4/8/22 Hometown Broadcasting News Friday
8 April 2022 News
Oshkosh Getting Aviation First In America
Oshkosh will have the first electrical take-off and landing vertiport in the Americas. Wittman Regional Airport, the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation and Volatus Infrastructure announced the historic new structure Thursday in Oshkosh. The vertiport is being built at the airport and will include a terminal with amenities, a landing pad and vehicle agnostic charging station. Wittman Regional Airport Director Jim Schnell says, “The Volatus development allows us continued revitalization of our airport by integrating future aviation technology into existing infrastructure.” Volatus officials say their goal is have the vertiport operational by late summer. (Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation photo)
Congressman Grothman Supports Trade Relations Suspension Bill
Congressman Glenn Grothman Thursday voted for a Senate-amended bill that suspends normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. It also reauthorizes the current definition of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights within another bill. Last month he voted against the original bill suspending trade relations because of a poor provision within the bill that changed the purpose of the human rights bill. The removal of that provision happened after Grothman voiced concerns to his colleagues in the Senate. The federal lawmaker from Glenbeulah says he is now proud to support the trade relations bill, which will go to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Grothman says he hopes the legislation will leverage an end to the bloody war in Ukraine.
Sheriff’s Mailing Is Legitimate
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says if you received a mailing from the Badger State Sheriff’s Association asking for support it is not part of some scam. Schmidt, who is Vice President of the Association, says it is a legitimate request. He says the purpose of the mailing is to give citizens the opportunity to show support for the constitutional office of sheriff in the state as they work to protect everyone’s constitutional rights. He says the letter in Dodge County will have his name and signature on it. The Badger State Sheriff’s Association represents all 72 Wisconsin Sheriffs. The Association offers honorary memberships.
Outdoor Sirens
Fond du Lac County Communications and Emergency Management Director Bobbi Hicken says outdoor sirens are meant to warn those outdoors to seek shelter when severe weather is in the area. She says there are a couple of problems related to those sirens one being that not all areas of the county have them. She says the other issue is that if you do not have a phone with you when you hear an outdoor siren going off you will have no idea when a warning was issued and the duration of that warning. Sirens were used Thursday during statewide tornado drills. If you have one in your area and did not hear it you should make a local official aware that there might be an issue. Since 1844 Fond du Lac County has had 60 tornadoes including 11 on August 31st of 2018. This is Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Ripon Area United Way Exceeds Campaign Goal
The Ripon Area United Way exceeded its $80,000 fundraising goal, but it was close. Jeff Puhlmann-Becker is the President of the United Way’s Board of Directors. He says officially the past year’s campaign ended at the end of March so in “March Madness” terms it was a “buzzer-beater.” He says even with the pandemic the last three years and concerns over the Ukraine Invasion, people of the Ripon area came through with donations. The campaign will aid 16 area agencies and programs that serve the community. He says about half of their donations come from individuals and the other half from organizations and companies. Puhlmann-Becker says some that really stepped up was their pace-setter Homan Ford, Alliance Laundry Systems, Horicon Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Webster’s Marketplace, Herb Kohl Charities, and the Mason’s.
Mercury Marine Recognized With Corporate Safety Award
The Wisconsin Safety Council and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will honor Mercury Marine as one of 10 companies to win this year’s Wisconsin Safety Award. Mercury Marine Director of Safety and Occupational Health Jim Sutton says, “This recognition reflects safety as our highest priority at Mercury and the engagement of all our team members in building a strong, sustainable safety culture.” During continued pandemic-related challenges, Mercury built upon its prior safety and health performance improvements, leading to a 39 percent reduction in both total recordable injury and lost time rates over the past three years. The reductions have been achieved and sustained during a period of unprecedented production growth, investment and hiring at Mercury’s Wisconsin facilities.
Easter Bags And Books At Barlow Event Saturday
The Ripon Early Birds Kiwanis will be sponsoring an appearance by the Easter Bunny for kids ages 10 and under Saturday at 11 am at Barlow Park in Ripon. The Easter Bunny will be handing out a treat bag and the Ripon Police Department a free book as part of the Kiwanis ‘n Cops ‘n Kids program. In addition Webbie from Webster’s, Rally the Redhawk from Ripon College, the A & W Bear and Olaf from Frozen will be there to wave at the kids as they drive by. It is a drive-through event that only runs until noon.
Passion Play
Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon will host two performances of the “Passion Play” this Sunday during their 10 am service and again at 7 pm. It’s about the last week in the life of Jesus Christ leading up to his crucifixion. Tami Conlon is with the church and will narrate the performance, which also includes music. She says fellowship is important and that is stressed by the large cast they put together. She says the performance ends with the crucifixion which can be very emotional for both the cast and those watching it. There is no cost and you do not have to be a member of the church to attend. Immanuel United Methodist Church is located at 401 West Fond du Lac Street in Ripon.
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