoming week.
Severe winter weather conditions will adversely impact most of Wisconsin late Saturday night,
Sunday, and through early Wednesday afternoon. Snow covered roads, accompanied by blowing
and drifting snow will limit visibility and cause extremely hazardous travel conditions. North-south
routes will be at the greatest risk.
Motorists may want to cancel or delay travel plans tonight and Sunday and are advised to reduce
speed whenever road conditions are hazardous and visibility is limited. WisDOT and the Wisconsin
State Patrol will closely monitor road conditions as the storm moves through the many regions of the
state.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation advises travelers check road conditions before leaving
home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.511wi.gov.
If You Must Drive During Winter Storm Conditions - Be Prepared:
- Allow plenty of extra time for travel.
- Drive at a safe and legal speed for conditions: the 55 or 65 mph speed limit is a maximum speed
for times when conditions are good/ideal, not for when roads are slippery and visibility is reduced.
- Drive alert and sober.- Always wear seatbelts
- Keep a charged cell phone handy.
- Keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.
- Inform people (friends, family) of your travel plans and approximate arrival time.
Additional winter driving tips can be found on the WisDOT website at
www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/winterdriving/index.htm.

1-27-14 no injuries in two separate weekend fires

At approximately 2:48 pm, the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a call of a structure fire at N7126 Spruce Drive, located in the Town of Fond du Lac.  The structure was a residential mobile home and is considered a total loss. No one was home at the time of the fire.  Responding to the fire were the Town of Fond du Lac, Van Dyne, Village of North Fond du Lac, and Town of Lamartine Fire Departments.  The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office also responded and was assisted by North Fond du Lac Police Department. No one was injured and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

At approximately 3:34 pm, the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a call of structure fire at W2642 CTH HH, located in the Town of Calumet.  The structure was a pole shed style building approximately 40’ by 60’ and is considered a total loss along with its contents.  Responding to the fire were the Town of Calumet, Mt. Calvary, Town of Fond du Lac, and Village of Stockbridge Fire Departments.  No one was injured and the cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature.

1-27-14 downtown fdl roundabout

Reaction from downtown business owners appears to be mixed to an idea for a roundabout at a downtown intersection. The DOT will examine the possibility of a roundabout at the intersection of  Main and Merrill in the design phase of a North Main Street reconstruction project slated for 2020.   Fond du Lac downtown partnership director Amy Hansen says the idea has been in the downtown comprehensive plan for a few years…but is coming to the public’s attention now because the reconstruction project is getting closer. Hansen says there are pros and cons…and there feeling on both sides In  the downtown business community.  Hansen says it appears that there would be a very minimal impact, if any,  to property owners on the four corners of that intersection.

1-27-14 propane shortage

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin residents are bundling up and watching their money go out the door as propane prices skyrocket.  High demand during the cold weather coupled with depleted supplies from fall corn-drying and pipeline problems have combined to drive up prices across the country. According to the latest federal data, residential prices in Wisconsin averaged $2.30 per gallon on January 20th, up 13 percent from December 16th.  Governor Scott Walker's office says 250,000 Wisconsin residents rely on propane for heat.  Walker began issuing orders in October lifting hour limits for truckers to expedite propane shipments. But industry analysts say supplies are so depleted trucks have to fill up directly from pipelines, slowing delivery.  The governor has called a meeting with propane industry leaders on Monday to discuss the situation.

1-27-14 obama-wi visit

MILWAUKEE (AP) — President Barack Obama has a visit planned to Milwaukee.  It's on Thursday as part of his itinerary after his State of the Union speech.  In a mass email message, White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer said Tuesday's speech will focus on the president's economic agenda.  The president also plans stops in Maryland and the Pittsburgh area Wednesday and the Nashville area Thursday.

1-27-14 legalizing marijuana

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Democratic state lawmaker from Madison is proposing that marijuana be legalized for both recreational and medicinal purposes.  State Rep. Melissa Sargent is circulating a bill to legalize pot, but it will certainly be snuffed out by Republicans who control both the Assembly and Senate and oppose such an effort.  Even when Democrats controlled the Legislature they could not garner enough support to pass a more limited bill legalizing marijuana solely for medical purposes.

Sargent said in a press release that she believes legalizing pot would address racial disparities in drug arrests, provide medical benefits, save law enforcement time and money, and save the state money.

More attention has been focused on legalizing marijuana since voters in Colorado and Washington state approved it starting this year.

