11/20/24 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
20 November 2024 News
DEATH DUE TO MEDICAL CONDITION NOT ACCIDENT
The death of a 57-year-old Brownsville man was due to a medical condition Tuesday afternoon and not a subsequent vehicle accident. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center began receiving 911 calls shortly after noon about a vehicle that had driven off the roadway on US Highway 151 near Interstate 41 and was down in a pond. Deputies and Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue were dispatched. About the same time the man’s wife called 911 to report she was on the phone with him when he told her he believed he was having a heart attack and trying to drive to the hospital. Deputies found the vehicle in about 2 feet of water. They forced entry and began life-saving measures. Paramedics continued those efforts as he was driven to St. Agnes Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No other vehicles were involved.
ANOTHER FAKE GUN INCIDENT IN OSHKOSH
Oshkosh Police took a juvenile into custody Tuesday afternoon who had displayed a facsimile firearm in the area of Oshkosh West High School. They got an anonymous call shortly before 3:30 pm from someone in the 300 block of North Eagle Street. An officer saw the juvenile near a church and the suspect was detained about a block away. A search of the area found the hidden facsimile firearm. The juvenile is being referred to the juvenile justice system on criminal charges of disorderly conduct and restrictions on use of facsimile firearms. This is the second time in the past month Oshkosh Police have dealt with a juvenile displaying a facsimile firearm. A 16-year-old Oshkosh boy was taken into custody on October 22nd after pointing a realistic looking airsoft handgun at a group of juveniles and threatening to kill them. That incident was also near Oshkosh West High School.
FORMER WAUPACA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY FILES CIVIL LAWSUIT
A former Waupaca County Sheriff’s deputy has filed a civil lawsuit against the county sheriff and former public officials. Former Sergeant Peter Kraeger testified in 2022 he raised concerns with an altered report. During a subsequent investigation a Waupaca County judge ruled there was a Brady violation or failure to disclose evidence that could change the outcome of a criminal case. According to the federal lawsuit Kraeger experienced retaliation and intimidation after telling superiors about the altered arrest report. He was suspended by a Sheriff’s Detective Captain who had altered the reports. The suspension was for going outside the chain of command by speaking with the Chief Deputy about the altered reports. A few days later he was issued a disciplinary written warning. A request was made to appeal that warning and it was eventually resolved. The defendants filed a motion this week to dismiss the complaint. It argues that if the court allows the case to move forward, that claims against Sheriff Timothy Wilz, now retired Chief Deputy Carl Artz and retired Captain Julie Thobaben should be dismissed under the theory of qualified immunity.
PARDEEVILLE WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SEVENTH OWI
An expired out of state registration led to the arrest of a 58-year-old Pardeeville woman for her 7th OWI offense early Tuesday morning. A Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy pulled Katherine Hepler over in the Village of Pardeeville shortly before 12:30 yesterday morning. She showed signs of impairment and after a subsequent investigation she was determined to be under the influence of a restricted controlled substance. Hepler didn’t pull over at first when the deputy activated lights and sirens. She continued for several blocks until she pulled into a driveway and parked the vehicle. She told the deputy she didn’t pull over because she wanted to get the vehicle home. In addition to the OWI charge, she is facing charges for operating after revocation, failing to install an ignition interlock device, resisting an officer, and drug paraphernalia possession. (Columbia County Jail photo).
VOTING MACHINE BALLOT AUDITING BEGINS IN FDL COUNTY TODAY
Fond du Lac County Clerk Lisa Freiberg tells us the voting equipment audit for ballots cast in the November 5th election in 15 different municipal wards across the county begins today. The voting units were randomly selected. The audit is being done to comply with state and federal statute, specifically the Help America Vote Act of 2022. Today there will be an audit of the 1,041 ballots cast in Wards 4 through 6 in the City of Ripon. The audit will be done in the City Council chambers. Other audits will be held in the Town of Taycheedah today, the Village of Brandon tomorrow, the Town of Rosendale and Village of St. Cloud Friday. The last recount will be in Fond du Lac next Monday. In total, 7,602 ballots will be audited. The ballots are being audited for President/Vice President, U.S. Senator, the 6th District Congressional race, and Fond du Lac County District Attorney. Freiberg says usually the voting machines are more accurate than a hand count.
City of Fond du Lac Wards 1, 6 and 13
Audit date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024, beginning at 8 a.m. in Room D of the City-County Government Center.
Ward 1 – 335 ballots
Ward 6 – 757 ballots
Ward 13 – 612 ballots
City of Ripon Wards 4-6
Audit date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers of Ripon City Hall.
Wards 4-6 – 1,041 ballots
Town of Rosendale Ward 1
Audit date: Friday, November 22, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. in Room G&H of the City-County Government Center.
Ward 1 – 454 ballots
Town of Taycheedah Wards 1-6
Audit date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, beginning at 7 a.m. at Taycheedah Town Hall.
Wards 1-6 – 3,515 ballots
Village of Brandon Ward 1
Audit date: Thursday, November 21, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Room G&H of the City-County Government Center.
Ward 1 – 553 ballots
Village of St. Cloud Ward 1
Audit date: Friday, November 22, 2024, beginning at 12:00 p.m. in Room G&H of the City-County Government Center.
