Watson Street 300 Block Reopening In Ripon

Just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend the City of Ripon will be removing blockades on Watson Street and reopening the street for the businesses who have suffered since it was closed due to the downtown fire. City Administrator Lori Rich says they for waiting for Alliant Energy to thaw out some of the utility services affected by last December’s fire in the 300 block. Today Pollesch Construction will be putting up the bracing on the front facades of businesses destroyed by the blaze. That will allow them to remove fencing in the street that has cut off access to businesses. She says it has had a dire impact on some of the businesses. She says the street will be reopened late this afternoon or by Friday noon at the latest. Photo courtesy Fond du Lac Fire Chief Peter O’Leary from December’s fire.