Wednesday 1/30/19
30 January 2019 News
Clearing Downtown Ripon Of Snow Costly
The Ripon Common Council Monday night discussed snow plowing and in particular clearing the downtown. Public Works Director Mike Ehrenberg said the city had received more than 12 inches of snow from Monday’s storm. He said plow drivers were out at 2 am and worked until three or four in the afternoon and expected to do the same Tuesday. He pointed out they would get to Watson Street and particularly the downtown today. Mayor Gary Will said he realized business owners would like to see Watson Street gotten to faster and maybe they could discuss ways of doing that, but also realized there is an expense associated with it. Ehrenberg says it cost them $5,500 every time they clear Watson Street of snow.
Advice For Stranded Motorists
An official with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department says if you run off the highway or become stranded stay with the vehicle until help arrives. Captain Bill Tadych says with the bitter cold temperatures it could make a difference in your safety. “If the vehicle is running stay in the car, keep your seat belt on in case you get in a collision with a vehicle that is spinning out. But with this heavy snow make sure your muffler is free of any snow or is not impacted and wait until you can get some assistance from the Sheriff’s office or a police agency.” Tadych says during Monday’s snow storm they responded to nearly 50 calls for motorist assistance including runoffs and accidents. He reminds drivers that with the bitter cold temperatures frostbite can occur in less than 15 minutes.
Watch Out For Icy Roadways
With dangerous wind chill factors snow plow drivers are fighting a losing battle trying to keep roadways free of ice. Fond du Lac County Highway Commissioner Tom Janke says the salt they use is only effective down to 15 degrees even if they enhance it with other additives. “I mean this weather is not going to help as temperatures continue to get lower and lower and wind chills and winds pick up so now we’ve got drifting, and ice a lot of ice out there. If you’re traveling be very, very cautious and even if the roads look like they are clear of snow there is a good chance there is ice right underneath there.” A Wind Chill Warning is in effect for much of the area through noon Thursday.
Fire Department Donation Scams
Ripon Area Fire District Chief Tim Saul says they’ve gotten a dozen or more complaints in recent weeks from people getting calls from organizations saying they are collecting donations on behalf of the fire department. Saul says there are legitimate organizations that do things in the interest of firefighters, but the best way to donate is right to the department itself. “We do not solicit, we don’t use anybody else. If you want to donate to your locate fire department donate directly to them not to some other organization that you think that’s where the money goes because that is not the case.” Saul says some local organizations might ask for donations to help get fire departments equipment, in that case you could give if you are familiar with the organization. He says the community is good and generous when it comes to giving.
Ripon School Board Special Meeting Rescheduled
The meeting the Ripon Area School Board scheduled Monday night to consider applying for a charter school grant for Barlow Park Elementary School had to be canceled due to Monday’s snow storm. It has been rescheduled for next Tuesday. It will be held at 6 pm in the community room of the high school. District Superintendent Mary Whitrock says they are considering a play-based charter school for K through 2nd grade students. There is also an option to maintain the school as a “legacy” or traditional learning school.
Waupun Among Safest Cities In The State
The City of Waupun was recently recognized as the ninth safest city in the state. The National Council for Home Safety and Security reviewed over 7,600 Wisconsin communities to determine the rankings. Waupun moved up five notches this year cracking the top ten. Police Chief Scott Louden says being proactive allowed the city to jump up in the rankings. Waupun had the fifth fewest property crimes, with 81, and sixth lowest in its property crime rate.
County Snowplow Drivers Face Challenges
Officials with the Dodge County Highway Department are encouraging drivers to slow down and not to pass snowplows. Plow drivers could be required to work around the clock for several days with a 16 hour shift and six hours off between shifts. A typical Dodge County highway snow plow route is 17 miles long or 34 lane miles. It may take 2 hours or more for a truck to make one pass through the route. Freezing rain, wind, and heavy snow are some of the other challenges the snowplow drivers encounter.
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