1-27-14 dodge county hit and run

The Dodge County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help after a car struck and critically injured a pedestrian and then fled the scene at around 2:30 Sunday morning on Madison Street just south of the Beaver Dam city limits. Sheriff Pat Ninmann says a witness indicated that he and the victim were walking southbound on Madison Street from Lake Crest Drive, when a dark colored sedan came up behind them at an estimated 40 to 45 mph and struck the victim. The vehicle did not stop and left the scene traveling southbound. A witness indicated that there should be significant damage to the right front corner of the vehicle and possibly the windshield. The 33 year old male victim of Beaver Dam was taken to Beaver Dam Community Hospital and then transported to UW Hospital in Madison for life threatening injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Department at 920-386-3726. Callers may remain anonymous.

1-25-14 fdl armed robbery suspects bound over for trial

Two Fond du Lac men charged in connection with the armed robbery of the Speedway gas station on West Johnson Street in Fond du Lac have been bound over for trial.   Fifty nine year old Paul Tennis Jr. is charged

with armed robbery and 36 year old Jeremiah Owens is charged with party to the crime of armed robbery.  Tennis is accused of robbing the gas station January 5^th while Owens acted as a lookout.

1-25-14 meth lab suspect bound over for trial

One of two men charged in connection with the discovery of a meth lab in Fond du Lac has been bound over for trial.  Peter Demmerle Jr. appeared in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court this week for a preliminary hearing.  Demmerle pleaded not guilty to charges of  delivery of amphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia to manufacture or store methamphetamine.  Jacob Tynan is also charged in the case.  A preliminary hearing for Tynan is scheduled for February 14^th.    The pair was arrested after Fond du Lac police discovered the meth lab inside a Lincoln Avenue home earlier this month.

1-25-14 jury trial scheduled in fdl county embezzlement case

A jury trial is scheduled for March 5^th for a Bonduel man accused of stealing more than $100,000 from two Fond du Lac County businesses.   The case was not resolved at a plea and sentencing hearing this week forr 30 year old Christopher Gustavus.  Gustavus is charged with 85 misdemeanor counts of theft and one felony count of identity theft for financial gain.  According to a criminal complaint Gustavus used a company credit

card and a PayPal account to transfer funds out of a computer service he worked for to purchase several items including furniture and electronics equipment.

1-25-14 jury trial scheduled in heroin overdose case

A jury trial has been scheduled for a Fond du Lac man accused of helping to supply the heroin that led to the death of a Fond du Lac County man.  A trial is scheduled to begin March 5^th for Jason Van Norman.  Van Norman is charged with first degree reckless homicide and delivery of heroin.  He is accused of supplying the heroin that led to the death of Devin Perry in November of last year

1-25-14 uw oshkosh chancellor

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — The chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is bringing his 40-year career in higher education to an end. Richard Wells has led the university since 2000 and says it's time to move on. He'll leave the university in August.  Wells says he's most proud of his collaboration with other area colleges to create NEW ERA, an alliance to provide greater educational resources to the community. He says he's also pleased that UW-Oshkosh is now known as a leader in efforts to preserve natural resources.  Wells says he's also proud of his work within the greater community, including a partnership with the city and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to rebuild the waterfront hotel.  As for regrets, Wells says he wishes he'd had more success in bridging the achievement gap for minority students.

1-25-14 wi special olympics outdoor winter games cancelled

RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. (AP) — Subzero temperatures have canceled the Special Olympics Wisconsin outdoor winter games in central Wisconsin, disappointing more than 200 athletes from around the state.  It's the second consecutive year the outdoor games have been canceled because of the weather. Last year there wasn't enough snow.  Indoor activities associated with the games, including a dance Saturday night at the Holiday Inn in Rothschild, will still be held.  Saturday wind chills could hit 15 below zero with Sunday slightly colder. Special Olympics regional director Jerry Lyon says the safety of the athletes and volunteers is the top priority.  Alpine skiing and snowboarding competition was to be held at Granite Peak Ski Area. Snowshoe racing and cross-country skiing were scheduled for Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area.

1-24-14 fire destroys bank street home

Nobody was injured in a fire that destroyed a Fond du lac home.  Firefighters were called to the scene at 234 Bank Street shortly before 2am Friday.  The lone occupant heard the fire alarm and escaped out a window.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

1-24-14 cold weather to let up friday...return next week

FOND DU LAC-DODGE
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FOND DU LAC
306 AM CST FRI JAN 24 2014

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THIS MORNING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT...

