Local News Briefs Saturday 7/6/13

Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney says they are hoping a new drug court that begins this fall will help to reduce the number of drug overdose deaths the County has seen. There were 11 drug overdose deaths in the County in 2012 and 6 of them were due to heroin overdoses. The new drug court will be about intervention and treatment. He says it would be great if the new court will impact the number of drug deaths. But he says it will take one person out of the drug culture at a time. He says the drug court won’t be the overall answer and local law enforcement is doing a great job, but it’s an uphill battle. The DA’s office is waiting to hear on a $350,000 grant that would fund the program for three years.

 

Constitutional Amendment Would Eliminate Treasurer And Secretary Of State Offices

 

State Representatives Michael Schraa of Oshkosh and Tyler August of Lake Geneva recently announced a constitutional amendment to eliminate the positions of Treasurer and Secretary of State. The two called the proposal a logical reform that will save taxpayers millions. Schraa says, “The duties performed by these officials are obsolete and are already performed by others areas of government, but yet the taxpayers pay over $2 million for their salaries, benefits, and staff.” Recent actions by the legislature have greatly reduced the role of both elected officials. To succeed the amendment has to be passed by two successive legislatures and then go to voters in a referendum that will need to be passed.

 

Developing Athletic Fields In Waupun

 

Waupun Area School District Superintendent Tonya Gubin (GOO-bin) says the baseball fields used by the district are just great and she’s looking forward to what will be developed by the City for other athletic fields. She says talks are underway for the athletic fields in front of the Highway and just off Highway 151. She says they’d like to develop track and soccer fields as well, but a lot of it is contingent on the piece of property they traded with the city.

 

Getting To Know Constituents

 

Congressman Tom Petri says redistricting meant gaining and losing some area in the 6th Congressional District. He lost part of Winnebago County and all of Calumet County. On the other hand he gained small portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Columbia Counties. The federal lawmaker from Fond du Lac says that includes an area with the Merrimac Ferry services. He says getting to know new constituency areas can sometimes lead to awkward situations like when he was asked about a grant for maintenance to the Merrimac Ferry and wasn’t aware of the service. He says he took a ride on it and it turned out to be a “nifty kind of thing.”

 

Tech Knowledge College An Opportunity For Middle Schoolers At MPTC

 

Sixth through eighth graders in the area are invited to take a hands-on interactive approach to their summer through Moraine Park Technical College’s Tech Knowledge College program. Classes are August 6th, 7th and 8th. MPTC President Sheila Ruhland says the program gives middle school students an opportunity to get a look at skills and careers. New activities have been added since last year. Tech Knowledge College is at MPTC’s Fond du Lac campus. To register go to the MPTC website.

 

Vendors Needed

 

Vendors are needed for the Wisconsin Street Rod Association’s 42nd Annual Corn Roast & Car Show that will be held at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Labor Day Weekend. In particular arts and crafts vendors are needed for the all new “Women’s Oasis,” but all types are welcome to apply. Great weekend rates and indoor spots are available. Those who are interested can contact Heidi at 920-979-4601 or go to www.wirod.com  to download a vendor application.

 

New Members Sought For Ripon Medical Center Auxiliary

 

The Ripon Medical Center Auxiliary is looking for new members to help as they support the availability of local healthcare through Ripon Medical Center. Auxiliary members play an integral role in the overall success of Ripon Medical Center. They help to sponsor fund-raising events that benefit patient programs, as well as scholarships to area students pursuing a career in healthcare. They also support advocacy efforts that communicate specific needs of patients and families to legislators. For more information on joining the Auxiliary, contact Karen Gross at (920) 748-0451.

 

Buses To Books Extended In FDL

 

Fond du Lac’s Transit Department has extended the Buses to Books program through the month of August. Every Thursday, kids ages 6 to 17 can ride to and from the Fond du Lac Public Library for free when they show their library cards. Kids ages 6 to 9 must be accompanied by an adult; adults pay full fare.