Local News Briefs Wednesday 7/16/14

A joint investigation of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshal’s Service determined most of the sex offenders in the County were in compliance with the guidelines of the sex offender registry. During Operation Dodgeball last week the two agencies did in-person compliance checks of the 149 sex offenders residing in the County. It was determined that 138 were in compliance during the five-day operation. The remaining 11 sex offenders are being investigated for possible failure to register as a sex offender. Sheriff Pat Ninmann says deputies will continue to conduct random registered sex offender sweeps.

FDL School Board Working On Revision Of Student Publications Policy

During its last two meetings the Fond du Lac School Board has been holding workshops to revise a policy on student publications. District Superintendent Jim Sebert says that revision has included the input of students, teachers and administrators. Some controversy arose this past winter over an article and follow up in the Cardinal Columns magazine regarding the Rape Joke article. Sebert says the first workshop on June 23rd was very productive. He says social media will be incorporated into the guidelines. He says the teacher/advisor for the publication will have the main role in overseeing the guidelines for what’s published. The previous policy had the high school principal and the superintendent oversee the content of the publications. Sebert says ultimately it’s about giving students the ability to learn and publishing something that represents the high school, the district and community well.

Ashippun Man Facing Fleeing Charge

A Dodge County man is charged for fleeing from a Sheriff’s deputy Saturday night in the Town of Hustisford. According to the criminal complaint the deputy was trying to pull over 23-year-old Zachary Justin of Ashippun for his bright yellow headlights. The pursuit ended about a half mile later with the deputy arresting him at gunpoint. He allegedly turned off his headlights and taillights while the deputy was pursuing him. Justin was released on a $1,000 signature bond and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 28th. 

Sheboygan County Crime Of The Week

Sheboygan authorities are asking for some help in their investigation of a residential burglary that occurred in the 2200 block of N. 3rd Street last Saturday, June 7th. It happened sometime between 7a.m. and 6 p.m. while the residents were away.  There was forced entry to the home and a significant amount of valuable, contemporary and antique women’s jewelry, which included necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets, and watches were taken.  The majority of jewelry was yellow or white gold, with diamonds, garnets, or sapphires.  Numerous pieces of the stolen jewelry are valued at over several thousand dollars each. Anyone with information is asked to call the County Crime Stoppers program at 1-877-283-8436.

FDL County Fair Gets Underway

The 163rd Fond du Lac County Fair gets underway today with Children’s Day at the fair. Fair Manager Matt Immel says they will have all kinds of activities for the kids including a coloring contest, making balloon art, Betty Trent will be doing face painting, veggie creations and more. He says every day they will also have animal races that people of all ages should enjoy.  There’s also a baking contest. Performing at the Leinie Lodge is Bourbon Cowboy and The Jimmies. At the Grand Stand a tractor pull gets underway at 6 p.m. with antique tractors and other classes at 7 p.m.

Car Fit Event At The FDL Senior Center Thursday

Area seniors are invited to take part in the free Car Fit event at the Fond du Lac Senior Center tomorrow morning. Jaime Roth of SALT or Seniors and Law Enforcement Together says as people get older their vision, hearing, reaction time, cognitive skills and other conditions change like medical condition and range of motion. She says the Car Fit is a 12 point check to offer recommendations. She says sometimes you need adaptive equipment to make driving easier. She says that can include things like a pedal extender, an extra cushion in your seat, a swivel seat or seat belt extender. Roth says they even have an occupational therapist on hand to make recommendations. Although the event is free registration is required. You can do that by calling the Senior Center at 322-3630. Hours for the event are 9 to 11 a.m. Car Fit events will also be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, August 13th and Wednesday, September 24th. 

Volunteers Needed To Help With Garden In Lakeside Park West

The Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac County has a new partner agency that’s working towards the betterment of Lake Winnebago. Volunteer Center Executive Director Nancy Zompolas says the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association recently joined the ranks of their partner agencies. She says recently the association planted a native plant garden in Lakeside Park West and they need volunteers to do some weeding. The Association also has an educational program tonight on manure spills and run off into Lake Winnebago. Fond du Lac County Executive Al Buechel and DNR spill coordinator Beth Erdman will be among the speakers. That program is at 6 p.m. Those who would like to volunteer to weed the garden or would like to check on other volunteer opportunities can call the Volunteer Center at 926-1414.