Local News Briefs Friday 12/13/13

Three people were injured in a three-vehicle accident in Fond du Lac late Thursday morning. Fire Chief Peter O’Leary says all three were taken to St. Agnes Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The accident happened in front of the Forest Mall. Waupun Police Warn Of Scam

(WBEV-Beaver Dam)-Authorities in Waupun are warning the public of a possible scam with the suspect saying they need to get into the victims house to shut off their electricity due to non-payment. Deputy Police Chief Scott Louden says they took a report Tuesday night from a woman who said a male approached her outside her residence asking if she lived at the address. She said yes and the subject said he needed to go inside and shut her electricity off because of a late payment. She refused to let him in and the man left in a dark colored SUV. He is described as a white male, approximately five foot, five inches tall, clean shaven with a stocky build last seen wearing a black ski jacket and black stocking cap.

Ripon Fire Victims Getting Overwhelming Support

An official with the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce says they have been overwhelmed with donations and outpouring of kindness in helping families displaced by a downtown fire this week. Jason Mansmith says the donations have come from well beyond the City. He says so much has been donated, the support has been unreal. A list of what’s needed can be found at the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce website. Mansmith an account has also been set up at Horicon Bank in Ripon to help out the families. Cash or check donations can be made to “Traded Treasures Fire Relief Fund.” You can also donate through the Ripon Area United Way online at riponareaunitedway.org.

FDL Growth Indicator Among Best In Nation

Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation President Steve Jenkins says the Fond du Lac area in making strides in its economic growth. He notes a recent announcement from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and HIS Global Insight ranked Fond du Lac 34th out of 363 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the growth of real gross metropolitan product. He says Fond du Lac was the highest ranked Wisconsin community. He says it’s a highly regarded validation that the County’s economy is strong and getting stronger.

Friends Of The Senior Center Recognized For Check Donation

Fond du Lac City Council President Sam Meyer said he was surprised two weeks ago to arrive at his desk in the Council Chambers and find a check for $10,000 waiting for him. The check was for the City from the Friends of the Fond du Lac Senior Center. It’s used for operating costs at the center. During this week’s Council meeting Meyer gave a proclamation to Mary Kind the President of the Friends’ Board of Directors and Senior Center Director Dottie Winkelmann thanking the friends for the donation. He says it’s nice to have so many friends of the Senior Center. Kind promised something even bigger next year.

Restaurant Gift Certificates Sale Benefit FDL Area United Way

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift idea that will also benefit the community the Fond du Lac Area United Way would like to make a recommendation. This weekend gift certificates go on sale for Friar Tucks, Sebastian’s Steak House and Salty’s Seafood. Progressive Investors Company President Mike Pfeiffer says they will donate $2 from each certificate sold to the local United Way. He says it’s their way of supporting the United Way, something United Way Executive Director Tina Potter says they appreciate. The gift certificate sale runs through Sunday.

Night Of Silence

Those lucky enough to have tickets will be able to enjoy the Fond du Lac School District’s “Night of Silence” at the Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center this weekend. District Superintendent Jim Sebert says it’s a Christmas music program put on by the schools that makes you want to applaud, but that’s where the silence comes in. The audience is asked to hold their applause to the very end. Performances are tonight and Saturday night at 7:30 with a matinee Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Sebert says last year it took 7 days to give away all the tickets and this year only six.