9-7-10 two boys playing with matches accidentally started weekend fires in fdl
Fond du Lac Police Department Investigators and Fire Department Officials have determined that a weekend fire to a detached garage that spread to 2 adjoining houses was caused by negligent handling of burning materials. Detective Lee Mikulec was able to establish that two Fond du Lac boys, ages 7 and 9 had been playing with matches and lighting paper towels on fire behind the detached garage. The parents of the two boys were cooperative with investigators. Both boys are being referred to the Fire Department’s Juvenile Fire Starters Program. On Saturday, September 4, 2010, at 4 p.m. Fond du Lac firefighters and police personnel responded to a report of detached garage on fire at 358 W. 11th St. Upon arrival firefighters found a fully involved garage at the rear of the 11th Street residence which had begun to spread to the house on the property as well as the house next door located at 464 Farwell. Firefighters began to extinguish all three structure fires simultaneously. The detached garage on 11th Street was destroyed and both residential structures were heavily damaged. The detached garage at the Farwell address sustained heat damage as well. Firefighters were hampered by strong winds which contributed to the rapid spread of the fires. Over 30 firefighters were called to the scene, including all on-duty Fond du Lac crews as well as off-duty personnel. A MABAS Box Alarm was called which brought resources to the scene from North Fond du Lac and station coverage from Mt. Calvary and the Town of Fond du Lac. The Red Cross was also called to the scene to provide resources to fire crews and the displaced residents. No injuries were reported in this incident.
9-7-10 wind advisory
MARQUETTE-GREEN LAKE-FOND DU LAC-SHEBOYGAN-SAUK-COLUMBIA-DODGE-WASHINGTON-OZAUKEE-IOWA-DANE-JEFFERSON-WAUKESHA-MILWAUKEE-LAFAYETTE-GREEN-ROCK-WALWORTH-RACINE-KENOSHA-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MONTELLO...BERLIN...FOND DU LAC...SHEBOYGAN...BARABOO...PORTAGE...WISCONSIN DELLS...BEAVER DAM...WEST BEND...PORT WASHINGTON...DODGEVILLE...MADISON...JEFFERSON. LAKE MILLS...WAUKESHA...BROOKFIELD...MILWAUKEE...DARLINGTON...MONROE...JANESVILLE...BELOIT...ELKHORN...LAKE GENEVA...RACINE...KENOSHA
THE WIND ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING.
STRONG WINDS WILL DEVELOP BY MID TO LATE MORNING AND LAST UNTIL LATE THIS AFTERNOON. WEST WINDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH WITH WIND GUSTS OF 45 MPH ARE EXPECTED.
WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. IN ADDITION...IT CAN ALSO TOSS AROUND LIGHTWEIGHT OBJECTS...AND BREAK LIMBS FROM TREES. A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 35 MPH AND GUSTY WINDS OF 45 TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.
9-7-10 boat capsizes on lake winnebago
Nobody was injured when a catamaran sail boat capsized off the east shore of Lake Winnebago yesterday. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department was called at about 3:30 Monday afternoon from a person on shore who observed the capsized boat. The incident was reportedly a mile and a half northwest of Columbia Park. Sheriff’s Boat Patrol deputies responded and determined there were three subjects on the boat when it overturned. Deputies later learned one of the subjects was picked up by a passing fishing boat, one by another catamaran and the third remained in the water attempting to upright the boat. Nobody was injured. The catamaran was uprighted.
9-7-10 two injured in alcohol related labor day crash
Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in a one vehicle injury crash in Fond du Lac County that sent two Campbellsport teens to the hospital. Sheriff’s Lieutenant, Rick Olig, says the crash happened shortly before 6:00 Monday morning on Highway 67 near Arrow Lane in the town of Ashford. "Preliminary investigation shows a vehicle was westbound on Highway 67, when the driver lost control, struck a guardrail and entered the ditch. The passenger was ejected from the vehicle," Olig said. The driver of the vehicle, 19 year old, Andrew Ovanin, was transported to Saint Agnes Hospital with non life threatening injuries. The passenger, Thomas Boneck, was flown by helicopter to Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
9-7-10 obama outlines jobs program in milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A combative President Barack Obama has rolled out a long-term jobs program before a cheering Labor Day crowd and coupled it with a campaign-season assault on Republicans for causing Americans' hard economic times. The program will exceed $50 billion to rebuild roads, railways and runways. But it's fate in Congress is in doubt. GOP leaders instantly assailed Obama's proposal. And Democrats will likely be reluctant to approve additional spending and higher federal deficits just weeks before elections that will determine control of Congress. Obama said Republican policies have led to record federal deficits and caused "the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression."
9-7-10 feingold-obama
MILWAUKEE (AP) — U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold didn't appear with President Barack Obama at a Labor Day festival in Milwaukee, but he is praising the president's efforts to get the economy back on track.
