7/31/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Monday
31 July 2023 News
BUSY THURSDAY FOR GREEN LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Thursdays have kept the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Department busy the last two weeks dealing with tragic or potential tragic events. A few days ago the department dealt with a single engine plane that went down in a cornfield in the Town of Brooklyn. Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk says the plane was out of South Bend, Indiana on its way to EAA and lost power going down in a corn field near State Highway 49 and Townline Road. Vande Kolk says fortunately the two men in it suffered only minor injuries, they were treated at a hospital and released. A 37-year-old Sun Prairie man was not as fortunate the Thursday before that when he drowned while swimming off of a pontoon on Big Green Lake. Vande Kolk says they were fortunate to get plenty of help in efforts to recover the body of Simil Sebastian including from his family and friends. Vande Kolk says there are plenty of deep spots on that lake and he recommends using a life preserver. This Thursday the Sheriff’s Office will keep busy, but this time at the Green Lake County Fair. (Green Lake County Sheriff’s photos).
WAUPACA MAN SENTENCED IN SHOOTING DEATH
A Waupaca County judge Friday sentenced the 47-year-old Waupaca man responsible for the shooting death of 18-year-old Rylee Manente. William Zelenski was sentenced to life in prison, but the judge left open the possibility of being released on extended supervision after 35 years. Last month a jury found Zelenski guilty of first degree intentional homicide for shooting Manente with a double-barreled 12 gauge shotgun in October of 2020. In February the teen’s mother 37-year-old Tiffany Powell was sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in his death. According to the criminal complaint Zelenski suspected the victim and another teen of burglarizing his home and of stealing $19,000 worth of exotic pets, guns, and alcohol. Zelenski had befriended the boy’s mother and the two confronted Manente about the theft on Van Street. Zelenski was armed with the shotgun. After the shooting Zelenski called 9-1-1 and claimed the teen had attacked him.
MILWAUKEE MAN CHARGED WITH VEHICLE THEFT IN FDL COUNTY
A 43-year-old Milwaukee man is facing vehicle theft and bail jumping charges in Fond du Lac County for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Fond du Lac. On Sunday, July 23rd a vehicle was reported stolen in the city and a Sheriff’s deputy spotted the stolen vehicle traveling together with a red SUV on Interstate 41 southbound near Townline Road. The deputy pulled the vehicle over on Pioneer Road after it got off the interstate. According to the criminal complaint the driver, Toua Vang, had a set of five keys commonly known as “Shaved keys” that are used to steal vehicles. Vang was convicted of vehicle theft in Ozaukee County nearly 4 years ago and served just shy of a year in prison. He has pending cases in Waukesha and Sheboygan counties. During his initial appearance in Fond du Lac County court last Wednesday bond was set at $10,000 cash and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for this Friday. (Fond du Lac County Jail photo).
FIRSTNET DEBUT AT EAA
One of the pieces of newer technology to be debuted at EAA AirVenture probably went unnoticed by many. Winnebago County officials worked with AT&T to bring FirstNet to the EAA grounds. FirstNet is a nationwide wireless network built for first responders and the extended public safety community. Winnebago County Supervisor Jacob Floam says FirstNet provides the extra bandwidth first responders need to respond to emergencies. He says people attending EAA know there are issues with cell service on the grounds and FirstNet cuts through that for first responders. He says the service was specifically provided for AirVenture, but it is nothing new FirstNet provides the same service for first responders at Lambeau Field.
AIR QUALITY
Lately we’ve gotten a break from the Canadian wildfires smoke that gave us poor air quality, but Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller urges those in sensitive health groups to heed air quality advisories when they are issued. She says if it is recommended you stay indoors especially if that recommendation comes from your health care provider; you should pay attention. She says for some it wouldn’t be a bad idea to use an N95 mask such as people were using during the height of the COVID pandemic. If you can’t get your hands on one, the Fond du Lac County Health Department puts them out in the lobby of the first floor of the City-County Government Center in Fond du Lac. During peak ozone, people with lung disease such as asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors including outdoor workers should reduce or consider avoiding prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, while all others should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
KOONCE NAMED TO HORICON BANK BOARD
Horicon Bank recently announced the appointment of Dr. George Koonce to Horicon Bank’s Board of Directors. Koonce currently serves as Senior Vice President of University Relations for Marian University in Fond du Lac. He also serves as a Board Member for several prominent organizations including the Green Bay Packers, The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin, and Ascension Healthcare. Koonce says, “This appointment to the Board of Directors reflects Horicon Bank’s unwavering dedication to fostering excellence, embracing diversity, and enhancing the customer experience.”
BIRD AND DEER SURVEYS
The Wisconsin DNR is asking for the public’s help collecting crucial deer and game bird management data. The data will be collected beginning tomorrow through the Operation Deer Watch Survey and the Game Bird Brood Observations Survey. The deadline to submit bird observation for the Game Bird Brood Survey is August 31st. The deadline to submit deer observations for the Operation Deer Watch Survey is September 30th. Participation in both surveys is simple. It doesn’t require registration and can be done using a mobile device.. More information on both surveys is available on DNR webpages. (DNR photo)
Operation Deer Watch | | Wisconsin DNR
Game Bird Brood Observations | | Wisconsin DNR
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