Local News Briefs Saturday 3/8/14

Fond du Lac Police Chief Bill Lamb says there is no stereotypical heroin user. He says a user can be any age and cover all socio-economic classes. He says the hardcore drug user stereotype of the 1970s is no longer accurate. Lamb says a few years ago a move was made to clamp down on the abuse of prescription drugs such as hydrocodone and unfortunately users have are now making the transition to heroin as a cheaper way of getting high. Chief Lamb will be a presenter at the Heroin Summit at Marian University next Tuesday night at 6:30.

Senator Johnson Pleased With Recent Town Hall In FDL

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson says he enjoyed his recent town hall meeting in Fond du Lac. The federal lawmaker from Fond du Lac says his goal during such events if present real facts and figures and show people what fiscal challenges the country is facing. He says America still has the best economy in the world, but we need to have a competitive tax system and make sure regulatory oversight is so stringent that we miss out on opportunities to attract more business and investment in both the state and the nation.

Coffee With Congressman Petri

Area residents are invited to have coffee with Congressman Tom Petri this morning at Schreiner’s Restaurant in Fond du Lac. He will be at Bernie’s inside the restaurant from 8 to 9 a.m. Anyone who has an issue with a government agency, needs questions answers about what’s happening in Congress or has feedback on federal issues is welcome to attend.

Helping Families Displaced By Fire

An official with the Fond du Lac chapter of the Red Cross says their role in helping families displaced by fire doesn’t end in the few days after the fire. Lisa Stanchfield says for example a fire on Ruggles Street this past week left a man and a woman without a home. They lost their personal belongings and other items they need on a daily basis. She says they provided the initial help the couple needed, but will be following up on that. She says one of things they will do is work on a long term recovery plan with the couple. The two-story wood frame home at 394 Ruggles Street was heavily damaged by the blaze and has been condemned.

Ripon City Administrator Doing A Good Job

Ripon City Administrator Lori Rich is doing a good job. But don’t take our word on it that’s the opinion of the Ripon Common Council, which recently conducted their annual performance evaluation with her. She says she got a good review and goals were set for 2014. Such evaluations are a common practice; the Fond du Lac City Council recently gave City Manager Joe Moore a good review when his annual performance evaluation was held.

Alliant Planning $130 Million In Improvement In Wisconsin This Year

Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin customers will continue to have power they can count on after more major investments from Alliant Energy. In 2014, crews are adding more than $130 million in improvements to its energy grid in Wisconsin. This year, work on the energy grid will include upgrading power poles, wires, and transformers in communities, along streets and in neighborhoods. Crews will also work on the part of the energy grid that includes underground natural gas pipelines. Wisconsin customers are seeing continuous improvement in the energy grid. In 2013, for example, Alliant Energy crews added more than $130 million in upgrades.

Weights And Measures Violations

Eight companies in Wisconsin paid civil forfeitures last year the result of weights and measures violations. According to the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Wisconsin CVS Pharmacy topped that list of eight paying more than $57,300 in fines for scanner price misrepresentations and other violations. Altogether the eight companies paid over $169,000 in fines for the violations. This week is National Weights and Measures week.

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday Morning

Here’s another one for the “Honey Do” list this weekend; set your clocks ahead an hour Sunday. That’s because it’s the beginning of Daylight Saving Time and it’s time to “Spring Forward.”