Local News Briefs Tuesday 10/27/15

FDL School Board Approves Two Addition HS Graduation Requirements

Two significant changes to high school graduation requirements were approved by the Fond du Lac School Board Monday night. District Superintendent Jim Sebert says the first allows seventh and eighth grade students to earn credits for some high school courses. He says that would include math and world language classes. He says the other requirement starts with the Class of 2017. They will be required to take and pass a civics test before they graduate. The board held a workshop on the new requirements last month and had a first reading for them on October 12th.

Thiesfeldt In Favor Of Civil Service System Overhaul

State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt says it is time the state updated its civil service system. He says the system that is being used is antiquated and it makes it difficult for state agencies to hire good qualified employees in a timely fashion. Among the things proposed changes would do is get rid of the civil service exam and replace it with a resume-based hiring system. Thiesfeldt says with the system it’s also difficult to fire workers who violate work place standards that would get them fired in private jobs. The proposed new law would put into place a merit-based raise system and clarify the “just cause” definition for firing. Thiesfeldt says most importantly it would speed up the hiring time so more qualified individuals aren’t lost to the private sector.

Dodge County LE Agencies Participate In National Family Violence Apprehension Detail

As part of a national effort last week the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and participating local agencies tried to serve 44 arrest awards for domestic abuse related crimes. Five people were arrested and one person was cited a criminal traffic offense. Those who were arrested were taken to the Dodge County Detention Facility. Among the charges they were arrested on were on a child support warrant, probation and parole warrant, failure to appear in court, contempt of court, operating after revocation and operating without owners consent. Other local agencies participating in the effort included police departments from Beaver Dam, Horicon, Juneau, Lomira, Watertown and Waupun, and the Beaver Dam Probation and Parole Office.

Turkeys Needed For Thanksgiving Meal Distribution

The Fond du Lac Salvation Army welcomes donations of turkeys and other food stuffs for their Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner programs. Captain Telinda Wilson says last year they distributed 900 turkeys for Thanksgiving and are well short of that right now. She says they have about 150 for the giveaway and expect to get more donations, but they still had to purchase hundreds of turkeys for last year’s program. She says they will gladly accept donations of chicken and ham as well. She says other items usually associated with being trimmings for those meals would also be appreciated. The Salvation Army office in Fond du Lac is located at 237 North Macy Street.

Sturgeon License Purchase Deadlin October 31st

The deadline to buy sturgeon spearing licenses for the Lake Winnebago System and Upriver Lakes season is coming up at the end of the week. Saturday is the last day you can purchase the licenses for the 2016 season. The licenses for the Upriver Lakes are determined by lottery. The 2016 season will open on Saturday, February 13th.

Habitat ReStore Will Have Holiday Light Recycling Program This Holiday Season

The Habitat for Humanity ReStores throughout Wisconsin will offering a holiday lights recycling program this holiday season. Habitat ReStores, including the Fond du Lac ReStore on West Scott Street, will accept non-working or no longer needed holiday lights. Fond du Lac Habitat Executive Director Paul Osterholm says they will recycle the lights and use the proceeds to assist low income families in the community.  Lights will be collected during regular store hours Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM

Time Change Reminder

Daylight Saving Time comes to an end Sunday morning. It’s time to fall back or set your clocks back an hour. The state’s emergency management department says it’s also a good time to check and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. For more click here.