2/18/25 Hometown Broadcasting News Tuesday
18 February 2025 News
WAUPUN FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO CHIMNEY FIRE
The Waupun Fire Department responded to a chimney fire at W7235 Cortes Road Monday morning. When crews arrived, flames were visible coming from the chimney. Everyone was out of the house and firefighters began suppression efforts inside the home and through the top of the chimney. Personnel were on the scene for 1 ½ hours. Tom Clark owns the property. All damage was contained to the chimney. Once fire operations were completed the occupants were able to return to the home. No one was injured during the blaze. The Waupun Fire Department stresses the importance of having working smoke detectors in your home and of having your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. The time of the fire call was 10:20 am. (Waupun Fire Department photo).
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
A low turnout is expected for today’s Primary Election. Bitterly cold temperatures and a lack of races and issues will keep some away from the polls. In Fond du Lac County the only races today are the three candidates running for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and a race in the Town of Calumet for a Town Supervisor seat. The two candidates with the most votes in the State Superintendent’s race will face each other again in the April 1st Spring Election. During the April 1st election there will be Town, Village, and City races to decide, the State Superintendent’s race, a race for the State Supreme Court, a statewide referendum, and referendums for school districts in Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac, Oakfield, and Waupun.
RIPON HOUSING NEEDS
Ripon City Administrator Adam Sonntag says a Housing Study and Market Analysis presented at the last Common Council meeting was an opportunity to see what progress the city has made since the last study. He says the previous study was only a few years ago but shows the City is making some progress. Still the current study suggested the need for 50 additional units over the next five years and 200 over the next 10 to 15 years. One of the recommendations had to do with developing property the school district currently owns that the City has right of first refusal on. Sonntag says that’s something for future consideration. He says they have 14 lots that are being developed in Sandmar, and two other developments in the initial document stages. Sonntag says they will also talk with property owners who may have property available for sale. Sonntag notes they constantly hear from employers about the need for housing for their employees.
FLU HAS NOT PEAKED YET
The public health officer for Fond du Lac County says they’ve seen a decrease in COVID-19 and RSV cases. Kim Mueller says on the other hand hospitals across the country are full with people suffering respiratory illnesses chief among them the flu. She says the flu hasn’t peaked yet so if you or your children are sick, stay home so others don’t catch it. Other preventive measures she suggests include thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and covering your mouth or nose with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze. She also recommends washing your hands before you eat something or touch your face.
GREEN LAKE NOMINATED FOR TOURISM AWARDS
Green Lake has been nominated for three Wisconsin Tourism Awards. The Thrasher Opera House has been nominated for the Arts, Culture & Heritage Award which is presented to an organization that showcases Arts, Culture or Heritage that enhances the tourism experience and economic well-being of a community. Kylie Kline has been nominated for the Bright Idea Award for her Traveling through Green Lake Video Series. Green Lake Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator Angie Evans is nominated for the Rising Star Award which goes to someone new to the tourism industry that has shown leadership, passion, and a commitment to Wisconsin’s Tourism Industry. The awards will be presented at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism next month.
THRASHER EATS FOR THE ARTS RESTAURANT DAYS RETURNDS
Eats for the Arts Restaurant Days, an initiative from the Thrasher Opera House, will kick off on Thursday, April 3rd and continue through Sunday, April 13th. The event will feature 16 participating restaurants around the Green Lake area with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Thrasher Opera House. Eats for the Arts Restaurant Days also celebrates the culinary excellence in Green Lake and surrounding areas. Thrasher Director of Development Katie Menting says they are thrilled to bring the community together again through great food and local support. Participating businesses in Green Lake include; The 300 Club, Adam’s Rib, Chops, Norton’s, Oakwood Bar & Coffee Lounge, Oakwood Restaurant, Sassafras Coffee, and Waves Pub and Grill. Participating restaurants in Ripon include; J’s BBQ, Knuth Brewing Company, Mr & Mrs P’s, The Public House, and R.C Nutrition. Other participating businesses include CorNutrition in Berlin, Horseradish Kitchen + Market in Princeton, and Oyster Crackers in Montello. Information and more details, including hours and menus of participating restaurants, are available at the Thrasher website.
CONSERVATIVE ENVIRONMENTALIST SPEAKING IN RIPON
Benji Backer, founder and current executive chairman of the American Conservation Coalition will discuss his new book “The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future” Wednesday, February 26th at Knuth Brewing Company in Ripon. The book talk is sponsored by Ripon College’s Center for Politics and the People and the Ripon College Republicans. Preston Reese-Grimm, a junior political science major and co-president of Ripon College Republicans and Henrik Schatzinger, professor of political science and Center for Politics and the People director, will engage Backer in a fireside chat type of conversation about his recent book. This will be followed by an audience Q&A. In 2019, Backer testified alongside Greta Thunberg before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. He is a native of Appleton, Wisconsin. You can read more about Backer at the Ripon College website.
Backer to discuss conservative environmentalism Feb. 26 | Ripon College
ENDANGERED RESOURCES FUND
Officials with the State’s Department of Natural Resources say you can show your love for nature by donating to the Endangered Resources Fund. All donations made through your Wisconsin income tax form are matched and go directly to conserve rare plants, animals and state natural areas. In Wisconsin, more than 400 wildlife species and 300 plant species are endangered, threatened or declining. A few examples of the species that have benefited from donations to the Endangered Resources Fund include: the bald eagle, the little brown bat, the eastern prairie fringed orchid, and the rusty patched bumble bee. Donations also help the DNR control invasive species and conduct other activities to maintain hundreds of state natural areas, protecting unique landscapes and natural features.
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