Local News Briefs Monday 3/9/15

A 26-year-old Fond du Lac woman has been charged with fleeing an officer, her third drunken driving offense, and speeding for a high speed pursuit with Ripon Police early last Friday morning. Ripon Police say it began with a report about an erratic driver who was coming in to the City from the east on Highway 23. When an officer tried to stop Sara K. Baldner she increased her speed. The pursuit ended up going south on Highway 49 with speeds increasing to more than 100 miles per hour. The chase ended just west of Brandon when her vehicle went into a ditch. Ripon Police arrested her with the help of Fond du Lac Count Sheriff’s deputies. She made an initial appearance in court last Friday. Bond was set at $250 cash and she has a preliminary hearing on March 26th.

Armed Robbery In Sheboygan

Sheboygan Police are looking for two men who robbed the Fountain Park Motel at gunpoint Sunday night. Police say it happened just before midnight. A handgun was brandished while the two demanded money. The suspects left with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured during the incident.

New Holstein School District Administrator Passes Away

The New Holstein School District Administrator apparently died of natural causes at his home late last week. The body of Bill Van Meer was found in his home Thursday morning. District officials sent out a statement last Friday expressing sympathy to Van Meer’s family and talking about the sudden loss of a friend, mentor and leader. Authorities are determining a cause of death, but say it appears to be because of natural causes.

FDL School Board Preview

The Fond du Lac School Board will be asked this afternoon to approve the budget for the school district’s summer school program. The total budget for the program is just over $344,000. The board will also consider approving a new policy for a technical excellence scholarship program. The scholarship could provide kids considering technical college a scholarship of up to $2,250 a year through the state. Students names have to be submitted to the state by March 23rd. The board meets at 5 p.m. in the District Administration Center Board Room.

Right To Work To Be Signed Into Law

Governor Scott Walker is expected to sign Right to Work legislation into law today, on the heels of last week’s long debate in the State Assembly. State Representative Michael Schraa says the bill wasn’t about killing unions. He says there are plenty of good unions in the state. He mentions the unions with Oshkosh Truck and Mercury Marine for example. He says the bill was about worker’s freedom to choose whether or not they wanted to be in a union. Schraa sits on the Joint Finance Committee and he says he knows the bill will be good for job creation. He says they heard from the WEDC they’ve heard from businesses who want to do more business, but were waiting for Right to Work to pass. State Representative Joan Ballweg says unions have a long history and tradition in the state that will continue after Right to Work is signed into law.

Grothman Impressed With Netanyahu Speech To Congress

Congressman Glenn Grothman says he was impressed with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent address of a joint session of Congress. Netanyahu reemphasized the need for unity between Israel and the United States to combat terrorism and protect allies. The federal lawmaker from Campbellsport says he agrees with the Prime Minister’s take on Iran’s nuclear threat. Grothman says the dangers of a nuclear Iran should not be underestimated. He says Prime Minister Netanyahu understands the threat better than the president because of Iran’s history and proximity to Israel. Grothman says we must work together with Israel to promote stability in the Middle East. 

NFDL Zoch Property Generates Occasional Interest

North Fond du Lac officials recently hashed out some details over offers for some village-owned property in tax incremental finance district #2. The Village Board discussed the issue in closed session. Village Administrator Chuck Hornung says some property along the lake shore in the former Zoch salvage yard has spurred some interest. He says they have occasionally have offers for the garage out there that was part of the salvage yard. Hornung says he needed to hear from the board how he should respond to offers. He says the discussion was held in closed session to protect names and offers of interested parties protected.

Spring Driving

Two officials with the State Patrol urge drivers to start practicing some of their spring driving skills as temperatures begin to thaw this week. Inspector Scott Hlinak says you’re more likely to see slippery surfaces at night and in the morning as what thaws during the day ices up at night. Sergeant Luke Newman says it’s also a time when you might see more fog. Newman says with all those wet surfaces it’s a good idea to make sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid in your car. Inspector Hlinak also recommends checking the air pressure in your tires. He says cold weather decreases tire pressure.

Town Of Ashippun Gets State Trust Fund Loan

The Town of Ashippun in Dodge County is getting a State Trust Fund loan for half a million dollars. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands recently approved the $500,000 loan, which will help the township finance road and bridge projects.

Walleye Weekend T Shirt Contest Underway

The Walleye Weekend T-shirt design contest is underway. It’s being sponsored by Hopper’s Silk-Screening and All Star Trophy. Again this year there are two divisions including Kindergarten through 4th grade, and 5th through 9th grade. Registration forms and designs are now being accepted. The winner in each of the divisions will receive a $100 Hopper’s Silk Screening and All Star Trophy gift certificate. Rules and entry forms can be found at the Fond du Lac Festivals office, Hopper’s Silk Screen and All-Star Trophy. Entry forms can also be downloaded at www.walleyeweekend.com. All entries must be postmarked or dropped off at Fond du Lac Festivals office by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 6th.