.TODAY...BITTERLY COLD. NOT AS COLD. BREEZY...CLOUDY. AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW THROUGH THE DAY. A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW IN THE LATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S.  SOUTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH. LOWEST WIND CHILL READINGS 18 BELOW
TO 28 BELOW ZERO IN THE MORNING.
.TONIGHT...NOT AS COLD. BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY EARLY IN THE MORNING. LIGHT SNOW UNTIL EARLY MORNING...THEN CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW EARLY IN THE MORNING. AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW THROUGH THE NIGHT. SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 1 TO 2 INCHES. LOWS AROUND 8. WEST WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH. CHANCE OF SNOW 90 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY...BITTERLY COLD. COLDER. PARTLY SUNNY. PATCHY BLOWING SNOW IN THE MORNING. HIGHS AROUND 9. NORTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH. WIND CHILL READINGS 10 BELOW TO 20 BELOW ZERO.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...BITTERLY COLD. COLDER. PARTLY CLOUDY THROUGH AROUND MIDNIGHT...THEN MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH SNOW LIKELY AFTER MIDNIGHT. SNOW ACCUMULATION UP TO 1 INCH. LOWS AROUND 5 BELOW.  WEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH SHIFTING TO THE SOUTHWEST AROUND 5 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT. CHANCE OF SNOW 70 PERCENT. WIND CHILL READINGS 12 BELOW TO 22 BELOW ZERO.
.SUNDAY...LIGHT SNOW LIKELY. SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 1 TO 2 INCHES.  TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATION 2 TO 3 INCHES. HIGHS AROUND 15. SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE WEST 10 TO 15 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON. CHANCE OF SNOW 70 PERCENT.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW THROUGH AROUND MIDNIGHT...THEN PARTLY CLOUDY AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS AROUND 11 BELOW.
.MONDAY...PARTLY SUNNY. MUCH COLDER. HIGHS AROUND 7 BELOW.
.MONDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 20 BELOW.
.TUESDAY...PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 6 BELOW.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY THROUGH AROUND MIDNIGHT THEN BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 15 BELOW.
.WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 4.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. NOT AS COLD. LOWS AROUND 3 BELOW.
.THURSDAY...PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW.  NOT AS COLD. HIGHS AROUND 19.

1-24-14 fdl city manager performance review

The Fond du Lac city manager has been given a favorable review.  The Fond du Lac city council completed its annual performance review of the city manager during a closed door meeting this week.   On a scale of one to five, the council rated city manager Joe Moore’s performance at 4.48.  Council president Sam Meyer says the council found Moore’s strengths in include communication skills, management style, professionalism,  and strong budget skills.

1-24-14 wi unemployment rate down slightly

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state's unemployment rate improved slightly last month, nudging down a tenth of a percentage point to 6.2 percent. The state Department of Workforce Development released its latest figures today. The state gained a net of 6,200 nonfarm jobs during the month.

1-24-14 burke reaction-state of state

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke says Governor Scott Walker's tax cut proposal and agenda he outlined for the coming year doesn't do enough to create jobs in the state. Burke told The Associated Press today that Walker's State of the State address in which he said the state was headed in the right direction was "short on reality and long on political spin."

1-24-14 governor-registered sex offender at state of state

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Governor Scott Walker says he is frustrated that a registered sex offender who stood next to him during the State of the State speech was not caught during a background check. Walker reacted Thursday to the news that welder Christopher Barber is a registered sex offender with two felonies and three drunken-driving offenses. Barber was one of several workers Walker introduced during his speech to illustrate an improving state economy.

1-24-14 common core standards forum in fdl postponed

Due to forecasts of severe cold on Monday evening, January 29, the Community Forum on Common Core Standards will be rescheduled to a later date.

1-24-14 fdl area association of commerce annual meeting

The 102nd Annual Meeting of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Holiday Inn of Fond du Lac.  A social hour will begin the evening at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.  with the program immediately following. 

Highlights of the meeting will be a report from our outgoing Chair - Steve Cramer of Mercury Marine, and a welcome from the 2014 Chairman of the Board - Tim McFarlane of Hometown Bank.   Additionally, we will be recognizing the recipients of the 2013 Community Awards:

·         Mercury Marine

·         The Solutions Center

·         Thelma Center for the Arts

·         Wells Vehicle Electronics

We will also recognize outstanding volunteer leadership from within the Association of Commerce, including the reveal of the 2013 Volunteer of the Year.

