Local News Briefs Friday 2/27/15

Fond du Lac Police are investigating a possible heroin overdose death. Police say a 39-year-old Fond du Lac man was found dead at his home on East 2nd Street. Investigators are looking into whether the death was due to a heroin overdose.

Plymouth House Fire

Several fire departments in the Sheboygan area fought a house fire in Plymouth early this morning. Witnesses reported seeing flames shooting through the roof of the two-story home at 925 Eastern Avenue. He home wasn’t occupied when the blaze began. At least seven fire departments initially responded to the fire, which was reported just before 3 a.m.

Winneconne Man Charged For Theft By False Representation

Oshkosh Police have arrested a 37-year-old Winneconne man who didn’t pay subcontractors after being paid for concrete work in the Oshkosh area. The thefts totaled more than $100,000. Craig Stueck has been charged with felony theft, forgery and bail jumping charges. He was arrested last November and for the latest incident on February 19th for the two thefts. Police are asking that if anyone has further information about the two incidents or would like to speak with the Oshkosh Police Department about an incident that has yet to be reported, contact Detective Jeremy Wilson at (920) 236-5700.

Lower Interest Rates Saves City Of FDL Money

The Fond du Lac City Council this week approved borrowing for this year’ Capital Improvement projects and refinancing some old debt. City Bond consultant Paul Thompson says interest rates improved since he went before the City Council two weeks ago. He says that includes the rate on the $2.8 million they will be borrowing for Capital Improvement projects. He says the interest rate will be 2.48 percent compared to a previous quote of 2.69 percent. He says the interest rate also improved for the nearly $7.3 million refinancing of Build America Bonds. Thompson says the final interest rate is 3.1 percent compared to the quoted rate two weeks ago of 3.26 percent. Thompson says because of that better interest rate the City will save an additional $130,000 in interest payments during the life of those bonds. He says the total savings will be $640,000 compared to the projection two weeks ago of $507,000. Both resolutions were unanimously approved. 

Under Current State Budget Proposal FDL School District Would Lose Over $1 Million In Aid

Based on the current State Budget proposals the Fond du Lac School District will loose about $1.1 million in state aid during the 2015-16 School Year. Fond du Lac Schools Superintendent Jim Sebert says he’s glad to see legislators are willing to discuss that further, but it could be some time before they get to it given what’s been on their plates lately. He says first it was funding for the UW-System and lately it’s been Right to Work. He notes under the current proposal the district would get back some of that aid in the second year of the State Budget. He says there’s a long way to go before the School Board approves a tax levy in late October and he’s hoping by then things will have improved. He says school funding is a very interesting animal.  

Humane Society Receives Grant From Petco Foundation

The Fond du Lac Humane Society has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its capital campaign, “Expanding for the Pets We Love.” The Petco Foundation investment will help fund a capital campaign dedicated to raising $600,000 for a 6,200 square foot expansion.  “The board decided that all funds would be raised prior to breaking ground so as to not saddle our shelter with debt or sacrifice the future for the needs of the present” said Jeff Gerner, Board of Director President. “This generous grant from the Petco Foundation puts us just $50,000 away from our goal amount.” Since 1969, the Fond du Lac Humane Society has taken in and cared for stray and surrendered companion animals, found new homes for adoptions, prevented cruelty and provided education on proper animal handling. On average, the Humane Society cares for 2,000 animals per year.

Ripon Wastewater Treatment Plant Honored

The Department of Natural Resources has recognized the City of Ripon’s Wastewater Treatment Plant as the 2015 Registered Laboratory of the Year. The award is presented annually to recognize laboratories for their outstanding commitment to producing high quality data. Laboratories such as the Ripon Wastewater Treatment Plant, perform the vital function of monitoring the quality of treated water discharged into the environment assuring that it meets all applicable standards for protecting public health and natural resources. The Ripon lab, under the leadership of Lead Operator Jack Wendler, Utility Manager Chris Liveris and Operator Brandon Mickelson, had no deficiencies during a recent inspection by a DNR laboratory certification audit chemist. The award was presented Wednesday at the state Natural Resources Board meeting in Madison.

Walleye Weekend Food Drive

Fond du Lac Festivals Executive Director Leanne Doyle says they will make better use of their entrances to Lakeside Park on Park and Main Streets for Walleye Weekend this June. She says they are teaming up with Legacy Express and Life Enforcement to place semis at both entrances to collect donations of non-perishable food for a food drive. Fifty-three-foot semis will be parked at the entrances for the food drive. She says the donations will benefit two agencies the Fondy Food Pantry and Life Enforcement. She says they will also be handing out information on the Taste of Fond du Lac along with discounts on admission for that August event in Lakeside Park.

Good Dental Habits Important For Children

Representatives of Dental Associates of Fond du Lac have visited schools this month to teach nearly 700 children about the importance of dental health. That’s important because a rapid form of tooth decay has been on the rise and health officials says by age five 60 percent of U.S. children have had some form of it. Dental hygienist Andra Story says if a child can sign their name effectively they can usually do a good job of brushing on their own. She says they can also do a good job if they can tie their own shoes. She says keep the numbers 2-2-2 in mind. The general rule for good dental health is brush and floss twice a day for two minutes and see a dentist twice a year for regular check ups. Dr. Madeline Walter says it’s also important not to give children food or milk after they brush at night.

Ninth Year For Fondy Idol

Fond du Lac’s version of American Idol, “Fondy Idol,” will be staged at the Fond du Lac High School PAC tonight. Organizer Valerie Lenz says it’s the ninth year for the fun competition, which showcases the karaoke talents of its performers. He says they have 25 performers who range in age from 12 to 31. She says there is no cost to attend, but they will have raffles for donated items which will help cover the cost of putting on the competition next year. Lenz says they are also fortunate to have several sponsors for Fondy Idol, which include the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, Agnesian HealthCare, Thrivent, Dominos and others. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Wegner’s Office Supply.