6/18/24 Hometown Broadcasting News Tuesday
18 June 2024 News
PAVEMENT BUCKLING REPORTED
Pavement buckling became more than just a possibility Monday night. Interstate 41 northbound lanes on U.S. Highway 151 at County Highway D in Fond du Lac County were closed for several hours last night for repairs. The high heat also closed southbound Interstate 41 at the Lake Butte des Morts bridge in Oshkosh. Repairs were anticipated to start at 4 am this morning and could take up to six hours which means Southbound I-41 may not be open during the morning rush hour. Pavement buckling also closed the right lane on I-41 southbound near Scheuring Road in Brown County causing a backup during rush hour Monday evening. The DOT recommends slowing down, buckling up and focusing your full attention on the roadway. Watch for slowing traffic and be ready to move over for all roadside workers, including highway crews as they repair damaged pavement.
STAYING COOL IN HIGH HEAT
Ready Wisconsin and the Department of Health Services have some recommendations for beating the heat and staying safe during this high heat. Remain inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day. Call 2-1-1 to find an accessible cool place near you. If you don’t have air conditioning or a basement, take a cool shower, soak your feet in cold water, or place a cool, wet cloth on your forehead. Keep your windows covered. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, caffeinated or high-sugar drinks. Never leave a child or pet unattended inside a parked car. Limit your pet’s time outdoors and make sure they have access to fresh drinking water. Seek medical attention right away if you develop heat stroke symptoms such as confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or nausea and vomiting. Check in with loved ones and neighbors during heat waves. If you do not have air-conditioning most libraries do and they are open during the hottest hours of the day. In 2023, 10 heat-related deaths occurred in Wisconsin and more than 750 residents visited emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses.
BEAVER DAM MAN ARRESTED FOR FOURTH OWI FOLLOWING TRAFFIC CRASH
A 53-year-old Beaver Dam man is facing his fourth OWI offense, drug, and other charges after crashing his vehicle into a tree on Highway 146 and Shady Lane in Columbia County’s Town of Fountain Prairie Monday afternoon. A passerby called the accident in telling dispatchers the driver was slumped over the wheel and was not moving. When deputies arrived on the scene, they located Gary Hicks who was now conscious and semi alert. He showed signs of impairment and they determined he was intoxicated. A K9 was deployed and alerted on the presence of the odor of narcotics. During a search of the vehicle deputies found Fentanyl, Kratom (KRAH-tom), and drug paraphernalia. Hicks was arrested and was taken to the Columbia County Jail. He’s facing OWI, drug, and carrying a concealed weapon charges. (Columbia County Jail photo).
ST. WENCESLAUS STREET PROJECT UNDERWAY IN RIPON
Construction began Monday in Ripon for the St. Wenceslaus Street improvement project. City officials say work is expected to continue through October. They are asking drivers to plan alternative routes to avoid delays. They also ask motorists to follow all road closure signs and guidance for your safety and the safety of construction crews. The project will include street reconstruction, water and sewer, storm sewer, and sidewalk installation. It will also be made into a two-way street. (City of Ripon photo)
BICYCLE THEFTS REPORTED IN WAUPUN
Waupun Police have recently received reports of a couple of bicycle thefts. They urge bike owners to secure their property when they are not using their bicycles. In addition one of the stolen bicycles recovered had a City of Waupun bicycle license on it, so police were able to return it to the owner in quick fashion. Those who need a bicycle license can pick them up at the Waupun Police Department. They are only $3.
UWO FDL RESIDENCE HALLS
The Fond du Lac County Board this evening will hear an informational presentation on plans for the UWO-Fond du Lac campus for after the affiliation with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh ends. The meeting is at 5 in the legislative chambers of the City-County Government Center in Fond du Lac. County Executive Sam Kaufman has a number of ideas. He says the residence halls would remain operating as long as there is an educational purpose for them. Currently they are being used to house Moraine Park and Marian students who intern with Grande Cheese and Mercury Marine. Kaufman says one of his ideas is for a sports complex area. He would like to see the agreement between the County and operators of the residence hall amended to allow visiting families to stay in the residence halls during sports tournaments hosted in the sports complex area. On Monday, July 1st at 6 pm there will be a public information meeting in the commons area near the Prairie Theater. Kaufman’s final proposal will be presented to the County Board for approval at their July meeting. The campus and its facilities will be turned back over to Fond du Lac County on June 30th.
