1/2/24 Hometown Broadcasting News Tuesday
2 January 2024 News
MICHIGAN LOTTERY PLAYER WINS POWERBALL JACKPOT
A winning ticket sold in Michigan will claim last night’s $842 million Powerball jackpot. Michigan Lottery officials say the ticket was sold at the Food Castle in Grand Blanc, Michigan which is just south of Flint. The winner can choose the full $842 million in deferred payments or a $425.2 million cash option, both of which are subject to taxes. The winning numbers were 12-21-42-44-49, and the Powerball was 01. Monday’s jackpot was the fifth-largest ever won in the multi-state lottery, which started in 1992. Wisconsin did have one Powerball winner Monday, a ticket sold in Baraboo was worth $50,000.
SECOND SHOT AT FLEEING SUSPECT ENDS IN ARREST
It took more than nine months but this time Washington County Sheriff’s deputies were ready for a 26-year-old Appleton man who eluded them during a high-speed chase last March. It happened just before 1 am Saturday morning when a deputy saw a blue Dodge Charger on Interstate 41 northbound. The deputy was about to make a traffic stop for multiple equipment violations and an unsafe lane deviation and recognized the vehicle from an eluding incident earlier in the year. On March 19th, another deputy tried to stop the same vehicle when the driver fled at speeds of more than 130 miles an hour. The driver was never identified after the pursuit was terminated. This time spikes were set up north of the location in case the driver fled. When the suspect fled from the traffic stop the deputy pursued and the chase came to a quick end south of County Highway K after the suspect’s vehicle ran over the tire deflation spikes. The passenger, a 27-year-old Black Creek man, immediately exited the vehicle and failed to obey commands during the high-risk traffic stop. A taser was used when he aggressively approached deputies and he was taken into custody. The Appleton man who was driving the vehicle was taken into custody for fleeing. Both men were taken to the Washington County Jail.
THE BRUNETTE REPORT
A report prepared for the City of Ripon will help the city with organizational efforts. During a November 27th City Council meeting Allyson Brunette of Allyson Brunette Consulting did a presentation on the organizational strategic plan she prepared for the city. City Administrator Adam Sonntag says there is a lot of information in the 29-page report but it helped them update their mission and values statements and it will take a united effort to get everyone on the Council and city staff members behind it. He says the city should have mission and values statements, which many companies and corporations put into practice. The report analyzed the city’s organizational strengths, weakness, challenges, and opportunities. Sonntag says ultimately it will help with the city’s retention of current employees and recruitment of new employees.
POST HOLIDAY DEPRESSION
The lead psychotherapist for SSM Health’s Behavioral Health Walk-In Clinic at Ripon Community Hospital says it is difficult for many to make the transition from back-to-back holidays at Christmas to the brand new year. Amy Bayer says we try so hard for the “perfect” time with family and friends; and then suddenly it is gone. She says getting back to that regular routine is difficult and the weather doesn’t help either. She says the lack of daylight during the winter contributes to seasonal affective disorder. Bayer says it is a real condition that she’s seen in her patients. People have a tough time getting motivated if they suffer from it. If you are suffering a mental health crisis the Behavioral Health Walk-In Clinic can provide short term relief. You just have to check-in at the Emergency Department at Ripon Community Hospital.
FDL COUNTY UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN
As the old year wrapped up the Fond du Lac County United Way had not yet completed its fundraising efforts for the fall campaign. United Way Executive Director Amber Kilwaee says they were at 80 percent of their $575,000 goal. In the Ripon Area because of the merger with the former Ripon Area United Way those who gave prior to December 31st will see all of their donations go toward agencies the Ripon program formerly supported. Through the merger agreement the 12 agencies previously funded by the Ripon Area United Way will get 100 percent of Ripon area donations for 2023, 66 percent in 2024, 33 percent in 2025, with funding from the United Way ending for some after that. Kilawee says the 2023 Fond du Lac County United Way campaign will extend into this month and perhaps beyond until they reach their goal.
ALLIANT ENERGY COMPLETES SIX SOLAR POWER PROJECTS
Wisconsin’s energy future has never been brighter as Alliant Energy announced it has successfully completed six new solar projects in Wisconsin. Already the top utility in terms of Wisconsin solar generation, the completion of the projects adds 514 megawatts of solar energy, tripling Alliant Energy’s solar generation capacity. Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin president David de Leon says, “Completing these projects is a huge milestone and a pivotal moment in our journey toward a brighter energy future.” The six newly completed projects are the Wautoma Solar Project a 99-megawatt site in Waushara County, Springfield Solar Project a 100-megawatt site in Dodge County, Albany Solar Project a 50-megawatt site in Green County, Cassville Solar Project a 50-megawatt site in Grant County, Onion River Solar Project a 150-megawatt site in Sheboygan County, and Paddock Solar Project a 65-megawatt site in Rock County. Construction on these sites began in 2022 and employed nearly 1,000 workers who completed the projects safely and efficiently. (Alliant Springfield Solar Project pictured)
INLAND TROUT SEASON STARTING
The state’s Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that early catch and release season for inland trout starts this Saturday. On designated inland waters, anglers can target any of Wisconsin’s four inland trout species from January 6th through May 3rd using artificial tackle only. Any trout caught need to be immediately released. Check the Guide to Wisconsin’s Trout Fishing Regulations for more information. Once the general hook and line season opens on May 4th, anglers can keep the trout they catch, provided length requirements are met and bag limits are observed. Anyone wishing to participate in the season will need a 2023-2024 fishing license and an inland trout stamp, which are good until March 31st. As of April 1st, anglers will need a 2024-2025 fishing license and inland trout stamp. (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources photo).
Share |