4/23/25 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
23 April 2025 News
OSHKOSH MAN PLEADS TO LESSER HOMICIDE CHARGE
The 24-year-old Oshkosh man suspected in a fatal stabbing outside an Oshkosh pizza restaurant entered a “no contest” plea in Winnebago County Court yesterday. Sybastian Crossman pled to a lesser charge of homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon. He was originally charged with first-degree reckless homicide, and a 4-day jury trial was scheduled to begin May 5th. Prosecutors say the stabbing occurred outside a pizza restaurant on High Avenue last August 10th. The victim suffered a single puncture wound to the abdomen. According to the criminal complaint Crossman and a friend got into an argument with others including the stabbing victim. The argument moved from inside the restaurant to the outside where the stabbing took place. Crossman will be sentenced on June 23rd. (Winnebago County Jail photo).
WEST BEND WOMAN PLEADS TO POACHING CHARGE
The 37-year-old former Brownsville woman suspected of numerous poaching incidents that killed or maimed over 100 deer entered guilty pleas to two charges in Washington County Court Tuesday. Jessica Kroening pled guilty to misdemeanor charges of intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a child and illegal shining of a deer, elk, or bear as party to a crime. A third charge of resisting a conservation warden was dismissed. She will be sentenced on Friday, May 2nd. Kroening and three teenagers have been facing charges for poaching deer and other animals across Dodge, Washington, and Fond du Lac counties. Charges were not brought against her in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties. The three teens were charged in juvenile court.
WOOD COUNTY TEEN SENTENCED FOR WAUSHARA COUNTY BURGLARIES
A Wood County teen has been sentenced to eight days in jail and two years of probation for burglarizing Amish businesses in Waushara County last November. Through a plea agreement last week 17-year-old Leon Borntrager of Arpin pled guilty to misdemeanor theft. He will also have to make restitution to the affected businesses. According to a Waushara County Sheriff’s press release the first break-in was reported on November 6th. While deputies were still investigating that burglary the business owner of another business reported a break-in. Both break-ins were similar in location and close in proximity. In each case, the buildings were locked and entered without permission, with one door being broken in the process of entry, and money was stolen. On November 29th one of the previously burglarized businesses called police to report an entry alarm was going off at their business and the locked door had been opened. Deputies responding to the scene found evidence of a third burglary. Borntrager confessed to all three burglaries and a fingerprint taken from a door at one of businesses matched his. Borntrager was sentenced on April 15th.
CONGRESSMAN GROTHMAN ON PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS
Congressman Glenn Grothman issued a statement yesterday about the passing of Pope Francis. He says, “I am saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, the first Pope from the Americas.” The federal lawmaker from Glenbeulah continued, “It is heartwarming to see such grieving over an important Christian leader. Our prayers are with the Cardinals as they choose a new leader of the largest Christian denomination in the world.” He concluded by saying, “For all who are mourning, my heart goes out to you. Let us honor his legacy by reaffirming our commitment to Christ. May Pope Francis rest in peace.” The funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday. (Vatican News photo).
RASD SUPERINTENDENT ON THE TRANSITION
Ripon Schools Superintendent Mary Whitrock feels confident the District will be in good hands when Ron Rivard takes over as superintendent in July. The School Board approved a two-year contract with him Monday night. Whitrock will work with Rivard and other staff during the next few months’ transition. She says getting to know community leaders and members is one of the keys to the job. Rivard had the chance to meet one of those community leaders Monday evening; Ripon College President Victoria Folse attended the Board’s meeting. Whitrock will be retiring at the end of June and says in gest a representative of the busing company that buses their students has been hounding her about becoming a bus driver. She does say that with most of their kids moving out of the family’s home they have empty rooms and will become a foster family something she encourages more families to do.
WRNC BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FUND
Ripon’s City Administrator says a $240,000 grant from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is the result of collaboration between Waupun, Ripon, North Fond du Lac, and Campbellsport. What will be the WRNC Business Opportunity Fund will establish a revolving loan fund that will loan entrepreneurs up to $10,000 for start-ups and businesses up to $25,000 for business expansions in those communities. Eighty percent of the money will be in the form of a loan and the remaining 20 percent a forgivable grant. Ripon City Administrator Adam Sonntag says it’s a unique partnership. While in Ripon today WEDC officials planned visits to the Ripon Main Street Office for the grant presentation, Ernessi Foods, the Village Green, and Knuth Brewing Company. Each of those locations benefitted from state development funds.
DEALING WITH BUSINESS CLOSINGS
The administrator for the state’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection says timing is of the essence if you learn a business you are doing business with is closing or filing for bankruptcy. Michelle Reinen says if they have your property check with the business manager, owner, or franchisor to get it returned. In case of bankruptcy you may have to have an attorney file an adversary proceeding. She says the same advice holds true if you’ve made a down payment for some type of service. If you paid with a credit card and it is within 60 days of receiving your credit card statement you may be able to dispute the charge. She recommends always using gift cards as soon as possible, but if you haven’t you may not be able to if they are going out of business. If the business has filed for bankruptcy contact the court for information on how to file a proof of claim and deadlines for submission.
STATE HIGHWAY 441 IMPROVEMENTS
Governor Tony Evers has signed a $7.4 million contract to improve 4 miles of State Highway 441 from Interstate 41 to South Oneida Street in the village of Fox Crossing, city of Menasha and city of Appleton in Winnebago and Calumet Counties. Construction begins next Monday. State Highway 441 will have single lane closures and various short-term and long-term ramp closures. The project is expected to finish in October. Zenith Tech from Waukesha is the prime contractor. Improvements will include removal and replacement of the existing concrete pavement adjacent to the bridges.
VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK
Moraine Park Technical College, in partnership with Marian University, will host its 8th annual veteran suicide awareness walk, 22 No More, Saturday. The event consists of a 2.2-mile ruck march/walk to raise awareness around the veteran suicide rate and honor those who have lost their lives. The ruck march/walk will begin at 10 am at the MPTC Fond du Lac Campus in the B-1 parking lot. On-site registration will begin at 8:45 am: however, pre-registration is recommended. A complimentary lunch will follow the walk. The event is free, open to the public and pet-friendly. Participants are not required to wear backpacks to participate, but are encouraged to carry a photo of a veteran who died due to suicide. Donations are accepted through the Student Veteran Club, which will help fund future events and assist its mission to serve veterans. Registration can be handled online at the Moraine Park website.
SSM HEALTH RECOGNIZED WITH SAFETY AWARD
SSM Health was recently honored with the Wisconsin Safety Council Workplace Safety Award. The council recognized SSM Health for its exemplary safety record and outstanding dedication to workplace safety. The awards program is sponsored by Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development and M3 Insurance companies. Dave Kitkowski is the Senior Environmental Safety Emergency Preparedness Specialist at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo. He accepted the award for SSM Health. Kitkowski says, “This honor reflects not just an outstanding safety record but a deep, daily commitment to the wellbeing of every patient, visitor, and team member who walks through our doors.” The award was presented during the 83rd Annual Safety Conference held April 15th and 16th at the Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells.
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