Local News Briefs Friday 7/4/14

A 29-year-old Horicon man suspected of stealing from patients at the nursing home he used to work for was arraigned in Dodge County Court this week. Joshua Williams entered “not guilty” pleas to the three felony theft charges he faces. Williams allegedly stole a total of $1,500 from three patients at the Community Living Arrangements facility in Mayville. He resigned last fall shortly after the thefts were discovered.

DFP Grant Program Leads To Business Improvements

Money from increased assessments for the Business Improvement District in Downtown Fond du Lac is being used for a grant program for improvements to the businesses in that district. Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership Executive Director Amy Hansen says the money is being used for improvements to the inside and outside of businesses. She says it’s being done through a grant program called the Building Improvement Grant Fund. She says their goal is to whatever they can to keep property owners revitalizing their properties and increasing their property values.

Fireworks Safety

Fond du Lac Division Chief of Fire Prevention Troy Haase reminds residents about the rule of thumb when it comes to fireworks; if it flys up in the air or explodes it’s illegal. He says if you allow kids to use sparklers make sure you supervise them because they can reach 1,000 degrees. He says you shouldn’t allow kids to run around with sparklers. He says the larger version of sparklers are illegal. He says if you’re going to purchase fireworks at a roadside stand ask what’s safe to use with kids.

Food Safety

Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller urges residents to play it safe when it comes to food safety this 4th of July. She offers a few tips like not mixing raw foods such as meats with prepared foods. She says make sure you use clean plates especially if you’re using one to transport raw and then cooked meat from the grill. She says the same plate you use for raw meat shouldn’t be used for cooked food unless it’s been washed first. She also recommends washing your hands frequently if you’re preparing or serving food and not leaving foods out to long unsealed.

Weather Radios Available Through County Clerk’s Office

It may only save you a buck or two, but the Fond du Lac County Clerk’s Office still has NOAA Weather radios for sale. County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says they have 20 to 25 radios left at their office, which they are selling for $28 a piece. She says whether you live in a city or rural area they are a dependable way of learning when a severe weather watch or warning is issued. She says in addition to their office some of the brand name stores also sell them for a couple dollars more. She says to her it’s a worthwhile investment in your safety.

Americana Concert And Fireworks At Lakeside Park

The Fond du Lac Symphonic Band will present their annual Americana Concert at Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac tonight beginning at 7:30 p.m. It’s a tradition that began back in 1901. There will be a number of patriotic numbers performed. The Band’s performance will be followed by fireworks on the lakefront at approximately 9:45 p.m. Festival Foods is sponsoring the fireworks. The Symphonic Band’s summer concerts in Fond du Lac are sponsored by the City of Fond du Lac, and a free-will offering will be received to assist with summer concert expenses.