The Fond du Lac Police Department continues its investigation into an early morning stabbing incident. Officers and paramedics were called to an apartment in the 100 block of Forest Avenue at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Thursday February 9th, 2012 for a report of a male subject who was bleeding from the head. Officers arrived on the scene and discovered a 57-year old Fond du Lac man had sustained multiple stab wounds to the neck and back. The victim was transported to St. Agnes Hospital where he remains in ICU. Investigators took a 27-year old woman into custody in connection with this incident. The woman who has an extensive prior criminal history is being held in the Fond du Lac County Jail on a charge of Attempted 1st Degree Intentional Homicide.
2-9-12 abitz case goes to the jury
A Fond du lac jury today will begin deliberating the fate of a Fond du lac man accused of causing severe permanent injuries to a two year old child. Closing arguments were held Wednesday afternoon in the trial of 22 year old Thomas Abitz. Abitz is charged with reckless physical abuse of a child and bail jumping. According to a criminal complaint a two year old girl suffered a skull fracture and hemorrhaging around both eyes.
2-9-12 suspicious incident reported on western avenue
For the second time in a week Fond du lac police have received a report of a man trying to lure a child into a vehicle. Police say a 14 year old boy was walking to a friend’s house while on his way to Sabish Middle school when he was approached by a man driving what was described as a smaller white colored pick-up truck. The boy told police the driver asked him if he wanted a ride to Main Street. The driver then left at a high rate of speed east on Western Avenue. The driver is described as a white male approximately 50-60 years old with a longer white beard. The incident was reported at about 6:45 am on February 6th on Western Avenue near South Seymour Street. Anyone with information is asked to call police.
2-9-12 visitation for accident victims
Students in the Campbellsport School District will be dismissed early Thursday when a joint visitation for the three teens killed in an SUV crash is held at the high school. The visitation for 16-year-old Katie Berg, 15-year-old Sabrina Stahl and 17-year-old Caitlin Scannell will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the gym.
2-9-12 snap director goes "between the lines"
The state director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says he was shocked to see how many people are asking for restitution for alleged sexual abuse by clergy in the Milwaukee Archdiocese. About 550 people are seeking restitution…more than any of the other U.S. dioceses that have filed for bankruptcy protection. State director of SNAP, John Pilmaier, the numbers show how serious and widespread the sexual abuse problem is. Pilmaier says for many abuse victims closure of this dark chapter depends on what happens next with their non-monetary requests. Pilmaier says while he doesn’t have a specific list of abuse victims he believes some of the victims are probably from the Fond du lac area. A February 9th court hearing is set for a judge to consider a request from the archdiocese to throw out some claims on grounds the statute of limitations have expired, they involved someone who was not an archdiocese employee or a victim who received a prior settlement.
Pilmaier was a guest on AM 1170 WFDL's Between the Lines program.
2-9-12 fdl city manager search
The city of Fond du lac is conducting a nationwide search for the next city manager. Tom Herre announced last month he was retiring this summer. Fond du lac city council president Rick Gudex says he hopes to get 20 to 30 applicants and have someone hired by about May. Herre was hired without any city managerial background… and Gudex says he doesn’t think municipal government experience needs to be a prerequisite. "We intend to go national with the search to get the full scope of what candidates are out there and to make sure we get the best fit for the city of Fond du Lac," Gudex said.
2-9-12 statewide teachers union endorses falk
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's largest statewide teachers union has endorsed Democrat Kathleen Falk in the possible recall election against Republican Governor Scott Walker. The Wisconsin Education Association Council says today it's backing Falk after going through its selection process that included interviewing a number of potential candidates. Falk is making the restoring collective bargaining rights for state employees the lynchpin of her campaign.
2-9-12 vinehout announces she will challenge walker
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic state Senator Kathleen Vinehout of Alma says she is running for governor if a recall election is ordered against Republican Governor Scott Walker. Vinehout joined former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today as the only announced Democrats in the race.
2-9-12 liquor shots
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A bill that would allow Wisconsin residents to sample mini-shots of liquor at retail stores is gaining public support. Several groups and businesses gave testimony in support of the measure at a state Assembly committee hearing today. Republican Representative Joel Kleefisch of Oconomowoc says the bill will help liquor stores expand their business.
