Local News Briefs For Saturday 7/18/15

The state’s unemployment rate held steady last month. It’s at four-point-six percent for June, same as in May when the seasonally-adjusted rate rose by two-tenths of a point. State labor officials reported a preliminary loss of 300 private-sector jobs last month. But that’s based on a survey of only 35-hundred employers statewide, and the figures are often heavily revised later on. Wisconsin’s jobless rate is still below the national rate for June of five-point-three percent.

Area Farmers Receive Dairy Grant

Thirty-nine dairy producers across the state will be receiving state grants to help them expand and grow. Among them is Ronald Baus of Mt. Calvary and Millers Osceden Acres of Eden. The Grow Wisconsin 30×20 Grants were introduced by Governor Walker in 2012. They provide up to $5,000 to a farmer for hiring consultants with the expertise to address specific business needs. Cost share payments by the farmer are required at 20% of the total grant amount. This year’s award total came to $190,617.

Non Profits Benefit From FDL County Fair

The manager of the Fond du Lac County Fair says non-profit groups benefit from the fair each summer. Matt Immel many volunteers from non-profit groups works the bars and food stands and in other capacities such as the Hockey Boosters who park cars for them. He says not many people realize that the fair is one of, if not the biggest fundraiser for some of the non-profits in the community. Montgomery Gentry is the Grandstand entertainment at the fair Saturday. At the K107 Leine Lodge Nix and Back Home Boys will perform.

New Ripon K9 Officer

There’s been a change in the Ripon Police K9 unit. Ripon Police Captain Bill Wallner says Officer Tim Schroeder is no longer teamed up with their dog Rony. He says Officer Trevor Hanke is now teamed up with Rony. He says Officer Hanke has served with a police dog before. He says the officer worked with their two prior dogs and has about 14 years of experience working with K9’s. Rony has been with the Ripon Police Department since May. Community donations made his purchase and training possible.

No Favoritism

The chairman of the Fond du Lac County Republican Party says don’t expect any favoritism to be shown for Governor Walker when the party opens its county office. Walker is one of more than 15 GOP candidates running for president. Dan Feyen attended Walker’s kickoff speech in Waukesha earlier this week. He says the county GOP office will include literature on all the Republican Party candidates when it opens up. He says their primary job is to educate voters. Walker made several appearances at the Fond du Lac County GOP office during his run for reelection last year.

Golfing With The President

Moraine Park Technical College recently held a golf outing that was tabbed as “Golfing with the Prez.” MPTC President Bonnie Baerwald says it was a fundraising event that was a bit tongue-in-cheek and just plain fun. She says foursomes had some unique challenges like on one hole they had to hit balls with a tennis racket and on another a four-handled putter was used. She says she hopes the first of many annual events and allowed people who rarely or never golf to enjoy the day. All fun aside it also raised about $800.

Eldorado Picnic This Weekend

Eldorado holds its community picnic this weekend. Hog-wrestling, dancing and a parade are just some of the fun. The Hog wrestling is Saturday at 2 p.m. with gates opening at noon. Also Saturday Star 69 will perform from 8 p.m. to Midnight. The parade is at 11 a.m. Sunday with a chicken dinner at noon and music by the Del Rays from 1 to 5 pm. There will also be water fights. Proceeds will benefit the Eldorado Fire Department and Lion’s Club. A Lion’s Club member says they provide help when people need it, just like the firefighters.