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  • 9/14/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Thursday

9/14/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Thursday

14 September 2023 News


FDL MURDER SUSPECT MAKES INITIAL COURT APPEARANCE

Bond has been set at $2 million cash bond for a 17-year-old Fond du Lac man who was on the run for four months. U.S. Marshals took Antonio Johnston into custody in Chicago, Illinois last Friday. Johnston was at a friend’s house and was taken into custody without incident. He was extradited back to Wisconsin. Johnston and 14-year-old Parise Larry, Jr. are suspected in a shooting at the Maplewood Commons Apartments in Fond du Lac on May 7th. According to the criminal complaint they were confronting someone there and 20-year-old Tatyanna Zech who was taking out garbage was hit by gunfire. She died and several others were wounded in the gang-related shooting.  Johnston has been charged with eight felonies including first -degree intentional homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide. All eight charges are enhanced with modifiers for use of a dangerous weapon and violent crime in a school zone. The shooting took place near Pier Elementary School and Theisen Middle School. Johnson will be back in court for a preliminary hearing on December 1st. Larry’s next court date is in November. (Fond du Lac County Jail photo of Antonio Johnston).

FDL MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER IN DODGE COUNTY

A 40-year-old Fond du Lac man is facing attempted first-degree intentional homicide charges in Dodge County for allegedly trying to kill his girlfriend last month. According to the criminal complaint Oscar Toruno may face a similar charge in Fond du Lac County for a previous domestic incident and Dodge County deputies were notified by those authorities about the incident in the Town of Calamus. Dodge County deputies visited with the victim who told them Toruno, her live-in-boyfriend, was waiting in car one day after work. He allegedly drove them to a secluded location where he accused her of being unfaithful and tried to stab her with a knife. She was able to fend him off but received multiple cuts to her hands. She talked him down promising not to report the incident. He handed over the knife and she threw it into a field. Toruno told investigators he did try to kill the victim, but didn’t because she had the right to live.

NESHKORO MAN SENTENCED FOR NINTH OWI

A 45-year-old Neshkoro man has been sentenced to five years in prison and five years of extended supervision for a drunken driving incident in Dodge County last February. Brandon Matke was in court for a sentencing hearing Wednesday. He pled guilty to his ninth OWI offense and a charge of disorderly conduct was read into the record and dismissed. A Sheriff’s deputy stopped Brandon Matke on County Highway P in the Town of Rubicon on February 1st. Matke’s vehicle came to a stop where there was no stop sign or impediments in the road. According to the criminal complaint the deputy watched as Matke’s vehicle backed into an intersection and then continued north. Matke showed signs of impairment when the deputy pulled him over. He told the officer he had “two beers” that night. A preliminary breath test put Matke’s blood alcohol concentration at more than 2 ½ times the legal limit. Matke’s last OWI conviction was a dozen years ago.

SOFT OPENING SCHEDULED FOR HOPP STADIUM

Ripon College’s new Hopp Stadium is scheduled to host its first competition September 30th when the Red Hawks football team will host Cornell College. This week’s home opener against Illinois College will be played at Ingalls Field on Saturday. With major construction scheduled to finish September 22nd, the 30th will serve as a soft opening with the essential elements of the stadium expected to be finalized. A grand opening is scheduled for October 21st, when Ripon College will host women’s soccer versus Monmouth College at 9 am and a football game with Lake Forest College at 1 pm. Athletic Director Chris Schumacher says, “It’s hard to believe that we’ll be playing our first game only five months after the ground was broken.” (Ripon College photo)

HILL REJOINS THRASHER BOARD

The Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake recently announced the appointment of Nancy Hill to their Board of Directors. She brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. Thrasher Executive Director Rachael Avery says, “Nancy has served on this board previously and recently re-joined the Board, she will undoubtedly strengthen our decision-making processes and guide the organization forward.” As a member of the Board of Directors, Hill will play an instrumental role in guiding strategic direction, fostering innovation, and enhancing stakeholder value.

UNITED WAY TAKES A ROLE IN WATSON STREET CLASSIC CAR SHOW

The Fond du Lac County United Way will be involved in Ripon’s Septemberfest for the first time this Saturday. United Way Executive Director Amber Kilawee says they were asked to help support the Classic Car Show and are working with members of the Ripon College Men’s Basketball team on the show. She says those registering their cars in the show will receive swag bags and have a chance to win one of six door prize baskets. She says gift certificates, and items from Vines & Rushes and Knuths Brewing are among the items in the door prize baskets. Kilawee says more importantly the car show is a chance to appreciate the hard work and investment car owners put into preserving or restoring their vehicles. The 24th Annual Watson Street Car Show runs from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS SENIOR FAIR IN GREEN LAKE TODAY

The Green Lake County Aging and Disabilities Resource Center will have its first-ever Health & Wellness Senior Fair at the Town Square Community Center in Green Lake today. It will run from 11 am to 1 pm. Ryan Bamberg manages the unit. He says they have about 25 vendors lined up to talk about programs and resources they offer to senior citizens. They will also have three presentations including one on Monarch butterflies and milkweed, master gardeners will talk about fall bulb basics, and there will be a card making demonstration. After that there will be bingo. Bamberg says they are also starting to take donations for their Holiday Share program and their Food Pantry Coordinator will be at the Senior Fair. A $30 donation will provide a holiday meal for an entire family.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS ANGEL

Patriot Guard Riders of Wisconsin is hoping to make some Christmas wishes come true with their Operation Christmas Angel program. Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse group of motorcycle riders that stand guard at military funerals and provide flag lines welcoming back veterans from Honor Flights. Operation Christmas Angel was started by PGR member Mark Goebel of St. Germain about 8 years ago. It was taken over by his wife Jacki after Mark passed away last December. She says the operation makes Christmas wishes come true for veterans, military members, and their families. Applications for the program can be submitted to county veterans service officers and volunteers or Angels using their own money will shop for gifts on the lists of those who are eligible. The deadline to get in applications is November 22nd. Jacki says they also provide gifts for veterans at housing programs in Chippewa Falls, Green Bay, King, and Union Grove. The wrapped gifts will be delivered by the Angels just before Christmas. Those who would like more information about the program should email operationchristmasangel@gmail.com

DR BRYCE AUL JOINS SSM HEALTH EYE CLINIC IN WAUPUN

SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic welcomes Dr. Bryce Aul, an ophthalmologist to its SSM Health Eye Clinic in Waupun. He is now accepting patients. Dr. Aul specializes in comprehensive eye care and provides examinations, diagnosis and treatment for a variety of eye disorders. He is especially interested in cataract surgery, medical retina, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. He received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and his residency training in ophthalmology from the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Aul has relocated to Ripon with his wife Dr. Andrea Aul, a pediatrician who is seeing patients at the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic in Ripon. You can read more about him in our story at Hometown Broadcasting.com.


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