1-24-14 governor to attend fcedc annual meeting

The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) will be having its 25^th Annual Evening on Thursday, January 30 at the UW-Fond du Lac campus in the Commons. Registration and networking will start at 5:30.   The program includes an address by Governor Scott Walker, a program celebrating 25 years of FCEDC success and results and a look forward for the organization. 

1-24-14 gudex-tax credit transfer bill approved by senate

The Wisconsin State Senate unanimously approved a bill authored by Sen. Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) that allows the transfer of certain tax credits between businesses.  The bill requires that WEDC authorize the transfer of tax credits only if the business meets one of the following four conditions in addition to being authorized to claim the tax credits:   

·         The business is headquartered in, and employs at least 51% of its employees in Wisconsin

·         The business intends to relocate its headquarters to, and employ at least 51% of its employees in Wisconsin

·         The business intends to expand its operations in Wisconsin, and that expansion will increase the number of full-time employees employed by the business in Wisconsin by a number that equals at least 10% of the business’s full-time employees

·         The business intends to expand its operations in Wisconsin, and the business will make a significant capital investment in property in Wisconsin as a result of that expansion.  

      “I am very excited to see this bill pass out of the State Senate today. Tax credits are Wisconsin’s main tool for economic development,"  Gudex said.  "Over the past several years, we have tried to expand and strengthen the credits we offer to give businesses the best possible chance for success in our state, and this bill is just another example of that effort."

1-24-14 hoops for hope

It’s going to be a special night on Friday, January 24th, as the basketball teams and fans of Central Wisconsin Christian and Cambria-Friesland join forces for Hoops for Hope: A Night for Cancer at the CWC Gymnasium. Several activities will be taking place throughout the night to raise funds to support four areas families currently battling cancer: Melissa Bahr & Maddy Schepp (C-F) and Brian Koepsell & Laura Ten Pass (CWC). We know that cancer has touched your lives as well, and want to invite you to partner and be a part of this event.
 All fans are asked to wear black to the game that evening; some partners will be contributing $1 to every fan who comes wearing that color.
 A supper will be served from 4:30-6:30PM in the CWC Commons, consisting of Pulled Pork Sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, vegetable, and dessert. Cost of the meal is your freewill donation to Hoops for Hope.
 Games are scheduled as follows:
4:00 PM – Middle School “B” Game – Crusader Centre
4:30 PM – Junior Varsity Girls – Crusader Gym
5:00 PM – Junior Varsity Boys – Crusader Centre
6:00 PM – Varsity Girls – Crusader Gym
***Hoops for Hope time of Recognition/Reflection (approx. 7:00 PM)
7:45 PM – Varsity Boys – Crusader Gym
 Anyone has the opportunity to honor those who are Cancer Survivors or have a Memorial to those who lost their lives to cancer on our Cancer Wall. The cost to do this is $10 per basketball that will be hung on the Cancer Wall.
 At the conclusion of the girls’ varsity game (around 7 PM) there will be a special ceremony to recognize Cancer Survivors and remember those who lost their lives to cancer. W
 Between games we will be recognizing Survivors and remembering those who lost their cancer battle in a special ceremony. We want you to join us for this special night!
100% of funds raised from the event will be equally divided between our four recipients, so come on out and make a significant difference in the lives of people fighting cancer! If you have any questions, contact the CWC Office at 324.4233, ext 312.

1-24-14 fdl youth baseball registration

2014 marks the 62nd season of Fond du Lac Youth Baseball! During that time we

have had yearly totals of 700 to 900 area youth playing in our program. Designed to

enhance the skills of all players, the program will run for approximately seven to

eight weeks during the summer, starting in late May and ending in late July.

Although games can be competitive, winning is secondary to the development of

skills and enjoyment of the sport. We encourage all boys and girls from

kindergarten through high school to sign-up and look forward to another great

season.

Registration will be held at the FDL Recreation Dept (door #3) on the following dates and times

Saturday, February 8…………….9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Monday, February 10…………….6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 11…………… 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 12………...6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 13…………...6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 15……………9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

2    FDL Youth Baseball has leagues open for all boys and girls that are presently in Kindergarten(5K) to 12^th grade. 

3    Players and a parent should attend as players will be fitted for shirts and pants and all parents and players must sign a concussion release form

4    Costs are;  5K-2^nd grade= $40+ fundraising, Grades 3^rd-12^th grade= $50+ fundraising, Babe Ruth= $125

5    A $25 late fee will be charged for any allowed registrations after registration dates.

6    See our website at www.fdlyouthbaseball.com for forms, costs, and additional  information

1-23-14 windchill advisory extended

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE-INCLUDING FDL AND DODGE COUNTIES
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN WI
1123 AM CST THU JAN 23 2014

...BITTERLY COLD WIND CHILLS THROUGH EARLY FRIDAY...



