3/26/25 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
26 March 2025 News
DODGE COUNTY DRUG ARRESTS
Dodge County’s Drug Task Force late last month arrested a 50-year-old Waupun woman and 44-year-old Texas man who were allegedly returning to Wisconsin from Texas with drugs. A Waupun Police Officer, who is a member of the task force, received information he shared with the task force. They were able to locate the vehicle on U.S. Highway 151 near Gunn Road in the Town of Calamus and conduct a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle and occupants turned up methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. As a result the driver, Audra Arnold of Waupun, and passenger Manuel Gonzalez of Texas were arrested. Both are charged with methamphetamine and marijuana trafficking and Gonzalez with drug paraphernalia possession as well. He is being held in the Dodge County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond and Arnold on a $5,000 cash bond.
FIRE REPORTED AT GUTH’S LANDING AND RESORT
Fire damaged a bar at Guth’s Landing and Resort in Weyauwega Monday night. According to a news release from the New London Fire Department the fire burned through the roof of the campground’s bathroom/shower area and there was some fire extension and damage in an attached game room. There was considerable smoke damage to the bar. A 911 call reported the fire shortly after 10 pm. Mounted wild animals and fish in a glass display case survived the fire. The cause is still under investigation. The property owner reported lighting a hot water heater and turning up the thermostat on a furnace in the building housing the bathroom/shower area about 30 minutes before the fire was discovered. He was preparing for the upcoming camping season.
ENGINEERING FIRM CHOSEN FOR HWY 23 RECONSTRUCTION IN RIPON
The Ripon Common Council this week approved MSA to provide engineering services for the underground water and sewer utility replacements during the reconstruction of State Highway 23 in Ripon in 2030. MSA was one of five firms that submitted proposals for the city’s request for qualifications for the project. They were one of the top three firms scored for qualifications finishing second to Mead and Hunt which will be providing services for the state for the project. The city has worked with MSA on multiple projects. The estimated cost of the Highway 23 reconstruction project is $8 million. The state will pay for 80 percent of the road reconstruction but the city is responsible for the utilities. City Administrator Adam Sonntag says they would like to do the whole project in one year because of the disruption it will cause. MSA’s estimated costs for their services was $210,000 which was more than Mead and Hunt, but Council members felt more comfortable with MSA and believe it might be good to have different engineering firms working for the city and state on the project. The public will get its chance to find out more about the project during an information session put on by the state’s Department of Transportation next month.
RIPON CREATING TID 16
The City of Ripon is in the process of creating Tax Incremental District 16, which would be an overlay of TID 7 and the Sandmar area. City Administrator Adam Sonntag says it would pick up where TID 7 left off growing an area that has not been developed. He says it would tackle a project list of additional development including infrastructure needs including a new well, expansion of utilities, and the extension of Ringstad Road. He says the new TID would also address some of the concerns brought up during the Common Council’s approval of zoning overlay for the S.C. Swiderski Project that will be constructing 64 new apartments. It would put in sidewalks, enhance parks, address drainage projects, and create the financing needed to do it. The Joint Review Board held a meeting about the proposed TID 16 last week and the Plan Commission recently held a public hearing.
BGCTC RIPON FACILITY WILL HAVE A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
When the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area Ripon facility opens in a couple of months it will have some pre-work programs for teens. Kara Kinas Jankowski is the Club’s Workforce Development Coordinator. She says they will be equipped to offer an automotive program. They will have a classroom, program space, an auto shop with two bays, a car lift, and all the tools needed. She says they will have other opportunities as well that will introduce kids to the trades, hands-on experience, and pre-apprenticeship programs. She says partnerships have been forged with the Ripon High School, Moraine Park Technical College, Homan Auto, and Alliance Laundry Systems among others. The new facility in Ripon is expected to be open on June 10th.
STATE TESTING STANDARDS AN ISSUE IN STATE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT RACE
State Senator John Jagler says he expects Governor Tony Evers to veto a bill that would reverse the educational testing standards put into place by State Schools Superintendent Jill Underly. The state lawmaker from Watertown says Governor Evers at first wasn’t a fan of the new standards which Jagler calls “watered down.” Governor Evers was expected to make a decision on the bill this week, just days before voters will be asked to decide between incumbent DPI Chief Underly and her challenger Brittany Kinser who mostly entered the Superintendent’s race because of a change to those testing standards.
RHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
The Ripon Area School District is seeking nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. To be eligible for nomination, an individual must have graduated from Ripon High School at least ten years ago and have distinguished themselves through career and/or community involvement. Nominations will be accepted online by May 1st. The nomination form is also available on the Ripon Area School District Website, Facebook page, and Instagram page. The award recipient is recognized during the Homecoming celebrations in the fall. A plaque with the portrait and a brief biography of the 2025 recipient will be added to the permanent display at Ripon High School. This is the 22nd year the Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented. Last year’s award was presented to Cory Pollesch from the class of 1987.
Ripon Area School District Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination Form 2025
WMH CNA BEE AWARD WINNER
Wanda Tjepkema, a SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital Medical/Surgical CNA, has been named the newest recipient of the BEE or Be Exceptional Everyday Award. She was nominated by a patient who wrote, “She gave me a sponge baht, washed my hair, and back rub. She is just an all-around wonderful person.” The BEE Award is specifically designed to recognize non-nursing staff members who demonstrate great teamwork and communication skills, collaboration, professionalism, exemplary service, and a commitment to excellence.
APRIL PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CONNECTION EVENT
The Professional Women’s Connection of the Ripon area invites professionals to an inspiring evening of leadership and collaboration at Badger Mining Corporation on Thursday, April 17th from 5:30 to 7 pm. The event, “Unified Leadership: Women and Men Leading as One,” will feature an engaging panel discussion with women leaders from BMC, a company that has long championed equality in leadership. Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned professional, the event offers a unique opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by those at the forefront of unified leadership. The evening includes dinner and beverages. Advance registration is required. The cost is $20 for PWC members and $25 for guests. RSVP online at PWCWI.org by Tuesday, April 15th at noon.
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