Hometown Broadcasting News Thursday 10/31/19
31 October 2019 News
Name Released From Fatal Columbia County Accident
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the motorcyclist killed in a crash with a tractor Sunday afternoon. Twenty-nine-year-old Christopher Fred Hansen of Beaver Dam died at the scene of the accident on Highway 60 near Hanneman Road. Sheriff Roger Brandner says the tractor was pulling a gravity box filled with corn. The tractor operator was not injured. Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be factors in the crash.
Ripon Common Council Discusses Possible Fees
Expect more discussions in the future about using fees to offset property tax levies for the Ripon City Budget. The Common Council this week discussed a wheel tax and the possibility of a transportation utility. Alderperson James Werch made it clear that they were not going to be approving anything like that during Monday’s meeting. Alderperson Doug Iverson filled the council in on what was being discussed at a recent Wisconsin League of Municipalities meeting. For example the City of Appleton is using a $20 wheel tax to help pay for street repairs and overlays. Others have instituted $15 and $10 annual wheel taxes. City Administrator Lori Rich informed the Council the city has about 6,800 registered vehicles that could be assessed that fee. Alderperson Al Schrader said in his conversations with constituents no one has had an appetite for a wheel tax. Another possibility is a transportation utility that would assess property owners equally to pay for street projects. Both suggestions have been referred to the Public Works Committee for future discussion.
Ripon Mayor Talks About Decision Not To Seek Another Term
Ripon Mayor Gary Will says after 10 years as mayor it was time to step aside and let someone else take over. Will announced during this week’s Common Council meeting that he was filing non-candidacy papers for next April’s election. Will says his personal life is changing a little bit and he and his family just want to enjoy more and cut down on his meetings. Over the past 10 years the city has seen a lot of net new construction, additions and expansions in the downtown and business and industry, and changes at the top in key positions not only for the city but the school district and Ripon College as well. He notes the city has been able to overcome hurdles like faltering of the Boca Grande development and the Watson Street fire and is in a good position to continue its’ progress. “Ripon is in a good place and Ripon is going to continue to be in a good place and I mentioned major projects and even staff and departments and stuff since I’ve been there.” Will is also in his fourth term as a Fond du Lac County supervisor. He says he plans to run for reelection for that seat on the board.
Bids Rejected For Smith Elementary School
The Oshkosh Area School Board Wednesday rejected two bids for the former Smith Elementary School. The District’s asking price was $649,000 or a reasonable offer for the 32,690 square foot building and 2.32 acres of land it sits on. Both bids failed to meet bid requirements and were much less than the asking price at $450,000 and $358,000. A new request for bids for the 124-year-old school was established and will be accepted until November 20th at 4 pm. The school closed this past June.
Dodge County Budget Endorsed By Finance Committee
The Dodge County Board’s Finance Committee this week gave its stamp of approval to the county’s 2020 budget. The proposed $117million dollar budget calls for a tax levy of $34.5 million which would be an increase of $564,000 from the current budget. The preliminary mill rate of $5.14 per $1,000 assessed value would be a 26-cent decrease for property taxpayers from this year’s budget. The budget will be adopted during the board’s November 12th meeting.
Trick Or Treating Today
A number of communities will be holding trick or treating hours today so watch out for children in these locations and at these times. Brandon from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Appleton from 4 to 8, Fox Crossing 4 to 7, Menasha 4 to 7, Neenah 4 to 7, Omro 4 to 7, Oshkosh 5 to 7, Rosendale 5:30 to 7, Waupaca 5 to 7, and Winneconne 4 to 7.
Haunted Ripon
Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and radio announcer Jason Mansmith dabbles a little in ghost hunting. He got into it with some friends who did a couple films called Haunted State and did a few TV episodes which are available on Amazon Prime. So we asked him about local haunts, so to speak, in Ripon for this Halloween. He says there are few spots on the Ripon College campus including Lane Library and the East Hall. Then there is Oswald Road also known as Witches Road. He says it’s mostly kids scaring kids and tales that are perpetuated, but he’s never run into anything there. “There’s supposed hauntings that take place in that area as well, but nothing that I’ve ever seen in my entire time of driving out there and I like to drive out there once or twice a year just to see what is going on.” He admits it’s a creepy road with overhanging branches that creates a tunnel effect, and it’s a winding road and a rickety farm house where terrible things supposedly happened.
Natural Beauty Council Beautification Awards Given Out
The Fond du Lac County Natural Beauty Council recognized five properties with Beautification Awards during the County Board meeting Tuesday night. The awards recognize properties for their landscaping, architectural and history. The City of Fond du Lac won an award for its work on The Prairie at Camelot Pond. Judy Lohse earned honors for her work on her home on County Highway B in Campbellsport. It dates back to 1868. The County’s Harbor Haven Health and Rehabilitation was recognized for its gardening and landscaping. Mildred’s Garden on Stone Castle Drive in Fond du Lac earned an award as did the Jeff and Jill Zimdahl property on County Highway F in Eden. At one time the Zimdahl’s property was a cheese factory in the 1930’s and a grocery store in the 1940’s. The Natural Beauty Council has been giving out its Beautification Awards for over 50 years.
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