KFIZ News Monday 12/5/16

Blue Bridge Will Be Replaced This Winter

The Blue Bridge or Fountain Island Bridge at Lakeside Park will be replaced this winter. Fond du Lac Public Works Director Jordan Skiff says the bridge has been in the park since the 1920s, but actually dates back some forty years before that. He says it would have been too expensive to restore it, but they will save its unique trusses which will be used elsewhere in the park. He applauds the Historic Preservation Commission’s efforts to save the bridge. Meanwhile the trusses will be restored and placed on the east end of the park near Deneveu Creek where Skiff says people will still be able to appreciate them. He says a plaque will be placed near them to explain their historic significance.

Fire Dept Vehicle Replacement On NFDL Village Board Agenda

Following the failure of last month’s referendum to replace a ladder truck for the North Fond du Lac Fire Department, the Village Board tonight will hold a discussion on a replacement schedule for a response vehicle. The board will also discuss a possible change in pay grade for the Police Chief. The board will also receive a check for the village pool from representatives of the School District’s Oriole Open. The meeting is at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building on Garfield Street.

NFDL SB Approves Changes To Employees Health Insurance Plan

The North Fond du Lac School Board recently approved changes to district employees’ health insurance plans. District Superintendent Aaron Sadoff says there are two important factors when it comes to their employees’ health. He says those factors are how much use that insurance gets and the wellness of employees. He says rising prescription drugs costs are something they are concerned about. He says they did have to increase the co-pays on their drug cards a little bit. There was no increase for dental insurance for 2017.

Field Trip Will Take FDL HS Students To London Paris And Dublin

The Fond du Lac School Board recently approved a field trip that will take some students to London, Paris, and Dublin for a week in July of 2018. District Superintendent Jim Sebert says High School English Teach Dan Anderson proposed the trip. He says it’s a unique opportunity for students that will give them some unique perspectives on the world. Sebert says although Anderson is an English Teacher he will incorporate other learning elements into the trip. He says some social studies and writing standards will also be incorporated. The trip is July 10th through the 17th of 2018.

Mid States Aluminum A Longtime Contributor To The United Way Campaign

Mid-States Aluminum Corporation in Fond du Lac has been participating in the Fond du Lac Area United Way Campaign for many years. Joanne Schneider coordinates the company’s United Way efforts. She says they have been part of the campaign as long as she has worked there, which will be 40 years next March. She says their participation really took off about 17 years ago when they were named pacesetters for the 1999 United Way campaign. Schneider says she appreciates what the United Way does because of some of the other charitable work she is involved in. This year the Fond du Lac Area United Way is attempting to raise $760,000 and they are at about 60 percent of that goal.

Ribbon Cutting For New Drug Drop Box In Rosendale

The Village of Rosendale and Drug Free Communities of Fond du Lac County invites the public to attend a ribbon cutting to introduce Rosendale residents to a new Drug Drop Box on Thursday, December 15 at 3:30 pm.  The Village recently acquired and installed a Drug Drop Box in the lobby of the Rosendale Municipal Building in Rosendale. The public is encouraged and welcome to attend. The Drug Drop Box will be available year-round to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Fond du Lac County now has a total of nine Drug Drop Boxes. 

Brown Paper Packages Gift Shop Celebrates First Anniversary

The Brown Paper Packages Gift Shop at the Fond du Lac Senior Center celebrates a unique milestone this week. Senior Center Director Cathy Loomans says the shop got some great exposure during Small Business Saturday last month. This week the shop will have a Holiday Open House and on Wednesday celebrates its one year anniversary. All purchases made at the Gift Shop go directly back to help support programs offered at the Senior Center. Shop hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Nominations Being Sought For MLK Spirit Award

Marian University is seeking nominations for the 2017 Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award. The Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award seeks to recognize a person or group who has given of themselves to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, this person or group must have played an important role in Fond du Lac and surrounding communities, through the services provided. Those interested in submitting a nomination can download the nomination form at the Marian University website. The award will be presented during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Prayer Breakfast on January 16th at Marian University.