Ward 1 – 335 ballots
AGRICULTURE IN WISCONSIN A STRONG PART OF THE ECONOMY
Governor Tony Evers this week announced results of a study by the UW-Madison that shows in 2022 agriculture’s economic impact in the state had increased to $116.3 billion. Over a five year span since 2017 agricultural production and food processing sectors also increased by 10.9 percent to contribute to that impact which represents 14.3 percent of the state’s total economic output. State Senator Joan Ballweg chairs the State Senate’s Agriculture and Tourism Committee. She says part of that is because of an initiative she and State Representative Tony Kurtz got passed that increased funds to increase exports of Wisconsin agricultural products. The state lawmaker from Pardeeville says while overall agricultural exports in the United States have decreased, exported AG products from Wisconsin have actually increased over the past three years. Governor Evers noted in his announcement that Agriculture in Wisconsin provides 353,900 jobs.
ROUNDY’S FINED
Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced Tuesday a settlement with Roundy’s Supermarkets resolving 1,202 alleged short weight violations and 90 alleged package labeling violations. Under the settlement Roundy’s does not admit any violations but will pay over $1 million in civil forfeitures, surcharges, and fees. Last December 13th, and from January 16th to January 18th, inspectors from DATCP and municipal weights and measures conducted inspections in 81 of 105 stores owned and operated by Roundy’s in Wisconsin. As a result of that joint effort, Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market stores owned by Roundy’s were inspected in communities including Appleton, Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oshkosh, Stevens Point, Waukesha, Wausau, and more. During the four-day survey 1,202 of the products inspected were found to have a listed net weight that was unreasonably inaccurate, meaning consumers received less than what they had paid for. The products were found to be overpriced an average of $1.44 per item.
WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS EMERGENCY KITS
The Director of Emergency Management for Fond du Lac County says during this Winter Weather Awareness Week it would be a good time to make sure you have what you need for emergency kits for your home and vehicle. John Ross says for the home you need enough supplies to last yourself and your family for up to 72 hours. Your kit should include non-perishable foods, water, batteries, a portable radio, flashlights, and extra blankets. You should also have a copy of important documents and whatever medication you may need. The emergency kit for your car incorporates some of the same items, but also items for your vehicle. Like jumper cables, a shovel, cat litter or sand for if you get stuck, flashlights and batteries, and a cell phone charger. Store your kit in a location where you can access it quickly during an emergency. Winter Weather Awareness Week runs through this Friday.
NEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EDUCATOR FOR DODGE COUNTY EXTENSION
The Dodge County UW Extension Office has welcomed a new community development educator. Patricia “Pat” Malone says she is excited to come to Dodge County. She grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota. She has degrees in agricultural and applied economics from Virginia Tech and the UW-Madison. She has spent the last 36 years in Trempealeau County working for Extension as a community development educator. During that time she focused on a number of issues ranging from recycling to drinking water testing to long term care reform to strategic planning and leadership development. She is married with two grown daughters who are both in healthcare. She is also expecting to become a grandmother this spring. In her spare time she is an avid reader, fiber artist, and enjoys knitting.
ENVISION GIFT BOX FUNDRAISER
The Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agri-Business Council Gift Box fundraiser is taking orders for holiday gift boxes stuffed with treats from area producers. There are four boxes to choose from ranging in price from $30 to $100 depending on the variety of contents in each box. Envision Director of Agricultural Programs Amy Ries says the fundraiser is one of her favorite programs because it allows them to highlight products of some of their staunchest supporters. Ultimately the proceeds support the Agricultural Ambassador or Ag in the Classroom program they offer to schools throughout the county. Orders for the boxes will be accepted through December 6th and they will ship to all 48 states in the Continental United States. More details can be found on Envision’s Events page on Envision’s website.
BEE WINNER ANNOUNCED AT RIPON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital clinical partner Herb Sanders has been named the newest recipient of the BEE or Be Exceptional Everyday Award. A patient nominated Sanders. That patient wrote: “Herb went above and beyond to take good care of me. I really felt like he cared about me as a person, not just a patient. I was really feeling bad, and I couldn’t thank him enough for his care and just being here for me.” The BEE Award is specifically designed to recognize non-nursing staff members who demonstrate great teamwork and communication skills, collaboration, professionalism, exemplary service, and a commitment to excellence.
Photo credit: Herb Sanders, (center), an SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital clinical partner, receives a BEE Award from hospital leaders Nicole Gill and Jen Bunker.
FDL MUSICAL AUDITIONS
Fond du Lac Community Theatre will host auditions for their next production, Company. Auditions will be held on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Show up at any time and plan to stay for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Auditions will be held at the Fond du Lac County Theatre firehouse at 250 West 9th Street in Fond du Lac. If you know you cannot make it to the audition, please email the director as soon as possible (trevorjclementi@gmail.com). An alternate audition day will be scheduled for those who can’t make it Saturday. If needed, callbacks will be held on Sunday or Monday. The “concept musical” Company centers around a 35-year-old bachelor named Bobby as he reflects on his life experiences with his friends-who are all married, or about to be married. Company will be performed February 13th through the 16th at Goodrich Little Theatre in Fond du Lac.
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