Local News Briefs Monday 11/9/15

Pay Hike Considered For Custodial And Maintenance Union

The Fond du Lac School Board tonight will consider approving a 1 percent increase in total base wage increases for members of the custodial and maintenance union. The total cost to the school district for that increase will be nearly $31,600. Following its regular meeting the board will hold a workshop and at the conclusion of that meet in closed session to consider two student expulsions. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the District Administration Center Board Room.

Watertown Train Derails Spilling Oil

At least 35 homes were evacuated in Watertown Sunday afternoon when 13 cars from a Canadian Pacific train carrying crude oil derailed. One of the cars was punctured spilling less than a thousand gallons of product before the leak was contained. It happened shortly after 2 p.m. at South Montgomery and West Street. Evacuated residents were put up in hotels Sunday night. Mayor John David says measures were taken as a precaution.

Sheboygan Death Investigation

Police in Sheboygan are investigating the death of a factory worker. Officers responded to Torginol Inc. on South Taylor Drive Friday night for the report of an unresponsive worker. A 33-year-old man was found dead at the scene. The death is being investigated. The incident was reported at 9:20 Friday evening.

Winnebago County Garage Fire

Winnebago County authorities say a garage fire was reported early Sunday morning in the Town of Black Wolf. No injuries were reported during the blaze in the 6000 block of Decorah Avenue. A portion of Highway 45 was closed while firefighters were putting out the fire.

New Voting Machines

When the 2016 Spring elections come around, citizens across Fond du Lac County will have a new voting experience with the purchase of 48 new voting machines for about $442,000.  Fond du Lac County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says that it was the right time to upgrade the current equipment because it was getting harder to find replacement parts.  Freiberg says that the new machines all have a 19 inch video screen and will let you know right away if an error was made on a ballot. She says a voter will immediately be able to correct any mistake. Freiberg adds that the new machines may also make it easier for a candidate to decided if they want to request a recount. Voters will now place a vote by filling in a oval rather than connecting a line.   

No Burning In City of Fond du Lac

As you finish up your fall yard work the Fond du Lac Fire Chief reminds you that If you live in the city of Fond du Lac you can not burn your yard waste on your property.  O’Leary says sometimes people in the city maybe not understand its not allowed because areas outside the city allow burning of yard waste on their land. The chief asks that if you see someone illegally burning in Fond du Lac to report it by calling 911 or if you have a good relationship with your neighbor inform them burning is illegal.  O’leary says that even if you have a fire pit, you are not permitted to burn leaves or grass in it. 

Bell Ringers Needed

One of the traditional sounds of the holiday season begins next Friday when the Salvation Army kicks off their Red Kettle Campaign.  Captain Telinda Wilson of the Fond du Lac Salvation Army says that when a bell ringer is standing next two a kettle, they can bring in a few hundred dollars a day, but if a kettle is un-manned they only make a few dollars. You can sign up to ring bells this season by going to myvolunteerpage.com and searching Fond du Lac or you can stop by the Salvation Army Office at 237 North Macy Street.  This year’s Red Kettle Campaign Goal is $150,000.

MPTC Good For Vets

Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac was recently chosen as one of the top career and technical colleges in the nation for veterans by Military Times.  MPTC came in at #9 after research was done via a survey of more than 100 questions and whether or not they had a veterans’ office.

MPTC’s Krueger’s Honored

Val Krueger, executive assistant to both the Moraine Park Technical College District Board and College president, was recently presented with the 2015 Professional Board Staff Member National Award. Earlier this year, Krueger was chosen as the sole recipient of the 2015 Central Region Professional Board Staff Member Award. She went on to win the national award during the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) leadership conference held in San Diego in October.

Construction Update

Construction is wrapping up on Highway 23 between Ripon and Rosendale.  The $2.8 million dollar project to improve the 7.8 mile stretch of road saw the detour signs removed earlier this week and the project should be complete by next week.  Construction began back on August 24^th.