KFIZ News Monday 7/18/16

Police And Fire Training Center

The Fond du Lac City Council recently learned more about a proposed police and fire training center. The estimated $3.5 million facility would be built in the Fox Ridge Industrial Park. Assistant Fire Chief Steve Beer says they handle all kinds of calls not just fire and ambulance that they have to respond to. He says they responded to over 6,000 calls a year. Police Chief Bill Lamb says his officers have to train for scenarios that also includes weapons fire and it’s not practical to head to Appleton where the nearest indoor training facility is. Chief Lamb will talk more about the training center when he gives the City Council an overview of his department’s budget needs next week.

Political Compromise Is Not What It Used To Be

The chair of the state’s Ethics Commission says political compromise isn’t what it used to be. Peg Lautenschlager says one of the emails she received congratulating her on being appointed chair of the commission was from Dave Deininger a judge and former state representative who served in the State Assembly with her. She says they often were on opposite sides of the political fence, but he found time to congratulate her. She recalls when members of both major political parties worked together on corrections budgets. She says they all had different points of view, but were able to compromise for the benefit of the state. She’s hoping the new six-member commission will also be able to compromise.

Social Media And The Media

Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue Chief Peter O’Leary will team up with Chicago radio station WBBM’s Julie Mann to give the keynote address at a conference for firefighters next month in Stevens Point. There talk is entitled, “Social Media & The Media” how to survive in today’s social media jungle. He says media monitor social media for breaking news so fire departments have to be accurate about what they post. He says a good relationship with local media can also benefit a fire department and the media. He says some departments don’t have that relationship with media and they will talk about ways to establish one.

Mercury Partners To Include Robalo Brand

Mercury Marine has announced an expanded partnership with Chaparral to include the Robalo brand. Mercury Marine President John Pfeifer says, “The Robalo line-up of center console boats is outstanding, and we’re delighted to expand our relationship with Chaparral to include Robalo.” For years, Mercury Marine has worked with Chaparral, providing MerCruiser engines.  Including the Robalo brand will allow Mercury to provide fully integrated Robalo boat packages to an expanded dealer network.