...WIND CHILL ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST FRIDAY...

THE WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST FRIDAY.

* WIND CHILL VALUES...10 TO 20 BELOW THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...FALLING TO 20 TO 30 BELOW THIS EVENING...THEN 25 TO 34 BELOW OVERNIGHT. WIND CHILLS WILL RECOVER BACK ABOVE 20 BELOW BY MID-MORNING FRIDAY.

* IMPACTS...THIRTY MINUTE EXPOSURE OF YOUR SKIN TO WIND CHILLS OF THIS LEVEL CAN LEAD TO FROSTBITE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN.  IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS...MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND
GLOVES.

1-23-14 fdl council postpones vote on lifting citywide sidewalk bicycle ban

The Fond du Lac city council has postponed a vote on a proposal to rescind a citywide sidewalk bicycle ban.   The council voted unanimously to push off the issue until the council’s first meeting in March to provide more time for public outreach.   Council president Sam Meyer says his initial reaction is a safety concern if bicycles are allowed on sidewalks.  City manager Joe Moore says under state law bicycles are banned on sidewalks unless municipalities enact their own ordinance.  The issue has been focused on downtown sidewalks where  Fond du Lac Downtown Partnership director Amy Hansen says downtown there’s not

enough room for a bicycle lane on Main Street.   Hansen says several business owners don’t want to discourage people from coming downtown.  Hansen says the bike ban was implemented for safety reasons, but she says police could still ticket a bicyclist who is riding in an unsafe manner.

1-23-14 state of state address

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says in his State of the State speech that extra money collected thanks to an improving national economy should be returned to the people as property and income tax cuts.  Walker said in his speech Wednesday that "The state of our state is strong and improving every day. He says, "The economy is dramatically better and our finances are in great shape."  But Democrats say his tax cut plan is irresponsible and some Republican senators say they want to reduce the state's projected deficit rather than grow it as Walker's plan would do.  The speech is Walker's fourth State of the State and comes as he is running for re-election in November. Democrat Mary Burke, a former Trek Bicycle Corp. executive, is challenging him.

1-23-14 proposed tax cut-senate majority leader

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says the growth in a projected budget shortfall caused by Governor Scott Walker's proposed tax cut plan is "definitely a concern." But Fitzgerald says today that Republicans are looking at whether the growth in the projected shortfall in 2015 would be erased by increased tax collections. Fitzgerald says it would only take revenue growth of 1.5 percent to erase the projected shortfall.

1-23-14 health overhaul-wi

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A new report says the federal health care law could spell additional tax penalties for Wisconsin businesses with a large number of low-income employees.  Starting next year, employers will face a tax penalty if their workers get subsidized coverage through the federal online exchanges instead of through Medicaid.  In states that agreed to expand their Medicaid programs, large employers won't be hit with tax penalties. But Wisconsin isn't expanding its Medicaid coverage. It only agreed to delay by three months the date when 77,000 people just above the federal poverty line will lose Medicaid coverage.  A report released Wednesday by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. says if Wisconsin doesn't expand Medicaid, employers could face total tax penalties ranging from $25 million to $37 million.

1-23-14 emerald ash borer firewood restrictions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' board has approved tighter firewood movement restrictions to slow the emerald ash borer's spread.  The DNR in 2006 prohibited out-of-state firewood on state properties. The following year it prohibited people from bringing firewood onto state lands from further than 50 miles out. In 2010 the agency shrunk that radius to 25 miles.  The agency asked the Natural Resources Board to reduce the radius to 10 miles and allow out-of-state firewood if it came from within 10 miles. DNR officials say they want to make the change because emerald ash borer infestations are rising around the state and models show the tighter perimeter can significantly slow the beetle's spread.  The Natural Resources Board approved the new perimeter on a 5-2 vote Wednesday.

