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2-23-12 should bmx bikes be allowed in fdl skate park?
A couple of Fond du lac residents are asking the city council to consider allowing BMX bicycles at the Adelaide Park skateboard park. Judy Reader and Cheryl Moore spoke at Wednesday night’s council meeting asking for an ordinance change to allow BMX bikes in the skate park. Reader says she decided to ask for the change after hearing the city was planning on spending thousands of dollars for a higher fence to keep bikes out of the park. "The park should be shared by all, the skaters, the bikers, the scooters. Its a place for everybody to go,' Reader said. Moore says at least 30 communities in Wisconsin allow BMX bikes in their skateboard parks. "I think its important that our children have place to go. I think there's a common ground here, instead of excluding bikers they can rotate every other day," Moore said. "Spending $25,000 on a fence is a waste of our tax dollars." Fond du lac Parks Board member, John Piper III says he’ll bring the issue to the attention of the board chair.
2-23-12 controversial wetlands bill
Environmental groups say new wetlands legislation is a step backward…supporters say current regulations went too far. The state assembly this week approved a bill that would allow developers to submit mitigation outlines with their permit applications. Wisconsin Wetlands Association Policy Director Erin O’Brien says she believes there can be a balance between development and protecting the environment. But O’Brien says the bill would encourage the DNR to loosen its stance that applicants focus on avoiding or minimizing wetlands damage. Fond du lac Republican state representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt voted in favor of the bill. Thiesfeldt says the bill would help businesses expand.
2-23-12 abortion bill
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a bill placing new requirements on doctors and women before abortions can be performed. The Senate passed the bill today after Democratic opponents blocked a vote yesterday. It passed 17-15 today on a party line vote. The legislation now heads to the Assembly.
2-23-12 redistricting secrecy
The director of a government watchdog group says the latest controversy surrounding a Republican redistricting plan shows why there needs to be a change. A federal court called it a “shameful attempt to hid the redistricting process from public scrutiny.” Common Cause in Wisconsin Director Jay Heck says lawmakers shouldn’t be the ones redrawing political boundaries…because the party in power abuses the process. Heck says the federal court made the correct decision in forcing Republicans to make public emails and other documents related to redistricting.
2-23-12 walker poll
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A new poll says Gov. Scott Walker's favorability rating has dipped in the past month. The Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday says 46 percent have a favorable opinion of him compared to 48 percent unfavorable. Last month, his favorable rating was 50 percent with 45 percent unfavorable. One reason might be an ongoing John Doe investigation into several former Walker aides and associates. The poll says 52 percent of respondents aware of the investigation believe it's "really something serious" while 40 percent say it's "just more politics." The poll questioned 716 registered Wisconsin voters from Thursday to Sunday. The overall margin of error is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. Walker is the target of a recall election. But for each of five Democrats considered possible opponents, at least 40 percent of respondents say they don't know enough to draw an opinion.
2-23-12 obama poll
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A new poll shows President Barack Obama easily leading each of his four Republican rivals in Wisconsin. A Marquette University poll released Wednesday shows Obama leading former Sen. Rick Santorum, 51 percent to 40 percent, and leading former Gov. Mitt Romney, 53 percent to 38 percent. The poll questioned 716 registered Wisconsin voters from Thursday to Sunday. The overall margin of error is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. Against Rep. Ron Paul, the poll shows Obama leading 52 percent to 36 percent, and the president holds a lead over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, 56 percent to 33 percent. Santorum is the early favorite in Wisconsin's Republican primary April 3. Among those who said they plan to vote, the poll shows him with 34 percent, while Romney gets 18 percent. Another 17 percent say they're undecided.
2-23-12 petri-agriculture
Fond du lac congressman Tom Petri says Wisconsin’s agriculture industry is a key to Wisconsin’s continued economic recovery. Petri joined fellow Republican congressman, Reid Ribble, in hosting an Agriculture Policy Conference this week in Kimberly. Petri says this part of the Dairy State needs prosperous farms to underpin the state’s economy.
2-23-12 assistant da pay
A bi-partsian group of lawmakers have introduced legislation to establish a pay progression scale for assistant district attorneys. Ripon Republican state senator Luther Olsen has teamed up with Democratic Senator Lena Taylor on the Senate version. Regular raises for prosecutors were abandoned in 2003. The bills would establish a 17 step plan, with each step representing one-seventeenth of the difference between the starting pay and top pay for the job. Olsen says the hope is that regular raises will encourage young prosecutors to stay on the job longer.
2-23-12 no child left behind
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Governor Scott Walker says in a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan that he supports Wisconsin's application for a federal waiver from the No Child Left Behind law. Walker says in the letter sent today that he is concerned with what he calls a disparity in treatment between public schools and those in Milwaukee's parental choice voucher program.
2-23-12 concussion bill
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Longtime Green Bay Packer offensive lineman Mark Tauscher is throwing his support behind a bill in the Wisconsin Legislature designed to reduce youth concussions. Tauscher joined doctors, a lobbyist for the National Football League and others in support of the bill Wednesday in Madison. The measure has passed the Assembly but remains in the Senate.
2-23-12 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.
2-23-12 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.
2-23-12 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.
2-23-12 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
2-23-12 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
2-23-12 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
2-23-12 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.