2-9-12 microbrew legislation
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A fight is brewing in the Legislature over a proposal that seeks to make clear that microbrewers don't necessarily have to make and serve their beer at home. But opponents to the measure argued at a hearing before a state Assembly committee today that the bill would give home brewers too much freedom to bypass local ordinances.
2-9-12 pier elementary student scholarship
Pier Elementary School is now accepting applications for their $500 college scholarship. Any graduating high school student, who attended Pier Elementary School is eligible. Applications are available from Fond du Lac High School, Winnebago Lutheran Academy and St. Mary Springs guidance offices or from Pier Elementary School. The application must be turned in to the Pier School office, 259 Old Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, 929-2868, no later than 3:00 p.m. on March 23, 2012.
2-9-12 constitutional forum
Fond du Lac Bar Association Presents a Forum:
The U.S. Constitution, History and Today DATE: February 13, 2012 TIME: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. WHO: Students, Citizens, Voters, General Public WHERE: Fond du Lac City-County Government Building
160 S. Macy St., Fond du Lac, Legislative Chambers, First Floor
This educational event will be a presentation by three local professors on selected portions of the U.S. Constitution or Amendments, providing the historical context and rationale for the selected text. Then, two attorneys per topic will provide their analysis and debate of what the three branches of government have done over time to the provision of the Constitution, pro or con. Brief audience questions or commentary will be welcome. The Honorable Peter Grimm will moderate the event. Attendees will be given a pocket Constitution and Declaration of Independence, courtesy of the Office of Congressman Petri.
The Presenters and the topics will be:
Dr. Martin Farrell, PhD, Professor of Politics and Government, Ripon College: Power and Reach of Congress: Obamacare;
Dr. Rick Whaley, PhD, Professor of History, Marian University: Balanced Budget Amendment Proposals;
Dr. Paisley Harris, PhD, JD, Associate Professor of History and Women’s Studies , University of Wisconsin-FDL: Immigration and States’ Rights; and,
Legal Review of Recent Supreme Court Decisions.
The Commentators will be: Attorney Todd Snow; Attorney Dawn Sabel; Attorney Steven Sorenson; Attorney William Bendt; Attorney Michael O’Rourke, and Attorney Scott Matthew
2-9-12 homesstead tax credit clinics
The Wisconsin Homestead Credit is a tax benefit for renters and homeowners with low or moderate incomes. It is designed to lessen the impact of rent and property taxes. Property taxes do not need to be paid before filing for Homestead Credit. Qualifying persons can get back some or all of their state taxes withheld during the year. Household income that is reported includes all income for tax purposes plus certain nontaxable income. Nontaxable income include gross Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement, pensions, IRA income and income from investments, etc. You have until April 15, 2016 to file for your 2011 homestead credit, and after April 16, 2012, you can receive credit back to 2008. The maximum amount of Homestead Credit can be as high as $1,160. Expect to wait six (6) to ten (10) weeks for the payment from the time it is submitted. To check up on payments you can visit the department’s website at www.dor.state.wi.us. Other assistance is available by calling the Madison office at 608-266-8641.
To qualify for Homestead credit you must:
• Be a legal Wisconsin resident for all of 2011
• Have a household income less than $24,680
• Be a owner or renter of the homestead during 2011
• Not be claiming farmland preservation credit for 2011
• Not be living in a nursing home and receiving medical assistance
• No claim may be filed on behalf of a person after his or her death
Julie Hilbert the Benefit Specialist for Fond du Lac County will be conducting Free Homestead Tax Clinics during the month of February. Please see below for dates and locations. If you are unable to make it to one of the clinics please schedule an appointment by calling 920-929-3521.
What to bring: 1099’s from Social Security, banks, pensions, and any other statements of income and a copy of your property tax bill or a completed rent certificate.
