Fond du Lac flooding, 2008 by Gannett Wisconsin Media

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

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THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Building materials float Friday in floodwater behind a home on Western Avenue near the overflowing banks of the West Branch of the Fond du Lac River. A total of 4.5 inches of rain fell on the city Thursday night and early Friday. The onslaught caused massive flooding throughout Fond du Lac and an overtaxed sewage system caused major basement backups across the city.

View aerial and ground photo galleries as well as video of Fond du Lac’s flood and its aftermath at www.fdlreporter.com

City manager: ‘It’s the 100-year storm’ BY SHARON ROZNIK

The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

Fond du Lac County’s recovery from what is being called a “100-yearstor m” depends on approval for federal aid for those impacted by devastating and widespread flooding. “There’s an essential urgency to everything we do now,” said Emergency Gover nment Director Erin Gerred as she hand-

ed out maps to fire chiefs and government officials during a meeting Saturday and asked them to complete detailed assessments of the damage incurred in their communities. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are expected to ar rive in the state sometime on Monday, said Lois Ristow, who represents the Joint Force

See FLOOD Page A6

æ æ æ æ æ æ

INSIDE A2: Post Office relocates to Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds A3: Local residents coping, trying to dry out homes A4: Storms slam business community, downtown hard A5: Fruth Field a swamp; Fond du Lac School District takes big hit A9: Editorial — The pain is real, but so is our resilience A9: Michael Mentzer column — Downtown flood flows into history

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LOCAL

The Reporter, Sunday, June 15, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

Post Office relocates to County Fairgrounds BY SHARON ROZNIK The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

The old adage “neither snow, nor rain, nor heat… ” held true in Fond du Lac after flood waters ravaged the U.S. Post Office, located on West Second Street, immediately west of the Fond du Lac River. Temporary facilities open to the public have been set up in the Expo Center at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds, located off either Fond du Lac Avenue or Martin Avenue. The Fairgrounds is also host to a shelter set up for area residents who had to evacuate their homes. It will be business as usual, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday, including the sale of stamps and package mailing, said Terry Bouffiou, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service. “People with post office boxes or those who lost their mailboxes during the flood can pick up their mail here,” she said. Mail was not delivered in the city on Friday, and the Post Office building on West Second Street was shut down, with a sign posted on the door: “Closed until further notice.”

Bouffiou said Postal Service officials anticipate equipment will be cleaned up and relocated in time to serve customers. “Everyone is working around the clock to put things back together. Today (Saturday), we are sorting out hundreds of pieces of mail by hand on flat tables,” she said. All deliveries were being made Saturday by mail carriers, despite the loss of 45 mail trucks that were submerged in the Post Office parking lot during Thursday’s storms. “We’ve borrowed what we could from other post offices and rented 20 Ryder trucks to deliver the mail,” Bouffiou said. “We are hoping our trucks can be dried out and repaired, but at this point, we don’t know.” Other post offices sent every spare piece of equipment they could to help Fond du Lac deliver the mail, include satchels for mail carriers, Bouffiou said. Contractors hired to repair the damage expect cleanup of mud and debris THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD to take two weeks once the water is removed from the Todd Stanelle of North Fond du Lac performs clerk duties Saturday in the Fond du Lac Post Office’s temporary operations center in the Expo Center at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. inside of the building.

Waupun continues to endure flooding woes FLOOD PICTURES WANTED The Waupun Historical Society is asking residents with photos or videos of the recent flooding to consider donating copies to the Waupun Heritage Museum to document the historic flood. Personal stories in writing about flood experiences are also wanted. “People are history, and we want to record for the future generations what it was like in Waupun during June of 2008,” said Waupun historian Jim Laird. Send electronic photos to jimhope@charter.net or send a DVD or CD to Waupun Historical Society, 314 Beaver Dam St., Waupun WI 53963-1840 or bring them to the Waupun Heritage Museum, 22 South Madison St., on the first and third Sunday of each month from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Please identify who took the pictures and when and where they were taken.

WAUPUN — For Waupun residents, flooding seems to be a bad movie that keeps rewinding itself over and over again. Just when basements started to dry out and the Rock River receded back down into its banks, a wave of drenching thunderstorms pummeled the city Thursday, dropping more than 6 inches of rain and forcing residents along the Rock River to evacuate their homes and seek shelter with relatives or at the high school. “When it flooded in 2004, it was bad. A week ago, it was bad. This is even worse,” said Waupun Emergency Government Director and Fire Chief Jeff Berry. Earlier last week, the Rock River crested at 8.26 feet, setting a record. Just five days later, the Rock River has risen to 10.06 feet over flood stage and was still climbing. In between thunderstorms, firefighters were flooded with calls from residents requesting gas shut-offs and help evacuating their flooded homes. Berry said the Red Cross set up a shelter in the high school and will continue to serve residents as long as they need assistance.

The Reporter Staff

Treatment Plant was processing 6,000 gallons a minute, four times the normal plant capacity. “By 2 a.m. Friday morning, we were running 29,000 gallons a minute, putting tremendous stress on the plant and sanitary collection system,” said Waupun Utilities Manager Zak Bloom. “At 4 a.m., we had so much water coming and had no way to keep ahead of it, so we called in the Fire Department to help bypass some sanitary sewers out into the streets.” Homeowners trying to empty their basements with portable pumps had another setback as a lightning strike to the city’s transmission system caused a power outage for 2,300 customers on the city’s southeast side, inBattling Mother Nature cluding the industrial park. “That lasted about 45 minutes. At flooded intersections, utilities crews set up portable pumps, We had another small power outtrying to draw down the sanitary age in the Meadowview Circle sewer system in hopes of creating area that lasted nearly four capacity in the system for home- hours,” Bloom said. owners to lower water levels in One-two punch their basements. As the stor ms struck the Residents living along Newton Waupun area, the Wastewater Avenue and Rock Avenue were hit

hard by the surging waters of the Rock River and a small tributary stream, Harris Creek. William “Bucky” Wendlandt, who lives adjacent to Harris Creek on Newton Avenue, said his basement was completely filled with water when his basement windows burst. “I ran to the hardware store to get another pump when my wife called,” Wendlandt said. “It was like a river flowing through my basement. Even though I lost everything in my basement, I’m trying to be optimistic.” Ryan Arndt spent the morning helping his grandparents, Bob and Sylvia Schramm bail out their basement on Newton Avenue that flooded after a power outage silenced the sump pump. “Back home, I have a little water in my basement and some leaking on the roof but that’s a minor inconvenience compared to this,” Arndt said. “This is definitely the worst-hit area in town.”

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The Reporter, Sunday, June 15, 2008

LOCAL

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Storms hit business community hard Most damage confined to basements BY HEATHER STANEK

The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

Fond du Lac businesses have been bailing water, assessing damage and doing all they can to help each other. Thursday’s storms flooded the city, filling basements and forcing entrepreneurs to act quickly.

Main Street disaster

Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership Director Amy Hansen had a sad duty Friday. She spent the day looking at waterlogged stores, recording problems and consoling business owners. It’s too early to tell how much repairs will cost, but Hansen said the number of businesses affected is staggering. Almost every shop from Main Exchange, 161 S. Main St., to Beernuts, 183 S. Main St., is damaged. Most damage was confined to basements, but Shut Up and Dance Studio and Lillian’s had water on the main floor. Hansen added that some owners reported that the water in their basements was to the ceiling. The flooding was so widespread that officials war ned citizens not to travel or shop. Hansen noted that many companies were closed anyway because their employees were battling flooding problems at home and work. As of Friday, Hansen did not know whether or not insurance will cover the affected shops or whether financial aid will be available. “They are all severe,” she said. “I just don’t know what to do for people.” Businesses weren’t the only downtown entity affected by the flood. St. Paul’s Cathedral, 51 W. Division St., was closed Friday. A sign on a door said Broken Bread food distribution was canceled Friday.

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Floodwaters from the nearby Fond du Lac River surround The Reporter building, 33 W. Second St., in Fond du Lac, at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday. firefighters called Mercury Marine to request assistance Thursday night, said Shannon Marone, Mercury’s senior communications specialist. Marone said the company sent five inflatable boats to evacuate citizens. The boats were still in commission Friday afternoon. Mercury Marine has also sent a box truck to deliver relief kits throughout Madison, Fond du Lac and other affected areas. “We just want to do as much as possible,” she said.

Mind the water

Several businesses, including some major employers, have been monitoring the weather closely the last few days. As of Friday, Mercury Marine had not experienced any flooding issues, but several employees were struggling with Send the cavalry The city’s largest em- water in their homes, said ployer put its specialty to Marone. The Reporter contacted use this week. Fond du Lac

Sadoff Iron and Metal, 240 W. Arndt St., but a voicemail said the business was closed. Meanwhile, employees at Bluemke’s Inc. in Rosendale were finally catching a breather after a pulse-pounding night. Owner Elizabeth Crook said her family was ner-

Despite the fiasco, Cook was in high spirits on Friday. She was grateful no merchandise was damaged. “We’re counting our blessings,” she said. “Things dry out.”

Seeking refuge

Hotels opened their

“IT WAS ABSOLUTELY INSANE. IT (THE FLOOD) WAS AN ACT OF GOD THAT REALLY SUCKED” — Kelly Opperman, guest services manger for Country Inn and Suites vous because the warehouse sits next to a creek. As the water level rose, they started using squeegees to keep the building dry. But then “the creek became the Mississippi River,” she said. Using forklifts, the family moved about 150 appliances through 1 foot of water. That took until midnight. “It seemed like 1,000 (appliances),” she said.

doors to stranded motorists and evacuated homeowners as the floodwaters rose. Customers started pouring in Friday afternoon at the Holiday Inn, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Drive. “It filled right up,” said General Manager Dennis Stahmann. “We had people sleeping on the sofas.” Thursday evening, which started out quiet, turned chaotic for Coun-

try Inn and Suites, 121 Merwin Way. When traffic was diverted off Highway 41 at about 5 p.m., motorists began pouring in, said guest services manager Kelly Opper man. Homeowners called nonstop to request rooms. Opperman said it’s the only time when she’s had more than six people on hold. One woman held for a half an hour for a room, she added. Before the stor m, the hotel had booked 30 rooms. By 6 p.m., the hotel’s 65 rooms were full. “It was absolutely insane,” she recalled. “It (the flood) was an act of God that really sucked.” Stahmann said some visitors left Friday morning as the highways opened, but he still expected the hotel to be full much of the weekend. It will depend on how many homeowners need to evacuate. “It kind of reminds me of the Oakfield tornado,” he said. “All these poor

people are looking for a place to stay. “It’s unbelievable. I can’t believe this is happening.” Opper man added that some families stayed because their houses were flooded, and she hopes she doesn’t receive any more calls from evacuated citizens. “I don’t want them to have to leave their homes,” she said. “That’s not something I would wish on anybody so my hotel can fill up.”

Pulling through

Towing companies had their hands full during and after Thursday’s stor m. The phone was ringing almost non-stop Friday at J&M Towing and Service, 233 Winnebago Drive. Office assistant Debby Kiersten said one employee worked all night Thursday. Twenty to 40 customers were on a waiting list Friday. “We’re swamped,” she said.

Red Cross volunteer: ‘They just kept coming’

BY SHARON ROZNIK

“You can see here on my jeans where the water line was,” she said, pointed to a dark ring right above her knee. The 16 boats that maneuvered through city waters to rescue residents were provided by Mercury Marine, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and private citizens, said Fond du Lac County Emergency Management Director Erin Gerred.

The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

Gladys Lamers woke up at 2:30 a.m. to the sound of a man talking in her bedroom at Brookside Senior Apartments. “It was a fireman who had come to rescue me,” said the 88year-old Lamers, one of 218 Fond du Lac residents who were evacuated or fled to Fond du Lac High School through the night Thursday as flood waters lapped at their doorsteps. Red Cross Disaster Volunteer Earl Jewett and a weary crew of volunteers helped evacuees who had camped overnight in the high school commons pack up mid-morning on Friday what little they had to move to another, bigger shelter set up at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. People rose from cots, shaky from lack of sleep. A child, who couldn’t be consoled, cried and cried. Elderly women who had sat up all night talked about all the times in their life they’ve had to gather resolve. “They just kept coming, a lot of anxious people taken from their homes by police officers, wading their way through waste-deep water in the middle of the night,” said Red Cross volunteer Kathleen Depies. It took a mad scramble to gather resources, Jewett said, as so much of the local Red Cross equipment had been loaned out to other disasterstruck areas of the state. “Someone on our crew got a truck from the county Highway Department. Johnson Bus went out and picked up 68 cots from the hospital. School janitors and high school staff who had showed up for g raduation stayed here through the night to help. It was amazing how it all came together,” he said. County Health Officer Diane

A helpless feeling

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Brother and sister Nick and Ally Franzen sit on cots Friday morning in the emergency shelter set up at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. Cappozzo worked all night to fill prescriptions for people who left their homes with only the The Red Cross is in need of doclothes on their backs and pronations, as the emergency situation vided residents with other is fast depleting resources. Emerneedy essentials like diapers gency Disaster volunteer Earl Jewand baby formula. ett said area shelters could use “People were very grateful for blankets, and he asks that citizens whatever we could do for call 922-3450 to see how they can them,” Cappozzo said. “There help. are some who have no family and friends, and they need some help with long-term assistance personal care kits, with toothand finding somewhere to stay.” brushes, were available. æ The boat reached Marcial Boats to the rescue Borth’s doorstep at 233 W. Folæ Unlike her neighbor Gladys lett St. at 10 p.m., just about the Lamers, Marie Ohlrich, of 245 time the koi from his pond N. Brooke St., was up at 2:30 washed away down the street. a.m. watching the scene unfold Borth was the first of many city outside her window as rescue residents rescued along his boats worked their way through block, located just a short way the murky currents. from the swollen Fond du Lac “It looked like Venice. When I River. left my apartment, it was dry, Neighbors he’d never met but I don’t know how it is now,” huddled together at the shelter, Ohlrich said, her voice drowned sharing a sense of helplessness out by an announcement that and the memory of that last

TO HELP

glimpse of their homes, as the rain kept coming. “My family has lived in this house for three generations, and none have seen the likes of what happened when the skies opened up Thursday,” he said. “At one point, I tried to step out onto the sidewalk, and it was moving around, like I was walking on rubber,” Borth said. æ With her dogs, Shadow and Lazda, sleeping at her feet, Leona Ebert of 284 N. Brooke St., said she frets about the five birds and two cats she had to leave behind to fend for themselves. “It was 2 a.m., and we were sleeping when a neighbor lady came pounding on our door and told us there was a mandatory evacuation,” Ebert said. “The water was up to the bottom step of the porch.” A firefighter carried the two dogs, one under each arm, to an ambulance.

æ “I want to go home, but I’m scared to see what it looks like,” said Jody Buckarma , who lives on West Follett Street, as she rocked her 7-month-old granddaughter, Madison. “I have no idea what to do or who to talk to.” She, too, was just falling asleep when the phone rang and it was her daughter, telling her she’d better go look outside. “There was a sound like rushing water, and I looked out and water was rushing up to house. The cars on the street had water up to their windows. Then, I saw a boat coming towards me,” she said. æ In matching blond curls, Alex Fuller, 11, and his sister, Peyton, 6, sat quietly eating breakfast as their father, Rick Fuller, told how they waded their way to safety from their residence at 258 Fifth St. “The water was trickling through our back door and running like a river down Sixth Street — like a river, “ he said, shaking his head in disbelief. æ When Robert Eggers called home Thursday night to check on the situation, his parents told him to stay away, so he stopped in at the house of his friend, Kari Cameron, on South Military Road. “Cameron’s face was a map of sorrow. “I pretty much feel like my world is crashing in around me,” she said.

LOCAL

www.fdlreporter.com

The Reporter, Sunday, June 15, 2008

PAGE A5

Moser Creek overflows its banks, flooding streets BY DEANNA LEFEBER

Special to The Reporter

The village of Nor th Fo n d d u L a c w a s o f f i cially declared a disast e r a re a at 1 1 p. m . T h u r s d ay a f t e r h e av y rains hit the area again and again. Village Administrator Chuck Hornung reported that several streets and intersections were flooded; and the Fire Department, EMS and Police DeChuck Hornung partment blocked off streets when Moser Creek, located near the high school, overflowed its banks late Thursday. Many staf f members wo rke d e x t r a h o u r s through the disaster. Re s i d e n t s wh o l ive along Moser Creek were o f f e re d shelter at Friendship Lear ning Center, 1115 Thurke Ave. T h e S a l vat i o n A r my and Red Cross assisted about 100 people, some from the city of Fond du Lac. As of 1 p.m. Friday, a l l bu t ab o u t 2 0 h a d made other arrangements or re t u r n e d home. With the exception of t h e Po l k S t re e t a n d Thurke Avenue intersection, as of 6 a.m. Friday, all of the streets were reopened. Several residents experienced surface water in t h e i r b a s e m e n t s, a n d some had sewer backup. The worst affected areas were Center and Clinton s t re e t s a n d t h e s o u t h end of Indiana Avenue, Hornung said. A considerable amount of damage was avoided due to the recent aggressive infrastructure reconstruction and berms on Creek Vu Avenue, he s a i d . Wat e r t h at h a d risen to the top of the Creek Vu ber m was dire c t e d a ro u n d r at h e r than through the village. The village is providing bulky waste pickup on an on-call basis. In addition, dumpsters will be available for disposal of flood-damaged property from 6 a.m. through 7:30 p. m . M o n d ay t h ro u g h T h u r s d ay a n d f ro m 6 a.m. through 4 p.m. Frid ay, at t h e Vi l l a g e Garage, 55 Indiana Ave. N o r t h Fo n d d u L a c School District Superintendent Jim Seber t reported that, with the exce ption of some water that was pumped out of the Early Learning Center/Alter native Lear ning Center basement at 923 Minnesota Ave. on T h u r s d ay eve n i n g , a l l schools in the district escaped water damage.

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Fond du Lac’s Fruth Field along West Ninth Street is a pool of water after the Fond du Lac River overflowed its banks following heavy rains.

School District sustains ‘devastating’ losses

Fruth Field submerged, Community Aquatic Center swamped BY LAURIE RITGER

FLOOD INSURANCE

The Reporter lritger@fdlreporter.com

Summer break will be no break at all for Fond du Lac School District maintenance staff. School athletic facilities were among those that took a major hit in the storm that caused catastrophic flooding around the city. “It has been a pretty emotional 24 to 36 hours,” Gloria Schmidt, district community relations coordinator, said Friday afternoon. Early assessment of the damage showed significant problems at Riverside School and the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center, both located just east of the Fond du Lac River near the intersection of Linden and Ninth streets; and to the adjacent Fruth Field and track. The new high-gloss wooden Riverside gymnasium floor is destroyed and both Aquatic Center pools have deck tiles that have “popped up.” The pools will have to be drained, dried, disinfected and repaired. Floodwaters are believed to have impacted the front desk area at the Aquatic Center and possibly the locker rooms. A number of swimming lessons will be impacted. However Sue Schnorr, director of business services for the school district, said she is hopeful the pools will be usable before summer’s end. Contractors likely will be called in to help in the cleanup and repairs. In regard to Riverside School, Schnorr said the gym wasn’t the only area affected.

Because Riverside School, Fruth Field and the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center are located in a flood plain, the Fond du Lac School District is required by federal law to carry flood insurance. Except for deductibles, costs of the “big stuff” damaged by flood waters are expected to be covered by insurance, said Sue Schnorr, director of business services. The facilities are located adjacent to the east branch of the Fond du Lac River. A music room, art room and multipurpose room all have water damage. Losses behind the scenes are significant as well. The school district’s maintenance shop on Oak Street was hit with chest-high floodwaters. The building houses lawn tractors, carpentry equipment and other maintenance items. As much equipment as possible was moved Friday to a non-flooded parking lot near the Goodrich Little Theatre. When staff realized the school district’s “Fiber Room” in the lower level of Riverside was threatened, they began clearing out the sensitive electronics. Electrical, computer and phone connections were taken out of service, but officials made sure each school has one working phone line on-site. “The room will have to drain first, and we anticipate we’ll have all (those connections) restored by Tuesday or Wednesday,” Schnorr said. Fruth Field — the district’s flooded foot-

ball field — has attracted the attention of onlookers. The Music Parents concession stand traveled in the floodwaters, and a ticket booth was filled with water. Of concern, Schnorr said, besides the football facility, is the submerged track surface. Staff headed home Friday night for some well-deserved rest. “Really, there is nothing (more) they can do now until the water starts receding,” Schnorr said. “People are just exhausted.” The district hires a crew of up to 20 college students to help with summer facilities maintenance. Among the jobs: mowing of ball diamonds, washing of walls and windows and the buffing and waxing of floors. Those extra employees will be critical to the cleanup and routine maintenance that needs to happen over the next several months. The scene along West Ninth Street on Friday was among the most dramatic in the city. A submerged Fruth Field was on one side of the roadway; the flooded Aquatic Center and Riverside School on the other. The river had risen to the bridge deck but had not consumed it. West Ninth Street was swarming Friday night with kids on bikes and other onlookers. There were several police calls for people swimming and playing in water in the aquatic center parking lot. “This (flooding) isn’t going to impact when we start school,” Schnorr said. “The Boys and Girls Club at Franklin (scheduled to start Monday) will be fine.” Schnor r said staf f did “phenomenal work” in the wake of Thursday’s storm and subsequent flooding.

Floodwater damage to vehicles can be expensive BY LAURIE RITGER

Wiring

The decision to drive through high water could be a costly one. Besides the risk of bodily harm, water may damage vehicles to the point that they are worthless. The phone was “ringing off the wall” on Friday at Olsen’s Auto Spa, 66 E. Scott St. “Moisture is a terrible culprit of vehicles,” owner Neil Olsen said. “It af fects axles, drive lines — so many areas that can cause problems down the road. They may not notice the problems right away.” Olsen said people sometimes get “in over their heads,” thinking they can drive through flooding. “It may not be worth the expense down the road,” he said. Terry Reynolds, who operates Terry’s Place Auto Cleaning & Polishing, 185 Morris Court, with his wife, Jill, said two residents of an apartment complex in North Fond du Lac brought vehicles to him for restoration. The vehicles were parked in an underground parking garage and sustained water damage. “This is no normal cleanup,” Reynolds said of floodwater damage.

Reynolds said there are literally miles of wiring under carpeting and dash components. North Fond du Lac resident Cory Seibel followed a vehicle through floodwater on North Hickory Street on Friday morning before he found himself stranded. His Ford Escort station wagon stalled near the former St. Vincent de Paul store. “It was halfway up the door,” he said. “I had no idea it was that deep.” Seibel, 35, was trying to find a way to his brother’s house on West Division Street. His brother and his family were being evacuated from their home. Eventually, a city Public Works vehicle pulled up and gave him a push to an “island” of higher ground. The vehicle he said he just paid off was home by midday, and Seibel was able to get it started. He now faces the task of drying it out. Seibel said he’s smart enough to avoid driving in high water, but he mistakenly thought he could follow the vehicle in front of him without a problem. Though it was a scary situation, luck was on his side and help arrived when he needed it. “All’s well that ends well,” he said.

The Reporter lritger@fdlreporter.com

A car that drifted into McDermott Creek along Meadowbrook Boulevard was partially visible Thursday following flooding on Fond du Lac’s east side. THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Act quickly He advises owners of damaged vehicles to act quickly, first contacting their insurance company. “The vehicle has to be wetvacuumed out — the carpeting, the seats, the whole interior — as much as you can,” he said. “You can’t just shampoo it.” Reynolds, in the auto detailing business since 1977, said the entire “first layer” of the vehicle has to come out. That means the carpeting, the interior plas-

tic and the seats. “Under the car peting is padding and that has to be replaced,” he said. Carpets need to be pressurewashed and dried over the course of days, and the metal portion of the floorboards has to be cleaned and dried. “If you don’t do that, the vehicle will be moldy,” Reynolds said. Olsen, employed previously as a mechanic for 30 years, said work with flood-damaged vehi-

cles is not typical in Fond du Lac. He said he’d go with an hourly rate on restorations. He estimated damp carpeting could cost $400 to $800 to fix, but another vehicle that came in with severe flood damage could run into the thousands. “Really, insurance companies are probably going to be totaling out some newer vehicles,” he said. When water gets to the dash and into wiring, he said, restoration is usually futile.

PAGE A6

LOCAL

The Reporter, Sunday, June 15, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

Many Dodge County roads are impassable The Reporter Staff

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

This was the scene after a house explosion about 6:15 a.m. Friday at N6273 Lawrence St., located off Fourth Street Road, east of Fond du Lac. The homeowner, Kevin Westphal, has been on vacation in Hawaii, and no one was home when the blast occurred, leveling the home. A nearby resident who heard the blast said it sounded like thunder.

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST

JUNEAU — Heavy rain and lightning strikes besieged cities and villages as thunderstor ms pummeled Dodge County last week. Hardest hit areas were the northern part of the county, where stor ms dumped nearly 7 inches of rain in Waupun, over 5 inches in Randolph and almost 3 inches in Beaver Dam, said Dodge County Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher. Due to heavy rains, many area roads were either closed or impassable, with access to Fox Lake and Randolph being very limited, Meagher said. “While we encourage people to stay of f the roads, those who drive down roads that have been posted as closed or barricaded will be doing so at their own risk and will be ticketed,” Meagher said. Throughout Thursday night, the Dodge County Emergency Operations Center fielded numerous calls from area residents regarding flooded basements, stalled vehicles, submerged roadways and more. Meagher said all dams

in Dodge County are holding and are being monitored by the Highway Department and local officials. All sewer districts that have reported are functional and continue to be monitored by municipal officials. The National Guard is expected to make an additional 30,000 sandbags available to residents. Those in need of sandbags should contact their local gover nment. The EOC is also available for support around the clock by calling 386-4060. Heavy cloud-to-ground lightning also caused problems for Dodge County communities, including the city of Waupun where a lightning strike to a transmission system caused a power outage to more than 2,300 customers. According to a scanner report, Mountin’s Piggly Wiggly store in Mayville also reported a lightning strike which caused a small hole in the roof. Mayville firefighters were called to a South Main Street residence at about 8:45 p.m. for the report of lightning causing minor damage to an electrical box.

Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast Today

Monday

Clouds and sun with a couple of t-storms

Partly sunny and cooler

74°

53°

65°

Tuesday

71° Thursday

54°

Friday

Partly sunny

75°

74°

Pleasant with sunshine and patchy clouds

55°

72°

National Cities City

Albuquerque Atlantic City Boston Chicago Daytona Beach Denver Des Moines Detroit El Paso Fairbanks Grand Rapids Honolulu Indianapolis Kansas City Lansing Las Vegas Memphis Miami Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh St. Louis Salt Lake City Seattle Washington, DC

Today Hi/Lo/W

Wausau 71/50 Green Bay 76/53

50°

Comfortable with clouds and sun

55°

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Eau Claire 74/51

Oshkosh 74/52

Wednesday

Mostly sunny with a cool breeze

56°

Mon. Hi/Lo/W

96/66/s 95/65/s 86/63/t 86/67/pc 67/56/t 73/62/pc 78/57/t 69/55/pc 88/71/t 88/73/t 81/50/pc 82/55/t 78/56/t 74/55/pc 85/61/t 75/53/t 103/76/s 100/71/s 73/53/c 72/54/pc 81/58/t 68/53/t 87/72/s 87/73/s 87/63/pc 78/54/pc 84/60/t 78/58/pc 82/57/t 70/50/t 106/78/s 106/80/s 96/75/pc 93/66/t 87/76/t 88/74/t 74/52/t 72/56/pc 90/68/pc 88/64/t 88/75/t 92/74/pc 85/68/t 83/67/t 93/71/s 92/65/s 86/66/t 87/64/t 113/83/pc 111/85/s 83/60/s 77/56/t 94/67/pc 80/59/pc 88/63/s 91/62/pc 71/48/s 68/48/s 88/68/pc 87/68/pc

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

La Crosse 78/52

Sheboygan 65/51

Fond du Lac 74/53 Madison 78/55 Watertown 76/53

Almanac

Kenosha 76/53

Fond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest. Temperature High ......................................... 82° Low .......................................... 59° Normal high ............................. 77° Normal low ............................... 57° Precipitation 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.00" Month to date ...................... 10.16" Normal month to date ........... 1.65" Year to date ......................... 19.95" Normal year to date ............ 11.35"

Sun and Moon Sunrise today ................. 5:11 a.m. Sunset tonight ................. 8:38 p.m. Moonrise today ............... 6:22 p.m. Moonset today ................ 2:40 a.m. Full

Last

June 18 June 26

New

First

July 2

July 9

Milwaukee 74/56 Racine 76/54

State Cities City Appleton Beaver Dam Brookfield Burlington Eau Claire Green Bay Janesville Kenosha La Crosse Madison Menomonie Milwaukee Oshkosh Platteville Rhinelander Sheboygan Superior Waterloo Wausau

Today

Mon.

Hi/Lo/W 74/53/t 76/53/t 74/55/t 79/56/t 74/51/t 76/53/t 78/54/t 76/53/t 78/52/t 78/55/t 72/47/t 74/56/t 74/52/t 76/52/t 68/46/t 65/51/t 67/44/t 77/54/t 71/50/t

Hi/Lo/W 66/53/pc 66/52/pc 67/53/pc 67/52/pc 69/51/pc 67/51/pc 67/53/pc 69/51/pc 67/53/pc 66/53/pc 68/52/pc 67/54/pc 67/50/pc 68/50/pc 66/45/pc 60/52/pc 72/44/pc 67/54/pc 71/50/pc

Today’s National Weather Anchorage 67/52

Vancouver 65/53

Calgary 62/43

Seattle 71/48

Billings 74/49

Winnipeg 64/47 Montreal 74/65 Minneapolis 74/52

Denver 81/50

San Francisco 66/53 Los Angeles 81/60

Showers T-storms Rain Flurries Snow Ice

-10s

-0s

El Paso 103/76

Houston 93/76

Toronto Chicago 80/61 78/57 New York Detroit 85/68 85/61 Washington 88/68 Atlanta 90/67

Cold Front La Paz 95/67

Chihuahua 100/63

10s

20s

Miami 87/76

Monterrey 99/75

30s

40s

50s

Warm Front Stationary Front

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.

5000687673

Rain possible today; rest of week should be clear

Wisconsin Weather

Superior 67/44

– SINCE 1947 –

JUNE 15th*

5000692189

*weather.msn.com

RECORD HIGH: RECORD LOW: 24-Hour Emergency Service Available! 93°(1994) 42°(1958)

922-4477

The Reporter staff

The possibility of more rain remains in the Fond du Lac weather forecast. The National Weather Service said there is a 50 percent chance of thunderstor ms today and a 20 percent

FLOOD

Continued from Page A1 Headquarters of Wisconsin Emergency Management. First on the FEMA schedule is a visit to areas af fected by flooding in Winnebago County, where stor m damage has already been assessed at $13 million. Until the county is deemed a federal disaster area, it does no good for individual residents to try to contact FEMA, Ristow said. Though figures for Fond du Lac County’s losses have not been released, a staggering 1,500 homes in the city of Fond du Lac were evacuated at some point during the torrential storms that pounded Fond du Lac on Thursday with 4.5 inches of rain, said County Executive Allen Buechel. During a 36-hour period, 350 people were rescued by boat, cars were washed down streets in heavy currents, an explosion destroyed a home east of Fond du Lac and more than 5,000 residents had their natural gas service shut off because of public safety concerns. ‘Recovery mode’ “We are now moving from response mode to recovery mode,” Buechel said during a press conference Saturday that was also attended by U.S. Rep. Tom Petri and City Manager Tom Herre. As the Fond du Lac River slowly recedes, local residents, ar med with rubber boots and buckets of bleach, were working to restore their homes to livable conditions. The river dropped 7 feet over night to the 9foot-level by Saturday morning

chance Sunday night. The rest of the week, however, should be dry. The NWS forecasts sunny skies Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday and Saturday should be mostly sunny, the NWS said.

HISTORY OF STORMS æ County Executive Allen Buechel said that to his knowledge, the last comparable storm occurred in August 1924, when basements flooded and water made its way up to the first floor of some homes and flooded downtown. While waters from the river briefly touched Main Street downtown that year, they receded quickly. æ In 2004, a bad storm resulted in the Fond du Lac River rising to near-flooding level — the last bad storm Buechel could recall.

WHAT’S NEXT? æ Rep. Tom Petri said Saturday during a press conference in Fond du Lac that he is working with Gov. Jim Doyle to maximize the amount of help available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and to get “Fond du Lac on the list.” æ Doyle formally requested a federal disaster declaration for six Wisconsin counties, including Columbia, Crawford, Sauk, Vernon, Milwaukee and Richland counties. æ A state of emergency has been declared in 24 other counties, including Fond du Lac. æ Doyle said he will request federal assistance for those other counties as well. About 30 to 40 people were still being housed at an emergency shelter at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds, and Buechel said arrangements were being made to move people on Monday into dormitories at Marian University. “We are just thankful that through it all, there were no serious injuries,”

Herre said. “We’re hoping it stays that way.” At the time of the press conference, Alliant Energy had restored natural gas service to about 30 percent of its customers who had their service shut of f. On doors of some homes, notices were hung that urged residents to wait for professional help before turning appliances back on. Despite blue skies on Saturday, the storm’s after math continued to threaten some areas of the county. Some streets are still closed off in the city of Waupun, Buechel said, and about 50 residents living near the Mill Pond Dam in Ripon were evacuated Friday night. “It’s been a cause for concern. Engineers aren’t sure the old dam can hold back that much water,” Buechel said of the situation in Ripon. On some streets in Fond du Lac, pumps were still diverting standing water and on others, street sweepers were out whirling up dust storms of dirt and debris. The bridge on Ninth Street was filled with spectators snapping pictures of Fruth Athletic Field, and across the street, the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center, both submerged in water. To aid cleanup, the city is of fering a citywide curbside bulky waste collection be ginning Wednesday. A dumpster has also been placed at the former Pick ’n Save store parking lot on West Scott Street. “I’m impressed with how Fond du Lac County handled the emergency situation and the leadership of our first responders,” Petri said. “It’s just going to take some time for everything to dry out.”

Michael Mentzer

Downtown flood flows into history

Floods run deep in Fond du Lac County history. They’re as distinctive in their own way as the rivers, lakes, marshes, forests and limestone Ledge that form the foundation of the natural environment in this part of the state. Fond du Lac residents were once called “webfooters” by uncharitable and possibly envious neighbors in rival communities early in state history. It’s apparent that water has seldom been scarce in the Fond du Lac area. Experience has taught its residents how to deal with its benefits and its challenges. Fond du Lac County serves as the source of seven rivers, the most of any county in Wisconsin, according to the 1880 “History of Fond du Lac County.” Among them are the Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Rock, Grand and the east and west branches of the Fond du Lac River. Both branches of the Fond du Lac River have tested the patience and resolve of city residents throughout recorded history. It wasn’t uncommon in the early 1900s for wooden sidewalks to float away in downtown Fond du Lac floods. Kids hopped aboard floating chunks of walkways and used them as rafts until the floodwater subsided.

Nasty habit

For decades, the river had a nasty habit of overflowing its banks, flooding low-lying areas and filling basements. Thanks to files of legend and lore, I am especially familiar with the Fond du Lac flood of Aug. 5, 1924, when the city became a watery extension of the Fond du Lac River and Lake Winnebago after 8 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period. It was the same storm that transformed the tranquil Milwaukee River into a rampaging juggernaut that washed away 30 bridges and gave birth to the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. I’ve been told by local historians that 1924 was the last time downtown Fond du Lac experienced devastating river flooding. That 84-year run of history ended late Thursday night and continued into Friday the 13th. I have a copy of a miniature Fond du Lac Reporter newspaper tucked away somewhere that tells the story of the 1924 flood. In fact, the city’s two newspapers — The Reporter and the Daily Commonwealth — printed miniature editions at the time because their presses were under water.

Preserving tradition

As far as I know, we — meaning the generations of newspaper people dedicated to preserving The Reporter’s tradition of “newspapering” — have never missed a day of publication in the paper’s nearly 138-year history. The potential ignominy of breaking that tradition crossed my mind as storm after storm, frightening lightning and relentless rain rolled through the area Thursday night, and the chocolate brown river flowed onto Macy Street and turned The Reporter building into a downtown island of frenetic energy. Our building’s electrical power defied the rising tide. The press hummed through the stormy night, producing newspapers for the people of Oshkosh, Sheboygan and finally, the Fond du Lac area. One-by-one as deadlines came and went, reporters, photographers and editors waded into the floodwater and sloshed to their cars. The men and women in the pressroom carried on their traditions, and so did those who must find a way to get those papers to customers no matter what the weather may be.

Preserving history

A hundred years from now, maybe when the next “storm of the century” inundates the city’s downtown, a reporter will search our files and re-tell the history of the Great Flood of ’08. Or, more likely, someone will someday find an old Friday the 13th paper from June of 2008 encased in plastic and marvel at how we gathered and delivered the news amid “primitive” conditions in the good old days. Michael Mentzer is The Reporter’s managing editor. He can be reached at mmentzer@fdlreporter.com.

OPINION

www.fdlreporter.com

The Reporter, Sunday, June 15, 2008

EDITORIAL

PAGE A9

The Reporter SERVING THE FOND DU LAC AREA SINCE 1870

EDITORIAL BOARD

AVI STERN, Executive Editor PEGGY BREISTER, News Editor

BILL HACKNEY, President and Publisher LORI GARBISCH and MAGGIE McCULLOUGH, Community Members MICHAEL MENTZER, Managing Editor THOMAS GUENTHER, Assistant News Editor

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

Bob Reber works in his flooded basement Friday on East Second Street in the aftermath of Fond du lac area flooding.

GUEST COMMENTARY

Sewer backup: Why my house? Sewer backup in the basement — it’s unacceptable to everyone. Why it happens and what can be done are answers that every resident of Fond du should understand. For many, the rainstorms of last weekend and the flooding of Thursday night brought back haunting memories and catastrophic experiences. The stress, emotions, fear and resulting cleanup are experiences that nobody should be exposed to. The City of Fond du Lac has worked hard for decades to eliminate these problems. Sewer systems have been inspected and repaired, and many have been rebuilt with that goal in mind. I won’t try to mask the problem or hide behind technical answers. Rather, I would like to provide an explanation of how the community sewer system works, what is causing the backups, and what we can all do to help eliminate the problems. A municipal sewer collection system is structured much like a tree. The sewer pipe coming out of your home is like a twig or small branch connecting your building plumbing to the sewer main on your street, consisting of a system of increasingly larger branches. The branches flow by gravity to the largest branches and ultimately everything flows to the wastewater treatment plant. Each individual sewer pipe is designed and installed to handle a maximum amount of flow, plus a “safety factor.” Nowhere in the city of Fond du Lac are there pipes that are too small or insufficient for the wastewater flow generated by you

and your neighbors. The problem lies with additional water entering those pipes. All underground pipe networks have defects, and ours is no different. For many years the City Council has allocated resources for the Public Works Department to inspect and repair these defects. Over the years many of you have seen that work in the form of smoke testing, visual inspections and in recent years, televising. Routinely we find the deficiencies and take necessary action to correct them. Larger problems require complete sewer replacement. This summer you are seeing that type of large-scale work on Military Road, Sixth Street, Ellis Street and North Seymour Street. Over the years, we have completed major repairs to maintain the watertight integrity of the collection system. The bigger challenge is water directly discharged into the sewer, referred to as “Clearwater.” Examples of clearwater sources include foundation drain tile, roof drains, and most significantly, sump pump discharges. It is illegal according to State Statute and city ordinance to discharge such water into sanitary sewers. Despite the rules, it’s being done in homes and businesses throughout the Fond du Lac area, and is also the primary reason that many experienced basement back-

Mark Lentz

up and flooding last week. Sump pumps become more active when the ground is saturated. When the storms moved through the area, water falling on the already saturated ground, quickly entered these drain tiles and sump pumps, many of which discharged into the sanitary sewer system. When that additional discharge takes place in hundreds of locations, the collection system becomes surcharged (think of it as pressurized) resulting in waste water backing up into basements. The backup problems we experienced were in no way related to the waste-water treatment plant. In fact, the plant operated flawlessly, handling all the water flow that reached the facility. So what needs to be done to ensure that these problems never occur again? Every homeowner in the Fond du Lac area connected to municipal sewer needs to make sure that their sump pump and other clearwater sources discharge properly. If you’re discharging where you shouldn’t, you are causing problems for your friends and neighbors. If you’re unsure or have questions, please contact us. We will be happy to look at your systems and advise you how to make corrections. The men and women of the Public Works Department are committed to solving this problem, and keeping everyone’s home safe and dry. Please help us by cooperating, and disconnecting your clearwater discharges. Mark Lentz serves as director of public works for the City of Fond du Lac.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are the key issues in the presidential election?

