Local News Briefs Monday 11/11/13

Sabish Middle School will be honoring veterans at their 20th Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony this morning, which will be held in the Sabish gym in Fond du Lac. Local veterans are invited to attend the special ceremony. Included in the morning’s activities, which begin at 10:00 a.m., will be the posting of colors, patriotic music performed by the Sabish Band and Honors Chorus, award presentations to the essay winners with topics that focused on the “Veteran’s Day Has Great Significance” theme, an address to the attendees by City Manager Joe Moore, a retired colonel, the White Table Ceremony and a retiring of colors. The Kimpel Marine Corps detachment will be overseeing the posting and retiring of colors and the ceremony will be conducted in memory of Sergeant Major Roy Burnett, Corporal Arlington Anderson, and Corporal Ralph Halfmann.

Friend Of Education Award To Be Presented At FDL School Board Meeting

The Fond du Lac School Board will present its annual Friend of Education Award during their meeting this afternoon. This year’s award will be given to local master gardener Bill Behnke for his ongoing commitment to students and the school district’s gardens. The board will also be asked to approve several proclamations. American Education Week is next week, National Education Support Professionals Day is on Wednesday, November 20th, and National Substitute Educator’s Day is on Friday, November 22nd. The board meets at 5 p.m. in the District Administration Center Board Room on West 9th Street.

Roundabout Safety

Both roundabouts on Pioneer Road in Fond du Lac will be opened to traffic when the road officially reopens to traffic this Wednesday. The roundabouts are supposed to be safer for traffic, but a semi tipped over in one of them already. Fond du Lac County Highway Commissioner Tom Janke says that could have happened anywhere because the driver didn’t secure his load. Sheriff’s Captain Rick Olig also serves as the County’s Highway Safety Coordinator. He says the state’s Department of Transportation has perfected signage for roundabouts and you just have to be concerned with traffic to your left. He says it’s rare to have an injury accident or fatal accident in a roundabout unless other factors come into play such as speed or alcohol use. There will be a dedication ceremony at the Hickory and Pioneer Road roundabout tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.

Senator Johnson Pushes For Continuing Resolution

(Wisconsin Radio Network)-U-S Senator Ron Johnson is calling on Congress to act on a bill that would prevent government shutdowns. Senator Johnson is a co-sponsor of legislation that would create what’s known as an automatic continuing resolution. The Wisconsin Republican says the goal of the bill is to virtually end all government shutdowns in the future. He says funding would be continued at current levels for 90 or 120 days and after that funding would be dropped 1 percent. Johnson says that should help push Congress to reach an agreement that will restore funding. He wants to see the House or Senate pass the bill within the next few weeks.

Ash Trees Will Be Used For Fish Habitat Project In Lakeside Park

Some of the ash trees that will be taken down to prevent an Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Fond du Lac will be used to create fish habitat in Lakeside Park. Mike Arrowood of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance says it will be done this winter. He says they will be using 40 or more trees and other materials for the habitat including rocks and pallets. He says the ash trees will provide fish with habitat for decades, he estimates at least 50 years. Arrowood says a grant from the Fish American Foundation will help with costs for the fish habitat project. The fish habitat project was timed to compliment the channel dredging project in Lakeside Park that will improve water quality.

Rifle Use For Gun Deer Season In Washington County Still Being Decided

Hunters in Washington County may want to check with officials about the use of rifles during the gun-deer season if they will be hunting in the County. According to Sheriff’s officials three of 12 municipalities won’t be allowing the use of rifles, five will and four more still have to vote on local ordinance proposals. The Towns of Addison and Farmington, and Village of Richfield won’t allow the use of rifles. Still to vote on local ordinance proposals are the Towns of Germantown, Jackson, Polk and West Bend.

Oakfield Superintendent Pleased With District Performance On DPI Report Cards

Oakfield Schools Superintendent Sue Green says their elementary, middle school and high school did well on the state Department of Public Instruction’s report cards this fall. She says they met expectations. She says teachers look at it as a challenge to do better. Green says school officials across the state view this round of report cards as first true indication of how schools and school districts are performing.

Penny Campaign Adds Up For FDL Area United Way

An official with the Fond du Lac Area United Way says more Fond du Lac schools participated in the annual penny campaign this fall. Amber Kilawee says Rosenow Elementary raised the most followed in second place by Pier Elementary. She says this year seven elementary schools helped raised pennies for the United Way. Together all those pennies added up to nearly $2,400. The winning school is traditionally treated to ice cream from Schwann’s.

Winter Driving Safety

Some parts of the state have already seen snow over the past week, with that in mind Wisconsin State Patrol Inspector Tom Tweedy, has some helpful winter driving tips. He says it won’t be long before all drivers in the state will be facing ice, snow, and limited visibility on roadways. He recommends have a survival safety kit in your vehicle. He says it should include items for warmth and viability if stranded. He says you should plan your route and allow plenty of time to get there safely. He also recommends letting others know your estimated time of arrival. He also recommends making sure your car is cleared of ice and snow. Tweedy also says cruise control is not effective on slippery roadways.

Muth Mirror Expansion

A Sheboygan mirror company announces plans for expansion. Muth Mirror Systems rolled out a $3.7 million expansion plan to add 14 new assembly lines and equipment. The company is getting $570,000 in tax credits from the state’s Economic Development Corp., since an estimated 140 jobs will be created over a three-year span. Founded in 1941, Muth Systems manufactures high-tech mirrors for automobiles, including its signature LED side mirror.