Local News Briefs Thursday 10/2/14

A 48-year-old Oshkosh man has been charged after struggling with a Fond du Lac Police officer following a disturbance at an AA meeting. William Smith allegedly caused a ruckus at the Gratitude Club and left after smashing a glass on the ground. He allegedly rushed at a police officer who pulled him over after the incident. The officer told him to back off, but Smith continued to advance on the officer even after the officer used a stun gun on him. The officer was able to subdue him. Smith is charged with battery to a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, resisting an officer and criminal damage to property. He was released on a $1,000 signature bond and has a preliminary hearing on October 31st.

Standoff In Waupun Ends Without Incident

Waupun Police say a teen surrendered without incident after a brief standoff with police Tuesday afternoon. Police says family members called after the 16-year-old took a shotgun and locked himself in a bedroom threatening to hurt himself. Other family members left the home, while police tried to reach the teen by phone. They were able to contact him and he gave up without incident.

Power Company Scam In Oshkosh

Oshkosh Police say a second time someone posing as a power company representative led to a theft. During an incident Tuesday a man wearing a baseball cap and jacket told a homeowner on Sanders Street there was a power problem at a neighbor’s house and they needed to get into the basement to check on the homeowner’s power. While the homeowner was downstairs the man went upstairs and stole money and jewelry. The man was described as being 5 foot 8 inches tall, with a medium build. He was driving a white pickup truck with some equipment in the bed of the truck. There was a similar incident on September 17th, but the homeowner asked for an ID and the man left. Anyone with information is asked to call Oshkosh Police at (920) 236-5700. 

House Ethics Committee Continues Petri Inquiry

(WHBL-Sheboygan)-Fond du Lac Congressman Tom Petri says he’s getting a raw deal from the House Ethics Committee, just three months before he retires after 36 years in office. Tuesday the panel said it would continue its inquiry into reports that the veteran Republican owned stock in companies for which he helped obtain federal grants and breaks from government rules. Petri sought the probe himself, after Gannett Wisconsin Media first reported the alleged connections earlier this year. At that time, Petri said he was convinced he did nothing wrong. An independent board said there was “substantial reason” to believe that Petri violated House rules, by building up to $1 million in Oshkosh Corporation stock as he helped the firm keep a $3-billion Army vehicle contract. The report also said he had up to $500,000 in Manitowoc Company stock, for which he sought relief from E-P-A rules for diesel engines on its cranes. Petri calls the findings “deeply flawed and unfounded.” He said his stock holdings have always been disclosed.

Photo ID Could Lead To Longer Wait At The Polls

With photo ID needed at the polls this November be prepared to stand in line. Fond du Lac County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says it will take longer to vote and the wait might not be that long, but if you have an appointment you have to make it might be wise to go to it first. She says if you are in line at 8 p.m. when the polls are supposed to close you will be allowed to vote. She says ironically people will wait in line next month for Black Friday specials, but don’t have the same patience when it comes to voting.

The Arts Help To Round Out Children’s Educations In NFDL

North Fond du Lac Schools Superintendent Aaron Sadoff says Art programs help to round out their students. He says an Artist in Residence program brings artists with a variety of talents to the classroom including some recognized artists. He says artists have showed kids how to make necklaces, drawings, carvings, pottery and other forms of art. He says they even have a program for their Alternative Learning Center. He says they teach kids a lot in school, but the Arts, Music and Theater are something children also learn to value.

Deer A Threat To Drivers This Time Of Year

Fall in Wisconsin means football, falling leaves, and deer darting unexpectedly into roadways. Dave Pabst, is the director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Safety. He says the best thing people can do is buckle up, slow down, and just be alert. He says if you can’t avoid a crash, brake firmly, but stay in your lane and in control of your vehicle. If you hit a deer, get your vehicle off the road if possible and call law enforcement. And remember, walking around a highway is very dangerous. It’s generally best to stay buckled up and in your vehicle until help arrives. Pabst says all drivers need to be alert, but especially motorcyclists. He says last year eight people lost their lives in deer-vehicle crashes and six of them were motorcyclists. Deer are most active in the early morning and early evening hours.

UW-FDL Campus Preview October 15^th

The UW-Fond du Lac will host a campus preview on Wednesday, October 15th. UW-Fond du Lac Dean John Short says it’s an opportunity to learn more about getting an education on the local campus. He says high school students, their parent and friends, and adults can get more information about the UW-Fond du Lac. He says some of the things you can learn about that night include financial aids, admission, and there’s the chance to meet faculty and staff and current students. You can also tour the campus. Again the campus preview is on Wednesday, October 15th at 6 p.m.

Oshkosh Corp Gets Military Contract

The Oshkosh Corporation continues to get military business, even with U-S involvement in the Middle East winding down.  The company on Tuesday announced a $99-million dollar contract to refurbish extended-boom forklifts for the Marine Corps.  Oshkosh made the units originally.  The new contract also calls for 100 armored cabs and related replacement parts.  The work will be performed over a five-year period at the company’s plant in Oshkosh.