Local News Briefs 12/21/13

United Way
$93,000 Shy Of Goal

With less
than two weeks left in their fall fundraising campaign the Fond du Lac Area United Way is at 87
percent of their goal. United Way Executive Director Tina Potter says they’ve
gotten $646,139 of their $740,000 goal. She says that still leaves them $93,000
short of the goal. Potter says the money that’s donated to the United Way funds so
many worthwhile programs for people of every age in the County. She says one of
their recent contributors was Brenner Tank, which hadn’t done an employee
program in about five years. She says the company and its employees donated
$16,000. She says Mercury Marine also came up big with about $90,000 from
employees and an $80,000 match from the Brunwick Corporation.

 

Some
Similarities In Factors For Fatal Snowmobile And Car Accidents

Although
it’s just getting started Wisconsin
has already seen a couple of fatal snowmobiling accidents. Ben Nadolski is a
DNR Conservation Warden who works out of the Waupun field office. He says fatal
snowmobile accidents like fatal automobile accidents share a couple of common
factors. He says speed, alcohol use and inexperience and going into open water
are the usual factors in fatal snowmobile accidents. Speed and alcohol are also
common factors in fatal car accidents, but not being familiar with conditions
or the area can also factor into them as well.

 

Weather
Decisions For Schools Made Early As Possible

Fond du Lac
Schools Superintendent Jim Sebert at the beginning of the month reviewed the
procedures for school delays and cancellations for winter weather for the
school board. Sebert says they try to make those decisions as early as
possible. He says they consult with the bus companies, other superintendents
and their Coordinator of Facility Services John Williams before a decision is
made. He says in addition to the media they get the word out through their
Alert Now program, which sends out calls and emails to notify parents. Of
course you can catch the latest cancellations on News-Talk 1450 KFIZ and
KFIZ.com.


Salvation Army Theft
The Oshkosh Police Department is investigating the theft of a Salvation Army
Red Kettle from outside the Wal-Mart Store on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at
about 6:00 PM.  A male subject is observed in video stills walking into
the Wal-Mart Store, 351 S.
Washburn St.
in Oshkosh.  The male pushed a shopping
cart to the Salvation Army booth and placed the kettle into the shopping
cart.  The male walks to a four-door white vehicle, backs up and drove out
of the parking lot.  It is unknown how much money was in the kettle at the
time of the theft.  The video still photos are attached to this e-mail.
The suspect is described as white, wearing a blue jacket, possibly a North Face
brand, with the hood up, blue gloves and blue jeans.  The male was wearing
white tennis shoes with a dark sole. If anyone can identify this male
suspect or has information regarding the theft, please contact the Oshkosh
Police Department at (920) 236-5700 or you can go to www.winnebagocrimestoppers.org.


Winter Is Here
Winter officially begins today, meaning motorists need to do their best being
prepared for the worst. When it comes to travelling in winter storms, the best
advice for motorists is to simply stay off slippery roadways if possible so
highway workers can do their job. If you must travel, buckle-up, slow down, and
allow extra time and following distance. If you do slide off the road – call
for help, and stay buckled-up in your vehicle until emergency responders
arrive. Your vehicle offers protection from the weather, and also from other
vehicles that might lose control and crash into you.


Empty Bowls

Nearly
$10,000 was raised in support of area food pantries thanks to attendees, donors
and sponsors of the 2013 Empty Bowls Fundraiser.  The event, which was held on December 4, 2013
at the Retlaw Plaza Hotel, had over 500 people attend. The event was organized
by the Leadership Fond du Lac Alumni Group and sponsored by Agnesian HealthCare
and Associated Bank to raise awareness to hunger in our community and world and
raise money for local food pantries and shelters.  This year, six area food pantries benefited
from the generosity of the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, with each receiving a check
for $1,639.00.  The following food
pantries were assisted: Broken Bread, Fondy Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes,
Salvation Army, Solutions
Center
and St. Vincent
DePaul.