4/20/22 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
20 April 2022 News
FDL County Board Organizational Meeting
Twenty-five new and returning supervisors were sworn in for two-year terms on the Fond du Lac County Board last night. Former County Board Chairperson Marty Farrell chaired the beginning of the meeting and oversaw the election of a new County Board Chairperson. Supervisor Sam Kaufman without opposition was elected to be the new chairperson. Kaufman’s term as chairperson could be brief he is the only candidate on the ballot for a special election for County Executive on June 7th. Kaufman said it was an honor to be chosen as the next chairperson and said he would do his best to honor Farrell and late County Executive Al Buechel by seeing that the board worked on issues in a non-partisan manner. Marty Ryan was elected first vice chair and Steve Abel second vice chair for the board.
Ripon Common Council Reorganizational Meeting
Mayor Ted Grant and four alderpersons were sworn in for new terms during the Ripon Common Council meeting last evening. Alderpersons James Werch and Al Schraeder’s time on the council came to an end. Werch said goodbye after 12 years and Schraeder after 20 years. Werch urged residents to use their energies for the good of the community and said it was an honor to serve the community. Mayor Grant said he was looking forward to working with the new council over the next two years. Alderman David Gallops was elected Council President. Ellen Sorenson was sworn in for her first term on Council, Jonathan Gatzke and Howard Hansen are returning to it for new terms, and after a couple years off council Doug Iverson will be serving a second term.
Feedback On Railroad Crossings
Fond du Lac County Highway Commissioner Tom Janke says the Commission of Railroads Office for the state has been getting some feedback about the possible closings of three at-grade railroad crossings in the towns of Metomen and Ripon. He says putting in signals or crossing bars is expensive so another option the state office is looking at is closing the crossings on Brandon Road, Sunny Knoll and Sheldon Roads. But he says the state office must have gotten some feedback because now they want to meet on site to review them. Jahnke says closings those crossings could affect firefighter and ambulance response and farm traffic. He says the County Board’s Highway, Airport and Facilities and Public Safety Committees are looking at creating a resolution for the County Board that would express opposition to closing those particular crossings.
Sexual Assault Awareness
Ripon Police Chief Bill Wallner says when it comes to investigating sexual assault complaints they will frequently use the services of ASTOP which provides outreach, prevention and advocacy services for victims. In fact he says people who have been victimized and are in crisis can reach out to ASTOP by calling their 24-hour crisis line 920-926-5395. ASTOP also works in the schools across the county providing education to children tailored to the child’s age given the sensitivity of the subject. Wallner says in Ripon their School Resource Officer Lindsey Michels is providing that service in schools. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Markesan Police Warn About Medicare Scam
Police in Markesan have received complaints from several community members who got phone calls recently from scammers saying they are with Medicare and that they are calling to save them money. The scammer will tell the person that they can get the person money back off their Medicare premiums each month and can have it deposited into their bank account. The scammer will ask for personal information including bank account numbers. Markesan Police warn that Medicare isn’t calling around offering money back; it is a scammer trying to get access to your bank account.
Winnebago County Sheriff’s Employees Receive Specialized Training
The deputies and civilian staff of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office recently completed Mental Health First Aid Training for Public Safety. It’s a national program that teaches law enforcement professionals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The 8-hour training gives officers the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance abuse problem while connecting them to appropriate care. It’s expected to make a positive difference in officers’ lives and the communities in which they serve. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office employs nearly 200 staff members and has an adult detention program of 204 detainees.
Seats Almost Gone For Envision Annual Meeting
Envision Greater Fond du Lac President and CEO Sadie Vander Velde says they need to have a head count in by Friday for those who plan to attend their annual meeting next Tuesday at the Raddison Hotel & Conference Center in Fond du Lac. She says actually most of their seats have already been reserved by their members, but there may be a few left for those who want to register on their website. It’s the first time they have had an in-person annual meeting since January 2020 just before the pandemic began. Attendance is also up due to a timely speaker as a draw Chris Czarnik who will be talking about “Winning the War for Talent.” For more information visit the Envision website or call 920-921-9500.
Flower Basket Sale
The SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary is hosting its seventh annual spring flower basket sale from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday and Tuesday, May 2nd and 3rd. The sale will be outside near the hospital’s main entrance. All proceeds will support Ripon Community Hospital programs and services. The sale will feature a choice of high-quality 10-inch hanging baskets of flowers specifically grown for Wisconsin’s climate. There will be no preorders this year. Cost is $25 each. Cash and checks will be accepted; no credit cards. For more information call 920-229-9827.
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