HOMESTEAD CLINICS
Brandon – Grand Vista Apartments, 552 E. Washington, Brandon – February 9, 2012 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
2-9-12 senator king office hours
State Senator Jessica King announced the following schedule for in-district office hours in February. Times and locations are listed below:
Friday, February 17th from 4:00-6:00 P.M. Taycheedah Town Hall, W4295 Kiekhaefer Parkway
Friday, February 24th from 2:00-4:00 P.M. Oakfield Community Center, 130 N Main St
These office hours allow constituents to meet individually with Jessica regarding any concerns, opinions, questions, or suggestions about any and all state issues. King has already held district office hours in Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac, Omro, Oshkosh, Rosendale, and Waupun. Senator King and her staff may also be reached by phone at 1-888-736-8720, by e-mail at Sen.King@legis.wisconsin.gov, or by mail at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882.
2-9-12 winter parking restrictions
The City of Fond du Lac Police Department and the Department of Public Works is taking this opportunity to remind the members of the community that the WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS are now in effect. Parking from November 15th to March 15th is restricted between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. On EVEN NUMBERED DAYS, starting at 8:00 p.m. parking is restricted to the EVEN side of the street. On ODD NUMBERED DAYS, starting at 8:00 p.m. parking is restricted to the ODD side of the street. Any METERED AREA is still restricted to 60 minutes between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This ordinance overrides all other on-street parking restrictions where parking is allowed. Please remind family, friends and overnight guests of these restrictions as violations can be costly. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions please call the shift commander at 322-3710.
2-9-12 fdl county sheriff's department law of the month
Even people who take pride in being under control in every situation can easily lose control of their vehicles on icy or snow covered roads when they drive too fast for conditions. When there’s ice, snow and slick spots on roadways or when visibility is reduced because of bad weather, driving at the posted speed limit might actually be too fast for conditions. The speed limit is based on a dry roadway and good driving conditions. You might not be able to stop or control your vehicle at that speed on a slippery road or during hazardous weather. Slowing down when driving conditions deteriorate is not just sound advice—it’s also the law. It is illegal to drive at speeds that exceed what is reasonable and prudent under existing road conditions. Drivers are required to adjust their speeds to take into account both the actual and potential hazards due to weather, highway conditions or other traffic. A violation of this state law (Wis. Stats. 346.57(3)) costs $213.10 with four demerit points added to the driver’s record. A second offense within a 12-month period costs $263.50 with four additional points. The slogan ‘Snow Means Slow’ also applies to four-wheel drive and other heavy-duty vehicles, which need ample room to stop on slippery roads. It’s too late to change your driving behavior after your vehicle is in the ditch or involved in a crash. If you drive too fast for conditions, you likely could end up paying a couple hundred dollars for a traffic ticket in addition to your towing and vehicle repair bills.
Have a Safe Month,
Sheriff Mick Fink
2-9-12 fdl police department law of the month
For the month of February, Officers will be paying particular attention to violations of motorists turning right in front of a stopped bus. Wisconsin State Statute 346.075(2) states “If the operator of a motor vehicle overtakes a motor bus which is stopped at an intersection on the right side of the roadway and is receiving or discharging passengers, the operator shall pass at a safe distance to the left of the motor bus and shall not turn to the right in front of the motor bus at that intersection.” Violation of this statute carries a $200.50 fine along with 3 demerit points on your driver’s license. It is our responsibility as members of the Fond du Lac Community to ensure the safety of all of our citizens. By making right turns directly in front of a bus that is stopped, the pedestrians who are attempting to load the bus or exit the bus do not have any warning that a motor vehicle is in their immediate vicinity. According the Wisconsin Department of Transportation there were 2,157 accidents in Fond du Lac County in 2010. By adhering to all of our traffic laws we can cut that number down and ensure that Fond du Lac is a Safe place to Live, Learn, Work and Play!
