Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 4/10/20
10 April 2020 News
FDL Police Release Name Of Man Found Dead In The FDL River
Police in Fond du Lac have released the name of the man whose body was found in the Fond du Lac River last weekend. The body of 34-year-old Robert Thorp was recovered from the river near Oak and South Streets about 10:30 Saturday morning. Toxicology results are still pending before the Medical Examiner’s Office makes a final ruling on the cause of death, but the preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play. The investigation into his death continues.
FDL Drug Dealing Suspect Arraigned
A plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 25th for the 35-year-old Fond du Lac man suspected of trying to bring 3.25 pound of methamphetamine into the city in February. If Adrian Irby continues to maintain his innocence at that hearing there will be a jury trial on September 29th. Irby was arraigned Wednesday in Fond du Lac County court on charges stemming from the traffic stop during which the methamphetamine and a handgun were found. Current charges against him stem from that stop and alleged drug sales last fall.
Timing Of Second Stimulus Bill Questioned
Congressman Glenn Grothman is concerned about the timing of a second stimulus bill to help the economy during the current pandemic. The federal lawmaker from Glenbeulah says the $2.4 trillion bill they passed was rushed and its effects are still an unknown with checks going out and small business loans still being processed. He feels the government is responsible for shutting down businesses and making them whole again. “So the government is kind of obligated to make these people whole, but it is still kind of a shock to say that we have to spend another $250 billion right away.” The exact amount for the bill could be up to $500 billion. He says not everyone that is getting money or loans through the first stimulus bill needed the help.
Pandemics And FDL County
Fond du Lac County Executive Al Buechel says it has been over 100 years since the world experienced the kind of pandemic it is experiencing now. What is referred to as the Spanish Flu of 1918 killed millions of people. Buechel says he remembers hearing about polio when he was a kid and his father had to be hospitalized with the flu in the 1950’s, but that was nothing like the COVID-19 outbreak. “The type of thing has been here before, but not to this extent since 1918 that’s when that epidemic occurred and they wrongly referred to it as the Spanish Flu, but that was what it was commonly referred to and that one really had a major impact on the entire world.” He notes his mother was 13 years old when the Spanish Flu swept across the globe having a devastating impact everywhere including the U.S. and Fond du Lac County. He remembers hearing stories from her about it.
Good In Person Voter Turnout Despite COVID 19 Threat
Nearly 25,000 registered voters in Fond du Lac County ran the risk of catching the COVID-19 virus to vote in-person during Tuesday’s Spring Election. According to figures from the County Clerk’s Office 24,779 county residents voted in-person and there were 1,569 outstanding absentee ballots. In Ripon 1,720 people voted in-person with 100 outstanding absentee ballots. In the Town of Ripon 411 voted in-person and there were 23 outstanding absentee ballots. The deadline for delivery of absentee ballots placed in the mail by April 7th is next Monday afternoon by 4 p.m. At that point election results will be finalized.
To see the break down click here.
211 Wisconsin A Good Resource
The president of the Board of Directors for the Ripon Area United Way says the 2-1-1 phone number can be a resource during the current global pandemic. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker says by calling the number you can get information on local resources that are available. “211 is basically referral and emergency services in terms of homelessness, needing utility service, mental health, medical care.” He says it is a great number to call if you have a specific need. It’s one of the organizations that the Ripon Area United Way supports. The 211 Wisconsin website also has a webpage with links to information about the coronavirus.
Majewski Named Acting President Of Marian University
Marian University in Fond du Lac has named Michelle Majewski as Acting President. For 29 years Majewski served in a variety of roles at Marian including full-time faculty member, chairperson, dean, and professor emerita. More recently she was Sponsorship Advisor for the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes, and in that capacity she served on the Marian University Board of Trustees. She took office immediately. She replaces Andrew Mannion who last week stepped down as president for other pursuits.
To read more click here.
Boys And Girls Club Meals Program
The Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area is offering a free dinner service to children 18 and under. The program is Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 5:00 in the afternoon. Families are welcome to pick up a grab-n-go meal at the former Market Fresh parking lot at 111 East Fond du Lac Street in Ripon. Meals should be consumed off site due to social distancing requirements. To participate in the program contact the Boys & Girls Club Director of Operations Mindy Collado by calling (920) 361-2717 extension 300. You can also email her at mcollado@bgctric.org. Once signed up meals can be picked up. Due to the limited number of meals, if families are unable to take advantage of the program they can call the Food Pantry at (920)-748-5756 to receive help with meals.
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