Local News Briefs Friday 12/11/15

Fatal House Fire In New Holstein

New Holstein Police say the body of a 47-year-old man was found in a home in the 1700 block of Monroe following a fire Tuesday night. Firefighters spent several hours bringing the blaze under control. When they entered the home they found the man dead. His family is getting help from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Waupun Sex Offender Facing Charge

A Waupun sex offender who gave a young girl a ride in his vehicle after the trucker’s parade this past August has been charged in Fond du Lac County Court. Fifty-year-old David Edwards is facing a charge of child sex offender working with children. He made his initial appearance this week and was released on a $500 signature bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 18th. Edwards had been working on a float in the parade when he offered the girl a ride. Police says there was no sexual contact between them.

FDL Man Suspected Of Stealing Copper From Quad Graphics

Authorities in Dodge County have charged a 43-year-old Fond du Lac man who allegedly stealing from his, employer, Quad Graphics. Edward Drab, Jr. will make an initial court appearance on a felony theft charge on December 28th. According to criminal complaint Drab took over $6,000 worth of copper from Quad Graphics Lomira plant.

Warrant Issued But Stayed For FDL Woman

A Dodge County judge this week issued a warrant for the arrest of a 26-year-old Fond du Lac woman facing a felony drug charge in the death of her two-year-old daughter. The warrant was stayed until December 22nd, Danielle Kalmus’s birthday when a hearing is scheduled. Kalmus failed to show up for a court appearance this week. Her daughter was found dead in July of last year at their Brownsville apartment. An autopsy found the toddler had morphine in her system.

FDL Police K9 Put Down

It’s been a tough year for Fond du Lac Police K9s. Thursday Officer Ben Hardgrove had to have his dog Packo put down. Packo had a degenerative spine disease that significantly affected his quality of life. The two had been partners since 2007. Earlier this year former Fond du Lac K9 Grendel had to be put down. Grendel was 12 years old.

NFDL Will Discontinue Web Based Reporting Application

The North Fond du Lac Village Board this week decided not to renew a web-based application for its website that allows people to report problems in the village. It was introduced last April and allows people to report things like potholes, street lights that are out or a dead animal that needs to be picked up off the street. Village Administrator Chuck Hornung says the application would then said the report to the appropriate department to take care of. Hornung says the board decided against renewing the application, because it never quite caught on and because of the expense.

Ripon Common Council Considers Raising Room Tax

The Ripon Common Council is considering the room tax. They are considering increasing it from 6 to 7 percent so more funds will be available to distribute for tourism and promotion. City Administrator Lori Rich says it’s been ten years since the last increase in the room tax. She says the 1 percent increase putting it at 7 percent would still be low for the area. The common council talked about this week, but decided they needed more time and information before making a decision. It will be brought back before the council next month so they will have time to hear from hotels. The Ripon Common Council had considered raising the room tax two years ago, but the item was tabled.

United Way Campaign Update

With only a few weeks left in the campaign the Fond du Lac Area United Way has raised nearly three-quarters of its fundraising goal. They have raised 72 percent of their $756,000 goal or little over $542,000. United Way Executive Director Amber Kilawee says they are pretty much on pace with where they were at last year at this time. The campaign will get a little boost this weekend the Progressive Investors restaurant gift certificate sale. Gift certificates will be available at Friar Tuck’s, Sebastian’s and Salty’s Seafood through Sunday. She says they get $2 for each gift certificate, which usually raises over $600 for the United Way campaign.

Watch Out For Fraudulent Charities

The Division Administrator for the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection warns residents to be careful with the money you give to charities this holiday season. Unfortunately scammers know it’s also the season to take advantage of people through fraudulent charities. Frank Frassetto recommends asking a few questions if you get a call asking for a charitable donation. He says ask about the organization, their mission, and how much of the money is going toward administrative costs like salaries and fundraising expenses. He also says you should do a little research on the charity before deciding to give. Frassetto also recommends going to the state’s Department of Financial Institutions’ website and do a search for the charity because they have to register with DFI.