Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday 4/29/20
29 April 2020 News
SSM Health Furloughing 5 Percent Of Its Workforce
SSM Health, owner of Agnesian HealthCare, announced this week approximately 2,000 employees have been placed on furlough across its four state health system including Wisconsin. Additional employees will experience reduced hours. Officials with SSM Health say the furloughs are happening as the company invests in supplies and tools needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile the volume of patients across their health care system has decreased by about 50 percent. It’s also freezing executive compensation and non-critical open positions, but still providing annual salary increases for employees. The furloughs are expected to last 13 weeks.
Certain State Parks Reopening
Governor Evers Tuesday directed the Department of Natural Resources to re-open several state parks, forests, and recreational areas originally closed due to unprecedented crowds and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health. The DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on Saturday under special conditions to help minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements, and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience. Restrooms and other facilities including towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations, and concession buildings will remain closed.
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Naked Driver Arrested
The Washington County Sheriff’s Department stopped a car early Saturday morning in the Town of Addison that was driving 30 miles under the speed limit on I-41 southbound. It also drove in and out of a ditch and down the middle of the interstate. When a deputy approached the vehicle he noticed the woman driving it was completely naked. The 29-year-old Juneau woman driving the car said she was doing it for “the thrill of it.” The woman further explained she had left home with no thought of putting clothes on. She was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and her male passenger was cited for marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession.
FDL County Task Force Developing Reopening Plan
A task force in Fond du Lac County is developing a plan to reopen business, industry and organizations once the COVID-19 threat diminishes. District Attorney Eric Toney was one of those that spearheaded the initial effort that Envision Greater Fond du Lac has taken the reins on. He says the comprehensive plan will have to be flexible because there could be some rolling restraints depending on whether we see a second wave of the pandemic. “I’m sure we will have to change it as time moves on and we learn more about this it will be very important for expanded testing, not just the availability of test kits but who is eligible for testing.” Members of the task force include public health officials, community partners, business and industry representatives, and elected officials.
Take Good Care Of Your Teeth During Health Crisis
The president of the Fond du Lac Dental Society reminds residents to take good care of their teeth while they are social distancing or in isolation. Dr. Chad Goeke is a member of the Wisconsin Dental Association. He says due to the pandemic they are not doing the usual cleanings and treatment they normally do. So he recommends brushing twice daily and flossing at night to keep tooth decay away until you can see your dentist or dental hygienist again. “We’re not going to be able to take care of you right now. So we have to really step up our game at home and really ask everyone to take even better care of their teeth than what they were.” Dentists are seeing those who need emergency treatment. To schedule an appointment make sure you call ahead.
Downtown Ripon Semifinalist In Americas Main Street Contest
Historic Downtown Ripon has been announced as a quarterfinalist in the 2020 America’s Main Street contest, held by national small business movement, Independent We Stand. The public is invited to vote for their favorite quarterfinalist online through May 24th. Grand prize is $25,000. The top 10 semifinalists will be announced May 25th and the winner on June 2nd. Ripon Main Street, Inc. President Tom Moniz says he’s not surprised the downtown was named a semifinalist. He says, “Our Main Street is filled with business owners, property owners, and developers that devote their livelihoods to making our downtown district such a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
Long Time FDL Philanthropist Provides Matching Gifts
Long-time Fond du Lac philanthropist Jo Ann Ward has provided $2,000 to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation for a matching gift challenge. The Fond du Lac Area Foundation Disaster Relief Fund and National Alliance of Mental Illness Fund each are receiving $1,000 matching gifts. Donations made to the Disaster Relief Fund or NAMI Fund by May 9th will be matched dollar-for-dollar. The Foundation manages both funds. Ward is a past CEO of the Fond du Lac Convention and Visitors Bureau and founder of Walleye Weekend.
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