1/29/25 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
29 January 2025 News
WISCONSIN JOINS LAWSUIT AGAINST NEW TRUMP POLICY
Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul announced yesterday the state is joining a coalition of states in a lawsuit to immediately stop a new Trump Administration policy aimed at unilaterally forcing all federal agencies to stop nearly all federal assistance and grant and loan funding that support kids, families, and communities in Wisconsin and across the country. The Trump Administration’s new policy would immediately jeopardize critical federal benefits and investments that provide crucial health and childcare services, support public schools, combat hate crimes and violence against women, and provide life-saving disaster relief to states, among other critical programs. According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, Wisconsin is estimated to receive $28.2 billion in appropriated federal investments over the 2023-25 biennium. Governor Evers sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider the new policy. Wisconsin joined 22 states in suing to stop the Trump Administration from withholding essential Federal funding. A federal judge Tuesday temporarily blocked the new Trump Policy until next Monday.
JURY TRIAL SCHEDULED FOR FORMER WCI INMATE
A three-day jury trial has been scheduled for a former Waupun Correctional inmate facing attempted first-degree intentional homicide and aggravated battery charges. The trial for 50-year-old William Lasalle is scheduled to begin June 25th with a motion hearing set for April 21st in Dodge County Court. According to the criminal complaint on January 24th, 2024 prison staff was sent to a cell Lasalle was in for a reported stabbing. They found the victim lying on his back in the top bunk bed with blood on and around him. The victim had multiple puncture wounds to his right arm, chest, and left foot. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for life-threatening injuries. He suffered five puncture wounds and three lacerations. Lasalle refused to speak to investigators. Lasalle is currently incarcerated at Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage.
REPUBLICANS LOOKING FOR TAX CUTS
Republicans in the State Legislature will once again shoot for tax reform and tax cuts in this legislative session. State Senator John Jagler says they aimed for that in the last session but the Governor vetoed most of their income tax cut proposals aimed at the middle class and seniors. The state lawmaker from Watertown says with a $4 billion surplus the state should be returning that money to taxpayers, but according to what he said in his State of the State Address that is not what Governor Toney Evers has planned. The Governor talked about different spending plans and plans to grow government. Senator Jagler says not one Democrat voted in favor of the Republican-crafted budget that the Governor signed into law during the previous session, but the Governor took credit for the tax cuts during his reelection campaign and the State of the State.
CONGRESSMAN GROTHMAN ON REINSTATEMENT OF SERVICE MEMBERS
Congress Glenn Grothman issued a statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order to allow military service members who were discharged under the Biden Administration for not receiving COVID-19 vaccine to reinstate them with their former rank and receive full back pay and benefits. Grothman says he applauds the President for offering reinstatement to the military service members who were wrongfully discharged under the Biden Administration simply for following their beliefs. The federal lawmaker from Glenbeulah says, “What’s worse, their discharge appears to have been politically motivated, as they were released from duty during a period when the military was missing recruitment goals by tens of thousands of soldiers.” Congressman Grothman adds that reinstating those troops has long been one of his goals.
STATE BUSINESS LEADERS SURVEYED ABOUT TARIFFS
Wisconsin business leaders support President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on goods imported from China, according to the latest Wisconsin Employer Survey, conducted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. Eighty-six percent of respondents of the semiannual WMC survey support imposing tariffs on countries like China in response to unfair trade practices. But business leaders have concerns about tariffs on nations like Canada and Mexico. Forty-four percent support 25 percent tariffs on imports from America’s north and south neighbors. However, 56 percent oppose it. Still, 73 percent support President Trump’s plan to use tariffs as a negotiating tactic to slow illegal immigration into the U.S. When asked how increasing tariffs would impact their business, 50 percent said it would have a negative effect, 26 percent said it would be positive, while 24 percent said it would have no impact.
State Business Leaders Support Tariffs On China – WMC Wisconsin’s Chamber
OSHKOSH COMMON COUNCIL APPROVES REPAIRS FOR MENOMINEE PARK TRAIN
The Oshkosh City Council last night approved $50,000 to repair the Menominee Park Train and order materials to keep it running. In October of 2024 the city made a decision to leave the train out of the 2025 budget. City Councilman Jacob Floam says stakeholders and community groups rallied support for the train. It’s long been an attraction for the park in Oshkosh, but operating hours had fallen off and there were issues with the 70-year-old engine for the Menominee Express. The city will use interest from American Rescue Plan Act funding to keep the train going. The next step is to hire staff to work the attraction this summer. As for the long-term, Floam says those conversations will continue.
LEUSCH RETURNING AS RIPON SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER DIRECTOR
The departure of Christine Leusch as Ripon Senior Activity Center Director was short-lived. Leusch left last month to take a full-time job in a related field. However, City Administrator Adam Sonntag announced at this week’s Common Council meeting that they had worked to bring her back and she is returning to the job next month. In addition to overseeing Senior Center activities, the director does some work as a Recreational Department assistant. In other hiring news the city is looking for summer help. There are multiple openings for city crew assistants. Duties would include mowing and trimming to maintaining the downtown area. No experience is needed. Details are available on the city’s website on the employment page.
Join Our Team – City of Ripon, Wisconsin
FEAR OF FALLING
The Trauma Program Coordinator for SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac says if you have fallen or are worried about falling it is something you should let your primary care physician know. Kelly Faymoville works out of St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac. She says if they know you have fallen or have that fear they can intervene. That could include a medication assessment. She also chairs a coalition in Fond du Lac County called Standing Strong Against Falls. They can do a home assessment for fall risks or recommend strength and balance resources like Stepping On classes. She also suggests connecting with your county Aging and Disability Resource Center which can tell you where a Stepping On class is being taught. One of those classes will be taught at the North Fond du Lac Community Center in April and May. More information is also available by emailing StandingStrongFDL@gmail.com.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON
The 2025 Girl Scout cookie-selling season is underway. Missy Brozek is the Director of Brand and Communications for the Girls Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes. She says this year’s cookie lineup has 9 different varieties including favorites like Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties and more. All packages of Girl Scout Cookies including the gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip will be $6 each. Brozek says the sales support Girl Scout programs and activities, while selling the cookies helps girls build confidence and hone some skills. She says if you know a registered Girl Scout reach out to learn how they’re selling cookies. If you don’t know a Girl Scout, check with your local council or use the online Girl Scout Cookie Finder. Beginning February 21st customers can also purchase cookies which will be shipped directly to their homes. The link can also be used to find a local booth, purchase cookies, and/or donate cookies to local community causes. Cookie sales run through March 31st.
How to Buy Cookies | Girl Scouts
RIPON BLOOD DRIVE
The First Congregational Church of Ripon will hold a blood drive Wednesday, February 26th from noon to 5 pm at 220 Ransom Street. Those planning to attend should call the American Red Cross for an appointment at 1-800-RED-CROSS, that’s 1-800-733-2767 or visit Red Cross Blood.org and enter sponsor code First Congregation Ripon. You should bring a photo ID or blood donor card, or two forms of identification to the blood drive. Each pint of blood collected can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of many more. This is a great way to make an impact on people in the Ripon-area community and across the country.
Donate Blood, Platelets or Plasma. Give Life | Red Cross Blood
Share |