“The economy, because we’re in a recession and jobs are tight, especially in Wisconsin.” Dave Nagel

“Probably gas prices and the economy as a whole.” Bryan Bergert Life management coordinator Oshkosh

Factory worker Fond du Lac

“Just overall, the economy.” Bonnie O’Hearn Factory worker Fond du Lac

“I think the war and the economy. They have to do something about the economy.” Justin Fowler

Fond du Lac Warehouse operator

“Economy, health care and taxes.” Brad Schingen, Respiratory therapist Fond du Lac

After the storm: The pain is real, but so is our strength

Now, we are all watching the skies and, perhaps, praying a little. In the wake, both figuratively and literally, of Thursday’s “Storm of the Century,” the residents of Fond du Lac and Dodge counties are emerging to confront challenges and damages that will try our collective spirits. We will not be found wanting. The things we lost will cost yet-untold millions. There is no soft-pedaling the soaring final price tag that will eventually emerge in property losses, closed businesses and extensive repair work. Many treasured family heirlooms and mementos were irreparably harmed or destroyed, and for those who cherished them, the concept of a “dollar value” does not even apply. Not everything is about the money. Questions about our region’s infrastructure and community leadership will inevitably emerge: Could we have prepared better? Did we do everything we could have done? What did we learn from this episode to prevent a repeat? And yet, despite all this hand-wringing, we nonetheless find solace — and a small measure of inspiration — on two fronts. Let’s appreciate the fact that no one died. During a year in which the entire Midwest has been pounded with killer storms, we acknowledge how easily, how quickly Fond du Lac’s maelstrom could have become a lethal one. It is a simple blessing, but the one that matters most. Secondly, we continue to take the full measure of our community by how its citizens responded when the rain fell, the wind blew and the lighting struck. Even as their own homes filled with water, police and fire and emergency-service personnel raced to the hardest-hit areas. We saw examples of neighbors reaching out to aid one another. Co-workers brought supplies back to those left behind in the office. Older people helped younger people and younger people helped older people. Mother Nature gave us a solid wallop — and we took that blow standing shoulder to shoulder with one another. Sure, it hurt. It hurt plenty. But taking it on together made it a bit easier to confront. There’s a lot of work ahead of us; it’s going to be a long, long time before we put this storm behind us. All we can leave you with is this: Once you’ve managed to dry off and lift yourselves back up to a sunnier place, don’t forget to lend a helping hand to a neighbor, friend or organization that might not have been as lucky. Community organizations of all stripes and sorts were dealt a double blow last week: Many of them lost their biggest annual fundraiser when Walleye Weekend was washed out and then, a few days later, the demands placed upon them soared when the second storm wreaked its wet havoc. We were there for each other when the rain fell. Let’s be there for each other when the sun shines again.

\ÔÖÊ Ê áÔÈÎ 9HC>Ì5 ÊÔÎÌ Sen. Herbert Kohl

Sen. Russell Feingold

Rep. Thomas Petri

æ Address: Herbert Kohl, 330 Hart Senate Office æ Address: 506 Hart Senate Office Building, æ Address: 2462 Rayburn House Office BuildBuilding, Washington, D.C. 20510. Washington, D.C. 20510-4904. ing, Washington, D.C. 20515. (6th District. æ Phone: (202) 224-5653. (State office 1-800æ Phone: (202) 224-5323. (State office (608) æ Phone: (202) 225-2476. (Fond du Lac office, 247-KOHL.) (1-800-247-5645) 828-1200.) 922-1180.) æ E-mail: senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov æ E-mail: senator@feingold.senate.gov æ E-mail: tom.petri@hr.house.gov æ Web site: www.senate.gov/~kohl/ æ Web sit: www.senate.gov/~feingold/ æ Web site: www.house.gov/petri

Monday, June 16, 2008

SUNNY SKIES IN FORECAST The forecast calls for a mere 20 percent chance of rain today and sunny skies through most of the rest of the week. A 30 percent chance of rain returns to the forecast on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

MAASS PICKED TO LEAD GREEN BAY SCHOOLS The Green Bay School Board has selected Fond du Lac School Superintendent Gregory Maass to replace outgoing superintendent Dan Nerad. Green Bay School Board members plan to visit Fond du Lac within the week. The decision to select Maass was unanimous, according to Jean Marsch, board president.

www.fdlreporter.com

50 cents

Man nearly drowns in FdL River Heroic actions save life after storm

BY PEGGY BREISTER The Reporter pbreister@fdlreporter.com

A near drowning early Sunday points to just one of the dangers from last week’s flood that still hangs over Fond du Lac. Fond du Lac police officers and firefighters received a call at 2:14 a.m. from a 32-year-old North Fond du Lac man who said he was about to fall into the river near Division and Macy streets, said Fond du Lac Police Department Lt. Rob Duveneck.

When they arrived, officers could hear the man calling for help and found him in the east branch of the Fond du Lac River on the southeast side of the Division Street bridge, Duveneck said. They tried throwing a rescue line to him, but he was unable to grab it as the current was pulling him under the retaining wall. “When the man’s head went

minder of how dangerous the high waters caused by recent storms can be,” Duveneck said. underwater, two officers and one “Citizens are reminded to stay firefighter jumped into the water clear of these hazards and put to rescue him,” Duveneck said. personal safety first.” To the amazement of many, no “With the help of another officer lives were lost in the storms and and firefighter, the unconscious flooding that hit the area so hard man was pulled up the 6-foot wall Thursday. to dry land.” Paramedics worked on the man That FdL way and he regained consciousness The actions of his officers and before he was transported to St. the firefighters point to “that Agnes Hospital for treatment. See RESCUE Page A8 “This incident is a sobering re-

REAL DANGER

Flooding takes a toll on city staff BY PEGGY BREISTER

The Reporter pbreister@fdlreporter.com

SPORTS

Woods, Mediate tee it up for 18-hole playoff ã Page B1

PHOTOS THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Brian and Tyler Balson of Fond du Lac throw out items damaged in Thursday’s flood at a dump site set up by the city through Waste Management in the parking lot at the old Pick ‘n Save store on West Scott Street.

From flooded facilities and totaled squad cars to overworked, wor n-out staff, local police and fire departments count themselves among those hit by Thursday’s flooding. The Fond du Lac Fire Department Main Street station had 15 to 18 inches of water at its back platform, said Capt. Tony Knecht. “We had a lot of water,” he said. “We had sandbagged to try to prevent problems, now we’re trying to salvage what we can now. We had over a foot of water in our apparatus room. The water came inside and we have carpeting and drywall issues.” Fortunately, the department didn’t lose a lot of equipment. The Fond du Lac Police Department wasn’t as lucky; floodwaters destroyed four squads and a fifth is badly damaged, said Chief Tony Barthuly.

See STAFF Page A8

Fond du Lac High School graduation ã Page A3

LOTTERY SUNDAY

SuperCash: 7-8-26-29-30-32 Badger 5: 1-8-21-23-30 Pick 3: 4-6-9 Pick 4: 3-7-1-9

WEATHER THE NEXT 36 HOURS High today

Low High tonight tomorrow

Sunny, breezy

A bit cooler

65 50 71 Mostly sunny

Five-day forecast, national, world weather/A8

INSERTS

Little Caesars Avada Audiology Advanced Hearing

*Inserts have limited distribution

INSIDE Advice – B4 Classified – B5 Comics – B3 Crossroads – A6 Crossword – B7 Horoscope – B3 Local – A3

Lotteries – A1 Movies – B4 Obituaries – A5 Opinion – A7 Records – A5 Sports – B1 Your World – A2

Serving the Fond du Lac area since 1870

Fire, explosion threat due to flooding Pioneer Road very real; residents should use caution shut down north BY PEGGY BREISTER The Reporter pbreister@fdlreporter.com

The threat of fire and explosion due to improperly refired gas furnaces and appliances is a real concer n for local of ficials as residents begin to restore their homes following last week’s flooding. “Our biggest concern is the next couple of weeks when gas service is repressurized,” said Fond du Lac Fire Department Capt. Tony Knecht. “How residents deal internally with furnaces, stoves, hot water heaters and other appliances is going to make a big difference in safety.” Alliant Energy has issued a statement to local residents whose gas service was disconnected Thursday infor ming them of the steps they must take before Alliant will reconnect their service. Shortly after torrential rains hit late Thursday afternoon and early evening, the Fond du Lac Fire Department be gan receiving reports of gas leaks. In the 24-hour period after the rain started, the department responded to 250 calls for everything from rescues and evacuations to

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

A city resident takes his dog through a flooded West Johnson Street Friday, the day after flash floods filled the streets with water. Officials are urging residents to stay out of flooded areas, creeks and rivers due to the danger from currents and debris in the water.

View photos and watch video of the flooding and its effect on our area. FDLREPORTER.COM fires and gas leaks, Knecht said. “Almost all of our evacuations were by boat,” he said. “We have Zodiac inflatable boats. We borrowed five from Mercury Marine and two

from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Some firefighters brought in their own boats. There was no way we were going to get to people any other way.”

When the reports of gas leaks started flowing in, the city was lucky enough to get the services of 35year veteran Alliant Energy troubleshooter Don Stoikes. Stoikes took up residence in the command center where top officials gathered to coordinate response to the storm and flooding. “Alliant shut down gas service to large g rids in the city,” Knecht said. “He (Stoikes) said in all his 35 years, he’s never seen anything like that happen.” The decision was likely a life-saving one. “Without doing that, we would be dealing with a lot more problems than we have now,” Knecht said. As people begin to wade back into their homes, salvaging what they can from flooded basements, officials are reminding them a qualified professional must examine the appliance or equipment if water reached the item. Problems may not be visible, according to the statement from Alliant, and problems can range from a minimum of reliability concerns to fire or explosion.

See DANGER Page A8

of Scott Street

The Reporter Staff

A portion of Pioneer Road just north of Scott Street was shut down Sunday due to floodwaters creating a “sink hole,” according to a Fond du Lac Police Department press release. The spot is about 50 yards north of Scott. “For the safety of citizens and motorists this stretch of roadway is being shut down until further notice. We are urging motorists to use the west frontage road (Rolling Meadows) or Prospect Avenue in the interim until this is repaired,” said Fond du Lac Police Lt. Rob Duveneck at noon Sunday. Police and public works crews were called to the area shortly before noon. Drivers throughout the county should use caution, and roads remain closed in

See ROADS Page A8

Food Pantry flooded, closed indefinitely The Reporter Staff

The Fondy Food Pantry is closed indefinitely due to flooding and sewer backup that destroyed the food stores. “We were completely flooded,” said organizer Mike Magnusson. “We had flooding on Sunday and it took me three days to clean that. Now, following Thursday, everything is a total loss.” The food, including all the food collected just last month during the annual Postal Carrier Food Drive, was stored in the basement of Church of Our Saviour, at the corner of Ninth and Main streets. The basement flooded. The Food Pantry distributes food to people who sign up for the assistance through local agencies. “Now we need FEMA money to help us and we’re supposed to be helping

No one plans on being injured. If you are accidently hurt, you should know that our bone and joint specialists set aside same-day appointment slots for treatment of sports and work-related injuries. We promptly manage most problems without the need for an operation. If surgery is needed, rest assured that we have the experience and ongoing training to provide state-of-the-art arthroscopic and minimally invasive answers to your upper and lower extremity problems. Using pain management and rehabilitation techniques, we aim to return you to your desired activity level as quickly and painlessly as possible. 5000680976

See PANTRY Page A8

G. Joseph Kemp Jr., M.D. Alan Roetker, M.D. Timothy G. Wells, M.D.

PAGE A8

LOCAL

The Reporter, Monday, June 16, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

Citizens urged to use caution Cleanup kit pickup location changed when turning on appliances For The Reporter

For The Reporter

Alliant Energy hung information packets on people’s doorknobs Saturday, alerting homeowners in the city to get professional help before turning utilities and appliances back on in their flood-damaged homes. As floodwaters begin to subside, those affected by the high water levels are entering their homes and businesses to start the cleanup process. More than 5,000 Alliant Energy customers in Fond du Lac were shut off from natural gas services because of

RESCUE

Continued from Page A1 certain Fond du Lac way,” said Police Chief Tony Barthuly. “I truly believe that,” he said Sunday. “This is just another example of the commitment our team has and the way the community has handled this whole tragedy.” The bickering between rival agencies is something often discussed, Barthuly said, but “I’ll tell you this whole incident has been nothing but everybody pulling the rope

DANGER

Continued from Page A1

“We are very concerned that there are going to be people out there who don’t want to or can’t afford to pay someone to come and check out their fur nace and appliances,” Knecht said.

public safety concerns. As of Saturday, about 30 percent had their service restored, said Fond du Lac County Executive Al Buechel. Alliant Energy urges residents to be safe around their electric and natural gas service. Alliant Energy does not charge for flood-related disconnects and reconnects when flooding occurs, or when service is turned back on after the cleanup is done. More information is available by calling Alliant Energy’s 24-hour customer service center at 1 (800) 255-4268.

in the same direction.” He said he’s proud of his officers’ actions, their commitment to the community, their values and dedication. “What they did was way beyond the call of duty — putting their lives at risk to save someone,” Barthuly said. “It’s a hell of a commitment for those officers and a firefighter to make.” Standing and moving water of any kind is not safe, he emphasized. “It is not clean. It’s contaminated,” he said. “It has oils and biohazards and other things in it. We Residents who’ve had a problem with gas or electricity should not return to their homes until Alliant has had a chance to check the residence for leaks, said Police Chief Tony Barthuly. He is hoping the area is declared a disaster, creating the availability of federal funding assistance.

see kids swimming in it. But the water is moving and there’s a strong current. We would hate to lose another child like we did years ago in the Dutch Gap — that has been mentioned numerous times by our more veteran officers who were here when that happened (in the 1980s).” Debris dropped last week by rushing water continues to litter area streets and driving may lead to punctured tires. Pedestrians are urged to watch for nails, rusty cans and other hazards. “We want people to stay safe,” Barthuly said. “I sure as heck hope so,” Barthuly said Sunday. “There are a lot of people really, really down in the dumps and in need. A number of calls went out yesterday to the Red Cross. People are struggling and wondering where they are going to get the money to clean up.”

There has been a change in the location where people can pick up Red Cross cleanup kits. The kits can be used in cleaning flooded basements.

“We have now received a shipment of more kits, and they are available for pickup at the Recreation Center at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds,” said Jamie Haack of the Fond du Lac County Red Cross office in a press release.

Wanted: Your story or photos of the flooding, storms Do you have a story or photo to share of the flooding and storms that struck the Fond du Lac area last week? If so, submit your photos to Pat Flood at pflood@fdlreporter.com or Justin Connaher at jcon-

naher@fdlreporter .com. Please include the identity of the people in the photo, where the photo

was taken and when. Submit your story or story idea to Peggy Breister at pbreister@fdlreporter.com. We may use your photos or story on our Web site or in our print editions.

STAFF

serves as Oakfield Police Department chief, has spent most of her time since Thursday afternoon keeping people out of that flood-ravaged community. The village was hit hard by flooding, she said. “The entire south side was underwater.” While the city called the Oakfield Fire Department for mutual aid, she said the community couldn’t spare any of its rescue personnel. The city did receive help from 11 mutual aid de-

partments, Knecht said. “That’s pretty overwhelming,” he said. The city Fire Department did a mandatory callback Thursday when officials began to grasp the gravity of the storm and flood damage. “That means if the department was able to get ahold of you, you were ordered to come in,” he said. “We got quite a group the first time and then again a second time when a call went out at 3 a.m. (Friday).”

may or already have washed out, creating driving hazards. If a road is marked “closed” anywhere in the county, stay out of it, said Fond du Lac County Sher-

if f ’s Department Sgt. Renee Schuster. “If that road is marked, there’s a reason for it,” she said. “These roads are in need of repair. They are not safe to drive on.”

know not to bring food down here,” he said. The food was stored in cardboard boxes that are Continued from Page A1 now soaked with sewer water. others,” an exasperated “There’s no way we can Magnusson said Sunday. sterilize that,” Magnusson “We need to let people said.

He said he hoped to organize a meeting this week of food pantries in the area to determine who lost what and who has what to deter mine how the agencies can continue to help local folks in need.

Continued from Page A1 “Mike Shannon (of Holiday Auto) donated three cars for us to use,” he said. “That is obviously going to help us.” The Fond du Lac County Sheriff ’s Department had electrical damage to some squad cars, said Sgt. Renee Schuster. Several phone lines into the building also were down during Thursday’s storms. Schuster, who also

ROADS

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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Damage, recovery Tiger Woods wins U.S. Open playoff ã Page B1

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FEMA officials to survey damage

Destruction in Waupun tops $20 million BY COLLEEN KOTTKE The Reporter ckottke@fdlreporter.com

BRETT ROWLAND AND AMIE JO SCHAENZER The Reporter browland@fdlreporter.com ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

What’s happening around Dodge County ã Page B3

LOCAL Man sentenced for death of 9-year-old son ã Page A3

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Federal Emergency Management Agency officials today will survey the damage caused by June 12 heavy rains and flooding in Fond du Lac County, but relief might not be immediate. The FEMA team will evaluate the community to assist in making a recommendation that the county be declared a federal disaster area. The designation, which would come from President George W. Bush, would make residents and municipalities eligible for federal assistance. Exactly what that aid might include — and exactly who would be qualified — isn’t clear, said Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel. “Federal assistance usually includes grants and low-interest loans,” he said. “But I’m not sure what the rules will be.” In addition to touring the county, FEMA officials will be provided with hundreds of photos of the flooding and

See FEMA Page A8

THE REPORTER PHOTOS BY PATRICK FLOOD

TOP: Brady Schulze, 4, of Fond du Lac, plays ball Monday in front of a backdrop of flooddamaged items in his grandpa’s front yard at 382 Wettstein Ave. The city plans to start collecting bulky waste on Wednesday. ABOVE: A battered American flag sticks out of a pile of flood-damaged property Monday in the alley behind Eldorado Apartments near the corner of Military Road and Forest Avenue.

MORE INSIDE æ Dodge County officials hoping for federal flood assistance, A3 æ Hardware stores busy as storm cleanup continues, A3

WAUPUN — Preliminary property damage reports in Waupun from last week’s flood are estimated at nearly $21 million, Waupun Emergency Government Coordinator Jef f Ber ry said Monday. “Over 2,000 homes in Waupun were affected by the flood, with homeowners reporting around $20 million in damages,” Berry said. “We also have approximately $450,000 reported in damages to businesses which also include schools and churches.” As the floodwaters began to recede Friday afternoon, Waupun residents and city officials rolled up their sleeves to begin the long, arduous task of cleaning up. Damage to roads and parks is estimated at $200,000 to roads and $50,000 to utilities. Berry said it is still unknown at this time how much damage was sustained to buildings and greens at the Rock River Country Club located on the city’s northwest side. Waupun Area School District Business Manager Bill Zeininger said two of the district’s

See WAUPUN Page A8

Food pantries trying to rebuild after devastation BY HEATHER STANEK The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

Service groups that normally help Fond du Lac’s needy are reaching out for assistance. Last week’s flood has left local pantries without food and storage supplies. Most are refilling their shelves, but at least one is closing due to damage. The Fondy Food Pantry, located in Church of Our Savior at 363 S. Main St., is shutting down, said Pantry Coordinator Michael Magnusson. The pantry, which is located

in the church basement, has flooded twice in one week. Problems began the weekend of June 7, when heavy rain flooded numerous basements. The most recent stor m dropped more than 4 inches of rain on Fond du Lac, flooding streets and destroying personal property. Fondy Food Pantry lost two freezers, a refrigerator and large quantities of food. Even canned goods that can weather about any element had to be thrown away. Magnusson estimated that it would cost $15,000 to replace what was lost. “Some of the food wasn’t in

the water, but you can’t risk it,” he said. If the pantry ever reopens, it will have to be on a first floor. Magnusson said he doesn’t want to take another chance with a basement. “I’d rather risk a tornado than a flood,” he said. “Tornadoes are rare, but floods seem to happen frequently here. We had two in one week.” Closing is disheartening for Magnusson, especially since 40 to 50 families a week rely on the pantry. But he said he hopes to meet with other

See PANTRIES Page A8

WAUPUN — When Waupun Correctional Institution inmate Stuart Ellanson pulled dental assistant Tracy Zemp into a closet the morning of Nov. 14, 2007, and took her hostage, it wasn’t a spur of the moment act. Instead, the convicted murderer was desperate to spend time alone with the woman he had developed romantic feelings for over the past year as they worked together in the prison’s Health and Segregation Unit (HSU). Investigative reports obtained by The Reporter from the state Department of Corrections and Dodge County Sheriff ’s Department through an open records request reveal that Zemp compromised her professional boundaries by allowing herself to develop a relationship with Ellanson that ultimately cost her her job and added 15 years to Ellanson’s prison sentence. Following the nearly six-hour standoff with the prison negotiations team, Ellanson told investigators he wanted to commit suicide and, by taking Zemp as hostage, would be able to complete the act without being “gassed” by guards, according to records. Attempts to contact Ellanson for comments for this story were unsuccessful.

See HOSTAGE Page A2

FdL lawyer challenges O’Rourke for DA post BY SHARON ROZNIK

The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

November elections could heat up with a district attorney race for the first time in decades in Fond du Lac County. Daniel Kaminsky, 36, an attorney who with his family moved to Fond du Lac from California in January 2007, is circulating nomination papers to run as a Republican against District Attor ney Michael O’Rourke. O’Rourke, who announced he is running as a Democrat, was appointed last year by Gov. Jim Doyle after longtime District Attorney Tom Storm took a position in the State Justice Department. The last time a Democrat was elected to office in Fond du Lac County was in 1988 when Peg Lautenschlager was chosen to represent the Fond du Lac area in the state Assembly. The last time there was a race for Daniel Kaminsky the district attorney was in 1986, when Republican Michael Kneeland upset Democratic District Attor ney Gar rett Kavanaugh, said County Clerk Joyce Buechel. O’Rourke said although his leanings Michael O’Rourke are toward the left, the office should not be affixed with a party affiliation. “Really, I think, the district attorney’s office, like that of judges and sheriffs, should not be partisan,” O’Rourke said. “It isn’t about politics, it’s about law enforcement.” Kaminsky, who is a criminal defense and trial attorney and also serves as a guardian ad litem for children, said he is a strong proponent of professional ethics. He describes himself as a fiscal conservative and says taxpayer money is a valuable resource not to be wasted. “There are aspects of managing the office that may be affected by partisan ideas. There’s a large amount of discretion from the top down on how cases are pursued within the office,” Kaminsky said.

See DA Page A2

LOCAL

Contact: Peggy Breister, News Editor (920) 922-4606, ext. 275 pbreister@fdlreporter.com 33 West Second St., P.O. Box 630 Fond du Lac, WI 54936-0630

The Reporter, Tuesday, June 17, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

Dodge County officials hoping for federal flood assistance

BY COLLEEN KOTTKE

The Reporter ckottke@fdlreporter.com

JUNEAU — Dodge County officials are hoping Gov. Jim Doyle’s inspection of areas hit hard by last week’s flood will bring much needed federal relief. Doyle, along with Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Paulison and representatives from Dodge County Emergency Management and Dodge County Sheriff ’s Department, spent the day Monday touring Dodge County, assessing the damage wrought by flood waters stemming from the deluge of rain that saturated much of the county on June 12 and 13. “Today we were out looking at flood damage to residences and small businesses and then determining which areas were impacted with minor and major damage,” Dodge County Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher said. “Those areas hardest hit seem to be the Beaver Dam area, where we saw a lot of significant damage to businesses and then in the town of Elba near Columbus.” Meagher said it would be at least mid-week before he is able to predict a dollar amount of damage for the entire county. “We need to collect all the damage estimates from the different munic-

ipalities in Dodge County and then combine them all together,” Meagher said. A federal disaster declaration would mean business owners, homeowners and renters who experience losses or damage as a result of the flood could apply for federal aid. President Bush has already approved a federal disaster declaration for five Wisconsin counties affected by recent floods and tornadoes. They include Columbia, Crawford, Vernon, Sauk and Milwaukee. Dodge County Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher said countywide operations to handle the water continue. In an ef fort to move the high water of the Beaver Dam River through the downtown area, the City of Beaver Dam continued sand bagging and pumping operations, Meagher said. “The Beaver Dam Fire Department is asking citizens to secure boats and piers on Beaver Dam Lake,” Meagher said. Workers labored during the weekend, continuing their ef forts to shore up the dam spillway area in Fox Lake to prevent the erosion of the culvert on County Trunk P.

“As a result of the high water flow downstream from the dam, County Trunk P washed out and had to be closed between Mill and Weed streets,” said Fox Lake Fire Chief Bill Frank. Meagher stressed that all dam structures within Dodge County are in good structural condition, and continue to be monitored. He also reminded motorists not to drive around bar ricades or on closed roads or roads with standing water. “Many roads in the northwest part of the county are washed out completely and travel is dangerous,” Meagher said. Updates and maps highlighting road closures are available on the Dodge County Web site, www.co.dodge.wi.us;sheriff/RoadClosure.pdf. “So far, that map site had received over 30,382 hits,” Meagher said Monday. Communications Center Manager Pat Ninmann said Dodge County citizens are encouraged to report any damage they may have sustained by accessing the damage report form on the county Web site, www.co.dodge.wi.us. For more information, contact the Dodge County Emergency Operations Center at 386-4060.

Man will go to prison for death of son in drunken-driving crash A 56-year-old West Bend man convicted of driving drunk and causing the death of his 9-year-old son in a vehicular homicide case will go to prison. John B. Ibeme appeared for a sentencing hearing Monday afternoon. Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Robert Wirtz sentenced him to five years in prison, seven years of extended supervision and two years of probation. Wirtz said prison time was necessary to address the seriousness of the crime that resulted in the death of Ibeme’s son John Ibeme Jr., injuries to two of his children who also were riding in his car and injuries to a Kewaskum couple whose sport utility vehicle Ibeme hit. The crash occurred on a slippery roadway on a snowy after noon on March 2, 2007. Ibeme was driving on Highway 45 near County Trunk F at 4:31 p.m. when he crossed the center line and hit the SUV, according to the criminal complaint.

During the sentencing hearing, Fond du Lac County District Attorney Michael O’Rourke recommended jail time and probation, saying that he had no criminal history and it was not likely he would reoffend. Defense attorney Barry Boline made a similar recommendation. “Despite the severity of the offense, the other factors weigh in favor of probation,” O’Rourke said. Those defending Ibeme’s character as a reason for him not to go to prison said that he’s suffered enough because of the death of his son. His other two children who were injured in the crash — Olivia, 7, and Kent, 9 — are now in Ibeme’s native country, Nigeria, and would not be able to return to the United States until Ibeme was able to complete the proper steps to bring them back. Boline argued that if Ibeme went to prison, his

St. John’s Cemetery Association, Town of Forest, will meet at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the Milton Seibel home, N5240 Mushroom Road.

Read more stories online at www.fdlreporter.com

Fond du Lac area hardware stores were struggling to meet demand from customers following Thursday’s severe weather. Flooding drove residents to local businesses to buy cleanup equipment. But no one expected such heavy rainfall, and many stores quickly ran out of supplies. Desperate homeowners were lined up outside Braun Hardware, W2118 Fourth Street Road, before 7:30 a.m. Friday. Manager Ingrid Braun said the pumps sold out almost instantly. “We opened our doors, and they were gone,” she said. “The phone has been ringing since we opened.” Residents continued calling throughout the mor ning, asking for pumps and equipment. Kitz & Pfeil True Value Hardware, 40 E. First St., also ran out of pumps. Manager Kay Schustedt said employees were busy ordering more Friday. So many Fond du Lac stores were out of supplies that many citizens went to Ben Franklin True Value, 131 E. Main St., in Campbellsport. Of the 100 customers who stopped in Friday morning, nearly half were from Fond du Lac, said owner Chris Schanen. “I’ve been jammed,” he said. Schanen said visitors came to rent and buy pumps. He still had a few in stock, but they were going fast. He’d run out of pump hoses. The pump situation

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didn’t look much better at Martens Far m and Home Ace Hardware, 110 W. Main St., Waupun. Manager Roger Burkholder said he hoped to have more pumps by 11:30 a.m. but didn’t think they would last even a day. “We’ll be out of pumps by 8 p.m.,” he said. With the pumps gone, the deluge of customers scooped up anything else that could absorb water, said Burkholder. There were as many as 50 to 80 customers in the store at one time. “We are out of everything,” he said. At Kitz & Pfeil, customers forked over money for mops and shop vacuums. Employees encouraged them to also buy bleach and cleaning chemicals to sanitize surfaces. Schustedt said floodwater contains ger ms, which can sicken anyone exposed to them. Cleanup is especially important this time because the weather was so terrible, she said. “We’ve had flooding before, but never this bad,” said Schustedt. Braun was selling cleaning materials Friday, too. She said her customers bought products to clean car pets plus pipes and pump hoses. She may have had a lot of business, but Braun said she’d rather not experience this again. In the 20 years she’s been with the store, she hasn’t dealt with such awful flooding. “Never, never, never,” she said. “I hope I don’t ever have to see it again.”

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children would remain in Nigeria. Wirtz said Ibeme should’ve taken those sorts of things into consideration before he drank to excess the day of the crash and then drove. He started drinking at 6 a.m. by mixing alcohol with his coffee and had a blood alcohol concentration of .144 at the time of the crash, he said. “If that thought wasn’t enough from preventing you to do this in the first place, how would it prevent you from doing that in the future,” Wirtz said. He also said Ibeme, who blamed the weather for the crash, was not taking responsibility for his mistakes and that didn’t “bode well for the future.” “You are expressing remorse on one hand but then you are saying it’s the weather, not the alcohol. That is not facing up to the gravity here,” he said.

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Cemetery Association to meet June 22

PAGE A3

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LOCAL

The Reporter, Tuesday, June 17, 2008

FEMA

Continued from Page A1 subsequent damage, Buechel said. It could take several days before any declaration is made, he said. Bush declared Richland and Racine counties disaster areas Monday. The president already had declared Crawford, Vernon, Sauk, Milwaukee and Columbia counties disaster areas. FEMA teams spent Monday assessing damage in Waukesha, Washington, Winnebago, Green and Dodge counties, a precursor to another round of declarations, The Associated Press reported. Gov. Jim Doyle declared 30 counties states of emergency following the flooding. As FEMA teams examine the damage, more counties will be added to the list of federal disaster areas, said Lee Sensenbrenner, a spokesperson for the governor. Meanwhile, cleanup and recovery efforts continue here: æ Alliant Energy workers are busy reconnecting natural gas lines to customers. After heavy rains and extensive flooding Thursday night, the company shut off gas to some 5,000. Since Saturday when waters began to recede, Alliant has restored gas to about 2,700 households working from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., said company spokesperson Scott Reigstad. A temporary shelter for evacuees has been closed, but government agencies and non-profit groups continue to assist many displaced residents, Buechel said.

æ Caseworkers with the Fond du Lac Red Cross met with an average of eight families per hour Monday who were seeking some sort of assistance following the weekends’ floods, said Peter Sensenbrenner, executive director of the Fond du Lac Red Cross. “A lot of homes are still not livable. We are in the process of making personal assessments and that could mean shelter assistance,” Sensenbrenner said. People can set up an appointment for a personal assessment by calling the Red Cross at (920) 922-3450. The Red Cross no longer has any public shelters available for flood victims, he said. Through Sunday afternoon, about 350 Fond du Lac County residents who were forced to evacuate their homes stayed at a shelter at some point. Most of those families returned to their homes Sunday to assess the damage and to begin cleanup, Sensenbrenner said. As residents began to clean up, Sensenbrenner encouraged people to stay safe and be weary in what they salvage. “Wash your hands constantly. Wash your things thoroughly,” he said. “Personal hygiene is very important at this time.” æ The City of Fond du Lac is struggling to remove the mountains of trash and debris left on ter races. Three Dumpsters put out at Pick ’n Save this weekend quickly filled up and residents have started their own piles of flood damaged items, said City Manager Tom Herre. “The institutional crises has passed,” he said. “The individual crises will go

MORE INFORMATION

The city Department of Public Works reminded residents that the city is continuing with normal weekly garbage collection, despite the scheduled curbside bulky waste pickup. City officials asked that citizens use their regular trash carts to dispose of small amounts of flood and water damaged materials. Additionally, citizens are urged to not place any perishable or food items from damaged refrigerators or freezers out with bulky waste materials. Such action will likely draw vermin and other wildlife to the bulky piles, possibly spreading disease and endangering the health and welfare of those charged with collecting the material. This material should be placed in trash carts. on for some time as people continue to bail out and inspect the damage.” Herre also praised the response of regional officials to the flooding. “It was a well-coordinated effort,” he said. “Oftentimes in crisis, you see people at their worst; we saw them at their best.” Damages and other problems will continue to crop up in the days to come, Buechel said. He said he was concer ned about damage to the foundation of area homes and contractor fraud. In general, authorities are not speculating on a recovery timeline. “We are pretty much just taking it one day at a time,” said Major Dennis Fortunato of the Fond du Lac Police Department. “And that will bring us one day closer to normal.”

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show up later.” One major task will be to repair the damage to the roadway in Shaler Park, where runaway floodwaters taking a short cut around the Mill Pond spillway carved makeshift channels out of the driveway. “First, we’ll have to wait until it dries out, then we’ll have to clean the debris out of the river again and then fix the driveway,” Flynn said. DPW crews will also be canvassing the city, collecting flood-damaged items from residents unable to hoist them into Dumpsters or ferry them to the drop-off site at the city garage. By Monday mor ning, Dumpsters placed out in heavily flooded neighborhoods were already teeming with sodden carpets, waterlogged mattresses and other personal items claimed by muddy floodwater. “The drop-of f center will be left open for people wishing to drop off damaged items. But we really want to remind people to separate the metal items from the flood damaged items and set ruined appliances off to the side,” Flynn said. “If residents

Barring any significant rainfall, water levels in the Rock River should continue to fall. By Monday both the North Madison Street and Fond du Lac Street bridges were opened to the public. Still cordoned of f to traf fic was Gateway Drive and the County Park Road bridge at the entrance to Waupun County Park. Ber ry said the Rock River had fallen to 6.75 feet – less than a foot above flood stage. “Seeing that we got over 15 inches of rain within a week’s time, that’s a pretty significant drop since the river was up to 10.06 feet last Friday morning,” said Berry. In spite of the flood damage to the city, Flynn said city and utilities crews did everything in their power. “We got to a point where we did everything we could have done to alleviate the damage,” Flynn said. “It was just too much rain all at once.”

Despite the devastating loss, Broken Bread is on the mend. Volunteers and church staff are working Continued from Page A1 together on cleanup, and they hope to reopen at 5 pantries to meet demand. p.m. Friday, said the Rev. Brian Beno. The program Starting over Broken Bread, housed serves about 100 families in St. Paul’s Cathedral at every week. “They are walking away 51 W. Division St., is undergoing a rebirth. Like from what was and startFondy Food Pantry, it lost ing from scratch,” said everything from coolers to Beno. food. Chairwoman Kathleen Emergency food Families that lost their MacGregor said it was a horrible loss, especially groceries and belongings since the pantry recently to the flood may find relief received 600 crates of food from the Salvation Army, from the Letter Carrier 237 N. Macy St. Family Services CoordiFood Drive. She estimated that the organization lost nator Roxanne Burkhardt 10,000 to 20,000 items. The said the agency has food U.S. Department of Agri- for Fond du Lac’s neediest culture said the canned families, but it may run goods would be safe, but dry if many residents are the pantry threw them out destitute. Citizens who anyway to avoid contami- need emergency food need only show proof of adnation, she explained.

dress. She said the Salvation Ar my has started distributing cleaning supplies, too. Emergency kits include brooms, a mop, bleach, gloves, a bucket and disinfectant spray. As of Monday, 100 kits were available. “I’m not sure if that’s going to be enough or not,” said Burkhardt. Household items are also in demand, she noted, especially since the Salvation Army’s thrift store flooded. All the furniture was lost, and the organization now needs bedding for devastated families. It’s handing out vouchers for clothing, she added. Anything, be it food or textiles, that citizens can donate would be appreciated, Burkhardt said. “Help your neighbors,” she said. “We have to be there for each other.”

Continued from Page A1

schools — Washington Elementary and Waupun Area Middle School — sustained minor water damage. “The week before, we had some problems with roofs leaking but were able to have them patched before this last round of thunderstorms,” Zeininger said. “We were lucky that maintenance staff was able to dry out the classrooms and take care of the damage.”

Dual role

The role of Department of Public Works and utilities crews will be two-fold this week, lending a hand to stricken residents and assessing the damage to the streets and stor m water and sanitary sewer system. “We will be looking at inlets and manholes, checking for loose mortar or anything that was under mined by floodwaters,” said Department of Public Works Director Dick Flynn. “Some of the damage may not be apparent right away and then

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HEROES OF THE FLOOD

We are looking for stories about the heroes of recent flooding in the Fond du Lac and Dodge counties area. Did someone come to your rescue? Do you know someone who went above and beyond the call of duty that night or in the days after the storms? Send your stories to News Editor Peggy Breister at pbreister@fdlreporter.com or by mail to Peggy Breister, The Reporter, PO Box 630, Fond du Lac, WI, 54936-0630. Please submit stories by Thursday, June 19. It is important to include your name, contact information (phone number or e-mail) and a brief description of the person whose help you believe deserves recognition. The Reporter is also seeking personal stories of the flood and reader photos. Send photos to jconnaher@fdlreporter.com or pflood@fdlreporter.com. Send stories to Peggy Breister at the above address or email.

Greg Maass takes superintendent job in Green Bay BY SHARON ROZNIK

The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

The Reporter Staff

ESSENCE

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

A broken television frames a massive pile of flood debris Monday in the West Scott Street parking lot of a closed Pick ’n Save store. The location has been designated as a dropoff site by the city through Waste Management.

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Angelo and Blanca Ramire z were busy cleaning their Follett Street home when Federal Emergency Management Agency officials toured their neighborhood Tuesday. A mixture of floodwater and sewage filled the couple’s basement and came within eight inches of the first floor of their house. For the last four days, they have been cleaning out the basement, piling the foul-smelling rubbish in the front yard and fretting about their three children. On Tuesday, Angelo Ramirez was attempting to disinfect the basement. Helpful “I got rid of information most of the mud and now for flood I’m bleaching to victims/A2 get rid of the mold because of the kids,” he Floods said. expose A n g e l o Ramire z lost insurance his job after the risks/A7 flooding because he couldn’t get to work anymore; both of the couple’s cars were destroyed by floodwaters. He wanted to talk to FEMA officials and tell them about the family’s situation. “Lord knows we need help,” he said. A FEMA team surveyed their neighborhood and other areas of the city and county heavily damaged by rains and flooding. The team’s analysis will be used to help deter mine if Fond du Lac County should be designated a federal disaster area. FEMA officials also talked with Fond du Lac city and county of ficials and looked at hundreds of photographs of the flooding and its aftermath. The designation, which would come from President Bush, would make residents and municipali-

See FEMA Page A8

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Information Officer Nate Custer surveys flood damage Tuesday on West Follett Street.

Health risks posed by flood become big concern BY AMIE JO SCHAENZER

works its way back to nor mal, said Fond du Lac County Health DepartSo far, those affected by flooding ment Officer Diane in Fond du Lac County have byCappozzo. passed major injury and disease, So far, no major officials said Tuesday. health issues have But that Unconfirmed doesn’t mean Diane Cappozzo been reported to the Health Departresidents are case of ment, she said. completely E. Coli St. Agnes Hospital has seen out of the reported/A6 water — so to about 25 people with minor floodrelated injuries, said Shelly speak. There are plenty of things peo- Haberman, senior public relations ple should monitor with their associate for Agnesian Healthhealth, avoid while cleaning up Care. See HEALTH Page A8 and prepare for as Fond du Lac The Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

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The Fond du Lac Board of Education is facing one more challenge this year — replacing its superintendent of five years. The Green Bay School Board has selected Gregory Maass as the candidate to replace outgoing Superintendent Dan Greg Maass Nerad. “He’s had a very positive influence on our community,” long-time School Board member Elizabeth Hayes said of Maass’s local tenure, during which time taxpayers approved a $12.8 million school referendum. Maass said he is in the process of negotiating his contract and does not know when he will leave the Fond du Lac School District to begin his new job leading the thirdlargest school district in the state. “My wife and I have had some very preliminary discussions but no definitive timing plans,” Maass said. Nerad starts his new position as superintendent in Madison on July 1. Fond du Lac School Board President Eric Everson said the board will begin to discuss the process of searching for a replacement for Maass at its June 23 meeting. “We’ve had a lot thrown at us this year,” Everson said, noting the sudden retirement of long-time Fond du Lac High School Principal Mary Fran Merwin due to serious illness, along with devastating losses of school district property sustained in last week’s flood. On a good note, Everson pointed out, is the justover $500,000 the school district stands to received in a facility naming rights contract with Acuity Insurance of Sheboygan. Maass, who was hired in Fond du Lac in 2003 to replace Dewitt Jones, has been known for his “human resource based” leadership style. Everson noted that under this superintendent’s leadership a solid relationship developed between the community and the school district. “He’s built partnerships that we never had before, teaming schools and businesses (Partners in Education Prog ram). Our school district is in good financial shape, and he’s overseen a new cuttingedge style of (developing) teacher-driven curriculum,” Everson said. Green Bay School Board President Jean Marsch stated “We are unanimous in our decision and believe Dr. Maass has the exemplary leadership qualities to work in partnership with the board to raise student achievement.” Originally from Portage, Maass served for five years as school superintendent in Oconomowoc prior to coming to Fond

See MAASS Page A8

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FLOOD The Reporter, Wednesday, June 18, 2008

PAGE A2

Flood guide: Helpful information for victims The Reporter Staff

Alliant will not restore natural gas or electricity until a professional electrician inspects appliances affected by floodwaters, said Scott Registad, communications program manager for Alliant Energ y. Also, any customers who still have standing water in their basements or whose homes are unsafe for any reason will not have natural gas restored. People may use the dealer locator on the Alliant Energy Web site to help them in finding an electrician or any heating or appliance service contractor www.alliantenergy.com/dealerlocator. More infor mation is available by calling Alliant Energ y’s 24-hour customer service center at 1-800-255-4268.

