KFIZ News Saturday 9/3/16

FDL Police Officer Discharged From Department

Fond du Lac’s Police and Fire Commission have decided to fire a veteran police officer from duty. The termination of Officer Curtis Beck’s employment with the department follows four months of hearings and deliberation. Beck was reinstated to duty earlier this year following a judge’s decision, but was immediately placed on administrative leave. Police Chief Bill Lamb brought six charges against Beck who called in sick, but was later seen playing in a softball game. The Commission found “just cause” standards were met on three of the charges stemming from the sick leave incident. In particular that had to do with conduct, dishonesty, and talking about the investigation though he was specifically ordered not to. The commission did not find enough evidence regarding false reporting for the sick leave or that he violated core values or the oath he took with the department. His dismissal from the department was immediate. Beck was one of four officers who were subjects of an internal investigation two years ago into alleged extramarital affairs. The other three are no longer with the department.  

Firm Chosen For Merger Feasibility Study

A consulting firm has been chosen to conduct a feasibility study about the possibility of merging the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce and the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation. McCarthy/Blansett Group was chosen from the three consulting firms that were interviewed on August 24th. Fond du Lac County is funding the study that will begin the middle of this month and is expected to be complete within 90 days. The purpose of the study is to determine an innovative and future oriented organizational structure for economic and workforce development. The McCarthy/Blansett Group has 50 years of experience offering innovative strategic growth solutions to economic development organizations and chambers of commerce throughout the United States.

WCI Inmate Arraigned On Battery Charge

A Waupun Correctional Institution inmate suspected of attacking a corrections officer was arraigned this week in Dodge County court. Twenty-five-year-old Joshua Braithwaite pled not guilty to a felony battery charge. The officer suffered lacerations to the lip, left eye brow, and left arm during the incident in May.  Braithwaite is back in court on October 5th.

Lakin Named Board President For Habitat

Former Fond du Lac City Council President Tim Lakin (LAY-kin) has been named president of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County. More recently he has served as State Senator Rick Gudex’s Chief of Staff. Lakin says Habitat is a wonderful organization, helping those in need in our community. He says he is looking forward to leading the organization through an aggressive building schedule the next few years. 

Dodge County DA Chairing New Council

Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg was elected Chair of the newly formed Dodge County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council at its inaugural meeting August 30th.  The Council was created by the County Board of Supervisors to oversee both the Impaired Driving and Treatment Alternatives and Diversion programs.  The Council also has authority to review and recommend other criminal justice initiatives as well. Klomberg says forming the Council is an important first-step in unifying Dodge County’s Treatment Court.

Boys And Girls Club After School Programs Back In Swing

The Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club made a transition this week for their after schools program. Club CEO Dan Hebel (HEE-bell) says they served about 225 kids a day during their summer program, but that was at one site. Their after school programs are located at eight different sites. He says they will serve about 400 kids a day. He says the need is there. He says the kids and their families need the programs the Boys and Girls Club offer. Kids in public school returned to classes on Thursday.

Ripon Historic Preservationist Of The Year Award

Billy Hutton of Ripon was recently honored with the Historic Preservationist of Year Award in Ripon. The honor came during a Ripon Common Council meeting. City Administrator Lori Rich says Hutton has been very active over the years in a number of preservation projects. She says he has a lot of neat stories to tell about those efforts. She says Hutton has devoted his life to preserving historic properties in Ripon so it was a well deserved award