News 2008-04-17 Andanh.com

Merwin making remarkable recovery Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:27:00 CST
Schools officials said Wednesday Fond du Lac High School Principal Mary Fran Merwin is making a remarkable recovery after undergoing brain surgery. Merwin, 58, was hospitalized April 8 after experiencing a severe headache, and two days later underwent image-guided surgery at Froedtert Memorial Hospital in Milwaukee to remove a mass that was found inside her brain, according to press releases from the School District. Family members reported Merwins pathology tests came back clear, although future testing has been scheduled to eliminate any concern. The type of mass has not been identified. Superintendent Greg Maass said the family has kept the district updated on Merwins condition and is thankful for prayers and cards, and continues to ask for privacy during her recovery, including no visitors. Merwin, who has served as a high school principal in Fond du Lac since 1999, is expected to take a month off from her position to rest and recover, the district said. She remained hospitalized as of Wednesday afternoon. Maass called Merwins emergency medical experience surreal. So many times there are significant health events and, even though we want them to turn out positive, they are difficult. This case has been rather amazing and Im satisfied and optimistic about her return, he said. Students and entire classrooms have sent cards and well wishes to Merwin, said Assistant Principal Jon Wiltzius. Some signs are up in the school. We have a think tank of staff members who have gotten together to devise some way we could communicate some care and concern, he said. He declined to divulge the surprise planned for the Fondy High principal. She will be happy to know that no instructional disruptions have occurred. Our staff and students have been outstanding, Wiltzius said.

Ripon death brings new gun charges Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:20:00 CST
A 52-year-old Ripon man whose home became the scene of a shooting in February is now facing a gun charge. Michael Leber, 53 WaWa Ave., faces up to six years in prison if convicted on a charge of possessing a short-barreled shotgun/rifle. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court on May 6. The gun was found by the Ripon Police Department after officers searched the home following a fatal shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of Feb. 20. Jason Perry, 18, was killed at the home after his best friend Evan Tolsma, 19, of Brandon, accidentally shot him in the head with an AK47 assault rifle, according to the criminal complaint. Tolsma has said he did not know the gun, which belonged to Leber, was loaded. Tolsma is charged with homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon. His next court appearance is May 12. The teens were hanging out at the house with Lebers son and had been examining several guns in the home, according to the complaint. During a search of the home, the Ripon Police Department turned up several guns, including a Herrington and Richardson Arms Co. 410 shotgun, with a sawed-off barrel that was shorter than regulatory size, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court. Michael Leber collected guns and used the sawed-off barrel because it was fun to shoot, according to the complaint. Leber was out of town at the time of the February shooting and his son, Aron Leber, 20, had access to the guns. There was also ammunition kept in the home, said Fond du Lac County District Attorney Michael ORourke. While Michael Leber cannot be criminally charged for the death of Perry, ORourke said he created an environment for his son and his sons friends that led to the shooting. He created a household where this became a possibility, he said. I hold him I hold him somewhat accountable (for Perrys death). While there is nothing wrong with having a gun collection, ORourke said he was not OK with the easy access the son had to guns and ammunition kept in the home. He also questioned why some sort of trigger lock wasnt placed on the guns. Michael Leber told police he regretted the accessibility of the guns and ammunition, Ripon Police Chief Dave Lukoski said Wednesday. Shotguns are required to be a certain length for several reasons, Lukoski said, in particular because sawed-off shotguns are more dangerous. A sawed-off barrel has more likelihood of spreading ammunition across a wider path, making it unclear where the pellets will end up, he said. Barrels are required by law to be 18 inches or longer. The shotgun found in Michael Lebers home had a barrel of 15 1/2 inches, according to the complaint. Michael Leber told police he received the sawed-off shotgun from his father who is deceased. Lukoski said its likely Michael Leber knew the gun was illegal. He was very knowledgeable about guns, he said. Besides, ignorance is no excuse.

Oakfield may consider closing 1 school Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:58:00 CST
OAKFIELD Declining student enrollment and shrinking funds have prompted the Oakfield Board of Education to consider reducing the school district from three buildings to two. Board members Monday approved the study of a consolidation plan that would include closing Belle Reynolds Elementary School and moving those students to Oakfield Middle School. The move would require a referendum to get voter approval to expand the middle school, said Superintendent Joe Heinzelman. We are looking to keep the district viable by any positive means, and its our belief there would be significant cost savings if we closed the building, he said. The last time residents of the rural community were asked to support increased funding they passed a $2.1 million referendum in 1997, allowing the district to exceed revenue limits each year until 2010. The money was needed to keep schools in operation, Heinzelman said. Enrollment in Oakfield Schools peaked at around 666 students during the 1996-97 school year. Projections indicate that number will drop to 450 students in a couple years, the superintendent noted. Heinzelman said the study will serve as a fact-gathering mission to find out construction costs, loan rates spread over 20 years and detailed operating costs for Belle Reynolds. The middle school was readied for an addition to the west when it was built in 1997, after the Oakfield tornado, Heinzelman said. About five rooms would be needed to house students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. If the plan were approved students in seventh- through Grade 12 would attend the high school. Heinzelman said he was meeting with representatives from C.D. Smith Construction Wednesday afternoon to look at preliminary building figures. If the plan meets board approval, the referendum could be presented to the public as soon as the spring of 2009. Although no one wants to see Belle Reynolds close, the atmosphere that has earned the grade school a great reputation can be replicated anywhere because of the great staff, Heinzelman said. The vacant elementary could then be sold, rented out or donated to the community. A board member reminded us that he heard over and over during the last referendum people asking why dont they just close a school or cut administrators, Heinzelman said. This plan would give the school district a chance to continue for many years.

