Local News Brief Thursday 12/4/14

During the New North Summit this week the results of the annual First Business Economic Survey were released. Business owners projected a rosier 2015 with 95 percent expecting a better performance in the New Year. Other positive results included 50 percent of businesses reporting an increase in the number of employees compared to only 23 percent in 2013. Profitability was also up from 39 percent in 2013 to 54 percent this year. Also 64 percent of business owners reported increased sales revenues compared to 51 percent last year. For more on the survey click here.

State Trust Fund Loans Help Two Area Municipalities

State Trust Fund loans will help the City of Fox Lake and Village of Kewaskum with a couple of projects. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands this week approved a nearly $368,000 loan for the City of Fox Lake to repair storm sewers and roads. Meanwhile a $160,000 loan to the Village of Kewaskum will help finance the purchase of a new fire truck. All told the board approved more than $1 million for five municipal projects.

Wisconsin Joins Others In Lawsuit Over Immigration Order

(Wisconsin Radio Network)-Wisconsin is joining 16 other states in a federal lawsuit over President Obama’s executive order on immigration. Governors and Attorneys General from 17 states filed the legal challenge Wednesday, which seeks to block the president’s recent executive action to unilaterally change immigration law. The lawsuit was brought by the state of Texas. It raises issues about the constitutionality of the president’s recent executive action to prevent the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants, along with the potential costs and consequences of the policy. In a statement, Governor Scott Walker says the lawsuit is not about immigration. Rather, it’s about the rule of law and the legality of President Obama’s actions.

Plowing Complaints

Fond du Lac County officials say plowing snow or snow blowing it on to a road is dangerous. Sheriff’s Captain Rick Olig says wind rows created by private plowing services or homeowners plowing snow are one of the biggest complaints they hear about during their annual winter operations meeting. County Highway Commissioner Tom Janke says highway crews have also had some close calls with private services and individuals plowing snow in that fashion. He says it creates and obstacle for the drivers and some of the vehicles didn’t have lights on. He says there’s a lot going on in the cabs of snow plows for drivers to deal with without having to worry about people plowing in the dark without lights on. Captain Olig says it’s not legal to place snow onto the right of way of a highway.

911 Call To Santa Gets Boys In Trouble

Police in Mayville told two young brothers if they want to talk to Santa about their Christmas wish lists they should probably do it in person. That was after police responded to a 911 call the 3 and 6-year-old boys had made from their father’s cell phone hoping to talk to St. Nick. If they’re lucky the two young siblings won’t land on Santa’s naughty list.

FDL High School Principal Enjoying Job

Fond du Lac High School Principal Michelle Hagen says she’s enjoyed her first semester as the principal at the school. Hagen became the principal in August following Jon Wiltzius’s retirement to run a local campground. She says she’s enjoying the job. She was hired as an assistant principal at the high school in August of 2013 after 23 years in the Milwaukee Public Schools System. She says that she already had experience as a principal, but not at the high school level. She says she loves the enthusiasm students have for learning.

From Legislator To Lobbyist

Former State Senator Joe Leibham will continue to work at the State Capitol, but in a new role as the head lobbyist for the state’s biggest law firm. Yesterday Foley and Lardner announced the former Senator from the 9th State Senate District will begin working for them next Monday. Leibham resigned from his Senate seat this past Monday, but only said at the time he was considering future employment opportunities. He chose not to run for reelection to his Senate seat to run for Congress, but lost in the August Republican primary to State Senator Glenn Grothman.

Christmas Decorating Safety Tips

The Division Chief of Fire Prevention for the Fond du Lac Fire Department urges residents to play it safe when it comes to holiday decorating this season. Troy Haase says if you’re going to get a real Christmas tree make sure you keep it watered and if it gets too dry it’s better to dispose of it. He says it’s safer to use an electric plug-in strip than extension cords. He also recommends keeping extension cords and power cords out of well-traveled areas of the home where people can trip on them. Haase also says it’s best to turn everything off before you go to bed or leave the home.

YPF Christmas Events

The Young Professionals of Fond du Lac will get into the Christmas spirit with a couple of upcoming events. Katie Leist of the Fond du Lac Area Chamber of Commerce says the group will be volunteering at the Fondy Food Pantry on Wednesday, December 10th. She says they will tour the facility and help out by packing boxes of food. Hours for that event are from 5 to 6:30 p.m. She says on a lighter note they will have a Bowling and Ugly Christmas Sweater Night at Ledgeview Lanes on Monday, December 15th. The cost for that event is $15, which includes bowling and food. To find out more about the events and the Young Professionals call the Association office at (920) 921-9500.

Kwik Trip Raising Money For Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign

Kwik Trip, Tobacco Outlet Plus stores and Hearty Platter restaurants in Wisconsin are hosting their third annual coin canister donation drive to support The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Wisconsin area residents and businesses can make monetary donations to any Kwik Trip or Tobacco Outlet Plus store or any Hearty Platter restaurant during a month-long campaign which started last week and runs through Christmas Day.