Local News Briefs Tuesday 12/1/15

Dodge County Sheriff 911 Now Has Text Capability

Dodge County is now one of three in the state of Wisconsin where you can now send text messages to 911. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says they join Rock and Manitowoc Counties with that ability. He says it is the extension of their 911 service and gives people the ability to text in addition to voice calls. He says their dispatchers will be able to text back and forth with callers. He says text messages are an option for people who may not be able to speak given their situation or physical abilities. He says one of the first 911 texts they received was from a child in Washington County. He says they were able to dispatch for the call and they resolved the situation. Schmidt says customers of AT&T, Sprint, Verizon & T-Mobile, along with US Cellular and Cricket customers can text messages to 911 in the County.

Governor Issue Flag Proclamation To Honor McFarland Police Officer

Governor Scott Walker issued an executive order Monday to lower the flags of the United States and of the State of Wisconsin today in honor of McFarland Police Officer Ryan Copeland. Officer Copeland died in the line of duty in a tragic traffic accident last week. The Governor says,” Officer Copeland’s legacy shows his true dedication to serving and protecting both his community and his country. We thank him and his family for his service in the United States Army, including his time as a Special Forces Green Beret, as well as for his time spent on the force in McFarland.”

Giving Tuesday In FDL

Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Fond du Lac area residents are being asked to donate during Giving Tuesday. Julie Woznick is the president of the board of directors for Habitat For Humanity of Fond du Lac County. She says it’s a worldwide effort, but there’s a local component that allows you to give to 11 charities. She says you can give online if you wish at www.fdlgivingtuesday.com  or you can stop by the former A.C. Nielsen Building in downtown Fond du Lac from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. She says you can also give donations of non-perishable food. Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Tammy Young says local charities rely on donations to fund the services they provide to the community. Participating local charities include; Marian University, the Charity Club, Habit for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac, Free Spirit Riders, the Sophia Foundation, Fondy Food Pantry and Broken Bread.

CWC Pariticipating In Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday contributions to Central Wisconsin Christian School in Waupun will be doubled. Director of Advancement Gregg Zonnefeld says donations up to $25,000 will receive a double match. He says it’s the school’s first foray into the Giving Tuesday national campaign.

MPTC Distinguished Alumni Nominees Sought

Moraine Park Technical College is taking nominations for its Distinguished Alumni Award. MPTC President Bonnie Baerwald says if you know someone who has a 1 or 2 year technical diploma, an associate degree or applied science degree from MPTC they can be nominated. Nomination forms are available online. The deadline is January 22nd. She says they’ve been honoring distinguished alumni with an award for almost 30 years. It’s the 29th years for the award. She says they do want to recognize someone who graduated from MPTC and has had significant success.

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KFIZ Ringing Bells For The Salvation Army Today

The KFIZ Bucket Brigade for the Salvation Army gets started early this week with several members of the News-Talk 1450 staff ringing bells this afternoon at Shopko in Fond du Lac. Dawn Stacey Mueller, Wade Bates and the mascot for K107 The Bull will be ringing bells from 1 to 2 p.m. today. Friday the Bucket Brigade will be staged in the KFIZ/K107 The Bull parking lot on Winnebago Drive in Fond du Lac. Michels Corporation will provide a match of up to $8,000 for donations collected from 6 to 11 that morning.

Demystifying Financial Aid Wednesday In FDL

Questions about the college financial aid process will be answered during a presentation at the Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center Wednesday night. “Where Do I Start? Demystifying the Financial Aid Process,” will be presented from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the PAC. It’s a free event sponsored by the Fond du Lac School District, Marian University, Moraine Park Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac.  Attendees will receive an overview of the financial aid process, including step-by-step guidance for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, tips for receiving educational loans, financial aid strategies and timeline, and scholarship application advice.  There will be a one-on-one question and answer period with financial aid representatives from all of the sponsoring colleges. All those in attendance will also be entered into a prize drawing.

Brenner Named RMC Foundation Executive Director

The Foundation for Ripon Medical Center Board of Directors has named Holly Brenner as its new executive director. Brenner also serves as the president of the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, based in Fond du Lac, as well as the vice president of Strategic Development & Marketing with Agnesian HealthCare. In her expanded role, Brenner will support the Board of Directors as they work to enhance the health of the people of the greater Ripon area by lending its financial support to Ripon Medical Center.