Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 4/17/20
17 April 2020 News
Task Force Concentrates On Taking Care Of Ripon During Outbreak
A member of the Ripon Community COVID 19 Task Force says their focus is on taking care of the residents in Ripon. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker says they aren’t being selfish, but rather realistic about the resources available should there be an outbreak in the city. “I would like to think there’s a point that we feel confident enough that anything that we have we can share with other communities should they need it, but right now this committee is focused on Ripon not out of a greediness, territorialness, but really with a town of 7,000 people there is a limited capacity to raise.” He questions if there were an outbreak in a small nursing home in Ripon would the city get the resources it needs to keep things from getting out of hand. He says the vast majority of people across the country are rising up to take care of each other.
Ballweg Pleased About Signing Of COVID 19 Relief Bill Into Law
State Representative Joan Ballweg says she’s pleased Governor Evers signed the COVID-19 Relief Bill into law this week. The state lawmaker from Markesan says it was crucial for Wisconsin’s workers and families to find a solution that helps alleviate burdens from the economic downturn, helps those on the front lines fighting the spread of the virus, and allows the state to take full advantage of important federal funds. Among the bill’s provisions it waives the one week waiting period to collect unemployment benefits, delays the state income tax deadline to July 15th, sets aside $75 million is state funds for future emergency needs, and ensures the state will receive the entire $2 billion in eligible federal assistance.
Slow No Wake Order Cancelled
The Slow-No-Wake order for the Fox River and Lake Puckaway in Green Lake County has been cancelled. Chief Deputy Sheriff Matt Vande Kolk says the river level has fallen below 13 feet to 12.5 feet. The water levels are forecasted to continue to drop. As a result the Snow-No-Wake orders previously issued have been removed.
Telecommunicators Deserve Recognition Too
They might not be on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle, but public safety telecommunicators like those working in the Fond du Lac County Communications Center are also impacted by the pandemic. County Communications and Emergency Management Director Bobbi Hicken says she appreciates that their dispatchers have personal lives affected by the virus and have to put that aside when they go to work to answer 911 calls and help out others. “We have the same stress that all of you have regarding all of this, but then we have to go to work. The dispatchers are dealing with their own struggles, but then have to put that all aside and make sure that they are there 100 percent.” In an average day the dispatch center receives over 350 administrative calls and 75 911 calls. This is Public Safety Telecommunicators work. As part of that look for videos at the Fond du Lac County Emergency Management Facebook page that features dispatchers and more about the dispatch center.
Ripon Chamber Provide Info On COVID 19 For Members
While a Chamber of Commerce primarily promotes the services of its members, it also educates them about opportunities and that has taken on a new meaning with the impact of the global pandemic. Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jason Mansmith says their website carries information about Small Business Administration loans that are available, lists resources and relief funds and info on those, and has information about the restaurants that are open for take-out or delivery and when they are open. “Whether that’s Small Business Administration information concerning payroll protection plans or economic injury and disaster loans or if it is mental health resources through Fond du Lac County.” A couple of the relief funds help out out-of-work restaurant workers, artists and musicians. Meanwhile Mansmith says he can’t thank people enough who continue to support local businesses.
Tourism Grant Provisions Suspended To Help After Health Crisis
Governor Tony Evers has suspended several provisions of the Tourism Department’s Joint Effort Marketing grant program allowing greater flexibility for how the grants can be administered to help restart Wisconsin’s tourism economy after the current health crisis. JEM grants provide partnership funding to help non-profit organizations promote tourism in their area. That includes Convention and Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce that were not earmarked for relief and may not qualify for certain loan programs included in the federal CARES Act. A temporary change to the provisions will allow the Tourism Department to direct funds to best support the statewide tourism industry.
New Executive Director For Salute The Troops
Salute the Troops in Fond du Lac has hired Jason Turner as its next executive director. Turner is an army veteran who has been deployed a number of times during his 12-year military career winning over a dozen medals, ribbons, and badges for his service. He has also held a number of professional roles, most recently as a sales representative for Bio-Vet. He says he is excited to begin his new role. Jim Erskine, board of directors’ president for Salute the Troops, says Turner exemplifies the mission and core values of Salute the Troops. Turner succeeds Kim Galske as Salute the Troops Executive Director. She held that position for three years. Salute the Troops supports local service members, veterans, and their families.
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