The Reporter is compiling infor mation for people whowere victims of flooding. Po s t q u e s t i o n s a t w w w. f d l r e p o r t e r. c o m and we will update with answers as the information becomes available. If you are a flood victim T he Red Cross urg es residents to re gister themselves and family members on their Web site located at www.redcross.org by clicking on the safe and well link. If you are currently being affected by the disaster, click “list myself as safe a n d we l l , ” a n d e n t e r yo u r p r e - d i s a s t e r a d d re s s a n d p h o n e nu m ber. You can also search for people registered on t h e s i t e. Yo u c a n a l s o call 1-800-RED-CROSS to register their families. If you are beginning to clean up a home or business affected by floodwater (safety and health precautions): æ Car peting, drywall and other building materials affected by flood waters will, in most instances, need to be rem ove d a n d d i s c a r d e d . Any porous materials that cannot be dried in 48 hours should be discarded, according to a press release from the Fo n d d u L a c C o u n t y Health Department. æ A 20-page booklet is av a i l a b l e o n l i n e f r o m the EPA that gives simple instructions for safely cleaning a home after a flood. http://www.epa.gov/mo ld/flood/flood_booklet_e n.pdf. æ Do not rush to replace drywall and carpeting. The home must be thoroughly dried before installing new materials. æ Using dehumidifiers and fans can hasten this p r o c e s s. We a t h e r p e r mitting, open windows to further assist with the ventilation and drying of basements, crawl spaces and living areas. æ Walls typically need several days to dry, and floors may take several we e k s. I t m ay m a ke s e n s e t o r e m ove we t sub-flooring. æ If using a portable g enerator, kee p it outside and far away from the building. The exhaust or fumes from a portable generator could kill a person in minutes. æ Re m e m b e r t o p r o t e c t yo u r s e l f wh i l e c l e a n i n g . We a r wo rk boots, eye and hand protection and, if working with mold, respiratory protection. Also, be sure t o w a s h yo u r h a n d s a lot. æ I f yo u ’ r e n o t s u r e when you had your last tetanus immunization, contact the Health Department or your doctor. Erin Gerred, director of Communications and E m e r g e n cy M a n a g e ment, advises to avoid floodwater and moving w a t e r s, a s 6 i n c h e s o f m ov i n g w a t e r m ay swee p people of f their feet. For additional tips on flood survival, visit t h e F E M A We b s i t e at www.fema.gov. People with questions may contact the Fond du Lac County Health Department at 929-3085 or Fo n d d u L a c C o u n t y Communications and E m e r g e n cy M a n a g e ment at 929-3288. If you want a clean-up kit Go to the Red Cross office, 272 N. Main St., or the Salvation Army, 237 Macy St., according to the Fond du Lac County Red Cross chapter. Kits with materials used in cleaning flooded basem e n t s a r e av a i l a b l e. They are no longer available at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds site.

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Shawn Dati of Fond du Lac, helps a friend Monday clean up the basement at his house on Military Road that was devastated by last week’s flooding. If you are unable to do clean-up and need assistance Yo u c a n c o n t a c t t h e Re d C ro s s at 9 2 2 - 3 4 5 0 . “Some football players from Fond du Lac High School have volunteered to help those in need, and we are grateful for their brawn and goodwill,” said Jamie Haack, Re d C ro s s d i re c t o r o f communication. If you need food T he Salvation Ar my, 237 Macy St., will provide food to those flood victims in dire need of such help, said Salvation Ar my Family Services C o o rd i n at o r Rox a n n e Burkhardt. People must provide proof of address to show that they were in the area af fected by the floods to possibly receive food donations, she said. If you need information about flood issues T h e C i t y o f Fo n d d u Lac has set up phone nu m b e r s fo r p e o p l e t o call if they are having problems with the structural integrity of their home, electrical issues or questions about their appliances, fur nace or water heater. They also c a n c a l l i f t h e y h ave h e a l t h c o n c e r n s. T h e phone numbers are: 3223475, 322-3407 or 322-3543. According to the City of Fond du Lac Web site, t h o s e wh o d o n o t f e e l safe in their home or business should evacuate to a safer structure.

YMCA moving forward with building plans despite flood damage For The Reporter

In the aftermath of the recent flooding in downtown Fond du Lac, the Fond du Lac Family YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac are standing firm with plans to collaboratively build a new facility at the current YMCA site on Second and Military Streets. While both organizations experienced considerable water damage from the overflow of the Fond du Lac River, officials emphasize the value of remaining downtown, according to a press release. “Our new building will be designed to withstand any future catastrophes of this nature,” said YMCA Director Greg Giles. “Downtown is where we need to be to best serve those who need us most.” Likewise, the Boys & Girls Club whose Hamilton Teen Center and Riverside office were hardest hit, are adamant that the new facility plans will not change because of the recent flood. “This has been deemed a ‘100-year occurrence,’” said Stan Kocos, Boys & Girls Club director. “Moving to a different location would prohibit many of our families from participation in Y and Club programs because of transportation issues.” It is anticipated that groundbreaking for the new facility will take place in the coming fall. The public is encouraged to support the fundraising efforts currently in progress, and may do so by calling 921-3330.

p o s s i bl e t o a c c e s s t h e outage areas. High water in several areas across the state is still making accessibility to some areas impossible, Charter noted in a press release. C h a r t e r ’s s y s t e m i s also affected when comm e rc i a l p owe r i s o u t , wh i ch w a s t h e c a s e i n If you need shelter several communities. Charter customers The Fond du Lac Red Cross is no longer pro- without service are enviding public shelter to couraged to contact the fl o o d v i c t i m s. I f yo u c o m p a ny at 1 - 8 8 8 - G E T t h i n k yo u n e e d a s s i s - CHARTER. tance, contact the Fond If you need a shower du Lac Red Cross to set æ Marian University, up an appointment for a personal assessment at 4 5 N at i o n a l Ave. , h a s 9 2 2 - 3 4 5 0 . T h e Fo n d d u opened its doors to the L a c Re d C ro s s b e g a n public to use the showdoing assessments Mon- ers in Sadoff Gymnasiday and have been pro- um from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., cessing about eight fami- said Red Cross Executive lies per hour, said Red Director Peter SensenCross Executive Director brenner. People should bring their own soap and Peter Sensenbrenner. towels. If you experience æ People can also use a cable outage t h e s h owe r s at t h e The Fond du Lac area YMCA, 90 W. Second St., had three areas, or ap- said Marty Ison-Kocos, proximately 1,750 homes, director of community w i t h o u t C h a r t e r C o m - development. “We will m u n i c at i o n s s e r v i c e s, also let them use towels due to high water main- and soap. Just come to ly affecting underground t h e f ro n t d e s k , ” I s o n Kocos said. lines last week. The Waupun area has If you’d like also experienced partial to donate or volunteer c abl e o u t a g e s d u e t o æ Donations of money high water. About 2,500 customers were affected. can be sent to the Fond C h a r t e r c rew s h ave du Lac Red Cross, 272 N. been working to restore Main St., Fond du Lac services wherever it is WI, 54935. Make checks

payable to the American Red Cross. While large donations are appreciated, Red Cross Executive Director Peter Sensenbrenner said every bit counts and donations of $50, $75 and $100 would help support flood vict i m s. Pe o p l e c a n a l s o make donations over the phone at 1-800-Redcross o r o n t h e We b s i t e at www.redcross.org. The Fond du Lac Red Cross is a l s o l o o k i n g fo r d o n a tions of bleach. æ If people would like to volunteer, they may call the Red Cross at 9223450 or the Fond du Lac Volunteer Center at 9261414. æ Broken Bread program at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 51 W. Division St., is seeking non-perishable food items and cash donations, said the Rev. Brian Beno at St. Paul’s. Its food pantry experienced flooding and lost eve r y t h i n g fo r n e e dy families. Food distribution is available beginning at 5 p.m. every Friday. æ The Salvation Army, 2 3 7 N. M a cy S t . , i s a c c e p t i n g d o n at i o n s o f cleaning products, such as bleach and laundry detergent; bedding, such as blankets, sheets and p i l l ow s ; a n d a ny fo o d items. æ H o ly Fa m i ly Catholic Congregation, Fo u r t h S t re e t Way, i s

taking donations of nonperishable food items, p e r s o n a l c a re i t e m s, b aby d i ap e r s / w i p e s and/or contributions of money. Also, Holy Family is asking those who might be able to provide housing to those in need to contact Holy Family at 921-0580, ext. 134. Anyone who can provide donations of money to help offset the cost of bleach can contact Jennifer at 322-0721 or e-mail her at jlf529@charter.net. æ Holy Family Parish is also looking for volunteers to help pick up donated items and to assist with clean-up. A special meeting was held June 17 at Holy Family Parish to gather a team of volu n t e e r s a n d ap p o i n t eight to 12 coordinators to assist with specific n e e d s fo l l ow i n g t h e flooding. Those interested in being a coordinat o r c a n c o n t a c t Ja ck Braun at 921-0580, ext. 119, or at jbraun@hffdl.org. If you have a well that was submerged by floodwater Diane Cappozzo, Fond du Lac County health officer, recommends that “if you have a private well that has been submerged by flood waters, or if you have noticed a change in the color, odor or taste of your water since the heavy rain, do not drink the water, acc o rd i n g t o a p re s s re lease. Wait until the waters recede and sample the well for bacteria. Water test kits can be obtained from the county Health Department. If samples come back as having unsafe levels of bacteria present, it is recommended that the well be disinfected and then resampled. Information on how to perform sampling and well sanitizing can be obtained from the Health Department or on the Department of Natural Resources Web site at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/w ater/dwg/flood.htm. If your natural gas has been shut off Alliant Energ y urges customers to be patient as they work to restore services to 5,000 customers. As of Tuesday night, natural g as to about 4,000 homes and businesses had been restored. The services were shut of f for safety reasons following the flooding. Crews have to go into each home to restore service and relight pilot lights.

If you need money for flood repairs æ Marine Credit Union has made $1 million of zero-interest loans available for victims of the recent flooding in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. The funds are intended for individuals who may be in need of assistance to cover the costs associated with clean-up, supplies, temporary housing or day-to-day needs. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, firstserved basis and will be limited to $5,000 per borrower. The loans are interest free and payment free for the first 120 days. Individuals in need of assistance should contact their local Marine Credit Union of fice. In the Fond du Lac area, call 800-923-7280. Marine Credit Union has offices in Peterson, Minn.; Decorah, Iowa; and the following Wisconsin communities: Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac, Waupun, Ripon, Holmen, La Crosse, Onalaska, Prairie du Chien and Suamico. If you have trash to be picked up: T here are three 20cubic-yard boxes located in the parking lot of the former Pick ’n Save parking lot at the cor ner of Scott and Doty streets. The boxes are intended for use of the public for disposal of personal goods that have been damaged by the recent flooding, according to the Fond du Lac Public Works Department. People are asked to limit the items placed in the boxes to nor mal bulky waste and household items. Do not place any tires, Freon items or computer monitors into the boxes. Star ting today, bulky waste pickup collection will begin. It is intended primarily for the cleanup and removal of personal items damaged by the recent flooding and basement backups. Residents should se parate metal items from other items. Collection will begin in the northeast quadrant of the city and work in a clockwise patter n — nor theast, southeast, southwest and nor thwest. Residents who are having their street reconstr ucted should place their waste as close to the curb as possible. Residents living on the east side of the city are asked to have their items for collection on the terrace starting today. Residents living in the west side of Fond du Lac should place their items on the terrace by 6 a.m. Monday, July 7. “One pass will be made through each of the four quadrants," said Stephen Kees, De par tment of Public Works operations director. “Time constraints on the project dictate that we can go past each residence only one time, and we cannot backtrack once we have passed a property.”

PAGE A8

LOCAL

The Reporter, Wednesday, June 18, 2008

FEMA

will continue to help,” he said. “A lot of work has yet to be done and we want to help get as many federal dollars as we can into these communities to help with the rebuilding process.” While FEMA employees surveyed the area, Alliant Energy continued reconnecting natural gas lines to hundreds of area residents. The company had restored natural gas service to about 4,000 Fond du Lac residents as of noon on Tuesday. Some 1,100 customers remain disconnected as clean up efforts continue, said Alliant spokesperson Scott Reigstad. As people cleared out basements and other flood-damaged property, the heaps of trash, sewage-soaked furnishing and other debris piled up along streets and in the Pick ’n Save parking lot grew higher. Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel gave a report on the county’s response to the flooding and potential costs to the County Board of Supervisors Tuesday night. He said damage was extensive, but lauded the county’s work during the critical emergency hours and in the wake of the flood. Buechel also told Supervisors that the county could be out more than $60,000 in general fund expenditures if not reimbursed by the federal government. He has yet to tally up the overtime bill from county employees who worked long shifts Thursday night and well into the weekend.

Continued from Page A1 ties eligible for federal assistance. That aid could include grants and low-cost loans. Just how much damage the stor ms and rising waters did on Thursday and Friday isn’t clear. FEMA disaster assistance employees will be evaluating the county in terms of the amount of damage, where it occurred, the insurance coverage of residents and the poverty of the victims, said Nate Custer, an agency spokesperson. Aid won’t come right away. Custer said it could be several days before a decision is made about Fond du Lac County. Bush declared Richland and Racine counties disaster areas Monday. The president already had declared Crawford, Ver non, Sauk, Milwaukee and Columbia counties disaster areas over the weekend. Gov. Jim Doyle declared 30 counties states of emergency following the flooding. As FEMA teams examine the damage, more counties will be added to the list of federal disaster areas, said Lee Sensenbrenner, a spokesperson for the governor. Matt Frank, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources secretary, also visited the county Tuesday to see first-hand how the area was affected. “The DNR and other state agencies

MAASS

Continued from Page A1 du Lac. Starting his educational career in small, rural school districts, Maass said he has driven a school bus, was a substitute teacher and helped serve food at times. “I come from very humble beginnings and grew up with a single mom. I would have never thought I’d be in a position to serve in a large urban superintendency like Green Bay,” he said.

“From a personal growth perspective, this is just phenomenal, and I’m happy for him. He’s certainly done a great job for us,” he noted. A compatible superintendent/school board relationship helped nurture success in Fond du Lac schools these past five years, Maass said. He describes his leadership philosophy as collaborative and participatory. “ I want to leave here as a ‘we,’ not a ‘me’ because I’ve always been included here,” he said.

Hayes, who has served on the school board for 22 years, said she’s not surprised Maass got the job over four other Green Bay semi-finalists after a nation-wide search was conducted. “He’s an individual who has impressed me as a person who wants to continually grow and I think he will fit well there. Fond du Lac schools have a fine reputation around the state so this really is a commendation for our school district,” she said. Everson said the parting is bittersweet.

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST ®

Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast Today

Thursday

Intervals of clouds and sunshine

Periods of clouds and sunshine

72°

49°

Friday

78°

76°

La Crosse 78/54

59°

76° Monday

Sunny to partly cloudy and pleasant

Mostly sunny and pleasant

56°

78°

National Cities City

Today Hi/Lo/W

95/68/t 74/53/t 73/57/t 74/51/pc 89/71/t 94/56/t 78/62/s 66/52/t 104/76/s 69/54/c 66/50/pc 88/75/s 78/54/pc 83/63/s 63/47/t 105/75/s 86/68/s 88/74/t 78/61/s 83/56/s 90/71/t 73/59/t 90/71/t 75/56/t 112/85/s 64/49/t 81/64/s 90/60/s 67/47/c 76/58/t

Green Bay 70/48 Oshkosh 71/52

Some sun with a thunderstorm possible

Sunday

Wausau 72/46

51°

76°

57°

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Eau Claire 77/48

Saturday

Partly sunny

Wisconsin Weather

Superior 77/43

58°

Thu. Hi/Lo/W

96/65/s 74/58/pc 73/58/pc 76/52/pc 91/69/t 85/56/t 75/59/pc 72/54/pc 105/76/s 74/55/c 73/51/pc 88/75/s 78/57/pc 78/63/t 69/50/pc 106/80/s 83/69/s 89/76/t 79/62/pc 84/63/s 91/74/t 74/63/t 89/68/t 75/60/pc 112/83/s 68/52/t 80/63/pc 86/60/s 66/51/pc 77/61/pc

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Continued from Page A1 “We’ve had everything from sprains to rashes to cuts to a puncture wound to a foot from someone who stepped on a nail,” she said. “We’ve had knee injuries and some dislocations because of falls.” While most of the flooding on roads has receded, standing water remains in some areas, including basements. That water could contain a variety of contaminants, most notably sewage, and could pose health problems if people do not practice proper hygiene and take proper measures to clean up, Cappozzo said.

Get the spores out

If there’s standing water in the basement, chances are mold has started to take root, Cappozzo said. Breathing in mold spores could cause sneezing, eye irritation and nasal congestion or more serious concerns for people who have respiratory problems, such as asthma. Young children and the elderly should stay out of such areas, Cappozzo said. Drywall, insulation, carpeting and all other building material affected by contaminated water must be torn out, discarded and the area should be completely dried. The Center for Disease Control says mold could be in the affected area if people notice discoloring to walls or ceilings and/or a musty or foul stench. Check www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp for more information on how to deal with or detect mold. Cappozzo recommends investing in a N95 face mask, available at local hardware and home improvement stores, when working in an area that may be contaminated with mold.

Contaminated water

For those still in clean-up mode there are plenty of precautions to keep in mind when dealing with items affected by contaminated water. Practice proper hygiene and avoid direct contact

DAMP?

Milwaukee 68/53 Racine 68/51 Kenosha 72/49

Fond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest. Temperature High ......................................... 73° Low .......................................... 50° Normal high ............................. 77° Normal low ............................... 58°

Precipitation 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.00" Month to date ...................... 10.16" Normal month to date ........... 2.01" Year to date ......................... 19.95" Normal year to date ............ 11.71"

Sun and Moon Sunrise today ................. 5:11 a.m. Sunset tonight ................. 8:39 p.m. Moonrise today ............... 9:11 p.m. Moonset today ................ 4:38 a.m. Full

Last

June 18 June 26

New

First

July 2

July 9

Today

Hi/Lo/W 71/51/pc 72/50/pc 68/49/pc 74/48/pc 77/48/s 70/48/pc 76/49/pc 72/49/pc 78/54/s 74/50/pc 75/48/s 68/53/pc 71/52/pc 78/52/s 70/37/pc 62/50/pc 77/43/s 73/50/pc 72/46/pc

Thu.

Hi/Lo/W 74/54/pc 76/53/pc 74/54/pc 75/51/pc 81/54/pc 74/50/pc 75/52/pc 74/49/pc 79/57/pc 76/53/pc 80/55/pc 74/51/pc 75/54/pc 77/54/pc 77/43/pc 65/51/pc 76/50/pc 76/53/pc 78/55/pc

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FLOOD VICTIMS

Anchorage 70/54

Vancouver 64/50 Seattle 67/47

Billings 81/56

Montreal Toronto 64/55 Detroit 63/50 New York 66/52 73/59

Minneapolis 78/61 Chicago Denver 74/51 94/56

San Francisco 72/52 Los Angeles 86/64

-0s

10s

20s

30s

Washington 76/58 Atlanta 84/60

El Paso

Showers 104/76 T-storms 110s Rain Chihuahua Flurries 104/73 La Paz Snow 97/68 Ice

-10s

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Winnipeg 74/55

Calgary 67/41

Cold Front

Houston 92/73

Miami Miami 88/74

Monterrey 102/75

40s

50s

of control, loss of sense of security and fairness. Obviously, there is a lot of personal loss,” Zietlow said. “For some, they might even lose their trust in God.” They might not immediately realize all the emotions they are going through as they try to clean up following a flood, she said, with signs of depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress syndrome surfacing later. “Immediately following a disaster, a lot of people are in the ‘let’s take care of what we need to take care of ’ mode,” Zietlow said. “After that, it can turn into anger over what has happened to them.” People should try to maintain their normal schedule, she said. “This is important for your children, too. Even if you can’t be in your normal home, keeping their meal time and bed times gives them some sort of normalcy,” she said. Talk with your children about what happened, also, she said. For adults, professional help should be sought by those having a hard time managing the stress. The Fond du Lac County Department of Community Programs Crisis IntervenMosquitoes tion Services Hotline is A swarm of mosquitoes available for anyone expericould drop on Fond du Lac encing mental health issues. County in coming weeks, For help call (920) 929-3535. Cappozzo said. “We are going to have a CO and shots bumper crop of Don’t keep generators in mosquitoes because of the an enclosed area. Avoid carstanding water,” she said. bon monoxide poisoning by “Everyone should be keeping it outside and far aware of that and try to away from a building, Capavoid going outside in the pozzo said. early mor ning and late “Otherwise, that can turn evening hours. And be things into a life or death sitsure to use repellant.” uation pretty quickly,” she While mosquitoes can- said. not transfer disease picked Have puncture injuries or up by floodwaters to hu- abrasions received while mans, the large influx of cleaning up checked to see if disease could increase the a tetanus shot is needed, likelihood of diseases Cappozzo said. Free tetanus such as West Nile Virus boosters are available at the being brought to the area. Health Department this week on a walk-in basis, she Stressed said. Stay safe, Cappozzo said, Hidden health concerns include managing the stress by staying out of the Fond from the damage, said du Lac River. “Though the river is reColleen Zietlow, licensed marriage and family therapist ceding, the river is not a good place for people to be with Agnesian HealthCare. “Any type of crisis causes recreating,” she said. “Do loss. You have a loss of sense not kayak or canoe down it.”

IsYour Flooring A Little

Madison 74/50 Watertown 71/49

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with contaminated water by wearing work boots and eye and hand protection, officials say. Gastrointestinal illnesses can occur, such as vomiting and diarrhea, in those who come in contact with water contaminated with, among other things, sewage. If food came in contact with floodwaters, throw it out. It’s best to throw out photographs, documents and basically any type of paper or cardboard product, Cappozzo said. “Any porous materials that cannot be dried in 48 hours should be discarded,” she said. Other items need to be cleaned thoroughly with a bleach a solution. A 20-page booklet is available online from the EPA that gives simple instructions for safely cleaning a home after a flood. http://www.epa.gov/mold/flo od/flood_booklet_en.pdf. Cappozzo also urges people not to forget their pets. “Give them a good bath because there could be bacteria on their fur,” she said. “If an animal gets sick, pet owners should be cautious in cleaning up their messes. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up after animals.”

Warm Front Stationary Front

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.

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Thursday, June 19, 2008

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SPORTS

Wary residents keep eye on sky

BY BRETT ROWLAND The Reporter browland@fdlreporter.com

Just as the city starts to dry out, rain could put a damper on weekend cleanup efforts. Things could get wetter for Fond du Lac with rain in the forecast starting

HEROES OF THE FLOOD

We are looking for stories about the heroes of recent flooding in the areas of Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. Did someone come to your rescue? Do you know someone who went above and beyond the call of duty that night or in the days after the storms? Send your stories to News Editor Peggy Breister at pbreister@fdlreporter.com or by mail to Peggy Breister, The Reporter, P.O. Box 630, Fond du Lac, WI, 54936-0630. Stories are due by the end of today, Thursday. It is important to include your name, contact information (phone number or e-mail) and a brief description of the person whose help you believe deserves recognition. The Reporter is also seeking personal stories of the flood and reader photos. Send photos to jconnaher@fdlreporter.com or pflood@fdlreporter.com. Send stories to Peggy Breister at the above address or email.

The Reporter Staff

LOTTERY WEDNESDAY

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WEATHER

tonight and continuing Friday and Saturday. Some precipitation is expected, but weather experts predict less than half an inch will fall before skies clear on Sunday. And city of ficials say

Farms absorb huge hit

this point, more rain might have more of an emotional impact than a Fond du Lac’s sewer and Mark Lentz. physical one.” collection systems can Water levels in rivers Residents and local officope with a little more and creeks have decreased cials are understandably rain. dramatically in recent rain-shy this week as “If we were to get a typi- days. many struggle to clean up cal shower, we could prob“Everything has gone the mess left by flooding ably handle it,” said city down and is back to norSee FORECAST Page A8 Public Works Director mal flows,” Lentz said. “At

Expert offers tips for preserving saturated photos

Floods taking heavy toll on area agriculture

BY STEVE AHRENS

The Reporter Staff

Fond du Lac County far mers estimate losses from the recent flooding at more than $30 million. Multi-million dollar losses have also been reporting in neighboring Dodge County. “It’s been pretty extensive,” said Mike Rankin, a crops and soil agent for the University of Wisconsin Extension Office in Fond du Lac. “All crops will be affected, but annual crops such as corn and soybeans will take the brunt of the hit.” Heavy rains on June 1213 fell on saturated g round and took a dramatic toll on the county’s agriculture industry. In addition to seasonal crop losses, far mland could suf fer long-ter m damage from soil compaction and erosion, Rankin said. However, most of the losses will be seasonal. The damage comes at a particularly bad time as crop and commodity prices are on the rise. “Lots of farmers were looking forward to a good year,” Rankin said. Commodity markets have already reacted to

See FARMS Page A8

For The Reporter

MORE INSIDE

æ Dodge County declared federal disaster area, A2 æ Flooding impacts broad areas of FdL, Dodge counties, A2 æ Near-drowning victim thanks emergency personnel, A3 æ Flood gives columnist a sense of perspective, A7

Low High tonight tomorrow

Mostly sunny

Partly cloudy

75 58 78 Chance of rain

Five-day forecast, national, world weather/A8

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assist victims of last week’s flood.

The Reporter Staff

The Salvation Army is cleaning up in the wake of recent flooding that destroyed more than a third of the nonprofit organization’s inventory. Even as Salvation Army workTHE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD A 30-foot Dumpster sits in front of the Salvation Army at 24 W. Cotton St., where ers haul damaged goods out of damaged items from the store were placed in the aftermath of downtown flood- the basement of their building at 24 W. Cotton St., the organization ing. Despite extensive flood damage, the Thrift Store is open for business and is remains open for business. Often accepting donations for the people it serves. that business means taking do-

See CARE Page A8

nated items in one door and giving them away out another, said manager Rita Guyette. “The mood has been really good,” she said. “Everyone knows someone who is worse off than they are. No one is completely dejected. We’re all in the same boat.” Heavy rains combined with a swollen river left four to five feet of water in the basement of the building, where the majority of the organization’s donated furniture was stored.

See STRUGGLE Page A8

Go easy on the gas pedal: Slowing down saves money BY AMIE JO SCHAENZER

State Patrol. Staying under 60 mph and setting the cruise control or staying Authorities say now, more than at a steady pace is key, Scorcio said. In fact, every 5 mph over 60 ever, slowing down can truly pay mph amounts to paying an estioff. mated 20 cents more per gallon, With gas prices about $4 per according to a U.S. Department of gallon, reducing speed can help Energy Web site. save motorists money, said Lt. Despite what authorities say is Nick Scorcio of the Wisconsin a common sense approach to savThe Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

Serving the Fond du Lac area since 1870

If you have photographs or ne gatives that were damaged by floodwaters, you need to act quickly before the images dry and stick together or to the glass. æ Negatives: Remove any plastic sleeving that surrounds the negative. Carefully tap off excess moisture using caution so the negative is not kinked in the process. In a dry room, tape the edge of the negative to a vertical surface so it can air dry (masking tape works best). If the water was dirty, there is a good chance that tiny particles of dirt are on the surface. Wiping with a cloth may cause these particles to scratch the emulsion. It is better to let the negative dry and use compressed air to blow off the dirt. æ Photographs in an album or book: Remove the photographs from the book, pat them dry with a clean soft towel and place THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER City of Fond du Lac crews on a clean, dry, horizontal worked to clean East Cotton surface until completely dry. Street Wednesday as a special If you don’t remove the bulky waste pickup began to images from the book, the

Salvation Army struggles to help the struggling

THE NEXT 36 HOURS High today

Handle with care

BULKY WASTE PICKUP

ing money as gas prices continue to rise, local law enforcement has not seen a decrease in speeding in Fond du Lac County. But other areas of the state report that on average, motorists have decreased their speed by 1 mph, Scorcio said. “That’s nothing to do back flips over, but it’s a start,” he said. By the end of the summer,

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when cash is tight, people may start to slow down and officers may have to write fewer speeding tickets, said Lt. Bill Tadych of the Fond du Lac County Sheriff ’s Department. “Summer is a busy time and people are out en masse,” said Tadych.

See SPEED Page A8 –David Oreck, Founder

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Up to half inch of rain in forecast through Saturday

LOCAL The Reporter, Thursday, June 19, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

PAGE A3

Near-drowning victim thanks emergency personnel It’s not the first time firefighters and paramedics rescued 32-year-old NFdL man

BY AMIE JO SCHAENZER

BE CAREFUL

The Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

Even though waterways in Fond du Lac County have receded, many still are not safe to go in or near, says Fond du Lac Fire Chief Joe Clow. There is floodwater rushing down the waterways and much of that water is likely contaminated, he said.

Guardian angel is definitely not in Edgar Ramirez-Tellez’s job description. But perhaps that’s just what a 32-year-old North Fond du Lac man needed when he slid into the raging Fond du Lac River early Sunday morning. For the second time in the past year, RamirezTellez, a paramedic/firefighter with the Fond du Lac Fire Department, was in the right place at the right time to rescue Chris Freund of North Fond du Lac. On Wednesday, Ramire z-Telle z, along with fellow paramedic/ firefighter Steve Pieper and Fond du Lac Police officers Curt Beck, Vance Henning and Keywon Brown, were credited for saving Freund’s life after they rescued him early Sunday from the flooded Fond du Lac River. “The river was full to the banks,” said Fire Chief Joe Clow during a press conference Wednesday. “This is a much celebrated act of heroism.” Ramirez-Tellez was the first to jump in to help Freund. He worked jointly with police officers to get Freund out of the water. Pieper was able to resuscitate Freund, whose heart had stopped

also jumped in, and the two were able to “unwedge” the man who became stuck between mud and the pile of wood in the river. “Over the past couple days there have been many acts of heroism, and this is just one example,” said City Manager THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD Tom Her re during the Chris Freund of North Fond du Lac is greeted Wednesday by firefighter/paramedics Edgar press conference. “FireRamirez-Tellez, left, and Steve Pieper, two members of a group of firefighters and police offi- fighters and police officers who rescued him Sunday from the flooded Fond du Lac River. Freund’s heart had cers rescued up to 600 people from harm’s way stopped by the time he was pulled from the river. He was revived by paramedics. (since the flooding startbeating. Tellez. Fond du Lac Fire Depart- ed).” Following the press ment that typically conMan with two lives conference, Freund Quick thinking ducts such rescues. Freund has experilearned it wasn’t the first “In the back of my For Ramirez-Tellez, it time Ramirez-Tellez had was a split-second decihead, I was thinking we enced a number of rescued him. About a sion to save Freund soon should probably wait for mishaps in his life, he year ago, Ramirez-Tellez after Henning was able to that team. But then he said, including the crash was the paramedic on locate started to go under and last year and an incident scene at a serious crash Freund’s that’s when I had to make in which he was struck outside Pro Motorsports, hand a decision and I jumped by a vehicle when he was 96 N. Rolling Meadows sticking in,” he said. “You think 4 years old. His heart stopped beatDrive, where a woman out from about the risk and you had struck Freund’s ve- beneath a think about your family, ing after he was struck by the car when he was a hicle. Freund was seri- pile of but it’s what we do.” ously injured in that wood in Clow said the joint ef- boy, just as it did in the crash. fort involving his staff near-drowning incident the river. “I’m just so grateful,” Ramirez-Tellez said there and police officers helped on Sunday. Emergency Freund said to Ramirez- is a special team at the save Freund. Henning personnel revived him

both times. “Perhaps I have two lives,” he said. “God must have some purpose for me.” Freund said around 2:14 a.m. he was taking a closer look at the flooded river when he lost his balance and slid into the water. With his cell phone in hand, Freund was able to dial 911 and tell dispatchers where he was even though he was stuck in the mud, with water up to his neck. At some point, he said, the mud that was packed around his legs gave way and he went under. From there, he said he didn’t remember anything until he woke up in the intensive care unit at St. Agnes Hospital. Freund was released from the hospital Monday. “I would like to thank all of these firefighters and police of ficers for saving me,” Freund said during the press conference. Wearing a “Lucky Brand” T-shirt, Freund, who doesn’t know how to swim, said he’s going to avoid waterways and said it was a mistake to go near the Fond du Lac River this past week. “I thought for sure I was dead,” Freund said. “I have a whole new outlook on life. You enjoy everything a bit more.”

FdL County assistant district attorney receives state’s top award BY AMIE JO SCHAENZER

“I walked into the lun- O’Rourke said he nomicheon and saw my family nated Schneider for the A Fond du Lac County sitting there,” Schneider award because of his District Attorney’s Office said. “And then I noticed work on a child sexual asemployee was honored the entire district attor- sault case involving several children. Three men last week as one of the ney staff was also there.” Fond du Lac County were convicted of the sexstate’s top prosecutors. Charlie Schneider, District Attorney Michael ual assaults — stepbrothwho’s been with the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office since 1979, was named Wisconsin’s Deputy District Attorney of the Year during an awards ceremony luncheon at Chula Vista Resort at Wisconsin Dells. Fond du Lac Bank 920-906-9890 Schneider was not Located Inside Walmart Supercenter aware that he was nomiwww.fdlbank.com nated or going to receive OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon-Fri 9am7pm Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 10am-2pm the award until he walked into the ceremony luncheon where he was attending a yearly Wisconsin District Attorney Association conference. Wisconsin’s Home To The Worlds Finest Pianos The Reporterajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

ers Shawn Luchinski and Leslie Luchinski and a resident in Leslie’s apartment complex, Jacob Broecker — because of Schneider’s work on the “complex litigations,” he

said. “I rely on Charlie’s common sense when I need to bounce ideas about difficult cases of f someone else,” O’Rourke said. “His honesty and integrity are

beyond reproach. He is fair, consistent and has the respect of victims, law enforcement, defense attor neys, his colleagues and the Fond du Lac County judges.”

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LETTERS City of FdL: ‘Help us with garbage pickup’ The northwest side of the city was hit hardest by the flood. We had more damage and destruction than anywhere in the city. Yet, the city determines we will be the last to receive bulky waste pickup. We do not have any place left to put our flood-damaged goods. Our terraces are full. However, those who had lesser losses will be the first in line for cleanup. The city could relieve us of some of our devastation and mess by picking up on the northwest side and come back again in July for a second round. Why do we have to wait until July for any pickup? Perhaps we should elect our City Council by districts rather than at large. We have to call the city every summer to have weeds cut by the river. They are only cut after the thistle seeds are like cotton floating in the air, and the burdock and nettle have seeded in our back yards. We are trying our best to keep our spirits up and to face this flood damage with faith and courage. Neighbors, friends and family have been lifesavers for us. Please, City of Fond du Lac, help us with garbage pickup. I have been cleaning up mud and muck since I could get back into my home on Saturday. We have lost all our vehicles and many appliances. We have no hot water. God has blessed us. The main floor was saved. I pick flowers and put them in the basement every day, just for a spot of beauty. It keeps me from crying. I found myself humming a hymn while scooping up mud with a broom and dustpan. Jim and I have car ried out about 100 gallons of mud. Shirley Ries Fond du Lac

OPINION The Reporter, Thursday, June 19, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

PAGE A7

The Reporter SERVING THE FOND DU LAC AREA SINCE 1870

EDITORIAL BOARD

BILL HACKNEY, President and Publisher LORI GARBISCH and MAGGIE McCULLOUGH, Community Members

AVI STERN, Executive Editor PEGGY BREISTER, News Editor

MICHAEL MENTZER, Managing Editor THOMAS GUENTHER, Assistant News Editor

COMMUNITY COLUMNIST

Valuable life lessons learned in wake of Fond du Lac flood I realized this past week that I have too much stuff in my life and that I had become attached to all those material things. Like many of you, water came into my basement and I did what I could to keep it at bay while maneuvering a shop vacuum and moving stuff out of the way. When the flood event was over, I realized that I had too many useless, unnecessary belongings and it was time to do some purging. I feel a bit lighter now just knowing Lori Garbisch that my home will be a simpler, tidier place. The flood taught me that lesson. In contrast to my home, when I went to my office in the lower level at the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home, I was dismayed to see that it had

been deluged with floodwater and nearly everything had to be thrown away. I saved a picture of my kids and my calendar with the tropical scenes before the hazardous material handlers booted me out. All of my paper files were destroyed and the lesson learned here is to put important papers on a high shelf and to save things on computer discs. While I am a bit put out, I am so grateful that there was no loss of life involved with the Fond du Lac flood. Here at the Lutheran Home, an amazing team of people did everything they could to keep our residents safe and secure, and to keep their routines as normal as possible. I’m always amazed and delighted at how flexible and creative some people can be in a crisis. For example, our beauty salon at the Lutheran Home also suffered water dam-

age. Within days, our industrious manager, Jane Peachy, with help from other employees and volunteers, had it relocated to another part of the building. That may seem like a small thing, but isn’t it important to feel well groomed, with clean hair, even in a crisis? My hat is also off to City Manager Tom Herre; Director of Public Works Mark Lentz; The Reporter; the Post Office; and the many individuals and businesses who were challenged with a crisis and coped with dignity under great duress. Instead of pointing fingers about all that went wrong, let’s be grateful for all the things that went right. We get the chance to live another day. That’s the lesson of the flood of 2008. Lori Garbisch serves as a community columnist and member of The Reporter’s Editorial Board.

DRAWN OUT

‘Tireless effort’ in Waupun is appreciated Thank you to Dick F lynn and the Waupun city worker crew. My family would like to thank Waupun Director of Public Works Dick Flynn and all of the Waupun city worker crewmembers and all the volunteers who helped us out during the flooding in Waupun. We want you to know that your tireless effort did make a difference and helped us to prevent expensive damage to our property during the record flood. All your hard work was indeed appreciated. Randy and Lisa Vollmer Waupun

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Submissions must include your name, address and day and evening phone numbers for verification purposes. Letters will not be published unless verified. Letters must not exceed 300 words. Occasionally, letters that are longer than 300 words, but less than 600 words, will be selected as Guest Commentaries. They are chosen based on relevance, timeliness, interest and good writing. The Reporter reserves the right to edit all submissions for length. Letters, opinion and editorial columns, and articles must avoid libel, defamatory statements and be in good taste. Writers are allowed one published letter/commentary per month. Letters printed in, or massmailed to, other publications are not published. The Reporter prints letters thanking people or a business for a kind act or thanking the public and businesses (in general). Writers may thank up to three specific sponsors of an event. The Reporter encourages writers to make general references (for example, “Downtown Fond du Lac businesses” or “all those who volunteered”). Send your letters to us by: æ Mail: The Reporter Letters, P.O. Box 630, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-0630. æ E-mail: Place “Letters” in the subject field and e-mail to mmentzer@fdlreporter.com. æ Fax to: (920) 922-3552.

The Marines vs. smear merchants Yet another U.S. Marine has had charges dropped in the so-called Haditha massacre — bringing the total number of Marines who’ve been cleared or won case dismissals in the Iraq war incident to seven. “Undue command influence” on the prosecution led to the outcome Tuesday in Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani ’s case. Bottom line: That’s zero for seven for military prosecutors, with one trial left to go. I repeat: Haditha prosecution goes 0-7. But you won’t see that headline in the same Ar mageddonsized font The New York Times used repeatedly when the story first broke. The Times, Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa, and the rest of the anti-war drumpounders who fueled the smear campaign against the troops two years ago should hang their hands in shame. They won’t, of course. Perpetuating the “cold-blooded Marines” narrative means never having to say you’re sorry. It means never having to look Lt. Col. Chessani (charges dismissed), Lt. Andrew Grayson (acquitted), Lance Cpl. Stephen Tatum (charges dis-

Michelle Malkin missed), Capt. Lucas McConnell (charges dismissed), Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt (charges dismissed), Sgt. Sanick Dela Cruz (charges dismissed), Sgt. Frank Wuterich (awaiting trial) and their families in the eyes and apologize for the preemptive character assassination they all faced at the hands of the hyperventilating, noose-hanging press. Murtha and company applied Queen of Hearts (“Off with their heads!”) treatment to our own men and women in unifor m while giving more benefit of the doubt to foreign terror suspects at Gitmo. It is worth recalling, because the press won’t do it for you, what they concluded about the now-crumbling Haditha case in the summer of 2006 before a single for mal charge had been filed.

æ MSNBC hangman Keith Olber mann, who couldn’t wait to define the entire war in Iraq by a single moment about which he knew nothing, inveighed that the incident was “willful targeted brutality.” Due process? For convicted cop-killer Mumia Abu-Jamal, of course. For our military? Never mind. æ Far-left The Nation magazine railed, “Enough details have emerged … to conclude that … members of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment perpetrated a massacre.” The publication also judged the event “a willful, targeted brutality designed to send a message to Iraqis.” Not content with hanging the troops, The Nation pinned blame on the president and a so-called “culture of impunity” that supposedly per meates the most accountable military in the world. æ Singing the same tune as The Nation, The New York Times spilled a flood of front-page ink on the case and took things a step further in a lead editorial blaming not just President Bush, but also top Pentagon brass for the “night-

mare” killings in Haditha. Times reporter Paul von Zielbauer filed more than 30 stories on the case, which the paper wishfully called the “defining atrocity” of the Iraq war. æ Hoping to facilitate a self-fulfilling prophecy, media tools around the world likened Haditha to the Vietnam War’s most infamous atrocity — from The Guardian (“My Lai on the Euphrates?”) to the Daily Telegraph (“Massacre in Iraq just like My Lai”) to the Los Angeles Times (“What happened at the Iraqi My Lai?”) to The New York Times’ Maureen Dowd (“My Lai acid flashback”) and the Associated Press, which reached into its photo archives to run a 1970 file photo of My Lai to illustrate a Haditha article. æ And, of course, there’s the permanent stain left by the slanderous propaganda of Rep. Murtha — the stab in the Marines’ backs heard ‘round the world: “Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood.” Michelle Malkin is a Creators Syndicate columnist.

