3/10/25 Hometown Broadcasting News Monday
10 March 2025 News
FDL COUNTY FATAL SHOOTING INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
An investigation by the state’s Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation into an officer involved shooting death that occurred in the Town of Fond du Lac last month reveals the suspect was carrying a realistic-looking CO2 Pellet/BB handgun. Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s deputies were contacted by 26-year-old Jesus Armando Mendez Berry on Monday, February 24th who wanted to turn himself in on a felony warrant. They also got a call that he appeared to have a handgun in his waistband. Deputies found him in the 6300 block of Cherrywood Drive a short time later. He refused to follow repeated commands and a deputy discharged a non-lethal weapon. Shortly after, Mendez Berry produced what deputies believed to be a real handgun. Sheriff’s Sergeant Andrew Kohlmann in response discharged his firearm striking Mendez Berry at 6:22 pm. Law enforcement and EMS attempted life saving measures. Mendez Berry died at a nearby hospital. Kohlman, an 8-year law enforcement veteran is on administrative assignment. No law enforcement officers or members of the public were injured during the incident. The DCI is leading the investigation and when it is complete will turn over investigative reports to the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s office.
PLYMOUTH MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING FDL COUNTY PURSUIT
Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 52-year-old Plymouth man following a 3.5 mile chase early Saturday morning. At 4:06 am a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation as it was heading west on State Highway 23 near County Road K in the Town of Empire. The vehicle briefly pulled over but then fled west into the City of Fond du Lac. It went through multiple red lights. Fond du Lac Police and a Sheriff’s deputy successfully deployed stop sticks flattening all four tires on the suspect’s vehicle which eventually stopped on State Highway 23 at Amory Street. The suspect was taken to the Fond du Lac County Jail on felony fleeing and eluding charges. No one was injured during the pursuit. The State Patrol also assisted in the chase.
NAMES RELEASED IN FATAL CALUMET COUNTY ACCIDENT
Calumet County Sheriff’s officials have released the names of the two people that died in a two-vehicle crash in the county Wednesday night. Just before 6:30 pm deputies responded to State Highway 32/57 near Shady Lane in the Town of Charleston for the two-car crash. The preliminary investigation determined a southbound pickup truck was hit head-on by a northbound SUV. Seventy-three-year-old Ronald Woelfel was driving the pickup and 70-year-old Nancy Woelfel was his passenger. Both are from the Town of New Holstein. They died of their injuries at Ascension Chilton Medical Center. Fifty-seven-year-old Vicky Fesing from the Town of Chilton was driving the SUV. As of this past weekend she was still hospitalized at the hospital in Chilton.
PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES
A Wisconsin Emergency Management official says with spring just 10 days away it is a good time to develop an emergency plan and put together an emergency kit for those spring and summer storms. Katie Rousonelos says have a place to go where the family can gather if you do have to leave your home. She says it’s also a good time to assemble or restock your home and vehicle emergency kit. She says the kit for the home should have enough non-perishable food and water for three days. Other items suggested for the kit include flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a whistle, horn or other device to signal for help, photocopies of personal identification such as a driver’s license, a list of emergency contacts, personal medical information and medications. She says don’t forget your pet include items for them including identification tags on collars, veterinarian records, leashes, and a current photo of you with your pets.
RECORD HIGH GRADUATION RATES
Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction recently released information about the high school graduation rates for the 2023-24 school year. The 91.1 percent rate for students graduating after four years of school was an all-time high for the state. Locally 94.2 percent of students in the Ripon Area School District graduated after four years. There were 113 students in last year’s class. Other graduation rates for four years included 92.1 percent for Berlin, 100 percent for Green Lake, 90.5 percent for Markesan, and 89.9 percent for both Rosendale-Brandon and Oshkosh. Wautoma Area School District had a 92.9 percent graduation rate for four years of school and Waupun’s rate was 93.6 percent.
PET LICENSES AND WINTER LEAVINGS
Ripon Police Chief Bill Wallner reminds residents that if they own a cat or dog they have to be licensed every year. Licenses and tags are available at the Ripon City Hall. He says you have to bring in proof that they have been vaccinated for rabies. He says for potentially more aggressive breeds like bull dogs or Staffordshire Bull Terriers proof of insurance will be required and pet owners will be given a special collar for their dog. He also pointed out that over the last few weeks as snow melted they received over a dozen complaints about animal waste that was left behind during the winter. He says property owners need to clean it up so police don’t receive a complaint about it and have to take some type of action.
ALICE IN DAIRYLAND FINALISTS SELECTED
Some area women are among the six finalists competing for the 78th Alice in Dairyland title. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection released the names of the finalists Friday. Among them is Allison Foster of Waupun a scientist at Grande Cheese Company. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the U-W Platteville. Michelle Stangler of Watertown has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and agricultural marketing communications from the UW-River Falls. She now contributes to the Ag News Daily and Positivity in Ag podcasts. Mikayla Flyte of Coloma is completing a master’s degree in exercise science with a concentration in sport psychology from Ripon College. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in English and education from Ripon College last spring after student teaching at Berlin Middle School and Laconia High School. The three remaining finalists are Natalie Roe of Monticello, Olivia Lulich of Lyndon Station, and Sarah Hagenow of Poynette. The selection of the 78th Alice in Dairyland will be announced at a public event on May 17th at the Performing Arts Center in Prairie du Chien. She will begin her term on July 7th.
3/8/25 Top Candidates for Alice in Dairyland Announced – Hometown Broadcasting
INCIDENTAL TAKE NOTICE FOR WISCONSIN DELLS PROJECT
The state’s Department of Natural Resources is proposing to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of a rare lizard, which may result from the Wisconsin Dells Public Works Facility project in Columbia County. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the species’ overall population at risk. The City of Wisconsin Dells is proposing to construct a new public works and maintenance building project that aims to enhance the city’s ability to maintain and manage public infrastructure and services effectively. The presence of the state-endangered slender glass lizard is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some lizards. The DNR concludes that the proposed project will minimize the impacts on the species by adhering to conservation methods, is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of the species. More information is available on the DNR’s website including how to make public comments on the notice.
Incidental Take Notice For Columbia County | Wisconsin DNR
MPTC EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DONATION
Moraine Park Technical College’s Early Childhood Education program received an additional $20,000 donation from the West Bend Community Foundation to support students in Washington County pursuing careers in early childhood education. Last summer, the West Bend Community Foundation spearheaded an initiative to help with the childcare shortages in Washington County. Their initial $20,000 donation to Moraine Park offered eligible students a $750 scholarship-covering the cost of one class and textbook for the fall 2024 semester. Their latest gift doubles the impact offering $1,500 per students to cover the cost of two classes and textbooks. Moraine Park’s Early Childhood Education associate degree program prepares students for their journey as educators, setting the stage for graduates to work as teachers and caregivers.
AVIATION FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD TO BE FEATURED AT EAA AIRVENTURE
Public benefit flying will be a prominent theme at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, as the event spotlights the aircraft crews, and organizations that supply aid to victims of natural disasters, war, famine, and other emergencies around the globe. Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, says, “When disaster strikes, aviation is often the first mode of transportation to the areas that have been hit the hardest.” The last DC-8 registered in the United States, owned by the international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, will spend the week on Boeing Plaza as the anchor of the display. As part of the Boeing Plaza display, Samaritan’s Purse will also bring a field hospital, and a water purification system used in developing nations. Located near the DC-8 on Boeing Plaza will be a selection of GA aircraft also involved in public benefit flying. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in will be held July 21st through the 27th at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
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