2-7-12 campbellsport community reeling from tragic fatal accident
Campbellsport High School officials are remembering three girls who were killed in a weekend traffic accident as wonderful girls who made a positive impact at their school. School District Administrator, Dan Olson, says Caitlin Scannell, Sabrina Stahl and Katie Berg will be greatly missed. "When you look at high school students and what you want your children to be like, all three of them certainly different people but in their own way just wonderful girls," Olson said. High School principal Kristen Langer says students are staff are dealing with the tragedy in their own ways. Langer says the victims and their families made a huge impact on the school . "Just three incredible kids, three incredible families," Langer said.
2-7-12 two girls involved in fatal rollover have been released from hospital
Two of the teenage girls involved in a fatal rollover crash that killed three of their friends have been released from the hospital. The driver of the car, 18 year old Carly Ottery of Fond du lac and 18 year old, Haley Fricke, of Campbellsport a front seat passenger have been released from Saint Agnes Hospital in Fond du lac. Four other girls, ages 16 and 17, remain hospitalized at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Three girls were killed in the accident. Seventeen year old Caitlin Scannell of Eden and 15 year old Sabrina Stahl of Campbellsport were pronounced dead at the scene. Sixteen year old Katie Berg of Campbellsport died Saturday night at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee. Sheriff Mick Fink says the one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning on Beechnut Road just north of Highway 67. Fink says toxicology tests are still pending but alcohol is not believed to be a factor. He says accident reconstruction experts are continuing their investigation. Fink says two of the three girls who died were not wearing their seatbelts.
2-7-12 trial underway in fdl shaken baby case
A trial is underway for a Fond du lac man accused of causing severe injuries to a two year old child. Twenty two year old Thomas Abitz is charged with reckless physical abuse of a child. According to a criminal complaint a two year old girl suffered a skull fracture and hemorrhaging around both eyes. A criminal complaint says Abitz initially told investigators that he was changing the child’s diaper when the infant suddenly went limp. Authorities said Abitz later changed his story that he was playing “airplane” when the girl accidentally hit her head on a wall. Abitz was arrested last month after police and paramedics were called to a Security Drive apartment to a report of a child having difficulty breathing. The trial is scheduled to last through Wednesday.
2-7-12 former manager of beaver dam travel agency sentenced to prison
The former office manager of a defunct Beaver Dam travel agency is going to prison for her role in embezzeling money from the company. Carol's Tours of Beaver Dam closed in 2008, leaving many people without trips they already had paid for. On Friday, 46 year old Lisa Hopper pleaded no contest to charges of theft of a business setting and fraudulent writings in Dodge County Circuit Court. Judge Andrew Bissonnette sentenced Hopper to one and a half years initial confinement and three years of extended supervision. She must also pay over 97 thousand dollars in restitution, 25 thousand dollars of which has already been paid. Hopper was accused of taking money from Carol's Tours and paying personal bills while she maintained the books. Carol’s Tours owner, Deborah Paul has also been charged for her role, and has a preliminary hearing set for February 13th. She’s facing two counts of theft of a business setting. Paul is accused of converting to her personal use money received by Carol's Tours for trips and for trip interruption insurance.
2-7-12 eight rescued after getting trapped on green bay
LITTLE SUAMICO, Wis. (AP) — Sheriff's officials have rescued seven men and a three-year-old child who were stranded on the bay of Green Bay because of a large crack in the ice. The rescue occurred about a mile off shore in Little Suamico. Those who were stranded were taken off the ice in two airboat trips.
2-7-12 walker-secret investigation
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Governor Scott Walker says he voluntarily agreed to the Milwaukee County district attorney's request to meet with him about a secret investigation. Walker says the meeting date is up to District Attorney John Chisholm to announce. The probe has so far led to charges against five of Walker's former close aides and associates.
2-7-12 recall signatures
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The head of the Wisconsin elections board charged with reviewing signatures seeking to recall Governor Scott Walker and five others says verification work by outside tea party groups should not be considered. Kevin Kennedy says only information that's developed by board staff or submitted by petition circulators or targeted office holders should be used to determine whether signatures are valid.
2-7-12 obama to make wisconsin stop next week
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Barack Obama plans to make a stop in the Milwaukee area next week. A White House official confirms Obama is expected to give remarks on February 15th, but no other details have been released. Obama was last in Wisconsin on January 26th when he visited Manitowoc the day after his State of the Union address.
2-7-12 dwd secretary in fdl
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson will present a commendation to Mercury Marine, represented by Vice President of Human Resources Denise Devereaux, tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7th at 12:00PM. He will be available to members of the media following the ceremony Secretary Newson will commend Mercury Marine for their partnership with DWD and with the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board to host seven specialized recruitments that have resulted in interviews and job offers for hundreds of Wisconsin residents. Under Governor Walker’s leadership, the Department of Workforce Development has collaborated with local Workforce Development Boards, state agencies and private-sector employers to support job creation throughout Wisconsin. With approximately 1,600 employees, DWD works with employers to fill jobs, provides training and employment services to workers, enforces workers’ rights, and administers Unemployment Insurance and Worker’s Compensation programs.
2-7-12 habitat for humanity of fdl county names new director
After conducting an extensive search, the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County (HFHFDL) has announced the appointment of Paul W. Osterholm as Executive Director effective February 6, 2012. "Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County is fortunate to have found a leader capable of building on our successful past and taking our affiliate to the next level to continue our mission to eliminate substandard housing in our community," said Aaron Goldstein, HFHFDL board president. “Our hiring process committee was truly impressed with Paul's achievements, life experiences, skills, and overall passion for serving others. Osterholm will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of HFHFDL to achieve the goals and further the mission and vision of the affiliate. “I am truly honored to serve along side of this great Christian organization in partnership with Fond du Lac County communities doing Christ’s mission works,” said Osterholm. Osterholm comes to HFHFDL after nearly 13 years with Marian University. Osterholm served on the Fond du Lac City Council and was actively involved with the Fond du Lac United Way, and Loaves and Fishes outreach program. He is currently is a member of the Fond du Lac Alcohol Licensing Committee and involved with several other non-profit organizations. Osterholm graduated from Marian University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2002 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership Quality in 2005.
2-7-12 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.
2-7-12 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
2-7-12 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
Waupun – 301 E. Main Street, Waupun - February 7, 2012 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Campbellsport – 163 E. Main Street, Campbellsport – February 8, 2012 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Brandon – Grand Vista Apartments, 552 E. Washington, Brandon – February 9, 2012 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
2-7-12 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.
2-7-12 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.
2-7-12 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
2-7-12 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
2-7-12 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
2-7-12 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.
2-7-12 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.