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

SEN. HERBERT KOHL

æ Address: Herbert Kohl, 330 Hart Sen-

ate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510. æ Phone: (202) 224-5653. State office: (800) 247-5645. æ E-mail: senator_kohl @kohl.senate.gov æ Web site: www.kohl.senate.gov

SEN. RUSSELL FEINGOLD æ Address: 506 Hart Senate Office

Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-4904. æ Phone: (202) 224-5323. State office (608) 828-1200. æ E-mail: Russ_Feingold@ feingold.senate.gov æ Web site: http://feingold.senate.gov

REP. THOMAS PETRI

æ Address: 2462 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. (6th District. æ Phone: (202) 225-2476. Fond du Lac office: 922-1180. Toll free: (800) 2424883. æ Web site: www.house.gov/petri

Susan Estrich

Lessons of a life too short

In the outpouring of tributes and anecdotes about the passing of Tim Russert, one item caught my eye. It was a note that recalled that this was the second tragedy in a matter of months for the Russert family: It was less than three months ago that Tim’s sister, Betty, lost her husband, William Buckenroth, 61. Meanwhile, their father, Tim Russert Sr. (“Big Russ”) continues to live in Buffalo. I can’t help but think how crazy it is to lose your 61-year-old husband and then your 58-year-old brother while your father survives them both. What sense does that make? No sense. Children are supposed to bury their parents, not the other way around. When someone as young and full of life as Tim dies, we all struggle to make sense of it. I read numerous posts about his medical situation, about being overweight and even diabetic, about the plaque in his arteries and the size of his heart. We search for ways to prove that what happened to him somehow made sense in view of his condition, not ours — explanations that will allow us to create a safe distance between ourselves and the prospect of sudden death. But it doesn’t work. There is no sense. Tim Russert was the king of the hill until he wasn’t. He was the luckiest guy in town until his luck ran out. Luck shouldn’t count for so much, but it does. Washington is full of guys with cholesterol plaque in their arteries and too much fat in their middles who don’t keel over and die at work at the age of 58. Many of them aren’t nearly as good, nearly as generous, nearly as hardworking or honorable as Tim Russert was. My father died of a heart attack at 54, shortly before I graduated from law school and moved to Washington. When I got there, I couldn’t help but look around and see a town full of people in no better shape than my slightly overweight, workaholic dad, people who got up and went to work every day and kept doing what they were doing, while my father was not so lucky. At the time, it made me angry and sad. It seemed wrong somehow. My father was a better man than so many of them. Why did his heart give way, while theirs kept beating? You wouldn’t know it from all the tributes that sing his praises without reservation, but Washington is full of people who envied Tim Russert’s success and begrudged him his triumphs. Schadenfreude is at least as common in Washington as it is in Hollywood, and the business of political journalism is full of people who think they deserve more than they have, or that others deserve less. No one is ever so celebrated in life as they are in death. None of us ever notices how much luck matters until it runs out. I don’t know Tim’s sister, Betty, but my heart goes out to her, along with the other members of the Russert family. As for the rest of us, the question is whether we will lear n anything from their loss. I don’t mean the lessons about good cardiac health, about exercise and arteries and taking and keeping weight of f, although those are certainly important. I mean about being as generous in life as we are in death, about recognizing the good luck we have when we have it and being grateful for it so that we do not feel ambushed by misfortune when luck runs out. Susan Estrich is a Creators Syndicate columnist.

PAGE A8

LOCAL

The Reporter, Thursday, June 19, 2008

FARMS

Continued from Page A1 significant crop damage in the Midwest, he added. Rankin said far mers should contact their crop insurance representative and try to document losses in the case that Fond du Lac is deemed a disaster area eligible for federal assistance. Crop losses in Dodge County are expected to exceed $13 million from the recent rains, says Matt Hanson, Dodge County UW-Extension crops and soils agent. In some fields along rivers and low-lying

CARE

Continued from Page A1 pages may stick together, and mold can grow. æ Photog raphs in a frame behind glass: Remove the image from the frame. Use caution as the photographic emulsion may have softened and could stick to the glass. Pat the image dry with a soft cloth and place on a clean, dry, horizontal surface until completely dry. If the image has already stuck to the glass, do not tear it off. Rather, consult a professional photogra-

areas, entire fields are flooded. The heavy rains also took a toll on the unprotected hillsides where severe erosion occurred, washing away any plants that happened to be in the path of the rushing water. Dodge County agricultural producers hoping to improve their chances of receiving emergency disaster relief for their lost crops are encouraged to report the damage and losses that occur red to their fields, buildings and livestock. To provide information, log onto www.co.dodge.wi.us and click on the "Declaration of Emergency" link located on the Dodge County

Homepage. Then click on the “Report Storm Damage” to obtain the online form to fill out. The comments box on the report sheet is important for reporting acreage and the estimated dollar value of crop building and livestock loss. Producers reporting damage will be notified for damage assessment. Those without access to the Internet may call the Emergency Management EOC hotline at 386-4060 and a volunteer will record the information. For additional information, contact Matt Hanson at the Dodge County UWExtension Office at 3863790.

pher as to how to handle the image and what other options are available. æ Photog raphs in a frame without glass: If the frame is extremely saturated, remove the image from the frame. Use caution as the image might have stuck to the inside rabbit (lip) of the frame. Pat the image dry with a soft cloth and allow it to completely dry on a horizontal surface. Lay the frame on a horizontal surface to dry. Use weights on top to minimize warping. Methods are available to flatten the image if your photog raph war ps or

buckles after drying. In some instances, making a copy of the original and printing a new photograph will be the only way to save the image. If a professional photographer created the image, he or she may have the original negative or digital file in storage and can print a completely new photo for you. The best way to protect your images is to store them in a cool dry place. Avoid basements and attics due to excessive heat and humidity. Steve Ahrens operates Ahrens Photography, 1096 S. Main St., Fond du Lac

www.fdlreporter.com

FLOODED DOWNTOWN

STRUGGLE

organization struggles to help those in need, Guyette said. Many donated items, such as clothes, are being given away to flood victims, Continued from Page A1 she said. On Wednesday, work crews cleaned out The Salvation Army is also busy handthe basement and hauled away ruined ing out cleaning supplies and food to resdonations and other items. Three 30- idents in need. The organization is also yard refuse containers have been filled helping the elderly and disabled clean at the site, Guyette said. up basements and homes, according to a Cash donations are in demand as the press release. THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST ®

Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast Today

Partly sunny, a t-storm in the afternoon

58°

La Crosse 76/59

56°

76° Tuesday

Mostly cloudy

Partly sunny and pleasant

60°

80°

National Cities City

Today Hi/Lo/W

96/65/s 76/57/pc 73/58/pc 77/52/s 88/71/t 85/54/t 78/62/pc 72/54/pc 105/76/s 72/55/pc 68/54/s 87/75/sh 79/59/s 82/63/t 68/50/pc 106/74/s 84/69/pc 87/76/t 79/62/pc 84/61/s 91/74/t 76/63/t 86/68/t 75/60/pc 112/80/s 68/52/t 80/66/pc 86/60/s 71/51/c 78/61/pc

Green Bay 70/56

The Reporter Staff

Oshkosh 70/54

Partly sunny and pleasant

55°

Monday

78°

Eau Claire 78/57

Sunday

Some sun with a thunderstorm possible

Celebrating Scholars returns to honor top academic performers

Wausau 76/57

57°

78°

Saturday

76°

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Friday

Mostly sunny

75°

Wisconsin Weather

Superior 76/50

62°

Fri. Hi/Lo/W

94/67/s 81/62/t 75/61/t 82/58/pc 91/71/t 89/56/t 84/62/t 75/59/t 102/73/s 74/56/c 75/59/pc 87/75/s 83/63/pc 84/64/t 74/58/pc 108/79/s 85/69/t 90/76/t 81/61/t 82/65/pc 90/73/t 79/67/t 90/67/t 78/62/t 110/83/s 74/56/t 86/67/pc 90/61/s 75/55/c 79/64/pc

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Madison 76/57 Watertown 76/53

Milwaukee 72/55 Racine Kenosha 72/55 74/52

Fond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest. Temperature High ......................................... 72° Low .......................................... 49° Normal high ............................. 78° Normal low ............................... 58°

Precipitation 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.00" Month to date ...................... 10.16" Normal month to date ........... 2.13" Year to date ......................... 19.95" Normal year to date ............ 11.83"

Sun and Moon Sunrise today ................. 5:11 a.m. Sunset tonight ................. 8:39 p.m. Moonrise today ............... 9:53 p.m. Moonset today ................ 5:34 a.m. Last

New

First

Full

June 26

July 2

July 9

July 18

Today

Hi/Lo/W 70/59/s 75/55/s 74/54/s 79/54/s 78/57/pc 70/56/s 77/54/s 74/52/s 76/59/pc 76/57/s 77/55/pc 72/55/s 70/54/s 75/54/pc 70/50/pc 62/53/s 76/50/pc 76/55/s 76/57/pc

Fri.

Hi/Lo/W 76/58/t 79/60/t 79/58/t 80/59/t 80/58/t 77/57/t 80/60/t 80/57/t 82/59/t 80/59/t 80/59/t 80/59/t 79/57/t 79/58/t 75/48/t 69/58/t 76/49/t 79/60/t 79/58/t

Today’s National Weather Whitehorse 59/49

Continued from Page A1

Churchill 62/44

Vancouver 66/53 Seattle 71/51

Saskatoon 73/46 Winnipeg 79/54

Calgary 67/45

Billings 81/55 San Francisco 76/54

Denver 85/54

St. John's 57/48

Halifax Montreal 64/50 67/56 Toronto Minneapolis 68/53 79/62 New York 76/63 Detroit Chicago 72/54 77/52 Washington 78/61

Los Angeles 92/64

Cold Front

Chihuahua Houston 102/73 91/74 Monterrey La Paz 104/75 99/70

Stationary Front

-10s

-0s

Atlanta 86/62

El Paso 105/76

Warm Front

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

Showers T-storms Rain Flurries Snow Ice

Miami 87/76

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.

– SINCE 1947 –

JUNE 19th*

*weather.msn.com

Last year, The Reporter, in partnership with the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, published the first “Celebrating Scholars” — a tribute to our area scholarship winners. This keepsake insert showcased many of the area’s students and the scholarships they had been awarded. Celebrating Scholars will again be published as an insert in The Reporter on Sunday, Aug. 3. If you received a scholarship, if your son or daughter received a scholarship, or if you or your organization offers scholarships, submit the following information for publication: æ Name of the student receiving the scholarship æ The name of the scholarship earned æ High school the student graduated from æ Parents/guardians name(s) æ College intending to attend æ Intended field of study or major æ Photo (optional) Also include a phone number or e-mail address in case we need to contact you if we have any questions.

FORECAST

Iqaluit 44/43

Yellowknife 73/51

5000691579

Sheboygan 62/53

Fond du Lac 75/58

Almanac

The flooded downtown area along the Fond du Lac River is visible in this aerial photo taken Friday morning. In the center of the photo is The Reporter, situated between First and Second streets. At the top of the photo is the City County Government Center and the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department and County Jail. The river overflowed its banks late last Thursday night. This view is looking south along the river.

RECORD HIGH: RECORD LOW: 24-Hour Emergency Service Available! 95°(1953) 45°(1970)

922-4477

last week. Stor ms have dumped more than 10 inches of rain on Fond du Lac since June 2, most of it coming Thursday and Friday of last week. The ground remains saturated and water levels could rise quickly under heavy rainfall, Lentz said. Forecasters are predicting a 20 percent chance of rain tonight, said Rusty Kapela, warning coordination meteorol-

SPEED

Continued from Page A1 So far this summer, that hasn’t changed, he said. “We haven’t seen any reduction in speeders, yet. It’s just business as usual,” Tadych said. Scorcio said not only is slowing down a practical way to save at the pumps, it’s a common sense way for people to protect themselves from a potentially dangerous situation. “You have less time to react when you are speeding. The higher the speed,

Infor mation may be emailed to: sue@fdlareafoundation.com or mailed to Fond du Lac Area Foundation, 384 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935 by July 13. If you have questions, call 921-2215. Celebrating Scholars is the first half of the scholarship project. The scholarship resource guide for parents and students will be filled with scholarships available for the fall semester of 2009. It is planned for publication in January and will contain information on the different scholarships, their criteria and the application process. “The Fond du Lac Area Foundation annually awards more than $130,000 in scholarships,” said Sandi Roehrig, executive director of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. “Sue Steinbarth, our scholarship director, gets many calls from students and parents each year asking what other scholarships are available. The January scholarship resource guide should be invaluable to those many families who struggle to identify potential scholarships they can apply for. We are grateful to The Reporter for recognizing this need and partnering with us on this project.”

ogist with the National Weather Service’s Milwaukee/Sullivan Office. On Friday, there is a 40 percent chance of showers. And on Saturday, there is a 30 percent chance of measurable precipitation, Kapela said. “It can’t be ignored,” he said Wednesday. “Fond du Lac could almost definitely see some rain and scattered showers.” The sun should retur n on Sunday, Kapela said. He predicted the city would get less than a half-inch of rain. “It’s a bummer. It’s not welcome, but it won’t have a serious affect on water levels,” Kapela said.

advantage not to speed, so as not to be held liable or at fault in a crash and maybe hurting yourself The Fond du Lac County or someone else.” Sheriff’s Department radar This summer, local law trailer has received a enforcement is increasing makeover. enforcement ef forts to The trailer, stationed in catch speeders on Highareas where speeding is way 41, Tadych said. prevalent, has been painted, “Stringent enforcement sandblasted and equipped is needed because spendwith reflective decals to make ing is all too prevalent on it more visible for motorists, highways and local said Lt. Bill Tadych of the Fond roads,” Scorcio said. “If you’re stopped for speeddu Lac County Sheriff’s Deing or are involved in a partment. crash you will be delayed for a lot longer than it the more severe the dam- takes to drive the speed age,” he said. “It’s to your limit.”

MADE FOR SPEED

Friday, June 20, 2008

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HOUR-BY-HOUR COMING SUNDAY: FLOODING TIMELINE

City: ‘Mount Trashmore’ to be toppled next week Makeshift disposal site located on West Scott Street

BY BRETT ROWLAND The Reporter browland@fdlreporter.com

WEATHER

The collection of flood-damaged items in front of Barb Gavanda’s Lincoln Avenue home is attracting unwelcome visitors to her neighborhood. “It’s already starting to stink and it’s bringing rats,” she said, surveying similar heaps up and down her block. Neighbor Shawn Jaschob has a 3foot high trash pile in his yard — as do many homeowners throughout Fond du Lac. When the city will come to pick up the bulky waste isn’t clear. It could be several days or several weeks, officials said. City and county æ FdL businesses crews are face deluge of working 10challenges /A3 hour days to collect the curbside æ Local groups trash. Collechelp flood victims /A4 tion began Wednesday. æ Cleaning In addition supplies, services to rodents, in short supply /A5 human scavengers are æ Area schools also setting deal with recent upon the flooding /C1 curbside piles hoping to find salvageable items. Not only are such practices outlawed by the city, many of the items sat in sewage and carry potential health risks. Jaschob tossed the sewage-covered toys and furniture on his terrace because he couldn’t haul them to the city’s makeshift disposal site at the former Pick ’n Save, 75 W. Scott St. There the mess is even worse. As floodwater started to recede a week ago Friday and Saturday, 30-foot waste bins were set up in the parking lot of the for mer grocery store. Workers can’t keep up with the sheer volume of trash being taken there by residents. The site has degraded into a huge mound of junk made up of every conceivable household item. City workers have dubbed it “Mount Trashmore.” Microwaves, dishwashers, couches, refrigerators and air conditioners are piled up next to clothes, teddy bears and sewage-soaked mattresses. “Everything you can imagine has been in that pile,” said Ben Hackbarth, an 18-year-old city worker separating out hazardous waste items at the lot on Thursday. In place of industrial waste bins, the city has hired trucking companies to pull up in open-top semitrailers and drive the garbage directly to a landfill,

THE NEXT 36 HOURS

See TRASH Page A8

Milwaukee Brewers beat the Blue Jays 8-7 ã Page B1

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Visit The Reporter Web site at www.fdlreporter.com. Results from the poll will be published in next Friday’s newspaper.

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A total of 1,649 people voted in last week’s poll, which asked: “If the presidential election were held today, who would you vote for?” Following are the results: æ 54.2% Barack Obama æ 38.3% John McCain æ 7.5% Other

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THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Heavy equipment moves piles of flood-damaged debris Thursday from a makeshift dumpsite in the parking lot of the former Pick ‘n Save on West Scott Street.

Volunteer coordination under way Those in need of help can call local hotline

homes, said Deb Bargenquast, volunteer coordinator with the Fond du Lac County Deæ To help: 906-4717 partment of Social Services. æ To get help: 906-4716 The majority of Wednesday, æ Staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Reporter Staff she said, was spent helping except Sunday The volunteer ef fort for people clean up their basements. flood cleanup in Fond du Lac to need in coming days — was “We could probably use a remains ongoing. The biggest need expressed for volunteers who could re- few more volunteers,” she by flood victims on Thursday move items, including heavy said. See VOLUNTEER Page A8 — and likely would continue appliances, from their flooded

PHONE NUMBERS

High today

Low High tonight tomorrow

FEMA designates Fond du Lac County as disaster area

P.M. storm

Mostly cloudy

BY BRETT ROWLAND

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Fond du Lac County a disaster area Thursday after heavy rains caused widespread flooding, damaging homes and businesses. That designation means residents can apply for federal aid. Fond du Lac County joins 14 other counties in Wisconsin

to individuals, but Buechel said the agency could decide later to help out public institutions such as schools and municipal governments. Estimates are hard to come by, but Buechel said he expects to see upward of $50 million in damages. “Damage mounts every day as people pile more stuff up on the street,” said Fond du Lac City Manager Tom Herre.

See FEMA Page A8

28 arrested, jailed in widespread FdL drug bust BY PEGGY BREISTER

The Reporter pbreister@fdlreporter.com

Serving the Fond du Lac area since 1870

Allen Buechel said FEMA would likely set up an office in Fond du Lac to serve flood victims. To apply for individual assistance: What aid is made available æ 1-800-621-FEMA could be decided on an individuæ www.fema.gov al basis. However, federal aid usually comes in the for m of that have been declared disaster low-cost loans or grants. areas following heavy rains last “One neighbor could be eligiweek. ble for one loan and another Federal aid can be used for neighbor could be eligible for a temporary housing costs, home grant,” Buechel said. repair and other things. FEMA’s declaration on TuesFond du Lac County Executive day only makes money available

FOR HELP

The Reporter browland@fdlreporter.com

The arrest of 28 people Thursday on drug charges in Fond du Lac should send a message drugs are not tolerated here, says Fond du Lac’s top cop. “This is one of the most successful roundups I’ve seen,” said Fond du Lac Police Chief Tony Barthuly.

The investigation, involving drug buys by undercover agents, has been ongoing for about six months. “The message I hope people get from this is: If you are going to deal drugs in Fond du Lac, your name is going to end up on an arrest warrant,” he said. At least five more ar-

rests are anticipated before the drug sting orchestrated by the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG) is complete, he said. “Not only are we taking

a bunch of drugs off the street,” Barthuly said, “but when we take away the drugs, we reduce a number of other crimes tied to drugs.” Officers also conducted four search warrants and confiscated cocaine, crack, heroin and marijuana, according to a press release issued Thursday night.

Searches were conducted at homes on East Johnson Street, Fifth Street, Linden Street, North Boardman Street and Van Dyne Road. Suspects were arrested on charges of delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, delivery of marijuana and possession of narcotics.

See BUST Page A8

LOCAL

Contact: Peggy Breister, News Editor (920) 922-4606, ext. 275 pbreister@fdlreporter.com 33 West Second St., P.O. Box 630 Fond du Lac, WI 54936-0630

The Reporter, Friday, June 20, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

Lomira teen will spend time in jail for cycle crash

FdL businesses face deluge of challenges The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

The flood may be over, but downtown Fond du Lac businesses still face a deluge of bills, damage and lost merchandise. Merchants were cleaning and assessing damage on Thursday, one week after torrential rainfall covered the city with more than 4 inches of rain. Anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of businesses were affected, said Amy Hansen, director of the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership. Hansen added that the damage could reach an estimated $2 million. The DFP doesn’t have any financial aid available for business owners, but the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation has started a loan program for small business owners. Hansen explained that business insurance should cover sewer backups, but flooding is not included. “I haven’t heard of anybody having flood insurance,” she said.

Great throw away She said many businesses reported flooded basements and wet merchandise. Any products or appliances stored in the basements had to be scrapped. For some, disposal was a monumental task. Hansen said Cutter Vac, 32 N. Main St., lost hundreds of vacuum cleaners. The Paint Store, 173 S. Main St., lost hundreds of gallons of paint. Team Sports, 179 S. Main St., had an estimated $35,000 worth of damaged prod-

ucts. “Emotions are just really high at this point,” she said. Al Ransom, owner of Pier 15, 15 W. Division St., has had a bumpy ride on the emotional roller coaster. He said he lost $200,000 worth of food, furniture, appliances and electronics when his basement flooded. Employees had already filled three 30yard Dumpsters with damaged items as of Thursday. “And I don’t think that will be enough,” he said. Ransom said it’s a tragic loss, but he still hopes to open next week. The garbage bags were also flowing out the door at Wood’s Floral, 36 N. Main St. Co-owner Dave Buechel said 12 to 15 inches of water filled the basement, destroying floral containers, baskets and Christmas merchandise. Employees filled a 20-yard Dumpster with products worth an estimated $20,000. At Shut Up and Dance Studio, 21 N. Main St., owner Julie Wilson was trying to figure out if she could save anything. Floodwater filled the main floor, destroying about $3,000 worth of costumes and personal be-

Flood victims warned to watch for scams The Reporter Staff

Authorities are urging residents to watch out for people trying to scam flood victims. One of those scams involves people claiming they are from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and going door to door, said Major Dennis Fortunato of the Fond du Lac Police Department. He said FEMA

FLOWER POWER

would not go door-to-door, but would likely set up a claims area or office and would survey the area with local officials. Officials said people should also be weary of contractors attempting to make money off flood victims. Fortunato said such incidents should be reported to the police at 906-5555.

A Fond du Lac businessman who lost merchandise to the flood still gave to others in the aftermath of the flood. Dave Buechel, co-owner of Wood’s Floral, 36 N. Main St., donated flowers to 27 businesses that were hardest hit by the flood. Buechel said he learned about the devastation from Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership Director Amy Hansen. Buechel said he felt sorry for those who were less fortunate. “These people were working all day long,” he said. “I couldn’t bring them lunches, but I could send them flowers — just a little something to put a smile on their face.”

longings. Dancing shoes valued at $120 were unsalvageable and numerous outfits were stained. One costume decked in rhinestones was worth $2,000. Wilson said it can’t be washed or dry cleaned, but she doesn’t have the heart to donate it to the Dumpster. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with them,” she said. “They were some of my first costumes from when I began ballroom dancing.”

ended up running five pumps from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. While his peers were busy bagging garbage, Trace Blakely, owner of Blakely Auto Parts at 36 Third St., was counting his blessings. He said he had plenty of mopping to do, but at least he didn’t lose merchandise. If his neighbor Bob Marcoe, who owns Marcoe Tax Services, hadn’t called him Thursday night, he probably would have lost $10,000 worth of products, he said. After receiving the warning, he rushed to the shop and moved the parts. As Blakely worked, he recalled watching the floodwaters rise outside. No one could enter or leave because a foot of water was lapping against the building. “The water was squirting in through the doors,” he said. “It was unbelievable. It was like looking

Busy mops, pumps As workers bagged destroyed products, others set to work cleaning. Anyone who hates washing dishes didn’t want to be at Pier 15. Ransom said the business has gone almost a week without hot water, and gas was finally returned on Thursday. All the dishes, even those that looked clean, had to be rewashed. At Wood’s Floral, Buechel was still trying to dry the basement floor. He had five to six fans and a dehumidifier running, he said. The task has taken time, but it wasn’t as bad as last Friday. After finding the basement flooded, employees and family

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Other businesses needed an act of grace following last week’s stor m. Hansen said a handful had to temporarily close for repairs. Theo’s Supper Club, 24 N. Main St., and Main Exchange, 161 S. Main St., reported severe damage to coolers, inventory and offices, she said. Richard & Sons Bakery, 88 Forest Ave., also had to close due to flooding. Lutheran Social Services and Weight Watchers, which were in the basement of 131 S. Main St., had to be relocated to upper floors, she added. The flood has also forced Wilson to move her studio, but she doesn’t know where she’ll go. She said she’ll have to tear out the $5,000 dance floor, but she can’t afford to replace it. “I thought it would last me a long time,” said Wilson. Now she’s trying to find an affordable place to lease. Wilson said she’s been holding lessons at the Elks Club, 33 Sheboygan St., and hopes to open her own place again. She hasn’t had any luck, but Wilson said she’s not about to give up. “I told my students that you’ve got to make lemonade out of lemons,” she said. “With the last storm, I said, ‘Screw it. I’m opening a lemonade stand.’ “You’ve got to be humorous. You could be bummed, but it’s not worth it.”

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FINANCIAL AID

The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation has established a Disaster Recovery MicroLoan Program. Small businesses in Fond du Lac County and the city of Waupun may qualify for up to $5,000. Loan terms will be up to 24 months, with an interest rate of 4 percent. According to an organization press release, the money may be used for rent, operating costs, architecture and engineering costs, furniture, fixtures and equipment, inventory and building improvements. Applications are available at www.fcedc.com/businessowner.html or at the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, 140 N. Main St. They should be sent to the FCEDC, P.O. Box 1303, Fond du Lac, WI 54936, or e-mailed to info@fcedc.com. For more information, e-mail info@fcedc.com or call (920) 929-2928.

into a dirty aquarium.” Blakely said he hired high school students to clean the water that had flowed in. Drying the 30,000-square-foot business took until Thursday afternoon. “We’re not nearly as bad as a lot of other people,” he said. “We’re thankful for that.”

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The Reporter Staff

JUNEAU — An 18-year Lomira woman accused of striking a motorcycle and fleeing, leaving the passengers lying on the p ave m e n t , w i l l s p e n d time in jail. Erika Mendoza was fo u n d g u i l t y o f o n e count of hit and run invo l v i n g g re at b o d i ly har m and sentenced to 1 4 d ay s i n t h e D o d g e C o u n t y Ja i l d u r i n g a sentencing hearing T h u r s d ay m o r n i n g i n D o d g e C o u n t y C i rc u i t Cour t. Another charge of hit and run involving g reat bodily har m was dismissed and read into the record. Judge John Storck also ordered Mendoza to perfor m 80 hours of community service and write a letter of apology to her victims: John DeVr i e s, 4 9 , o f B e ave r D a m , a n d K at h l e e n Heckman, 34, of Campbellsport. A restitution hearing has been set for Aug. 13. Dodge County Sheri f f ’s Department deputies were called to t h e s c e n e o f H i g h w ay 175 and County T r unk HH in the town of Lomir a s h o r t ly a f t e r m i d night on Oct. 7, 2007, for the report of a hit-andrun crash that left two people injured. When off i c e r s a r r ive d o n t h e s c e n e, t h e y fo u n d t h e driver of a motorcycle, DeVries, and his passenger, Heckman, lying near t h e w re cke d b i ke, a c cording to the criminal complaint. Witnesses at the scene observed a northbound vehicle strike the motorcycle while making a left turn onto County Trunk HH and enter a far m driveway at W1430 County HH. Officers confronted Mendoza at the residence and observed dama g e t o t h e r i g h t f ro n t quarter panel of her vehicle, according to the complaint. M e n d o z a , wh o w a s driving with only an instructional permit, said she left the scene because she did not know wh at t o d o a n d w a s s c a re d . D e Vr i e s s u s tained broken bones and a back injury. Heckman was treated for serious leg injuries.

PAGE A3

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LOCAL

The Reporter, Friday, June 20, 2008

OBITUARIES

The obituaries and funeral announcements published on these pages have been prepared by friends, family and funeral homes as a tribute to the deceased and as a notice to those who would like to pay their respects. To submit announcements, to discuss fees or to request corrections, contact your funeral director or call The Reporter obituary desk, (920) 922-4606, ext. 218, between 1:30 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 1:30 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to publication in The Reporter, obituaries may be found on our Web site, www.fdlreporter.com.

SETTING IT STRAIGHT The Reporter promptly investigates complaints concerning errors. If you see an error, please call The Reporter at (920) 9224600 and enter “8” for the newsroom.

Route altered for NFdL parade The Reporter Staff

The North Fondy Fest parade route has changed due to new findings on the McKinley Street bridge. Of ficials have determined that the bridge is sound following last week’s flooding. North Fondy Fest President Mike Streetar said it is safe for floats and people to cross. The parade will move north on Thurke Avenue, east on North Street, south on Minnesota Avenue, west on McKinley Street, north on Adams Street and west on Polk Street, ending at Friendship Learning Center. North Fondy Fest runs throughout the day Saturday, with the parade beginning at noon.

Obituaries are online at www.fdlreporter.com

Hazel Dalton

Hazel Dalton, 95, of Fayetteville, Ark., formerly of Waupun, died Tuesday, June 17, 2008. Hazel was born Sept. 23, 1912, in Amsterdam, Idaho, the daughter of Arthur and Winnie Hull Peters. Hazel attended Waupun schools, g raduating in 1930 from Waupun High School. In 1935 she married Walter Dalton in Waupun. Following their marriage they resided in Waupun all their mar ried life, where they owned and operated Dalton TV and Record Store. In November of 1978 Hazel moved to Fayetteville. Hazel was a member of University Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Hazel played the piano from an early age and continued to play it well into her 90s, using raised marks to locate keys after she became blind. She had a life-long love of music, especially traditional religious music. Her love of music was passed on to her children, who did and still do enjoy many musical forms. During the years in the family TV and record store, she developed her artistic nature which provided her with skills in designing window displays, for which she received numerous awards. After moving to Arkansas in 1978, she developed an interest and skill in doing callig raphy and flower pressing, which gave her immense pleasure. Hazel had an enduring faith in her Lord and Savior,

which provided her with strength, faith, love, hope and courage throughout her life. Her family, relatives and friends will miss her and her laughter, but her inner qualities will remain with us in our hearts. Special thanks to the staff at North Hills Life Care and Rehabilitation for their loving and tender care of our dear Mother during her last days. Hazel is survived by her three children, Nor ris Dalton of Fayetteville, AR, Gardie Dalton of Fayetteville, AR, and David Dalton of Fayetteville, AR; two grandchildren, Amy Bearbower of Fayetteville, AR, and Dawn (David) Bliss of Nashville, TN; four greatgrandchildren, Savannah, Christian, Joshua, and Amy Grace Schneider. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Walter in 1965. æ Services: Funeral services for Hazel Dalton will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Wer ner-Har msen Funeral Home in Waupun with the Rev. Donald Boss officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Mound Cemetery in Waupun. æ Visitation: Friends and relatives of Hazel Dalton may call on the family on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Wer ner-Har msen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family.

The Reporter Fond du Lac, Wis. June 20, 2008

Lois H. Gray Lois H. Gray, 79, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 14, 2008, after surgery and a brief stay in a local skilled nursing facility. Lois, a resident of Santa Cruz, Calif., for the past 10 years, was survived by her daughter, Kathryn Shuster and her husband, Allen; grandson, Jeffrey Gray of Santa Cruz; her sister, Nancy Wilbrecht and husband John, of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; a niece; two nephews; and close friends in Wisconsin, Santa Cruz and Florida. Lois, born, raised and a resident of Wisconsin for 69 years, was an avid Packer fan, a voracious

reader, and devoted mother. She donated regularly to her favorite charities, Paralyzed Veterans of America, U.S. Olympic Committee, Special Olympics and AARP. No funeral services will be held. Her cremated remains are to be interred at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Knowles, WI, next to her parents, Erwin and Viola. Memorials in her name should be directed to any of her favorite charities. Pacific Gardens Chapel, Santa Cruz, Calif., (831) 423-5721, is assisting the family.

The Reporter Fond du Lac, Wis. June 20, 2008

DEATH NOTICE æ Funeral arrangements are pending at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home for Shirley J. Rahl, 82, a resident of the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home, who died on Wednesday, June 19, 2008. A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's edition of The Reporter.

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Local groups lend helping hand to area flood victims

The Reporter Staff

Local organizers are beginning to rally their resources to help people and programs devastated by flooding. æ The Fond du Lac Area Foundation has set up a Fond du Lac County Disaster Relief Fund. Donations may be sent to Fond du Lac County Disaster Relief Fund, Fond du Lac A r e a Fo u n d a tion, 384 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935. One hundred percent of the funds donated will be available to help locally and no administrative costs will be deducted from the fund. æ The Fond du Lac Fire Department is giving $1,000 to the Broken Bread program, to help the food program get back on its feet after flooding destroyed its food stores. “We have an emergency fund that we always keep going,” said Fire Department Lt. Todd Shippee. “We’re going to give it to Broken Bread because they want to be up and serving people at the church by Friday (today).” The department, he said, is challenging other agencies to donate food or money to the program and other food pantry programs seeking donations. Broken Bread is housed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 51 W. Division St. The program serves a meal to anyone in the community needing one on Friday nights. æ Anyone wishing to donate non-perishable food items may drop them off in bins set up at The Reporter, 33 W. Second St., and Action Advertiser, N6637 Rolling Meadows Drive. Adashun Jones, 1028 S. Main St., is also a dropoff site for food pantry items. æ Local service organizations also are collecting money for flood victims. Members should check with their club presidents. æ M&I Bank has announced it will provide several forms of financial assistance to people affected by the record rainfall and flooding in Wisconsin. Short-and long-term relief will be offered to affected individuals.

CONTACT INFORMATION

æ Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Web site: datcp.state.wi.us Hotline: 1-8004227128 æ Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Web site: oci.wi.gov æ Information and Complaints automated phone line: 1-800-236-8517 æ National Flood Insurance Program: Web site: www.floodsmart.gov Information phone line: 1-888-379-9531 The assistance will allow customers to defer up to two payments on installment loans such as auto loans, home improvement loans, leases and credit cards. For more information contact your local M&I Bank branch. æ The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation is donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross for the Wisconsin Flood Relief Effort. The funds will be used by the Red Cross to provide support and assistance to victims of the storms, including: food, shelter and clothing; home cleanup assistance; temporary housing; emergency medical assistance, such as prescription medication replacement, and help with eyeglass, denture, hearing aid replacement; and mental health services. æ Alliant Energy Foundation has made an immediate donation of $85,000 to the American Red Cross and Salvation Ar my to support flood victims and relief efforts in Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy is encouraging its employees and retirees to make donations for relief efforts. The Alliant Energy Foundation will match donations to local food banks, American Red Cross, Salvation Army units and Hawkeye Area Community Action Program at a 2-to-1 match through July 31. Alliant Energy employees are directly involved in the recovery and planning efforts as well. Many are volunteering in cleanup programs and others are working to help stave off

further flood damage in locations across Wisconsin and Iowa, while hundreds have been personally affected themselves. Additional infor mation regarding the company’s ongoing flood relief efforts will be provided as details are confirmed and will be available at www.alliantenergy.com/flood. æ Three state agencies have infor mation for consumers dealing with flood repairs and insurance claims: Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says, “The Department of Justice will prosecute contractor fraud and violations of Wisconsin’s consumer protection laws. The Department’s work with the Bureau of Consumer Protection should make scam artists think twice about taking advantage of Wisconsin’s natural disaster victims.” The Wisconsin Department of Justice enforces consumer protection laws in Wisconsin Courts and works cooperatively with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to investigate consumer complaints. “Be wary of contractors who knock on your door,” says Rod Nilsestuen, secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “Home repair contractors are not licensed by the state, and while anyone may claim to be a contractor, they may lack the expertise or use low quality supplies. We recommend using local contractors when possible.” Victims of flood damage can call the Bureau of Consumer Protection to check out contractors and receive complaint forms and information on home repair, basement waterproofing, lien waivers, and landlord/tenant issues. “The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has resources to help consumers sort through the process of filing their insurance claims,” says Sean Dilweg, commissioner of Insurance. “We have a number of informational publications available on our Web site and we encourage consumers who are having trouble getting their insurance claims resolved to contact our office for help filing a complaint.”

FdL teen gets jail for crash that killed friend The Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

An emotional hearing Thursday for the family of a teen killed in a car crash ended with a judge sentencing 18-year-old Heather Gill to jail for a vehicular homicide case. Gill, of 54 Lincoln Ave., will have to report to the Fond du Lac County Jail within 60 days to serve a 30day sentence. Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Steven Weinke also sentenced Gill to two years probation and ordered her to surrender her driver’s license for two years and to complete 25 hours of community service for each year she’s on probation. Candy Holstein was riding in a car with Gill, who was 16 at the time, and another teen, Ashlie Dunn, following another car full of teenagers in May 2007, according to a criminal complaint. Gill was trying to keep up

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with the other vehicle since she didn’t know where she was going, said Fond du Lac County District Attorney Michael O’Rourke. While southbound on Tower Road in the town of Taycheedah, Gill slowed for a stop sign but failed to yield to a sport utility vehicle traveling west on County Trunk WH. Gill’s car collided with the SUV, according to accident reports. Holstein died at the scene of the crash. Dunn and Gill were seriously injured. A Mount Calvary couple in the SUV, James and Jane Wagner, were injured in the crash. During the sentencing Thursday, about 20 of Holstein’s family members expressed disfavor with a plea agreement reached between O’Rourke and the defense attorney, Todd Snow. After adjourning for a period to further discuss the arrangement with the family, attorneys agreed that Gill should surrender her

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driver’s license for an additional year— from one year to two years — as requested by Holstein’s parents, O’Rourke said. As part of a plea agreement, Gill pleaded no contest to a charge of homicide by negligent use of a motor vehicle and three counts of negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Gill was placed on a deferred prosecution order and if she successfully completes conditions of her sentence and does not get into any criminal trouble, the vehicular homicide charge will be dismissed. During sentencing, some of Holstein’s family members questioned Gill’s remorse and asked the teenager — who faced the judge while apologizing for her actions — to turn around and address Holstein’s family. “I am truly sorry,” Gill said to the family. “But there is nothing I can do to bring her back.”

Accepting her apology, Holstein’s father Burt Holstein told Gill, who turns 18 today, that he hopes she will be able to get on with her life. Holstein was the oldest of five sisters and a sophomore at Fond du Lac High School. Holstein’s uncle, Wayne

Christian, told Gill he hoped she would use her court-ordered community service hours to talk to teenagers about the dangers of reckless driving. “If you can educate one person and save a life, perhaps Candy’s death will have had some purpose,” Christian said.

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FLOOD ’08

www.fdlreporter.com

The Reporter, Friday, June 20, 2008

PAGE A5

Cleaning supplies, services in short supply BY HEATHER STANEK

DIRTY CARPET

The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

Cleaning supplies are a little easier to find now in Fond du Lac, but cleaning services are another matter. Heavy rain and flooding on June 12 sent homeowners rushing to the store for bleach and sanitation products. Most stores were sold out by the next day. Rick and Vic’s Piggly Wiggly, 131 University Drive, ran out of bleach on Saturday, said Manager Ted Guell. Three more pallets arrived on Monday, but there’s no way to tell how long they’ll last. The store has also ordered more rubber gloves and garbage bags. Guell said it may be difficult to keep the shelves stocked, especially since cleanup will take time. Many residents were still busy throwing out ruined belongings on Tuesday. As citizens clear their homes, they’ll need more products for sterilizing areas. “This is going to go on for weeks,” he said. “The demand is so great that it’s going to run out. The problem is everyone needs the same thing.” Despite a potential shortage, Piggly Wiggly is not limiting how much bleach customers can buy, said Guell. The flood left Festival Foods, 1125 E. Johnson St., in the same boat. President Mark Skogen said the store ran out of bleach and mops on Friday. It now has two pallets of bleach available, and mops have returned to the shelf. Skogen was more concerned about keeping rubber gloves in stock. They have sold quickly the last few days, he said. Besides appeasing customers, Festival Foods is trying to serve the community, he added. The company plans to meet with the Red Cross to see if it can offer any assistance. “We’re doing everything we can,” he said. Calls to Roundy’s, the parent company of Pick ’n Save, were not returned by deadline.

Homeowners who were affected by flooding are encouraged to take a close look at their carpets. Bob Budde, owner of Carpetmasters Plus, said carpet that was exposed to sewage should be torn out and thrown away to avoid bacteria. “A lot of people try to save it,” he said. “They’ll shop vac it and want us to clean it. That’s highly discouraged.” If the water was clear, cleaners may be able to salvage it, he said. Residents can try using fans and a dehumidifier to dry it. If an odor remains after the carpet is dry, they may want to call a professional for an opinion.

