Local News Briefs Saturday 3/7/15

State Representative Joan Ballweg says much of the debate about Right to Work legislation in State Assembly was an effort by Democrats to send the bill back to the Small Business Committee. She says comments were made that if Right to Work passed worker training and safety programs would suffer. But the Markesan Republican says she knows from running her own small business, Ballweg Implement, that no matter what size a business they want a safe atmosphere. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Beaver Dam Woman Arraigned On Drunken Driving Charges

A 46-year-old Beaver Dam woman was arraigned this week on her 6th and 7th drunken driving charges. Jacquelyn Soldner pled not guilty in Dodge County Court to charges stemming from incidents on January 22nd and January 31st. During the earlier incident she was arrested after allegedly driving drunk to pick up her child after school. During the second incident she allegedly drove the wrong way on Highway 151.

Farm Owner Appreciates Support Following Barn Fire

The owner of the Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm in West Bend says a barn fire destroyed his Halloween props and took the lives of over 90 animals Wednesday night. The farm’s haunted cornfield has been a destination in the West Bend area for years. Owner Rick Takacs says their animal park is still intact, but a lot of the animals they lost were specially trained to interact with children and school groups that visit the farm. He says he’s grateful for the support the community has shown in the wake of the tragedy. Among the animals they lost in the blaze were rabbits, chickens, ducks, emu, and four bull calves.

Congressman Grothman Glad To Have An Active Role In The Federal Budget

Congressman Glenn Grothman says he’s glad he has a role working on the federal budget by serving on the budget committee. The federal lawmaker from Campbellsport says they want to make sure they make a dent in the amount of borrowing that’s currently done for the budget, which is currently at 14 percent. He says they would like to balance the federal budget within the next nine years. He says the only way to accomplish that is to take a look at everything. He says one of the biggest areas is health care spending especially with Medicare and Medicaid, but other areas that need looking at include education and transportation.

Packers Come Through For Free Spirit Riders

The executive director of Free Spirit Riders says the Green Bay Packers came through for their organization with a big check this past December. Mary Narges says they’ve received grants from the Packers organization over the years to help with their therapeutic horse riding program for the developmentally disabled. She in particular this time the funding they received will help with some of the revenue they lost in the wake of a June 2013 pit bull attack on six of their horses. Over the 28 years Free Spirit Riders has existed the program has served over 700 riders. 

Ag Showcase Today

The 12th Annual Agricultural Showcase is today at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Recreation Building. Brenda Gudex is the Director of Agricultural programs for the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce. She says there will be activities for the kids, taste sampling of cheeses, sausage, wine and beer. This year’s theme is “United Nations of Cheese and Sausage.” Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the cost to get in is only $3. KFIZ’s Wade Bates will be doing live reports from 8 to 8:30 this morning from the Showcase.

SAGES Open House Today

The SAGES Charter School in Fox Lake will have an open house today at the school in Fox Lake. The day will feature guided school tours, student project presentations, educational displays, interactive hands-on activities and more. There will be complimentary light food items too.  The open house runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school at 200 South Depot Street in Fox Lake.

Daylight Saving Time Begins

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday at 2 a.m. It’s time to spring forward and set our clocks ahead an hour. Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue officials say it’s also a good time to put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.