Local News Briefs Tuesday 6/17/14

Governor Scott Walker announced Monday $1.4 million in funding for a project to install security gates, construct a cul-de-sac and reconstruct taxiways and taxi lanes at the Fond du Lac County Airport. Ryan Donnelly, airport development engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, said the project will enhance airport security and increase safety on the taxiways and taxi lanes. There will be a state and local match of $71,874 each for the project and the Federal Aviation Administration will provide nearly $1.3 million in funding. Work begins next month and should be completed this fall.

Vandalism A Problem In County And Waupun Parks

Waupun Police Chief Dale Heeringa says its unfortunate that the constant vandalism in the County park and City parks has led to locking restroom doors at night. City police and Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s deputies are stepping up patrol of the parks and adopting a zero tolerance policy because of the problem. Chief Heeringa says he believes teenagers are responsible for issues for disorderly driving and vandalism at the parks. He says the decision to lock park bathrooms is a recent decision predicated by the vandalism. The County park has a host who is at his wit’s end over the vandalism and what to do about it. Heeringa says they need the public’s help, so if someone sees something they should call the police department dispatch at (920) 324-7911 or call the Fond du Lac or Dodge County Sheriff’s Offices.

Teen Sets Fire In Waupun Park Restroom

Waupun Police arrested a 13-year-old girl suspected of setting a fire in a City park restroom Saturday afternoon. Police say the fire in the women’s restroom was out when they arrived and did no damage. City ambulance got a call a few minutes later for a teenage girl on the other end of the park. She was suffering from smoke inhalation. She was taken to Waupun Memorial Hospital where she was treated. Police say she admitted to using a lighter to set some paper products in the restroom ablaze. A reckless use of burning materials charge has been referred to the Dodge County Juvenile Intake Office.

Ripon Teen Spits On Police Officers

A 17-year-old Ripon woman has been charged for spitting on a police officer during an incident last week. Police were called to a residence for a report about an intoxicated woman. When Ripon Police arrested Lucinda Will she began fighting with officers. While she was being taken from a residence she spit on officers. She was charged in Fond du Lac County Court for discharging bodily fluids, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. She posted a $50 cash bond and has a preliminary hearing on June 27th.

Hustisford Man Suspected Of Driving Drunk During Accident

Dodge County Sheriff’s officials say a 51-year-old Hustisford man rolled his vehicle over into a field while he was driving drunk Saturday night. Tad Rinehart was taken to Watertown Hospital following the accident on County Highway CJ. Authorities say his blood alcohol content was more than four times the legal limit (.341). After being treated for his injuries he was arrested for OWI first offense and was taken to the Dodge County Jail.

Same Sex Couples Getting Refund On Marriage License Application Fee

The five same sex couples who filed for marriage licenses in Fond du Lac County will be getting a refund. County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says each of the couples will get the $100 they paid for the application back. She says she was advised by the County’s corporation counsel about the refund as she has been on other issues related to Judge Barbara Crabb’s rulings. She says it will save the County some money on administrative costs and the marriage license applications will be destroyed. She says as much as couples would like to have a copy of the application for history’s sake, her department never gives out paper copies of the application. Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds Shawn Kelly says as of Monday morning no same sex couples had come to his office to ask for a certified copy of a marriage license meaning no weddings for those couples had been performed.

Rolling Meadows Senior Housing Project On FDL County Board Agenda

The Fond du Lac County Board tonight will consider approving an agreement with a senior housing complex developer. Rolling Meadows LLC is planning to develop a 71-unit senior apartment complex at the site of the former Rolling Meadows Nursing home. Should the board approve the agreement it will amend a prior agreement with the developer. The Fond du Lac City Council approved an agreement for the project in April. The project will begin this summer and should be completed by next summer. The board’s meeting is at 7 p.m. in the City-County Government Center.

Trade Ranking Puts FDL Area Among Best Cities For Jobs

In a 2014 Best Cities for jobs ranking the Fond du Lac metro area or the County has shown impressive job growth over the last year. NewGeography has named the County as one of the leading job creation locations in America. Overall, the Fond du Lac metro ranked 174th in job creation out of 398 metros in the nation.  Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation Business Development Director Bill Steimel says that’s an impressive leap of 179 spots since 2013 when the area ranked 353rd. Fond du Lac also moved up 102 in terms of the 240 small metro areas or to 100th. He says that’s good news in terms of job growth. Fond du Lac County ranked 13th in the nation out of 317 metros measured in terms of growth in information technology jobs with a 12.5% growth rate. He says that’s an area that’s been a focus for improvement. In 2013, the Fond du Lac metro ranked 198th for a gain of 185 spots! To see more click here.

RV And Campers Only Allowed To Park On Streets For Up To 24 Hours

Local police are reminding residents that they can only park their RV or camper on the street for up to 24 hours. North Fond du Lac Police Chief Darren Pautsch says for some reason they’ve been getting more complaints than usual about it this year. Pautsch says you can call the police department to get more time if you need it up to seven days. He says that’s because people need time at the beginning and the end of the season to prepare or unload their camper. Fond du Lac Police Officer Steve Olson also reminds residents not to block your neighbor’s access to their driveway if you park your RV or camper on the street. The Ripon Common Council last week also amended their ordinance allowing RVs to park on City streets for up to 24 hours.

Acuity Flag Dedicated

(WHBL-Sheboygan)-With skydivers circling around, the huge Acuity Flag was raised and dedicated during an hour-long ceremony Monday morning in Sheboygan.  Governor Scott Walker was the keynote speaker, saying it will be a lasting monument for all who have served.  Walker also proclaimed Monday as Acuity Flag Day in Wisconsin.  The governor presented a plaque with the proclamation to Acuity CEO Ben Salzman.  About two dozen Acuity employees who are veterans carried in the flag on their shoulders.  It was then attached and raised to the top of the flagpole with skydivers circling about.  The new flagpole stands 400 feet.  There are two versions of the 60 by 120 foot flag.  One which is flown during normal conditions weighs 220 pounds.  The other, which flies during harsher weather, weighs 350 pounds. Photo courtesy of Steve “Axle” Hinkley.