Feingold said Monday prior to the Labor Day parade in Milwaukee that he believes the president is building the structure for an economic recovery with the stimulus plan that already passed and a new $50 billion spending proposal Obama unveiled Monday. Feingold says even though he won't be with Obama for his speech he stands with the president and is supportive of his efforts to rejuvenate the economy. Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus says the president's new proposal will be a tough sell. Feingold faces a tough re-election campaign against Republican Oshkosh businessman Ron Johnson.
9-7-10 senate primary
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans have been shut out of the U.S. Senate for 17 years. They hope to choose a candidate in next week's primary who can break that streak and beat Sen. Russ Feingold. The leading GOP candidates are a pair of political newcomers who agree on most major issues. For example, Ron Johnson of Oshkosh and Dave Westlake of Watertown favor smaller government and oppose health care reform. The race could come down to money. The wealthier Johnson can afford to bankroll a statewide media blitz. However, Dave Westlake is running a low-budget campaign that relies on meeting voters face to face. There are two other longshot candidates. Stephen Finn of Milwaukee is running as a Republican and Rob Taylor of Cumberland is running under the Constitution Party of Wisconsin. 9-7-10 former fdl human resources director ordered to report to jail
A former Fond du Lac Human Resources Director has been ordered to begin serving his jail sentence...more than two years after he was convicted of possession of child pornography. On Friday Judge Dale English ordered that Ben Mercer report to the Fond du Lac County Jail within 30 days to start his 12 month jail sentence. Mercer has not served any jail time since Judge English sentenced him in January of 2008 after Mercer was convicted on 14 counts of possession of child pornography. Mercer was allowed to stay out of jail as he appealed his conviction. Mercer argued that viewing pornography on his work computer did not constitute possession...but an appeals court and the state supreme court upheld the conviction. Mercer filed two new motions at Friday’s status conference....asking for a new trial. Mercer’s attorneys argue that embezzlement allegations against former Management Information Systems employees would have raised credibility issues when they testified at Mercer’s trial.
9-7-10 city of fdl considers changing method of removing radium from drinking water
Fond du Lac city officials are considering changing the method used to remove radium from the city’s drinking water supply. The city council is being asked to spend $40,000 to begin a pilot study of HMO or Hydrous Manganese Oxide treatment. City Manager, Tom Herre says HMO treatment may be a solution to the chronic bag filter fouling that has been experienced at the city’s four water treatment plants with the city’s ion exchange system. Herre says an HMO system will also eliminate the city’s need to be licensed as a low level radioactive material generation facility...and the associated risks. If the pilot study is successful, the city could move forward with a full scale test before a permit modification would be considered.
9-7-10 fdl county employees take furlough day
Fond du Lac county employees took the Friday before Labor Day off...without pay. County Executive, Al Buechel, says the employees were on furlough. "This is number three out of four...there will be another one on October 29th," Buechel said. Buechel says the county saves about $80,000 per furlough day. Buechel says its still uncertain whether furloughs will be extended next year or if permanent layoffs will be made. The county finance committee will discuss the budget at a meeting Tuesday night. 9-7-10 additional charges filed against nfdl man
A North Fond du Lac man accused of videotaping a neighbor undressing faces two additional charges. Thirty two year old, Jonathon Gurath, is also charged with repeated sexual assault of the same child and child sexploitation. He is accused of sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl. Gurath also faces drug related charges.
9-7-10 sentencing hearing set in child sex assault case
A sentencing hearing is set for a Ripon man convicted of having sexual contact with three girls. 48-year-old Anthony Zink will be in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court October 6th. Zink of three counts of 1st or 2nd degree repeated sexual assault of the same child- amended from class “B” felonies to “C” felonies. Numerous other charges were dismissed on a motion by the prosecutor or dismissed and read into the record in July. Zink had been charged after being accused of sexually assaulting three girls, ages 10, 11 and 12 between 2006 and 2009. 9-7-10 charges dropped against appleton man accused of snatching three year old boy
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — Three felony charges have been dropped against a developmentally disabled man accused of snatching a 3½ year old boy from a yard and sexually assaulting him in the Appleton area. Outagamie County Judge Nancy Krueger dismissed the case against 28-year-old Joseph Skenandore and placed him in state custody for a civil commitment. Krueger found Skenandore, of Appleton, was not competent to stand trial after two psychologists evaluated his mental status and agreed he's legally incompetent. He was unable to tell a psychologist the current month or the day of the week and testing placed his IQ in the range of mental retardation. Skenandore was accused of kidnapping the boy July 20, touching him inappropriately, then taking him to a park where he planned to molest and possibly kill him.
