KFIZ News Tuesday 12/27/16

County Executive Says County Did Well In 2016

It turns out the past year was a pretty good one for Fond du Lac County. County Executive Al Buechel says the economy is strong. He says manufacturers are adding positions and Alliance Laundry in Ripon is in the middle of a $62 million expansion that will create at least 200 jobs. Mercury Marine also had an expansion and Grande Cheese opened its new headquarters and research center in Fond du Lac. Buechel says we stand pretty well compared to other counties using the economy as a gauge. The County last month finished with the fifth lowest unemployment rate of the state’s 72 counties.

Herre Doing A Good Job For FDLAAC

The chairman of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Board of Directors says Tom Herre has done a good job as the Association’s interim president and CEO. Tom Schneider says Herre will remain in that capacity while they work towards the merger with the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation. Schneider says it is business as usual for Association with all initiatives and programs running. Schneider says eventually the former Fond du Lac City Manager will be able to go back to retirement, but Herre is enjoying the work. When the two organizations merge into one a new CEO will be hired.

GOP Gains

State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt says Republicans made gains in the state legislature in last month’s election, but its hard to say if that had anything to do with Donald Trump’s success in the state. He says the GOP made gains in the State Assembly and Senate. He says they gained a seat in the Assembly and have a total of 64 of the 99 seats in that chamber and gained a seat in the Senate where they hold 19 of the 33 seats. Thiesfeldt was elected to his fourth term in the Assembly and received a bigger percentage of votes than in any of his previous contested races. He says he’s not sure if that had anything to do with Trump’s coattails. Thiesfeldt defeated Democrat Paul Czisny in November’s election picking up 63 percent of the vote.

Grothman Hoping For Reassignment To Some Committees

Congressman Glenn Grothman says he would like to be reassigned to some of the committees he served on during his first term in Congress. That includes the Government Oversight Committee he served on, which Grothman says could have a role in some of the reforms President-Elect Donald Trump will try to implement. He says they deal with scandals and Trump will be looking for advice on where there are problems and agencies that need to be pared back. He says two other committees he has served on could also play some important roles. He serves on the Education Workforce Committee and the Budget Committee, which he says is where next year’s budget starts.

Police Benevolent Association Bringing Back Johnny Cash Impersonator

Fond du Lac Police Officer Erik Foster says don’t be surprised if you get a phone call about a fundraiser for the Police Benevolent Association. He says calls are being made to ask people if they want to buy tickets for a musical performance at the High School on February 26th. He says it isn’t a scam. He says last year they had a Johnny Cash impersonator perform and the concert sold out. Foster says some people weren’t able to see it so they are bringing that performer back for an encore performance. Tickets are $15 for the first ticket and $10 for extra tickets. He says tickets will also be available at the door.

FDL Non Profits Getting Alliant Energy Foundation Grants

Four non-profits from Fond du Lac are among 16 non-profits the Alliant Energy Foundation has awarded $28,000 in grants. The Solutions Center Shelter and support services is receiving a $3,000 grant for aid to families in crisis. The Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac is getting a $2,500 grant for Project Learn. Also receiving grants are the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce and Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County.

Waupun Teacher Finalist For Science Award

A Waupun middle school teacher is among four Wisconsin finalists for the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Awards. Leigh Kohlman is a sixth grade teacher at Rock River Intermediate High School. Kohlman is a science finalist. There are two finalists each in mathematics and science.