Hundreds of calls Citizens haven’t been so lucky with household services. Dry cleaners, cleaning companies and carpet specialists have received so many requests lately that they’ve worked longer days. Even then, they’ve had to put clients on a waiting list or turn them away. ServiceMaster, 610 Fond du Lac Ave., can barely keep up, said owner Mark Schroeder. His business has received more than 700 calls since the flood. Schroeder said workers have put in 10- to 12-hour days and worked the weekend, which they normally don’t do. Some help came from ServiceMaster’s Eau Claire location, but it still isn’t enough. The company is doing what it can, starting with nursing homes and moving down the list. For Cal Lemmenes, owner of Care’n Cleaners at 735 W. Main St. in Waupun, this is the worst disaster in his business’ history. Lemmenes, who opened in 1980, said he has never before received so much business from one incident. A steady stream of customers has been bringing in clothes and bedding for cleaning, he said. Winter clothing that was stored in flooded basements is the most common product. He had so much business after the flood that he worked Saturday and Sunday. Lemmenes said he usu-

ally doesn’t work weekends, but he wanted to dry out the floodwater before starting dry cleaning. “We like to get at it right away,” he said. Like Lemmenes, Bob Budde also pulled a long weekend, and he’s still struggling to meet demand. Budde, who runs Carpetmasters Plus out of his Campbellsport home, said he’s seen an unprecedented amount of business, fielding 100 to 150 calls. “Busy isn’t the word to describe it,” he said. Requests for cleaning began at 6:30 p.m. June 12, but Budde had problems of his own — his home had flooded. On Friday, June 13, he couldn’t leave for work in the morning because the roads were impassable. He left after the water receded and cleaned until nearly midnight. And so began the triathlon. Budde was on the job from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, he said he worked from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday began at 5 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m. “I ran out of energy due to exhaustion,” he said. That’s not all that ran short. Budde said he didn’t have enough drying equipment to go around the first day. He has 16 fans, five dehydrators and various smaller driers. Never before have all of them been in use simultaneously. By Tuesday, he wasn’t sure how to feel about all of the business he’s had. “It’s bad for everybody, but it’s good for business,” he said. “It’s unfortunate what happened to the city.”

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Flood tetanus clinic to be held in Waupun WAUPUN — Due to the extensive flooding experienced in the Waupun area, the Fond du Lac County Health Department will conduct a special tetanus-only immunization clinic. It will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, June 23, in the community room at the Waupun Public Library, 120 S. Mill St., Waupun. “Tetanus is a bacteria that can be present in floodwater and, if introduced into the body

through a scratch or a cut, it can lead to lockjaw, a disease that can be fatal,” said Fond du Lac County Health Officer Diane Cappozzo in a press release. Those that have had a tetanus or tetanus booster shot within the last five years are considered protected. However, if you have experienced an injury and it has been five years since your last tetanus shot, a booster is recommended. Those that have gone 10 years since having a tetanus shot are also encouraged to have a

booster shot. Those unsure of their vaccine status should call their health-care provider or the Fond du Lac County Health Department at 929-3085. Residents owning private wells that may have been submerged in floodwaters or notice a change in odor, color or taste of water, should not drink the water. Cappozzo said watertesting kits may be obtained at the Fond du Lac County Health Department, 160 S. Macy St.

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The Waupun Fire Department also is distributing cleanup kits provided by the Red Cross. To obtain a kit, visit the Safety Building during normal business hours at 16 E. Main St., Waupun.

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The Red Cross of Fond du Lac County has identified a need of $100,000 in relief for victims of the recent flooding, many of whom are uninsured. To help raise funds, Festival Foods is providing a table where Red Cross volunteers will staff a money collection container this Friday thru Sunday, June 20-22. Festival Foods encourages guests to donate to the collection container or at the checkout registers where they can purchase a $5, $10, or $20 donation form. Festival Foods will match the first $10,000 donated. Every dollar collected will be used by the Red Cross for flood damage relief in the form of gift cards/debit cards for food, shelter, clothing, and basic household needs. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate in the Fond du Lac store or by mail to the Red Cross of Fond du Lac County. Checks can be mailed to: 272 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54935. Visit www.redcross.org for more information on how to donate.

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PAGE A8

LOCAL

The Reporter, Friday, June 20, 2008

TRASH

Continued from Page A1 said Stephen Kees, operations director of Fond du Lac’s Municipal Service Center. Industrial loaders and excavators load the trucks with waste from the pile. As the trash is loaded, more is being dropped off. Chad Nagel, of Nagel Property Investments in Campbellsport, took damaged items from his rental homes to the dumpsite Thursday. He said he didn’t want to wait for the city to pick it up from the terraces of his properties. “There’s more than enough stuff in the front yard already, it’s easier this way,” he said, tossing a bench press and free weights into the pile.

“We’re starting to get ahead now, but the biggest problem is some people are taking advantage of it,” said Richard Sharp, a yardmaster with the city, pointing to toilets and truck tires among the debris. Some 150 microwaves, stacked on pallets, have been taken away from the site already, he said. City workers separate out scrap metal, which will be sold to help subsidize a small percentage of the cost of the massive operation, Kees said. At the site, 48-foot trucks are filled with 13 to 16 tons of trash and then hauled to Berlin, where the city must pay about $40 per ton to dump it. At least 80 loads have been taken away from the parking lot, but Kees said he didn’t know exactly how

much had been removed. Fond du Lac Public Works Director Mark Lentz estimated the trash removal operation could cost the city upward of $40,000. However, he said it was too early to estimate a final cost for the project. When the city last did a bulky waste pickup in 2005, it cost about $35,000, Lentz said. The city plans to close the site early next week in an effort to appease Pick ’n Save, which owns the parking lot and is in the process of trying to sell the vacant building. Lentz said he selected the site during the peak of the flooding without consulting Pick ’n Save company officials. “We need to clean up and get out of there,” he said.

VOLUNTEER

High School football players offered their “strong backs and arms” to help remove items from homes, she said. On Saturday, the Volunteer Center in Continued from Page A1 Fond du Lac will take over the operaThe Fond du Lac County Department tions, said Volunteer Center Executive of Social Services has taken over the co- Director Kay Vandervort. ordination of volunteers in Fond du Lac, “We are still just looking for people setting up two separate hotlines for peo- who can help individuals and families ple to call: one for those requesting help clean up the storm debris. It’s cleaning and another for those willing to volun- out basements and all kinds of issues reteer, Bargenquast said. lating to that,” Vandervort said. “We reæ Those wishing to volunteer can call ally want to thank the volunteers we’ve 906-4717. had so far.” æ Those needing assistance with The phone number listed above for cleanup can call 906-4716. those wishing to volunteer or seeking asBargenquast said it was a godsend sistance will remain the same through Thursday when a group of Fond du Lac next Friday, Vandervort said.

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST ®

Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast Today

Wisconsin Weather

Superior 78/49

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Saturday

www.fdlreporter.com

Downtowners kick off music series For The Reporter

Music Under the Stars begins its 49th summer series of free concerts Monday, June 23, beginning with The Downtowners. The concerts take place 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Buttermilk Performance Center on South Park Avenue each Monday for the next eight weeks, according to an event press release. Music Under The Stars has been a Fond du Lac tradition since 1959, when the band Arch Adrian and his Men of Note established the series. At the time, city fathers had been planning to take down the band shell at Taylor Park. The Adrian band played eight concerts each summer until 1972, when other bands joined in the effort to keep live music in the park each summer. The series is under the direction of Fond du Lac

FEMA

Continued from Page A1 Herre said it is not immediately clear how many homes were damaged by floodwater. “FEMA is working hard to expand individual assistance to people across southern Wisconsin who have been hit hard by

BUST

Continued from Page A1 Partly sunny with a t-storm this afternoon

78°

59°

Sunday

Tuesday

La Crosse 84/59

56°

Wednesday

Sunny to partly cloudy and nice

79°

Oshkosh 79/57

Sunny to partly cloudy

77°

Pleasant with sun and clouds

58°

77°

National Cities City

Today Hi/Lo/W

92/67/s 82/62/pc 73/61/pc 82/58/t 89/71/t 86/56/t 86/62/t 75/59/pc 100/73/s 74/55/pc 77/59/pc 87/75/s 84/63/pc 84/64/t 75/56/pc 107/82/s 81/66/t 88/76/t 80/59/t 84/66/pc 90/73/t 78/65/pc 84/67/t 80/62/pc 110/80/s 76/56/pc 86/68/t 88/61/s 74/53/c 84/64/pc

Green Bay 79/59

53°

76°

53°

Wausau 78/58

Eau Claire 80/58

Monday

Periods of sun with a t-storm in the area

74°

Some sun with a shower or thunderstorm

59°

Sat. Hi/Lo/W

92/64/pc 83/67/pc 80/64/pc 78/56/t 89/72/t 90/58/t 83/62/t 79/59/t 97/70/pc 76/56/pc 76/57/t 88/75/s 80/61/t 86/62/pc 76/54/t 107/83/s 86/69/t 90/78/t 78/59/pc 82/61/t 87/71/t 83/71/pc 91/67/s 84/66/pc 113/83/s 79/60/t 86/66/t 95/66/s 68/52/pc 85/68/pc

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Madison 80/59 Watertown 81/60

Milwaukee 80/59 Racine 80/57 Kenosha 82/57

Almanac Fond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest. Temperature High ......................................... 77° Low .......................................... 51° Normal high ............................. 78° Normal low ............................... 58°

Precipitation 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.00" Month to date ...................... 10.16" Normal month to date ........... 2.25" Year to date ......................... 19.95" Normal year to date ............ 11.95"

Sun and Moon Sunrise today ................. 5:12 a.m. Sunset tonight ................. 8:39 p.m. Moonrise today ............. 10:28 p.m. Moonset today ................ 6:36 a.m. Last

New

First

Full

June 26

July 2

July 9

July 18

Today

Sat.

Hi/Lo/W 78/60/t 81/60/t 77/60/t 83/59/t 80/58/t 79/59/t 83/57/t 82/57/t 84/59/t 80/59/t 82/59/t 80/59/t 79/57/t 84/58/t 78/53/t 80/56/t 78/49/t 83/60/t 78/58/t

Hi/Lo/W 74/56/t 75/55/t 75/58/t 78/56/t 78/55/t 74/53/t 76/55/t 77/53/t 78/56/t 77/56/t 79/55/t 76/57/t 77/55/t 78/55/t 74/46/t 77/55/t 78/48/t 77/57/t 77/55/t

Buechel said. E a rl i e r t h i s we e k , FEMA declared C o l u m b i a , C r aw f o r d , Dodge, Green, Milwaukee, Racine, Richland, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties as disaster areas. On Thursday, Fond du Lac, Iowa and Marquette counties were added to that list.

Fond du Lac County Circuit Court on drug charges. While the number of arrests is alarming, it doesn’t mean Fond du Lac has an overwhelming drug problem, Barthuly said. “Hopefully, we made a big dent in local drug trafficking,” he said. “We have to remember this is the result of a long investigation.” He praised the eyes and ears of the community that provided tips to police and led to the arrests. Coming on the heels of one of the worst flooding disasters in Fond du Lac history, the drug sting involved of ficers already working long days on flood relief, Barthuly said. “Some of the same officers putting in 13-hour

shifts on flooding were involved in these arrests,” he said. “But they have a passion for their job and we’re lucky to have these people working for us.” The arrests have taxed resources at the Fond du Lac County Jail, said Sheriff Mick Fink. “Logistically, something like this is a nightmare for jail staff,” he said. On Thursday, the jail census, including the drug arrest subjects who are in a holding area, stood at 397. “It’s the highest population we’ve ever had,” Fink said. Anyone with information on subjects related to this drug activity is asked to call the Fond du Lac Police Department at 9065555.

Today’s National Weather Iqaluit 45/42

Whitehorse 64/51

Yellowknife 60/50 Churchill 62/42

Seattle 74/53

Calgary 73/44

Winnipeg 75/56

Billings 86/59 Minneapolis 80/59

San Francisco 82/55

Denver 86/56

Toronto 68/56

Houston Chihuahua 92/74 102/68 Monterrey La Paz 100/75 100/68

Stationary Front

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Los Angeles 96/66

Cold Front

St. John's 55/40

Saskatoon 75/55

Vancouver 69/58

keyboard and Gre g Kilmer on drums. All five members of the band are lead and backup vocalists. The band lineup includes: Evergreen By Request, June 30; Page Four, July 7; Kids From Maximillian’s, July 14; Whiskey River Band, July 21; Die Spiel Meisters, July 28; The Groeschl Band, Aug. 4; and The Real Deal Band on Aug. 11. All concerts are free. Freewill donations are received to supplement the series and defray costs. The snacks and concessions stand opens at 6:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts are postponed to Tuesday evenings. More infor mation on Music Under the Stars concerts is available by contacting Jim Sabel, program director, at 9211627 or www.fdlmusicians.com.

floods and severe weather,” Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement Thursday. “I thank them and all those who are working together to recover and rebuild. We are committed to getting people the help they need.” FEMA officials toured the county on Tuesday and will return to make individual assessments i n t h e c o m i n g we e k s,

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Items seized include crack cocaine, cocaine, vehicles and cash. The ar rests mark the culmination of 25 investigations and 49 undercover drug buys. Most of the drug activity occurred in the past six months. Four search warrants and numerous traffic stops related to the sting operation took place prior to Thursday, according to the release. Two people were arrested Wednesday on drug charges, and a third has been in custody since May on robbery charges. All of those arrested are expected to appear in

Area Musicians Inc. and is funded through the Fond du Lac city budget and donations. Each week a dif ferent area musical group performs, giving listeners a chance to hear local bands in an outdoor concert setting. Refreshments are available at the concession stand. The Downtowners is a popular variety band organized in 1980 as the house band at Pier 15, for merly the Colony Supper Club. The band mixes old and new tunes into its show to keep the flow of music fresh and interesting. Their musical styles include country, Jazz, Latin, rock-nroll, polkas and swing. Bob and Jane Shirek lead the band with a variety of instruments, including trumpet, saxophones, clarinet, guitar and accordion. The rhythm section includes Dan Seidl on keyboards, Annie Wisner on bass

– SINCE 1947 –

JUNE 20th*

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Miss Sunday. Miss A Lot. UP FRONT A timeline in pictures and captions of the ﬂood and its aftermath.

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NOTES from

SCHOOL

NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS, STUDENTS æ The New Holstein Public Library is looking for teens to join its Battle of the Books team. Team members will read selected books over the summer and then compete against other teams on Sept. 3. Complete information is available at www.newholstein.lib.wi. us or see Mrs. Weber at the library, 2115 Washington St. æ Second-grade students at Rosendale Primary School ended their academic year immersed in American history by studying Colonial times. The students spent a day at Ye Olde School in West Bend, where they experienced slates, dip pens, schoolmarms and connected desks. They compared old-fashioned values with today’s changing society. The students dressed up like children of the Colonial era and brought picnic lunches in paint cans and baskets with foods wrapped in cloth napkins and linens. Recess was spent playing tag, Red Rover, and red light, green light. æ Tracey Schroeder and Carey Schwebke served as volunteer consultants in the second-grade classrooms at Rosendale Elementary School. Schroeder is employed in the personnel department of Agnesian HealthCare and Schwebke owns and operates a professional cleaning service. Schroeder and Schwebke visited the school as part of an “Our Com-

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Pull-out section

ã Pages C2-C3

The Reporter, Friday, June 20, 2008

WORD on CAMPUS A Q&A THING

“What will you remember about the flood?”

Steven Friede, 11 Fond du Lac

Esther Schorse, 7 Fond du Lac

Anthony January, 11 Fond du Lac

Aurora January, 9 Lajuntca Colorado

Alexander Fuller, 11 Fond du Lac

“How hard and fast the rain came down.”

“It was up to my neck and there was a really big current. Someone helped us across a deep part.”

“Water was up to our top step. There were a bunch of people on boats evacuating, firefighters and people trying to help. It was like a dream.”

“We had to go on the boat and getting woken up in the middle of the night to a house full of water.”

“That it ruined our house really bad.”

“Come in, she said, I’ll give you shelter from the storm.” — Bob Dylan

See NOTES Page C5

BRIEFS from

COLLEGE SPOTLIGHTING HIGHER EDUCATION

æ The Oberreich Foundation made a $15,000 donation to the Thanatology Grief Relief Program at Marian University of Fond du Lac on June 6. Grief Relief is a project cocreated by Marian’s Thanatology program (end-of-life studies) and Agnesian HealthCare’s bereavement services. Grief Relief is a free service open to the public. The group meets monthly for 90 minutes and serves clients 3 years old to senior citizens. The money will be used to expand the program’s services and to explore a larger meeting facility. æ Matt Krofta, Erin Harris and Kaitlin Youwer, all of Fond du Lac, were named to the dean’s list at University of MinnesotaTwin Cities for the spring semester. Dean’s list requirements include earning a grade point average of 3.66 or higher while taking 12 or more credits per semester. æ Yuliya Pchelina of Fond du Lac graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee on May 10. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and was named to the dean’s list. She was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. She belonged to the Ambassador Club and the International Diversity Club. She is the daughter of Scott and Sue Dreger of Fond du Lac. æ Jessica Ebert of Fond du Lac has been awarded the Myron and Anna Atwood Short Course Scholarship for the 2008-09 academic year. Ebert is a first-year student in the Farm and Industry Short Course program at University of Wisconsin–Madison, College of Agricultural and Life

See BRIEFS Page C5

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

Fond du Lac School District officials and members of the media surveyed flood damage Tuesday at Riverside Elementary School, the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center and the school system’s maintenance building.

WEATHERING THE STORM

Area schools deal with recent flooding BY SHARON ROZNIK

The Reporters roznik@fdlreporter.com

ome area school districts fared well through last week’s heavy rains and massive flooding, and others suffered severe damage to school-owned properties. Fond du Lac’s Fruth Athletic Field, Aquatic Center and maintenance building and garage — which houses thousands of dollars worth of the district’s mechanical equipment — are all wearing a dried layer of cracked silt, and worse ravages from the flood. Yet despite the losses, when water came in a wild rush through streets in the city and into homes and businesses, two schools — one in North Fond du Lac and the other in Fond du Lac — acted as beacons in the

storm, opening their doors to shelter residents.

Gimme shelter

æ Assistant Principal Jon Wiltzius, along with other staff members and custodians from Fond du Lac High School, stayed overnight Thursday to help the American Red Cross set up a shelter in the high school commons for evacuees from the city. Plans that night to host high school graduation quickly turned into an emergency response to a grave situation. About 218 residents stayed at the high school. Many were rescued from their homes by boat. “We had outstanding volunteers, many people stepped forward and there was a pooling of resources that made everything work,” Wiltzius said.

See STORM Page C5

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

John Williams, director of building and grounds for the Fond du Lac School District, stands inside the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center, which is covered in layers of mud.

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

The overflowing banks of the Fond du Lac River rushed into the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center on Thursday, June 13. Silt flowed through the doors of the Aquatic Center, filling the pools. The pressure popped up deck tiles.

Fondy Cardinals football players lend hand BY SHARON ROZNIK

The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

F THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

Fond du Lac School Board member Susan Jones views the wreckage that was once the office of buildings and grounds director John Williams. All of the school district’s maintenance records, which date back at least 30 years, were destroyed in the flood.

ootball players from Fond du Lac High School have been sharing their athletic prowess by helping flood victims. “Since practice was canceled this week, it’s a good way to get a workout,” said senior BJ Cizek. Instead, the offensive tackle stayed busy heaving bulky, flood-damaged stuff out of the basements of the elderly and people who, for health reasons, couldn’t manage it themselves.

Inspired by his coach Nate Lehman, Cizek said he and some of his teammates went down to the American Red Cross and offered their services. “We haul stuff to the curb. I was one of the fortunate ones to not get hit by the flood, and that’s a good reason for me to go out and help others,” he said. “People have been really appreciative and you get a good feeling from it.” Another volunteer, senior defensive back Taylor Schuler, said he was delivering subs for

See HELP Page C5

YOUR SCHOOLS

www.fdlreporter.com

The Reporter, Friday, June 20, 2008

PAGE C5

STORM

BRIEFS

æ As North Fond du Lac School Superintendent Jim Sebert points out, schools serve as a center for the community, and it proved true that night at Friendship Learning Center in North Fond du Lac. Acting as a home base for the Salvation Army’s flood efforts, the aptly named Friendship housed about 115 overnight, Sebert said. Principal Melanie Cowling, the school secretary, guidance counselor and teaching staff volunteered to help those temporarily without homes. “We were housing the overflow from Fond du Lac. Fortunately, our village had very little flooding and the retention ponds did what they were supposed to do, including the one located behind Bessie Allen Middle School,” Sebert said. The only flooding the district experienced was about 15 inches of water that seeped into the basement of the district’s Early Learning Center, and maintenance crews worked overnight to pump it out. Food at both school shelters was provided by Aramark Food Service. In North Fond du Lac, Aramark manager Gail Chrysler kept the kitchen open so people could get something warm to eat. “It’s the least we can do for the community in a time of crisis,” said Aramark food service manager Jim Ronayne.

Sciences. æ Lucy Clements of Fond du Lac received the Grace and William Larsen Memorial Fund travel grant from the Scandinavian Studies department at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The fund supports students who wish to study abroad. Clements will continue her studies in B°, Norway. æ Calvin Freiburger of Fond du Lac has been named to the dean’s list at Hillside College in Hillsdale, Mich., for the spring semester. Freiburger, the son of Paul and Peg Freiburger of Fond du Lac, graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 2006. æ Hannah Behnke of Fond du Lac has been named to the dean’s list at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee for the spring semester. She is a communications and Spanish major. Behnke is the daughter of Tom and Karen Behnke of Fond du Lac. æ Bethany Crook of Fond du Lac has been named to the dean’s list at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee for the spring semester. She is a political science major. Her parents are Larry and Elizabeth Crook of Fond du Lac. æ John Lynch of Eldorado has been named to the dean’s list at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee for the spring semester. He is the son of Tim and Jean Lynch of Eldorado. æ Kaitlyn Wiese of Rosendale has been named to the dean’s list at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee for the spring semester. She is the daughter of William and Tammy Wiese of Rosendale. æ In 2007, peer tutors at Moraine Park Technical College’s three campuses in Fond du Lac, West Bend and Beaver Dam, assisted 128 disadvantaged students in 433 courses. The 29-year-old peer-tutoring program pairs advanced students with students who feel overwhelmed by studies and classes, especially students who have gone back to school after a 10 or more year hiatus; students who require help in English; students with disabilities; or students who need a little help with reading or overall comprehension. MPTC offers the services free to all students. Students who serve as peer tutors receive hourly pay. MPTC statistics show that 85 percent of students who used peer-tutoring services in 2007 completed their coursework, up from 76 percent in 2006.

Continued from Page C1

Eve of destruction

In Fond du Lac, buildings and grounds director John Williams appeared calm during a tour Wednesday of the damaged facilities attended by School Board members and the media, but it wasn’t so the night of the storm. “It took four of us to push open the door of the maintenance building,” Williams said. The building, which filled with water up to his chest, is located on South Street next to the Fond du Lac River. He shook his head and pointed to 30 years of maintenance documents covered with muck and mud, equipment strewn about from the flood like there’d been a brawl with nature. “I don’t know if we can save anything in my office,” Williams said. “My secretary Maggie is sick about it.” His maintenance crew has been kept busy sifting through drawers full of nuts and bolts and trying to clean and save the larger equipment: sandblasters, generators, band saws, vacuums, a drill press. They tried to move things higher the night of the storm, but it did no good. The force of the river blew concrete blocks out of a retaining wall. At Fruth Athletic Field, the water rose five feet up the goal posts. Williams said they don’t know if they can save the rubberized running track, it may have been underwater too long. “The water from Fruth Field crossed Ninth Street about 10:30 p.m. and then broke into the Aquatic Center,” he said. The possible cost of the damages is still too staggering to think about, Williams said. An insurance assessor will inspect the damaged pools at the Aquatic Center, the football field and Riverside Elementary School. He pointed to the wooden gym floor at Riverside, undulating in waves like a dwarfish rollercoaster ride. Tunnels under the school and an old rifle range under the

Continued from Page C1 munity” program, a division of the Junior Achievement Program in which volunteers from area businesses introduce students to career choices available to them, stressing the importance of strong educations and acquiring necessary skills. Through Junior Achievement, students are introduced to the advertising, marketing, sales and production costs of operating a business. æ Students in the Advanced Marketing Program at Fond du Lac High School developed, designed and marketed coupon books containing more than 90 coupons for products or services available through local businesses. Sales from the books covered the production costs of the books. The profits, totaling $1,500, were distributed among four schools in the Fond du Lac School District to fund educationally based field trips, promote healthy eating habits and utilize technology to promote literacy, safety and creativity. Money was awarded to Woodworth Middle School, Riverside Elementary School, Waters Elementary School and Parkside Elementary School. Advanced Marketing students are already designing coupon books for the 2008-09 school year. The books should be available to the public in early September. Any local business that would like to be included should call Jennifer King now at (920) 929-2740 ext. 3151.

BELOW: The remnant of floodwater is evident as mud dries and cracks on the tile floor at the Fond du Lac Aquatic Center. The pool, operated by the Fond du Lac School District, sustained major damage on June 12 when the river crested and flowed through the building, located on West Ninth Street. Aquatic Center remain scented with foulsmelling river muck. When water rushed into the gym, it whooshed halfway up the ramps that lead to classrooms, spilling into orchestra and media rooms. “Our first concern is Riverside and the Aquatic Center,” Williams said. “We will get those areas cleaned and sanitized and start from there.”

High, dry around county

æ Oakfield High School Principal Paul Dix said he was thankful the village’s schools remained untouched by floodwater that reached portions of the village and hit homes of residents that had already been through the 1996 Oakfield tornado. “We had minimal water in our buildings. I checked them the evening of the flooding and had nothing, though it was filling up the retention pond,” he said. Dix said he was amazed that although water was rising all along the north side of Church Street — the road to the high school — the building was high enough to remain unscathed. “Lots of people, including high school students, were sandbagging, and our fire department was out in full force,” he noted. æ Ripon, another hard-hit area of the county, also had minimal water damage from flooding. “We did have minor water damage in the elementary school when shingles were blown off,” said business manager Rick Ketter. “And the middle school has some flooding in the boiler room, but it was contained by a sump pump and the maintenance crew.” There was also damage to the gym floor at the high school, but Ketter said it might be possible to repair it, rather than replace it. “All in all, we fared pretty well in the school district,” he said. æ Buildings in the Rosendale-Brandon School District remained high and dry, reported Superintendent Gary Hanson.

æ The Fondy CARDnival held April 27 at Fond du Lac High School raised $2,025 for the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac to help expand its services at the YMCA, 90 W. Second St. The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe, fun and friendly environment for area youth to attend after-school hours. The Advanced Marketing Program of Fond du Lac High School joined forces with several local businesses to sponsor the fundraising event. The 2009 CARDnival is being planned for Sunday, April 5. æ “Ants In Your Pants” story time will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson St.

Linda DeCramer will lead children 3 to 5 years old in stories, songs, movement and crafts. There is no fee to attend. æ Jugglers Ed Amberger and Axel Junker will give two free performances on Monday, June 23, at Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan St. The shows are designed as family entertainment. æ A “Buggy Variety Show” will be held at 2:30 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson St. Local youth will present theatrical adaptations of several children’s books dealing with bugs and insects. No admission fee.

HELP

Continued from Page C1 Jimmy John the night of the flood. “It was really nuts. Driving home that night it took forever and I kept seeing cars in the road with hazard lights on, but no one in them.” He’s been hauling waterlogged things out of the basement of an older woman named Ruth who lives on West Arndt Street “There was still a little bit of water down there. Everything she had was ruined and she had tons of stuff, but she still seemed in good spirits,” he said. Cizek said he hoped everyone can get through the losses and recover. “For a lot of people, the photographs and all the memories are lost. You feel so bad for them and you want to help them make new memories. It makes me very happy for what I have,” he said. Cizek said he wants the community to know they aren’t just football players. “We really care,” he said.

æ “Helping Others Helps Me” is the name of the summer support group for girls 6 to 9, held at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at Doll and Associates, 40 Camelot Drive. The first session will start on July 9. Sarah Arnold, Psy.D., will facilitate. The group is designed to help preteen girls increase selfesteem, manage feelings of shyness, increase selfconfidence in social situations, improve social interactions, and work cooperatively with others. To reserve a space or to get more information, call (920) 907-8201. æ Four area high school students will participate in a Business World Program from June 22 to June 25 at St. Nor-

Say Yes to Success!

bert College in De Pere. Advisers from Wisconsin businesses lead the program and introduce students to financial success, marketing strategies, product development, career preparation and workplace skills needed for overall career success. Britnie Brock and Kailey Wood from Ripon High School, Heidi Kelley from Campbellsport High School and Doua Vang from St. Mary’s Springs High School will participate.

Compiled by The Reporter

concerns

Why do we have different fingerprints??

Question from Jacob FACES Middle School Merrill Avenue

NOTES

THE REPORTER PHOTOS BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

ABOVE: Fond du Lac School Board member Lori Rhoades snaps a picture of the gym floor, buckled up in waves, at Riverside Elementary School. Rhoades and other School Board members were part of a tour Tuesday of school facilities that were severely damaged by floodwater.

AA/EOE

This is an interesting question and does not have a simple answer. Scientists are actively studying this very question. Bioengineers believe that fingerprints have little to do with genetics but that certain surfaces of the skin can buckle as it grows. The result is infinite variety. Lisa Milne, NP, Family Practice Lomira Clinic

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Look inside for an hour-by-hour timeline of the deluge Pages C4, C5

Milwaukee Brewers beat the Orioles 3-2 ã Page B1

The Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

Photo coverage of North Fondy Fest ã Page A3

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Jodie and Scott Pederson, 319 Western Ave., stand in the basement of their home that flooded June 13 in the wake of torrential rains. Floodwater reached almost to the floor joists above their heads. In 2006 the same house was ravaged by fire.

SATURDAY

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All five inmates alleging sexual assault by a correctional officer at Taycheedah Correctional Institution — including one who says she was raped in a prison storage closet — took the stand Friday to testify against the 36year-old Oshkosh man. Jimmie Brown, who is on unpaid administrative leave from TCI, was bound over for further proceedings in Fond du Lac Jimmie Brown County Circuit Court after Judge Peter Grimm Since 2003, heard testimo20 state ny and ruled correctional that there was staff emprobable cause ployees that Brown have been committed a accused of crime. sexual asBrown desault /A2 nies that sexual contact with inmates took place. During the hearing, inmates became emotional as they recounted details of the numerous sexual encounters they say occurred during the 11 months Brown was a correctional officer at TCI. A 37-year-old woman who said Brown raped her in a prison storage closet while she was attempting to retrieve materials would not make eye contact with Brown while describing the alleged

GREAT PEOPLE

LOTTERY

Correctional officer bound over for trial BY AMIE JO SCHAENZER

LOCAL

Snapshots of people in our communities ã Page C1

5 women testify in TCI prison assault case

Fire and Rain

RELATED STORIES æ Salvation Army takes its mission to people in need/A9 æ FEMA teams canvassing door to door/A6 æ United Way seeks matching dollars for flood victims/A6

Couple discovers revelation amid disasters, adversity

BY SHARON ROZNIK The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

Jodie and Scott Pederson can now lay claim to the fact they have seen their way through destruction by both fire and rain. “You can make it out of a catastrophe —in our case two of them — and come out stronger,” Jodie said. On March 13, 2006, their home at 319 Wester n Avenue was ravaged by a fire that started in the garage, where Scott was working on his stepson’s van. “I had just made it out of the garage when the propane tanks blew up and blew the back of the garage off,” Scott recalled. Earlier this month, the Pedersons were finally finished with

major renovations on their house and garage, located across the street from the Fond du Lac River, and set to enjoy the fruits of their labor: new walls and insulation, a brand new floor, all new furniture and a two-story garage. Then, on June 13, the wrath of unrestrained floodwater changed the course of their life, again. “Water was coming in our side door, the front door, and water was coming up from the basement,” Jodie said. The stor ms and subsequent flooding wiped out everything in the Pedersons’ basement: the washer and dryer, the furnace and hot water heater, central air, along with abundant flower gardens and

North Dakota Dept. of Tourism Ray’s TV Dunham’s WG&R Furniture Walreen Drug Store Staples Kohl’s* MCSports JCPenney* Pizza Hut* Coupons

Dodge County damage estimates nearing $40 million

*Inserts have limited distribution

BY COLLEEN KOTTKE

æ Shirts commemorate flood, recovery/A6

The Reporter ckottke@fdlreporter.com

JUNEAU — Preliminary flood damage totals for Dodge County are $37.7 million and still climbing as residents and business owners continue to dry out from last week’s flooding. Amy Nehls, Dodge County Emergency Management deputy director, said the numbers were

the latest to be forwarded to FEMA late in the week. “Right now, we are working on a disaster recovery system with FEMA. Now that we have been declared a federal disaster, it’s important for people to understand that although they’ve registered their damage totals with the county, they still need to register with FEMA,” Nehls said. Throughout Dodge County, in-

See FLOOD Page A2

spectors recorded minor damage to 101 residences and accounted for 10 homes that were destroyed by floodwaters for a total $6.2 million in residential damage. Two Dodge County businesses were destroyed while another 17 experienced minor flood damage for a total of $1.38 million in damages.

See DAMAGE Page A2

See ASSAULT Page A2

14 charged in undercover FdL drug bust The Reporter Staff

Fourteen people have been charged in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court following a large-scale drug bust, with at least 14 more expected to make court appearances this week. Also, the Fond du Lac Names of Police Departthose ment expects formally to make five charged /A2 more ar rests before the drug sting orchestrated by the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group is complete, said Major Dennis Fortunato of the Fond du Lac Police Department. On Thursday and Friday, various drug charges were filed against 14 of the people arrested following the bust. The sting came after a sixmonth investigation that resulted in several drug buys by undercover agents. Authorities searched four Fond du Lac homes Thursday: 271 Linden Ave.; 550 Van Dyne Road, Lot 60; and homes on East Johnson Street and

See CHARGES Page A2

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LOCAL

The Reporter, Sunday, June 22, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

20 state correctional staff employees have been charged in assaulting inmates The Reporter Staff

Since 2003, 20 correctional staff employees at Wisconsin prisons have been charged with sexually assaulting inmates, said John Dipko, public information director for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Of those, six male correctional staff workers at Taycheedah Correctional Institution, a women’s prison on the northeast edge of Fond du Lac, have faced such charges, Dipko said. Charges have been filed in the past three years. æ Jimmie Brown, who transferred to TCI after spending 10 years at Oshkosh Correctional Institution, is the most recent TCI correctional staff member to be charged with sexually assaulting an inmate(s), according to DOC records obtained by The Reporter. Brown had been employed at TCI for 11 months when he was placed on an unpaid administrative leave and subsequently ar rested for having consensual sex with four inmates and for allegedly raping a fifth, according to court and DOC records. Police have interviewed additional inmates who say they have had sexual contact with Brown, according to a Fond du Lac Police Department report released to The Reporter last week, but additional charges have not been formally filed for those inmates. Brown appeared for a prelimi-

nary hearing in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court on Friday. He was bound over for further proceeding in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court. æ Dustin Schultz, 21, was sentenced to two months in jail and three years probation in January for having sexual contact with an inmate in the blanket room at TCI while another inmate stood watch, according to a criminal complaint. The 26-year-old inmate involved in the encounters said she had sexual intercourse with Schultz, a former correctional officer. While Schultz admitted to sexual contact, he denied having intercourse with the inmate, the complaint stated. In October 2005, three TCI staff members were charged with sexually assaulting inmates. Charges were filed following an investigation into allegations that several maintenance workers at TCI were having sexual contact with inmatess æ Dwight Helsell, 50, was sentenced to 45 days in jail and placed on probation for two years for having sexual contact with two inmates from the John Burke Center in Waupun between Feb. 1 and Aug 22, 2005. Both inmates were working at TCI at the time with a maintenance crew as part of a work placement programs æ Edward H. Wood, 51, a former senior plant operator at TCI for 13 years, was ordered to pay $250 to

ASSAULT

lieve me,” she said. In cross-examination, Brown’s attor ney, William Mayer, asked the Continued from Page A1 woman if she did anyassault. She kept her thing to stop the rape head down and her body from happening. turned away from the de“Did you yell, scream fense table while testify- or say anything to Mr. ing about the incident Brown?” Mayer asked. that occurred in April “No,” she replied. when she was on duty at her job at the prison and Fear of retaliation Brown was working secMost of the women ond shift. who testified Friday “I was working and I touched on the fear they needed to go to the stor- had of retaliation if they age room,” she said. “He did not fulfill Brown’s unlocked the door for me wishes or if they report… when I went into the ed him to staff. They also storage closet, into the spoke about the manipuback, he came into the lative behaviors he used closet and he g rabbed to get them to adhere to hold of my hair.” his sexual whims. She testified that he ripped her pants, forced her to the back of the closet and had sex with her against her will before stopping abruptly. “Why did he stop?” Fond du Lac County District Attorney Michael O’Rourke asked the woman. “Because his radio went off and there was someone coming to our unit,” she said. The woman said Brown forced her to stay with him in the closet until she “calmed down.” The inmate testified that she said nothing to Brown, but told him before she left the closet that she “would report him if he touched her again.” “How did he respond to that?” O’Rourke asked. “That no one would be-

CHARGES Continued from Page A1

North Boardman Street. The addresses of the Johnson Street and Boardman Street homes are not being released until those residing at those homes are formally charged. During the searches, officers confiscated cocaine, crack, heroin and marijuana, according to a law enforcement press release. In total, 28 people have been arrested as a result of the investigation. The following have been formally charged in Fond du Lac County Cir-

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A 29-year-old inmate said that it was “made clear” to the inmates at TCI that Brown would find a way to have them punished after another prisoner—not a victim in the case—reported some of the alleged activity to staff in December and was placed in segregation. “It was clear that she went to segregation because she told on him,” the woman said. The woman who was punished, Tunda Boyd, now lives in Beloit. She told The Reporter last month that she was held in segregation past her release date for “lying to staff.” Some of the information Boyd provided to staff in December is now included in the criminal complaint against Brown.

cuit Court: æ Crystal Skilling, 23, 54 Van Dyne Road, Apt. A202, charged with manufacturing delivery of cocaine. æ Ellis J. Henderson, 21, 271 Linden Ave., three counts of manufacturing/delivery of cocaine. æ Brittany Baguio, 19, 271 Linden Ave., four counts of manufacturing/delivery of cocaine. æ Matthew Garlow, 24, 9 E. 14th St., five counts of manufacturing/delivery of cocaine. æ Cheryl M. Abitz, 40, 33 W. Arndt St., two counts of manufacturing/delivery of marijuana. æ Deborah K. Hilt, 33, 483 Temperance St., maintaining a drug trafficking

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inmates while working at TCI. He faces what could amount to life in prison if convicted on all 13 counts of second-degree sexual assault. During the hearing Friday, Judge Grimm ordered that Brown — who remains in custody on a $50,000 cash bond — not have any contact with any current or for mer TCI inmates. “Through our investigation, we have learned that Brown has been contacting inmates and exinmates by mail,” O’Rourke said. At least two more inmates have alleged contact with Brown, but are not listed as victims in the criminal complaint, according to a police report released to The Reporter last week following a Freedom of Information request. One of the police interviews had to be discontinued because a 22year-old woman kept getting sick while recounting how Brown would have her expose her breasts when he was making rounds, according to the report. Due to her vomiting, TCI staff conducted a pregnancy test, but those results were not mentioned in the report. Another inmate reported that Brown had raped her. That report was discredited and the inmate was placed in What’s next? segregation for lying to Brown has maintained staff, according to the rehis innocence, denying port. any sexual contact with

The Fond du Lac Police Department began an investigation of Brown in April when TCI staf f first made authorities aware of the allegations against Brown by several inmates. According to a police report into that investigation, the 29-year-old inmate said she had sex with Brown in January but then became uncomfortable when he asked her to do other sexual activities, according to the complaint. She said he moved on to two other women at the prison. He still did things to intimidate her, though, by staring her down, tapping his pen and invading her space, she said. Other inmates testified to similar intimidating practices, such as Brown watching them as they changed clothes or telling them no one would believe them if they ever reported the sexual contact. A 36-year-old inmate became agitated while describing “sexual assignments” Brown would pass through the tray of her cell door. She performed the assignments to “keep him happy,” she said. “You make me sick,” the woman said to Brown after her testimony concluded and right before she left the courtroom.

place and two counts of manufacturing/delivering marijuana. æ Juanita A. Romo-Garcia, 50, of Milwaukee, possession of narcotic drugs, controlled substance, marijuana, drug paraphernalia. æ Roya Sedghi, 33, 159 Arndt St., three counts of manufacturing/delivery of marijuana. æ Jason P. Morgen, 22, of Oakfield, four counts of manufacturing/delivery of marijuana, manufacturing/delivering cocaine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining drug trafficking. æ Jose Pineda, 39, 550 Van Dyne Road, Apt. 60,

three counts of manufacturing/delivery of marijuana. æ Shane T. Miller, 21, 74 W. McWilliams St., manufacturing/delivery of cocaine. æ Christopher A. Stumbaugh, 20, W6976 Shadybrook Circle, three counts manufacturing/delivery of marijuana. æ Joseph L. Reinecke, 38, Wautoma, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of narcotic drugs. æ Jesse J. Seltrecht, 20, Campbellsport, manufacturing/delivery of cocaine.

