Local News Briefs Friday 6/12/15

Two Oshkosh men have been arrested for the armed robbery of the Blue Moose Store this past April. Oshkosh Police arrested the 32 and 39-year-old men on Tuesday morning in the 600 block of Monroe Street. The younger man was arrested for a burglary in the City of Oshkosh; a burglary that occurred in Winnebago County; and three thefts that occurred in Oshkosh. Both men were taken to the Winnebago County Jail.

Oshkosh Sex Offender Released

Oshkosh Police say a 47-year-old sex offender is being released today to live at 215 Division Street. Joseph Spaeth will be living there temporarily while a more permanent residence is found. Spaeth was convicted of 4th degree sexual assault in 1991 and 1st degree sexual assault in 1993 in Winnebago County. His victims were 13 and 6-year-old girls.

Trestle Trail Shooting Report Issued

Menasha police say a man with depression issues was drunk when he murdered three people on the Trestle Trail. A report on the May 3rd shootings shows that 27-year-old Sergio Valencia del Toro opened fire, killing 33-year-old Jon Stoffel of Neenah, his 11-year-old daughter Olivia, and 31-year-old Adam Bentdahl of Appleton were killed. Police Chief Tim Styka says Bentdahl was shot first. He says the Stoffel’s witnessed that shooting and they were shot at next. Thirty-two-year-old Erin Stoffel was shot three times as she ran off the bridge with her two other children. Valencia del Toro turned one of his two nine-millimeter handguns on himself. Police later found 18 empty shell casings on the bridge. Valencia del Toro’s blood-alcohol level was point-two-four three times the legal limit to drive. He’d started drinking earlier in the day after an argument with his ex-fiance. The report says he rode his bike to the scene and he spent about an hour there before he shot Bentdahl.

FDL City Council Approves Legal Challenge Representation

The Fond du Lac City Council this week gave city officials the go ahead to participate in a legal battle over the equalized value of personal property used for manufacturing in the city by Saputo Cheese. The company filed petitions for review with the Tax Appeals Commission. The State Board of Assessors determines the value, but the action is against the State Department of Revenue.  City Manager Joe Moore told the City Council Saputo is looking at having that value reduced by nearly $1.2 million, which would affect the City. He says if Saputo is successful a refund could exceed about $25,000 a year, which would affect property taxes in the City. The city’s insurance would cover hiring an expert attorney to represent the city. City Attorney Deb Hoffmann says she’s acquainted with that attorney and she will do a good job representing the city’s interests.

Watch Out For Flooded Roads

With the possibility of standing water on roadways or flooding in some parts of the state, a Wisconsin Emergency Management official warns motorists about trying to drive through those waters. Tod Pritchard says just six inches of water can carry a car downstream. He says you may be just guessing that the roadway is still under the surface of that water. Some parts of the state received more than 3 inches of rain overnight and some rivers may be reaching or exceeding flood stage today.

Walleye Weekend Is Here

Walleye Weekend is here bringing thousands to Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac for the annual festival. This year’s co-chairs are Terry Davis and Kelly Twohig. Twohig plans on taking one of the helicopter rides that will be available this year. She says there is a $40 fee for the 8-minute ride. Rides will be available near the Main Street entrance to the park. Davis says Saturday will bring the Hearts to Heroes Charity Motorcycle Ride that kicks off at Open Road Harley in Fond du Lac. They will ride through the Kettle Moraine and conclude at Lakeside Park where there will be some bands and fireworks. Twohig says she will actually be doing some bartending at the new Wine Bar this year near Fountain Island. Riverbend Winery is sponsoring it. Of course there’s the Mercury Marine National Walleye Tournament. Plenty of music including a Prince tribute band Friday and Hairball on Saturday, and favorites like Boogie and the Yo-Yoz. Don’t forget about the Life Enforcment and Legacy Express food drive near the entrances to the park. For more on Walleye Weekend visit the Fond du Lac Festivals website.

Park At The Arc This Walleye Weekend

The Arc of Fond du Lac is offering a parking deal for those who would like a spot close to the entrance of Lakeside Park this Walleye Weekend. Arc Executive Director David Boelter says Park at the Arc is a fundraiser they started for Walleye Weekend seven years ago. He says you can park at the Arc or across the street at Parkway Lanes for $5, which goes to the Arc. He says that’s for all day, but if you leave and come back you will have to pay another $5. He says the fundraiser has allowed them to do projects, the latest of which is a flag display outside their main office at 500 North Park Avenue. It will include the American flag, Wisconsin flag and Arc flag. It will be unveiled at 4 p.m. this afternoon.

Nominations Being Accepted For Natural Beauty Council Awards

The Fond du Lac County Natural Beauty Council is accepting nominations for County Beautification Awards.  The program recognizes outstanding efforts by businesses, institutions, churches, and farms that contribute to beautification through landscaping and property improvements.  Historic homes or structures that are 90 years and older are also recognized.  Eligibility for a Beautification Award is every 10 years. Nominated area 4-H Clubs receive gift certificates for planting flowers and shrubs along roadsides.  Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, July 15.  To submit a nomination, call the University of Wisconsin Extension Office at (920) 929-3173 or send a written nomination to Beautification Awards, UW-Extension, 227 Admin/Extension Building, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI  54935.  Please include your name and phone number, as well as the name, address, and phone number of the nominated site.

MS Support Group Cancelled

Agnesian HealthCare’s Multiple Sclerosis support group scheduled for next Wednesday has been cancelled.  This group will resume on Wednesday, July 15 from 1:30 to p.m. in St. Agnes Hospital’s Plaza Private Dining Room. For more information on Agnesian HealthCare’s Multiple Sclerosis support group, call Nancy Goranson, PhD, at (920) 926-4213.