Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 5/1/20
1 May 2020 News
FEMA Supplies State With N95 Respirator Masks
Wisconsin has received a delivery of 230,000 N95 respirator masks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, providing a needed boost to efforts to obtain personal protective equipment for distribution in the state. FEMA has also informed the state it will be receiving technology in the form of a decontamination system to help decontaminate N95 respirator masks, which will extend the life of the masks. Governor Tony Evers thanked FEMA. He says the critical supplies were badly needed for those working on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.
Expertise On Task Force Appreciated
A member of the Reopen Fond du Lac County Task Force says it’s nice to have so many local experts with the group. Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jason Mansmith says their first video-conference last week highlighted Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce’s proposed plan for reopening Wisconsin. Fifty-three of the task force’s members sat in on the conference. He says many of those on the task force have already had leads on response to COVID-19 in the county. “It was nice to kind of have all the people you’ve seen and heard so much from the last few weeks; Kim Mueller from the Health Department and Allen Buechel, Sadie from Envision Greater Fond du Lac and Jim Cleveland just to have all of them in front of us and find out what is going on.” Also serving on the task force from the Ripon area are; Ripon College President Zach Messitte, Ripon Area United Way Board of Directors President Jeff Puhlmann-Becker, Tom Rogers of Advanced Paper Enterprises, and Ripon Main Street Manager Craig Tebon.
Needs For COVID 19 Relief Efforts
Those looking to give monetary donations to COVID-19 relief efforts in Ripon have several options. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker is with the Ripon Community COVID-19 Task Force. He notes every day Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area do a food distribution at the former Market Fresh Grocery parking lot. “Food costs for them have been covered. The payrolls costs are not covered. So I know if people are looking for a good place to put money that certainly would be very tangible. People get meals every single day from the Boys & Girls Club.” Food pantries also need money and any gifts given to the task force are used for personal protection equipment or food. Resources for any needs are listed at the riponcovid19.org website. A new category at the site gives information on food delivery options.
Marinette Marine Contract Could Mean A Thousand New Jobs
The U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to Fincantieri Marinette Marine valued at more than $795 million to build up to ten guided-missile carrying frigates. The Navy says the contract is for one frigate with an option to build nine more. The Department of Defense says the contract could be worth up to $5.6 billion and construction could continue for 15 years if all the options are exercised. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin says the new contract could bring 1,000 jobs to Marinette. Marinette Marine was in competition with four other shipyards for the contract.
MPTC Cancels Commencement Ceremony
Due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 health crisis Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac has cancelled its commencement ceremony. Officials with the college say the COVID-19 situation remains very fluid, with many unknowns surrounding the reopening of the state, and with the announcement of Governor Tony Evers extension of the Safer at Home order and his Badger Bounce Back requirements. For that reason the College will not be able to hold a large celebration on June 27th. MPTC President Bonnie Baerwald says the safety of their students, employees, and communities are of the utmost importance to them. She did extend a personal invitation to the graduates to participate in next year’s ceremony, scheduled for May 2021.
COVID 19 Student Loan Relief
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act those with federal student loans will be getting a six-month grace period if they are having a difficult time paying those loans due to the pandemic. Under the legislation borrowers automatically get that grace period retroactive to March 13th for eligible loans. No payments will be due and no interest will accrue during the period, which lasts until September 30th. All auto-debit payments will be automatically suspended, but borrowers may want to cancel their autopay via their servicer’s website to ensure money is not deducted before the suspension is implemented. If it is deducted borrowers can request a refund. Repayment terms may be extended as a result of the six-month suspension.
Shop Small Virtual Event In Ripon Saturday
A dozen businesses in Downtown Ripon will be participating in a live virtual shopping event Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Main Street Manager Craig Tebon says Appleton did something similar and it went well. He says it is a chance for the public stuck at home due to the COVID-19 health crisis to support local businesses and do some shopping. He says participating businesses will give 5-minute video presentations on their products and services. “Maybe a special they are having or what their business is because this is actually reaching beyond Ripon so it’s a great way for businesses to introduce themselves to a wider audience.” It will be carried on Facebook Live on the Downtown Ripon and Ripon Wisconsin pages. To participate visit the Shop Small live event page on Facebook. Click the Interested-Going tab to be kept up to date with participating shops and receive a reminder when the event starts.
Spring Rubbish And Brush Pick Up In Berlin
Weather permitting the City of Berlin will begin its annual Spring Rubbish and Brush Pick-Up next Monday. The collection will be done Monday through Friday with a different area of the city each day. Department of Public Works officials say items should be placed on the terrace. Appliances will be collected for a $6 fee per appliance, which has to be paid in advance at the City Clerk’s Office. The city does not pick up tires or electronics. A brochure about pick-up services is available at the city’s website.
Fish Fry Faceoff
Wisconsin’s Tourism Department is asking residents to vote for their favorite fish fry online. Officials say over 13,000 votes were cast last weekend and twenty finalists were named. Among those top twenty were several area businesses including Jorgie’s in Berlin, Parnell’s Place in Oshkosh, Rustic Woods Campground in Waupaca, and Wendt’s on the Lake in Van Dyne. You can vote once a day through May 25th at the Travel Wisconsin website. Finalists were garnered from over 1,400 comments on social media and a reach of 225,000 people.
Share |