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2-22-12 fdl school board primary
The incumbent Fond du lac School Board president and former state attorney general are the top vote getters in Tuesday’s primary election for school board. Incumbent Board president Eric Everson received the most votes with 2920. Peg Lautenschlager finished in second with 2594 votes. Lautenschlager says she is not surprised that Everson received the most votes. "I was absolutely expecting that. First of all in spring primaries and in this district, people who identify themselves as Republicans vote in much larger numbers," Lautenschlager said. Everson describes himself as being on an island as the only candidate who supported governor Walker’s budget and collective bargaining law changes. "The voters of the Fond du Lac School District made a statement this evening. This is only the first step in a very long race, but we're moving forrward, we're making it better for kids, we're making it better for student achievement," Everson said. Launtenschlager says the non-partisan school board election is unfortunately all about politics on the board. "I see this race as being the politicization of our board where a partisan agenda at the state level is being implemented on our local government and done so in a way that didn't include anybody who is impacted in the District," Lautenschlager said. Incumbent Susan Jones advances to the spring election with 2027 votes…and Will Jewson finished 4th with 1460 votes…just 16 more than former high school wrestling coach, Larry Marcionda. That fourth spot is still in question with 113 absentee ballots that won’t be counted until next week. The top four vote getters will square off April 3rd for two seats on the board.
2-22-12 waupun correctional officers prevent inmate suicide
Professional and quick action by Correctional staff at Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI) is being credited with thwarting a suicide attempt and saving an inmate’s life. A 29 year old inmate last week tried to hang himself by tying a sheet around his neck and throwing himself off a second floor railing inside a housing unit. Three WCI Correctional officers quickly responded to the scene, pulling the inmate off the railing while a second inmate standing below on the first floor held up his legs to alleviate the pressure on the inmate’s neck. The 29 year old man was safely rescued and is undergoing additional mental health treatment. Correctional Officer Kelly Beasley, Lt. Robert Rymarkiewicz and Sgt. Chad Baumann responded to the emergency and prevented the inmate’s suicide attempt. “This was a serious suicide attempt that could have had tragic results had the officers not responded so quickly and decisively,” said WCI Warden William Pollard. “There is no doubt that their concerted effort to rescue this inmate saved his life. This is an example of how dedicated our officers are to the health and wellbeing of their colleagues and to the inmates they supervise.” At the Department of Corrections, Correctional Officers must go through a seven week Pre Service Training Academy before beginning their duties in an institution or correctional center. In addition, Correctional Officers complete 2 hours of suicide prevention training each year. Mental illness continues to be a serious problem inside Wisconsin correctional institutions, with nearly one third of all Wisconsin inmates being treated for some sort of mental health problem. The treatment and the care of mentally ill inmates is a top priority for the DOC. WCI is a maximum security institution which houses 1,240 inmates.
2-22-12 strands-police report
A Fond du lac police report details a drunken driving, hit and run crash involving a Fond du lac police officer. Officer Kyle Strands is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation into the incident. According to a police report Strands crashed his off duty pick-up into an SUV parked on Forest Avenue near South Peters Avenue. The crash pushed the Dodge Durango 30 feet and over a curb. A witness told police he heard the crash and saw a man exit a white truck, survey the damage and then leave the scene. The report says Strand’s truck was leaking anti-freeze, had extensive damage, and one of the truck’s headlights was found on Pioneer Road. Strands refused to perform a field sobriety test or a preliminary breath test and was placed under arrest. A blood sample was taken at St. Agnes Hospital.
2-22-12 homemade explosives found in waldo home
WALDO, Wis. (AP) — A 38-year-old Waldo man has been arrested after authorities found homemade explosives in his home. The Sheboygan Press reports the man has a history of criminal charges for mixing his own chemical explosives. He was arrested yesterday. Authorities are still investigating.
2-22-12 campbellsport teens injured in crash released from hospital
All but one of the six Campbellsport High School girls who survived a van crash 16 days ago are home from the hospital. Officials at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital says that 16-year-old Allie Adams has been sent home. That leaves 16-year-old Jessica Harbin as the only one still hospitalized – and her family is not allowing condition reports to be released. Caitlin Scannell, Sabrina Stahl, and Katie Berg were killed in the van crash on February fourth on a rural road close to Campbellsport High. Authorities say the van lost control at excessive speed at the bottom of the hill – and it rolled over in a frozen field. The nine girls were on the Campbellsport varsity and junior varsity girls’ soccer teams. Officials say the crash remains under investigation. The driver, 18-year-old Carly Ottery, is among those back home after getting treatment.
