1/12/24 Hometown Broadcasting News Friday
12 January 2024 News
NAMES RELEASED IN FATAL CALUMET COUNTY ACCIDENT
Calumet County Sheriff’s officials have released the name of a 40-year-old Neenah woman that was killed when she was struck by a pickup truck on State Highway 114 near Pigeon Road in the Village of Harrison late last month. Chandra Zimmer was hit by a westbound pickup truck driven by 40-year-old Trevor Gelhaar of Sherwood. Zimmer died at the scene. Gelhaar was not injured. Investigators say poor visibility due to rain was a factor in the crash. The accident was reported just before 5 pm that evening. The crash investigation is continuing.
RIPON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS MERGER PROPOSAL
Ripon Area School District officials got their first reaction this week to a proposal to combine the Barlow Park Charter Elementary School and Journey Project Schools in the next school year. The contract and federal grant for Barlow Park Charter ends on June 30th. Governance Councils and staff for both schools have already talked about combining the schools and after discussions a unanimous vote resulted in pursuing the creation of one elementary school. The next step was having an engagement session with parents, which was held at Barlow Park Journey Elementary School Wednesday evening. Barlow Park Journey Principal Shawn Gartzke says parents at the meeting were receptive to the idea of combining the 4K-2nd Grade schools. District Superintendent Mary Whitrock says Monday the school board will start discussing the merger proposal, but they won’t vote on it until next month. Next month is also when the open enrollment period for schools starts.
RIPON COMMON COUNCIL NOTES
The Ripon Common Council this week followed up on the recently approved Child Sex Offender Safety Zone ordinance by approving a permit form. The form would allow exceptions to placing sex offenders but would need the Chief of Police’s recommendation and Common Council approval. Police Chief Bill Wallner says it would take quite a bit for him to approve one of the applications because he doesn’t want to be saddled with what would happen if a convicted sex offender committed a violation. Also during this week’s meeting the Council approved a contractor’s payment request for the State Street reconstruction project. The bill came to more than $292,000. The Council also heard a presentation on the city’s 2022 financial audit report.
SEX OFFENDER RELEASED IN OSHKOSH
Oshkosh Police are advising the public about a sex offender who has been released and is residing in the community. Sixty-three-year-old Steven Steward is currently homeless. He is on GPS monitoring. In 1990 he was convicted in Illinois of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault. He was also convicted in Illinois in 1996 of attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated battery. The victims were female adults. (Wisconsin Department of Corrections photo).
DNR OFFERS SNOWMOBILE SAFETY TIPS
Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobilers to operate within their limits, stay sober and ride only on designated trails. In the early months of 2023, there were 16 fatal snowmobile crashes, with 10 involving alcohol. Alcohol affects your risk perception and reaction time. If you choose to consume alcohol, wait until after you’ve safely returned home-it could save your life. Other safety tips include remembering that ice is never completely safe. Contact local sport shops to ask about conditions on a lake or river you plan to cross. Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or float coat should you fall through the ice. Do not travel in unfamiliar areas. Slow down when traveling at night. Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice. Watch for pressure ridges or ice buckling. They can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water. The DNR also reminds riders to check trail conditions ahead of time by contacting your county forestry and/or parks department, local snowmobile clubs or online view the Travel Wisconsin Snow Report.
Snowmobile Trail Conditions | Wisconsin Snow Report | Travel Wisconsin
GREEN LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS K9 RETIRES
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office had a special retirement this week. K9 Tess retired and she has been turned over to her handler Sergeant Jason Preuss and his family to enjoy her golden years. Tess’ friends, family, and co-workers gathered for her sendoff Wednesday. All the K9 handlers promoted under Sheriff Mark Podoll were able to be present as well. The Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the support the community has provided to the K9 program. They also expressed their appreciation to Steinig Tal Kennels for the support and training they have provided to Tess and her co-workers. (Green Lake County Sheriff’s photo)
RADON ACTION MONTH
Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller urges residents to get their homes tested for Radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the leading cause among non-smokers. Radon is a gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock and may collect in your home. Mueller says in 2023, 48 percent of tests performed in Fond du Lac County had high levels of radon. Testing your home is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk. During the month of January, the short-term radon kits are available for $5 at the Fond du Lac County Health Department in Fond du Lac Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Mueller says they used to give the kits away for free each January, but they found people were more likely to do the test and return it to them if they paid something for it. Kits may also be available at your local city or town clerk’s office. Short term radon test kits are available year-round for $10.
GETTING HEALTHY IN THE NEW YEAR
An athletic trainer for SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital’s Wellness Center says if you made a resolution to get healthy in the New Year stick to that commitment. Chris Schattschneider says the most difficult thing about physical exercise is getting started. He says most studies show people give up on their resolutions with 30 days. He recommends putting it on your calendar and using whatever reminder or peer pressure you need to stick to it. He says it may seem daunting at first, but it will get easier if you commit to it. Schattschneider says there are physical and mental benefits. He says he’s also seen people become more social because they are working out with others or are feeling better about themselves. If you would like to know more about the Ripon Wellness Center call 920-745-3620 or visit them online where you can take a virtual tour.
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