Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 3/20/20
20 March 2020 News
FDL Man Charged For High Speed Chase
(Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s photo)
Bond was set at $2,000 cash for a 33-year-old Fond du Lac man involved in a high-speed chase in the city late Monday night. James Lietz Jr. made his initial appearance in Fond du Lac County court Wednesday. During the chase he ended up rolling his vehicle over after striking the center of a roundabout on Pioneer Road and was captured after fleeing on foot. He’s facing a number of charges including felony fleeing, and possession of cocaine and marijuana. There were a number of citations for traffic violations as well. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 27th. The pursuit was over about 2 miles of city streets.
Silver Lining
Each day during the COVID-19 crisis seems to bring a new set of restrictions having to do with social distancing, but Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller sees some positives in what we are going through. She says no matter how much emergency planning you do, no one could have foreseen this. “This is something that nobody has ever been down before. It’s one thing to talk about planning something like this, but it is a whole other thing to actually do it. And I think going through this and dealing with this as a community is only going to make us stronger.” Mueller also pointed out that although bars and restaurants are only allowed to serve food that is being taken out or delivered the usual licensing and permitting requirements for that have been lifted.
Restrictions Hurting Business During COVID 19 Outbreak
The executive director of the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce says businesses are grateful for the support the community is showing them during these unprecedented times. Jason Mansmith says it’s been a real struggle for businesses with the restrictions put on them for social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. “You know what we really do appreciate is the fact that there are a lot of really wonderful people in the this community that are still supporting our businesses and still making an effort to make sure that they shop their stores to their food and get those things taken care of so we are really blessed.” Mansmith says they appreciate the support those businesses give the chamber and now it’s the chambers turn to make sure they are supporting them and helping them through what may be a difficult time for them. The chamber has a web page devoted to COVID-19 information including a list of restaurants and their contact information.
FDL County Board Approves Pay Increase For Elected Officials
The Fond du Lac County Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds positions will pay more for the office holders beginning next year. The County Board this week approved increases in pay for those during their four-year terms of office. The first year there is a 2 percent increase in pay followed by a three percent increase in pay each of the next three years. Pay for elected offices have to be approved prior to an election for those offices. Those offices are up for election this fall with a primary election in August and the general election in November.
City Of Ripon Facilities Closed Due To COVID 19
COVID-19 has closed the doors of several City of Ripon facilities to the public. The Senior Activity Center is closed until further notice, also the Public Library, the Department of Public Works building, and City rental facilities. The City Hall is open, but with restricted access.
Alliant Energy Donates To Coronavirus Relief Efforts
Alliant Energy is donating $100,000 to the coronavirus relief efforts in Iowa and Wisconsin. The immediate support will benefit non-profit organizations and directly assist community needs in response to the crisis. Alliant Energy Foundation is donating $70,000 to Feeding America food banks in both states, $20,000 will go to the American Red Cross, and a $10,000 donation will support organizations providing food and other critical services in specific communities. The Alliant Energy Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by Alliant Energy Corporation.
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