10/23/23 Hometown Broadcasting News Monday
23 October 2023 News
PORTAGE MAN CHARGED WITH SEX CRIMES
Columbia County Sheriff’s detectives arrested 43-year-old Daniel Ross of Portage on Friday, October 13th following an investigation into inappropriate sexual contact with a juvenile girl. Ross has been charged with causing a child under 13 to view or listen to sexual activity and exposing himself to a child. Last Thursday Ross made his initial court appearance and bond was set at $10,000 cash, which has since been posted. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are possible. (Columbia County Jail photo).
LAYING THE NEW GROUNDWORK FOR NEW FDL COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
By a pair of unanimous votes the Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors last week approved resolutions for the consolidation of the Department of Community Programs and the Social Services Department into a Human Services Department. The first resolution was for the feasibility study and implementation plan and the second resolution for reorganization. Department of Community Programs Deputy Director Geri Vanevenhoven fielded questions from the board. She told supervisors the reorganization would include reclassifying 26 positions and creating 9 new positions. She said some of the new positions would come out of positions that are currently unfilled. She also said some of those positions would be filled as needed. She says ultimately they are trying to streamline their services and make it less confusing for residents who need them. Supervisor Tom Dornbrook reiterated what she said noting that a number of counties already have this type of model in service. The new Human Services Department would go into effect on January 1st.
RIPON COMMON COUNCIL TO APPOINT NEW ALDERPERSON
The Ripon Common Council tonight will interview three candidates who applied for the vacancy in the third aldermanic district created by the unexpected death of Alderman Howard Hansen. Annette Klein, Jason Kimpel, and Steven Reimer will each get three minutes to discuss their application. The Council will then vote to fill the vacancy. The winning candidate will be seated on the Council next month. Also, this evening Envision Greater Fond du Lac will give a presentation to the Council. Joe Venhuizen of Envision feels they do provide important services to municipalities across the county including Ripon. The city is considering reducing its annual contribution to Envision from $13,000 to $2,000. The Council meets at 7 pm in the Council Chambers of the Ripon City Hall.
RASD SCHOOL TAXES
When Ripon Area School District property owners get their tax bill for 2024 the mill rate will be at its lowest point in 40 years. The Ripon School Board last week approved a $7.95 mill rate, which is less than last year’s rate of $8.15. District Business Manager Jonah Adams says the school district will be levying $699,000 more in taxes. The falling mill rate is a result of the property value in the Ripon Area School District increasing by $99.5 million or 12.6 percent, allowing the taxes levied to spread over more property value. Adams says if a property was assessed for more the owner may actually be seeing an increase in their school district taxes from last year. He says district taxpayers will provide the district with tax revenue comparable to the 2019-20 academic year: however, the actual amount of individual tax owed is dependent on property assessment. The average homeowner will see a $20 decrease in school district taxes for each $100,000 of value on a property.
DEPUTY BRUCE WILLIAMS REMEMBERED
Green Lake County law enforcement officials and supporters remembered Sheriff’s Deputy Bruce Williams last Thursday on the 20th Anniversary of his shooting death. Williams was shot and killed during a domestic disturbance incident at a Green Lake apartment building. He was 38 years old at the time. Green Lake County Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk says the remembrance started with a procession from the County Justice Center past the spot where Deputy Williams was shot to the American Legion Post in Green Lake where there was camaraderie and a meal. He says there aren’t many still with the Sheriff’s Department that was there when the shooting happened. He says if anything else the bond between local law enforcement and the Williams family has grown stronger over the years because they respect Williams’ service and the ultimate sacrifice that he made. (Green Lake County Sheriff’s photo)
STUDENT LOAN MARRIAGE PENALTY ELIMINATION ACT INTRODUCED
Congressman Glenn Grothman and three other colleagues introduced bipartisan legislation last week called the Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, which would amend the tax code to protect marriage by ensuring that student loan interest is tax-deductible for each spouse independently. The bill has endorsements from the National Taxpayers Union, the Congressional Family Caucus, Family Research Council, and Third Way. There are 12 bipartisan cosponsors for the bill. Grothman says, “When it comes to deducting student loan interest, as with so many areas, the government is discouraging marriage.” The federal lawmaker from Glenbeulah says the bill would alleviate American households of an unnecessary marriage penalty in the arena of student loans.
FDL COUNTY BOARD AND COMMITTEE OPENINGS
Fond du Lac County Executive Sam Kaufman is looking for a few good people who would like to serve on boards, committees, and commissions that serve the county. There are openings on the Elderly Nutrition Program Committee, Fond du Lac County Aging and Disability Resource Board, Fond du Lac County Board of Health, and the Winnefox Library System Board. If you would like to be considered for one of those openings contact Kathy LaMotte via email or call 920-929-3155 by November 8th. The County Executive will forward his recommendation for appointments to the County Board for their consideration at their December 19th meeting.
WAUTOMA POLICE LIEUTENANT AMONG THE FIRST RESPONDERS OF THE YEAR
Among those receiving Wisconsin First Responder of the Year awards from the State Assembly last week was Lieutenant Joey Rosin of the Wautoma Police Department. Rosin was the winner from the 42nd State Assembly District and received his award from Representative Scott Krug. Krug stated Rosin is “A beacon of hope, a guardian of safety, and an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your dedication, your bravery, and your unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community. May your legacy of service continue to shine brightly, lighting the way for all who follow in your footsteps.” Rosin’s family was present for the presentation at the State Assembly chambers. (Representative Scott Krug photo).
Share |