Local News Briefs Thursday 7/11/13

Dodge County authorities have charged a 31-year-old Milwaukee man for driving drunk and fleeing the scene of accident he caused that led to injuries for the other driver.  Sheriff’s deputies found the license plate for Jimmelle Calloway’s car near the other car that he rear-ended on Highway 41 northbound near Theresa. Calloway claimed the other driver fled the scene of the accident. Calloway’s airbags deployed and his vehicle had heavy front-end damage. His blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit. He’s facing hit and run injury, drunken driving causing injury, and a 4th offense operating after suspension charges.  He was released on a signature bond and is back in court on July 23rd.

 

Mercury Groundbreaking Represents $40 Million In Expansion Efforts In Past Year

 

Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac will be breaking ground on two expansion projects. The $20 million in expansion projects will be at Plant 15 and Plant 17 and will increase manufacturing capacity for the maker of recreational marine engines. Mercury officials say market growth and expanded product offerings the two main reasons for the projects. It’s the second $20 million investment the company has made in expansion efforts in the past year. A similar groundbreaking was held late last September. Two Fond du Lac firms Excel Engineering and C.D. Smith are heading up the new projects. Excel will be doing architectural design and C.D. Smith will handle construction management. Company officials say approximately 90 percent of the project work is being performed by companies in the Fond du Lac area or Wisconsin.

 

FDL County Board Meeting Cancelled

 

A majority of the Fond du Lac County Board supervisors have signed a petition cancelling next Tuesday’s Board meeting. Fourteen of the board’s 25 members have signed the petition to cancel the meeting due to insufficient business to warrant a meeting. The board’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20th.

 

Second Printing For Breaking Bread In The Holyland?

 

The Fond du Lac County Board’s Finance Committee this week voted to recommend to the board approving funds for a small book that promotes tourism in the County’s Holyland. County Executive Al Buechel says the book is called “Breaking Bread in the Holyland,” but the subtitle is more telling The Churches and Supper Clubs in Wisconsin’s Holyland.  The 46-page book has already sold out of its first 500 copies. He says it has photos and history that give some people insight on the churches and supper clubs when they are traveling in the area. The cost to print up another 2,500 copies of the book will be $5,000, which Calumet and Fond du Lac Counties would split since the Holyland extends into both counties. Buechel says the book is one way to promote tourism in the area. Buechel says there are plans next year to do a similar book detailing some of the barn art in the area.

 

Fruth Field Improvements And Fundraising Progressing

 

The Fond du Lac School Board this week got a first hand tour of Fruth Field to see the improvements that have been made. District Superintendent Jim Sebert says the district has been trying to raise $800,000 for improvements to the bathrooms, a new entrance, pillars, plazas, a trainer’s room, new concession stands and to improve handicap access. Sales of commemorative bricks have been going well. He says sponsorship opportunities are also available for pillars and a plaza area. He says fans will enjoy the two new tiered plaza areas where they can watch the games, visit the concession stand or go to the new logo wear store. To donate money for the project or learn more about it click on the Fans for Fruth banner at the district’s website. http://www.fonddulac.k12.wi.us/  

 

Ripon Cat/Dog Requests

 

If you live in Ripon and you want to own more than the number of cats and dogs that are usually allowed you will now have to see the City Administrator. Previously the Common Council handled those requests, but this week the Council amended a City ordinance giving City Administrator Lori Rich that function. So if you want to own more than 2 dogs and/or 3 cats you need to get a petition signed by your neighbors and present it to her. It has to signed by 75 percent of your neighbors.

If she denies your request it could be appealed to the Common Council.

 

Red Cross Makes Appeal For Blood And Platelets

 

The American Red Cross has issued an emergency request for platelet and blood donors of all types. Bobbi Snethen of the Red Cross says nationwide donations have down for the start of the summer. They were down 10 percent in June and they got off to a slow start again this month. She says they experienced the same thing in June of last year. She says this month the 4th of July falling when it did also effected donations. Today you can donate at the Oakfield Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and next Wednesday at the Campbellsport Public Library from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.  Also Flight for Life is sponsoring a blood drive at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center today. All attempting donors will receive a complimentary ticket to the Fond du Lac County Fair. Hours for the blood drive are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.