KFIZ News Thursday 6/2/16

Governor Weighs In On Highway 23 Appeal

Governor Scott Walker Wednesday weighed in on the delay on expanding State Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Plymouth to four lanes. This followed the state Justice Department’s filing of a notice of appeal in federal court. The governor says it’s crucial for families, communities and businesses throughout the state. He also talked about improved safety and greater access to local businesses and recreational areas the expanded highway would bring. A federal judge stopped funding for improvements to the highway after the group 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit trying to block the improvements.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Near Neenah

The State Patrol says a 77-year-old Neenah man was killed Tuesday afternoon when he was struck by a car near Neenah. The accident happened on North Commercial Street at East Forest Avenue. William Wanamaker stepped into the crosswalk as a vehicle began making a turn. He was taken to ThedaCare in Neenah where he died of his injuries. Sixty-six-year-old Mark Kellerman of Neenah was driving the car. He was not hurt. 

Ripon Teen Hit By Car

A Ripon teen was struck and injured by a vehicle Monday. Ripon Police say the 16-year-old boy was at a residence in the 500 block of West Fond du Lac Street. He ran out of the house and into the street where a west bound vehicle hit him. An ambulance took him to the Ripon Medical Center where he was treated and released. A 31-year-old Ripon woman was driving the car that hit him. The accident was reported shortly after 5:30 Monday night.

Beaver Dam Man Facing Robbery And Burglary Charges

Bond was set at $5,000 cash for a 33-year-old Beaver Dam man accused of armed robbery, burglary and theft. Joshua Benson made his initial court appearance this week in Dodge County. According to the criminal complaint he stole about $480 in cash and checks when he used a pocket knife to rob a BP Gas Station. He also allegedly stole nearly $1,000 worth of liquor from the same store’s storage unit and prescription drugs and a check from a Beaver Dam couple. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 21st.

Ribbon Cutting Today For New Lakeside Park Dock

Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac Festivals and City of Fond du Lac officials will celebrate a joint project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lakeside Park this afternoon. Department of Public Works Director Jordan Skiff says Mercury found out by surveying participants in the National Walleye Tournament that they preferred to return to Oven Island for the weigh-ins. That kicked off an effort to put in new docks on the island. Skiff says Mercury partnered with the City and Fond du Lac Festivals to build a 130 foot dock built on the south side of Oven Island so temporary docks wouldn’t have to be installed for the fish weigh-in. It was a $37,000 project with Mercury and its foundation kicking in about two-thirds of the funds and the City and Fond du Lac Festivals the rest. Skiff says the public is welcome to the 1:30 ribbon-cutting.

It Could Be A Blue Day For Drivers

It’s going to be a Blue Day in northeastern Wisconsin today for some drivers. The State Patrol will be putting troopers, inspectors and even some supervisors on the road to catch motorists committing a variety of traffic violations. The aim is to cut down on violations that cause injury and fatal crashes within the region.  Lt. Ryan Chaffee says there are particular driving behaviors they would like to see curtailed. He says that includes speeding, safety belt violations, distracted driving, impaired driving, move-over law violations and other behaviors that cause the types of crashes they are seeing. He says for supervisors it’s an opportunity to get back out on the road and back to the basics of law enforcement. The State Patrol’s Northeast Region includes, Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Sheboygan and Winnebago counties.

City Of Ripon Gives Two Lots To Habitat For Humanity

For the City of Ripon it’s a case of sometimes it’s better to give than receive. City Administrator Lori Rich says the City received two properties at 923 and 955 Metomen when hospital officials built the new Ripon Medical Center. The City Council decided to give the lots to Habitat for Humanity to build new homes on. She says in the next couple of years homes will go up on them and they will be put back on the tax roll, which in turn will benefit the City. Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County will be building a new home in Ripon this year.

Driving Contract

High school students in Fond du Lac will have to sign a parent-teen driving contract before they successfully complete their driver’s education. Baeley Hansen is a senior at the high school and a member of the student group STAAND. She says it’s a good way to emphasize the importance of not drinking before you drive. She says parent involvement also makes a difference. STAAND Coordinator Megan Harshbarger says it’s a four-page contract that includes useful information about the consequences of drinking and driving. She says the effort includes a partnership with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office. Hansen says survey results show parents can have a positive influence on their kids if they talk to them about the risks of substance abuse. Sheriff’s deputies talk to drivers’ education students about the risks of drinking and driving. When the students bring back a signed contract they get a blue key chain as a practical reminder of the contract.