Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday 12/8/21
8 December 2021 News
House Fire Reported In FDL
No one was hurt during a house fire at 302 North Macy Street in Fond du Lac Tuesday afternoon. Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue was called to the two-story home at 3:12 pm for a report of smoke coming from the attic. Crews found heavy fire conditions on the first floor of the home when they arrived. Flames were quickly extinguished but not before they caused extensive damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated. (Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue photo)
COVID Vaccination Percentages
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says its reporting system for updates on COVID-19 activity in the state remains down. That being said the department reports that 59.1 percent of state residents eligible for the COVID vaccine have received at least one dose. Fond du Lac County reports 51.7 percent of its population has received at least one shot in the arm and 49.4 percent have completed their series of shots. In Winnebago County those percentages are 57.3 and 54.8 percent respectively. In Green Lake County those percentages are 53.7 and 51.2 percent, in Dodge County 48.6 and 46.3 percent. In Waupaca County 52 percent of residents have gotten at least one shot in the arm and 49.7 percent have completed their vaccine series, in Waushara County those percentages are 43.1 and 41.2 percent respectively.
Local Agencies Receive Transportation Aids
Governor Tony Evers and the state’s Department of Transportation this week announced nearly $4 million going to local transit services for seniors and those with disabilities. The funding will go to 50 agencies in the state. Among the local agencies receiving funding are ADVOCAP to help pay for volunteers for their services in Winnebago County. They are getting over $32,000 ($32,293). Brooke Industries serving Fond du Lac and Green Lake counties is receiving $50,400 to pay for a minibus. Dodge County will get $35,200 for a minivan. Green Valley Enterprises which also serves Dodge County is receiving more than $40,000 for a project they are doing in their building ($40,646).
Emergency Zones Bill
A bill co-authored by Joan Ballweg that creates emergency zones for those responding to a roadside emergency has been signed into law. According to a survey done by AAA, 17 percent of Wisconsin drivers have experienced a crash, or near miss, with an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. Ballweg says, “Our police officers, EMS, fire departments and tow truck drivers put themselves in extremely dangerous situations when trying to clean up accidents or remove vehicles from the side of our highways.” An emergency zone is defined as a section of roadway within 500 feet of an emergency vehicle or tow truck displaying a visible signal or flashing red lights. Just like in a construction zone, the new law will ban the use of cell phones, double the fines for certain traffic violations and if the traffic violation results in bodily harm, create an instance where the operator of the vehicle can face a higher penalty.
Hein Park Playground Equipment Fundraiser Update
The Markesan Police Department which has been spearheading an effort to raise funds for new playground equipment at Hein Park recently gave an update on that effort. About $10,000 or 25 percent of the goal has been donated toward the equipment so far. Police Chief Will Pflum says it is exciting to think that they have already raised a quarter of the money needed to make the project a reality in the spring. 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. He says it is the department’s goal to have the new playground area landscaped and a large portion of the new playground equipment in by next June.
Dallman Contemplating Second Term
Half way through his first term representing the 41st State Assembly District, Alex Dallman says he’s getting ready to gear up for reelection. He points out just like Congress state representatives run on a two-year election cycle so you always seem to be fundraising or campaigning. The state lawmaker from Green Lake says it would be nice to have more time to work on legislation, but they also have to be cognizant to the fact that they have to work at campaigning. Dallman says ultimately it will be up to voters whether he or someone else represents the district. Dallman says part of his role this year was getting to know who he represents, which he says he enjoys doing.
First Responders Of The Year
Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt says they feel honored to have not one, but two deputies recognized this fall with First Responder of the Year awards. For the 52nd State Assembly District Deputy Derek Rehfeldt was recognized for getting two men and a dog safely out of a Town of Waupun home that was on fire on September 24th. For the 53rd State Assembly District Deputy Blaine Evans was recognized for his actions during a shooting at the Fox River Mall last January. Evans was off duty and administered life-saving treatment to one of the victims. Sheriff Waldschmidt says the deputies enjoyed their time in Madison when they were recognized with the awards in October.
Town Square Celebrating Tenth Anniversary In 2022
Next year will be a big year for the Town Square Community Center in Green Lake. Amelia Compton Wolff of Town Square says the center will be kicking it into high gear as they celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2022. She says one of things they will be doing is collaborating with the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County area in January, February and March for a Cabin Fever for kids series. The first will be held on January 21st for what they are calling “Kids Behaving Badly,” which will include activities kids will enjoy participating in. There will be some returning favorites as well including Dino Daze, Paint the Town Red and two pop-up Supper Clubs one each in April and October.
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