Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 5/29/20
29 May 2020 News
Huge Increase In Unemployment Rates
The pandemic is having a noticeable impact on Wisconsin’s unemployment rates with most counties recording double-digit percentage rates. Fond du Lac County’s rate in April increased to 16.3 percent compared to 3 percent in March. Winnebago County’s rate last month was 14.2 percent. Dodge County is at 12 percent, Green Lake County 20.5 percent, Marquette County 16.4 percent. Waupaca County reported a 13.3 percent rate and Waushara County 15.4 percent. According to state figures Lafayette County had the lowest rate in the state in April at 9.7 percent while Iron and Menominee counties tied for the highest rate at 26.2 percent.
For more click here.
Inmate COVID 19 Testing
The Wisconsin National Guard increased its specimen collection efforts at prisons in Dodge and Fond du Lac County Thursday. Two teams have collected over 1,000 specimens at Dodge Correctional for COVID-19 testing since Tuesday. Two more teams at Waupun Correctional in Fond du Lac County have collected over 1,500 specimens since Tuesday. In addition two more teams began collecting specimens Thursday at Taycheedah Correctional in Fond du Lac. Through Wednesday 32 inmates at Waupun Correctional had tested positive and 8 at Oshkosh Correctional.
Appleton Man Arrested For Sixth OWI After Crashing Into House
A 46-year-old Appleton man was arrested for his 6th operating while intoxicated offense after crashing his vehicle into a home on Chestnut Lane in Appleton Wednesday night. Appleton Police asked for assistance from the State Patrol due to a possible conflict of interest with the vehicle operator Jason Zastrow. Zastrow showed signs of impairment during field sobriety testing and was arrested. A blood draw was done at a local hospital after which Zastrow was taken to the Outagamie County Jail and booked on an OWI-6th Offense charge.
Columbia County Drug Bust
Two Pardeeville residents are facing charges for allegedly running a drug operation out of a home on South Main Street in the Village of Pardeeville. Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner says a search warrant was executed at the home Monday and deputies found large amounts of various types of controlled substances, packaging material, firearms, and cash. No one was injured and children in the home were turned over to family members. Meanwhile Tiffany Manthey and Joshua Luckey, both 32-years-old, are facing a number of drug-related charges and two counts each of child neglect.
Reopen FDL County Task Force Disbands
The Reopen Fond du Lac County Task Force has disbanded. Task Force member Jeff Puhlmann-Becker says the group worked hard and fast and accomplished its goal of preparing businesses and supporting businesses for the time when reopening was possible. “As you reopen your business you think through what’s responsible and what supports your business in the best way possible and we’re at a point that the economy is open and each one of those businesses whether in Fond du Lac County or in our town are making decisions about what works for their establishment and their business model.” He says at this point most businesses are open at some level. The group was together for about four weeks.
Complete Count Important In Census
A member of the Complete Count Committee for Fond du Lac County would like to see the county and its municipalities reverse a trend of lower participation in the U.S. Census. Ellen Sorensen says 20 years ago both the county and the city of Ripon were among leaders in the state in the rate of participation in the U.S. Census. “In 2000 Fond du Lac County I believe led the state of Wisconsin and Ripon was one of the leading cities in reporting the U.S. Census, but by 2010 Fond du Lac County really dropped off and so did Ripon.” She says the census collects information including demographics that help government leaders determine the needs of their counties and municipalities. The census also helps in determining all-important federal revenue sharing. According to the latest figures 71.5 percent of those invited to participate in the census in Ripon had completed the census compared to a completion rate of 79.4 percent in Rosendale, and 76 percent in Waupun.
Ripon Chamber Of Commerce Office Open Again
The Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce has reopened its office. Chamber Executive Director Jason Mansmith says they are open from 9 am to 3 pm Mondays through Thursdays. He says they are following social distancing and other safety protocols to protect themselves and those visiting the office from COVID-19. “We are there to take care of whatever needs. If you’re still comfortable maybe doing curbside pick-up and those things for Chamber Dollars and that we will be able to accommodate you as well. We encourage you if you want to wear a mask we will definitely mask up for you as well.” He says like many businesses they are slowly getting back in gear so check out their website and social networking platforms to find out about upcoming events. They also have the latest information businesses need to know about COVID-19.
New K9 Team
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department has a new addition to their Patrol Division, K9 Deputy Michael Vis and his partner Koda. Deputy Vis has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2014. Koda is a 4-year-old Czech Shepherd trained in narcotics detection, article searches and tracking. The team has already tracked burglary suspects and seized large amounts of drugs including methamphetamine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin. Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt says more recently the team located weapons in two separate calls for shots being fired.
Share |