8/24/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Thursday
24 August 2023 News
RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES
Heat advisories remain in effect until 7 pm tonight in Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Marquette counties. Heat index values or feels like temperatures could range from 100 to 105 degrees. Meanwhile an Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for Columbia and Dodge counties until 7 pm tonight with heat index values ranging from 110 to 115 degrees. Yesterday’s Excessive Heat Warning did see some record temperatures and heat index values in the area. According to the National Weather Service high temperatures were 102 in Wautoma, 100 in Waupaca, 98 in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh, and 97 in Ripon. Heat index values for those cities were 120 in Fond du Lac, 117 in Oshkosh, 116 in Wautoma, 113 in Ripon, and 109 in Waupaca.
PANDEMIC FRAUD ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
The U.S. Justice Department Wednesday announced the results of a nationwide enforcement action to combat COVID-19 fraud. That effort included 718 enforcement actions-including federal criminal charges against 371 defendants-for offenses related to over $836 million in alleged COVID-19 fraud. Attorney General Merrick Garland says the Justice Department has seized over $1.4 billion in COVID-19 relief funds that criminals had stolen and charged over 3,000 defendants with crimes in federal districts across the country. Criminal charges were filed against 371 defendants, and 119 defendants pleaded guilty or were convicted. Over $57 million in court-ordered restitution was imposed, 117 civil matters occurred, with over $10.4 million in judgements. Prosecutors worked with law enforcement to secure forfeitures of over $231.4 million. Many of the cases in the enforcement action involve charges related to pandemic unemployment insurance benefit fraud and fraud against the two largest pandemic Small Business Administration programs: the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
RENTAL SCAMS WARNING
Police in Waupun are warning residents about rental scams after a local realtor alerted them about it. They say there are some common warning signs that you may be in danger of becoming a victim of housing or rental fraud. They include the listing being copied or vague, no lease is available, and you can’t verify the address exists or the agent is with the company listing it. Other clues that it may be a scam the listing agent or property manager asks you to wire money or pay in an unusual way, they may ask for money before you sign a lease, they won’t let you tour the property, and the rent may be suspiciously low compared to other rentals in the area. More information is available on the Waupun Police Department’s Facebook page.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES DOWN IN JULY
Unemployment levels in the area last month were down from June. According to Federal Labor statistics Dodge County’s unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, it was 2.9 percent in both Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties, and 3.1 percent in Waupaca County. Green Lake County’s jobless rate in July came in at 3.2 percent, and the rate in Waushara County was 3.3 percent. The cities of Oshkosh and Fond du Lac also saw decreases in their unemployment rates coming in at 3 and 3.5 percent respectively. According to the state’s Department of Workforce Development unemployment rates in July decreased or remained the same in 68 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
SPORTS PRACTICE DURING HIGH HEAT
Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says if your kids are participating in sports make sure they aren’t overdoing it during practice on hot days. Mueller has a son herself who plays football and was scheduled to practice during yesterday’s high heat and humidity. She thought the coaches would cancel, but instead they opted to practice without pads. She says during extreme heat anyone spending time outdoors in a strenuous activity should drink plenty of water or fluids and they should be monitored for signs of heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness of the skin, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, and fainting.
SCHOOL BUSES REQUIRED TO STOP AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Town of Ripon Police Captain Howard Stibb says there are a couple of valid reasons why school buses stop at railroad crossings. He says first by state law they are required to stop, look and listen for any approaching trains. He says another reason those precautions are taken is because of the length of the bus and the precious cargo they are carrying, people’s children. Stibb says with school starting drivers should also keep in mind that school bus drivers can report anyone who drives unsafely around a bus that is picking up or dropping children off.
FDL COUNTY PARKS IMPROVEMENTS
Fond du Lac County Executive Sam Kaufman encourages county residents to get out and enjoy the county’s parks. He says the county parks department and the highway department staff have made the county parks a place to explore and enjoy. Kaufman is proud of the work that was done at Roosevelt Park which includes a new 200-foot pier. Next month a new bathroom and shelters at Roosevelt Park will be completed. He says up next, they will work on improvements at Waupun County Park. He is also in the process of starting up a county parks geocaching program with prizes for kids to enjoy. Kaufman also is setting up a Junior Park Ranger program for elementary school kids. (Sam Kaufman photo)
WATERFOWL HUNTERS EXPO IN OSHKOSH SUNDAY
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will co-sponsor the third annual Waterfowl Hunters Expo, a one-day celebration of everything waterfowl this Sunday at the Sunny View Expo Center in Oshkosh. The outdoor, family-and dog-friendly Expo will allow hunters to engage with the latest experts and technologies ahead of the Wisconsin migratory bird seasons. The public is invited to join in a day of exhibits, competition, and hands-on learning. The Waterfowl Expo’s one-of-a-kind experience will feature the 2023 Wisconsin Duck and Goose Calling Championships, a fastest-retriever contest, judging for the 2024 waterfowl stamp contest and a decoy carving contest. In addition, the Expo will include more than 120 hands-on exhibits and booths. (DNR photo)
LOMIRA CROSSING GUARDS APPRECIATED
The Village of Lomira and Dodge County Sheriff’s Office recently acknowledged the six people that serve as crossing guards in the village. Officials say Barbara Adelmeyer, Kacie Lieven, Mary and Bob Schraufnagel, and William and Marguerite Vilski, take time out of their lives to do their part in protecting the students attending school in Lomira. In a post on Facebook the letter of thanks goes on to say their efforts do not go unnoticed that they are sincerely appreciated for their willingness to keep the children of Lomira safe. Anyone who would like to be added to list of crossing guards, or would like to fill in, should contact the Lomira Village Hall or Dodge County Sheriff’s Sergeant Donald Counard by calling 920-386-4125. (Dodge County Sheriff’s photo).
OSHKOSH SANITATION SCHEDULE FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
The city of Oshkosh Sanitation Department reminds residents that due to the City’s observance of Labor Day, there will be no garbage or recycling collection on Monday, September 4th. Collections for the remainder of the week will be one day later. Garbage and recycling collection scheduled for Friday, September 8th moves to Saturday, September 9th. Regular services will resume on Monday, September 11th. Additionally, the City’s yard waste drop off site will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 4th.
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