Local News Briefs Wednesday 3/11/15

Police in Fond du Lac are investigating two recent burglaries. A break-in at Eaton’s Fresh Pizza on North Hickory Street was reported Tuesday morning. Entry was gained by smashing a front door. A passerby reported the break-in shortly after 5:30 a.m. Police also say Mike’s Music on North Main Street was broken into last Saturday. An alarm at the store went off shortly after 3:30 that morning.  A front window was broken. Some musical equipment was taken. Anyone with information on the break-ins should call police.

Animals Killed In Pet Shop Fire

A number of animals perished in a fire at a kennel and pet shop in Winnebago County’s Town of Omro Tuesday morning. Sheriff’s officials say people at Traxler’s Kennel and Pet Shop were able to escape with a few dogs, but some other dogs and animals in the pet shop died. Four fire departments battled the blaze, which was reported shortly after 7:30 a.m. There was severe damage to the main building on the property. The cause of the fire is being investigated. A portion of State Highway 21 was closed down for about four hours.

Check Fraud Suspect In Custody

The 29-year-old Hortonville man wanted for cashing fraudulent checks throughout the Fox Valley is in custody. Oshkosh Police says Tyler Yonke was taken into custody by Wausau Police. His initial court appearance in Winnebago County Court is pending due to new charges he’s facing in Wausau. Oshkosh Police thank all residents who sent in the tips through the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers to report on his possible whereabouts.

West Bend Man Sentenced For Faked Armed Robbery

A Washington County judge recently sentenced a 28-year-old West Bend man to 18 months in prison for a faked armed robbery. Anthony Sutton faked the robbery at Pat’s Jiffy Stop where his sister works. Sutton told investigators he manipulated his sister into taking part in the January incident and used the money to buy drugs. Sutton pled guilty to heroin possession and misdemeanor theft charges.  He will be placed on extended supervision for two years after he finishes his prison sentence. His sister Amanda Sutton is facing one theft charge and two charges of obstructing an officer. She’s back in court on Wednesday, March 18th.

Archdiocese Lawyer Statement On Federal Appeals Court Decision

An attorney representing the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Fund says they are disappointed with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision Monday putting the funds back in to play in the Archdiocese’s ongoing bankruptcy case. The federal appeals court ruled the $60 million trust fund isn’t protected under the 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Under the courts ruling there’s the possibility the funds could be used to settle claims of sexual abuse by priests. Attorney Timothy Nixon says regardless of the decision the Trust reaffirms its offer to make a loan to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to assist in funding its proposed plan or reorganization to move the bankruptcy process forward. He says the Trust also has a duty to protect the Catholic cemeteries in Milwaukee.

FDL City Council Preview

Beekeeping in the City of Fond du Lac is one of the discussions the City Council will have tonight during their meeting. That discussion will follow a report by City Attorney Deb Hoffmann. Also during the meeting the Council will recognize John Kiefer’s retirement with a proclamation. Kiefer is the City’s Park and Forestry Superintendent and will retire this Friday after 24 years and 6 months with the City. The Council will also consider amending the budget for the possible purchase of a building at 52 Sheboygan Street, which would help to expand the library. The Council meets at 6 p.m. at the City-County Government Center. 

FDL Summer Schools Budget Approved

The Fond du Lac School Board this week approved the budget for the 3 week summer school program. District Superintendent Jim Sebert says it will run from June 8th through the 26th. He says they have partners who help them with the summer school program. Those include Aramark that helps with breakfast and lunch, the Fondy Food Pantry which helps with some snacks, and some transportation partners. He says other programs in Fond du Lac during that time make summers fun for kids including recreational programming, summer camps and more. He says once again this August they will also offer their Jump Start program for younger students who need extra help before regular school starts. The summer school budget approved by the school board was for a little over $344,000.

Congressman Grothman On Right To Work

Congressman Glenn Grothman says he’s glad to see the state become the 25th Right to Work state. He says there was a time when the Midwest wasn’t open to the idea, but that’s no longer the case. He says it will help create more business and jobs in Wisconsin. The federal lawmaker from Campbellsport says despite Governor Scott Walker’s initial reluctance to jump into the fray over Right to Work debate he believes it will help Walker in his run for president. Governor Walker signed the Right to Work bill into law Monday in Brown Deer.

Oriole Nation Booster Club Forming Meeting Tonight

A booster club is being formed for the North Fond du Lac School District. District Superintendent Aaron Sadoff says they don’t have one, but are forming one to support athletics, the arts, clubs and scholarship programs. He says for now they are known as the Oriole “Nation” Booster Club. He says they already have lined up a booth at Walleye Weekend and will be helping with a run at North Fondy Fest. The booster club will hold a meeting tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at the District Meeting Room at 225 McKinley Street.