Local News Briefs Saturday 8/31/13

FDL City Council Committee Appointments Made

While the Fond du Lac City Council goes through the process of filling a vacancy created by Rob Vande Zande’s resignation, they had to take more immediate action to fill some of the committee and board assignments he had as a City Councilman. This past week the Council made appointments to the Fond du Lac County Hazardous Materials Executive Team, Alcohol Licensing Committee, and City-County Building Board. Councilwoman Karyn Merkel was appointed to the Hazardous Materials Executive Team and City-County Building Board, and Councilwoman Lee Ann Lorrigan to the Alcohol Licensing Committee. The Council will wait until after a new Council person is seated before filling appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and School Resource Officer Advisory Board.

 

Harris Wont Run Against Walker

(WRN) The Winnebago County executive is not going to run for governor next year. Mark Harris announced his decision Friday morning, saying he determined he would be an underfunded candidate if he got into the race for the Democratic nomination. Harris says that might not be helpful, as the party tries to defeat Governor Walker next year. He says he’ll continue to speak out about the direction of the state. Former Trek executive Mary Burke could run, and state Senator Kathleen Vinehout is also considering entering the rate. Harris says he reserves the right to get into the race later, if the other potential candidates bow out.

 

Labor Day Weekend Travel

A new survey is projecting a big jump in holiday travel for the Labor Day weekend.  About 713-thousand Wisconsinites are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend, a 3.4-percent increase over last year. Roy Hinz with Triple-A Wisconsin says about 85-percent of travelers will be going by car, and pump prices should be significantly lower than last year.  The current statewide average is about $3.57 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel. Nationally, Triple-A expects more than 34-million Americans to take a trip this weekend…up 4.2-percent from last year.

 

Be Safe On The Roads

Over Labor Day weekend, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, and Police Agencies from the City of Fond du Lac, Village of North Fond du Lac, City of Ripon, City of Waupun, Village of Rosendale, Village of Oakfield, Town of Ripon, Village of Campbellsport, Village of Brandon-Fairwater and the Wisconsin State Patrol will be out in force throughout Fond du Lac County during a coordinated effort to crackdown on the “D” Drivers. “Drunk, Drugged, Drowsy, and Distracted”  Captain Rick Olig of the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office has some suggestions for you to stay safe this Labor Day weekend. He says; plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.  Before drinking, designate a sober driver. If you aren’t that driver, leave your car keys at home.  If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation or a sober ride program so you are sure to get home safely.  If you see a drunk or distracted driver on the road, call 911.  If you know about an underage alcohol party, call authorities so we can take action before something bad happens.

Brooke Street Closed Through Holiday Weekend

The Fond du Lac Department of Public Works says that Brooke Street at the Auburn Street intersection will be closed until Tuesday for replacement of pavement.  Access to Auburn Street businesses will be maintained but limited.

 

Street Rod Show

The 42^nd Annual Wisconsin Street Rod Association Corn Roast, Car and Bike Show takes place this weekend at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds.  Hundreds of cars will be on display at the event.  There will be a petting zoo and pony and Clydesdale rides from Whisper Hills Clydesdales.   There will be live music today and a dance tonight.  The free corn event is on Sunday.

 

Ripon Habitat Home

The Ripon area will get their first Habitat For Humanity home in 11 years.  Ground has already been broken for the build but a ribbon cutting is set for 9am today to officially get things going..  Executive Director Paul Osterholm says many people have already volunteered to get the home ready for occupancy in early November.