Tuesday News 7/2/19
2 July 2019 News
Silgan Containers In Waupun Closing
The state has received notice that Silgan Containers in Waupun will close its main plant at 505 Libby Street this November. The state’s Department of Workforce Development says 70 people will be laid off when the plant closes on November 8th. The metal container manufacturing facility has been operated by Silgan since 1987, but the plant itself dates back more than a century to 1917. Employees were told about the closing on June 3rd.
New Marquette County DA Appointed
Governor Tony Evers recently appointed Brian Juech to serve as Marquette County District Attorney. Juech has been an assistant district attorney in Waukesha County. He has more than eight years’ experience as a prosecutor, trying every type of case from misdemeanors and traffic cases to sensitive crimes and other serious felonies. He succeeds Chad Hendee as District Attorney. Hendee was elected to circuit court judge in the county. Juech fills the remainder of Hendee’s term, which ends in January of 2021.
Amtrak Bus Service Now Available On The I-41 Corridor
A new Amtrak bus service began Monday providing two daily round-trip buses between Green Bay and Milwaukee on the I-41 corridor, in Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. The service provides connections to and from Chicago using Amtrak Hiawatha trains. In Fond du Lac the bus service will stop at the Radisson Hotel. In Milwaukee its two stops include the Intermodal Station and General Mitchell International Airport. State DOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson says, “This service provides residents in the I-41 corridor with convenience, comfort and connection.” Tickets are available at the Amtrak website.
Feyen Likes JFC Version Of State Budget
State Senator Dan Feyen of Fond du Lac believes the Joint Finance Committee’s version of the state budget approved by the State Assembly and Senate last week is a good investment in the state. He feels it hit all the top priorities. “At the end of the day it is a responsible budget and invests in the priorities of Wisconsin while returning over $500 million to Wisconsinites in the form of tax cuts.” He points out that among other things it invests over $500 million more in K-12 education, invests $66 million more in General Transportation Aids, millions more in health care, and returns over $516 million in tax cuts to hardworking families. The budget passed in the State Senate last week by a slim 17 to 16 votes.
Fireworks Safety
Ripon Police and Fire officials work hand in hand to combat the sale of illegal fireworks within the Ripon area. But Ripon Area Fire District Chief Tim Saul says people will still use illegal fireworks around the 4th of July. He notes some fireworks stands even sell permits, which supposedly allow the permit holder to shoot off illegal fireworks. He says they ran into one of those cases last year. “Where somebody had gotten a permit and they wanted to buy fireworks that go up in the air and they were surprised that that permit was not legal. Fireworks anything that goes up in the air or explodes is illegal.” He says fireworks sold at a stand on the western end of the city are legal because both his department and police checked it out. Chief Saul recommends leaving the fireworks to professionals. If you decide to use fireworks, even something as seemingly harmless as sparklers, he suggests having a garden hose or some type of extinguisher on hand in case of fire.
Congressman Grothman Introduces Competency Based Education Bill
Congressman Glenn Grothman is one of three Wisconsin Congressmen that have introduced a bill that provides the framework needed for universities to more easily and effectively provide Competency Based Education to students. Grothman says students who have mastered a course would be able to test out earlier and take more classes, which would allow them to graduate earlier and spend less money on their education. “A lot of time students may learn something, but it doesn’t take them the whole semester to learn it you know you can pass a test and show that you mastered stuff more quickly and if you can do that your tuition shouldn’t be as great and you should be able to get out of school quicker.” Co-sponsors of the bill are Wisconsin Congressmen Mike Gallagher and Bryan Steil. Grothman says the University of Wisconsin is a leader in Competency Based Education.
County Office Closings For The Fourth
Green Lake County government offices will be closed this Thursday and Friday to observe the Independence Day holiday. That includes the Green Lake County Government Center, Highway Department, and Fox River Industries. Normal hours will resume next Monday. Waushara and Dodge County Offices will also be closed all day Thursday to observe the holiday.
Dodge County Sheriffs Citizens Academy Taking Applications
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office will be offering its fifth annual Citizens Academy this fall. The 15-week course includes topics on: OWI enforcement, crash investigation, criminal investigation, and firearm’s training. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says the program is meant to give community members the opportunity to learn about the daily operations of the department while also providing an opportunity to meet and interact with the employees of the sheriff’s office. Classes will be held Wednesday evenings from September 11th through December 18th. Applications can be found at the Sheriff’s website and should be returned by July 10th.
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