2/16/24 Hometown Broadcasting News Friday
16 February 2024 News
FDL WOMAN ARRESTED FOR RECKLESS HOMICIDE
Fond du Lac Police say the circumstances surrounding the death of 33-year-old Ashley Ann Calo of West Bend are now being considered a homicide. On Wednesday police made an arrest in Ashley’s death, which occurred Tuesday. Twenty-year-old Annika Winter Trudell of Fond du Lac was arrested for first-degree reckless homicide and is currently being held in the Fond du Lac County Jail. Fond du Lac Police also arrested a 21-year-old Fond du Lac man for harboring a felon. Still pending is the exact cause and manner of death, which will be determined through an autopsy by the Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police say the investigation into Calo’s death is ongoing.
JURY TRIAL SCHEDULED FOR OMRO MAN ACCUSED OF HOMICIDE
A five-day jury trial is scheduled in Winnebago County court this June for the 22-year-old Omro man suspected of murdering an Eldorado woman. Joseph Olvera is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety. A trial is scheduled to begin on June 10th. According to the criminal complaint Olvera is suspected of strangling and killing 20-year-old Johanna Schultz in his apartment in the 500 block of Spruce Street on March 11thof 2023. Olvera was also involved in an eight hour standoff with police when he was arrested that day. Investigators learned Olvera and Schultz had a “toxic” relationship arguing several times a month. An autopsy determined Schultz died of “smothering.” A motion hearing is scheduled in the case on May 6th.
FOX VALLEY METH RING LEADERS SENTENCED
A Federal judge in Green Bay Wednesday sentenced five people to prison for their involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking organization that operated in the Fox Valley area and elsewhere. Mario Diaz of Moxie, Washington was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Luis Leon of Appleton got 7 years, and Rodrigo Diaz of Moxie, Washington got 6 years and 8 months in prison. Julio Vargas-Rodriguez of Appleton and Darius Robinson of Tacoma, Washington both received 6 year sentences. Mario Diaz was the leader of the drug trafficking organization. He obtained large quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico and paid couriers, including Darius Robinson, to distribute the methamphetamine throughout the United States. Rodriguez Diaz obtained and distributed several hundred pounds of methamphetamine from 2021 through 2022. Luis Leon and Julio Vargas-Rodriguez, who lived and operated in the Fox Valley area, received large quantities of methamphetamine from Mario Diaz. They received methamphetamine from a courier approximately 1-2 times per month and distributed over 3 pounds of methamphetamine per week. The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately $300,000 in cash, 125 pounds of methamphetamine, several vehicles, and dozens of firearms. The Lake Winnebago Area MEG Unit was among the investigating agencies.
RIPON COMMON COUNCIL NOTES
The Ripon Common Council this week accepted a $468,240 Stewardship Grant from the Wisconsin DNR for improvements to Selfridge Park. City Administrator Adam Sonntag says because of the amount, the grant actually had to be approved by the state legislature’s Joint Finance Committee. He also mentioned the city is in line for another grant to put in more inclusive playground equipment at the park. Sonntag also informed the Council at Tuesday’s meeting that the city had hired an assistant public works director. Katie Anding was one of five candidates that interviewed for the position. She currently works for the City of Columbus as its Wastewater Director. She begins her new role with Ripon on Monday, March 4th.
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY SATURDAY IN FDL
The 15th Annual Celebrate Community event will be held at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center in Fond du Lac tomorrow. Hours are 11 am to 3 pm. There is a $5 admission fee. It is the area’s largest diversity and inclusion event featuring over 50 booths representing community organizations and diverse backgrounds. Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says the Health Department will have a booth there. From Noon until 3 pm, many booths will serve free ethnic food samples and have children’s activities, while others will be selling their ethnic wares and artifacts. There will be multi-cultural live music and performances. A welcome ceremony will kick things off at 11 am.
NO ICE NO PROBLEM FOR GREEN LAKE’S WINTERFEST
Despite a lack of ice for the trout derby the Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce expects a lot of people to enjoy their WinterFest on Saturday, February 24th. Due to ice conditions, the trout derby portion of the event has been cancelled. All other activities kick off at noon in Deacon Mills Park, in downtown Green Lake. Chamber Executive Director Lisa Meier says there will be a heated tent at the park and plenty of activities for everyone. Activities will include a cornhole tournament, horse drawn wagon rides, a bonfire, food, beverages, a raffle and live music with Bradley Spurger and the 2 AM Band performing. To learn more about WinterFest visit the Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce website or call 920-294-3231. (Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce photo).
WISCONSIN CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE RESULTS
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski says the 2022 Census of Agriculture shows that Wisconsin’s agricultural diversity is its strength. The census is done every five years and according to it. Wisconsin ranked tenth in the United States for total value of production at $16.7 billion. Census results also indicated that Wisconsin farms had a net farm income of $77,839 in 2022. Romanski says Wisconsin is home to more than 58,000 farms, and 95 percent of those are considered family farms. He notes 13.8 million acres of land is dedicated to farming. Agriculture in Wisconsin has an impact that goes beyond the commodities produced and the consumers who enjoy Wisconsin food, fuel, and fiber. Census data also shows that about 10 percent of Wisconsin producers are younger than 35 years old. Wisconsin had the second highest response rate in the nation for the national Census of Agriculture.
FONDY VOLUNTEERS
One of the efforts the Fond du Lac County United Way supports is volunteerism. Specifically they backed the creation of the Fondy Volunteers.org website when the Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac County folded in the middle of the last decade. United Way Executive Director Amber Kilawee says the website is a place where people can find out about opportunities available in the county or organizations looking for volunteers can post openings. She says among the agencies needing volunteers are Diverse Options and Traded Treasures Community Pantry in Ripon. She says agencies can sign up at the Fondy Volunteers.org website or you can call the United Way Office in Fond du Lac at 920-921-7010 for help. She says either way they will get you going in the right direction whether you are looking for volunteer opportunities or volunteers.
FondyVolunteers.org (galaxydigital.com)
MPTC COLLEGE PREVIEW DAY
Moraine Park Technical College will be hosting a College Preview Day for high school juniors and seniors on Wednesday, March 13th from 9:30 am to 12 pm at the Fond du Lac Campus Conference Center. During the event students have the opportunity to tour campus, visit program areas, connect with MPTC staff and students, win prizes and more. Registration for the day is available online. Registration closes on March 6th. Anyone with questions should call Katie at 920-924-3347.
College Preview Day – Moraine Park Technical College
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