6/3/22 Hometown Broadcasting News Friday
3 June 2022 News
Taycheedah Man Charged With Making Terrorist Threat
A 72-year-old Taycheedah man has been charged for allegedly threatening to shoot Wisconsin legislators if they pass a law that would allow school teachers and administrators to be armed. James Stearns (pictured) made his initial appearance in Fond du Lac County court yesterday on a charge of Terrorist Threat-Interruption of Government Operations. He posted a $4,000 cash bond and will be back in court for a preliminary hearing July 29th. The threat was made in two emails at the end of May-one sent to a radio talk show host and the other was sent to a Wisconsin legislator. In one of the emails Stearns said he would purchase a gun, the most powerful he could purchase, and go to Madison and shoot as many of the people who vote for this law as he could before someone shoots him. District Attorney Eric Toney says, “Political disagreement is healthy but we will never tolerate threats of violence whether directed at our schools, students, government, groups, or individuals in our community.”
Contract Signed For Hwy 23 Intersection Improvements In FDL
Governor Evers this week signed a $1.1 million contract to improve the State Highway 23 and Fond du Lac County Highway VV or Pioneer Road intersection in the city of Fond du Lac. Construction begins next Monday and is expected to be completed by mid-August. Highway 23 will remain open to traffic except for a maximum three-day closure in July. The prime contractor is Vinton Construction from Manitowoc. Improvements will be made to turn lanes, the pavement, storm sewers and traffic signals.
Dodge County Highway V Project
Dodge County residents are being invited to comment and ask questions about proposed improvements to County Highway V. The highway will be resurfaced next year. The roadway will be closing to through traffic. The planned detour route is State Highway 28, County Highway AY, County Y, and State Highway 49. Access to adjacent properties and for first responders will be maintained during construction. Brief interruptions in access may occur temporarily at driveways. The contractor will be required to notify homeowners and businesses prior to construction. Comments can be made and questions asked by contacting Assistant Highway Commissioner Nathan Kempke at 920-386-3655 or email mkempke@co.dodge.wi.us.
Riponfest Alcohol License And Open Container Permit Approved
The Ripon Common Council this week unanimously approved Riponfest’s application for a temporary alcohol license and open container permit for the event that will be held at Barlow Park on July 9th and 10th. That followed a long discussion over concerns about allowing comingling or people moving through areas where alcohol was being served to other activity areas. Police Chief Bill Wallner requested that Riponfest organizers have clear signage stating that no open intoxicants were allowed beyond certain points. Wallner said there were issues the first year that Riponfest got back on track, but not last year. He made it clear that Riponfest organizers have to abide by terms of the permit and if there are problems they may have a more difficult time getting a permit approved next year. Riponfest organizers said they will be using wristbands to identify those who are allowed to drink and different containers for alcohol.
Former Ripon City Clerk Praised
Former Ripon City Clerk Ann Schommer was recognized and commended during the Ripon Common Council meeting this week. Schommer has retired after 25 years with the city. Council members present for Tuesday’s meeting praised her dedication and service to the city. Ellen Sorensen said she was an absolute delight to work with. Doug Iverson said she was always professional and Howard Hansen said she worked well with people treating them like she was their big sister. Schommer began with the City in October of 1996. Naomi Miller now serves as the Ripon City Clerk.
No Mow Success
No Mow May, the conservation initiative that invited Oshkosh residents to stop mowing or mow less often during the month of May was a success. Over 600 properties in Oshkosh participated. Those participants who displayed yard signs indicating their participation in the program are encouraged to keep their signs for next year or return them to the Community Development Department at the Oshkosh City Hall. No Mow May enhances early season forage for native pollinators like bees by reducing local mowing intensity during a month when foraging resources are limited.
Stephanie’s Story To Be Shared In Markesan
The Tri-County Overdose Fatality Review Team is sponsoring a presentation on recovery and resilience next Thursday at 5:30 pm at the Markesan High School. Lisa Rollin is facilitator for the team. She says drug addiction is a problem even in rural counties like Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara. She says one of the obstacles to overcoming addiction is learning about what resources can be turned to for help. Rollin says in February the team heard a presentation from Stephanie Good who grew up in Neshkoro and became addicted to drugs. Stephanie will share her story Thursday night in Markesan. Rollin says Stephanie’s Story is about hope and resilience and Stephanie shares it as part of her ongoing recovery. Rollin says local resources and vendors will be part of the night’s program and there will be heavy appetizers. The team works to increase awareness, promote recovery, and reduce deaths involving substance abuse disorders.
Ripon Bike Rodeo Sunday
The emphasis will be on teaching children to be safe when they are riding their bicycles during Ripon’s 7th Annual Bike Rodeo which will be held at Barlow Park this Sunday from 11:30 am to 2 pm. It’s co-hosted by the Police Department and Trinity Evangelical Free Church. Pastor Paul Ethington says it is a free event for families and children and kids can register for one of the five bicycles that will be given away. He says there will be giveaways including bicycle helmets for kids who don’t have one and kids can register for one of the five bicycles that will be given away. There will be a sack lunch, bicycle tune up station, lawn games and a bounce house. The city’s fire department and ambulance will also be on hand for the fun. In addition the church will have a worship service prior to the rodeo at 10 am at the pavilion.
Busy Weekend For Green Lake
It’s going to be a busy weekend in Green Lake with the Green Lake 100 bike ride Saturday and the kickoff event for the 175th Anniversary celebration for the city this Sunday at Deacon Mills Park from 11 am to 3 pm. Sunday’s celebration starts at 11 am with the National Anthem followed by a welcome from Mayor Ray Radis and State Representative Alex Dallman. Evelyn Galster, one of the organizers, says there will be other activities including secret tours of the Thrasher Opera House, an open house at the Dartford Historical Society, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, a picnic lunch, a Kids corner and much more. T-shirts will also be on sale through the Chamber of Commerce with proceeds going toward a gift for the community. A more complete list of activities for the celebration is available on the Visit Green Lake.com website.
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