Local News Briefs Thursday 5/5/16

Helicopter Pilot Killed In Manitowoc County Crash

A helicopter pilot helping with the installation of transmission lines was killed in a crash in Manitowoc County Wednesday morning. Manitowoc County Sheriff’s officials say the helicopter went down in a “remote and swampy area” near Reedsville about 10 a.m. The pilot was the only person on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting an investigation.    

Crash On Highway 33 Backs Up Dodge County Traffic

Dodge County Sheriff’s officials say a semi carrying a logging processor struck a railroad overpass at Highway 33 and Highway 67 Wednesday morning. As a result of the crash traffic on Highway 33 was reduced to one lane for several hours. The crash backed traffic up in both directions while the mishap was investigated and debris was cleaned from the highway.

Maintenance On Hwy 151 Today And Tomorrow

The State Department of Transportation says maintenance crews will be crack filling on Highway 151 northbound between County Highway WH and the Calumet County line both Thursday and Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to slow down there will be a flagging operation while repairs are being made.

Town Of Calumet Gets State Trust Fund Loan

The Fond du Lac County Township of Calumet is getting a state trust fund loan to help finance road repairs and maintenance. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands approved the loan for $250,000. Altogether the Board approved $12.3 million in state trust fund loans during their meeting this week. The largest loan was $5.2 million going to the Racine School District to purchase the Sturtevant SportsPlex.   

Rosendale Man Winners Badger Jackpot

Bryan Bard of Rosendale is the lucky winner of the $81,000 jackpot from last Saturday night’s Badger 5 drawing. Bard purchased his ticket at Hansen’s BP at 414 West Johnson Street in Fond du Lac. Bards ticket matched the winning numbers of 3, 13, 16, 20 and 23. Badger 5 is a daily lotto game available only in Wisconsin. Winners at all prize levels have 180 days from the drawing to claim their prizes by mail or in person at the Lottery’s Madison or Milwaukee office.

NFDL Village Board Approves Well Maintenance Contract

The North Fond du Lac Village Board this week approved a well maintenance contract for Well #4. The Village previously has a similar contract with Utility Service Group for Well #3. Village Administrator Chuck Hornung says it’s a 10 year contract and the board had some questions about it. He says the Village could get out of the contract before that if they are not satisfied, but they would have to buy their way out of it. He says a letter from the firm helped clarify the issues. He says after year 10 there is no buy out cost just an annual maintenance fee. He says that’s all the board needed to know to approve the contract. He says the Village has been happy with the rehab work the company did on Well #3. 

Water Testing Important

Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says if you have a private well it’s a good idea to have it tested once a year. She says you should change the season that you collect that water sample. She says you can get your water tested through the County’s Health Department. She says you will be supplied with a bottle and instructions on how to collect the water. When you return it to the health department it will be sent in for testing. She says it cost $22 to test for bacteria and $19 for nitrates, but they can do and even more comprehensive test for a little more. She says if you call the health department they can help you with those details. The health department phone number is (920) 929-3085.   

Boat Hauling Safety Reminders

A State Patrol Inspector advises residents to make sure their boat is secure and their boat trailers are well maintained before heading out on the road. Inspector Scott Hlinak says tires should be checked and lights to make sure they are working. He says axles should be greased to prevent flat tires. He also cautions to check the brake lights to make sure they also work. Hlinak says it may seem like common sense to have your boat secure, but it’s worth checking out too to avoid a mishap if you have to brake quickly. The fishing season starts Saturday in Wisconsin. 

Red Cross Teaching Youth To Be Prepared

The American Red Cross is teaching youth to be prepared for disasters and life in general. Former Fond du Lac County Red Cross Executive Director Peter Sensenbrenner is still involved in blood drives and local disaster response. He says one of their efforts with youth was the “Pillow Case Project.” He says it’s a grade school program that teaches children the importance of being prepared for a fire or other disasters. He says soon high school students will have to know first aid and how to do CPR to graduate from high school. He says first aid and CPR training will be available through the Oshkosh Red Cross Office on May 11th and again on May 30th and 31st. He says youth also learn responsibility through the babysitting courses the Red Cross offers. The Red Cross is also known for its lifeguard courses. For more information check out the Red Cross website redcross.org.     

Nominations Being Taken For State Soybean Board

Wisconsin’s Agricultural Department is accepting nominations for three seats on the Wisconsin Soybean Board. Producers who grow and sell soybeans in Districts 3, 4 and 5 are eligible to nominate producers or to be nominated to the board. Signed, notarized nomination forms must be postmarked by June 1. District 4 serves Columbia, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Waushara and Winnebago counties.  A completed nomination form must include the signatures of five eligible soybean growers other than the nominee. Completed forms must also be notarized. Nomination forms are available to any producer by calling the Market Order Coordinator at 608-224-5116. Forms can also be downloaded online. Elected growers will serve three-year terms beginning Sept. 1.

Adult Prom

The Fond du Lac High School will host an Adult Prom on Friday, May 20th from 8 to 11 p.m. The Downtowners will be featured at this evening of entertainment. They will be performing Big Band, Swing, 50s – 60s Rock, Jazz, Blues, Polka and several other musical styles.  Tickets are $7.00 and available at Fond du Lac High School’s main office, Wegner’s Office Supply, or at the door the night of the event.  The freshman and sophomore classes are sponsoring the event.