9/13/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
13 September 2023 News
SEMI TAKES OUT FIRE HYDRANT IN RIPON
The City of Ripon’s Department of Public Works had to make some repairs Tuesday after a hit-and-run accident near the corner of Metomen and Griswold Streets took out a fire hydrant. Police Chief Bill Wallner says around 7:20 am a semi-truck struck the fire hydrant causing a break in the underground water pipe system. No one was injured, but there was major damage to the road. The semi left the scene, but was eventually found. During last night’s Ripon Common Council meeting it was mentioned that damage to the hydrant caused a leak that released 12,000 gallons of water a minute. City Administrator Adam Sonntag said the incident was “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” and since Griswold Street is also County Highway E they have checked with the County to get permission to detour heavy truck traffic so those trucks won’t use Griswold Street. The matter will be discussed at the Council’s next meeting. (Ripon Police Department photo).
NFDL MAN CHARGED IN DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH
Bond has been set at $25,000 cash for a North Fond du Lac man suspected of supplying drugs in an overdose death. Eugene Jackson is facing a first-degree reckless homicide charge and three fentanyl trafficking charges. He made his initial appearance in Fond du Lac County court Tuesday and returns Friday for a preliminary hearing. On September 23rd of last year North Fond du Lac Police responded to an ambulance call on Gaslight Drive. They found a vehicle parked in the driveway and the 25-year-old man inside Jorge Santos-Ron, was not breathing and had no pulse. He was later pronounced dead. The cause of death was determined to be drug related. According to the criminal complaint police knew the Gaslight Drive address was connected with drug activity. An investigation determined “Gino” Eugene Jackson was supplying drugs, and Santos-Ron was dealing them for him. (Fond du Lac County Jail photo).
MARSHFIELD MAN CHARGED FOR CHILD ABUSE INCIDENTS IN OSHKOSH
Bond has been set at $50,000 cash for a former Oshkosh man charged with two counts of felony child abuse. Charges stem from injuries to a two-month-old child that was brought to a hospital earlier this month with substantial bruising over most of his body as well as a brain bleed. The child was flown to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. A social worker notified police. According to court documents 39-year-old Michael Ormond told an officer he had thoughts of hurting the baby since bringing him home from a hospital. Ormond allegedly admitted harming the child when he was alone with him. The baby was born two months premature and spent 47 days in a neonatal intensive care unit. The worst incidents of harm allegedly happened last Thursday when Ormond admitted squeezing the baby’s legs, arms, neck and mouth. Ormond also told investigators he shook the infant and set the baby down too hard. He said he was triggered by the baby’s crying. Ormond will be back in court on September 21st.
HEAVY HEARTS AS RIPON COUNCIL DISCUSSES FILLING VACANCY
There were some heavy hearts last night during the Ripon Common Council meeting when they tackled how they would fill the vacancy in District 3 created by the unexpected death of Alderman Howard Hansen. Mayor Ted Grant introduced the agenda item and choked up a bit, handing the task off to City Administrator Adam Sonntag. Usually, a vacancy on the Council is filled by appointment, but Hansen’s remaining term runs until April of 2026. The Council approved the process for filling the vacancy pending what City Attorney Lud Wurtz finds out from state statute whether it should be filled by election. If the appointment process is used the opening would be posted for a couple of weeks, followed by an application process, a chance for candidates to speak to the Council during an October 23rd Council meeting, and ultimately the successful candidate would be seated at the Council’s November 14th meeting. The seat would only be open to residents living in District 3.
EASTERN RIDGE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCATION PARADE OF HOMES
Five new homes will be featured in the Eastern Ridge Home Builders Association 2023 Parade of Homes this weekend. The tour, sponsored by Verve a credit union, runs Thursday through Sunday at the home sites. Marty Schibbelhut is the Association’s Executive Officer. He says tickets for the tour are available at the home sites or on the Association’s website which also includes directions. Those who visit all five home sites can fill out the back of their ticket for a drawing for a $100 Kwik Trip Gas Card. The drawing will be held next Monday. Hours for the parade of homes are 4 to 7 pm Thursday and Friday, and 11 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday. Homes are located on County Highway K and Backwater Drive in Fond du Lac, Olden Road in Eldorado, Black Wolf Point Road in Oshkosh, and Fiddelhead Court in Green Lake. The homes were built by Karr-Bach Builders, Dream Builders, Winfield Homes, and Valido Homes.
Parade of Homes – Eastern Ridge (easternridgehba.org)
THRASHER OPERA HOUSE CORPORATION ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of the Thrasher Opera House Corporation will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 7 am at the Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake. The annual presentation to members and the public will include a financial report, an update on the activities of the Corporation, and the election of the Board of Directors and officers. Thrasher Opera House’s mission is to promote the arts and the power of live performances, provide a community gathering place, and preserve the historic Thrasher Opera House. The Thrasher was built in 1910 and was restored in 1997. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. It seats 200 and is a charming, intimate, friendly venue with excellent acoustics.
A FINAL DUEL
Next month’s Seventh Annual “The Duel” at Ripon College will be the end of the line for the popular fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area. Ted Oliver Productions provides the performers who “Duel” on a pair of Baby Grand pianos. The evening at Ripon College’s Great Hall also includes a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, an appeal, a meal, and the live music. All proceeds benefit the operation of the Club. Ashley Bartol is the Club’s Director of Development. She says although it is a popular fundraiser they are retiring it after the Saturday, October 28th performance. The evening features a Halloween theme which also works for the final performance. Tickets are $75 which includes the meal and the entertainment or $35 if you just want to attend the entertainment which is from 8 to 11 pm. The registration deadline is October 13th. Tickets and registration are available through the Club’s website. (Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area graphic).
RETRO RIPON PROM FRIDAY NIGHT
At a time of year when high school kids are celebrating or preparing for a homecoming game and dance, Ripon residents will have the opportunity to go to an adult prom. Friday night the American Legion Post will host the Retro Ripon Prom the kick-off event for this weekend’s Septemberfest which has a Retro Ripon theme. Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mandy Kimes says the prom is for adults 18 and older and will feature music, drinks, appetizers, and more. Mixologists will be mixing up cocktails and mocktails. She says some people will pick attire from their favorite decade to wear to the prom or something appropriate, but everyone is welcome. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. The Retro Ripon Prom is from 7 to 10 pm Friday evening. (Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce graphic).
PENIEL WELSH CHAPEL ELVIS AND JOHNNY CASH GOSPEL TRIBUTE
Peniel Welsh Chapel will be hosting a gospel tribute to Elvis and Johnny Cash this Saturday at 6 pm. Depending on the weather it will be outside. The tribute artists will sing the best of Elvis and Johnny Cash gospel songs. There will be a female artist who will also sing great gospel songs. A free will offering will be taken to help with maintenance, restoration and community outreach. Refreshments will be served. The Historic Peniel Welsh Chapel is located between Oshkosh and Rosedale at W9644 Zoar Road 7 miles north of Rosendale on State Highway 26 then a half a mile west on County Highway FF. Anyone with questions can call Carolee Schultz at 920-858-0320.
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