Local News Briefs Friday 2/14/14

Fond du Lac Police arrested a 23-year-old Fond du Lac man who was driving drunk when he crashed his SUV into a house on East Scott Street early last Saturday morning.  According to police the man’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit for intoxication. The man is facing his second drunken driving charge and was also cited for unreasonable and imprudent speeds.

Bomb Threats Suspect Bound Over For Trial

The 32-year-old Markesan sex offenders suspected of multiple bomb threats last November and of officiating youth sports will be going to trial. Aaron Schreiber is also accused of calling in a series of bomb threats after his ref license was suspended. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing during a Dodge County Court appearance this week. Schreiber – who was convicted in 2005 of impregnating an underage girl – was a regular official for baseball, softball and basketball at school districts in Beaver Dam, Mayville and Waupun. In November, the first of 15 phony bomb threats was made at a restaurant in Waupun. The threats also spread into Fox Lake, Beaver Dam and Ripon. Schreiber will be arraigned next month.

Lomira Schools Referendum

Voters in the Lomira School District will be asked Tuesday to approve a referendum that would result in $24 million in improvements to the district’s K-12 school in Lomira and the 4k through 5th grade facility in Theresa. Lomira Schools Superintendent Bob Lloyd says a portion of their K-12 school in Lomira was built in 1936 and has been added onto over the years 11 times. He says their school cafeteria is one of the areas they need to improve. He says lunch is served over a three hour span because they can’t fit all of their students into it. Lloyd says he’s confident the improvements will make the school district viable well into the future. The tax impact is $1.75 per thousand dollars of value on a home or an increase of $175 in taxes on a home worth $100,000. Lloyd says the retirement of the 1995 referendum debt and the state’s plans to give some property tax relief should lessen the impact.

Second Round Of Grants For Worker Training Opportunities

The state’s Office of Skills Development Thursday announced the second round of Grant Program Announcements for worker training grant opportunities. It was made possible through the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program, which was established with legislation authored by Senator Rick Gudex of Fond du Lac earlier this session. Wisconsin Fast Forward makes up to $15 million in grants available to support employer-led worker training, and the announced second round of grant program announcements makes up to $7.5 million available to employers. “This is the first bill that I authored that was signed into law, and I am thrilled that the program is still having positive effects with employers,” said Gudex.  Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson announced the first round of Wisconsin Fast Forward worker training grants that awarded $2.6 million to 32 innovative projects.

More Than 1,850 Sturgeon Taken During 6 Day Season

The sturgeon season on Lake Winnebago concluded yesterday with spearers taking another 89 fish. DNR Sturgeon Biologist Ryan Koenigs says for the season more than 1,500 sturgeon were taken from Lake Winnebago (1,513). Of those 95 exceeded 100 pounds. With the totals from the Upriver Lakes added in more than 1,850 fish were taken during the 6-day season. Out of that 106 fish weighed in excess of 100 pounds. The biggest fish taken yesterday was by Sheri Rasmussen who registered a 137 pound 72.5 inch long sturgeon. The largest sturgeon taken during the season was a 161 pound sturgeon on Wednesday.

FDLACC Honor Four With Community Awards

Mercury Marine, the Solutions Center, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, and Wells Vehicle Electronics were recognized with 2013 Community Awards during the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce’s 102nd Annual Meeting last night. Mercury was recognized for its growth and development in the Fond du Lac area during its 75 years. The Solutions Center was honored for the contributions they’ve made to the less fortunate.  The Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts was honored for advancing the arts through its expanded and re-imagined facilities. Wells Vehicle Electronics was recognized for its growth and investment in the community through its employment and expansion. The event was held at the Holiday Inn in Fond du Lac.

FCEDC Investment Could Lead To New Prosperity

The president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation says they are getting some participation in their New Prosperity Initiative, which encourages more private investment in the FCEDC’s efforts. Steve Jenkins says Mercury Marine was the first heavy investor. The company invested over $50,000 to become a Chairman’s Council Investor and also are sponsoring their existing business program. He says other are stepping up to increase their investment. He says the goal is to build a diverse portfolio of businesses that are also willing to invest. He says anyone interested in finding out more about or investing in the New Prosperity Initiative should give him a call at (920) 929-2928. 

PBIS Program Rewards Good Behavior In School

Fond du Lac Schools Superintendent Jim Sebert says their Positive, Intervention, Behavior and Support or PBIS program is creating a safer and more comfortable climate for learning in the schools. He says it’s in everyone one of their schools, which makes it easier for staff and kids.

He says it teaches and rewards students for being safe, respectful and responsible. He says there will be students who still display challenging behavior, but the majority are there to learn and do the right thing. Sebert says the PBIS program has been incredibly successful across the district.

Sheboygan County Switching To Medical Examiner

(WHBL-Sheboygan)-Sheboygan County may replace its coroner position with a medical examiner next year. County Administrator Adam Payne said county officials have been discussing this for some time, but the most recent request comes from current Coroner Dave Leffin.  He is retiring from the position after 28 years, and he feels the change to a medical examiner would ensure the best person for the position is found. Payne said the only change it would have on the public is that the position would no longer be elected every four years, but rather appointed by the county government. An ordinance to make the change will be introduced to the county board at their meeting next week.

Project Linus Make A Blanket Day At FDL Senior Center Saturday

Fond du Lac County’s 8th Annual Project Linus Make a Blanket Day will be held on Saturday at the Fond du Lac Senior Center. The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade washable blankets and afghans. Anyone who can learn to tie a knot is invited to join in the fun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Senior Center.