Hometown Broadcasting News Friday 9/27/19
27 September 2019 News
Suicide Prevention Task Force Work Complete
State Representative Joan Ballweg has wrapped up her work on the Speaker’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention. The state lawmaker from Markesan and task force members released their interim report earlier this week. Ballweg says, “In 2017, 918 individuals died by suicide in Wisconsin. Nearly 5,000 others made a suicide attempt. It’s clear we must do more.” The report contained 10 proposals. The recommendations are the culmination of 6 public hearings held across that state since April.
Smith Elementary School Being Sold
The Oshkosh School Board this week decided to sell the former Smith Elementary School. The district closed the 124-year-old school in June. As one of the district’s oldest schools it would have required $3.7 million in major repairs. That would have included upgraded plumbing, new flooring, backup generators, replacing the roof and more. The school could possibly be redeveloped into apartments or office space. Oshkosh Schools Superintendent Vickie Cartwright says they will open a bidding process soon with an October 22nd closing.
FVWD Board Preparing To Help Ripon Kmart Employees
The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board will be working with laid off employees of the Ripon Kmart. The Board has been notified by the state of the impending closing which is expected in December. It will affect about 40 employees. A Rapid Response team will be responsible for efforts to re-train and help find re-employment for those workers. The Board will work with Kmart store leadership to schedule an employee outreach session, which will include an overview of the services offered by the Board and area Job Center, as well as information on unemployment insurance. In addition, the workers may be eligible for assistance from the National Retail Worker Dislocation Grant, which can direct up to $30,000 to each laid off retail worker for retraining, housing and other support.
August Unemployment Rates Reported
Unemployment rates in August held steady in Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties at 3.2 percent. According to federal labor statistics the jobless rate last month in Marquette County also remained the same as the previous month at 3.3 percent. Other area counties saw their rates decline slightly Dodge County’s unemployment rate was 2.9 percent, Waupaca County was at 3 percent, Green Lake County at 3.5 percent, and Waushara County at 3.6 percent. Jobless rates for the cities of Fond du Lac and Oshkosh rose slightly to 3.8 and 3.5 percent respectively.
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Low Water Levels Will Continue At Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area
Waterfowl hunters are advised that water levels at Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area in Green Lake County are expected to remain very low through the fall of 2020, affecting opportunities for activities. Due to storm damage in August 2018, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff members are unable to control water flow through the dam at Grand River Marsh. As a result, water levels will remain too low for boat launching, and angling and waterfowl hunting opportunities will be significantly reduced. Plans to repair the dam are underway and the work is expected to be completed next summer.
Free Smoke Alarm Installation In Ripon Saturday
Ripon residents are encouraged to make an appointment for installation of free smoke alarms, which will be installed during a day of home fire safety in Ripon tomorrow. Justin Kern of the American Red Cross says they and other community partners will be canvassing the community. “You know the fire departments are always great partners in these events with us and we are also partnering, and our hub for that day will be Our Saviors United Church of Christ. So it really is a community event.” The program has directly helped to save more than 630 lives in the U.S. since 2014. To sign up yourself or your family, enter your information at GetASmokeAlarm.org or leave a message at (920) 231-3590 with your name, address and phone number.
Harvest Fest In Green Lake This Weekend
Harvest Fest and all the fun that comes with it will be held in Green Lake Saturday and Sunday. Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Liane Walsh says there will be dozens of activities for the 31st annual event. There’s also a raffle with plenty of prizes for winners. “Our raffle tickets got get those they are available at the Chamber booth and the Grand Prize is $1,000 in Chamber Bucks to be spent at our local stores and 100s of other prizes. Currently you can get raffle tickets at the Chamber or Adam’s Rib.” Events will run from about 8 am to 10 pm that Saturday and from 6:30 am to about 4 pm that Sunday. A complete list is available at the Chamber’s website.
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