Local News Briefs Monday 12/7/15

Meeting About Violent Sex Offender Placement In Eldorado

Fond du Lac County Sheriff Mick Fink tonight will give his reasons for why he opposes the placement of a violent sex offender in the Town of Eldorado. A Milwaukee County judge later this month will make a final decision on the placement of 51-year-old Clint Rhymes who was convicted in 1988 of sexual assault and attempted murder. He was later determined to be a violent sex offender under the state’s Chapter 980 statute. Milwaukee ordinances restrict where a sex offender can be placed. Fink says it’s a matter of “not in my backyard” for a Milwaukee alderman who told the judge he didn’t want Rhymes in his district. Usually the state places a sex offender in their County of residence or County where they were convicted. The meeting at the Eldorado Town Hall is at 6 p.m. tonight.

Taxpayers Will Be Protected From Retlaw Hotel Debt To The City

Fond du Lac City Manager Joe Moore says money owed the city by the owners of the Retlaw Plaza Hotel won’t come at the taxpayers expense. Moore says in addition to their creditors the hotel owners owe the city about $30,000, which will be put on the tax roll. He says $12,000 will roll over on this cycle’s property tax bill and if the rest isn’t paid by the next cycle next year it will roll onto it too, but the taxpayers will be protected. He says if the property is sold the tax debt will be assumed by either the seller or the buyer. Moore says a change might be good for the hotel, but not necessarily in ownership, but the trend in business the facility has been dealing with in the past few years. He says other hotels around the city have been doing quite well the past two years.

Grothman On NCLB

Congressman Glenn Grothman says an amendment he offered to a bill will increase oversight of the No Child Left Behind program. He says the original bill passed in 2002 had the program running seven years, but it’s been around for thirteen. He says it’s not something he would have supported. He says the new bill will move the program in the right direction, but not as far as some would like. He says his amendment shortens the trial period for the program. He says originally it was proposed to run five years, but his amendment makes it four years. He says if a Republican president is elected he would like to revisit No Child Left Behind and further reduce the role of federal government in education. Grothman says No Child Left Behind was a failure. He says it scared people to death that are afraid the federal government would prescribe curriculum in the schools.

Democratic Senator Says State Residents Not Concerned With How GAB Runs

State Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling says dismantling the Government Accountability Board is a mistake. She says she does a lot of public appearances and office hours and none of her constituents have ever complained about the GAB. She says for 8 years the GAB has been the envy of other states and a model for proponents of fair elections. She says state residents aren’t worried about how the GAB runs; they have other more important issues to deal with in their daily lives.

Dealing With The Holiday Blues

Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says the holidays aren’t a joyous time for everyone. She recommends taking time this season to talk with family and friends to check out how they are doing. She says it may make a difference in someone’s life during the holidays whether its family friends or neighbors. She says letting someone know you care may be just the thing they need to hear. She says the simple question, “How can I help you?” can go a long way.

FDL Area United Way At Over Sixty Percent Of Goal

The executive director of the Fond du Lac Area United Way says they have reached more than 60 percent of their goal in the fall fundraising campaign. Amber Kilawee talked about that goal. She says they are at 62 percent of their $756,000 goal or $466,000. She says they appreciate the recent contributions they’ve received from local companies and individuals. She says those companies include Elephant Electric, Hierl Insurance, Twohig Family Dentistry, U.S. Bank and Festival Foods. She says no donation is inconsequential to the campaign. Kilawee says there are just a few weeks left in the campaign if you have not donated to it yet. She says it runs through December, but it usually extends into January as well. The United Way funds 25 agencies that provide 28 programs in the Fond du Lac Area.

Comments Sought For Marian Evaluation

Marian University in Fond du Lac is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. Marian University will host a visit next March with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Marian University has been accredited by the Commission since 1960. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation. The public can submit comments to:

 Public Comment on Marian University

The Higher Learning Commission

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7500

Chicago, IL 60604-1411

 The public may also submit comments on the Commission’s Web site at www.ncahlc.org.  

 Comments must be in writing. All comments must be received by February 20th.