Local News Briefs Monday 3/23/15

The 21-year-old Waupun man suspected of beating a pregnant woman has been bound over for trial. Zachary Disbrow was in Fond du Lac County Court last Friday for a preliminary hearing. Charges stem from incidents on January 19th at a Waupun apartment. According to the criminal complaint he allegedly threatened to throw her down a flight of stairs. Disbrow told investigators he knew she was pregnant and grabbed her gently. He’s been charged with false imprisonment, battery and disorderly conduct with domestic abuse enhancers.

Sheboygan Grass Fire Injury

Sheboygan County Sheriff’s officials say a 61-year-old Town of Lyndon man was burned during a grass fire Sunday afternoon. It was reported just before 2 p.m.. at N2827 Dusty Lane. The man was taken to St. Mary’s Burn Center in Wauwatosa with significant burns to his lower extremities. Investigators say the fire does not appear to be criminal in natures.

BD Man Sentenced For Convenience Store Robbery

A 23-year-old Beaver Dam man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and 23 years of extended supervision for robbing the Coyote Gas and Liquor convenience store. Zachery Turck was sentenced in Dodge County Court last Friday for the June 2014 robbery. Turck was wearing a black ski mask when he used a pellet gun to rob the store of about $400.

Former Congressman Kastenmeier Dies

Former Wisconsin Congressman Bob Kastenmeier died Friday at his home in Arlington, Virginia. Kastenmeier, who was 91-years-old, served in the House for 32 years. Kastenmeier represented the Madison area from 1959 to 1991. He was upset by Republican challenger Scott Klug in 1990. Kastenmeier was born in Beaver Dam.

Envision FDL Plans FDL Future

The president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation encourages residents to participate in the strategic planning process known as Envision Fond du Lac. Steve Jenkins says it’s about planning out the future of Fond du Lac. So far there have been workshops for both the community and businesses. Jenkins says to look for more workshops in the future including one for youth and one for seniors. He says the input they got in the workshops they held was phenomenal. Jenkins also encourages people to visit the Envision Fond du Lac website to check on when those workshops will be held, take a survey or post comments.

Construction Begins Today On North Side Of FDL City County Government Center

Here’s a reminder that starting today the North entrance of the Fond du Lac City-County Government Center will be closed for construction of an elevator and vestibule area. Upgrades will be completed near the end of July. The public is asked to use the east entrance off Macy Street or the west entrance off the loading dock during this time. About 12 spaces in the North side parking lot will also be lost during construction. Alternate free public parking may be found along Macy and 2nd Streets during construction.  The Payment Drop Box at the North entrance will be removed during the upgrade, however; the Drop Box on the East side or Macy Street side of the building will still be available. 

Raffle Reform Bill Awaits Governors Signature

Non-profit organizations could be getting some help in their fundraising efforts if Governor Walker signs a bill into law authored by State Senator Devin LeMahieu. He says it clarifies that use of raffles by non-profits for fundraising and is known as the Raffle Reform Law. Governor Scott Walker vetoed a similar bill authored by LeMahieu’s predecessor Senator Joe Leibham. He says the only reason Walker vetoed it was because there was a phrase that referred to other games of chance, which could have been interpreted as having to do with the gaming compacts. He says the language from that previous bill the Governor objected to has been removed. He says raffles are one way non-profits use to fundraise to do the things they do for communities. The state lawmaker from Oostburg says he was recently invited to an outing by the Sheboygan County Conservation Association because of his work on the Raffle Reform bill.  Both the Senate and Assembly passed the bill.

Wisconsin Becoming A Four Season Tourist Attraction

Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett says the state already has strong attractions for spring and summer months, but is truly become a four-season state. She says in the Midwest Wisconsin owns the fall when it comes to tourism attractions. She says Minnesota and Michigan brag about their snowmobile trail system, but Wisconsin has over 25,000 miles of snowmobile trails plus the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River. She says other activities like sturgeon spearing in the area are giving the state a stronger winter season.

Spaghetti Dinner Will Benefit Hospice Hope

National Mutual Benefit Fond du Lac Branch #695, a Fraternal Life Insurance Society, has scheduled its All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner for Tuesday, April 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fond du Lac American Legion Post. Proceeds of the spaghetti dinner will benefit Agnesian HealthCare’s Hospice Hope. The spaghetti dinner includes a salad, French bread, dessert, and coffee and milk. Tickets are $7 for adults and children 12 years of age and older; $5 for children ages five to 11; and free for children four and under. Tickets can be purchased from Silica Appliance & Electronics; Pump & Pantry; Philly’s on 4th; and the National Mutual Benefit Fond du Lac Agency office (606 Triangle Road) and its officers. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. The event will feature a silent auction, and guests are asked to bring canned goods to donate to the Fond du Lac Food Pantry.

Ripon Home Show Saturday

The 2015 Ripon Home Show will be held on Saturday from 11am-3pm at the Royal Ridges Conference Center located on Hwy. 23 West in Ripon.  The event will feature area businesses that showcase products and services for homeowners, or leisure activities that everyone can enjoy.  Admission to the 2015 Ripon Home Show is simply a donation of food or a good will offering to be given to the Traded Treasures Thrift Boutique and Community Food Pantry.  Royal Ridges will also have food and beverages available to purchase to all those in attendance.  Vendors who are interested in taking part in the event are encouraged to contact the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at 920.748.6764 for more information.  The Ripon Home Show is sponsored in part by Century 21 Properties Unlimited, Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express, and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.  For more information concerning the 2015 Ripon Home Show please visit www.ripon-wi.com