9-7-10 marian university enrollment
Fond du Lac’s Marian University opened the academic year with the largest freshman class in the school’s history. Total undergraduate enrollment is at 1,473 students...including more than 470 new traditional and transfer students and 319 first year freshman students. The total undergraduate enrollment has more than doubled at Marian in the past decade.
9-7-10 fdl area united way kick-off on september 11th
The Fond du Lac Area United Way is getting ready to kick off its fall fundraising campaign September 11th. After falling well short of its first million dollar goal last year, the organization is lowering its goal for 2010. Executive Director, Tina Potter says the 2010 goal is just over $751,000. The 2009 campaign raised $715,000. Potter, says the goal will help the organization advance community impact goals of building a supportive community, a healthy community and an educated community to keep Fond du lac a great place to live and work. J.F Ahern and Mid-States Aluminum are the Pace Setters. Early cash donations can be made to the Fond du Lac Area united Way, 74 South Main Street, Fond du Lac, 54935 or on the web at www.fdlunitedway.org. 9-7-10 2010 wisconsin waterfowl hunting season set
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The state Natural Resources Board approved the 2010 Fall Waterfowl Season framework at its August 11 meeting in Superior. Highlights include an increase to a two-bird daily bag on pintails and the elimination of the Burnett County subzone closed area. This Canada goose subzone is now open to goose hunters as part of the Exterior zone Duck Season Structure
* 60-day season, the overall daily bag limit for ducks is six, no more than four mallards of which only one can be a hen, three wood ducks, two redheads, one black duck, two pintail, two scaup and one canvasback. (For species of duck not listed, such as teal and ring-necks, the combined total with all other species may not exceed six ducks).
* In addition the daily bag may also include 5 mergansers to include not more than two hooded mergansers and 15 coot.
* Northern Zone – Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. through Nov. 23.
* Southern Zone – Oct. 2 at 9 a.m. through Oct. 10, and Oct. 16 through Dec. 5. Youth Waterfowl Hunt - Sept. 18-19 Youth may harvest Canada geese in all zones during these 2 days, however, the bag limit and/or tag requirement applies for the respective zones. These days overlap with open goose seasons in most areas so adults will also be able to shoot geese but not ducks during the youth hunt. Canada geese The state is apportioned into three goose hunting zones: Horicon, Collins and Exterior. Other goose management subzones within the Exterior Zone include the Brown County and Mississippi River subzone. Exterior Zone (including subzones) * 85 days. Daily bag of two geese.
* North Zone – Sept. 18-24 and Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. - Dec. 11.
* South Zone – Sept. 18 - Oct. 1, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m. – Oct. 10 and Oct. 16 – Dec. 16
* Mississippi River Subzone – Oct. 2 at 9:00 a.m. – Oct 10 and Oct. 16 – Dec. 30.
* Burnett County and Rock Prairie Subzones have been eliminated. Horicon and Collins Hunters with Horicon and Collins zone permits will be issued six tags for the time period that they are awarded. The daily bag limit will be two geese with a possession limit of six.
* Horicon - Period 1, Sept. 16 - Oct. 31, Period 2, Nov. 1 – Dec. 16.
* Collins – Period 1, Sept. 16 – Oct. 3; Period 2, Oct. 4-24; Period 3, Oct. 25 – Nov. 19.
“Overall the picture on the 2010 waterfowl seasons looks good,” said DNR waterfowl biologist Kent Van Horn. “State waterfowl hunters who put in the preseason legwork seeking out good habitat and securing permissions should have a good season. In particular, we expect to have abundant Canada goose hunting opportunities. Remember to scout early and take advantage of the Early September Canada Goose season which begins Sept. 1. “And don’t forget the Youth Waterfowl Hunt Sept. 18-19,” added Van Horn. “This is a great opportunity to bring youngsters into the sport we all love. Think about giving something back and doing for someone that someone once did for you.” All migratory game bird hunters must become HIP certified when they purchase their hunting license. 9-7-10 fdl weekly construction update
Park Avenue Reconstruction from 7th Street to Johnson Street
Schedule: March 22, 2010 to Late September 2010 Description: The project includes reconstruction of the street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, and street lighting. The street width will remain essentially the same. September 5 to September 11: Park Avenue from Johnson Street to 6th Street is complete except for final clean-up and work continues on traffic signals at Division Street, 4th Street and 2nd Street. In addition there is terrace landscaping and several sidewalk ramps to be complete from the Merrill Avenue to the south and north of Sheboygan Street. Paving repairs are also scheduled for this week near 5th Street. Driveway approaches between Merrill Avenue and Sheboygan will remain barricaded for several days while the concrete gains strength. Traffic Impacts: Park Avenue will remain closed to north-south through traffic at Johnson Street, Division Street and 6th Street until final clean-up is complete and all barricades removed. Park Avenue is open to local traffic and crossing traffic except where signed “ROAD CLOSED”. Residents may access their property from side streets marked “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” but should not park vehicles on the street during working hours. Macy Street from about 300 feet north of Scott Street to Follett Street.