The Reporter Staff

A report on flood damage to school district-owned facilities will focus on the need for extensive repairs when the Fond du Lac Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. Monday at the District Administration Center, 72 W. Ninth St. School Board President Eric Everson will present details on the condition of Fruth Athletic Field, Riverside Elementary School, Fond du Lac Aquatic Center and the maintenance building. The facilities were extensively damaged when the Fond du Lac River overflowed

FLOOD

Continued from Page A1 a fish pond in the backyard. Their Chevy truck and Volkswagen are history. “I guess you know you’re in trouble when the Coast Guard shows up at your front porch in a boat,” Scott noted. When the couple found out they couldn’t take their two dogs with them, they decided to stay at home and weather the storm together. They had a boat tucked away in the garage and knew they could flee if necessary. Instead, they perched themselves in a loft above the garage, fearing the basement walls would give way or one of the floors would cave in. “When we woke to sun on Friday morning (June 13), it was mind-boggling to see all the water everywhere and know that we still couldn’t get out on our own,” Jodie said. “When the emergency helpers pulled up to our front porch in a boat, we had to laugh. At that point, that was all we could do.” “Dumbfounded” is how the couple feels after experiencing a major catastrophe twice in two years. The Pedersons estimate their loss will run around $100,000. “At this point I’m ready to dig a giant moat around my house, but none of what I’ve been through in my life has ever made me want to give up,” Jodie pointed out. From experience, Scott knew that quick thinking would lead to a better outcome. The fire prepared the couple for the flood. “The key is to react immediately. We were on the phone that night, getting a Dumpster, calling the insurance company. We were well on our way to recovery Saturday afternoon (June 14) because we

DAMAGE Continued from Page A1

Taking the biggest hit dollar-wise in damages were far m fields. Nehls said far mers recorded damage to more than 45,000 acres of cropland for a total loss of $29 million. The crops hardest hit were cor n and soybeans. Far mers that have reports and/or requests for assistance to damaged crops should contact their local FSA office at 920-3869999. Local governments tallied more than $4,000 in cleanup measures and $400,000 on protective measures, including overtime paid to employees assisting during the flooding. Repairs to road systems tallied another $586,000. “On Monday, we will begin touring with FEMA

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ASTOP of Fond du Lac, an agency that assists sexual assault victims, for a charge of fourth-degree sexual assault. He brought beer in a cooler inside TCI and provided a can to a 25-year-old inmate and another inmate, according to the complaint. He admitted that he later inappropriately touched the 25-year-old while she was cleaning a bathroom and when she was lying on the seat of a van. æ Andrew Metzen, 38, was ordered to spend six months in jail and two years on probation for his involvement with the same 26year-old inmate who had contact with Helsell. The inmate told detectives that she became “romantically interested” in Metzen at the end of 2004 and that sex between them was consensual. Metzen said that he and the woman had intercourse in the paint room office, located in the maintenance garage on TCI grounds, according to the complaint. They also met in Helsell’s office, the woman said. æ Charges were also filed against a fourth TCI employee, John Patterson, 53, in October 2005. Patterson, a former correctional officer, was placed on probation for three years for sexually assaulting two TCI inmates. According to the criminal complaint, he inappropriately touched an inmate in the summer of 2005. He also fondled another inmate, according to the complaint.

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officials to look at damages to the public sector, including washed out roadways,” Nehls said. Last week, Dodge County joined more than a dozen counties in Wisconsin in being declared a federal disaster area, said Dodge County Emergency Management Director Joe Meagher. “This FEMA assistance comes as a very welcome announcement to Dodge County. Residents, many residences and businesses countywide have seen great loss to property and commerce, and rebuilding will take months,” Meagher said. Dodge County Emergency Management will continue to provide information to the public at the Emergency Operations Center hotline at 386-4060. Residents within Dodge County can call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or go to www.fema.gov to register damage.

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lear ned from the first catastrophe how to deal with the second,” he said. The first time, after the fire, the couple argued about a lot of little things. The loss had set them on edge. “We were at each other’s throats screaming about things, because of all the stress,” Jodie said. “This time we knew what we had to do and acted as a team. We worked nonstop Friday once the water starting going down. With four pumps running, it took eight hours to get the water out.” She points to the little things that act as bright spots in a disaster. “When we had our fire, so many people reached out to help us put our lives back together, and now those same people are helping again,” Jodie said. “We’ve had so many friends come and help in the last two days. People brought us food and took away laundry, took our dogs to their house to keep them safe. Contractors that helped with the fire are now ready to help again with the flood. We have worked hard to put our house and yard back together. Now we can start again.” “Basically, you have to have hope. You can’t stick your head in the sand,” Scott said. While the basement is drying out “nicely” except for the “wet dog” smell, the Pedersons joke that all they need now is a tornado. “I never shed a tear over the flood. There’s no anger; I don’t have time to be angry,” Scott said. “As belligerent as I am, I know I need to help myself.” Jodie said losing the possessions she loved made her realize that stuff doesn’t matter. “Stuff isn’t people,” she said. “All you can do is let it go and make new memories,” Jodie said.

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its banks following intense rain that swept through the area on June 12 and 13. Other items that will be discussed follow. æ A contract is expected to be awarded to a food service provider for the 2008-09 school year. Aramark, the district’s provider for the past five years, is a bidder, along with Taher Inc. æ Approval is recommended for a ninth-grade physical education curriculum and an accompanying textbook. The curriculum was developed by a district physical education teaching and learning team.

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FLOOD ’08

The Reporter, Sunday, June 22, 2008

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FEMA teams canvassing door to door For The Reporter

als are dealing with,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont in a press release. “These teams will stay in the field as long as they are needed. To help the information exchange along, some team members speak both Spanish and English.” Team members go door-to-door to talk with residents and businesses with damages as well as with community leaders and public officials. They offer information about disaster relief programs, including grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, minor home repairs and serious disaster-related expenses. When unmet needs are identified, community relations workers relay that information to the state or

Workers with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are now on the streets in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties, reaching out to people affected by the early June severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. Experienced teams, wearing dark blue FEMA shirts and carrying photo identification, are visiting churches, homes and businesses in neighborhoods with damages. These teams also will canvass in the other 17 Wisconsin counties now eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program assistance. “We rely on our community relations staff to get the word out and find out firsthand the losses communities and individu-

federal staff best able to respond. Residents and businesses in the disasterdeclared counties — Columbia, Crawford, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Iowa, Kenosha, Marquette, Milwaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago — are eligible to apply for grants and low-interest loans for qualified damages and losses directly caused by the storms that began affecting the state on June 5. Individuals may apply for disaster assistance by either calling 1-800-621-FEMA or online at www.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech impairments may call 1-800462-7585. Phone numbers and Web registration services are available 24 hours a day until further notice.

Donations needed to restock local food pantries Local business hopes to help The Reporter Staff

The bulk of Fond du Lac’s food pantry supplies was damaged or destroyed as a result of flooding June 12 and 13. Efforts are being organized throughout the area to restock empty food pantry shelves. Organizers at Fond du Lac’s Hazen Court Apartments are asking for donations to be taken to 526 Sherwood Ave., Apartment 1 or Apartment 4.

non-perishable goods. Donations may be delivered between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 23, through Thursday, July 3. Donated goods will be delivered to The Salvation Army and local churchbased food pantries for public distribution. If donors would like to call first before bringing donations or if additional infor mation is needed, call (920) 933-2200 or (920) 254-2639.

Volunteers will be collecting donations of canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups and stews, boxed dinners, beans, rice, pasta, boxes of pudding or gelatin mix, boxed baking mixes, cleaning supplies, bleach, scrub brushes, brooms, plastic buckets, rubber gloves, work gloves, gardening gloves, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, combs, pet food, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, and any other

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST ®

Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast Today

Thursday

Sun and clouds with a t-storm possible

63°

79° Friday

Some sun

Mostly cloudy

63°

81°

National Cities City

Today Hi/Lo/W

94/65/t 78/67/t 72/65/t 76/56/t 88/72/t 92/57/t 78/59/pc 77/58/t 96/71/t 72/55/pc 74/56/t 87/75/s 78/57/t 83/60/pc 74/51/t 108/79/s 91/68/pc 90/79/t 74/59/pc 87/60/pc 90/72/t 76/67/t 94/66/s 82/68/t 112/84/s 76/58/t 82/63/pc 92/65/s 70/49/pc 84/67/t

Green Bay 69/55

53°

72°

61°

Wausau 66/54

Eau Claire 72/51

Oshkosh 70/54

Wednesday

Times of clouds and sun

81°

Times of clouds and sun

53°

Tuesday

78°

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Monday

Clouds and sun with a shower or t-storm

70°

Wisconsin Weather

Superior 70/44

61°

Mon. Hi/Lo/W

93/65/s 84/67/t 79/66/t 73/54/pc 88/73/t 85/57/t 80/61/s 76/58/t 99/71/s 76/54/pc 72/55/pc 89/75/s 76/57/pc 83/62/pc 75/54/pc 106/81/s 85/69/t 91/79/t 81/62/s 83/59/t 90/73/pc 84/70/t 93/67/s 85/66/t 110/82/s 76/56/t 83/65/s 92/65/s 71/51/pc 85/67/t

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Sheboygan 68/52

Fond du Lac 70/53 Madison 74/53 Watertown 73/52

Milwaukee 74/55 Racine 70/55 Kenosha 72/53

Almanac Fond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest. Temperature High ......................................... 79° Low .......................................... 60° Normal high ............................. 78° Normal low ............................... 59°

Precipitation 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.02" Month to date ...................... 10.18" Normal month to date ........... 2.49" Year to date ......................... 19.97" Normal year to date ............ 12.19"

Sun and Moon Sunrise today ................. 5:12 a.m. Sunset tonight ................. 8:40 p.m. Moonrise today ............. 11:20 p.m. Moonset today ................ 8:49 a.m. Last

New

First

Full

June 26

July 2

July 9

July 18

The Reporter Staff

Free coffee and cookies will be available to those who stop by the Rose Bertram LLC office at 19 E. First St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 23, to Thursday, July 3, to donate food or money for the aid of flood victims. An additional donation time is set for 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 28. The office is seeking donations of non-perishable foods or monetary dona-

The Reporter Staff

“Divided By Water, United By Fellowship” is the theme of T-shirts available from Hopper’s Screen Printing and All Star Trophy of Fond du Lac for donations to area flood victims. Staf f and personnel from Hopper’s and Radio Plus stations Sunny 97.7 and TCX 96.1 will receive donations of canned goods, non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and money from 6 to 9

Hi/Lo/W 69/53/t 72/53/t 72/53/t 74/54/t 72/51/t 69/55/t 74/54/t 72/53/t 74/54/t 74/53/t 72/50/t 74/55/t 70/54/t 74/53/t 65/49/t 68/52/t 70/44/pc 74/53/t 66/54/t

Mon.

Hi/Lo/W 73/54/pc 73/54/s 72/56/pc 73/52/pc 80/54/s 74/52/pc 73/55/s 71/53/pc 79/58/s 73/52/s 79/56/s 69/54/pc 72/56/pc 75/53/s 76/47/s 64/51/pc 74/50/s 74/53/s 76/55/s

Today’s National Weather

The Reporter Staff

New or gently used clothing, shoes, food and cleaning supplies are needed for area flood victims who lost personal possessions as a result of last week’s flooding in Fond du Lac County. Clothing, including socks, shoes, outerwear and underwear, is needed for men, women and children of all ages. Blankets, bedding, towels and washcloths are also needed. Non-perishable foods

such as canned goods, ready-to-eat foods, paper goods, pet food and supplies and cleaning supplies would also be appreciated. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, June 23 to 25, at Sabish Middle School, 100 N. Peters Ave. Donated goods will be sorted and prepared for distribution to flood victims beginning Thursday, June 26.

Vancouver 65/52 Calgary Seattle 71/50 70/49 Billings 84/58

Atlanta 86/65

Chihuahua Houston 97/64 93/73 Monterrey La Paz 99/75 102/72

10s

2008 AURA

Halifax 70/54

Showers T-storms Rain Flurries Snow Ice

El Paso 96/71

Stationary Front

-0s

Montreal 73/65

Toronto New York Minneapolis 75/59 76/67 74/59 Detroit Chicago 77/58 Denver 76/56 Washington 92/57 84/67

Los Angeles 93/65

-10s

St. John's 69/49

Saskatoon 85/55 Winnipeg 80/51

San Francisco 72/56

Warm Front

The Fond du Lac Area United Way announced that it has pledged the first $10,000 in a special coordinated fund-raising campaign to aid local flood relief victims in Fond du Lac County. “We are looking to the community to match this money, and the Sophia Foundation has already pledged $1,000,”noted Dr. Greg Maass, board president. The United Way Board and partnering organizations have expressed concer n that every dollar raised in this campaign go to agencies providing direct services to the public, he noted. All money raised will stay in the county to help neighbors in need, according to a United Way press release. “This is a coordinated grass-roots effort to help people in need of assistance,” said United Way Director Tina Potter. “We are accustomed to raising funds, and this situation calls for immediate action. We are aware that other entities are also fundraising and this effort will strengthen that network of assistance and help in rebuilding lives and our community. “United Way attended a meeting where we learned who is currently providing what service in order to identify existing gaps. We all know that financial assistance will be needed for many things, such as furnaces, water heaters, automobiles, food, clothing and shelter.” United Way officials are sorting out which entities can assist with a specific need. Potter also noted that many people have also contacted 211, an online Infor mation & Referral system initiated by United Way of America and operated by Fox Cities United Way. Anyone wanting to access information about services in Fond du Lac may dial 211 or type in www.211now.org to learn more. Tax-deductible donations may be made by check to the “FDL United Way Disaster Relief Fund” and mailed to: Fond du Lac Area United Way, 74 S. Main St., Fond du Lac, Wis. 54935.

Yellowknife 67/55 Churchill 55/37

Cold Front

For The Reporter

Iqaluit 45/44

Whitehorse 66/41

20s

30s

40s

50s

Miami 90/79

60s

70s

80s

2008 VUE

90s 100s 110s

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.

RECORD HIGH: RECORD LOW: 24-Hour Emergency Service Available! 94°(1988) 42°(1963)

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a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, at the corner of Fourth Street and Main in Fond du Lac. Those who make donations and contribute $10 or more will receive Tshirts. Remaining shirts will be available for purchase at Hopper’s, 77 N. Main St. Collected goods and money will be donated to the Salvation Ar my branches in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and Waupun.

Donations needed for area flood victims

Today

– SINCE 1947 –

JUNE 22nd*

tions for the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. Checks should be written to the Salvation Army or the Red Cross. The Rose Bertram LLC Retirement Planning and Investment Resource office did not suffer serious water damage as a result of last week’s flooding. In thanksgiving, the staf f wishes to give back to the community by assisting flood victims with basic needs, according to a news release.

Shirts commemorate flood, recovery

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La Crosse 74/54

Salvation Army, Red Cross

United Way seeks match dollars for flood victims

% *

APR

60 FOR

M O N T H S

Tax, title, license & service fee extra, to approved credit.

5000698131

PAGE A6

OPINION

LETTERS Have a heart for FdL flood victims

This is a letter to all the people going through www.fdlreporter.com The Reporter, Sunday, June 22, 2008 PAGE A9 people’s waste on the curb. People lost appliances, furniture, personal proper ty, and you are out SERVING THE FOND DU LAC AREA SINCE 1870 there taking all metal appliances and things you EDITORIAL BOARD can make money on. BILL HACKNEY, President and Publisher You’ re getting good LORI GARBISCH and MAGGIE McCULLOUGH, Community Members MICHAEL MENTZER, Managing Editor money for the stuff, and AVI STERN, Executive Editor THOMAS GUENTHER, Assistant News Editor the victims aren’t getting PEGGY BREISTER, News Editor any of the money from GUEST COMMENTARY you. That’s not right and I guess you don’t have a heart for those victims. Be warned that if you come to my house to take anything, I will call the cops and make sure you get a ticket and then the money you pay goes back to the city. I think a lot of citizens in Fond du Lac feel the same as me. Jason Peters response vehicle traveled As the Flood of ’08 recedes, the someone up and give them the Fond du Lac

The Reporter

Salvation Army takes its mission to streets of city

Parents should be responsible for kids Parents, do you know where your children are? I came home on Saturday, June 14, to find the neighbor’s backyard going full steam with a slip ’n slide shooting water everywhere. No one around, I headed back home only to find that my hose and water were being used to supply all the fun. Now, I’m not a mean person, but this really upset me. When I went to disconnect my hose, I stepped into ankle-deep water. The backyard was flooded. How long had my water been running? What is my water bill going to look like? I found about 12 kids in the 10-year-old range responsible. But what I could not find were any of their parents. No one was around to supervise these kids. I bear no ill will towards the children. They’re just kids and do goofy things. But I am upset that there were no adults around supervising. I don’t want to pay the price for the mistakes of other people’s children. Scott Garb Fond du Lac

Salvation Army reaches out into the community in expected and sometimes unexpected ways. Now that the need for immediate shelter is past, the “Army” continues to extend its helping hand of ministry to those in need. Those in Fond du Lac who ask, “How is the Salvation Army responding to this disaster, and how can I help?” need to know that the Salvation Army is combing the community for those with little or no resources who need help to recover from this devastation. The best way for people to help those in need and to help The Salvation Army help is to make a donation of money or to volunteer their time, helping through The Salvation Army volunteer services. Most people have friends and family to help them, but some — the elderly and disabled — despair because they have no one. That’s when the Salvation Army steps in. It starts with Flood Bucket Cleaning Kits, which have everything in them from mops to bleach to gloves and cleaning solution. Captains Deborah and Jamie Winkler have visited members of the Church and friends of the Salvation Army throughout the community, surveyed the damages and prayed and counseled families and individuals. “Sometimes a prayer can lift

courage they need to get through the next few hours,” Captain Deborah said. The Corps Community Center has been a beehive of activity. Tuesday, June 17, found The Salvation Army responding not only to those who needed cleaning supplies and food while they cleaned up from flood waters, but also starting the Brown Bag Lunch program and embarking on the first day of taking kids to Camp Army Lake in East Troy. A concerted effort has been made this year to make camp available for children who would not otherwise be able to have that “great outdoors” experience. More than 60 children are scheduled to attend camp in the next few weeks. Barb Thill, who organizes volunteers to make 700 brown bag sandwiches every Tuesday and Thursday, joined forces with volunteers to make an additional 200 for distribution throughout the community on Tuesday and Thursday in the wake of the flood. “In addition to serving children today, Salvation Army Volunteers are going to be cruising the Fond du Lac streets looking for folks that are cleaning and who need lunch or a snack,” said Barb on Tuesday. The Salvation Army disaster

Denise Schaffer

through flood-ravaged areas of the city to deliver lunches, juice and water to anyone who was involved in cleanup work. “We have visited many families and have made volunteers available to assist the elderly and disabled with cleaning out basements and debris,” Captain Jamie pointed out. “We are also working with The Solutions Center, which was devastated, helping to find shelter for their clients and office space for their staff.” He added, “The Salvation Army wants to reach out, to help as many people as we can, and to do the most good in the Fond du Lac community. Working with other United Way agencies is just part of what we do.” Kohl’s Department Store has also formed a partnership with the Salvation Army, providing staff as volunteers to help with cleanup that provides “Community Cares” financial assistance. It is the mission of The Salvation Army to meet human needs in God’s name without discrimination. Local residents who are interested in helping with disaster relief, camping programs or providing Brown Bag Lunches for children in need through donations of time, service and money are encouraged to call The Salvation Army at 923-8220. Denise Shaffer serves as community development director for the Salvation Army in Fond du Lac.

DRAWN OUT

Mr. Lentz: When will the excuses end? Dear Mr. Lentz (director of public works for the City of Fond du Lac), I have a question: When will the excuses end? Fond du Lac has a major problem with sewage backup. Your latest excuse for all of us unfortunate victims was to blame our fellow neighbors. This mess cannot possibly be the slightest bit of the city’s responsibility. Let me just share a little conversation I had with a city worker on the night of Friday, June 13. That morning, my wife called me at work and told me the city was setting up some type of pump in the road by our house. I assumed the city was getting prepared. At 5:30 p.m., the sewer started to gurgle so I proceeded with my process of preparing and called the city. At 7:30 p.m., a city worker arrived and started the pump. At that point there was approximately 2 feet of sewage in my neighbor’s basement. According to the city worker, he was ready to go at 5:30 p.m. but had to wait for the OK from his supervisor who lives in Appleton and was already home oblivious to what was going on in Fond du Lac. Before you start pointing fingers and making excuses, Mr. Lentz, maybe you should take a look at how your operation is run. We are a community. Let’s start acting like one. And a quick reminder to the public that the sewer-soaked refuse out on our terrace is not safe! The cost of medical bills relating to getting sick and missing work far exceeds the couple of bucks saved from garbage picking. Robert Hickey Fond du Lac

Al Neuharth

How NBC should fill Russert’s big shoes WASHINGTON — Most of the Beltway buzz here was about the remarkable life and career of Tim Russert, for six days and nights following his untimely death. But even as we attended his memorial service at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, talk turned to conjecture about his successor. NBC must move quickly to fill Russert’s shoes as moderator of “Meet the Press” if it hopes to keep its Sunday morning dominance between now and the November election. Top candidates: æ Tom Brokaw æ Chris Matthews æ Andrea Mitchell Some diehard Katie Couric fans are floating her name. But after leaving NBC’s morning show to bomb as CBS evening anchor, she’s out of this race. Mitchell, 61, has been NBC’s chief foreign affairs correspondent since 1994. Before that, she covered the White House. She has been a frequent “Meet the Press” substitute host. Matthews, 62, is the popular and feisty host of MSNBC’s nightly “Hardball.” Previously, he was a print journalist, and his Washington column was syndicated to 200 newspapers. Brokaw, 68, retired as “NBC Nightly News” anchor more than three years ago. But he has a 10-year contract to do occasional specials and has appeared frequently with Russert during the political primaries. With his South Dakota prairie upbringing, Brokaw has some of the same downto-earth qualities that Russert brought from south Buffalo. Would Brokaw forego his Montana retirement ranch for the next five months to keep “Meet the Press” on top through the election? His loyalty to both Russert and NBC probably would make him do so. Bob Schieffer, 71, at CBS, George Stephanopoulos, 47, at ABC and Chris Wallace, 60, at FOX all have strong Sunday morning followings. If NBC dillydallies on a solid Russert successor, even if temporary, it will lose its lead. Brokaw is the surest short-term bet.

Feedback

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How were you affected by the Fond du Lac flood?

“I think that Tom Brokaw will be the successor — certainly for the short term at least. If they wanted to go outside NBC there is also a good list of contenders. I think Ted Koppell would be at the top of that list.” — Dan Rather, host,”Dan Rather Reports” on HDNet “I wouldn’t bet against Al Neuharth’s intuition, but choosing Tom Brokaw, who is retired, would send a message that NBC doesn’t have enough confidence in its younger stars to entrust this big job.” — Jon Friedman, media Web columnist, MarketWatch.com Al Neuharth is founder of USA TODAY.

FIRST AMENDMENT

“I was affected by the flood. We were preoccupied with our own situation.” Dena Meyst

Fond du Lac Homemaker

“Fortunately, I was not affected by the flood, but my granddaughter’s house was flooded. I did all the wash and cooked all the meals for my daughter and her husband.” Larrie Mathos

Fond du Lac Retired

“I didn’t get a drop of water in my basement and I live next to de Neveu Creek. This week I was helping clean the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.” Alex Makaris

Fond du Lac Retired

“I just moved here and don’t know many people, but we had to close the bank early and I drove through kneehigh water to get home.” Meghan Joyce

North Fond du Lac Bank teller

“I helped my neighbors clean out their basements. Everything was just floating around, so I helped move it all to the curb.” Melissa Rauls, 14

Fond du Lac

‘W

hat we have to do ... is to find a way to celebrate our diversity and debate our differences without fracturing our communities.’ Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Senator, D-NY, 1993

Page C4 The Reporter, Sunday, June 22, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

The Reporter, Sunday, June 22, 2008

PAGE C5

Hour-by-hour:

THE FLOOD OF 2008

Thursday, June 12

4:15 p.m. — Flash flood warning issued for Fond du Lac County. 4:32 p.m. — The first of five tornado sirens sounds in Fond du Lac. Rain begins to fall. By 6 p.m. more than 4 inches of rain has fallen on the Fond du Lac area. 4:52 p.m. — Cloud rotation reported west of Oakfield. 4:59 p.m. — Funnel coming down and going up on Brandon Road, town of Ripon 5:09 p.m. — Tornado sirens sound for second time. 5:15 p.m. — Twister on the ground eight miles west of Waupun. 5:23 p.m. — Highway 44 flooded west of Fairwater. 5:24 p.m. — First street flooding in Fond du Lac reported from Fifth Street. Follett Street flooding report arrives at 5:32 p.m. 5:28 p.m. — First report of flooded basement received at dispatch center. First report of a stalled vehicle received from Guindon Boulevard. 5:29 p.m. — Lot of rotation in clouds near Oakfield. 5:34 p.m. — Funnel cloud near Esterbrook Road and Highway 23. 5:37 p.m. — Highway 41 flooded over. Two feet of water on Highway 26 in Eldorado. 5:45 p.m. — Parents and students on their way to Fond du Lac High School for graduation run into flooded streets. Many are stranded at the school. School officials decide to cancel the 7 p.m. graduation ceremony due to weather at 6:15 p.m. 5:50 p.m. — Sandbagging begins in Oakfield. Kids show up and work through the night to fill sandbags. 5:53 p.m. — Highway 41 is so flooded, one officer reports, it doesn’t pay to put up barricades. Reports through the night indicate 8 feet of standing water in some places. 5:54 p.m. — Highway 41 shut down due to high water.

7:00 p.m. — Evacuations begin. 7:12 p.m. — West Branch of Fond du Lac River is reportedly about to overﬂow its banks at Western Avenue and Hickory Street. 7:13 p.m. — Car stranded on Highway 41 and County Trunk N. Trees down in other parts, blocking roads.

7:34 p.m. — Red Cross sets up headquarters at Fond du Lac High School. More than 300 people will be evacuated to the shelter before day breaks. 7:39 p.m. — Retention pond on Sophia Street overﬂowing. 7:42 p.m. — Cars are stalled around the city and county. 7:54 p.m. — Residents are told to listen to the radio for evacuation instructions. 8:27 p.m. — Ofﬁcers break windows of a car stuck in water at Wilson and Meadowbrook Boulevard to rescue a person trapped inside. 8:29 p.m. — City emergency personnel request mutual aid from surrounding departments.

8:51 p.m. — Basement walls caving in at East Division Street home. 8:54 p.m. — Rescuers wade through water up to their waists to rescue an elderly woman who has 4 feet of water in her South Street residence.

9:00 p.m. — East Branch of Fond du Lac River begins overflowing its banks. 9:28 p.m. — River cresting in North Fond du Lac Prospect Avenue near Lakeshore Drive. 9:31 p.m. — River is cresting at Western Avenue and Oak Street. 9:43 p.m. — Water rescue on Fifth Street. 9:48 p.m. — Basement flooding in Van Dyne. 9:55 p.m. — Nine people trapped in YMCA. Firefighters tie them together with ropes and walk across a flooded Second Street bridge to safety at the City County Government Center.

10:26 a.m.

9:57 a.m.

A car in the middle of McDermott Creek on Meadowbrook Boulevard. The car was not visible during the peak of the ﬂooding in Fond du Lac on Thursday Evacuee shelter at Fairgrounds evening.

Friday, June 13

12:01 a.m. —Oakﬁeld and Lamartine departments summoned to help city of Fond du Lac. 12:05 a.m. —Six adults and one child trapped in ﬂooded house on Brooke Street. 1:00 a.m. — The wait for evacuation is “long.” 2:12 a.m. — Bus sent to carry evacuees from area of Division and Macy streets.

Thurs., June 12, 2008

6:29 p.m.

A vehicle is stranded on South Main Street in Fond du Lac as motorists detour around the ﬂooded street during heavy rainfall.

Compiled by Peggy Breister Photos by Pat Flood & Justin Connaher

Fri., June 13, 2008

10:26 a.m.

Home of David Sadoff at N6286 Eleanor Lane, east of Fond du Lac

5:12 a.m. — Gas leaking at Ninth and Main streets. Sewage backup in church ruins Fondy Food Pantry. 6:19 a.m. — Home on Lawrence Drive east of Fond du Lac explodes following ﬂooding. 6:29 a.m. — Cars put on list for wreckers all over town. 6:51 a.m. — Report of building ﬂooded at 283 Forest Ave. Alliant not able to take those kind of calls and is asking people to call back later. 7:19 a.m. — No barricades available to mark high water or block streets. Twelve inches of sewage in basement reported on Amory Street. 9:57 am. —Natural gas smell reported. 10:18 a.m. —Elderly couple needs assistance at Satterlee and West Arndt streets. Mount Calvary ambulance sent and boat used. 1:06 p.m. — Kids play in water near Aquatic Center, 10 feet of water in the parking lot.

Fri., June 13, 2008

12:05 p.m.

The parking lot of the Fond du Lac Community Aquatic Center is ﬁlled with water in the aftermath of Fond du Lac area ﬂooding.

3:36 p.m. — River starting to overflow again at Mary’s Avenue and Western Avenue. Sheriff’s Department has to move squads as water started to come up. 6:06 p.m. — Post Office on West Second Street starting to flood. 7:25 p.m. — Kids playing near river. Residents upset with people driving by and creating wakes. 7:51 p.m. — Gawkers clogging up South Street. 9:42 p.m. — Cars still getting stuck in water on Forest Avenue near Military Road.

Thurs., June 12, 2008

11:15 p.m.

Looking west down First Street at its intersection with Macy Street.

6:00 p.m. —During a brief break in the storm, people believe they can make it home, but instead encounter flooded streets that lead to hundreds of stalled vehicles. Tornado warning issued as another storm cell rolls through the area. Torrential rain starts again. 6:05 p.m. —First report of sewer backup reported in city basement. 6:07 p.m. —Water reportedly entering living room at North National Avenue residence. The first of hundreds of flooded home reports. 6:09 p.m. —Car goes into creek on Meadowbrook Boulevard. 6:10 p.m. —Water in home in Taycheedah. 6:17 p.m. —River Road flooding. 6:29 p.m. —Railroad tracks on Lost Arrow washed out.

6:30 p.m. —First report of power outage received from residence on southeast side of city. 6:32 p.m. —Fond du Lac Street closed in Waupun. 6:33 p.m. —Basement wall gives way at Park Lane home. Police officer sent to help runs into high water with squad and floods his vehicle. About 10 minutes later, a similar report comes from East Second Street house. 6:40 p.m. —Cars traveling on city streets create wakes leading to further flooding in homes. 6:45 p.m. —Flooding reports all over county. 6:48 p.m. —Sewer gas smell reported on South Main Street, the first report of many. 6:54 p.m. —Reports of kids playing in floodwaters begin to come in.

10:09 p.m. —Kids trapped in ﬂooding house on County Trunk D in Oakﬁeld.

Mon., June 16, 2008

9:46 a.m.

Fri., June 13, 2008

12:24 a.m.

Flood Victims

Fond du Lac cleans up after the devastating ﬂooding that occurred Thursday and Friday. Sources: Fond du Lac Police Department and Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department dispatch logs.

Aerial view of the ﬂooding in Fond du Lac. The Post Ofﬁce is visible at the far center-right of photo.

Relief Money

Available For

10:29 p.m. —Shutting down village of Rosendale. 11:09 p.m. —Bus sent to Sophia Street to carry rescued people to evacuation center. 11:20 p.m. —Johnson Street shut down at railroad overpass due to water. 11:56 p.m. —40 to 50 people pile onto a dump truck in rescue at Eldorado Apartments. 11:57 p.m. —Smoke reported in basement at 4 S. Gould St. Officer trying to get there delayed by train and can’t get there due to water. Firefighters standing in waist-high water to fight the basement fire.

0% Interest and Payment Free for 120 Days.*

Use the funds for: Clean Up Supplies Temporary Housing Daily Necessities

*Rate stated as an annual percentage rate. $1 million worth of funds will be distributed on a ﬁrst come basis and limited to $5000 per borrower. 0% rate valid for 120 days. Rate following 0% introductory rate will be based on credit score. Membership eligibility required

Contact a local Marine Credit Union ofﬁce or 1-800-923-7280

Funds will be distributed on a ﬁrst come basis and limited to $5,000 per borrower.

201 Wisconsin American Drive, Fond du Lac - 920.923.7280 661 W. Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac - 920.923.7280 80 W. Rees Street, Fond du Lac - 920.923.7280 815 Wisconsin Avenue, North Fond dud Lac - 920.923.7280 1 Gateway Drive, Waupun - 920.324.3101 1074 W Fond du Lac Street, Ripon - 920.748.2870

Monday, June 23, 2008

SPORTS

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FdL post office remains displaced Operation based at Fairgrounds while flood repairs made

Milwaukee Brewers beat the Orioles 7-3 ã Page B1

BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

50 cents

could remain there for another week while repairs are made to its per manent building at 99 W. Second St. Heavy rain and the risThe Reporter Staff ing Fond du Lac River More than a week after damaged the building’s floodwaters receded, the air conditioning system, Fond du Lac post office is phone lines and electrical situated at its temporary systems, said John Hilshome at the Fond du Lac mann, a supervisor at the County Fairgrounds Expo Fond du Lac branch of Center off Martin Avenue. the U.S. Postal Service. The post office moved And the mail center

into the Expo Center June 13 and got mail out as scheduled on June 14. Hilsmann lauded the work of postal employees and letter carriers who scrambled to deliver mail and set up the temporary office. “They adjusted very well, there were very few

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

To apply for flooding-related damage relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency call 1-800-621-FEMA or go online at www.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech impairments may call 1-800-4627585. problems,” Hilsmann said. The post office is paying Fond du Lac County $438 per day for use of the Expo Center, said County Executive Allen Buechel.

The next event is the County Fair, July 15 to 20. Preparations for the fair will be gin at the Fairg rounds on July 12, Buechel said.

Libertarian could play spoiler for GOP

Capsized by gas prices

The Associated Press

Photo coverage of June Dairy Month fun ã Page A3

CROSS ROADS Telling the Tales of Rosendale ã Page A4

OPINION

Rescue personnel prove their worth in flood crisis ã Page A7

ONLINE Explore a mother lode of public records and data bases online at www.fdlreporter.com. Just click on the DataMine logo for immediate access. www.fdlreporter.com

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WEATHER THE NEXT 36 HOURS High today

Low High tonight tomorrow

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72 53 78 Partly sunny

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THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Annalise Arps and Lucas Martin of New Holstein ride a personal watercraft through the lagoon at Lakeside Park earlier this month. The price of gas has put a crimp in boating activities.

Boats idled as owners feel pinch at the marina pump BY BRETT ROWLAND The Reporter browland@fdlreporter.com

When Esther Lehman dropped her 24-foot cabin cruiser in the lake, it cost her $233 to fill up the boat’s tank. “It makes filling up your car seem cheap,” she said. The high cost of gas, combined with a stagnant economy, has even convinced the Fond du Lac woman to put the boat, named “Directdeposit,” up for sale. Gas prices, which are usually steeper at the marina than the roadside filling station, are capsizing the summer plans of some boat owners. Boaters are taking shorter trips, spending more time anchored and doing everything they can to use less fuel as prices top $4 per gallon. Such changes could mean that Lake Winnebago is quieter this year and could even affect local businesses that depend on a busy boating season. As fuel costs climb, Wayne Graczyk of Fond du Lac plans to

cut down on ancillary expenses such as lunch by packing a cooler with food instead of eating out. But otherwise, his boating plans won’t change. Graczyk will still load up his boat Gas-saving with friends and tips for grandchildren boat this summer and owners/A8 is quick to point out that a day on the boat can be a lot cheaper than taking the whole family to a Milwaukee Brewers game. Darwin Bethke has been teaching night classes at Moraine Park Technical College in addition to his regular job and saving up for what he knows will be a big summer fuel bill for his family with two personal watercraft and a boat. He expects his costs will be about $500 more this summer compared to last summer. While few people appear to be giving up boating all together,

many are making changes to their summer plans, said Scott Croft, a spokesman for the Boat Owners Association of the United States. “It’s a lifestyle. They’re not getting rid of it,” he said. “They’re not happy, for sure, but being on the water is something they are willing to sacrifice for.” Two out of three boat owners have an annual family income of less than $75,000, a demographic that could feel the dual pressure of high prices at the pump and the sluggish economy. While wealthy yacht owners can afford

See BOATERS Page A8

BY SHARON ROZNIK The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

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THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD

Serving the Fond du Lac area since 1870

Scott Croft, spokesman for the Boat Owners Association of the United States

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ON THE WEB

Bob Barr for President: http://www.bobbarr2008.com

Work ethic keeps school bus driver behind the wheel

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“THE PEOPLE WITH SAILBOATS ARE LIVING LARGE RIGHT NOW.”

ATLANTA — A fiery former GOP congressman who gained national prominence for doggedly pursuing impeachment of President Clinton has some Republicans worried he’ ll play spoiler in a tight presidential contest. B o b Barr’s Libertarian Party bid for the W h i t e House is the longest of long shots, but Bob Barr political experts say he may be able to exploit the unease some die-hard conservatives still feel about Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee-in-waiting. Combined with the surge in turnout among Democrats during the primaries and a difficult political climate for Republicans, they see what could be a recipe for trouble for the GOP. “Bob could be the Ralph Nader of 2008,” said Dan Schnur, a GOP consultant in California who worked on McCain’s 2000 campaign but is not involved in this year’s contest. Consumer advocate Nader is the third-party candidate many Democrats blame for helping George W. Bush narrowly win in 2000. Rep. John Linder, a Republican who defeated Barr in 2002 after Georgia’s Democratic-controlled Le gislature redrew cong ressional boundaries to put the two lawmakers in the same district, said he didn’t think Barr would top 4

Dave Nett of Fond du Lac feels at home in what he calls his “office” as he drops off a busload of kids at Lakeshore Elementary School earlier this month. Nett has been a Johnson Bus Company driver for 42 years, and doesn’t feel like retiring.

It might be time to finally cash it in, said 74-year-old Dave Nett. After all, his legs are starting to cripple up a bit, and this week he’s going in for gall bladder surgery. Still, Nett can’t picture not driving kids to and from school after 42 years behind the wheel with Johnson Bus Company. “I feel like if I keep on working it’s going to prolong my life,” Nett said. It’s the kind of German work ethic that comes from Nett’s parents, who told him to get to work and do a good job of it. So he did, putting in 30 years at the post office in Fond du Lac while doubling as a school bus

driver, taking athletes from St. Mary’s Springs High School to and from games. “I tell him I better not die on a day the Springs is playing,” said Nett’s wife, Berdie Rae. To be on the safe side, it better not be on a day the Cubs are playing either, Nett said. After his retirement from the post of fice, Nett added another bus route that covered Lakeshore Elementary School, and talked his wife into joining him at Johnson Bus. “I had to quit my job at the hospital because we were caring for foster children. Dave said they were short drivers at night and I should take a route. Now I have three,” she noted. Through the years the Netts have cared for 52 foster children,

See HERO Page A8

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

MISS WISCONSIN

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50 cents

A new way to ride

High gas prices cause many FdL drivers to switch to different modes of transportation BY HEATHER STANEK

Wasieleski, sales manager at Pro Motorsports, 86 N. Rolling Meadows Drive. The average scooter holds only Fond du Lac drivers who’ve had it with gas prices have found about one gallon of gas, but it a less expensive way to zip can get 96 to 123 miles per gallon, he explained. Scootaround town. ers also need little Motorized scooters maintenance — just have gained momenan oil change every tum since gas prices 2,000 miles. spiked above $3 per Wasieleski said Pro gallon. New brandTHE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD Motorsports sells name scooters cost Sales Manager Brad Wasieleski stands behind a rack of helmets at Pro Motorsports, 86 N. $1,800 to $2,400, but they save Rolling Meadows Drive. See SCOOTERS Page A8 money in other ways, said Brad The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

Pageant winner ready to compete at Miss America ã Page A3

LOCAL

Heroes of the flood

Student elected governor of Badger Boys State ã Page A3

SPORTS

Brewers defeat Braves 4-1 in Atlanta ã Page B1

ONLINE

Photos and video of flooding in Fond du Lac www.fdlreporter.com

LOTTERY MONDAY

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WEATHER THE NEXT 36 HOURS High today

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Partly sunny

Partly cloudy

78 59 79 Chance of rain

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THE REPORTER PHOTOS BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

TOP: Jeff Hahn, a sergeant with the Detroit Police Department, helps pump water from his sister-in-law’s basement on East Second Street the day after floodwater filled the home on June 12. Neighbors, family, friends and strangers have pitched in to help local people recover from the widespread flooding. ABOVE: Dave Kuechenberg of Fond du Lac lifts a pump into a raft on Butler Street in the aftermath of flooding earlier this month in Fond du Lac.

Regular people went above and beyond to help during disaster Compiled by The Reporter Staff

In every disaster, heroes emerge. The Reporter asked our readers to submit stories of the heroes that touched their lives in the aftermath of the flooding that struck following storms on June 12. The following are those stories:

Sense of community

Our family woke up at 4 a.m. to find our street flooded. By 8 a.m., our neighbors had too. I talked to more neighbors in one day than I had talked to in one year. Everyone had genuine concer n for one another. A neighbor even gave me diapers for my two kids because I had

deed was not done in Fond du Lac County, for us stranded senior citizens who were trying to get home from Oshkosh during the evening of June 12, they are true heroes. We attended a farewell dinner for some co-workers and within an hour of our arrival were unable to get out of the restaurant parking lot (due to floodwater). After finally planning a route to get home, we were required to leave Highway 41 in Oshkosh at Highway 21. We were unable to travel south or west. The Holi‘Hark the Herald’ heroes day Inn Express was filled, as This note of appreciation is was the La Quinta Inn. The desk for four young men of the “Hark clerk at the Holiday Inn Express the Herald” music group, who I (also a hero) was very kind and see as heroes. Although their allowed us to hang out in the

Cleanup in Fond du Lac area continues as FEMA mobilizes BY BRETT ROWLAND

The Reporterbrowland@fdlreporter.com

Serving the Fond du Lac area since 1870

none. Thank you to her! The guys on McWilliams Street (they know who they are) stood at the stor m drains for at least six hours to keep them free of debris so the street could drain. Everyone worked with one another and it was great. I think this tragedy has helped the community bond. I praise everyone who has lent a helping hand through all this. Chastity Cutter of Fond du Lac

Flooding took a massive toll on the Fond du Lac area, where officials are estimating some $40 million in property damage. And that is just from preliminary estimates. The damage total is expected to climb dramatically as Federal Emergency Management Agency officials start inspecting homes and distributing disaster funds, said Fond du Lac County Emer-

lobby and offered to get us blankets. As we were sitting in the lobby and watching the weather on television, a young man came up to us and asked if we were without a room. We said that we were. He said he was with a band whose show had been cancelled due to the rain and that they are used to sleeping in the van or on floors, so we were welcome to have their room. One of the fellows was already sleeping in the room, but cheerfully got up and along with the rest of his g roup, slept on couches, straight chairs in a row, and on the floor, while we slept in comfort.

