Local News Briefs Wednesday 12/17/14

The Fond du Lac County Board Tuesday night approved an initial resolution to borrow $17.6 million for capital improvements during the next three years. The County Board will be asked next February to approve borrowing from $4.5 to $4.8 million for some of those improvements. New election equipment and the purchase of land for a new highway garage in Fond du Lac are among the capital improvements. Also last evening the board approved membership in the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Membership begins in January. Supervisors also approved a three-party agreement with Red Top Cab Company and West Bend Air to lease space at the airport for car rental services. West Bend Air runs the County’s Flight Based Operations and manages the airport. Red Top is a division of Hertz Rentals and would rent cars at the airport. Dr Warren Post was honored for many years of service as a member of the County’s Board of Health and for being a health advisor to the County Health Department.

Special Election Set For 20th State Senate District

Governor Scott Walker has scheduled a special election to fill the State Senate seat Glenn Grothman will leave to take his seat in Congress. Grothman submitted his written resignation to the Governor Monday. It takes effect on January 3rd when he becomes a member of Congress. Candidates for the 20th State Senate District can circulate nomination papers until Tuesday, January 6th. A primary election would be on February 17th and the spring election would be on April 7th. The term for the Senate seat runs through January 2nd 2017.

Oshkosh Purse Robbery

Police in Oshkosh are looking for a man who snatched the purse of a 76-year-old woman while she was walking in the 500 block of North Main Street last Friday evening. The suspect rode up on a bicycle from behind her and grabbed the purse that was over her arm. She was not injured in the robbery. The suspect was described as being a black man, 20-25 years-old with short hair. He was clean shaven and wearing a dark jacket. The bicycle was dark in color.  Anyone with information is encouraged to the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700.  If you have information and would like to remain anonymous, please contact Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8477 or text IGOTYA and you crime tip to 274637 or go to www.winnebagocrimestoppers.org and submit your text via the web.  You may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Omro Man Cited For Oshkosh Hit And Run Injury Accident

Oshkosh Police say a 28-year-old Omro man has been cited for fleeing the scene of an accident last Thursday leaving behind an injured 12-year-old child in the vehicle he struck. Working on a tip to the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers program police were able to locate the 1993 Buick station wagon involved in the accident and its driver who admitted being involved in the crash. The driver was cited for violation of a traffic control signal, hit and run injury, and operating after suspension.

Sheboygan Company Fined

A Sheboygan excavating company is paying $25,000 in fines and court costs for shoreline erosion violations. According to the state Attorney General’s office C. Spielvogel & Sons Excavating failed to adequately construct a stone structure built to protect a shore against erosion by wave action or currents, along the shore of Lake Michigan in Ozaukee County. The company had obtained a permit from the DNR for the project. An Ozaukee County Judge approved the stipulated judgment.

Thiesfeldt Wants To Hear Constituents On Right To Work Issue

State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt says he wants to hear from constituents of the 52nd State Assembly District about possible Right to Work legislation. He says Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has made it a priority. He says 24 states including Michigan, Indiana and Iowa already have Right to Work laws, which prohibit private business from forcing employees to join unions. He says ACT 10 had to do with public employee unions, but Right to Work would affect fewer employees. He says it may be as low as 8 percent of the workforce in the state would be impacted. He says Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce says it could also have a positive impact on attracting business to the state. Thiesfeldt says no bill has been created yet on Right to Work, but when there is one it will generate some interesting conversations. 

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

Officers from a couple member police department of the Drug Free Communities of Fond du Lac County are reminding residents that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Fond du Lac Police Officer Steve Olson says some people are under the impression that if they are under the .08 blood alcohol level they won’t face any legal consequences if they are pulled over. He says that’s not true you can be arrested and found guilty of operating while intoxicated if you’re judged to be impaired. He says generally if you have one drink an hour in moderation you should be able to burn off the alcohol. North Fond du Lac Police Chief Darren Pautsch says when you feel buzzed you’re already beyond the point when it’s safe to drive. Among the things the Drug Free Communities recommend are using a designated sober driver, calling a cab or using he Safe Ride Program, and being a responsible party host that won’t allow someone who has had too much to drink to get behind the wheel.  

Arc Begins Use Of Two New Group Homes

It was a big day for the Arc of Fond du Lac when they moved several clients into two new group homes last Saturday. Arc Executive Director David Boelter says the move came off without a hitch. He says a few more clients will be moving in during the Christmas holidays. He says five current clients were moved in and three more will move in during the holidays. He says staff and volunteers made the move possible. He says funding from the Michels family and Stone family foundation made the construction of the new group homes possible. One of the homes will be named after Pat and Sue Michels. Boelter says one of the group homes their clients moved out is being sold and the other will be converted into a respite home. The Arc of Fond du Lac serves over 750 clients with special needs each year. 

Heat For Heroes

Fond du Lac County Veterans Service Officer Rick Patton reminds veterans that need help paying to heat their homes this winter about a program specifically designed for that. He says the “Heat for Heroes” program through the Energy Assistance program can help out veterans. He says there are a few requirements. He says there are income eligibility limits, but they are pretty modest. You also have to provide social security numbers for everyone in your home, photo ID and gross income proof for three months. He says those who would like to pick up an application can do so at the Energy Assistance Office at 770 South Main Street, Suite 22 in Fond du Lac. He says you will need to show a copy of your discharge to show you’re a veteran.

Coffee With A Cop

Area residents are invited to have “Coffee With a Cop” Thursday morning from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Village Garden restaurant in Juneau. Juneau Police officers and Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies will be on hand for coffee and conversation in an informal setting.

DFP Gift Certificates Available

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership is now offering gift certificates.  You can purchase the certificates at the DFP office at 30 South Portland Street or by phone at (920) 322-2006. Certificates are sold in denominations of $10, $25, $50 and $100.  They are great gifts for family, friend and coworkers. For more information and a list of participating businesses, call the DFP or visit their website at www.downtownfdl.com