KFIZ News Saturday 1/14/17

Former Slinger High School Band Director Charged With Sexual Assault

A retired high school band director in Washington County is free on bond, after being charged in the sexual assault of a student dating back to 2000. Sixty-six-year-old David Hanke of Slinger is charged in Washington County with one count of sex assault by a school staffer, for allegedly molesting one girl twice, one year apart. Prosecutors say there could be other victims, and Slinger Superintendent Daren Sievers says he’s shocked by the allegations. Hanke posted a $2,500 cash bond during his initial court appearance. He’s due back in court January 30th.

Mercury Marine Ribbon Cutting Monday

Mercury Marine will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning for its new 49,000 square foot EDP paint plant in Fond du Lac.  Mercury Marine president John Pfeifer will be joined by area leaders in Fond du Lac for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The plant, which broke ground in 2015, will more than double the capacity of the current facility and give Mercury the opportunity to christen a new state of the art coating system.  The expansion is part of Mercury’s investment of more than $730 million since 2008 on Research and Development and expansions to its Fond du Lac global headquarters.

FCEDC President Says Organization Has A Strong Legacy

The president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation says the organization has been doing good work for the community for 30 years. Steve Jenkins says he doesn’t want that fact to be lost while they are working toward a merger with the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce. He says the FCEDC Legacy of successful programs and impact shouldn’t be minimized. He says it has a huge impact in the community. He says the idea behind the merger is for the single entity that emerges to be stronger and continue to serve the interests of the community.

Nett Service On School Board Appreciated

Fond du Lac Schools Superintendent Jim Sebert says they appreciate the service school board member Julie Nett has given to the board. Nett decided not to pursue another term on the board. She is a past president of the board. Sebert says they appreciate the time Nett has served on the board, which will conclude in April. He says she has done a tremendous job on the board. There are two seats up for election to the board. Incumbent member Mark Strand is running for reelection. Challengers include Monica Walk, Dan Sitter, and Greg Freiherr.

NFDL Community Center Room Rentals Discussion Continue

The North Fond du Lac Village Board recently discussed the rental of rooms at the Community Center. Village Administrator Chuck Hornung says they have a big room or can rent the Friendship or Pride Hall sides, which can be broken down into two separate rooms. He says one has a kitchen, but they haven’t had anyone rent out the side that doesn’t for the last two years. He says the discussions over the rental of those rooms are continuing.

E Cigarettes Not Proven Smoking Cessation Device

The program coordinator for the 5 Counties for Tobacco Free Living says e-cigarettes have not been proven to be effective for smoking cessation. Sandy Bernier of the Fond du Lac County Health Department says e-cigarettes have not been approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation device. She says not enough research has been done on them. She says unfortunately some people are switching not realizing that e-cigarettes are still dispensing nicotine the primary addictive ingredient of cigarettes.

YMCA Giving And Receiving From FDL Area United Way

The executive director of the Fond du Lac Area United Way says it was a pleasure to have some photos taken this week at the YMCA, which contributes to the campaign. One of the United Way’s allocations is to the YMCA’s child care program. United Way Executive Director Amber Kilawee says the program contributes a valuable service to the community. She that program gets one of the United Way’s larger allocations. Forty child care families benefit each year from the YMCA program. Some children who are in the program were included in the photos.

RMC Auxiliary Recognition Day In Ripon Monday

The Ripon Common Council this week honored the Ripon Medical Center Auxiliary with a proclamation recognizing the Auxiliary’s 75 year history. City Administrator Lori Rich says it is quite an achievement. She says they have been active in donating funds to the Medical Center and among their contributions has been a healing garden at the new Medical Center. The Ripon Common Council proclaimed this Monday as Ripon Medical Center Auxiliary 75th Anniversary Recognition Day in the City.

Agnesian Volunteer Scholarships

Area high school seniors who plan to pursue a career in healthcare are invited to apply for scholarships offered by the Agnesian HealthCare Volunteers at St. Agnes Hospital. Volunteers are offering four $1,000 scholarships to eligible students who reside in the Agnesian HealthCare service area and plan to attend a college or university in preparation for a healthcare career. An additional $500 scholarship is being offered to eligible students meeting the above criteria and pursuing their education at a technical college. Application forms are available at the Agnesian website. Applications must be postmarked by March 10th. For more information, call Barb VanEgtern, Agnesian HealthCare Volunteer Services, at (920) 926-4966.