4/30/25 Hometown Broadcasting News Wednesday
30 April 2025 News
GARAGES DESTROYED BY FIRE IN EDEN
The Eden Fire Department, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office and a dozen other fire agencies responded to a garage fire at 104 Sheridan Street in the Village of Eden at 10:18 Tuesday morning. Upon arrival deputies and firefighters saw smoke and flames coming from two detached garages. The fire was starting to spread to the house. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the two garages and a shed. One side of the home sustained fire damage on the exterior, but the house was saved. The two garages, a small shed, and vehicle in the driveway were total losses. No one was injured. All animals were accounted for and unharmed. The cause of the fire is being determined.
KITCHEN FIRE IN FDL
Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue responded to a house fire at 177 14th Street Tuesday morning at 10:47 am. When fire crews arrived they saw heavy smoke coming from the rear of the home. When they entered the residence they learned the fire was in the kitchen around the stove. The fire was quickly extinguished. There was extensive smoke and moderate fire damage to the home. Residents were alerted by the smell of smoke and escaped the home. Paramedics evaluated them on the scene for smoke inhalation. Fond du Lac Fire Department officials say the incident is a good reminder to make sure kitchen appliances are completely off after cooking food. (Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue photo).
DODGE COUNTY SHERIFF SUPPORTS DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S SETTLEMENT DECISION
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says he supports District Attorney Andrea Will’s decision to enter a settlement agreement with former Waupun Correctional Warden Randall Hepp. Monday Hepp pled no contest to a misdemeanor charge of violating state/county institution laws. That was reduced from an original charge of misconduct in office. He was found guilty and was ordered to pay a $500 fine and court costs. Nine employees of the prison were originally charged in connection with the deaths of two inmates. Sheriff Schmidt says Hepp’s consequences shouldn’t be minimized. As a result of the incident, he has faced intense public scrutiny, is no longer an employee of the Department of Corrections and now has a criminal record. Schmidt also defended District Attorney Will noting since news of Hepp’s conviction there has been unfair and unwarranted scrutiny leveled at her regarding the case. He says people have to keep in mind that there are many pieces to this puzzle that have not yet made their way through the criminal justice system. You can read more of the Sheriff’s comments at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Facebook page.
RIPON FIRE AND EMS CONSOLIDATION STUDY
Following a presentation on a 76-page study of consolidating Fire and EMS Services the Ripon Common Council Monday night unanimously approved securing a more detailed proposal on the structure and costs of consolidation. Two representatives from Public Administration Associates presented the findings of the study to the Council. They told Council members that staffing and increased calls for service are a nationwide problem for both Fire and EMS. According to the study it will take six months to a year to implement the changes needed for consolidation. It would involve dissolution of the Fire District and a Division of Assets, Remodeling the Fire Station, Developing and Approving a New Department Budget and much more. City Administrator Adam Sonntag said they can no longer “slow walk” the need for full-time EMS staffing. He says they can apply for grants for some of the costs and there may be compensations for Interfacility transfers handled by EMS. PAA officials are recommending the City of Ripon move forward with merging Fire and EMS and don’t allow the surrounding communities to impact or slow the process. A copy of the study can be found at the City’s website.
Fire and EMS Study – What’s New – City of Ripon, Wisconsin
WAUPACA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ENDS DMV OFFERINGS
The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office is no longer making Department of Motor Vehicle services available at their offices. As of Tuesday they will no longer be offering DMV-related services such as vehicle renewals and registrations. Officials say the decision was not made lightly, and they appreciate the public’s understanding and continued support. They recommend if you need assistance with DMV matters, visit your local DMV’s office or check their official website for available services.
WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON NORTHERN WISCONSIN ROADS
Warmer weather has reached northern Wisconsin and the state’s Department of Transportation is ending Spring Thaw Class II and Posted Road restrictions for northern Wisconsin. Class II roads include about 1,400 miles of state highways susceptible to damage from heavy trucks during the spring thaw as frost leaves the ground. Further information can be found online for divisible load permits and non-divisible load permits. County highways, town roads, city and village streets may also be posted or limited to legal load limits or less. Decisions to place or lift weight restrictions on those roads are up to local units of government. The weight restrictions were lifted just after midnight this morning.
Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site – Divisible load permits
Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site – Non-divisible load permits
STATE SENATOR JAGLER ON STATE SUPREME COURT DECISION
Last week the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the governor’s partial line-item veto in the 2023-25 budget that provided Wisconsin school districts with continued, additive per pupil adjustments of $325 every year through 2425. The Governor issued a statement saying doing what’s best for our kids is what’s best for the state. State Senator John Jagler says Republican lawmakers had included $325 adjustments for each student each year of the two year budget, but they had no intention of making that increase every year for 400 years. The state lawmaker from Watertown says it would have been nice to include more money for special education in the upcoming budget but now they have to find a way of continuing to fund that increase the Governor created with his veto pen.
RC2 COMMUNITY RUNS THIS SATURDAY
Registration is being taken for the RC2 Community Runs that will be held this Saturday morning at Vines and Rushes on County Highway E in Ripon. The Ripon College/Ripon Community Run/Walk offers 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon choices. It is being sponsored by SSM Health and the Ripon Noon Kiwanis. The race was originally created as a partnership between the community and Ripon College. Ripon College Professor Dr. Hatcher taught a class on motivation with the option of training and completing a half marathon. The event has grown over the years. Ed Schraeder of the Ripon Noon Kiwanis says the races will be on the Mascoutin Trail which is next to Vines and Rushes. He says it is one of the many activities the Ripon Noon Kiwanis have supported over their 100 year history. Those interested in participating can register online through 9:30 Friday morning or register the day of the races.
RC2 Community Runs- 5k, 10K & Half Marathon
DIVERSE OPTIONS OPEN HOUSE
Diverse Options in Ripon continues its yearlong celebration of its 50th Anniversary tonight with an open house. They had a celebration for staff last month during their actual anniversary on March 27th, but this one is open to the public. Noreen Johnson of Diverse Options talked about some of highlights of today’s open house. There will be live music, food trucks, children’s games, drinks, and tours of the facility. In addition to remodeling their kitchen, plans are to improve their playground and add new doors to the facility at 571 Fenton Street. Hours are from 4 to 7 pm and there is no cost to attend.
APPLICATIONS BEING TAKEN FOR DNR CONSERVATION WARDENS
The state’s DNR is accepting applications for the next class of conservation wardens through next Tuesday. They expect to hire about 10 full-time wardens for the upcoming 2026 class. Successful applicants will begin their law enforcement training in January or April of next year, depending on experience level. The DNR encourages applicants from various backgrounds. No prior involvement in hunting and fishing activities, experience operating recreational vehicles or law enforcement experience is required. The DNR offers comprehensive, in-house training to all new hires. Conservation wardens statewide will hold open “office hours” sessions for prospective applicants. “Office hours” information can be found on the DNR’s website.
Warden Recruitment | Wisconsin DNR
COMMUNITIES SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER TONIGHT
The Communities program at Oshkosh North High School, in partnership with the Mid-Morning Kiwanis Club of Oshkosh, will host its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser tonight from 5 to 7 pm in the Oshkosh North cafeteria. The event will feature a complete Italian dinner including spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert, and beverages. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting the Communities program at 920-379-7458. Attendees should enter through Door 1. Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will directly support the Communities program, an innovative educational initiative at Oshkosh North. The program provides students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings.
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