3/11/25 Hometown Broadcasting News Tuesday
11 March 2025 News
SPACE HEATERS LIKELY CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE SOUTH OF RIPON
Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s investigators have released details about the cause of a fire that destroyed a home at W13502 County Highway KK in the Town of Metomen on Friday, February 21st. Investigators say the home was being heated by five electric space heaters. The tenants’ exterior wood burner had an issue with the wiring, which they didn’t have the funds to repair at the time, so they were using space heaters to heat the residence. The tenants were also unaware if there were smoke detectors in the home or if they were working at the time of the fire. They woke up from the smell of smoke the night of the incident. A few months prior to that fire, they had a small fire that was started when a propane space heater caught a couch on fire. That fire was quickly put out. No LP space heaters were in use during the fire last month. Two tenants suffered smoke inhalation and another serious injuries jumping from a second story window during the fire in February. The blaze also claimed the lives of five dogs and six cats.
SEX OFFENDER MOVING BACK TO FDL
After serving a year in prison for violating the conditions of his community supervision a 25-year-old sex offender is being released back into the Fond du Lac community on or about March 18th. Willy Laster was sent back to prison for violating that supervision, resisting or obstructing an officer, and unauthorized use of computerized communication systems to threaten injury or harm. He was previously convicted in Fond du Lac County Court in 2021 for three counts of possession of child pornography. He served three years in prison. He will be on electronic monitoring and extended supervision until March 9th, 2027. He will be living at 457 Thomas Street.
GREEN LAKE REFERENDUM
The City of Green Lake held the last of three information sessions last Saturday about a referendum that will be put before voters on April 1st. The City is asking voters to allow it to increase its levy limit by nearly 65 percent from an estimated $1.16 million to $1.91 million in 2026 and on an ongoing basis include the $750,000 increase for each fiscal year going forward. The purpose would be to maintain or expand public safety protection services. If the increase is not approved there would be reductions in staff or services in 2026 including a potential reduction in Department of Public Works staff, Police staff, potential reduction of police staff availability, reduction of 24-hour policing, potential reduction of city hall operational staff and hours of operations. The major impact on the property tax levy would be felt in the first year with a proposed tax rate increasing from $4.46 per thousand dollars of value on a property for this past year to $7.50 for 2026 which would result in a $760 increase on a $250,000 home.
FULLY Customizable Pitchbook Template
TOWN SQUARE RECEIVES GRANT FOR HISTORIC STRUCTURE REPORT
Town Square Community Center in Green Lake has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Fuldner Architectural and Historical Heritage Fund which will fund a Historic Structure Report for the building that housed the Community Center, the former Green Lake County Courthouse. The grant will provide vital historical insight, an in-depth assessment, and key recommendations for preserving and maintaining the historic structure. The report will be conducted by historic preservation architect Charles Quagliana and will include a comprehensive review of the building’s history, architectural features, and current condition. The report will outline preservation strategies to ensure the long-term viability and integrity of Town Square, which has served as a central gathering place for the Green Lake community since its construction in 1898. The former Green Lake County Courthouse is on the National Historic Register. The report is expected to be completed by May, with findings made available to the public. (Wisconsin State Historical Society photo).
FREE HIV AND STI TESTING AVAILABLE
Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says Wisconsin residents 18 and older can now order free at-home HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection test kits. They will arrive in discreet packaging and provide preliminary results. They are available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Mueller says it’s a service the DHS wanted to make available to counties whose health departments don’t provide testing. Fond du Lac County does and it’s confidential. She says they only get 1 to 2 cases a year that test positive. Mueller says if sexual partners need to be notified because of a positive result in testing, the health department will handle that discreetly. Monday was Women and Girls HIV/Aids Awareness Day.
RIPON PROFESSOR APPOINTED LEADERSHIP FELLOW
Jackie Clark, professor of sociology and Helen Swift Neilson Professor of Cultural Studies at Ripon College, has been designated as an Associated Colleges of Midwest Academic Leadership Fellow in the second cohort of appointed leaders. She is one of 10 faculty at nine ACM colleges appointed for two-year terms beginning in July. The program will allow faculty to gain firsthand knowledge of the operations of campus leadership at the highest levels, allowing them to assist their colleges in addressing current challenges and opportunities. The program is supported by a $1.16 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, and if offers tenured faculty in the arts, humanities and humanistic social sciences the chance to enhance their skills across various leadership areas. Each fellow will receive an annual stipend of $20,000 as well as professional development opportunities and course release time, while their colleges will receive funding to hire replacement instructors. You can read more about Clark and the fellowship at the Ripon College website. (Ripon College photo).
Jackie Clark appointed ACM Academic Leadership Fellow | Ripon College
WORKER TRAINING GRANTS AVAILABLE
The state’s Department of Workforce Development has extended the deadline for employers to apply for Wisconsin Fast Forward worker training grants from today through Wednesday, April 2nd; by 3 pm. Employers of all types and sizes across Wisconsin are encouraged to apply for the funding that helps address the critical demand for skilled workers. The program supports innovative local and regional solutions to help employers meet workforce needs in their areas. The Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000-and higher for consortium applicants-can cover training that qualifies workers for full-time positions, higher-level roles, or increased wages. More details about the grant program are available at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.
Employer Grants Now Available to Train Skilled Workers
OASD STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE AND VOLUNTEER FAIR
The Oshkosh Area School District is inviting the community to its annual Strategic Plan Update and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, March 20th at 6 pm at Vel Phillips Middle School. To begin the event District Superintendent Bryan Davis will provide an update on the district’s 2025 strategic plan and outline opportunities for the community to get involved with district schools. Davis will also explain this year’s evolution in the district’s approach to improvement. Following the superintendent’s update, school principals and district leaders will be available at tables to discuss documents and specific volunteer opportunities. All district parents, guardians, students, staff members, and community members are invited to attend. For more information or to preview the district’s proposed 2025-2026 Strategic Plan visit the district’s website.
Strategic Plan – Oshkosh Area School District
MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE YOUTH COUNCIL
The state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds students to apply for the next Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council. Applications will be accepted through March 31st. Students who will be seniors during the 2025-2026 school year should apply. To apply students need to complete the electronic application including a brief survey and one-minute video explaining their current involvement in agriculture and their future goals. The council meets virtually each month of the school year to listen to presentations, engage in discussions, and connect with professionals across the agriculture industry. Members serve a one year term on the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council and receive a certificate at the end of their term. Fifteen members for the council are being sought across the state. More information and an application are available online.
DATCP Home Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council
ONE BY ONE SHOWING IN WAUPUN SUNDAY
The latest film featuring Mayville actor Dan Bell, “One by One” will be shown at the Grace Lutheran Church in Waupun Sunday afternoon. It’s the true story of David Rosenow a former undertaker and police narcotic and homicide detective from Barron County, Michigan. Eventually he turns to the ministry and gets a small congregation of senior citizens in Florida. The film focuses on faith, hope, and trusting God’s plan. Bell plays a curmudgeonly church councilman. During the premiere of the film in the Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson last November Bell sat next to the real David Rosenow who he describes as a “Gentle Giant.” Bell says Salty Earth Pictures is doing another picture this summer “Run for Glory: The Don Bebe Story,” about the former Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills wide receiver. The showing of “One by One” Sunday in Waupun is free, but a free will offering would be appreciated. There is a reception at 2 pm followed by the showing of the movie at 3 pm.
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