2-22-12 jefferson county fatal accident
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has identified the victims of a fatal two vehicle traffic accident that happened Sunday afternoon on State Highway 16 at North Street in Ixonia. The Sheriff’s Department says a 2010 Buick failed to yield the right way and entered the intersection into the path of a pickup truck. Sheriff’s officials say two passengers in the Buick, 80 year old Genevieve Matenaer of West Bend and 81 year old Gordon Gehring of Hartford died from injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the Buick, Norman Matenaer and another passenger, Shirley Gehring were transported to Froedtert Hosptial with serious injuries. The truck driver was treated at a hospital and released. His passenger was not taken to the hospital.
2-22-12 digital billboards
The Fond du Lac city council will consider a zoning code change that would allow for digital billboards at their meeting Wednesday night. Planner JoEllyn Dahlin says billboard owner, NextMedia is offering to remove some billboards in exchange for installing digital billboards in commercial and industrial areas. Dahlin says there are 25 billboard sites in the city and 62 billboard signs.
2-22-12 superintendent says fea is wrong
The Fond du Lac School Superintendent is disputing claims by the Fond du lac teachers union that school administrators are not sharing in the sacrifice with teachers to help balance the budget. FEA president Hedy Eischeid says a copy of the superintendent’s contract shows that he has not made the same tough concessions as promised. Eischeid says the FEA obtained the information through an open record’s request. But superintendent Dr. Jim Sebert says that's not true. Sebert says he and the other administrators are contributing more to their health insurance and other benefits just like teachers.
2-22-12 health care cooperatives
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Wisconsin is one of eight states that will receive federal loans to start new health care cooperatives. The Obama administration has set aside more than $638 million to help fund the nonprofit health insurers. The government says the programs will be run by the customers and designed to offer coverage to individuals and small businesses.
2-22-12 agnesian healthcare names new vp of human resources
Sue Edminster has joined Agnesian HealthCare as its new vice president of Human Resources, effective January 30. In her role, Edminster will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of Agnesian HealthCare’s workforce, including training, education and organizational development. Edminster brings more than 25 years of healthcare human resources experience to Agnesian HealthCare, most recently serving as vice president of Corporate Human Resources with Affinity Health System. Her career in healthcare began as an employment specialist with St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay and continued when she accepted a position with Affinity 15 years ago. “Sue is a highly-respected executive at the state and regional level,” according to Steven Little, Agnesian HealthCare president and chief executive officer. “Sue is a great fit for Agnesian HealthCare, and I’m excited to work with a person that possesses great skill and character.” Edminster earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Cardinal Stritch University. She will be relocating to the Fond du Lac area in late March. “I am excited to continue my journey in a growing, faith-based organization,” Edminster says. “The impact our associates have on the quality and service we provide to our customers through each interaction is integral to living out the mission and providing compassionate care in our communities. I look forward to engaging, supporting and recognizing the talents and dedication our associates share in providing excellent care.”
2-22-12 aaron rodgers day
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Assembly has passed a resolution to name December 12, 2012, Aaron Rodgers Day in honor of the Green Bay Packers quarterback. The state Senate will vote next. Rodgers wears the number 12. He helped the team to a 15-2 record this past season.
2-22-12 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.
2-22-12 thiesfeldt listening session
Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt of Wisconsin’s 52nd Assembly district will be holding a listening session for citizens at the City-County Government building the legislative chambers on Monday, February 27, 2012, starting at 7:00 p.m. The address is 160 S. Macy Street in Fond du Lac. We will conclude when everyone has had a chance to speak, if desired. As the legislative session winds down in the next 2 months this may be the last chance to provide input on pending legislation though you can always contact the Representative at 1-888-529-0052 or email him at Rep.Thiesfeldt@legis.wi.gov anytime.
2-22-12 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.
2-22-12 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
2-22-12 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
2-22-12 4k 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. 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
2-22-12 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.