Hometown Broadcasting News Monday 10/19/20
19 October 2020 News
Ripon School Board Considers Longer Winter Break For District
One of the things the Ripon Area School District Board will consider tonight is to extend the Winter Break by three days. District Superintendent Mary Whitrock says with the current pandemic everyone could use a longer break and it will also give them a chance to do some deep cleaning and give students and staff a chance to get the rest they need. “We will also have the 21st, the 22nd, and the 23rd off which would give us a full 16 days out of our building just for cleaning and keeping individuals apart and just that rest and recuperation as well and I think that is going to be really important because this is tough on everyone.” The board meets at 6 pm at the Ripon High School Media Center.
Task Force Concerned About Nursing Home Residents
Members of the Ripon Community COVID-19 Task Force recently discussed a couple of concerns about people living in nursing homes in the community. Task Force member Jeff Puhlmann-Becker says requirements to keep people living in those facilities safe are costly for the people that operate them. “The requirements on nursing homes to try to keep those people safe are back breaking financially. They have fewer people working in those places now with more demands and more risk and really that by itself is a recipe for problems.” He says the other issue has to do with the upcoming election. He notes in the past people have volunteered to go into the nursing homes to help residents that need help filling out their ballots, but with the pandemic those facilities are not allowing outside visitors. So it falls upon the staff of those facilities who are already overwhelmed.
No One Injured In Washington Island Helicopter Crash
Washington Island Police say no one was injured when a helicopter crashed at the Washington Island Airport Sunday afternoon. The pilot was the only one on board and he was able to get out on his own. The crash happened shortly after 2 pm while the helicopter was taking off. The incident occurred just off the helicopter pad and no runways were blocked. The pilot was expected to contact the FAA and NTSB about the crash. The cause is being investigated.
Medicare Enrollment Period Underway
Ripon Senior Activity Center Executive Director Noreen Johnson reminds seniors that open enrollment for Medicare is underway and runs through December 7th. She points out Senior Citizens can get free help with that by calling Shari Null who is the Elder Benefits Specialist for Fond du Lac County. “It’s free for the seniors to meet with her she’s paid for by a grant so if you have questions you can call her. If you forget that phone number you can call Senior Services and they will transfer you over. Right now she is not coming to the Senior Center to meet with people because of COVID.” Those who would like to schedule a review of their Medicare Plan with Null can call 920-929-3521.
Hunter Education Safety Online Course
Students of all ages can earn their Wisconsin hunter education safety certification through a single, online-only hunter education course under a temporary change approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The temporary change allows those under age 18 to take the online-only course through December 31st. Those interested in taking the online-only course who are over 18 years of age may continue to do so. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DNR reviewed the available methods for delivering hunter education. A survey of volunteer instructors showed support for exploring alternatives to the traditional in-person hunter education course. Students of the online-only course will be required to pay the approved online vendor fee plus the $10 state-required course fee.
Montello Woman Awarded Scholarship For Nursing Education
A nursing student from the Montello area is one of 18 Wisconsin recipients of scholarships from Wisconsin Illinois Senior Housing Inc or WISH in their inaugural Rising Stars scholarship program. Jenna Fenner is a Certified Nursing Assistant and has worked at Montello Care Center since February of 2019. She is studying nursing at the UW-Eau Claire and plans to become a pediatric or neonatal nurse or work in geriatrics. Scholarships were awarded in varying amounts of $1,000 to $2,500. The hope of the not-for-profit WISH and its board of directors is that the scholarship program will bring positivity during the COVID crisis and help support some of the many dedicated people who work or plan to work in health care.
Dine Local Golden Ticket Give Away
Envision Greater Fond du Lac is partnering with Society Insurance in Fond du Lac for the Dine Local Golden Ticket Give Away. The giveaway aims to provide immediate support to area restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic and give participants a chance to win big. Each gift card purchased through October 23rd via the promotion will be given an entry into the contest. Three lucky winners will be randomly chosen and will win a $500 gift card package. Those who wish to participate can find out more information including participating restaurants, ordering options and contest rules at the Envision website. Gift cards can also be ordered by calling 920-921-9500. Pick up of gift cards will take place November 2nd through the 6th from 8 am to 5 pm.
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