Local News Briefs Thursday 1/1/15

The 29-year-old Cudahy man who led Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s deputies on a chase last August has pled no contest to several charges stemming from the incident. Michael Connerton pled to charges of 1st degree recklessly endangering safety and fleeing an officer. Deputies tried to stop Connerton’s car because it had been reported in connection with a missing and endangered subject who might be suicidal. The chase lasted 7.3 miles and ended when two Sheriff’s deputies boxed the vehicle in and one sideswiped it causing it to crash into a parked car. He will be sentenced on March 25th.

NFDL Man Gets More Prison Time

A 47-year-old North Fond du Lac man charged with more than 50 counts of was recently sentenced in Fond du Lac County Court. Judge Richard Nuss sentenced Kevin Emerich to a year and a half in prison and five years of extended supervision after Emerich pled “no contest” to a theft charge. The remaining charges were read into the record and dismissed. According to police he used two stolen cards he allegedly stole to make more than $8,000 worth of cigarette purchases. Emerich was already serving time at Kettle Moraine Correctional for battery.

Waupaca County Manufacturer Expanding

Infiniti Metals in Clintonville will expand its operations during a $1 million project that is expected to create 65 new jobs over the next three years. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will loan the company $365,000 to help with the effort. The project includes upgrading to a state-of-the-art operation and purchase of new equipment. Infiniti Metals provides specially designed trailers and other equipment for commercial and military use.

Congressman Petri Puts In Last Day In Office

Congressman Tom Petri put in his last day in office Wednesday. The longtime federal legislator from Fond du Lac says most of the day was spent getting reorganized. He says that included rounding up Christmas gifts his office received. He’s also collected a number of mementos over his 35 years in office. As he begins retirement he says he’s looking forward to not having to be in office at nine in the morning. He says this February and March he will hit the college lecture circuit to do some programs with former Congressman Dave Obey another longtime Congressman. Petri served in the House of Representatives during the terms of six U.S. presidents.

McDermott Park Ice Skate Rink Open

Fond du Lac’s Parks Division tells us McDermott Park Ice Skate Rink is open. The rink opens today, New Year’s Day, and will remain open as long as the weather allows. The warming hut will be opened from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays; however for the opening week the warming hut will be open through Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00. The ice skate rink is located at 452 E Johnson Street.