Local News Briefs Saturday 8/24/13

Fire destroyed a barn in Dodge County’s Clyman Township Thursday morning. Clyman Fire Department officials say the owner was in the barn milking cows then went into his house. When he returned five minutes later flames were coming from the roof. The cause of the blaze is being determined.  Fifty head of cattle were rescued from the barn before firefighters arrived on scene. There was minor heat damage to the adjacent home, but crews were able to save it. The barn is located along Willow Road.

 

Menasha Corp Closing Green Lake Plant

 

Forty-five people will be put out of work when the Menasha Corporation closes its Green Lake plant at the end of next month. Company officials say it is part of a consolidation effort. Employees were notified earlier this month. They will be able to apply for positions at the company’s plants in Hartford and Neenah. The plant in Green Lake produces corrugated sheet packaging materials.

 

No Surprise In 2014 FDL County Budget

 

Fond du Lac County Executive Al Buechel says he will give his annual budget address to the County Board when they meet on Tuesday, October 22nd.  He says there are no big surprises coming in the 2014 County Budget. He says it’s a “cost to continue” budget with the usual money for improving highways, taking care of some building issues, no drastic cuts or new positions.

He says getting out of the home health care business is going to save the County about $250,000.

 

SMSA Fundraiser Continues To Move Forward

 

The president of St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac says an effort to raise over $21 million through a capital campaign to build one united campus has generated a lot of interest.

Shaw says that campaign is from people both inside and outside of Fond du Lac. He says alumni and friends from all over the country are interested in the academy’s future. Earlier this month school officials announced over $15 million had already been donated for the effort. Shaw says he’d like to see the new facilities open by the fall of 2015 or 2016. Those interested in giving to the campaign can send contributions to St. Mary’s Springs Academy, 114 Amory Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 or you can stop by there for more information or call (920) 924-0993.

 

Warming Shelter Needs

 

Solutions Center Executive Director Lindee Kimball says it may seem like an odd time to talk about winter with one of the hottest spells of the summer coming up next week, but they have to think about preparing their warming shelter for the winter. She says they have to clean the beds, rugs and do other preparation work, so they need volunteers.  She says they could also use someone to do maintenance. Those who are interested can call the Solutions Center at 923-1743.

 

Congressman Petri Town Meetings

 

Congressman Tom Petri will be holding town meetings at 12 different locations over the next two weeks. They will start out at the Columbia County Law Enforcement Center in Portage Monday and conclude on Thursday, September 5th at the Fond du Lac Public Library. In between the federal lawmaker will hold town meetings in Fredonia, Howards Grove, Poynette, Lomira, Manitowoc, Montello, Wautoma, Berlin, Menasha, and Grafton. For a complete list of times and locations click below.

 

Wild West Fun Part Of Free SPIRIT Riders Annual Ride-a-Thon

 

Free SPIRIT Riders will host their 23rd Annual Ride-a-Thon at their facilities on Highway 23 two miles east of Fond du Lac today. Part of that fun will be a Wild West Show. Free SPIRIT Executive Director Mary Narges says the show is at 2 p.m. featuring the Renegade Mounted Shooters. The Ride-a-Thon gets underway at 9:30 a.m. There will be musical entertainment, a roast pork lunch, bucket raffle for the children, silent and live auctions. Free SPIRIT Riders is a horse riding therapy program that has helped out more than 700 people with cognitive and physical disabilities over the years.