Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 10/8/21
8 October 2021 News
COVID Vaccine Booster Drive Through Announced
The Fond du Lac County Health Department is partnering with the National Guard to provide Pfizer booster vaccines to eligible individuals. Next Friday they will host a drive-thru Pfizer vaccine clinic at the Cow Palace on the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds from 10 am to 6 pm or until capacity has been met. To ensure short wait lines, individuals should register ahead of time at vaccinate.wi.gov. No insurance, appointment, or ID is required. Individuals are eligible if they received two doses of Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and are at least 65-years-old, or are 18 to 64 with certain medical conditions, or are at increased risk of getting COVID-19 due to their employment.
Train Accident Victim Identified
Washington County Sheriff’s investigators say thanks to tips from the public they have been able to identify a man who was struck and killed by a Canadian National Railroad freight train Wednesday afternoon on railroad tracks in the Village of Richfield. A nearby resident had captured video of the person believed to be the victim walking in the area a short time before the incident. A Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Village of Richfield recognized the person in the video. Authorities were able to make contact with the family and make preliminary identification. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing any further information about the incident.
Proposed City Budget Reviewed For Ripon Common Council
Ripon City Administrator Adam Sonntag this week reviewed the proposed 2022 City Budget for the Common Council. Sonntag briefed the Council on each department’s budget and some goals both short and long-term for the city. Because the city made a change with its city administrator this year the way the city is putting together the budget will be different more simplified according to Sonntag. He also said the estimated tax rate of $8.73 per thousand dollars of value on a property would be frozen at the same rate as this past year’s. However he said that could change in November when they learn more about assessed values from the state. He also said the city needs to use revenue from its tax incremental districts more to the city’s advantage to relieve the pressure on using the general fund to balance the budget. Sonntag says the proposed budget also includes a 2 percent increase in wages for general employees and a 3 percent increase for represented employees.
Dallman Backs Sporting Heritage Bill
State Representative Alex Dallman is one of the lead authors of a legislative package of bills that will preserve and enhance the rich sporting heritage of hunting and angling in the state. Republican legislators and Hunter Nation, a national grassroots of hunters and sportsmen, unveiled the package Wednesday at the State Capitol. The state lawmaker from Green Lake says, “Wisconsin has a rich history of hunting, fishing, and outdoors recreation, and I am happy to be one of the leaders of this package of bills that will help carry on our State’s sporting heritage legacy.” The package has sponsors in both the Senate and the Assembly, and includes 13 bills circulating in the Legislature relating to Department of Natural Resource regulations, as well as addressing hunting, fishing, trapping, wild game, and second amendment issues.
County G Reopens
The state’s Department of Transportation says the State Highway 23/Fond du Lac County Highway G interchange in Fond du Lac County is now open. It opened about midday Thursday. County G had been closed and detoured since May 2020 as part of the State Highway 23 four-lane, on-alignment expansion project in Sheboygan and Fond du Lac Counties. A 7.4 mile section of the expansion project in Sheboygan County reopened late last month. The Fond du Lac County portion of the project will conclude next year.
FDL County Parking Lot Paving
The Fond du Lac City/County Government Center north parking lot in Fond du Lac will be repaved beginning next Monday, with construction starting on the section closest to the building. Once that section is completed, the section along 2nd Street will be paved. The construction is weather dependent and may change, if needed. During the construction period, which is expected to last through October 19th, the parking meters along 2nd Street and Macy Street will be bagged to allow the public to park on the street for up to two hours, at no charge. County officials appreciate your patience and cooperation during this period of inconvenience.
Baker Applauded For Efforts During The Pandemic
Twice in the past couple of months Candie Baker of Webster’s Supermarket has received an award in part for her role and the store’s role in keeping customers safe during the pandemic. The Friend of Public Schools Award from the Ripon Area School District recognized her for all of her and her family’s contributions to the district and education. Ripon Schools Superintendent Mary Whitrock says Baker was in part recognized for her strong stance on masking and other measures the store implemented, which set an example for the community. On September 30th Baker was recognized by the Wisconsin Grocers Association with their Supermarket Hero Award again for the example she and the store set at the beginning of the pandemic. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker of the Ripon Community COVID-19 Task Force says that took courage given some people’s beliefs about masking, social distancing and other precautionary measures.
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Starts Next Week
Medicare’s open enrollment period starts on October 15th and runs through December 7th. Cathy Duesterhoeft is an Elder Benefit Specialist with the Waushara County Department of Aging. She says Medicare has four parts; A, B, C, and D, but Parts C and D are what you want to focus on because it has to do with your prescription drug coverage. She says each September insurance companies will send out annual notices of change which could affect formularies for those drugs, premiums, deductibles and co-pays. She says if you’re happy with your insurance coverage you don’t have to change anything. On the other hand if you want to make changes you can go to Medicare.gov call 1-800-Medicare or give her a call at 920-787-0402 or the elder benefit specialist in your county and they will walk you through it.
Girls In Aviation Day Canceled
Due to logistical conflicts, EAA has canceled the Girls in Aviation Day activities scheduled for Sunday, October 17th. Activities would have primarily focused on girls 12 to 18 years of age and included computer flight simulators, a tour of Basler Turbo Conversions, a series of special speakers and more. Activities may be rescheduled at a future date. The EAA apologizes for any inconvenience from the cancellation.
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