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Woman in crash cited for 4th drunken driving offense Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:34:00 CST
A 56-year-old Campbellsport woman was arrested for her fourth-drunken driving offense after she crashed into a traffic light on East Johnson Street early Tuesday afternoon. After the woman struck the light, the traffic signal at Johnson Street and Country Lane, just west of Festival Foods, snapped in half and landed on the womans car, smashing her windshield, said Lt. Steve Klein of the Fond du Lac Police Department. The woman left the scene of the accident and drove west on Johnson Street, Klein said. Officers pulled her over a few minutes later, about 12:35 p.m., and arrested her on a fourth operating while intoxicated charge. It was 12 in the afternoon and she was already drunk, Klein said of the driver. A police officer pursuing the woman also was involved in a minor accident when a woman backing out of a driveway on Johnson Street collided with the squad car, Klein said. No damage was done and no one was injured in either accident, he said.

Petri raises nearly $100,000 in campaign contributions Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:32:00 CST
WASHINGTON Rep. Tom Petri added $97,305 to his campaign chest in the first quarter of this year, outdistancing his two challengers. Petri, who is seeking a 16th term, reported $956,094 in cash on hand after paying $27,544 in campaign expenses, according to his campaign finance report filed Tuesday. The Fond du Lac Republican collected $19,455 in contributions from individuals and $77,850 from political action committees. The reporting period covered Jan. 1 through March 31. Petri also reported an additional $9,181 in receipts from campaign investment funds. Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz , a Republican, and international dairy sales representative Roger Kittleson, a Democrat, raised far less than Petri. Kratz, who announced on March 11 that he will challenge Petri, mailed in a campaign finance report showing a sole contribution of $500 from his mother, Nancy. She wanted to be the first contributor, said treasurer Brad Grant. Kittleson, of Lomira, filed a report that showed new contributions of $1,292.01, expenses of $264.85 and a cash balance of $3,379.89. Kittleson, who is running against Petri because of the lawmakers support for the Iraq war, said he knows it will be difficult to oust an incumbent. But he said hes been encouraged by the number of people willing to volunteer for his campaign. Were in this for the long haul, Kittleson said. Petri last faced a Democratic challenger in 2004 and won with 67 percent of the vote. His most recent GOP primary challenger was John L. Moder in 2000. Petri won the contest with 87 percent of the vote.

Wanted: Sailing enthusiasts Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:41:00 CST
The Fond du Lac Reporter is looking for sailing enthusiasts to tell their stories about the sport. Contact Brett Rowland at 920-922-4606, ext. 288, or browland@fdlreporter.com to share your passion for sailing. Your stories may be used in an upcoming feature story.

2 Fond du Lac students expelled Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:29:00 CST
Two students were expelled this week from the Fond du Lac School District. An eighth-grade boy at Woodworth Middle School was expelled for verbally threatening others and possession of a weapon with metal siding. The student was expelled for the remainder of this school year and all of the 2008-09 school year with a conditional early return as soon as September 2008. A ninth-grade boy at Fond du Lac High School was expelled for possession and distribution of a controlled substance Adderall He was expelled for the remainder of this year and all of the 2008-09 school year with a conditional early return as soon as the summer school session. The Board of Education met in closed session Monday to review each case and followed the recommendations of district hearing officer Frank Endejan.

Fox Lake woman sentenced for narcotics possession Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:00 CST
JUNEAU A Fox Lake woman accused of delivering pain medications has been found guilty. Judge John Storck sentenced Gidget Wheeler, 35, to three years probation during a hearing Wednesday in Dodge County Circuit Court. As part of an agreement, Wheeler withdrew her not guilty by mental defect or disease plea and pleaded no contest to an amended felony charge of narcotics possession. In addition, Wheeler was ordered to obtain AODA counseling, maintain absolute sobriety and not possess any drugs without a valid prescription. Storck also ordered the suspension of Wheelers drivers license for six months. Wheeler was arrested following a traffic stop on Oct. 6 in Waupun after a police officer observed the car she was driving cross the center line several times. The woman told the officer her poor driving resulted from talking on the cell phone at the time, according to the criminal complaint. While the woman was rummaging through her purse for her drivers license, the officer observed several bottles of pills inside. Wheeler explained that some of the pain medications in her possession belonged to her roommate and she was in the process of delivering them to the womans job site in Beaver Dam, according to the complaint. Upon further questioning, the woman admitted to selling the drugs to a local woman.