Officer Ed Wenzel #24
2-9-12 4k open houses and registration
The Fond du Lac School District will again be offering a half-day, 4 year-old-kindergarten (4K) experience next fall. Children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2012, are eligible to attend. Currently there are classrooms at the following District elementary schools: Chegwin, Pier, Riverside, Rosenow, and Waters. Programs will also be offered at the following community partner sites: Camelot Children’s Center, Christian Parents for Kids, Children’s Choice, ADVOCAP Head Start, Hope Preschool, Kids Connection, Kidz Choice Learning Center, Marian University Early Childhood Center, Mary Linsmeier, Shining Stars Learning Center, Wright Care Kiddie Kampus Daycare and Preschool, and the YMCA. Your child is eligible to attend 4K at any of these locations for no charge. This year the participating childcare center partners are holding Open Houses. This is a visit only; registration packets will not be available at the centers. The centers will be open from 5:00-6:30 p.m. and the schedule is as follows: Tuesday, January 24th – Children’s Choice, Head Start/both locations, Hope Preschool, Kids Connection, Marian University Early Childhood Center, Wright Care Kiddie Kampus Daycare and Preschool, and the YMCA; and Thursday, January 27th – Camelot Children’s Center, Christian Parents for Kids, Kidz Choice Learning Center, Mary Linsmeier, and Shining Stars Learning Center. Registration for the program is planned for the weeks of February 13th and 20th. At registration, parents will be given information about the program. Questions will be answered on the opportunities offered at the different sites, transportation, and out of district open enrollment. You will also have the opportunity to select a childcare or school site. Parents will need to bring proof of birth and your child’s social security number to complete the registration paperwork. The daytime parent and child registrations will be held at the five elementary schools which house 4K programs. PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THE DAYTIME PARENT AND CHILD SESSIONS IS REQUIRED. The sessions will be held at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and will run approximately one hour. Sessions will be held on the following dates: Wednesday, February 15 - Waters School; Thursday, February 16 - Riverside School; Friday, February 17 - Pier School; Monday, February 20 - Rosenow School; and Tuesday, February 21 - Chegwin School. Parents need not attend the session located at their neighborhood school. Please call 906-6513 to pre-register for the parent and child sessions. We will fill the sessions on a first call basis. For those parents who cannot attend a daytime parent and child registration, we are also holding a parent only evening registration on Thursday, February 16 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Theisen Middle School – Auditorium, 525 East Pioneer Road. No pre-registration is necessary for this session. If you need further information, please feel free to contact Nancy Hackbarth, 4K Coordinator, by calling 906-6513 or emailing hackbarthn@fonddulac.k12.wi.us
2-9-12 bowl for kids sake
Bowl For kids’ Sake, the area’s largest bowling fundraiser, kicks off February 17 at Ledgeview Lanes in Fond du Lac. The public is invited to participate. This year’s 80’s themed event is slated to raise $80,000 to support one to one mentoring in Fond du Lac County. The event runs through February 19 in Fond du Lac and takes place on March 3 at the Plaza Bowl in Ripon. Pledge sheets and information are available at 448 S. Military, Fond du Lac, or by calling 920-922-8200. Each adult is asked to raise at least $75 in pledges. Youth are asked to raise at least $50 in pledges. Bowling is free for those who reach minimum levels. Prizes, including gift certificates and two night get-away adventures at Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells are available based on the amount of money raised. Participants are asked to register in teams of 4 to 6 people. Individuals are welcome, but will be added to teams at the event. Registration deadline is February 10. Additional prizes will be awarded for best 80’s themed style and for 80’s trivia and song competitions. The person who raises the most money in collected pledges will receive a $500 gift certificate to the business of their choice. The event is presented by Grande Cheese Company, Mid-States Aluminum, 96-1 TCX, and Charter. Silver Sponsors are Agnesian Health Care, CD Smith Construction, FDL Noon Kiwanis, Fox Valley Savings Bank, J.F. Ahern, Ledgeview Lanes, Society Insurance and Wilderness Resort.
2-9-12 fair housing poster contest
Fond du Lac, WI – The Wisconsin Fair Housing Network is sponsoring a Statewide Fair Housing Poster or Essay Contest. The theme for 2012 is “Fair Housing: A Clear Path for All.” The Fair Housing Poster and Essay Contest is an important educational activity to promote the concepts of choice and equal opportunity in housing. The Wisconsin Fair Housing Law requires fair housing for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital status, handicap, lawful source of income, disability, familial status or victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. The City of Fond du Lac Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is sponsoring the local competition where winners will receive a $50 savings bond. The Poster Contest is open to everyone in Grades K-12. The Essay Poster is open to everyone in Grades 4-12. A winning entry from each grade level will be submitted to the State for the state-wide competition. All entries are due by March 23, 2012.