See HEROES Page A2

‘Mount Trashmore’ is no more; new dumpsite opens

BY BRETT ROWLAND gency Gover nment Director The Reporterbrowland@fdlreporter.com Erin Gerred. FEMA of ficials Under pressure from briefed local gover nPick ’n Save officials, ment administrators the city has closed the on the status of relief temporary flood debris FEMA returns to efforts Monday and lisdrop-of f site on West Dodge County/A2 tened to a report on Scott Street and opened Flood briefs/A2 how public and nona new spot for bulky profit service agencies waste nearby. Sheriff praises are coping in the wake On Monday aftervolunteers/A7 of widespread flooding noon, the city urged researlier this month. idents to haul their trash another 800 feet north to an See FEMA Page A8

empty lot across from Fond du Lac’s Municipal Service Center at the cor ner of Doty Street and Harbor View Drive. The Pick ’n Save site, 75 W. Scott Street, will be barricaded while city workers truck out the remaining waste and clean the parking lot. The city was squatting in the lot, which it did not have permission to use. City Public Works Director Mark Lentz

See DUMP Page A8

PAGE A8

LOCAL

The Reporter, Tuesday, June 24, 2008

SCOOTERS Continued from Page A1

eight to 10 scooters a week due to their gas efficiency and features. They can reach 35 miles per hour, which is ideal for city travel. “With gas prices the way they are and the mileage they get, it doesn’t take long for a scooter to pay for itself,” he said. Motorized scooters are also fairly easy to handle, he added. If customers don’t feel comfortable, they can take a test drive. New owners who don’t feel confident are advised to practice on an empty street or parking lot. “If you can ride a pedal bike, you can probably ride a scooter,” he said. Wayne Kastein of Waupun doesn’t regret investing in a scooter. He said he rides his Yamaha moped for everything from grocery shopping to scenic rides in the country. His scooter holds 1.3 gallons and gets about 100 miles to the gallon. It costs less than $5 to fill the tank. The same can’t be said for his gas-guzzling truck, which he uses for hauling a camper. He said the truck holds 26 gallons and costs close to $100 to fill. “I don’t even want to think about it,” he said. “It’s way up there.”

FDL man convicted in string of summer gas station robberies

SCOOTER FACTS æ Tanks — Hold one to 1½ gallons of gas. æ Gas — Regular unleaded. æ Miles per gallon — 96 to 123. æ Cost (new) — $1,800 to $2,400. æ Maintenance — Oil change every 2,000 miles. æ Mileage — Up to 20,000. æ Speed — 30 to 35 mph maximum. æ Requirements — Driver’s license. No special class required. æ City permits — None required. æ Registration — Must be registered through the DOT. If purchased from a dealer, he or she will handle this. If bought from a private party, obtain a title from the seller. It must be signed by all owners and lending agencies where any loans have been cleared. æ Safety rules — The city

and state do not require helmets, but they are recommended. Riders should wear helmets for scooters and motorcycles, not bicycles. Gloves and eye protection are also encouraged. æ Where to ride —On city streets and private property if the landowner consents. æ Road rules — Must follow all rules for vehicles. They are banned from freeways and sidewalks but may use bike paths. Headlights must be on at night. æ Parking — Can be parked in regular vehicle stalls, bicycle racks or sidewalks. æ Passengers — None allowed. Sources: Brad Wasieleski of Pro Motorsports in Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac City Clerk Sue Strands and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

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The Reporter Staff

A 33-year-old Fond du Lac man has been convicted in a string of gas station robberies that occurred over a four-day period last summer. Cory L. Carter, 51 Eighth St., Apt. 1, now faces sentencing on Sept. 3 after a plea deal was reached in the case on Thursday. Carter robbed five area gas station/convenience stores between July 24 and 27, 2007, getting away with about $600, which he said he used to purchase crack cocaine, according to a criminal complaint. Carter is also accused of attempting to rob the Country Kitchen Restaurant during that period.

On Thursday, Carter entered a no-contest plea to an amended charge of robbery with threat of force and was found guilty on that charge. As part of a plea bargain, four other ar med robbery charges and one count of attempted ar med robbery were dismissed and read into the record. During the robberies, Carter handed employees crumpled, written notes, demanded money and stated he had a weapon. In attempting to rob the Country Kitchen, a female employee told Carter she didn’t believe he had a weapon and then walked away, according to the complaint. Carter was arrested on July 29.

DUMP

vacant store and asked lot,” Lentz said. the city to clean up what The new dumpsite will has been dubbed “Mount be open for several weeks, Trashmore,” Lentz said. or as long as residents Continued from Page A1 Lentz and others lauded continue to bring in floodWorks Director Mark the storeowners for their damaged items, said MuLentz took emergency ac- patience while the com- nicipal Service Center OpDirector tion and designated it a munity cleans up in the erational drop-of f site June 12, aftermath of widespread Stephen Kees. Signs will direct people to the new when floodwaters were flooding. “They’ve been very gen- site, which will be open 24 Bob Wojcik, general prices were still low, so rising. Pick ’n Save offimanager of Pro Motor- consumers stopped invest- cials are trying to sell the erous in letting us use the hours a day, Kees said. sports, said this isn’t the ing in them. Trash pickup is the first time scooter sales In response, the indusFond du Lac Public Works have spiked in America. try moved production to Department’s top priority During the 1980s, retailers countries with cheaper this week, Public Works sold many because they labor markets, Wojcik ex- Continued from Page A1 To apply for individual Director Mark Lentz said. only cost about $400. plained. As a result, the assistance: City and county crews are “They were very popu- price of scooters hasn’t this month. Initial reports indicate 1-800-621-FEMA working together — on lar during that time- increased much in recent more than 3,000 homes both the east and west www.fema.gov frame,” he said. “But then years. side — to haul away the prices escalated.” But the sticker at the sustained minor damage, 40 homes had major dampiles of sewage-stained In the late 1980s and pump has, noted Wojcik. 1990s, production costs “Now that gas prices are age and two homes were appointment comes in,” items left on curbs and pushed scooters toward high, people are looking at destroyed, said Peter he said. “FEMA only terraces. High temperaSensenbrenner of the helps those who are un- tures and humidity this the $1,000 mark. Gas scooters again,” he said. Fond du Lac County Red derinsured or uninsured.” week could magnify conCross Chapter. Those figAid checks are already ditions, including un® ures vary depending on being sent out to other pleasant odors, in some semantics, said Gerred. communities designated neighborhoods where She said at least 50 homes disaster areas after heavy flood damage was extenexperienced flooding rain and flooding on June sive, Lentz said. Superior Wisconsin Weather Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast 73/54 above the first floor. 12, Stuflick said. He said Trash piles are attractShown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs Red Cross workers have FEMA works rapidly to ing human scavengers Today Wednesday and tonight’s lows. also distributed 1,700 disburse aid, and checks and prompting “an inordicleanup kits, Sensenbren- “were arriving surpris- nate amount” of calls to ner said. ingly quick.” police, said Major Dennis A Disaster Relief Center Stuflick also war ned Fortunato of the Fond du Wausau operated by FEMA will be local officials about scam Lac Police Department. 78/60 set up in Fond du Lac in artists who prey on disas- He said officers were reWarmer with times Sun and clouds Eau Claire of clouds and sun with a shower or coming days as the federal ter victims. He said sponding to complaints 78/62 t-storm Green Bay agency works to help FEMA of ficials always and issuing citations to 77/59 59° 78° 63° 79° those in need, said David car ry ID badges and scavengers. Fortunato Stuflick, a FEMA repre- would know a homeown- said the department lost Oshkosh sentative. When and er’s FEMA registration two police cars to floodwa77/59 Thursday Friday where the DRC will be lo- number if asked. Flood La Crosse Sheboygan ter. Fond du Lac cated has not been deter- victims should never pay 82/63 68/56 78/59 County Health Departmined, he said. Once oper- contractors up front, Stument officials are fielding Madison ational, the office will be flick said. Milwaukee 77/60 calls about mold, water 75/59 Watertown staffed from about 10 a.m. There are also audits for and well testing and other 76/57 Racine to 7 p.m. daily and will be those who receive federal Partly sunny, a Some sun with 75/58 t-storm possible; thunderstorms a clearinghouse for disas- funds to make sure the health issues regarding Kenosha Almanac warm possible; warm 78/55 ter aid and related infor- money is spent appropri- the flooding, said department representative GloFond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest. mation, Stuflick said. ately. 65° 83° 63° 83° FEMA workers will also Temperature Local officials also gave ria Smedema. FEMA of ficials are be walking door-to-door updates on their departHigh ......................................... 73° State Cities Saturday Sunday Low .......................................... 54° Today Wed. assessing damages. ments at the meeting on scheduled to retur n to Normal high ............................. 79° City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W To get federal aid, resi- Monday. Fond du Lac Fire Fond du Lac to meet with Normal low ............................... 59° Appleton 76/62/pc 81/64/t of ficials dents must report their Chief Joe Clow said his gover nment Beaver Dam 79/58/pc 80/65/t about the possibility of Precipitation loses to FEMA and fill out department was “back to Brookfield 76/57/pc 81/66/t the subsequent paper- normal” and had not had aid that would help reim24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.20" Burlington 79/58/pc 82/66/t Month to date ...................... 10.50" work. Stuflick war ned further calls regarding burse public agencies for Eau Claire 78/62/pc 85/65/t Breezy with clouds Clouds giving way Normal month to date ........... 2.73" Green Bay 77/59/pc 78/61/t and sun to some sun that federal money would natural gas leaks. Howev- money spent during the Year to date ......................... 20.29" Janesville 78/60/pc 83/65/t only go so far in helping er, he said the Fire De- emergency and property Normal year to date ............ 12.43" Kenosha 78/55/pc 83/65/t the community recover. partment is still coping losses, Fond du Lac Coun57° 79° 59° 76° La Crosse 82/63/pc 84/66/t Executive Allen “We can’t make them with damage done to Fire ty Sun and Moon Madison 77/60/pc 81/66/t Buechel said. whole, that’s when the dis- Station No. 1. Menomonie 78/58/pc 82/65/t Sunrise today ................. 5:13 a.m. National Cities 80/66/t Sunset tonight ................. 8:40 p.m. Milwaukee 75/59/pc 77/59/pc 79/64/t Today Wed. Moonrise today ...................... none Oshkosh 80/59/pc 80/67/t City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Moonset today .............. 11:05 a.m. Platteville Miss a day. Miss a lot. Rhinelander 76/56/pc 79/58/t Albuquerque 94/66/t 96/65/t Last New First Full Sheboygan 68/56/pc 71/64/t Atlantic City 86/60/t 85/64/s Superior 73/54/t 72/53/t Boston 81/63/t 79/63/s Waterloo 79/58/pc 81/68/t Chicago 79/58/pc 85/67/t 78/60/pc 79/64/t June 26 July 2 July 9 July 18 Wausau Daytona Beach 90/73/t 89/72/t

FEMA

MORE INFORMATION

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST

Denver Des Moines Detroit El Paso Fairbanks Grand Rapids Honolulu Indianapolis Kansas City Lansing Las Vegas Memphis Miami Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh St. Louis Salt Lake City Seattle Washington, DC

89/58/t 83/67/t 78/61/s 97/73/s 69/52/sh 78/58/s 89/75/s 81/62/s 87/71/t 78/54/s 106/76/s 96/75/pc 90/78/t 82/66/pc 86/63/s 93/73/t 84/67/t 93/70/pc 84/64/t 112/82/s 76/55/pc 86/71/pc 94/64/s 71/50/pc 88/65/pc

97/59/t 88/70/pc 83/65/pc 100/71/pc 74/53/pc 80/64/pc 89/76/s 84/69/t 91/70/pc 82/65/pc 104/78/s 94/73/pc 86/77/t 85/70/t 92/70/pc 91/75/pc 85/69/s 93/70/pc 86/68/s 108/81/s 80/60/s 91/74/t 92/65/s 68/51/pc 87/68/s

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Whitehorse 62/41

Iqaluit 39/36

Yellowknife 69/54 Churchill 62/45

Vancouver 67/54

Calgary 69/48 Saskatoon 75/48

Seattle 71/50

Winnipeg 82/58 Minneapolis 82/66

Billings 86/59

Chicago 79/58

San Francisco Denver 66/52 89/58 Los Angeles 82/62

Cold Front

Stationary Front

-10s

-0s

Halifax Montreal 73/55 76/59 Toronto 75/57 New York 84/67 Detroit 78/61 Washington 88/65 Atlanta 91/67

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

Miami 90/78

60s

70s

80s

Make sure buyers visit your next rummage sale.

Showers T-storms Rain Flurries Snow Ice

El Paso 97/73

Houston Chihuahua 93/75 97/66 Monterrey La Paz 99/73 99/70

Warm Front

together and you’re letting me go for what? ”

St. John's 64/52

90s 100s 110s

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.

FREE RUMMAGE SALE SIGNS AND BALLOONS* with your classified ad. Visit wisinfo.com.

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Your treasures will sell faster when you advertise in Classified Central. Not only will you reach more bargain hunters than anywhere else, while supplies last you’ll also get FREE rummage sale signs and balloons, to help your rummage sale stand out. Plus visit wisinfo.com to download a helpful check list and inventory sheets to use during your rummage sale. After the sale, call 888-774-7744 to sell remaining item for ONLY $5. Get 5 lines, for 5 days, for ONLY $5.**

RECORD HIGH: RECORD LOW: 24-Hour Emergency Service Available! 92°(2005) 43°(1992)

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Place your ad at wisinfo.com *Must pick up rummage sale sign and balloons at your local newspaper office. **Good for customers who have placed a rummage sale ad in Classified Central. Good for personal merchandise under shop category.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

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50 cents

House filled with cats condemned

WEEKEND

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FdL Greek Fest offers ethnic food, music ã INSERT

LOCAL

The Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

An East Follett Street residence that was home to more than 170 cats is uninhabitable, local officials said Wednesday. The house at 190 E. Follett St., where between 170 and 177 cats were removed overnight Tuesday, was in such a deplorable state that it has been condemned by the city’s inspections unit, said Lt. Rob Duveneck of the Fond du Lac Police Department. No one from the inspections department could be reached Wednesday afternoon to explain what will happen with the house. Cats were reportedly swarming the

825-square-foot home when authorities went to the residence Monday night, responding to a complaint from a neighbor of a “strong smell of urine” coming from the home. According to a Police Department report, one of the two brothers, ages 54 and 55, living at the residence originally told police there were seven cats inside. However, an officer quickly learned otherwise when he entered the home. Furniture and floors were soaked in cat urine, according to the report. The two brothers living at the residence were given vouchers to stay at an area THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER hotel since the home was deemed a health hazard in its current state, ac- Five of the cats removed from a house at 190 E. Follett St.

See CATS Page A8

were caged Wednesday at the Fond du Lac Humane Society.

Cleanup disrupts housing market

Waupun Correctional officer to be reimbursed ã Page A3

ONLINE

BY BRETT ROWLAND The Reporter browland@fdlreporter.com

Community gallery of FdL area events www.fdlreporter.com

CROSSROADS What’s happening in and around Oakfield ã Page A5

LOTTERY WEDNESDAY

Powerball: 53 45 14 21 25 Powerball: 9 Power Play x 2 Megabucks: 1-20-28-37-39-42 SuperCash: 11-12-20-21-23-33 Badger 5: 9-16-20-21-26 Pick 3: 9-0-1 Pick 4: 4-5-9-6

WEATHER THE NEXT 36 HOURS High today

Low High tonight tomorrow

Warm, humid

Partly cloudy

83 63 83 Warm, humid

Five-day forecast, national, world weather/A8

INSERTS WG&R Sears JCPenney

Kohl’s Fireworks Warehouse

*Inserts have limited distribution

INSIDE Advice – B4 Classified – B6 Comics – B5 Crossroads – A5 Crossword – B7 Horoscope – B4 Local – A3

Lotteries – A1 Obituaries – A4 Opinion – A7 Records – A4 Sports – B1 Your World – A2

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

Solutions Center Executive Director Ron Jacobson uses his hand to demonstrate how high floodwater rose in the basement of the facility at 75 W. Division St.

Solutions Center is on road to recovery

BY HEATHER STANEK

men’s shelter survived, but 5 feet of water flooded the basement at the women’s home, 75 W. Division St. About seven women and their chilA charitable organization that offers sanctu- dren were evacuated as the deluge destroyed apary to Fond du Lac’s homeless found itself with- pliances, linens and personal care products. “There’s not much left,” Jacobson said. out shelter following major flooding this month. While workers removed soggy materials from Solutions Center, which operates housing for the destitute and those who’ve suffered domes- the basement, Solutions Center housed its tic abuse, was displaced after floodwater caused clients at Red Cross emergency shelters and hoan estimated $25,000 worth of damage. See RECOVERY Page A8 Executive Director Ron Jacobson said the The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

FdL morgue sustains damage 60 years of records nearly lost in flood INSIDE

Expert says better planning needed to deal with disasters PAGE A2 Store accused of selling damaged items PAGE A4 Emergency phone numbers PAGE A4

Serving the Fond du Lac area since 1870

Looking for help? Spanish and English versions of where to get assistance PAGE A6

BY AMIE JO SCHAENZER The Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

Quick action during flooding the night of June 12 resulted in the safe removal of 60 years worth of records from the basement of the Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner’s Office at 134 Western Ave. The Medical Examiner’s Office took on more than 4 feet of water in its basement during the flooding. No bodies stored at the morgue were affected by floodwater. “No bodies are kept in the basement,” said Chief Investigator Tom O’Connor of the Medical Examiner’s Office. Thankfully, nothing too important was lost, said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Doug Kelley. “We are just so grateful for all the help we got to remove everything the night of the flooding,” he said. Kelley acted quickly when he walked down

See MORGUE Page A8

IN NEED It’s been two weeks since the flood, but cleanup is still ongoing for Solutions Center and Advocap. Here is what the public can do to help. æ Solutions Center — The shelter needs cleaning products, baby supplies, personal care items and linens. A food pantry was lost, so non-perishable food and gift cards to local grocery stores are appreciated. Donors can bring monetary gifts or items to the women’s shelter, 75 W. Division St. æ Advocap — Several rental buildings were damaged. Advocap has insurance, but it probably won’t cover all the costs. To give monetary donations, visit Advocap at 19 W. First St., or send them to Advocap, P.O. Box 1108, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1108.

Flooding washed out some home sales and postponed others as buyers and sellers scrambled to re-evaluate houses after Fond du Lac was declared a federal disaster area. Some homes that suffered extensive damage had to be taken off the market, and the closings of other homes were delayed after widespread flooding the night of June 12, said Nancy Singer, broker and owner of RE/MAX Millennium Realty, 65 W. Pioneer Road. “It’s caused a tremendous amount of problems,” she said. “This will definitely slow down sales.” Singer said that about half of the 20 homes she has listed on the market were damaged to some extent. Some 3,000 Fond du Lac area homes experienced minor damage from floodwater, said Red Cross officials. As of June 23, 1,069 county residents had registered for emergency aid with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Erin Gerred, director of Fond du Lac County’s Communications and Emergency Management office. Cleanup efforts could slow down sales, said Frank Adashun of Adashun Jones Real Estate, 1028 S. Main St. However, he said some sales proceeded despite the flooding. Adashun said the flooding would not affect home values in the overall market area. Although the flooding has created chaos, many real estate experts expect the disruption to be short-lived. “This is temporary. People here in Fond du Lac bounce back from a lot of things,” said Len Bacon, broker and owner of Century 21 Fox Valley in Fond du Lac, 229 N. Main St. “This is just one more thing we’ll bounce back from.” Sellers with flood-damaged homes have tough decisions to make, said Scott Swick of First Weber Realtors Group, 1 W. Second St. Sellers who lost a finished basement, for example, may want to lower the price of their home or temporarily take it off the market to make repairs, he said. Such sellers would also have to dis-

See HOUSING Page A8

PAGE A2

FLOOD ‘08

The Reporter, Thursday, June 26, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

Expert: Better planning needed to cope with extreme weather BY ELLYN FERGUSON Gannett News Service

WASHINGTON — Recent floods in Wisconsin and other Midwester n states underscore “major problems with how we manage our watersheds in this nation,” the executive director of a Madison-based association says. Lar ry Larson told a House subcommittee on Tuesday that local, state and federal efforts to plan for floods and their effects are hampered by a fractured approach that focuses on individual projects rather than comprehensive plans. “While some people believe the recent flooding was unexpected or unpredictable, the history in our nation and the world provide ample evidence that large natural disasters occur frequently and with a vengeance,” said Larson, executive director of the Association of State F loodplain Managers Inc. Gov. Jim Doyle declared a state of emergency in 30 counties, and 28 counties have qualified for federal assistance, including Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. When the Midwest was hit by major flooding from the Mississippi in 1993, Larson said an engineering expert led a team to look at ways to reduce losses from the next flood. Very few of the recommendations have been enacted, he said. Gerald E. Galloway of the University of Maryland said watershed areas — land from which water, sediments and other materials drain into a river or outlet — are critical to a region’s environmental and economic health. Congress makes it difficult for agencies such as the Army Corp of Engineers to develop cohesive management plans for these areas because lawmakers approve individual projects on an ad hoc

basis, Galloway said. Congress does not know whether the projects are compatible with land use, runoff, water quality or other factors in a watershed, he said. Galloway and Larson were among seven witnesses who appeared before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Several said

the federal gover nment does not have all the answers but could help by better defining the role of U.S. agencies in developing watershed management plans. Subcommittee chairwoman Eddie Ber nice Johnson said she called

the hearing because different re gions of the country face challenges in either dealing with drought or flooding. “Watershed planning and management can be an important tool to help make better decisions in resolving these water resource needs,” Johnson, D-Texas, said. Steven L. Stockton, the Army Corps civil works director, said he thinks

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federal cost-sharing requirements may have pushed local communities to nar row their focus when working with his agency. Watershed studies are complex and expensive, he said. “Our sponsors have limited budgets and are often interested in minimizing their costs to achieve a solution to a specific water resources problem,” Stockton said.

In the end, Larson said local, state and federal officials have to develop policies that make sense. In respect to the recent floods, Larson said the seven major federal agencies that will step in to help rebuild hard-hit areas in the Midwest should not provide “perverse” incentives for people to return to the highest-risk areas.

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Tax measure would help flood victims Residents hit by recent floods and storms in the Midwest could get some tax relief under a measure pending in the U.S. Senate. The proposal would let disaster victims take money out of retirement plans without facing tax penalties. It also would give tax breaks to businesses dealing with losses and encourage more donations to charities. The measure is similar to tax relief legislation that Congress passed to help victims of Hurricane Katrina and the 2007 tornado that devastated Greensburg Kan. It would affect residents of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. The measure is part of housing legislation being considered in the Senate.

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Alliant Energ y Cor p. has sent nearly 100 employees from its Madison headquarters to Iowa to help the company recover from widespread flooding. Employees from Madison were sent to help with power plants, information technology, security, energy delivery and communications. Most were sent to the Cedar Rapids area. Alliant has been unable to operate three of its power plants in Iowa. The Alliant Energ y Tower, the tallest building in Cedar Rapids, has significant flood damage. It was evacuated and will remain empty for weeks as the company works to repair damage. Flooding also has halted the freight railroad service that Alliant operates in Iowa.

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PAGE A4

LOCAL

The Reporter, Thursday, June 26, 2008

OBITUARIES

Obituaries are online at www.fdlreporter.com

Willard ‘Willie’ Schellpfeffer

SETTING IT STRAIGHT The Reporter promptly investigates complaints concerning errors. If you see an error, please call The Reporter at (920) 9224600 and enter “8” for the newsroom.

DEATH NOTICES None reported.

NOTICE

All Sunday and Wednesday subscribers will receive a newspaper on Thursday, July 3, and Friday July 4.

Willard “Willie” Schellpfeffer, 76, of Mayville, Wis., died Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Jan. 7, 1932, in Mayville, Wis., the son of Emil and Agnes Meyer Schellpfeffer. On July 13, 1957, he was married to Marlene Guell at St. Mary Catholic Church, Mayville, Wis. Willard was a graduate of Mayville High School in 1950. He was a partner in WW Builders of Mayville and excelled in fine finished carpentry. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mayville, a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict, a member of the Mayville American Legion Post 69 and was a Legion baseball coach. He served on the City of Mayville Board of Appeals and was a member of Mayville Fire Department for 26 years. He served on the board of directors of Wings Over Wisconsin, was a member of Mayville Gun Club, a member of 1240 River City Hunting Club, and a member of Mayville Senior Bowling. Willie enjoyed playing cards, camping, fishing and hunting, the Packers and Brewers, cutting and splitting wood, and most of all, spending time with his family up north. Survivors include his wife, Marlene; his children, Cindy (Mark) Mansueto of Mayville, Lori

(Norman “Gabby”) Collien of Kekoskee, Todd (Shelly) Schellpfeffer of Mayville, and Greg (Tammy) Schellpfeffer of Mayville; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Guell of Campbellsport and Rose Guell of Campbellsport; a brotherin-law, Dick Hornberg of Campbellsport; his grandchildren, Justin (Stacy Tur nbull) Mansueto, Nathan (Staci Schuett) Mansueto, Lindsey Mansueto, Emily and Eliott Schellpfeffer, Libby, Jacob, Megan and Allison Schellpfeffer; and one great-grandchild, Myles. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Bernice Spiering; an infant sister, Marcella; and a grandson, Jeremy. æ Services: The funeral service will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Koepsell Funeral Home, Mayville. Deacon Willis Heideman will officiate, and burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Mayville. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post 69. æ Visitation: Visitation will be held from 3 until 6 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Koepsell Funeral Home, Mayville. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family.

The Reporter Fond du Lac, Wis. June 26, 2008

Irene H. Hahn Irene H. Hahn, 89, formerly of Campbellsport, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at Mapledale Manor in Kewaskum. She was born in Campbellsport on July 21, 1918, the daughter of the late Peter and Celia Raidy Hahn. Irene taught school at Five Corners, East Valley, New Fane, Columbus, Barton, Germantown, Allenton, Slinger and at St. Matthew’s School in Campbellsport. She also served as librarian at St. Matthew’s School after retiring from teaching. She was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Campbellsport, the Christian Women, the Lomira American Legion Auxiliary and the Campbellsport VFW Post Auxiliary, where she served as treasurer for a number of years. Survivors include her brother, Oscar Hahn of Fond du Lac; her sister, Catherine Strassburg of Lomira; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph, Jerome and Louis Hahn, her sister, Clara Hahn; her brother-in-law, Ralph Strassburg; her sisters-in-law, Estella Hahn, Kathryn Hahn and June Hahn; and her nephews, John Hahn and Billy Strassburg. æ Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 27, 2008, at 7 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Main St., Campbellsport. The Rev. Neil Zinthefer will officiate. Burial will be at St. Matthew’s Cemetery on Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m. æ Visitation: Visitation will be Friday, June 27, 2008, from 4 p.m. until time of Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew’s Church or Heartland Hospice. Twohig Funeral Home, Campbellsport, is serving the family. www.twohigfunerals.com

The Reporter Fond du Lac, Wis. June 26, 2008

COURT

5000689189

Volume 138, Edition 262 (ISSN: 07497172)

Hwy. 23 • 1/4 Mile West of 41 921-2448

Take A Bite Out of Crime.

Call NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH • 322-3746

Serving the Community.

The Reporter prints offenses that result in probation, jail or prison sentences and/or forfeitures totaling $500 or more. æ Richard F. Roberts, 209 Hass Circle, Apt. 6, $730, seven months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating a motor vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration. æ Steven E. Dittberner, Lomira, $793, six months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating motor vehicles while intoxicated. æ Ryan P. Harding, W8341 Hawkview Circle, eight months license revocation, alcohol assessment, $803, operating with prohibited alcohol concentration. æ Charles W. Rohde, Green Lake, $803, nine months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating while intoxicated. æ Juan Tomas, 502 E. Merrill Ave., Apt. 6, $793, eight months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating while intoxicated. æ Sharmaine E. Burmeister, 218 1/2 Third St., $698.50, six months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration. æ Tonya L. Cronier, Ripon, $698.50, six months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating while intoxicated. æ Warren J. Kostak, Lake Barrington, Ill., $793, six months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating a motor vehicle with a prohibited alcohol con-

centration. æ Jeffrey S. Schroer, Slinger, $793, nine months license revocation, alcohol assessment, operating while under the influence. æ Laurie K. Raasch, 145 S. Seymour St., $602, 30 days jail, six months license revocation, operating while revoked-fourth offense. æ Parish R. Baker, Princeton, four years probation, 36 months license revocation, $3,476, two years jail time, 36 months ignition interlock, alcohol assessment, operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration – fifth offense. æ Jason E. Collier, Beaver Dam, three years probation, $2,126.43, six months jail, burglary-building or dwelling. æ Nicholas S. Payne, W7491 County Trunk S, two years probation, $722, alcohol assessment, disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. æ Cory B. Torrison, Adell, two years probation, $722, alcohol assessment, disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. æ Steven R. Feustel, N5062 Summit Drive, two years probation, $196, fourth degree sexual assault (two counts). æ Patricia J. Salzman, Brandon, 18 months probation, $196, 50 hours community service, alcohol assessment, theft and possession of illegally obtained prescription. æ Evan B. Olson, 117 S. National Ave., Apt. 7, two years probation, $644, 21 days jail, alcohol assessment, theft (three counts).

www.fdlreporter.com

FdL store accused of selling flood-damaged food items BY AMIE JO SCHAENZER

The Reporter ajschaenzer@fdlreporter.com

A local g as s t a t i o n / c o nve n i e n c e store alle g edly sold flood-dama g ed candy bars and soda to its customers, police officials said Wednesday. The Fond du Lac County Health Department shut down Pinky’s Food, 129 Forest Ave., last week after it received a complaint from a woman whose son purchased Gatorade with brown-crusted material around the rim of the bottle, according to the Fond du Lac Police Department report. The store has since reopened. T he store was shut down until all items affected by flooding were thrown out. During an inspection Monday, it appeared all old items had been removed from the store’s shelves and stora g e areas and new, fresh items were available for sale, said Fond du Lac County Health Depar tment Inspector Gloria Smedema.

So far...

FEMA IN WISCONSIN

æ 15,212 residents have registered for Individual Assistance in the 22 previously declared Wisconsin counties. æ $2.8 million in Individual Assistance has been distributed for temporary housing and home repairs. æ $401,000 has been provided for other disaster needs such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees, and replacement or repair of personal property. æ 4,485 home inspections have been completed. æ 1,293 individuals have visited the seven Wisconsin Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). An inspector visited Pinky’s twice last week and items af fected by floodwater appeared to be on the shelves as the business remained in operation, Smedema said. T he Health De par tment was told by employees at Pinky’s that they were in the process of cleaning up and that they were not selling anything that had been affected by floodwaters, Smedema said. “T hey were aware that they had to throw all of those items out,” Smedema said. “We considered them responsible for that and had to believe what they were saying…we can’t hold everyone’s hands.” Police officers visited

Pink y’s Sunday and found several bottles of beer, soda, ketchup and potato chip ba gs that had apparently been affected by floodwater and were not clean, according to the report. T he Police De par tment received a report that a storeowner was trying to wash items and place them for sale, said Lt. Rob Duveneck. T he contaminated Gatorade bottle was inventoried as evidence at the Police De par tment, according to the report. Pinky’s manager Ken Singh denied selling flood-damaged items at the store. He said his store has about $25,000 worth of flood damage — for which he does not have insurance.

Emergency telephone numbers remain in effect For The Reporter

Emergency phone numbers for flood cleanup will remain in effect 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. next week, Monday through Thursday, according to a press release from the Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac County. The numbers are 906-4717 for those who want to volunteer to help with

cleanup and 906-4716 for those who need help with cleanup. The phone numbers will not be staffed Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29. There is no answering machine at those numbers. People who would like to leave a message may call the Volunteer Center at 926-1414.

Goodwill providing vouchers to flood victims For The Reporter

the Red Cross, according to a Red Goodwill will provide 100 $25 Cross press release. The vouchers were presented to Red vouchers to help those who qualify re place items lost in the June 12 Cross Executive Director Peter Sensenbrenner by Goodwill Store flooding. The vouchers will be distributed by Manager Joshua Svec.

Ripon man gets jail for high-speed chase The Reporter Staff

A 24-year-old Ripon man convicted of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen car will spend time in jail. During a plea/sentencing hearing Tuesday in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court, Damien A. Vander Velden was sentenced to a year in the Fond du Lac County Jail. Vander Velden pleaded guilty to fleeing an officer in a vehicle and first-degree recklessly endangering safety. Charges of burglary and taking and driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent were dismissed by Judge Robert Wirtz and read into the court record. Wirtz also ordered Vander Velden to serve three years probation upon his release from jail with the conditions that he maintain full-time employment, refrain from pos-

sessing alcohol, pay court costs and fines and not have any contact with his 15-year-old female passenger. If Vander Velden violates his conditions of probation, he will have to serve a four-year prison sentence. Vander Velden and the 15-year-old girl stole a car from a Waupun residence during the early morning hours of Feb. 28. A Fond du Lac County Sheriff ’s Department deputy spotted the stolen 1999 silver Toyota Camry traveling north on Highway 49 just south of County Trunk TC at about 3:10 a.m., according to the criminal complaint. Ignoring the flashing lights of the pursuing squad car, Vander Velden drove west on Highway 49 out of Brandon, tur ned north onto County Trunk E in the village of Fairwater and then proceeded

north onto Reed Street just south of Ripon, with speeds reaching in excess of 100 mph, according to the complaint. Vander Velden attempted to turn right onto Dartford Road and failed to negotiate the turn. The vehicle traveled through snow about 75-feet, coming to rest about 50 feet from the edge of a stone quar ry where there was about a 75- to 100-foot dropoff, according to the complaint. Vander Velden and the 15-year-old girl got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. The two were arrested a short time later. While being treated in the hospital for frostbite on her feet, the 15-yearold girl told police that she and Vander Velden had planned the theft and made the decision to flee from police.

Two Dodge County residents injured in June 19 crash The Reporter Staff

TOWN OF HERMAN — Two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on June 19 in the town of Herman. Dodge County Sheriff ’s Department Traffic Secretary Deb Wer ner said a vehicle driven by Aaron Emmer, 20, of Mayville,

was traveling south on County Trunk AY around 2:30 p.m. when he pulled out in front of a westbound vehicle driven by Kelly D. Begg, 45, of Horicon, traveling on Highway 33. Begg was transported to Beaver Dam Community Hospital while her passenger, Lynn S. Bell, 65, of

Horicon, was treated at the scene. A patient condition report was unavailable. Responding to the scene were the Iron Ridge Fire Department and First Responder Unit and the Mayville EMS. All parties were wearing seat belts.

DODGE COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES The Dodge County Clerk’s Office issued the following marriage licenses: æ Theodore L. Arrowood and Deanna M. Hartzell, both of Elba Township. æ Joseph D. Beahm and Naomi A. Braatz, both of Waupun. æ Jerome E. Bishop and Judith I. Froehlich, both of Elba Township. æ Zivko Buzdum and Sadi J. Meidl, both of Watertown. æ Jeremy L. Clark and Barbara J. Hock, both of Theresa. æ Peter J. Deminsky and Sara A. Lundeen, both of Calamus Township.

æ Jesse C. Diels and Becky A. Yoeckel, both of Hustisford. æ Kyle K. Gibson and Sarah M. Golemgeski, both of Reeseville. æ Aaron L. Hoefler and Mary J. Sell, both of Emmet Township. æ Derek P. Jesko and Michelle E. Bomkamp, both of Randolph. æ Mitchell J. Leisses and Sarah L. Olson, both of Beaver Dam. æ Chad L. Little and Erin E. Schmidt, both of Port Elgin Township, Canada. æ Derek C. Metzger and Annika T. Lange, both of Medford.

æ Randy J. Neiman and Melissa R. Brown, both of Hustisford. æ Dennis M. Saez and Tiffany A. Moore, both of Beaver Dam. æ Charles D. Trost and Tracy A. Waters, both of Beaver Dam. æ Jesse D. White and Amanda M. Ferencevich, both of Lomira. æ Timothy L. Wild and Cynthia L. Reinwald, both of Horicon. æ Aaron J. Wright and Rebecca M. Busch, both of Waupun.

PAGE A6

FLOOD ‘08

The Reporter, Thursday, June 26, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

Help available for FdL flood victims Ayuda para victimas de inundacion Flood victims may receive help for a variety of problems caused by the recent disaster. The following is a list of phone numbers and other contact information to receive assistance from a variety of governmental and non-profit agencies in Fond du Lac. This is the latest infor mation as of Friday, June 20. For further information and daily updates, check the Fond du Lac Public Library Web site at www.FDLPL.org or call the library at 929-7080 (option 4) or dial 211 after hours. FEMA: Federal financial assistance, temporary housing, home repair and other flood-related problems. Call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit online at www.fema.gov. Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other assistance may come in the form of loans. FEMA will be setting up an office in Fond du Lac. Representatives will not go door to door at random or call you unless you have preregistered. (Beware of impersonators.) Anyone who would like help from FEMA should call the 800 phone number or register at the FEMA Web site. This will put you on the list for FEMA to contact for an appointment. People may also register at the FEMA office once it is set up. If you register for FEMA, you will receive a packet of forms to fill out in the mail. You must fill out all forms, even those you may not think apply to you. If you need help, contact FEMA or go to their office when it opens. If you must get work done immediately, be sure to take several pictures of the damage before, during and after the work is completed. Be sure to keep all

receipts. Food distribution: Church of Peace, 158 S. Military Road, Fond du Lac, 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; Salvation Ar my, 24 W. Cotton St., Fond du Lac, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Transportation to work or help with auto repair: through DSS/Job Center: 929-3941. Water heaters, furnace replacement and weatherization: Check with your insurance agent first. If you are not covered, call FEMA (above). If this fails, call Advocap at 9227760. Drywall re pair and mold abatement: Call United Methodist Center on Relief, 920-238-7119. Call FEMA. Red Cross: For temporary housing, bleach and cleaning supplies, location of meal sites and other emergency help, call 272 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, 922-3450. Salvation Army: Food bank operational; emergency food and clothing; bleach and cleaning supplies; emergency shelter; 24 W Cotton St. Fond du Lac; 923-8230. Volunteer workers from the Volunteer Center; to give help, call 9064717; to receive help, call 906-4716. After Friday, June 27, call the Volunteer Center directly at 926-1414. County Health Department: Tetanus boosters on a walk-in basis and information/help with other health concer ns; City County Government Center, Third Floor; office hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except for holidays); phone, (920) 929-3085, toll free 1-800-547-3640; emergency-only after hours phone: (920) 929-3394 (ask to reach the public health nurse on call). Free lunch for children under 18: Fond du Lac Public Schools; 11 to 12:30; Parkside, Riverside, Chegwin and Franklin schools and Hamilton House. Emotional Support:

Agnesian HealthCare; free, confidential counseling for those needing help coping with flooding issues. Call from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 924-0614 or (800) 458-8183; also crisis intervention 24-hour hotline, 920-929-3535. Holy Family: Can coordinate teams of volunteers. To request: Volunteer Hotline: 921-0580, ext. 134. St. Vincent De Paul: Emergency clothing; gift cards for area grocery stores; home visits; 735 W. Rolling Meadows Drive, Fond du Lac; (920) 9223650. Translation services: For Hmong, contact Catholic Charities at 920642-0028. For Spanish, contact Advocap at 922-7760. The Aging and Disability Resource Center is providing information and referral about housing resources for people in the community. There are several apartments open in low-income elderly/disabled housing buildings. For information about the openings, call the Housing Authority at 929-3107. Businesses affected: The Small Business Administration (SBA) will be setting up an office downtown to assist small businesses. Its address and phone number will be printed here when the information becomes available. The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) has made a low-interest loan fund available to small businesses. Contact the FCEDC at 929-2928. Donate money for disaster relief: tax deductible; every cent used for disaster relief in Fond du Lac County. Make checks payable to Fond du Lac United Way Disaster Relief. Mail to 74 S. Main St., ext. 201, Fond du Lac, of drop off at Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan St. SOURCE: Fond du Lac Public Library, the Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac and the many agencies collaborating to provide assistance.