Attorney: Father of Baraboo twins found dead uses medication Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:31:00 CST
BARABOO The father of 5-week-old twins found dead in his home takes behavioral medication and may not be competent to deal with the legal system without it, his attorney said.

Mayville man sentenced for fleeing officer Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:51:00 CST
JUNEAU A 23-year-old Mayville man who led police on a high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods in Mayville last year will spend six months in jail. Dustin L. Schroeder appeared in Dodge County Circuit Court Tuesday for a plea/sentencing hearing. Schroeder was found guilty of felony charges of fleeing/eluding an officer, resisting arrest and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, second offense. During the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2007, Mayville Police Officer Ryan Vossekuil observed a vehicle speeding north on School Street. The vehicle continued to accelerate at speeds of up to 63 mph through residential neighborhoods, according to the criminal complaint. Schroeder eventually pulled into a driveway in the 1200 block of Valley Street and fled on foot. Vossekuil caught and arrested him. Judge John Storck also ordered that Schroeder obtain AODA counseling, maintain absolute sobriety, not possess or use alcohol or drugs and serve two years probation following his release from jail.

Wanted: Depp extras Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:17:00 CST
Are you a Fond du Lac area resident whos picked up the role of an extra in Johnny Depps movie Public Enemies Give us a call or drop us an e-mail, wed like to talk with you about your movie experiences. E-mail pbreister@fdlreporter.com or call Peggy Breister at 922-4606 ext. 275.

Wanted: Gardening fans Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:56:00 CST
Do you have a passion for gardening Is it something you just dabble in Whatever your reason for digging in the dirt, wed like to talk to you. Send your stories to Peggy Breister at pbreister@fdlreporter.com. Your comments may be used in a story.

Dodge board members sworn in Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:24:00 CST
JUNEAU Although recommended by the Executive Committee, the newly reorganized Dodge County Board of Supervisors voted down a resolution allowing the board chairman to appoint members of the Highway and Ag-Extension committees. Supervisors defeated the resolution by a 29 to 7 margin, expressing their desire to continue the protocol of committee members being selected by County Board members through a vote. Even though members of all other committees, excluding the Executive, Highway and Ag-Extension committees, are appointed by Board Chairman Russell Kottke, the full board must vote to approve the appointments. Two new board members, Jeff Berres of Watertown and Dean Fuller of Waupun, were sworn in to fill the seats in Districts 11 and 29, respectively. Fuller was chosen by lot from a pool of three write-in candidates. He will represent citizens living in the first and third wards of Waupun. Supervisor Emmet Weber of District 3 in Beaver Dam declined his two-year term as he has moved out of the district. Interested citizens living in the district have until May 5 to contact County Clerk Karen Gibson.

2 Wisconsin Marines killed, 1 injured Monday in Iraq Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:27:00 CST
MILWAUKEE Two Wisconsin Marines were killed and a third wounded in Iraq on Monday. All three belonged to Milwaukee-based Fox Company.

Drug raids focus on cocaine in Greenville, Kaukauna Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:26:00 CST
APPLETON Three people have been charged, a fourth is in custody and a fifth faces charges after three coordinated drug raids last Wednesday by a drug enforcement agency.

Car goes airborne, lands on 5-foot wall in Omro Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:00:00 CST
OMRO Alcohol charges are pending against a 36-year-old rural Omro man who drove his car through the parking lot of Webster Manor April 7. His car became airborne before it landed on a five-foot high retaining wall at the edge of the parking lot. The back end got hung up on the wall while the front end embedded in the terrace. A tow truck operator had to pull the vehicle back up the wall backwards to get the cable underneath it in order to remove it, Police Chief James Reed said.

Public Enemies filming begins on Main Street in Oshkosh today Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:21:00 CST
Main Street was buzzing early this morning as movie crews, extras and bystanders made their way to the Public Enemies movie set.

Case ready in infant sex assault Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:00:00 CST
An agonizing 10 months after her infant daughter was sexually assaulted, Kimberly Huebner said Tuesday she is thrilled to see the case moving forward.

County Board meets for first time since size reduction Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:23:00 CST
The new, smaller Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors gathered for the first time Tuesday night to elect leaders and reorganize its committees.

County to offer input on Bypass Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:54:00 CST
Fond du Lac County is hoping to steer the course of the Highway 151 Bypass.

Birthing moms find new methods of pain relief Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:00:00 CST
Holistic methods to reduce pain during childbirth now outnumber drug-induced labors, according to local alternative birthing experts.

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