1-23-14 flu season at its peak

BELOIT, Wis. (AP) — Health experts say the flu season in Wisconsin is at its peak and is striking younger patients.  Wisconsin influenza surveillance coordinator Thomas Haupt says the state is recording 50 to 70 hospitalizations a week.  Haupt says there seems to be fewer total influenza cases this year compared with last season. But he says the difference this year is the age of those with the most serious cases of influenza.  Haupt says the two age groups with the most hospitalizations are patients ages 18-to-49 and those 50-to-64. He says last year the over-65 group was the most affected.  Rock County Health Officer Karen Cain tells the Beloit Daily News (http://bit.ly/KIstqa ) it's still not too late to get a flu shot, since flu season in Wisconsin can run through March or April.

1-23-14 farm income

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin farmers earned about $3.75 billion in profit last year, coming close to the record $3.8 billion earned in 2011.  That's according to a report released Wednesday by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Farm profit in 2013 was $550 million more than in 2012.  UW-Madison agricultural economist Ed Jesse says a healthy dairy industry helped generate much of the profit. Wisconsin dairy farmers had a record $5.6 billion in milk sales, which reflects both high milk prices and increased production.  The report published by UW-Madison's Renk Agribusiness Institute also says several years of good profits have put Wisconsin farmers in a strong financial position. On Dec. 31, 2012, the value of farm assets had increased by 8 percent from a year earlier, while debt increased by the same amount.

1-23-14 mental health bills

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a dozen bills designed to improve mental health services in Wisconsin. The measures passed with bipartisan support today now head to Governor Scott Walker. All of the measures cleared the Assembly unanimously in November. The proposals grew out of recommendations from a legislative task force that studied mental health services in the state.

1-23-14 beaver dam police investigating man's death

BEAVER DAM, Wis. (AP) — Police in Beaver Dam are investigating the death of a man found on a frozen pond in subzero temperatures. The man was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon after police were called. Authorities tell The Daily Citizen the middle-aged man was missing a shoe and did not appear to be wearing a coat.

1-23-14 tricycle hit and run update

MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) — A local business is donating a new three-wheeled bicycle to a Wisconsin newspaper carrier who became lodged in the windshield of a car that struck him.  Fifty-six-year-old Steven Gove was hit Saturday soon after he finished his route.  The driver of the car has been arrested on tentative drunken driving charges.  The owner of The Fitness Store in Manitowoc is ordering a new adult tricycle for Gove after his was destroyed in the accident.  Gove says he is grateful because he needs a tricycle for work and doesn't have the money to buy one immediately.

1-22-13 merc celebrates 75th anniversary

Fond du Lac’s biggest employer is celebrating a major milestone this week.  Mercury Marine is celebrating its 75^th anniversary today.  Merc spokesman Steve Fleming says the company was founded by Carl Kiekhaefer in 1939 when he purchased a bankrupt engine manufacturing plant in Cedarburg.  "With it came about 300 engines that weren't broke, they were just poorly built and poorly designed.  He took those engines, redesigned them, rebuilt them and then sold them and they were so popular and sold quickly,"  Fleming said.  Fleming said Kiekhaefer had planned to start a magnetic separator dairy farm, but  "suddenly he was an outboard engine producer and it took off from there."  Kiekhaefer moved the facility to Fond du Lac in 1946.  Fleming says Mercury’s year-long celebration plans include events in various locations throughout the world.  A Mercury Marine museum will open on Scott Street near Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac this spring.   Fleming says Merc employs 31 hundred people in Fond du lac and continues to grow.

1-22-14 fdl county sheriff's office investigating armed robbery

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office says a town of Byron man was injured in a reported armed robbery.  Sheriff’s Captain Rick Olig says the robbery was reported shortly after 4:30pm Monday at a residence on County Trunk F in the town of Byron.  Olig says the 50 year old victim was transported to the hospital with what were described as non life-threatening injuries after he was hit in the head and kicked.
Olig says a a preliminary investigation indicates the incident does not appear to be a random act.  He says it appears the suspects were looking for prescription drugs and cash.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

1-22-14 fdl man arrested in domestic incident

A  Fond du Lac man has been arrested following a domestic abuse incident over the weekend that involved a gun.  Police were called to the Emma Street residence Sunday night after a woman dialed 911 to report her 33 year old husband was intoxicated and was loading a firearm.  Police say the couple had been arguing and a two year old child was in The residence at the time.  Police surrounded the residence and took the
Man into custody without incident.  The man faces charges of criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, battery, second-degree endangering safety and endangering safety by intoxicated use of a firearm.