Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday 4/15/20
15 April 2020 News
Stimulus Payment Scams
Officials with the Federal Trade Commission are warning that scammers are using the stimulus checks to trick people. Most people will have it directed deposited into their accounts by the IRS. If you get a check and it was supposed to be direct deposited it’s a scam. If you get a check before May and you’re expecting it through the mail it’s a scam. Also the IRS will not send an overpayment and make you send the extra money back in cash, gift cards, or through a money transfer. The IRS also won’t call; text or email to verify your payment or direct deposit and wouldn’t need your personal or bank account information.
Surge Capacity A Planning Term
One of the terms thrown around in planning for response to the current pandemic is surge capacity. Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says it’s related to planning for a surge of patients coming into a health care facility due to an outbreak. It’s about planning a coordinated response and although she says it may seem like a scary term it is not. “It is exactly what we are preparing for just in case. If we don’t have to utilize the plan, great but if we do at least we are prepared and we know just how we are going to take care of it and that has been something the hospitals have been working on probably since day two.”
Getting Help With SBA Coronavirus Relief Loans
The Business Development Director for ADVOCAP says she is happy to answer questions about any Small Business Administration loan you be applying for related to economic damage caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Kathy Doyle specializes in micro-loans, but she says they can answer questions about the SBA’s disaster loans, the Paycheck Protection loan programs, Small Business Debt Relief program, and Economic Injury Disaster loan program. “There are many SBA products that are all available to people and all of them pretty much have an extra piece that fits with the Coronavirus piece so they’ve added things to every one of the programs that they have that has made a big difference in helping small businesses.” Her phone number at the ADVOCAP office in Fond du Lac is (920) 922-7760, extension 3532. ADVOCAP serves Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago counties.
#HowWiHelp
Wisconsin Tourism Secretary-designee Sara Meaney says while the tourism industry is derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic they want to hear from the helpers. They’ve launched a social media movement with the hashtag #HowWiHelp (How-We-Help). On it examples are given about businesses that are helping their neighbors out during the slow down. “We know that people in Wisconsin are warm and generous and kind it’s who we are. We thought it was important to remind people that despite the challenges we’re all faced with there still are really good things going on. It was inspired by that famous quote by Mr. Rogers, which is “Always look for the helpers.” She says some examples of what’s been posted included information about a virtual tip jar that is paying for scholarships for restaurant and bar workers, and the Sassy Cow Creamery Kindness Cooler in Columbus filled with milk and other dairy products free to people struggling because of the pandemic.
Spring Election Turnout
Turnout for the Spring Election was good in Fond du Lac County. Despite the changes and court battles as to whether voters should vote in-person with the COVID-19 outbreak 26,460 ballots were cast in the county. County Clerk Lisa Freiberg says that is 47 percent of registered voters. In Dodge County 23,323 voted. In Green Lake County 4,741 voters participated or about 31 percent of those old enough to vote. In Waushara County 6,433 voters cast their ballot or 34.5 percent of eligible voters. Just over 46,000 registered voters in Winnebago County participated in the election.
Ripon College Commencement Moved To October
The Ripon College Commencement for the Class of 2020 has been moved from next month to October. It’s been rescheduled for the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th if public health officials deem it appropriate. The scheduled day of graduation was May 17th. In a letter to the Class of 2020 Ripon College President Zach Messitte said while it is disappointing some special virtual events are planned for the next two months for awards convocation, senior week and the previous graduation date to honor this year’s seniors.
Alice Finals Moved
Due to the COVID-19 health challenges the finals for the 73rd Alice in Dairyland have gone through a time change and venue change. It will now occur over two days, Friday and Saturday June 19th and 20th. The state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Walworth County will host the finals. The six top candidates are: Rachael Gerbitz of Milton, Erica Helmer of Plymouth, Stephanie Hoff of Thorp, Kaitlin Konder of Glenwood City, Julia Nunes of Chippewa Falls and Grace Schroeder of Cashton. More details about the finals will be announced in the coming weeks.
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