Hometown Broadcasting News Thursday 10/15/20
15 October 2020 News
TRO Blocks Governor’s Public Gatherings Order
A Sawyer County Circuit Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting Governor Tony Evers emergency order that limits public gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreak. Sawyer County Judge John M. Yackel entered the order Wednesday. That’s where the Wisconsin Tavern League filed a lawsuit to block the emergency order issued by the state’s Department of Health Services. During a court hearing next Monday the state will be able to argue why a temporary restraining order should not be in place. The Governor’s order limits public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building’s total occupancy.
COVID 19 Hospitalizations A Concern
A member of the Ripon Community COVID-19 Task Force says state officials are right to be concerned about the rate of hospitalizations for coronavirus. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker says we’ve especially seen a jump in hospitalizations in the past few weeks. “Hospitalizations in Wisconsin have tripled in the last two weeks that in itself is of concern. Some people talk about herd immunity and maybe we should get it and give over it, but enough people are getting sick enough to go into the hospital and it tripled, that is significant.” The total number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the 134 hospitals in the state Wednesday was 1,017 with about a quarter of those being treated in intensive care units.
Congressman Grothman On Amy Comey Barrett Confirmation Hearings
Congressman Glenn Grothman says even if Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s appointment is approved to the U.S. Supreme Court it doesn’t guarantee that the Affordable Care Act will be struck down. She said as much in her testimony during the confirmation hearing. Grothman says if she is approved health care is just one of the issues that will come before the court. There are going to be questions, the degree to which how far can the government go in regulating health care? That sort of thing and she might get decisions on the court with regard to that I think she is going to get freedom of speech questions. I think she is going to get freedom of religion questions.” The federal lawmaker from Glenbeulah says five of the justices have been appointed by Republican presidents and four by Democrats, but that doesn’t mean the justices will make rulings favoring the party that nominated them to the court.
FDL County Judge Richard Nuss Retiring
Another Fond du Lac County circuit court judge has announced his retirement. In a press release Judge Richard Nuss, who presides over Circuit Branch 3, says he will not be seeking reelection next April. His term runs through next July 31st. Judge Nuss has been on the bench for nearly 20 years and served as a Family Court Commissioner for 7 ½ years. Prior to that Judge Nuss was in a private law practice for 22 years. Judge Nuss says he has been blessed, but the time has come to hang up his robe and pass the gavel. Recently Fond du Lac County Judge Gary Sharpe announced he would be retiring at the end of the year.
National Exchange Bank & Trust Purchasing Bank In Westfield
National Exchange Bank & Trust announced Wednesday that it has reached a definitive agreement with Fortifi Bank to purchase the assets of its Westfield banking location. National Exchange Chief Executive Officer Eric Stone says, “We are excited about the opportunity this transaction presents to expand our presence in our Westfield community.” National Exchange Bank & Trust banking services in Westfield will be combined into one facility as a part of the acquisition. The transaction is scheduled to be completed in 2021, pending regulatory approval. National Exchange Bank & Trust is headquartered in Fond du Lac and has more than $2 billion in assets and operates offices throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
Saying Goodbye To K9 Franz
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department said goodbye to K9 Franz with a brief, private tribute yesterday. The police dog suddenly took ill earlier this month and was rushed to the Animal Referral Center in Appleton. Franz ultimately succumbed to a brain tumor. His handler Deputy Zill and Zill’s family were part of the tribute, which included a procession of squad cars. A video of the tribute is posted on Sheriff’s Facebook page. Franz was mostly used in day-to-day patrols, but was often part of presentations for area schools and at other events.
To watch the Facebook video click here.
US Highway 45 Pavement Repairs
Maintenance crews in Winnebago County are busy repairing pavement on U.S. Highway 45 northbound between County Highway II and U.S. 10 eastbound. During the repair, which runs until 4 pm on Friday, October 25th, the right lane will be continuously closed. The U.S. Highway 45 northbound on-ramp from County Highway II will also be closed during that time. The detour is County Highway II to State Highway 76 to U.S. Highway 10 westbound to U.S. Highway 45 northbound.
Sigma Holiday House Going Virtual This Season
A traditional holiday fundraiser for a Fond du Lac non-profit group is going virtual this year to keep its vendors and supporters protected from the pandemic. Usually Sigma holds its Holiday House Shopping event at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds, but this season the handmade items crafted by 60-plus juried artisans will be featured online November 6th, 7th, and 8th. Jewelry, trendy home décor and even gifts for yours pets, along with the Christmas cookies Sigma is known for will be available online starting November 6th. All items purchased will be available for pick up Saturday, November 21st from 9 am to 1 pm at Boudry Dental, at 343 North Peters Avenue in Fond du Lac. Proceeds are donated back into the community to help local charities and families in need.
For more on the Sigma Holiday House click here.
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