Local News Briefs Saturday 5/21/16

Owners Of Wayside Tavern Ordered To Take Down Building And Clean Up Site

Owners of a Fond du Lac tavern destroyed by fire in February have been ordered to take down its remains. According to the City’s Community Development Department City inspectors sent a notice to the owners of the Wayside Bar & Grill on West Division Street to clean up the site and remove the fire damaged building now that the investigation is complete. Investigators determined the blaze was intentionally set and a $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest. The Wisconsin Arson Hotline is 1-800-362-3005.

Zika Virus Raises Concerns For Pregnant Women

Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says the segment of the population they are most concerned about becoming infected with the Zika virus is pregnant women or those women planning to have a baby. The virus can cause problems with the development of the brain in a fetus. She says although it’s more commonly spread through the bite of a mosquito, it can also be sexually transmitted. She recommends protecting yourself by using condoms or even abstaining from sex. Wisconsin reported its first case of the Zika virus this past week.

New NFDL Ambulance Will Be At Fire And EMS Open House Today

North Fond du Lac residents can get a peak at the Village’s new ambulance during an open house Saturday at the Village’s Fire and EMS Station on Garfield Street. Hours are from 1 to 3 p.m. Randy Stutz is the Deputy Chief of the Village EMS Division. Stutz says he had a chance to travel to New Jersey where the ambulance was being assembled. He says a couple weeks ago he flew out there and spent about 10 hours in the factory as the ambulance was coming off line. Stutz says the open house is part of their celebration of National EMS Week. He says in addition to the new ambulance people can take tours, get CPR instruction, get free blood pressure checks, enjoy free food and participate in some raffles.

MPTC Employees Honored

Moraine Park Technical College President Bonnie Baerwald says they are proud of all their employees and recently showed that appreciation during an event. She says a total of 68 former and current employees were honored. She says 13 retirees and 55 current employees took part in the recognition event. She says the 13 retirees put in a combined 272 years of service to Moraine Park. Meanwhile today is about students, the college will hold its commencement exercises at the Fond du Lac High School Field House at 10 a.m. About 350 students are expected to take part in the ceremony.

Greek Fest In FDL Sunday

The annual Greek Fest in Fond du Lac is tomorrow at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center. Organizer Julie Phillips says hours for the event are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. She invites people to come enjoy the Greek cuisine and pastries, music and dancing. There will also be some American food, games for kids and raffles. Phillips says there’s free admission, but bring some money to buy your food. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is putting on the event. In two years the church will be celebrating its centennial.

Plymouth Getting Grant For Downtown Project

The City of Plymouth has been awarded a $100,000 state grant to assist in a project to renovate a historic building in downtown Plymouth. The building, built in 1875, is located at 133 E. Mill Street. Cheesemaking has long been a part of Plymouth history. The project will consist of bringing the building back to its historic form. A cheese-themed store and heritage center will be established on the first floor of the building, and apartments on the second floor. This project is one of three key physical improvement projects for the downtown area of Plymouth.

Town Of Lamartine Gets State Trust Fund Loan For Fire Truck Purchase

The Town of Lamartine is getting a $260,000 state trust fund loan to help with the purchase of a new fire truck. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands approved the loan this week along with loans for $4 million worth of other projects around the state.