Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday 2/10/21
10 February 2021 News
Second Variant Strain Of COVID 19 Identified In Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and laboratory partners last Saturday identified a second case of variant strain of the COVID-19 virus. The strain is known as B.1.1.7. The strain was first discovered to be circulating widely in England during November and December of 2020. The first case of the variant strain B.1.1.7 in Wisconsin was detected on January 12th. Researchers believe that the new strain spreads more rapidly and easily than the original strain of COVID-19. There is also some evidence emerging that the new strain may cause an increased risk of death.
Kewaskum Shooter Identified
Authorities have released the name of the 30-year-old West Bend man who shot and killed two Town of Kewaskum residents after breaking into their homes last Wednesday. Nicholas Pingel also stole two vehicles and assaulted several people while trying to flee. The two people he shot and killed were both men ages 77 and 72-years-old. The state’s Department of Justice says an autopsy confirms Pingel died from a bullet fired by law enforcement after engaging them in a gun battle at the scene on Forest View Road. The Washington County Sheriff’s deputy who fired the deadly round at him is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the shooting.
State Supreme Court Declines Hearing Appeal For Beck Murderer
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court late last month declined to hear the appeal of the 67-year-old Kenosha man convicted of killing an 18-year-old Sturtevant woman in Fond du Lac County in the summer of 1990. The state’s highest court declined without commenting on the conviction of Dennis Brantner for the 2nd degree reckless homicide. He was convicted in February of 2018. He was found guilty of murdering Berit Beck and leaving her body in a ditch near Waupun. He was sentenced to 10 years for Beck’s death. Brantner in his appeal claimed there was insufficient evidence against him and the case should have been dismissed. Last August the state’s Second District Court of Appeals upheld his conviction.
FDL Woman Wanted On Reckless Homicide Charge
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office has put out a nationwide alert in its efforts to locate a 33-year-old Fond du Lac woman wanted for a drug overdose death. Amber Schuster is wanted on a charge of first degree reckless homicide-delivering drugs. While they are asking the public for information on her location they are recommending that no one attempt to apprehend her. A picture and other information are posted on the Sheriff’s Facebook page. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the County’s Communications Center at (920) 929-3390 or you can leave an anonymous tip at (920) 906-4777.
Appeal To Slow Down
Officials with the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Department say the county isn’t off to a very good start when it comes to winter driving accidents. As of last Thursday the Office had responded to 7 injury crashes, 19 property damage crashes and 1 fatal crash since the beginning of the year. That compares to 42 injury crashes and 92 property damage crashes total during 2020. Officials say local First Responders, EMS, Fire/Rescue, and law enforcement would appreciate everyone slowing down, focusing on driving, and driving defensively. They also urge respect for drivers that are taking it slow. They remind drivers that having 4-wheel drive doesn’t mean you can stop any quicker than any other vehicle on the road.
Columbus Woman Allegedly Involved In Murder For Hire Plot
Federal authorities took a 37-year-old Columbus woman into custody last Friday for allegedly using the dark web in attempts to hire a hitman and pay them in bitcoin currency to kill a Sun Prairie man. The murder-for-hire plot involving Kelly Harper happened from late October through December of last year. Prosecutors say Harper had a bitcoin wallet with a value of $5,633. She is alleged to have given details of the person she wanted killed including physical descriptions, his vehicle and place of employment. Journalists found the information on the dark web and turned over the evidence to authorities. Harper is currently being held at the Dane County jail.
ThedaCare Reopens COVID 19 Mobile Clinics
ThedaCare made changes to its COVID-19 testing sites last week to protect patient and team member safety during the winter storm that brought heavy snow, gusty winds and bitter cold. At this time some mobile COVID-19 testing sites are reopening. That includes ThedaCare Physicians in Neenah which will be open from 8 am to 4 pm today and tomorrow and from 8 am to noon on Friday. Testing has been moved indoors those three days for the Gateway Respiratory Clinic. Testing will also be conducted from 9 am to 5 pm Thursday at Christ the Rock Community Church in Menasha.
Free COVID 19 Testing In Columbia County Cancelled This Week
Columbia County’s Emergency Management Office says due to the extreme temperatures this week, the National Guard will not be holding the Free COVID-19 testing at the Portage Water Utility today and the Cambria Fire Department Friday. More information will be released if testing at those locations is rescheduled. Officials say testing on Friday, February 26th from noon to 6 pm in Cambria is still on. Dates and times of testing sites are subject to change depending on the weather.
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