Local News Briefs Wednesday 7/22/15

The Fond du Lac County Board passed two resolutions having to do with railroad traffic in the North Fond du Lac area. One asks the state’s Department of Transportation to provide funding to build an overpass on County Highway N or Kinker Road. The other opposes a request from Wisconsin Central to close the Lincoln Road and Viaduct Road railroad crossings. County Highway Commissioner Tom Janke says the two resolutions work hand in hand. He says building the overpass there would cause the least amount of inconvenience to homeowners. He says the overpass on Kinker Road would be the best option. He says building the overpass would allow the railroad to stack trains, but also give residents an option to get over railroad traffic. The Board unanimously passed both resolutions. The Town of Friendship is already on record opposing the closure of crossings on Lincoln Road and Viaduct Road. Ultimately that decision is up to the state Railroad Commissioner’s Office. 

Fond du Lac County Board Notes

The Fond du Lac County Board last night approved tax collection agreements with the City of Fond du Lac and Village of North Fond du Lac. County Treasurer Julie Hundertmark was asked about the fee the County charges those municipalities. She says it has been increased from $1.67 to $2 per parcel. She says that’s about what it cost for her office to process the taxes and it’s comparable to what other counties are charging. The board also passed a proclamation congratulating Dave Haase for finishing second in the recent Race Across America bicycle endurance race. Haase finished with the fastest American time and fastest American time since 1999 completing the 3,004 mile race in 8 days 20 hours and 6 minutes. Supervisors also passed a resolution expressing their thanks to the 34 years Mary Mand and 16 years Debra Schneider gave to the County before their recent retirements.

Washington County Plane Crash

A 58-year-old Harvest, Alabama man escaped injury when he crash landed his plane in a corn field in Washington County’s Town of Barton Wednesday morning. Sheriff’s officials say he was flying his home built experimental aircraft from EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh to DeKalb, Illinois when his engine failed. The aircraft glided for 15 miles as the pilot tried to land at a homemade air field in the Town of Barton that no longer exists.  He landed in a soybean field and came to rest in a bordering corn field. A witness called 911. The incident is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Department and FAA.

Water Rate Hike Being Considered

The Fond du Lac City Council tonight will be asked to approve wastewater and water rate changes. The wasterwater rate change will not affect most customers, but a few “high strength” sewage customers. The water rate hike however will also require approval by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. A typical residential customer will receive a 6.9 percent increase in water rates, which amounts to $8.06 more per quarter or about $2.69 per month. The Council will also be asked to approve appointments to the Art Board. The Council meets at 6 p.m. at the City-County Government Center.

Former Lomira Man Charged With Incest

Bond was set at $100,000 cash when a former Lomira man made his initial appearance in Dodge County Court this week on 1st degree sexual assault and incest charges. Fifty-four-year-old William Bonney allegedly sexually assaulted a family member last summer. The victim later gave birth. A paternity test showed Bonney was the likely father. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 10th.  

New Ambulance Will Be Purchased For NFDL And Communities They Serve

The North Fond du Lac Village Board has approved the purchase of a new ambulance. Village Administrator Chuck Hornung says the Village also provides service to a group of Towns that include Friendship, Eldorado, Lamartine and for a portion of the Town of Fond du Lac. He says that group authorized the purchase last week. He says fortunately an ambulance replacement fund has enough to pay for the purchase of a new ambulance. The new ambulance will cost around $200,000. He says residents covered by the ambulance service pay a yearly fee for the service. He says it costs them $23 a year. He says they will be getting the new ambulance next spring. He says they will sell the oldest of their two current ambulances. He says that ambulance was made in 1996. It only has about 50,000 miles.

Grand Opening Held For Agnesian Markesan Clinic And Pharmacy

Agnesian HealthCare hosted a grand opening celebration for its new clinic and pharmacy in Markesan Tuesday evening. The new $2.3 million facility is just over 6,000 square feet in size. It opened on June 29th. Agnesian Spokeswoman Shelly Haberman says it has two health care providers Dr. Punit Kumar and Nurse Practitioner Amanda Dickerson. She says the clinic has three exam rooms, a procedure room, a spacious waiting and reception area. It also includes a pharmacy with drive-through service. Haberman says accessibility is important in health care and that’s why it’s important to have facilities like the new Markesan Clinic and Pharmacy. She says they’ve been part of Markesan whether it’s the clinic or pharmacy for a number of years. The new clinic and pharmacy in Markesan is located on Margaret Street across from the post office. The grand opening included a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Markesan Chamber of Commerce and tours.

Registration Underway For Second Annual Veterans Symposium

Salute the Troops will sponsor its 2nd Annual Veterans Mental Health Symposium Friday, August 14th at Marian University’s Stayer Center. Fond du Lac County Veterans Service Officer Rick Patton says it really is meant for anyone who is in the business of helping veterans. Topics covered will include post traumatic stress disorder, ethics, alcohol and other drug abuse, homelessness, domestic violence and more. Patton says the afternoon speaker will address veteran suicides. Spirituality will also be addressed. Patton says it will help faith leaders understand moral injury and why veterans may think they are unworthy or attending religious services and gatherings. Patton says there are fees for those attending the symposium. It’s $50 per participant and $150 for those seeking continuing education units. You can sign up at the Eventbrite website.

Prior Registration Needed To Participate In Back To School FDL

Time is growing short to sign up for Back to School Fond du Lac.  If you signed your children up last year you must sign them up again.   New families to Back to School FDL need to sign up now as well. You can sign up by calling one of the following for an appointment:  Big Brothers Big Sisters-922-8200; Family Resource Center-923-4110; The Salvation Army-923-8220; Solutions Center-923-1743. During sign up you will need to bring proof of residence such as a current utility bill, rent or lease receipt, W-2, or driver’s license/id and proof of household income such as a current pay stub, free or reduced lunch paperwork etc. to your appointment. All eligible children will get an appointment to shop with a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club/YMCA on distribution day, Saturday, August 22.

New Contest Part Of Waupun Art And Craft Fair

Waupun Fine Arts will be holding a Re-purposing Contest during the Waupun Art and Craft Fair this August 1st. The contest is open to anyone who is either a professional or amateur creative.  Re-purposed items may be any creative transformation, such as a wheel turned into a table, etc.  Contest entrees must register by 9:30 a.m. the day of the fair at the WFA booth.  The entry fee is $10 for adults and $5 for students.  For more information visit the Waupun Fine Arts website.