9/1/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Friday
1 September 2023 News
FDL APARTMENT FIRE
Fire damaged a two-story apartment complex at 309 Ledgewood Drive in Fond du Lac early Thursday afternoon. Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched at 12:49 pm. They found smoke coming from attic vents and flames visible from a second story porch on the rear of the building. Battalion Chief James Wamser says firefighters quickly knocked down the flames in the second-floor apartment unit and the attic. All residents of the structure had been evacuated. The apartment where the blaze originated and the unit below were uninhabitable. All other tenants of the complex were able to return to their units. The American Red Cross assisted the displaced residents. A fire investigator determined the fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials on the second story porch of the building. (Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue photo).
MILWAUKEE AREA WOMEN CHARGED FOR FDL COUNTY CHASE
Two Milwaukee area women who led Sheriff’s deputies on a 34-mile chase last weekend made their initial appearances in Fond du Lac County court yesterday. Thirty-seven-year-old Jasmine Williams of Milwaukee (pictured above) and 31-year-old Nikeyia Jones of Wauwatosa (pictured below) both face second degree recklessly endangering safety, stolen vehicle, fleeing an officer, and resisting an officer charges. Jones who was a passenger also faces drug charges for allegedly possessing marijuana, cocaine, and fentanyl. Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt says the two allegedly went on a crime spree across Northeastern and Central Wisconsin stealing a vehicle and were involved in retail theft and an armed robbery. Bond was set at $250,000 cash for Williams and $150,000 cash for Jones. Both have preliminary hearings scheduled next Thursday. They were also ordered not to have contact with each other, Walmart, and Ulta Beauty in Plover. (Fond du Lac County Jail photos).
DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER
The nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign continues through this weekend. Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt says they anticipate more people will be out for final summer trips and they want to make sure every traveler can get to their destination safely. The emphasis is on getting impaired drivers off the roads. Sheriff Waldschmidt encourages drivers to make smart decisions and choose not to drink and drive. He says over the years they’ve also seen an increase in drugged drivers. His deputies are trained to know the difference between a drunk driver and a drugged driver. Residents are urged to use a designated driver, or find a safe alternative way home if they’ve been drinking or are impaired. Other tips include buckling up, putting your phone down, eliminate distractions, and watch your speed.
SEX OFFENDER LOCATED TO OSHKOSH
An 83-year-old sex offender is now living at 4474 Soda Creek Road, Apartment A in Oshkosh. Duane Trossen was convicted in Sheboygan County in 1970 of indecent liberties with a child. The victims were two teenage boys. In 2003 he was convicted in Oconto County of 2 counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child. The victim was a 13-year-old boy he didn’t know. Trossen is on electronic monitoring and will be under the supervision of probation and parole until April 30th, 2034. (Wisconsin Department of Corrections photo).
RIPON FIRST HOUSING PROGRAM
The Ripon Common Council this week approved the Ripon First Housing Program. City Administrator Adam Sonntag says a housing study identified the city’s housing needs. He says over the next 10 years the city will need 110 to 120 new housing units. He feels that need can’t be met if only 5 new homes are being built each year. The study also showed an affordability gap for first time homebuyers. That’s where the new pilot program comes into play. It will allow those who qualify to get a $5,000 loan from the city which is forgivable if they live in their new home for more than 3 years. The city put $15,000 in funds into the Ripon First Housing Program, which will have to be replenished if it proves to be successful. Sonntag says to qualify for the program first time homebuyers will need to have a primary mortgage in place and they can’t spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing expenses.
NARCAN TRAINING IN RIPON NEXT TUESDAY
The Fond du Lac County Health Department will be offering free Narcan Training next Tuesday at Ripon College. Area residents are invited to take the training at the Pickard Commons Presidential Dining Room at 11:15 am. Sarah Gradinjan is the Community Health and Prevention Supervisor for the County Health Department. She says people will learn about recognizing an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan. She says anyone who knows someone who has a problem with opioid use could find the training beneficial and if they complete the training will receive a free Narcan kit based on availability. To register for the event call 920-929-3085 or look for the QR code on the Health Department’s Facebook page.
THE FUNCTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A panel of local elected and appointed City of Ripon officials will be the featured speakers for a program sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Ripon Area on Wednesday, September 13th. The event will be at 7 pm that evening in the Council Chambers of the Ripon City Hall. It will also be carried on the Ripon Channel YouTube page. The event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. It is part of the League’s annual effort to help residents better understand the function and roles of government at both the state and local levels. The panel will include City Clerk Naomi Miller, City Administrator Adam Sonntag, and Ripon Mayor Ted Grant. For more information about the League of Women Voters of the Ripon Area visit their Facebook page or call Ellen Sorensen at 920-960-3397.
FDL COUNTY UNITED WAY AT MEXICO FESTIVAL IN FDL THIS WEEKEND
The Fond du Lac County United Way will have an information booth at the Sabor A Mexico Festival at Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac this weekend. United Way Executive Director Amber Kilawee says they will be part of a community resource fair on Oven Island from 2 to 6 pm. She says they will have information, books for kids, and a spinning wheel with a chance to win prizes. The Festival on Oven Island is Saturday and Sunday running from noon to 10 pm each day. There will be music, food, and on Sunday a Catholic Mass and jalapeno eating contest among other activities. There is no cost for admission.
OSHKOSH STUDENTS PAY TRIBUTE ON 9/11 DAY
On September 11th, students and staff of the Communities program at Oshkosh North High School will roll up their sleeves to make a difference and benefit the Oshkosh community. From 1 to 2:30 pm, 11th and 12th graders will collaborate with Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance by cleaning up shorelines at Menominee Park, and work with the Oshkosh Parks Departments to enhance Akan’s Acres, an urban wooded area behind Oshkosh North High School. “9/11 Day” is a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Communities’ students will join over 30 million other Americans who are dedicating time to help others in the spirit of service, unity, and peace. The day of service is a tribute to the victims of 9/11, as well as first responders, and the many heroes who have risen in service to defend freedom.
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