Las victimas de inundación pueden recibir ayuda en diferentes tipos de problemas causados por el reciente desastre. La siguiente es una lista de teléfonos y otra información para contactar ayuda de diferentes agencias gubernamentales y agencias no lucrativas en Fond du Lac. Esta es la información actualizada al Viernes, 20 de Junio, 2008. Para mas información y actualizaciones por favor llame al 9297080 o llame 211. FEMA: Ayuda Financiera Federal para hogar temporal, reparaciones en la casa. Y otros problemas relacionados con inundación. Llame 1800-621-FEMA – en linea a www.fema.gov Transpor tación al trabajo o ayuda con re paraciones de automóvil: a través del (Departamento de Servicio Social /Centro de Trabajo) DSS/Job Center: 9293941. Calentadores de Agua, reponer calefacción e imper mealisación: Verifique con su compañía de se guros primero, si no tiene cobertura llame a FEMA (arriba). Si esto no funciona llame a ADVOCAP al 922-7760. Cruz Roja: Hogar temporal, artículos para limpieza y desinfección, localización de comidas y otra ayuda de emergen-

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JUNEAU — Due to heavy rain in Dodge County earlier this month, the Dodge County Human Service and Health Department-Pubic Health Unit is advising residents with wells to be on the lookout for changes in their drinking water. The large amounts of water may cause well water to be unsafe to use by allowing bacteria and/or parasites from the surrounding soil to enter the well. Residents noticing any changes in taste, odor or appearance of their well water should not drink the water and should have their well tested for bacte-

Riverside, Che gwin, y Franklin y Casa Hamilton. Soporte emocional: Agnesian HealthCare, apoyo terapéutico gratuito y confidencial para personas que requieran ayuda en problemas relacionados con la inundación. Llame de las 8 a.m. a las 4:30 p.m. al 9240614 o al 1-800- 458-8183; También la Línea de Ayuda de 24 horas al 920929-3535 Holy Family: Puede coordinar grupos de voluntarios. Para solicitar un grupo: 921-0580 #134. St. Vincent De Paul: Ropa de emergencia. Certificados para consumo en supermercados, visitas a domicilio.735 W. Rolling Meadows Dr. Fond du Lac WI 54937 (920) 922-3650. Dar dinero para ayuda en el desastre: Deducible de impuestos; cada centavo es usado para ayuda en el Condado de Fond du lac. Hacer los cheques a nombre de “Fond du Lac United Way Disaster Relief,” envié por correo a: 74 S Main St #201, Fond Du Lac, WI 54935; o personalmente en la Biblioteca Publica de Fond du Lac en 32 Sheboygan St. Esta información es elaborada por la Biblioteca Publica de Fond du Lac, el Volunteer Center y las agencias que proveen la ayuda.

Buy a Daily Reporter at Rick & Vic’s Piggly Wiggly

Heavy rain may lead to unsafe well water For The Reporter

cia, llame 922-3450 o 272 N Main, Fond Du Lac. Ejercito de Salvación: Operación de banco de comida, comida y ropa de emergencia, desinfectantes y productos para limpieza, hospedaje de emergencia; 24 W Cotton, Fond Du Lac; 923-8230 Trabajadores voluntarios: de parte del Volunteer Center; para dar ayuda llame 906-4717; para solicitar ayuda llame 906-4716. Después del Viernes 27 de Junio llame directamente al Volunteer Center al 9261414. De par tamento de Salud del Condado: Vacunas contra el tétanos conforme las personas se presentan, no requiere cita, e infor mación/ayuda en otros asuntos de salud. Localizados en City/County Gover nment Center (Edificio el Gobierno del la Ciudad y el Condado) en el tercer piso. Horas de Oficina: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lunes a Viernes (exceptuando días Festivos). Teléfono: (920) 929-3085 o gratis al 1800-547-3640.Teléfono de emergencia después de horas hábiles: (920)9293394 (pida por la Enfermera de Salud Publica en turno). Lunch gratuito para niños menores de 18 años: Escuelas Publicas de Fond du Lac; de 11:00 12:30; escuelas Parkside,

NEWS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.

Local News. Wisconsin News. Nation & World News.

PAGE A8

LOCAL

The Reporter, Thursday, June 26, 2008

CATS

were found dead inside a freezer and a refrigerator, Duveneck said. The dead kittens had been wrapped in tinfoil, and the brothers told authorities they were planning to properly dispose of them. The cats’ food consisted of large bins of chicken mixed with water, since the brothers told authorities they couldn’t afford to buy actual cat food. Cardboard boxes doubled as litter boxes for the cats, according to the police report. The situation at the house is an obvious city ordinance violation, Duveneck said. No more than two cats are allowed in a home unless a “multiple pet” license is obtained, which allows for up to four cats, said City Clerk Sue Strands. However, it remains unclear if the situation rises to criminal activity. Authorities continue to investigate and seek other routes of possible care the two men might need, Duveneck said. “As far as we know, there were no signs of abuse. It was just a situation that got out of control,” he said. “They were trying to care for these cats, but they just couldn’t keep up.”

IF YOU WANT TO HELP

Continued from Page A1 cording to the police report. The brothers have lived at the home — a rental property — for the past five years. One of the brothers told authorities they each came to the home with two cats, those felines began reproducing and before they knew it, the situation was out of control, according to the police report. When people lear ned about the house of cats, they began dropping off strays “so they could have a home as well,” one of the brothers told police. About 125 of the cats from the East Follett home are at the Fond du Lac Humane Society, 652 Triangle Road, or housed in a garage at nearby Ransom’s Audio-Video, which is serving as an overflow area for the felines, said Humane Society volunteer Becky Lefeber. The addition of the cats means the local Humane Society facility has more than twice as many cats needing shelter than it typically does, Lefeber said. Another 50 from the

The Fond du Lac Humane Society, 652 Triangle Drive, is asking for the public’s help in providing materials to help feed and house an onslaught of cats needing shelter after being removed from an area home earlier this week. The shelter is accepting donations of cat food, preferably Purina, cat litter and kennels. No more volunteers are currently needed, and those wishing to adopt should check with the Humane Society in the future since the pets are continuing to be checked out. house have been taken to other shelters around the state. “They are getting treatment for fleas and their necessary vaccines. We are evaluating their health, and they should be available for adoption in the future,” Lefeber said. “We are still in need of donations of food, litter and kennels.” Some of the cats removed from the home appeared to be malnourished, and several kittens

HOUSING

has been done. While the flooding will cause delays, Swick said he is optimistic about the Continued from Page A1 market and encouraged close the fact that their by city and county rehome was recently flood- sponse to the disaster. ed and detail for potential “The city and the counbuyers what repair work ty (gover nments) have

been doing a fabulous job cleaning up,” he said. “They should get a lot of credit.” Swick said the swift response was good for property values, reassuring both buyers and sellers.

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST ®

Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast Today

Friday

Partly sunny, a t-storm; warm and humid

Variable clouds, t-storms; warm and humid

83°

63°

79° Monday

Tuesday

Partly sunny

72°

Nice with intervals of clouds and sun

58°

78°

National Cities

City

Today Hi/Lo/W

93/66/t 92/70/t 85/68/t 88/66/t 88/72/t 97/57/pc 89/71/t 89/66/t 95/71/pc 74/53/pc 87/65/t 89/74/s 92/70/t 92/73/pc 88/63/t 104/73/s 89/73/t 91/79/t 86/66/t 91/72/t 89/74/t 88/73/t 93/72/s 90/73/t 108/80/s 86/67/t 94/74/pc 92/62/pc 68/54/s 95/73/t

Continued from Page A1

into the basement that night and saw water pouring in. He started removing records kept on shelves, with officers from the Sheriff ’s Department and personnel from the city Public Works Department assisting. “That was the first thing that came to mind, that there were 60 years worth of records down there — everything, all the detailed records from death investigations over that period of time,” Kelley said. “So yeah, there was a lot of valuable information down there.” The Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner’s Office serves 15 counties. Kelley said some specimens kept in freezers in

RECOVERY Continued from Page A1

tels, he said. Damage was confined to the basement, but the women’s shelter has yet to reopen. Jacobson said it may be back in business in the next few days. Solutions Center’s administrative office, 39 N. Sophia St., wasn’t so fortunate. Jacobson said everything was lost. Nearly 4 feet of water swept through the building, ruining desks, cubicle dividers and electronics. Some furniture developed mold quickly after the flood. “The computers were destroyed,” he said. “We’re trying to recover some of the hard drives, but I’m not going to hold my breath.”

the basement, including materials to be sent out for toxicology results, were lost. That wasn’t a huge issue, he said, since the specimens were “extras” and the originals were either in the first floor refrigerator or had been sent out for evaluation. “After going through the cases where we lost specimens, luckily there is nothing that was an issue,” he said. Bodies kept in coolers on the first floor of the morgue and not affected by floodwater were removed on June 13 and taken to area funeral homes, where they were temporarily stored, O’Connor said. The bodies were removed from the premises due to fears about electricity at the morgue being shut off, O’Connor said.

In total, the Medical Examiner’s Office incurred between $20,000 and $25,000 worth of damage, mainly due to an elevator that needs repair, said County Executive Allen Buechel. The inoperable elevator has meant that bodies have to be hauled up to the first floor on carts the “old-fashioned way,” meaning a little extra work for staff, Kelley said. There has been talk of getting all of the morgue records into digital form, Kelley said. While that might be a ways off, there is one thing Kelley knows for sure. “Nothing will be put in that basement as far as I’m concerned. Obviously, paper records will have to go in a different area — somewhere on the top two floors,” he said. “We’re done with the basement.”

Two weeks after the assist the homeless, the flood, the administrative agency wanted to help. Advocap’s Head Start office building remains program had shut down empty. for the summer, leaving ample space for about five Open doors Not far from Solutions workers. So, the organizaCenter’s Sophia Street tion opened its doors, said and Division Street loca- Bonertz, and Solutions tions, Advocap was reel- Center moved in on Moning from flood headaches. day. “It made all the sense in The Fond du Lac office the world,” he said. “We of Advocap at 19 W. First look at it as: What do you St. escaped the waters, but do for your partners when some of the agency’s they themselves are rental properties had ex- homeless?” tensive damage, said ExSolutions Center’s ecutive Director Mike phone number, (920) 923Bonertz. 1743, has been redirected Advocap operates of- to Advocap, and residents fices in Fond du Lac, may reach personnel by Green Lake and Winneba- visiting the Advocap ofgo counties. fice at 19 W. First St. Shortly after the storm Jacobson said he did not hit, Bonertz said the coor- know when staff might redinator for Advocap’s open the Sophia Street lohomeless prog ram told cation. him about Solutions CenBut with a few ter’s plight. “thoughts and prayers,” Since Advocap works their wish to return may with Solutions Center to be granted, he said.

Green Bay 83/61

La Crosse 87/67

54°

74°

MORGUE

Oshkosh 85/62

Partly sunny with a thunderstorm possible

57°

Wausau 86/58

Eau Claire 85/63

Sunday

Some sun with a couple of t-storms; breezy

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

63°

83°

Saturday

Wisconsin Weather

Superior 79/53

www.fdlreporter.com

60°

Fri. Hi/Lo/W

94/65/t 90/69/t 86/65/pc 86/65/t 89/73/t 87/54/t 87/64/t 85/66/t 99/74/pc 71/53/pc 83/65/t 88/76/s 86/70/t 93/68/pc 84/64/t 104/77/s 90/73/t 90/78/t 82/61/t 88/70/t 87/75/t 90/72/t 98/73/pc 92/72/t 108/81/s 84/67/t 92/73/pc 89/62/s 77/56/s 94/73/t

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Sheboygan 75/59

Fond du Lac 83/63 Madison 86/66 Watertown 85/62

Milwaukee 86/64 Racine Kenosha 85/65 88/63

Almanac Fond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest. Temperature High ......................................... 80° Low .......................................... 63° Normal high ............................. 79° Normal low ............................... 60° Precipitation 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.00" Month to date ...................... 10.50" Normal month to date ........... 2.97" Year to date ......................... 20.29" Normal year to date ............ 12.67"

Sun and Moon Sunrise today ................. 5:13 a.m. Sunset tonight ................. 8:40 p.m. Moonrise today ............. 12:21 a.m. Moonset today ................ 1:25 p.m. Last

New

First

Full

June 26

July 2

July 9

July 18

Today

Fri.

Hi/Lo/W 84/64/t 85/63/t 85/62/t 89/64/t 85/63/t 83/61/t 86/65/t 88/63/t 87/67/t 86/66/t 82/60/t 86/64/t 85/62/t 85/64/t 84/54/pc 75/59/t 79/53/pc 85/63/t 86/58/t

Hi/Lo/W 80/63/t 81/63/t 80/63/t 84/63/t 82/62/t 81/62/t 83/63/t 82/62/t 84/64/t 84/64/t 79/61/t 81/62/t 83/63/t 84/63/t 80/56/t 71/62/t 67/52/t 83/65/t 82/61/t

Today’s National Weather Whitehorse 62/38

Iqaluit 45/41

Yellowknife 58/49 Churchill 65/42

Vancouver 67/55 Seattle 68/54

St. John's 67/47 Saskatoon 74/42 Winnipeg 80/62

Calgary 68/43

Toronto Minneapolis 82/65 86/66 Detroit 89/66

Billings 81/56 San Francisco 68/53

Denver 97/57

Chicago 88/66

Los Angeles 78/62

Cold Front Warm Front

Chihuahua 95/70

-10s

-0s

10s

20s

30s

New York 88/73

Houston 90/74

40s

50s

70s

80s

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Miami 91/79

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Washington 95/73

Monterrey 99/73

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Halifax 75/51

Atlanta 90/69

El Paso 95/71

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50 cents

Merc Marine avoids cuts for now Brunswick Corp. eliminating up to 2,700 positions

BY HEATHER STANEK

Another 1,000 hourly and 700 Brunswick Corp.’s plan salaried to eliminate as many as positions 2,700 jobs will not affect will be Mercury Marine in Fond eliminated du Lac in the near future. Mercury Marine’s parent over the next 18 months. company announced Attrition is expected to Thursday that it will elimi- play a major role in job renate 1,000 jobs immediately. ductions in that time span. The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

Catch the reading bug ã Page C1

CROSS ROADS

Keeping on Track in North Fond du Lac ã Page A5/A6

ONLINE POLL

The Lake Forest, Ill.based company hopes to reduce its annual fixed costs by $300 million. Brunswick also expects to close a number of boat plants, reducing its locations to 17 or less in 2009, according to a company press release. Mercury Marine spokesman Steve Fleming said

STRIKE VOTE

The International Association of Machinists Local 1947 will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at Fond du Lac High School, 801 Campus Drive, to decide whether or not to strike. The union’s 1,550 Mercury Marine employees have been in contract negotiations for the last four months. Members voted in April to authorize the right to strike. no Fond du Lac plants will are possible, company ofbe closed, and no jobs ficials doubt they will be have been identified to be extensive enough to See MERC Page A8 cut. While future layoffs

FLOOD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

BANE or BOOM?

Official: Cat hoarders’ house deemed ‘unfit for habitation’

-éXíëB13

Should public schools eliminate competition among students in physical education classes?

The Reporter Staff

æ Yes, competition creates undue pressure æ No, competition encourages excellence æ Let’s just focus on academics

ë1 ç1ëX

Visit The Reporter Web site at www.fdlreporter.com. Results from the poll will be published in next Friday’s newspaper and on The Reporter’s Web site.

îXíé9ëí

A total of 806 people voted in last week’s poll, which asked: “How will you help those who suffered losses in the Fond du Lac flood?” Following are the results: æ 26.1% Donate money æ 25.8% Help clean up æ 24.4% Donate food æ 23.7% I need help myself

ONLINE Explore a mother lode of public records and data bases online at www.fdlreporter.com. Just click on the DataMine logo for immediate access. www.fdlreporter.com

LOTTERY THURSDAY

SuperCash: 15-19-20-32-38-39 Badger 5: 6-8-13-15-30 Pick 3: 6-6-7 Pick 4: 7-3-3-6

WEATHER THE NEXT 36 HOURS High today

Low High tonight tomorrow

Warm, humid

Partly cloudy

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T-storm possible

Five-day forecast, national, world weather/A8

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Serving the Fond du Lac area since 1870

To demolish or clean up: Home’s fate undetermined

THE REPORTER PHOTO BY JUSTIN CONNAHER

A mallard duck takes flight over the East Branch of the Fond du Lac River near Forest Avenue.

Local marshes are thriving, but overall effect on wildlife unclear

BY SHARON ROZNIK The Reporter sroznik@fdlreporter.com

INSIDE

mal. “If something like a major toxin had been released into Lake Winnebago, we’d have seen a reaction by now,” Olynyk said. “The worst thing that happened was probably the sediment that got dumped into it.” Nutrient build-up also makes for ideal conditions for increased algae bloom on area lakes this summer, said Ed McCann, DNR warden. “What kind of damage did wildlife suffer? Deer were swimming (the night of the flood) down the river by the courthouse. Anything nesting near the river was washed out. Birds, rabbits and fish that laid eggs in the river, those eggs are silt-covered and washed away,” McCann pointed out.

Flood damage forces While flooding may be a bane closing of Hamilton to city wildlife, creatures living Teen Center in rural areas of the county are PAGE A3 flourishing in the now abundant wetlands. High water levels have replenOfficials warn ished marshlands in the Eldoraof fake FEMA do and Mullet agents Creek wildlife PAGE A3 areas, where drought condiCounseling offered tions over the for flood victims past two years PAGE A3 had depleted natural habitat, said Anticipating floods Mark Randall, a wildlife manager with the Deand living at 50 partment of Natural Resources. PAGE A7 “The water is the highest I’ve seen since I came here in 1999. Right now, it’s four feet above average,” he Floating ‘stuff’ noted. Sewage, diesel fuel and gasoline washed In the cities, heavy rains and flooding have flushed additional organic material and nutri- into waterways, and untreated sewage was ents into waterways, creating conditions ripe bypassed into Lake Winnebago, although for fish kills caused by a bacterial disease Fond du Lac city officials have not yet released a report on how much sewage was recalled columnaris, according to the DNR. Yet despite the potential, the fact that there leased. “Lake Winnebago looked like chocolate have been no major fish kills seen since the June 12 flood tells DNR fish technician Bob milk and that’s not good for plant life or fish,” Olynyk that the effects, if any, will be miniSee FLOOD Page A8

When it comes to homes overrun by pets, City of Fond du Lac Chief Inspector Guy Fox says the house on East Follett Street that contained more than 170 cats this week is the worst he’s ever seen. Fox said the city now has to make the decision whether to have the home at 190 E. Follett St. demolished or give the homeowner time to clean the place up — if that’s possible. Fox said it was apparent the home containing between 170 and 177 cats was not cleaned often. The interior of the residence was covered in animal waste, he said. The home has been deemed “unfit for habitation.” Two brothers, ages 54 and 55 years old, rented the home and were living at the residence when authorities stepped in earlier this week to remove the felines from the home after a neighbor complained of a “strong smell of urine” coming from the residence. Fox said one of the big questions among officials has been how anyone could have managed to live in the 924-square-foot home considering its condition and the amount of cats inside. The city’s inspection division team talked about opening up doors and windows to air the place out — considering the high temperatures Wednesday and Thursday — but decided against that since they did not want local neighbors to have to deal with the stench, Fox said.

Latest poll shows Obama up 13 points in Wisconsin The Associated Press

MADISON — A new poll shows Democrat Barack Obama leading Republican John McCain by 13 points in Wisconsin. The poll released Thursday by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut also shows Obama ahead in Minnesota, Colorado and Michigan. In Wisconsin, Obama is favored by 52 percent of those polled compared with 39 percent for McCain. Because the Wisconsin race has been so close in the past two presidential elections, the state is widely expected to be among a handful where both candidates believe they can win. The random telephone poll of more than 1,500 likely voters in Wisconsin was conducted between June 17 and June 24 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

New phy ed curriculum emphasizes individual health Competition downplayed in 9th-grade gym classes

ordinator of curriculum and instruction for the Fond du Lac BY SHARON ROZNIK School District. The Reporter He presented the sroznik@fdlreporter.com new individualNo more being picked last for a ized approach to team in gym class. physical fitness John Whitsett Be ginning this fall, a new during a meeting ninth-grade physical education of the Board of Education earlier curriculum at Fond du Lac High this week. School will emphasize life-fitness “It’s a totally different philosoand personal health. phy that provides kids with inforGym classes based on a “sports mation on how to be physically model” are becoming a thing of fit for the rest of their lives. We the past, said John Whitsett, co- will be offering them types of ac-

WORKSHOP SET

A July 14 workshop has been scheduled with the Fond du Lac Board of Education and Curriculum Coordinator John Whitsett to review how the new K-12 district-wide curriculum is being developed. The process began three years ago and includes revamping every subject, Whitsett said. A future Web site will host the finished product and detail mission statements, disciplines, learning expectations and themes. tivities that get their heart rates up, like playing racquetball, climbing walls or riding an exercise bike,” Whitsett said. Theisen Middle School Principal Kim Pahlow, who served on the curriculum review commit-

tee, said the changes will give more kids an opportunity to enjoy gym class and find something physical that fits them for life.

See GYM Page A8

OPINION

LETTERS Thanks for helping daughter in flood My 17-year-old daughter was one of the people trying to get home Thursday, June 12, and got caught in the rising waters on city streets. She had two children, ages 8 and 7, that she cares for with her. The 7year-old is autistic. Her car stalled near the Park Avenue and Division Street intersection. To the two off-duty officers who stopped to assist them, I say thanks. To everybody who helped out a neighbor in need, we say thanks and wish to give you a big hug. To the approximately 30-year-old man and women who were standing on the corner of Division Street and Wood Place and who felt the need to harass my daughter by verbally assaulting her and applauding the fact that she was stuck, I feel sorry for you. I hope it made you feel real good to make a hard time for a 17-year-old very traumatic. I hope you feel good that you did nothing to help three children in need. I hope you remember how you acted when your children or grandchildren find themselves in harm’s way and could use help. Will the people around them be loving and helpful or rude and jerks? Remember that children learn from the example of adults. Thanks for setting such a fine example. Lynn Nickel Fond du Lac

Thank you for help in swirling floodwaters I’d like to thank my own personal hero. I’m not sure of his name and I’m not sure where he lives. I am only sure that without his help, I would have had extreme difficulty reaching safety through the swirling floodwater on Wester n Avenue. Our car (with attached camper) was stopped by a train when the West Branch of the river overflowed violently. At age 82 and 4-feet, 11-inches tall, I was terrified. A young man came up to me and asked, “Do you need help?" He took my arm and guided me to a welcoming neighbor’s porch. Someone said the young man’s name is “Scott” and that he lives just west of the tracks on Western Avenue. I couldn’t locate him. I hope that someone who knows his identity will read this and express my sincere appreciation. Dolores E. Sampson Fond du Lac

The Reporter, Friday, June 27, 2008

www.fdlreporter.com

PAGE A7

The Reporter SERVING THE FOND DU LAC AREA SINCE 1870

EDITORIAL BOARD

BILL HACKNEY, President and Publisher LORI GARBISCH and MAGGIE McCULLOUGH, Community Members

AVI STERN, Executive Editor PEGGY BREISTER, News Editor

MICHAEL MENTZER, Managing Editor THOMAS GUENTHER, Assistant News Editor

GUEST COMMENTARY

Anticipating floods … and living life at 50 I will always remember June 2008. It was a month I learned from a disaster and reflected on midlife. June brought torrential rains to the Midwest, and our city of Fond du Lac was no exception. My son Dan’s high school graduation was scheduled the night our flood began. Driving to the ceremony was an experience we won’t forget. What typically would be a 15minute drive to school turned into a 45-minute search as we looked for passable roads that would get us there. Street after street was flooding quickly, and each road we turned down, we soon turned away from. Finally, as we pulled into the school parking lot and learned that graduation was cancelled, we kept the car moving and quickly headed home. Only later, as I heard stories of stalled cars abandoned on flooded streets while passengers fled through above knee-high water, did I realize how lucky we were to get Dan home. During the excitement and nervous confusion of driving through the storm, I had failed to think what would happen if we had to evacuate our physically disabled, 155-pound, 18-year-old son, from a flooding van. In my motherly mind, the emer-

Kathy Kochan

V`\B3T ëDX \D`99X3TXí Each Friday The Reporter explores life from the perspectives of the disabled and their loved ones. It is alternately authored by Stacy Ellingen, a 2003 Fond du Lac High School graduate and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student living with athetoid cerebral palsy, and Kathy Kochan, a Fond du Lac area mother confronting her son Danny’s genetic disease, called Ataxia-Telangiectasia. gency plans that I had ready for action had never included this scenario. I can only imagine that the water would have been too high to push a wheelchair through. Carrying Dan on our back would have been the only option. As much as I like to believe that I can adapt easily to different situations, I realized once again that I don’t have all the answers, and I am not always ready for the unexpected. I am still learning from each experience life brings me even at the age I am. I turned 50 this month. I tell you this not because I wish to receive well wishes or old lady jokes, but because I believe I have lear ned from this milestone also. I am learning to accept — and be thankful — that I have made it this far. As life expectancy lengthens, 50 can be considered midlife. Even though I feel that I am wise enough beyond my children’s years, I know I am still a child in the eyes of my 80-year-old parents. My age

means nothing to them, for I will always be their little girl who still has much to learn. After all, it seems like just yesterday they witnessed my high school graduation, and wondered what lay in store for me. None of us could have known that someday I would be the mother of a disabled child. At 18, I thought I knew what my life would be like at 50. I had not anticipated having a child with special needs, but then neither had I anticipated that at this age I would actually want to go to bed by 10 p.m., or that I would now look for foods with bran or antioxidants in them. Nor did I anticipate the number of friends I knew that would suddenly die before they reached this age. I remember them each time I find a gray hair, for they never had the chance to experience this discovery. The unexpected circumstances of growing older are similar to the unexpected circumstances of being caught in a flood. You may think you have prepared for it ahead of time, but until it creeps upon you, only then will you know what needs to be done to survive. You might cry, you definitely should laugh, but never think twice about the life lines that glow upon your face. Kathy Kochan and her son, Dan, live in the Fond du Lac area. Dan was born with the rare genetic disease Ataxia-Telangiecstasia. She can be reached at chattykathyko@hotmail.com.

DRAWN OUT

FIRST AMENDMENT

‘W

e need to pursue the news like we deserve the First Amendment.’ David Zeeck executive editor, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash., 2006

Obama aims to wrest West from GOP grasp BY KATHY KIELY USA TODAY

LAS VEGAS — To deliver messages on the need for energy savings, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain this week have chosen the same unlikely backdrop — this 24/7 playground of air-conditioned casinos and neon-lit desert skies. On Tuesday, Obama promised “a very different vision of what this country can and should achieve on energy.” McCain discussed his plans for renewable fuels at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas campus. Why preach conservation in a city that celebrates excess? The decision may have had less to do with the candidates’ messages than with their electoral strategies. “It’s a sign that the electoral map is very competitive,” said Brian Krolicki, Nevada’s lieutenant gov-

ernor and a McCain supporter. “Every state counts.” Obama’s visit is part of a strategy to score upset victories in the traditionally Republican but independent-minded region that lies between Califor nia and the Rocky Mountains. “The winning-the-West strategy,” as Danny Thompson, head of the Nevada AFLCIO, called it, could help Obama win overall even if he falls short in some of the industrial battleground states. In Pennsylvania, for example, Hillary Rodham Clinton beat Obama decisively during the primaries. Clinton won, but much more narrowly, in Nevada and New Mexico — both of which Obama visited this week. Together with Colorado, the states repre-

News Analysis

sent a combined 19 electoral votes, just one fewer than Ohio, the state that decided the 2004 presidential election. President Bush won all three Western states that year, but by close margins. Since then, Democrats have scored gains in guber natorial, congressional and state legislative races. “These states are becoming more and more Democratic,” says Joel Kotkin, a California-based scholar who studies the nation’s demographic trends. On paper, this should be McCain country. The Republican has represented neighboring Arizona for more than 25 years in Congress and, as Obama himself acknowledged Monday, “can legitimately tout moments of independence from his party in the past.” In a region heavily populated by Hispanics and

people drawn to the West’s outdoor lifestyle, it doesn’t hurt that two of those moments came over an immig ration bill — McCain irked conservatives by co-sponsoring legislation that would have given undocumented immigrants a chance to stay — and legislation to combat global warming. Obama commended McCain here Tuesday for “speaking out on climate change” and for his efforts to promote electric cars. But Obama criticized him for opposing a 2005 energy bill that included tax credits for renewable fuels such as solar and wind power, and for backing plans for more oil drilling off the nation’s coasts. McCain “is putting the country first with the best ideas from both parties,” Tucker Bounds, a spokesman for the Republican candidate, replied in

a statement. Obama’s energy plan includes a tax break for middle-income households to help offset the rise in gas prices. Long term, he said, the country should invest more in promoting conservation and developing alternative energy sources. Obama said he’s against expanded offshore drilling and would consider more nuclear power only if better means are developed to deal with the environmental hazard posed by spent fuel. McCain’s local appeal may be diminished by “noise” over the economy and the war in Iraq, said Christine Sierra, a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico. “Under better circumstances, McCain, as a senator from Arizona, would have a real advantage,” she said.

Ruben Navarette Jr.

Cheaper gas lures some to Tijuana

TIJUANA — Mexico and the United States have a twisted relationship. æ Dysfunctional: Each country likes to blame the other for its problems and neither is eager to accept responsibility. Making matters worse, history comes with hard feelings; the United States claimed it was “manifest destiny” to conquer half of Mexico in 1848. Since then, Mexico has been skeptical of U.S. foreign policy excursions such as the Iraq War, which it opposed. æ Dangerous: Americans rationalize that predatory Mexican drug dealers, not bad parenting, get their kids hooked on drugs. Mexicans complain that it is American consumption, as opposed to corruption in Mexico, that keeps ruthless drug cartels in business. Thousands of automatic weapons flow each year from the U.S. to Mexico. Mexicans want Americans to stop exporting illegal guns just as Americans want Mexico to stop exporting illegal immigrants. Truth is, there’s a market for both. æ Dependent: As much as Mexicans and Americans complain about one another, they can’t get enough of each other. They devour each other’s food, culture and music. After crossing the border into Mexico, visitors see a Starbucks, a Costco and a T.G.I. Friday’s. Back home in a suburb of San Diego, the neighborhood grocery store sells horchata, a rice milk drink popular in Mexico, and Mexican frozen treats in a variety of tropical flavors. Plenty of Mexicans want to be like Americans, and lots of Americans have an appetite for all things Mexican. More Mexicans are skipping the traditional siesta if they want to do business in the after noon. And more Americans are seeing the positive benefits of getting the family together at the dinner table, a regular occurrence in Mexican households. It is a relationship of convenience. American teenagers have long treated Tijuana and Baja Califor nia as their liquor store. Now baby boomers come here for prescription drugs and affordable dental work. At the moment, there’s another Mexican commodity that Americans are eager to get their hands on: cheap gasoline. With gas prices in the San Diego area approaching $4.75 a gallon, some residents are making the five- to 15-mile trip to Tijuana in order to save $2 a gallon. Mexican gas station operators complain that demand is so great they can’t service their regular customers. The Americans are clearly taking advantage. One reason the price of gas in Mexico is so low is that the government controls the petroleum industry and subsidizes the product. It does this to help Mexicans, not their neighbors. The issue has become such a sore spot that some ang ry residents of Tijuana are demanding that gover nment officials do something — perhaps impose an additional tax on gas that gets pumped into foreign vehicles. It’s the kind of problem that Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan, the governor of Baja Califor nia, had better try to solve. Or all the positive news coverage in the world won’t be enough to save him. Ruben Navarrette Jr. is a Creators Syndicate columnist.

PAGE A8

LOCAL

The Reporter, Friday, June 27, 2008

FLOOD

Continued from Page A1 McCann noted. “There’s lots of stuff floating in it, drums full of unknown substances, giant trees, railroad ties. I saw a Dumpster floating out there.” Fish biologists will wait to see if there are any delayed effects, but so far the only calls Olynyk has gotten were immediately after the flood, from Fond du Lac residents asking him to do something about the fish on their lawn. “They asked me if I could come and do something about it. Essentially, in a flood, the fish just go where the water goes,” he said.

MERC

Come September, wildlife experts will be able to gauge the impact of floodwater on upland game birds, said wildlife supervisor Dale Katzma, when the DNR starts to count brood numbers. “We can suspect some of the impact on the general ecology. This was the end of the first nesting attempt for songbirds. Some of the eggs would have been hatched and the nests washed away. Ground nesting birds, pheasants, turkeys and grouse could also have been washed out. Young birds who get wet can die from exposure,” he said. Some birds may still be able to re-nest but it’s getting late in the season, he noted. “Over time, species have adapted to this way of life, changing water levels, and in our area there’s enough relief

Continued from Page A1 cripple the plant. Fleming noted that Mercury Marine has practices in place to “be compassionate to those affected by the cuts.” If layoffs seem inevitable, the company can stop replacing retiring workers. In April and May, for instance, nearly 100 employees left due to retirement or relocation. By leaving those positions empty, Mercury can forego layoffs, Fleming explained. If further reductions are necessary, it’s possible that Mercury

GYM

develop a negative attitude and think they can’t do something. But maybe a Continued from Page A1 kid who can’t dribble a ball can excel at rock-climb“Each year, in gym, the ing,” Pahlow said. exposure has been, over Whitsett, who played and over, a common or high school football, recalls well-known sport. If a stu- his own bad experience in dent has one unsuccessful gym class. “Through the entire year, at say basketball, they

‘No black cloud’

Brunswick and Mercury officials confirmed that the poor economy is to blame for the cuts. Boat sales in the U.S. have plummeted since 2005, said Dustan McCoy, Brunswick’s chairman and chief executive officer. In a statement, he said the industry’s sales decreased 13 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007. They fell by 21 percent in the first quarter of this year. “An uncertain economy, high

school year, the only difference between September, January and May in phy ed was the size and shape of the ball,” Whitsett recalled. “We are trying to get away from that type of model.” Or games in which teachers pick two captains who in turn pick teammates from a lineup. The worst

Today

Saturday

Variable clouds, t-storms; warm and humid

Variable clouds, a couple of thunderstorms

83°

65°

Sunday

70°

78°

54°

Wednesday

Nice with sunshine and patchy clouds

Partly sunny

60°

82°

National Cities City

Today Hi/Lo/W

94/67/t 95/71/pc 84/67/pc 89/67/t 89/73/t 87/54/t 89/64/t 85/68/t 99/74/pc 70/53/t 83/70/t 88/76/s 92/70/t 93/70/t 84/69/t 104/74/s 90/75/t 90/78/t 82/61/t 89/70/t 89/75/t 92/75/t 96/73/pc 92/74/t 108/81/s 86/69/t 96/75/pc 89/62/s 79/58/s 94/75/pc

Green Bay 81/64

La Crosse 84/64

72°

Tuesday

Wausau 76/61

Oshkosh 83/63

Mostly sunny with a thunderstorm possible

52°

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Eau Claire 80/60

Monday

Variable clouds, a thunderstorm possible

Wisconsin Weather

Superior 62/55

57°

79°

62°

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95/66/t 92/73/t 79/66/t 80/60/t 89/73/t 81/53/pc 81/60/pc 81/60/t 99/72/pc 66/51/c 80/59/t 88/76/s 83/65/t 84/61/pc 80/56/t 105/80/s 93/72/t 90/77/pc 75/57/sh 88/70/t 90/75/t 91/75/t 94/68/pc 92/74/t 109/84/s 84/65/t 87/65/t 91/65/s 90/58/s 92/73/t

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Sheboygan 71/60

Fond du Lac 83/65 Madison 84/64 Watertown 84/63

Almanac Temperature High ......................................... 84° Low .......................................... 70° Normal high ............................. 79° Normal low ............................... 60°

Precipitation 24 hrs. through 3 p.m. yest. ... 0.00" Month to date ...................... 10.50" Normal month to date ........... 3.09" Year to date ......................... 20.29" Normal year to date ............ 12.79"

Sun and Moon Sunrise today ................. 5:14 a.m. Sunset tonight ................. 8:40 p.m. Moonrise today ............. 12:42 a.m. Moonset today ................ 2:39 p.m. First

Full

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players, of course, were always selected last. “It creates a bad situation, and there were a lot of people who really hated gym class because of it,” Whitsett said. “It’s no longer about a large team beating another large team and some kids not being able to perform.” All 575 ninth-graders scheduled for gym class at Fondy High will be given individualized programs, said physical education teacher Joe Sagen. Games will still be played but will focus more on personal performance. “We will arm students with concepts, know-how and background on how to stay fit throughout their lives. We will test their fit-

Today

Sat.

Hi/Lo/W 77/63/t 84/63/t 84/63/t 86/68/t 80/60/t 81/64/t 86/63/t 87/65/t 84/64/t 84/64/t 81/57/t 85/65/t 83/63/t 85/62/t 74/59/t 71/60/t 62/55/t 85/63/t 76/61/t

Hi/Lo/W 76/57/t 79/58/t 79/56/t 81/59/t 76/56/t 80/56/t 78/57/t 80/57/t 79/56/sh 79/57/t 74/56/sh 79/57/t 80/55/t 79/56/sh 71/48/t 71/56/t 76/49/t 80/57/t 76/54/t

Churchill 58/42

Winnipeg 70/56

Seattle 79/58 Billings 79/55 San Francisco 73/57

Toronto 84/64

Minneapolis 82/61 Chicago 89/67

Denver 87/54

Detroit 85/68

El Paso 99/74

Warm Front

Chihuahua 95/70

-10s

-0s

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20s

Houston 91/74

40s

50s

Showers T-storms Rain Flurries Snow Ice

Miami 90/78

Monterrey 100/75

30s

New York 92/75 Washington 94/75

Atlanta 86/68

Cold Front

La Paz 102/72

Halifax 70/53

Montreal 78/67

Los Angeles 79/63

Stationary Front

• Non-perishable food items • Personal care items • Diapers & wipes

St. John's 55/38

Saskatoon 71/48

Vancouver Calgary 71/46 75/58

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Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.

lar health, food labels and healthy eating, and the continued merging of health and science with physical activity. Some funding of equipment for the new curriculum came from a federal PEP grant, designed to support innovative physical education programs. Restructuring of the entire K-12 physical education curriculum should be completed by November, Whitsett said, and will then be brought before the board for approval. The development of new curriculum for physical education in Grades 10 through 12 will focus on problem-solving, game play and strategies, he said. “That’s where playing well with others comes in,” Whitsett said.

The Reporter and Action Publications will collect:

Iqaluit 48/44

Yellowknife 66/57

ness levels, measure arm strength and flexibility, show them where they are now and where they could possibly be at the end of the year,” Sagen said. For those who cringe at the feel-good focus, lack of hard-core competition or the character building that comes from competitive dodgeball, Whitsett points out that the district offers a thriving sports program that will continue to exist as a separate entity. “Being able to compete on a sports team is a viable option, but we have to recognize that the entire school doesn’t revolve around sports. Lifelong health is a goal we should all have,” Whitsett said. A new textbook to accompany the life skills curriculum highlights cardiovascu-

THE FOOD PANTRIES NEED YOUR HELP!

Today’s National Weather Whitehorse 62/40

er plant in Stillwater, Okla., for instance, makes many products for sale in the U.S. It lost about 130 jobs to Brunswick’s cuts, said Fleming. Due to the slowdown, Brunswick’s fiberglass boat factories will shut down during July, he added. However, an overabundance of boat inventory produced in recent years means the ramifications for engine-producing Mercury Marine likely will be minimal. Fleming added that he’s optimistic about the future. “There is not a huge black cloud hanging over the company,” he said. “Things will get better. Boating comes and goes all the time.”

Connected to the Community.

Milwaukee 85/65 Racine 85/64

Kenosha 87/65

Fond du Lac as of 3 p.m. yest.

New

fuel and food prices, slumping home sales and values, rising unemployment and other factors continue to erode U.S. consumers’ confidence and are reducing their ability and desire to purchase discretionary items such as boats,” he said. Despite the industry’s “terrible downturn,” Mercury Marine is coping, said Fleming. Marine product sales are suffering in the U.S., but the global market for outboard motors is stronger. Because the Fond du Lac plant ships engines worldwide, it can tap into that broader customer base. But plants that sell other products on American shores are feeling the crunch. A MerCruis-

Individualized programs

ACCU WEATHER FOND DU LAC FORECAST Fond Du Lac 6 Day Forecast

available in the topography. I don’t think mink, coyote and fox, moved out of the it will impact bird populations. Species lower, flood-filled areas with pups in tow, will just spring back from this,” he said. who were now big enough to hunt with their parents, Randall said. Marshland impact With higher waters, the turtles are Mammals living in the marshlands more observable, basking out of the could have suffered, notably muskrats, water. Newly flooded areas provide addiwho at this time of year would have pups tional forage for wildlife, like the plump ready to leave the nest, Randall said. and plentiful bullheads drawing an in“We did lose some of them. They bene- flux of great egrets, black crowned night fit the environment by maintaining herons, and great blue herons that fish in openings in the cattail marshes, creating the shallows. water pockets for other species,” he said. Floods also aid in seed dispersal and While beavers and muskrats depend on deposit nutrient-rich sediments on the vegetation growing in and around the flood plain, which nourishes the soil marsh edge, otters are nomadic and used by plants, animals and farmers. adaptable creatures that simply move to “We call this recharging the wetlands, fringe areas on higher ground. and the flooding definitely did that,” Predators of the marsh ecosystem, like Randall said.

He added that he was aware of Brunswick’s plan to consolidate some of its boat plants. “That’s about all I’ve heard,” he said.

could offer early retirement incentives for longer-tenured employees. In the worst-case scenario, existing positions would be cut, said Fleming. In the past week at Mercury’s plant in Stillwater, Okla., those who were laid off were given the option to reapply if Mercury hires again. Mark Zillges, Mercury union president of the International Association of Machinists Local 1947, confirmed that the union has not been notified of any planned layoffs in Fond du Lac as a result of the Brunswick announcement on Thursday. The union represents 1,550 workers.

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Miss Sunday. Miss A Lot. UP FRONT Chances are those ﬁreworks you bought are illegal. Does anyone care?

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SPORTS • Brewers visit Minnesota in interleague series • Area baseball reports • NASCAR coverage

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GREAT PEOPLE Snapshots of our community, our friends, our lives.

GENERATION WHY? What’s on columnist David Williams’ mind this week? Read Sunday and ﬁnd out.