6/1/22 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
1 June 2022 News
Sheriffs Talk School Safety
In light of the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas a couple of area sheriff’s posted their thoughts on social media about school safety. Waupaca County Sheriff Timothy Wilz says they deliberately encourage their staff to perform extra patrols at each school within the county as often as possible. He says they also participate in a county-wide school safety committee. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says they will be increasing their visibility at schools in the county through the rest of the school year. He says after the tragedy in Texas he met with his staff and brainstormed addition protective measures they can take to keep schools secure. He says if you are in charge of security of an event or building, take it seriously and ensure that all measures are taken to prevent a hostile attack from happening. Schmidt points out tragedies have happened at schools, but they also have happened at churches, shopping centers, and places of business. He urges being vigilant and reporting anything suspicious.
Update On FDL School Threat
Fond du Lac Police determined a threat made on social media Monday about the possibility of a shooting incident occurring at the high school was unsubstantiated and there is no evidence of danger. Police were able to trace the posting on Snapchat back to three Fond du Lac High School students who were identified and interviewed. It was determined a male student made the comment. Investigators learned that last Thursday a student alleged that while walking through a hallway she heard a male subject state he had a gun. She said she did not see any weapon nor hear any specific threats to harm anyone. The student did not report the comment. It was brought to the attention of police Monday afternoon when the comment was shared on social media about an 11th or 12th grader with a gun and the possibility that it might be used at the school. Students return to classes at the Fond du Lac High School today, but there will be an increased police presence.
Woman Dies After Jumping From Squad Car
A 43-year-old Appleton woman being transported by Outagamie County Sheriff’s deputies died after jumping from the vehicle on State Highway 441 near Racine Street in the Town of Fox Crossing Monday evening about 5:30. Sheriff’s officials say she suffered significant injuries and was taken to a local hospital where she died. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. The two Outagamie County Sheriff Deputies involved are on administrative leave pending conclusion of the investigation. The Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office says it extends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the woman.
Aerial Enforcement Interstate 41 In FDL County Today
Better watch your speed today on Interstate 41 in Fond du Lac County because Wisconsin State Patrol officers will be monitoring the highway from the sky. Weather permitting the Air Support Unit is scheduled to patrol for traffic violations. Interstate 41 in Fond du Lac County is targeted for this enforcement effort. Aerial enforcement is one way to enhance public safety efforts. From the air it’s much easier to spot drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively. When a pilot observes a violation, they communicate with ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop.
FDL County Dispatch Survey
Fond du Lac County Communications has announced a new tool for the community to provide feedback to the department for those who have interacted with their staff. Starting today, certain callers, depending on the type of assistance they needed, will receive a text message survey a few hours after they call the dispatch center. Text messages will not be sent between the hours of 9 pm and 9 am. Each survey will consist of a few questions along with an opportunity to provide feedback. County Communications and Emergency Management Director Bobbi Hicken says the feedback is important to them. She says they would also like to share positive feedback with the dispatchers. Not everyone will receive a survey and callers who do not want to participate can simply not respond to the text message.
Containing The Coronavirus
A former member of the Ripon Community COVID-19 Task Force says the United States doesn’t commit to solving serious problems the way others do. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker says he recently saw an interview with New Zealand’s Prime Minister who talked about their efforts to contain the coronavirus. He says 95 percent of New Zealand’s population has been vaccinated for COVID-19. He says New Zealand also had a mass shooting at Christchurch but their legislature was quick to act on the gun violence. He says on the other hand even with a spike in COVID cases on the East Coast little has been done in the way of preventing its spread by requiring masks in schools.
Alliant Energy Scholarships
A group of 25 students in Iowa and Wisconsin have received $1,000 Innovation Scholarships from Alliant Energy. Innovation Scholarships recognize outstanding community leadership and innovative problem solving, and are intended to help students with the cost of higher education. Among the area students receiving scholarships are; Adam Banerjee of Green Lake who attended Ripon High School, Celina Lopez of Ripon who attended Ripon High School, Cameron Pokorny of Waupun who attends Waupun High School, and Hayley Moore of Wautoma who attends Wautoma High School.
Green Lake 175th Anniversary Sunday
Green Lake kicks off its 175th Anniversary with a celebration this Sunday at Deacon Mills Park from 11 am to 3 pm. Things will get started at 11 am with the National Anthem followed by a welcome from Mayor Ray Radis and State Representative Alex Dallman. The High School Band will perform. There will be other activities including secret tours of the Thrasher Opera House, an open house at the Dartford Historical Society, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, a picnic lunch, a Kids corner and much more. Evelyn Galster, one of the organizers, says Green Lake actually started out as Dartford in 1847 changing its name to Green Lake 60 years later. A more complete list of activities for the celebration is available on the Visit Green Lake.com website.
Green Lake’s 175th Celebration | Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (visitgreenlake.com)
Ripon Bicycle Rodeo
Ripon’s 7th Annual Bike Rodeo will be held at Barlow Park this Sunday from 11:30 am to 2 pm. It’s co-hosted by the Police Department and Trinity Evangelical Free Church. Pastor Paul Ethington says it is a free event for families and children, but the focus is on teaching children to be safe when they are riding their bicycles. Police Captain Troy Damsteegt says one of the biggest problems they see is bicycle riders who do not stop for stop signs. There will be a sack lunch, bicycle tune up station, lawn games and a bounce house. Each child will receive a bicycle helmet if they do not have one, and 5 bicycles will be given away. The city’s fire department and ambulance will also be on hand for the fun. In addition the church will have a worship service prior to the rodeo at 10 am at the pavilion.
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