Local News Briefs Friday 1/15/16

Fondy Man Facing Reckless Homicide Charge In Washington County

A 27-year-old Fond du Lac man is facing a 1st degree reckless homicide charge in Washington County for a heroin overdose death. According to the criminal complaint Jacob Tuzzolino traveled to Milwaukee last October 14th to help 54-year-old Michael Sarwas of West Bend buy a truck and heroin. The next day Sarwas’ son found him dead of what was determined to be a heroin overdose. Tuzzolino will be back in court on February 10th. He’s being held in the Washington County Jail on a $20,000 cash bond.

Mayville Man Arraigned On Substantial Battery Charge

A 25-year-old Mayville man suspected of breaking his girlfriend’s jaw was arraigned in Dodge County Court this week. Richard Hron pled not guilty to a substantial battery charge. According to the criminal complaint Hron punched the victim in the face during an argument last August 2nd. Her jaw was fractured in two places. When he was arrested he denied hitting her.

State Highway In Winnebago County Closed For Accident

An accident on State Highway 76 in Winnebago County shut down a portion of the highway for a couple of hours Wednesday night. Sheriff’s officials say a man lost control of his vehicle and ran into a power pole. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident, which occurred north of Larsen Road. Highway 76 from Larsen Road to County Highway II was closed until Wisconsin Public Service could assess damage to the pole. The accident was reported just before 8:30 p.m.

Senator Johnson To Tour Brenner Tank

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson will be touring Brenner Tank in Fond du Lac today. The federal lawmaker from Oshkosh is scheduled to tour the facility from 3:30 to 4:30 this afternoon. Johnson is running for reelection this fall. He’s likely to face Russ Feingold who he defeated in the last election for the seat.

Discussion Begins About Restructuring Ripon Public Works

Ripon’s Common Council this week began discussion about the possibility of restructuring the city’s public works department. City Administrator Lori Rich says they are looking at creating an operations superintendent position. She says they used to have a working foreman, but don’t anymore. She says the superintendent would spend a couple of hours a day doing supervisory work. She says in the next few years Public Works Director Travis Drake will be retiring. He’s also the City Engineer. She says an operations superintendent could help smooth the transition when Drake retires. She says the combination Public Works Director/City Engineer job will also be something they will look at restructuring.

Democratic Candidate For State Senate Seat Says People Feel Left Out

An Oshkosh native running for the 18th State Senate seat says he has a cause and that’s why he’s running for office. John Lemberger, who works at the UW-Oshkosh, recently launched his campaign for the senate. He’s running as a Democrat. He says people no longer feel they are being adequately represented in government. He says there are a number of issues in the campaign. Education is important to him. He works at the UW-Oshkosh and is serving on the Oshkosh School Board. He says education budgets have required cuts at the K-12 and college levels. He says that and other issues are reasons they aren’t seeing as many people going into teaching. Lemberger also feels that money tends to speak volumes when it comes to getting a politicians attention. He says people are feeling left out and forgotten because they don’t have a lot of money to give to campaigns. Lemberger is the second Democrat to announce for the office. Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris announced his run last year.

Scam Advice

A Fond du Lac Police officer says some general advice will help you avoid becoming victim to a scam. Officer Erik Foster says scams are constantly being invented, but they all have a few things in common. He says if you get a call from someone saying they are with the IRS or an energy company, just hang up. He says don’t give out personal information or press any keys. Offers that sound too good to be true generally are. He says be skeptical. Keep personal and financial information to yourself and don’t give that information out in a phone call or by replying to a text message. Foster also says it’s not a good idea to send money to someone you don’t know no matter how dire they make the situation sound. He also says you should never click on links or open attachments in emails.

Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition Week

Many communities across the state took time this week to recognize adult school crossing guards for the service they provide for our children.  Larry Corsi is the Bike and Pedestrian Safety Coordinator with the state’s Department of Transportation. He says they’re not just out there to stop traffic, they’re keeping our kids safe. So as drivers, it’s important to always be watchful around school zones and to obey crossing guards helping kids get to and from our schools.” He said parents should take time to talk to their kids about the proper and safe way to cross a street. He says that includes always crossing at crosswalks and getting help from school crossing guards. Both the Fond du Lac School Board and Fond du Lac City Council took time during their meetings this week to recognize crossing guards during this Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition Week.