11/15/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
15 November 2023 News
BACK PORCH FIRE IN FDL
Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue responded to a back porch fire at 123 West McWilliams Street shortly before 10:30 last night. Fire crews found smoke and fire coming from the wooden porch and surrounding groundcover on the east side of the structure. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. The fire damage was contained to the wooden porch and a portion of exterior wall. All occupants were safely evacuated and returned to the home after the fire was out. No one was injured during the blaze. Fire investigators determined improper discarded smoking materials into leaves surrounding the wooden porch caused the fire. Fond du Lac Fire Department officials remind residents that smoking materials should be fully extinguished and placed in an appropriate fire-proof receptacle.
STATE SENATE PASSES BREWER STADIUM DEAL
State Senator Dan Feyen of Fond du Lac was among those in the Senate approving a pair of bills Tuesday to provide funding for maintenance, rehabilitation, and upkeep of the 22-year-old Brewers stadium. Feyen says, “I’m proud that the final version of the bill goes further to help counties across the state, including my home county, Fond du Lac County, by reducing the County Sales Tax Administrative Fee, allowing counties to keep over $7 million more in sales tax revenue in 2024.” Feyen points out since 2001, American Family Field has contributed $2.5 billion to the state’s economy. That resulted in $24 million in net state revenue and 3,000 jobs in 2022 alone. Feyen says this is a good deal for baseball fans, a good deal for taxpayers, and a good deal for the State of Wisconsin. Governor Evers announced yesterday that he will sign the bipartisan plan passed by the State Legislature. He called it a great day for Wisconsin.
STATE ASSEMBLY PASSES SPECIAL SESSION BILL AND OTHERS
The State Assembly Tuesday passed a $2 billion Middle Class Tax Cut, increased the Childcare Tax Credit by nearly $150 million, and expanded childcare capacity in “childcare deserts” across Wisconsin. Representative Jon Plumer, who represents the 42nd District, voted in favor of the legislation. The state lawmaker from Lodi says, “We continued efforts today in the Assembly to address rising prices and the cost and availability of childcare.” In addition to the Special Session bill, the Assembly passed numerous reforms to help address mental health issues. Plumer says those five bills get rid of government red-tape, increase mental healthcare capacity, and direct state departments to provide additional mental health funding.
RIPON COMMON COUNCIL APPROVES 2024 BUDGET
The Ripon Common Council last night approved the City’s 2024 Budget with a tax levy of more than $3.84 million and a total budget of $17.8 million. City Administrator Adam Sonntag said they were still waiting on final assessments numbers from the state so the best they could do is estimate a mill rate of $8.95. He recapped the budget and changes made during the budget process. That included increasing an allocation to Envision Greater Fond du Lac from $2,000 to $6,500 or half of the original amount of $13,000 that was proposed. Mayor Ted Grant gave anyone in the audience several chances to speak about the budget but no one came forward.
FDL COUNTY SHERIFF’S K9 IRO CONTINUES RECOVERY
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s K9 shot during a domestic incident in Fond du Lac last month is continuing to make progress in his recovery. Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt says Iro got a fresh set of x-rays yesterday and everything looked great. He’s still wearing a splint for a few more weeks but got “very excited” to climb back into his squad car. Although he’s not back on patrol, it is now safe to transport him back and forth to appointments in the squad again. Waldschmidt says Iro sniffed around the freshly cleaned and detailed squad car, and then settled right back into his favorite position on the shoulder of his handler and partner. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation continues its investigation of the October 14th incident during which Iro was wounded. His handler Deputy Blaine Evans is on administrative leave after having to exchange gunfire with 34-year-old Kyle Massie who was inside a vehicle. Massie was wounded and first aid was rendered, but Massie died at the scene. Iro was shot and seriously wounded. Sheriff’s deputies were assisting Fond du Lac Police during a domestic disturbance involving weapons. (Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s photo).
RIPON ROAR TUTORING GRANTS
When it comes to the funds the Ripon Education Foundation puts back into learning opportunities outside the normal classroom setting in the Ripon Area School District no need is too small. In the past year over $55,000 donated toward the Foundation and the annual Ripon Roar fundraising campaign went toward teacher and special program grants. Jeanne Williams is the President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. She says a smaller effort, though no less important, are the Jennie Long Tutoring Grants which provide funds to teachers for one-on-one tutoring of elementary students in math and reading. She says they know from parent’s feedback those grants have made an impact on student learning. The annual Ripon Roar Week fundraiser for the Foundation is going on through this Friday at midnight, but donations will be accepted through the end of the year. Donations can be made online at Ripon Education Foundation. org or can be sent to P.O. Box 395, Ripon, Wisconsin 54971.
