8/17/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Thursday
17 August 2023 News
HOUSE FIRE IN CALUMET COUNTY
Fire destroyed a home under construction in Calumet County’s Village of Harrison late Tuesday night. Harrison Fire Rescue responded to the home on Delta Drive about 10 pm. According to a press release the structure was fully involved when firefighters arrived. Due to the extensive flames and fire spread, fire crews used a defensive tactic to extinguish the fire. The type of construction used in the home also was a consideration because of the possibly the structure could collapse on firefighters. Crews used approximately 27,000 gallons of water to put out the blaze. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Seven other fire departments, first responders, and Sheriff’s deputies also assisted at the scene.
MENASHA WOMAN STILL MISSING AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS
It’s been nearly 50 years since a Town of Menasha woman went missing, but Winnebago County Sheriff’s detectives continue looking for new leads in the case. Thirty-three-year-old Bonnie Marie Repinski was living with her sister when she disappeared on August 12th, 1975. She and her husband had gone to several taverns in the Neenah and Oshkosh area and they were heading back to the residence where Bonnie stayed. On the way they got into an argument and Bonnie got out of the car near the intersection of Interstate 41 and the former State 150 to walk home. She hasn’t been seen since. The Sheriff’s Office has posted a photo and physical description of her on their Facebook page. Anyone with information is asked to call the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office at 920-727-2888.
SALES TAX USE REQUEST DENIED
The Village of Campbellsport was hoping to get some help from Fond du Lac County in financing three housing projects, but county supervisors Tuesday night rejected a resolution that would have made that happen. Specifically supervisors were being asked to allow the use of some county sales tax funds this year and next year to provide three appropriations totaling $950,000 for the new housing projects. The projects will provide an additional 94 housing units. That would include a mix of multi-family and 22 single family homes. The county gets about $8 million in sales tax revenue each year and this past year shared about $1 million of that revenue with the different municipalities across the county.
EQUALIZED VALUES IN THE STATE INCREASE BY 13 PERCENT
The state’s Department of Revenue recently released its annual Equalized Values Report. The report shows Wisconsin’s total statewide equalized property value as of this past January 1st was $842 billion, a 13 percent increase over the past year. The change in equalized value was $98 billion, $13.1 billion of that due to new construction. The change in equalized value for residential properties was up by 14 percent. Fond du Lac County saw an increase in total equalized values of over $1 billion or an increase of 11 percent. Equalized values in Dodge County increased by 12 percent. They were up by 16 percent in both Green Lake and Waupaca counties. Equalized values rose by 11 percent in Waushara County and they increased by $2.1 billion or 12 percent in Winnebago County.
DOR Statement of Changes in Equalized Values (wi.gov)
CONGRESSMAN GROTHMAN DEFENDS TEACHING OF HUNTER AND ARCHERY PROGRAMS
Congressman Glenn Grothman has introduced a resolution condemning the Department of Education’s attack on schools that educate their students on responsible firearm handling. The resolution has been endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Safari Club International. Grothman says, “President Biden’s push to outlaw hunter and archery programs deprives Wisconsin students of valuable hunting lessons that make our children more comfortable outdoors.” He adds the decision to weaponize federal funds to target schools offering the training is a gross abuse of power. Grothman’s House Resolution condemns the decision of the Secretary of Education to prohibit the use of funds for the programs and reaffirms that hunter and archery programs should continue to be eligible to receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE IN MILWAUKEE
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson says a debate in Milwaukee on August 23rd is a good opportunity for Republican candidates running for President to draw attention to their stance on the issues facing the country. The federal lawmaker from Oshkosh says there have problems with the southern border crisis, inflation, gas prices, the surrender in Afghanistan and others. He would like to see former President Trump participate in the debate but doesn’t know if that is possible. Johnson says Wisconsin voters seem to prefer candidates that are genuine and not just telling them what they want to hear. Former President Trump and seven other GOP candidates have qualified for the debate in Milwaukee.
FDL COUNTY MEETS ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
The Vice President of Membership and Resource Development for Envision Greater Fond du Lac says they saw a lot of resilience from their membership over the past four years. Joe Venhuizen says historically Fond du Lac County has weathered recessions better than other parts of the country and the state because of its economic backbone of manufacturing and agriculture. But he says during the pandemic the County Health Department, health care providers, business and others involved in the Reopen Fond du Lac County Task Force also played an important role. Venhuizen says coming out the pandemic there have been other challenges such as the workforce shortage and inflation, but he again feels Fond du Lac County will remain strong and come out of it with a “soft landing.”
FDL REGIONAL CLINIC UNITED WAY PACESETTER
Two longtime organizations are teaming up for the Fond du Lac County United Way’s campaign. The United Way is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic which is part of SSM Health has been around for 107 years. The Clinic’s Service Corporation is the pacesetter for the United Way campaign. Dr. Jo Pasiuk is with the Clinic and also a United Way Board member. She says it’s a chance to give back to the community but also have fun at some of their fundraisers after the restrictions of the pandemic. They’ve set a goal of raising $50,000 as the pacesetter. She says they’ve been involved in health care efforts in Ripon, Waupun, Fond du Lac, Brownsville and 14 other communities for a long time. The kickoff event for the campaign is this Friday from 5 to 9 pm at The Hive in Fond du Lac with activities, information booths, food vendors and an 8 pm concert by Road Trip.
WAUSHARA COUNTY FAIR KICKS OFF
The “Biggest Little County Fair in Wisconsin,” the Waushara County Fair kicks off in Wautoma today. Among the highlights its Wristband Night for the carnival from 5:30 to 10 pm, the Old Times Band performs at the Midway Music Hall from 5 to 7 pm, and the Truck Pull starts at 7 pm. There’s also judging throughout the day in the Family Living, Youth Expo, and Flower & Vegetable Buildings. Judging will include; Junior Photography, Open Photography, swine, poultry and sheep judging.
RCH AUXILIARY MUM SALE
SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary has scheduled its sixth annual fall mum sale from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday and Tuesday, September 11th and 12th. It will be at the hospital’s main entrance. The sale will feature a choice of quality, 8, 9, 10 and 12-inch fall blooming plants with some new choices added. These include mums in various colors and sizes, and two varieties of grasses. The 10-inch mums will be multicolored. Prices range from $12 to $30 each. Cash and checks are accepted. No credit cards. All proceeds will support Ripon Community Hospital programs and services.
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