Hometown Broadcasting News Monday 9/14/20
14 September 2020 News
Waupun Man Federally Indicted For Alleged Drug Dealing
A 43-year-old Waupun man was among seven people this past week to be indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly selling drugs in the Sheboygan area. Ethan Massey and his codefendants are suspected of selling methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana between June of 2018 and last December. Five of his codefendants are Sheboygan men and the sixth is an Appleton man. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul praised the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement involved in the investigations leading to the indictments. The DEA recently expanded its operation to include the Sheboygan area.
Oshkosh Man Charged With Elder Abuse
A 58-year-old Oshkosh man was charged Friday with elder abuse for allegedly stealing over $427,000 from a 92-year-old nursing home resident. State Attorney General Josh Kaul says the charges against Terry Lynn Culver are the result of a joint elder abuse and tax fraud investigation by the state’s Department of Justice and Revenue Department. According to the criminal complaint Culver had power of attorney for the victim who was forced to move into a nursing home. Culver allegedly used the victim’s money on home improvements, at bars and restaurants, and casinos. He also sold pieces of the victim’s real estate and took possession of the victim’s house. False tax returns were also filed for five years. An initial court appearance is scheduled in Winnebago County court on October 12th.
Political Sign Theft A Problem
Ripon Police are among law enforcement agencies across the country receiving complaints about political yard signs being stolen from yards. Police Chief Bill Wallner says candidate signs from all sides are being taken. It’s a problem they see each election year. Chief Wallner says anyone caught removing signs from yards will be charged with theft. He talked about the problem during the City Council’s meeting this past week.
Teachers At Higher Risk Of COVID
A member of the Ripon Community COVID-19 Task Force says there is concern now that students are returning to school about those who are teaching them. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker says the problem is adults are more likely to contract the virus than students. “But our biggest concern in the schools is going to be adults. It’s going to be the teachers, teachers getting it from teacher. Teachers are more active socially, middle-school and high schoolers are too, but they are out in their circles and they bring it back.” He notes many retired teachers work as substitute teachers, but are less likely to work as subs during the pandemic. He says if a smaller school district is going to have to shut down it’s not because five students are missing from class, but because five teachers are out due to the pandemic. Late last week at least five teacher deaths from the coronavirus were reported across the country.
Wine Walk Postponed Dickens Still On
The November Wine Walk in Ripon has been postponed until next year, but plans are moving forward for the Dickens of a Christmas celebration in early December. Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jason Mansmith says the Wine Walk was another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are in the early planning stages for Dickens and hope that event can take its place this year among the holiday traditions that people look forward too. “It will be different this year, but there will be some elements that people will still be able to enjoy. Fingers crossed for everything and hope everything tightens up and cleans up and stays healthy as we move forward because we would really like to have some events.”
Dodge County Highway Committee Survey Results In
Nearly 700 people responded to an online survey by the Dodge County Highway Committee about county highway improvement funding options. The 672 respondents weighed in on four different options. The option that got the most support was a proposal to borrow $18 million to improve approximately 51 additional miles of county highway. Just over 40 percent preferred that option. Other options involved improving fewer miles of county highway. The county currently improves 10 miles of county highway a year. Proposed funding options will be considered by the County Board as part of the 2021 budget adoption process at the board’s November 10th meeting.
Ripon College Program Gets Five Year Grant
Ripon College has received a five-year $1.4 million grant for its Student Support Services program. The programs goals are to increase the retention and graduation of first-generation students, whose parents or guardians did not receive a four-year college degree; students who come from families with lower incomes relative to family size; and students with physical or learning disabilities. The latest grant is from the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO division. Student Support Services has received consistent grant funding from the Department of Education in every grant cycle since inception of funding at Ripon College.
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