Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday 3/25/20
25 March 2020 News
More COVID 19 Head Lines
The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Wisconsin increased by 41 Tuesday to 457 with another 8,237 tests coming back negative. Governor Tony Evers “Safer at Home” order goes into effect today encouraging those who work for “non-essential businesses” to stay at home and prohibits “non-essential travel.” In Fond du Lac County so far 18 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus and one person has died.
In other news connected to the pandemic the state’s Department of Workforce Development is closing job centers across Wisconsin starting today. Anyone filing for unemployment insurance can check for information and apply online at the Department of Workforce Development website. Those seeking job search assistance in Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago counties can call 920-997-3272. For those in Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson and Marquette counties the number is 608-242-4881.
Fond du Lac County residents who need food during the pandemic can get information at the Fond du Lac County UW-Extension Service website. The Fond du Lac Food Providers Group has put together information on food pantries, hot meal programs, senior meal sites, getting help if you need food, and other information.
Dispatchers Cannot Answer Questions About Safer At Home Order
Fond du Lac County Emergency Management Director Bobbi Hicken is asking people not to call the county’s dispatch center with questions about Governor Evers “Safer at Home” order. Since the Governor announced the order Monday the dispatch center has been inundated with calls from residents who have gotten frustrated with dispatchers when their questions couldn’t be answered. Hicken says dispatchers need to be available to take calls from people who need police, fire and ems assistance.
Ripon Declares State Of Emergency During COVID 19 Outbreak
The Ripon Common Council Monday night unanimously approved a proclamation from Mayor Gary Will which declares a state of emergency in the City given the COVID-19 outbreak. The declaration gives City Administrator Lori Rich the power to act as an emergency management person working in conjunction with Police Chief Bill Wallner to take any necessary precaution or action related to city operations. The Council also approved a policy that will give guidance to department heads on any issues concerning the health of employees and efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus during the pandemic. That too was unanimously approved.
FDL County Pursuit
A 16-year-old Fond du Lac boy is facing charges for stealing a car in the city early Tuesday morning and leading a Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s deputy on a short chase. The owner called Fond du Lac Police at 4 am giving police a description of the vehicle and the direction it was traveling in. A Sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle, which after a brief pursuit crashed into a tree. The boy fled on foot, but was caught by police and Sheriff’s deputies after a K9 was brought in to track him. The teen is facing fleeing an officer, stolen vehicle, and obstructing an officer charges. No one was injured during the incident.
Waushara County Request For Part Time Residents
Waushara County Public Health Officer Patti Wohlfeil is asking part time residents of the county to stay at home in their main residences. She notes quite a few people own cabins, cottages, and vacation homes in the county, but they are asking those people to remain at their own residence. Wohlfeil says that will prevent overloading of the medical system in the county, which she says is already strained with the response in Waushara County.
Sheriffs Urge Public To Remain Calm
A couple of Sheriffs in the area are urging the public to remain calm and not get frustrated with the restrictions that have been put into place with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt and Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll both recently posted columns on their Facebook pages. Podoll noted as the situation unfolds the morals and the values of the community will be tested. Schmidt says he was already seeing an increase in the frustration with the drastic changes. Schmidt also urged residents to lock their homes, businesses, cars and garages and report suspicious activity. Podoll urged residents to stay strong.
Requesting Ballots For The April 7th Election
The Wisconsin Elections Commission says as of yesterday morning over 550,000 registered voters in the state had applications with municipal clerks for absentee ballots. With COVID-19 it is being encouraged. Fond du Lac County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says whether you are requesting an absentee ballot by the internet or email you will need a picture ID like a driver’s license. “We are seeing people that are taking selfies of themselves and sending that in that it is not correct that is just prolonging you receiving your ballot if don’t want to follow what the law requires what you need.” Ballots can be requested from your municipal clerk through mailing, emailing or faxing their office. You can also request a ballot at MyVote Wisconsin. Look for the “Vote Absentee” button at the top and follow instructions. Freiberg says when you do get your absentee ballot make sure you have a witness to see it placed in the envelope and that you both sign the envelope. The last day to request a ballot by mail is April 2nd.
Senior Food Delivery
The Ripon Senior Activity Center and Community Food pantry volunteers are delivering food to senior citizens in need during the pandemic. Center Executive Director Noreen Johnson says if you can’t pay for your food and are a senior in a high risk category or live with someone who is they can help. If you need groceries delivered or need financial assistance to help pay for them call (920) 748-6450. Johnson says anonymous community members and the Ripon FFA have provided funds for the food, but it is limited. “There was an anonymous donation, actually a couple of them, and then FFA has also donated to the Senior Center to make sure people are fed.” The food comes from Webster’s and is supplemented with some items from the Food Pantry.
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