FREE TICK REMOVAL KITS
Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says the County Health Department has free tick removal kits available to remove those pesky critters should they latch onto you or your pets. She notes they’ve received reports of an increased number of ticks already this year. She recommends checking yourself or your pets if you spend time outdoors and especially in tall grasses. It is best to remove ticks within 24 to 48 hours. The tick removal kits come with a sanitation wipe, tweezer, band aid and tick prevention and removal tips. If you’re interested in a tick removal kit, stop by the Health Department on the third floor of the City-County Government Center in Fond du Lac. For more information you can also call them at 920-929-3085.
LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS DAY
Ready Wisconsin encourages everyone to learn how to protect themselves from lightning while spending time outdoors. Today is Wisconsin Lightning Safety Awareness Day. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, 14 people were killed by lightning in the United States and its territories in 2023. At least one person was killed by a lightning strike in the U.S. so far this year. Since 2003, there have been 10 lightning-related deaths in Wisconsin. During a thunderstorm, the safest place to seek shelter is inside a sturdy, enclosed structure, such as a house. Get out of open areas and stay away from bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers. Never take cover under a tree. If you are inside a vehicle, avoid touching metal surfaces. When planning outdoor activities during the summer months, pay attention to the forecast for your area. If there are thunderstorms, plan for what you will do if lightning is spotted in the area. Know where you can seek shelter. Even while indoors you should take steps to protect yourself during a thunderstorm. Avoid contact with anything connected to an electrical outlet, along with water or plumbing. Stay away from windows and doors. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder before heading back outdoors. If a person is struck by lightning, immediately dial 911. Start CPR if you are trained and certified. Do not be afraid to touch the victim.
GREEN LAKE LIGHT UP THE LAKE
The Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to celebrate during the Light up the Lake Celebration on Thursday, July 4th, in Deacon Mills Park. The Green Lake American Legion Post will kick off the day with a delicious pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 am at the Legion Hall. Reilly’s Pub will host the 4 on the 4th Run/Walk for Veterans starting at 8:30 am. You can head to Deacon Mills Park at noon to enjoy a variety of food options. Other activities for the day include the duck race at Deacon Mills Park which is going down Dartford Mill Pond at 3 pm. At 1 pm there is the Patriotic Boat Parade and children’s activities that include a petting zoo, balloon twister, and face painting. Franki Jo is the first entertainment of the day. The Green Lake 4th of July Community Parade is at 4 pm. Following that at 5 pm there is a Chalk Walk with all proceeds going towards the Green Lake Association and the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area. Live entertainment continues at Deacon Mills Park with Road Crew. The day will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the waters of Big Green Lake at dusk.
CELEBRATE WAUPUN COMING UP
Waupun will host its annual Celebrate Waupun festival at the end of the month. The three-day celebration at Tanner Park is Friday through Sunday, June 28th through the 30th. There is free parking and admission. Waupun Mayor Rohn Bishop says with the exception of 2020 they’ve held it every year for the last 12 or 13 years and it is a pretty big deal for the city. He says there will be live music, a carnival, the Legion baseball tournament, sculpture tours, a car show, and more capped off with a fireworks show that Sunday night at 9:30. A complete rundown of Celebrate Waupun activities, entertainment, and sponsors can be found on the Waupun Festivals website.
Celebrate Waupun 2024 (waupunfestivals.com)
RIPON CHAMBER OFFICIAL TAKING LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mandy Kimes recently completed her first year of a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Midwest Institute in Madison. The Institute for Organizational Management is a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands on how to build stronger, organizations, to better serve their members and become strong business advocates. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy.
MIYA GRUNERT JOINS THE THRASHER OPERA HOUSE TEAM
The Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake welcomes Miya Grunert as its new Marketing Team Member. Miya is from Ripon and is currently going to Moraine Park Technical College for Graphic Design. She volunteers by photographing various events in the community. She enjoys going to all the different events to take pictures. She is excited to be joining the Thrasher team and says she is looking forward to it.
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