Schedule: May 3, 2010 to Late October 2010 Description: The project includes reconstruction of the street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, and street lighting. The street will be widened to the 32-foot City standard. September 5 to September 11: Road excavation continues, as the contractor works to the north from Mc Williams St. Driveways will be temporarily ramped after the road is excavated and the stone base is placed. The electrical contractor is installing conduit for the electrical crossings. The concrete contractor will be setting stringline in preparation for the placement of curb & gutter starting at Follett St and working their way to the north behind the road excavation. Traffic Impacts: Macy Street will be closed to through traffic; residents and business customers may access property past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs, but should not park vehicles on the street during working hours. Maple Ave from Ray St to Cottage Ave
Schedule: May 3, 2010 to Late October 2010 Description: The project includes reconstruction of the street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, and street lighting. The street width will remain at 27 feet. September 5 to September 11: The contractor will complete backfilling the curb, terrace, and other disturbed areas in preparation for the landscaping of topsoil, seed, and hydromulch. The utility contractor will also be setting the manholes to grade. Traffic Impacts: Maple Ave will be closed to through traffic; residents may access property past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs, but should not park vehicles on the street during working hours. Bank St from Main St to Macy St
Schedule: May 3, 2010 to Late October 2010 Description: The project includes reconstruction of the street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, and street lighting. The street will be widened to the 32-foot City street.
September 5 to September 11: The underground utilities are complete, with road excavation to follow. Traffic Impacts: Bank Street will be closed to through traffic; residents business customers may access property past “ROAD CLOSED – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY” signs, but should not park vehicles on the street during working hours. Grove Street from the West Branch Fond du lac River east to 458 Grove Street.
Schedule: June 28 to November 1, 2010 Description: The State of Wisconsin DOT managed project includes reconstruction of the bridge, street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, watermain. September 4 to September 11: Contractor will drive piling, tie rebar, form up and pour the new west abutment. Contractor will mobilize to the east side of the project and begin water and storm sewer installation. Traffic Impact: The Bridge is closed; the street is open to local traffic only. Downtown Sidewalk Replacement – Main St from 1st St to 3rd St
Schedule: August 12 to October 30, 2010 Description: Replace sidewalk with decorative “picture-framed” walk. In Addition, Alliant Energy is replacing gas main and services in the project area. September 5 to September 11: Sidewalk contractor has completed new walk on the west side of Main St between 3rd St and 1st St. Work will be suspended until September 13th to avoid conflicts with the Downtown Fall Festival. Traffic Impacts: Main Street is open to thru traffic in both directions. 9-7-10 county highway q closure
County Trunk Highway (CTH) Q from CTH W(south) to CTH G in the Towns of Calumet, Marshfield and Taycheedah will be closed to thru traffic starting Monday, August 16, 2010 for construction. Construction is expected to last about a month, weather permitting. The Fond du Lac County Highway Commission will replace culverts and pulverize and resurface the highway. The highway will be closed to thru traffic, but open for local traffic. The highway will be detoured via CTH W, CTH WH and CTH G. For updates and more information on other County Highway construction projects, go to the Fond du Lac County Highway Construction Projects web page at http://www.fdlco.wi.gov/Index.aspx?page=1112.
9-7-10 fdl police department law of the month
The Summer months are quickly coming to an end as we look foward to the start of a new school year. The law of the month for September will be School Zone Violations, including Failure to Stop For or Obey an Adult Crossing Guard. Our children are our most valuable asset in the community. The crossing guards are committed to keeping our children safe by patrolling several of the busiest intersections in the city. We need help from the people in our community to work with our crossing guards to keep our children safe. We ask when you are driving and see a school zone that you slow down. When you see a crossing guard, please pay special attention and obey their instructions. Remember, when the crossing guards are in the roadway, with their hand held stop sign extended, you must stop for the entire time they are in the roadway. Only after the crossing guard puts their stop sign down and they step out of the roadway should you proceed to drive. Wisconsin State Statute 346.46(2m) reads: Every operator of a motor vehicle approaching a school crossing, which is controlled by an adult school crossing guard, shall follow the directions of the school crossing guard. If directed by the school crossing guard to stop, the operator shall stop the vehicle not less than 10 feet nor more than 30 feet from the school crossing and shall remain stopped until the school crossing guard directs the operator to proceed. Wisconsin State Statute 346.57(4)(b): No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of fifteen miles per hour when passing an intersection or other location properly marked with a “school crossing” sign of a type approved by the department when any of the following conditions exist:
1. Any child is present.
2. A school crossing guard is within a crosswalk
