Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday 10/13/21
13 October 2021 News
Ripon Common Council Passes Outdoors Open Container Ordinance
The Ripon Common Council last night approved an ordinance creating an outdoor open container policy for entertainment events like Riponfest 2.0, Septemberfest, Summer Concerts on the Village Green, and Wine Walks. It would allow people to carry beer or wine on city streets and sidewalks in specific areas defined by event organizers. Mayor Ted Grant commented that the organizers would still have to come before the City Council to get approval for what amounts to a temporary Class B liquor license. The ordinance specifies the use of certain containers, wrist bands, and requires specific plans for the event including security. Police Chief Bill Wallner told the Council he was in favor of the ordinance because it will give his department some consistency in the enforcement of such events. The ordinance will be used for the first time for next month’s Wine Walk.
FDL School Board Approves Hiring Of Security Officers
The Fond du Lac School Board Monday night approved using $150,000 from the District’s General Operating Budget to hire up to 4 unarmed security officers. That action comes in the wake of a fight at the high school that led to the suspension of at least 11 students and criminal charges for one 17-year-old. During the Board’s meeting District Superintendent Jeff Fleig described what happened at the high school as a brawl. Fleig told the board he watched video of what happened and he’s never seen anything like it except in the movies. It took about a dozen staff members, five administrators, and police to break up the brawl.
New Police Chief For Fox Crossing
Fox Crossing has gone in-house to hire their new police chief. Captain Scott Blashka was named to the position succeeding Tim Seaver who will retire this Friday following a 35-year law enforcement career. Blashka brings 27 years of law enforcement experience to the role and takes over the leadership of a team of 33, including 28 sworn officers. The Fox Crossing Police and Fire Commission promoted Blashka to the role of Police Chief on October 4th. He was sworn in during the Village of Fox Crossing Board meeting on Monday.
Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Participating In Drug Take Back Day
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office will once again be participating in a statewide Prescription Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, October 23rd. Residents should bring their unwanted, unneeded or expired medications to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in Juneau between 10 am and 2 pm and dispose of them in the drug drop box in the lower level of the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office asks that you remove all solid, non-liquid medications from their container and dispose of them in a clear sealable plastic bag. Blister packages are acceptable as well. Liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging.
Fire Safety Tips
Ripon Area Fire District Chief Tim Saul says there are some basic fire safety tips for people to practice if it comes to a real fire. He says if a fire occurs at night when you are sleeping and you’re alerted to it there are a few steps to take. “Get out of bed and crawl your way to your bedroom door. Feel the handle for heat and if it is cool make your way out of the home and have a designated meeting place outside for your family. Saul says you should close your bedroom door at night because that closed door can keep you protected from the flames and possibly save your life. He says they’ve seen doors scorched by fire yet the room they are closed to remain untouched. Last week was National Fire Prevention Week.
Markesan Playground Equipment Fund
The Markesan Police Department is spearheading a fund drive for new playground equipment for Hein Park. Police Chief Will Pflum has been with the city over 20 years. He says over the last 3 to 4 years he’s been approached by a lot of parents about the playground equipment at the park. He says it was meant for younger children, but could use an upgrade which would allow older children to also use it. The equipment is designed for children from 4 to 13 years of age. BCI Burke of Fond du Lac put together a rendering of what the equipment they can supply might look like in the park. Pflum says people can get a pretty good idea from the rendering which can be seen on the police department’s Facebook page. Donations can be sent to the City of Markesan Hein Park Playground Fund, P.O. Box 352, Markesan, WI. 53946 or you can reach out to the city hall by calling 920-398-3031. Pflum says they could do the project in phases, but would like to begin next spring.
Deadline Extended For Oshkosh Micro Enterprise Program
City officials in Oshkosh say the deadline to apply for the Micro Enterprise Program has been extended to Friday, October 22nd. The city allocated $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation to launch the program. The program will award forgivable loans of up to $7,500 to assist eligible businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic economic crisis. Microenterprises are businesses that have five or fewer employees, including the owner located in the city. Applications are reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. More information including how to apply is available at the city website.
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