Ripon Education Foundation – Jennie Long Elementary Tutoring Program
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS JUST OVER TWO WEEKS AWAY
Ripon’s Dickens of a Christmas is just over two weeks away. It runs Friday through Sunday December 1st through the 3rd, but unofficially kicks off on Thursday, November 30th with the American Legion Chili Supper Drive-through from 3 to 6 pm. Friday will bring a full slate of activities including the Holiday Parade of Lights at 6:30 pm. Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mandy Kimes says there will be a few new twists with the parade. There will be a stilt walker, animals, there’s a prize for the parade, and after the parade the Fox Valley Fire Arts Show performers will put on a show. Santa of course will be the main attraction in the parade. Kimes says they will also have a petting zoo this year featuring animals that work with those who have special needs. A full list of activities for Dickens of a Christmas can be found at the Chamber’s website.
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS | Ripon Chamber of Commerce (ripon-wi.com)
TIN WOMAN TO BE PERFORMED AT RIPON COLLEGE
Ripon College’s Benstead Theatre will host performances of “The Tin Woman” tonight through Saturday with performances each evening at 7:30 pm. It’s about a young woman around the age of 30 who receives a heart transplant and how she copes with her second chance at life and when she meets the donor’s family. The donor Jack Borden died in an automobile accident. It’s based on a true story. The cast includes Ripon College students and veteran players from the Ripon Area Community Theatre. The play’s director is Robert Amsden who says the drama is laced with humor and a positive outlook. Tickets are free and are available by emailing Boxoffice@ripon.edu. More information about the play and cast is available at the Ripon College website.
‘The Tin Woman,’ play featuring student, community performers, opens Nov. 15 | Ripon College
SSM HEALTH INFORMATION SESSIONS ON ORGAN EYE AND TISSUE DONATIONS
SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac is hosting an educational tabling event at its three hospitals the week of November 27th in partnership with the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and UW Organ and Tissue Donation. In addition, Deb Tooth, SSM Health Advanced Care planning specialist, will be available to answer any questions about end-of-life wishes, and should donation be a part of those wishes; how to make sure those wishes are honored. Attendees can also help others by donating their used eyeglasses for recycling and get answers to questions about organ, eye, and tissue donation. The first event is at the Ripon Community Hospital lobby from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Monday, November 27th. The second is at the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic lobby in Fond du Lac from 9 to 11 am on Wednesday, November 29th. The last event is at the Waupun Memorial Hospital Café from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, November 30th.
GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT THURSDAY
The annual Great American Smokeout is scheduled for tomorrow. The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, encourages people who currently smoke to quit-even if it’s just for one day. This year members of the East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention say there are more effective tools than ever before to help people quit. Laura Nakielski of the alliance says there are a lot of places people can go for help. The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line provides free help and medications. There number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW, that’s 1-800-784-8669. The Medicaid program provides free quit smoking services and medications through its cessation benefits. The American Indian Quit Line provides Native Americans free help and medications. That number is 1-888-7AI-QUIT. Teens who are addicted to e-cigarettes can receive free help through the Live Vape Free program by texting “VAPEFEE” to 873373. The East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention serves Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, and Waushara Counties.
WISCONSIN DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCATION ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTED
The Wisconsin District Attorney’s Association has released its list of the recipients of this year’s prosecutor of the year awards. Bayfield County District Attorney Kimberly Lawton is the 2023 District Attorney of the Year. Kenosha County Deputy District Attorney Carli McNeil is the Deputy District Attorney of the Year. Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Sarah Skiles is the Assistant District Attorney of the Year. Milwaukee County District Attorney Dan Flaherty is the 2023 Rising Star. Rock County Assistant District Attorney Jerry Urbik won the Distinguished Service Award. Green Lake County Assistant District Attorney Kurt Klomberg was awarded the President’s Award. Klomberg is a former Dodge County District Attorney. Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney is the President of the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association. The awards were presented during the fall State Prosecutors’ Education & Training conference held in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin earlier this month.
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