Local News Briefs Thursday 7/31/14

An Allenton man is fortunate he wasn’t shot by police while he was casing businesses to rob in Fond du Lac Monday afternoon on Pioneer Road. Assistant Police Chief Steve Klein says a passerby saw the man clothed in black with a black hoodie, sunglasses and bandana around his neck and what was through to be a handgun. He says the man dropped the gun out of his waistband while walking toward the Jet Stream Car Wash. Klein says the man had his car idling in the parking lot of a nearby business and appeared to be thinking about robbing the car wash. He says because of the passerby and officers’ fast response that robbery attempt was thwarted. He says the gun turned out to be an air soft gun that easily could have been taken for a real gun because the orange tip was missing from it. The man is facing disorderly conduct and possessing a facsimile of a fire arm charges.

Oshkosh Drug Bust

Two Oshkosh residents were arrested during a drug bust in the 600 block of W. 9th Street in Oshkosh Tuesday night. Oshkosh Police says officers with their department and the Lake Winnebago Area MEG Unit executed a search warrant. A 25-year-old man was arrested on heroin-related charges and a 27-year-old woman was taken into custody on unrelated warrants. The man is believed to be associated with two heroin overdoses. In both incidents NARCAN was used to revive the two people who overdosed. During the search, heroin and heroin related drug paraphernalia were located and seized by police.   

Death At Sheboygan County Jail Being Investigated

(WHBL-Sheboygan)-An investigation is underway regarding a death at the Sheboygan County Detention Center. Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Captain David Adams says correctional staff found the 49-year-old woman, who lived in the rural Adell area, unresponsive in a cell around 5 a.m. Wednesday.  Staff and responding Sheboygan Fire Department medics attempted to revive her, but were unsuccessful. Adams says the Sheboygan Police Department has been requested to lead the investigation into what caused the death, with assistance from sheriff detectives.

Gas Leak In Washington County Leads To Evacuation

Homes and businesses were evacuated for about 90 minutes Wednesday morning in the Town of Trenton for a natural gas leak. Washington County Sheriff’s officials say a contracted business doing work in the south ditch line of Highway 33 hit and ruptured a 4 inch gas main. Homes and businesses within a ½ mile radius of the leak were evacuated while the leak was being repaired. No one was injured during the incident.  

West Bend Man Found Guilty Of Trying To Kill Ex Girlfriend

The 51-year-old West Bend man who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend with a knife in a Walmart parking lot last August will be sentenced on September 5th. A Washington County jury recently found Craig Hron guilty of four felony charges including an attempted 1st degree intentional homicide charge. Hron also was a suspect in the murder of 18-year-old Berit Beck in 1990. He was questioned, but never charged. Beck’s body was found in a ditch outside of Waupun.

Sheriff Endorsement By County Executive Unusual

Fond du Lac County Executive Al Buechel says he doesn’t normally endorse candidates in an election, but has made some exceptions over the last few years. Buechel is endorsing Sheriff Mick Fink in Fink’s bid for reelection. He also endorsed Eric Toney when he ran for District Attorney in 2012. But both races involved a race being decided in the Republican Primary and didn’t cross party lines. Buechel says he has conversations with other county executives and administrators and knows from those talks that he has a great relationship with his sheriff. He says the Sheriff is a good businessman, administrator and officer. Fond du Lac Police Detective Bill Ledger is challenging Fink in the August 12th Republican Primary election. The winner faces no opposition in November.

Sheriff’s Forum Tonight

With less than two weeks until the primary election Fond du Lac County voters will have the opportunity tonight to attend a forum on the Sheriff’s race. Incumbent Sheriff Mick Fink and Fond du Lac Police Detective Bill Ledger will both participate in the forum at the City-County Government Center in Fond du Lac. It will get underway at 6 p.m. in the legislative chambers. Both candidates are running as Republicans in the August 12th primary and the winner faces no opposition in the November election.

State Report On Suicide Issued

(Wisconsin Radio Network)-Wisconsin’s middle-aged residents had the highest suicide rate in the state, according to a report from the state Division of Public Health. Researchers looked at a five-year period that ended in 2011, and also found that teens and young adults had the most hospital visits for self-inflicted injuries. The agency’s Chuck Warzecha they hope local community organizations can use the info to help develop effective prevention strategies. Warzecha says a number of factors contributed to the high rate among people between 45 and 54. They included job problems, relationship issues, and alcohol use.

Waupun Memorial Hospital Hosts Community Rummage Sale Today

Waupun Memorial Hospital, through its Mission Integration Committee, is sponsoring a free community rummage sale for individuals and families within the Waupun community today. The sale is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital’s lower level meeting room. It will feature gently-used clothing and shoes for all ages and sizes, especially coats and blankets, as well as baby items and bedding. Households and electronics are not included. Participants have the opportunity to donate one non-perishable food item for the Waupun Food Pantry.

State Fair Opens Today

It’s opening day at the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis. Jen Puente is the sponsorship manager at the Fair. She says in addition to all their regular attractions they have plenty of activities for the kids. She says that includes special stages for children and agricultural exhibits. She says as usual they will have plenty of different foods people can try including the ever-popular food on a stick. She says they have 72 new food items. She says there are plenty of shopping opportunities on the state fairgrounds and be sure to check out the Exposition Center. Today at the Fair you can get in before 4 p.m. for $2 if you bring in two canned food goods that will go to the Hunger Task Force. On the Main Stage Phil Vassar and Maggie Rose will perform. For more information about the fair click here. 

Lakeside Quilters Host EAA Quilt Gathering

The Lakeside Quilters will present their 26th annual EAA Quilt Gathering today in Oshkosh. The show is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 234 N. Campbell Road. The venue is the Oshkosh Senior Center, about four miles northeast of the EAA Museum. There is no charge for parking or admission. The show includes traditional pieced quilts, crazy quilts, appliqué, fiber arts, and home décor. There will be a raffle for a colorful queen-sized quilt. Sewn items such as kitchen aprons, purses, and table runners will be for sale.