Local News Briefs Thursday 10/22/15

Ripon Woman Hit By Car In Crosswalk

Ripon Police are reminding drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks following an accident in the City Wednesday morning. Police say a car struck an elderly woman in the crosswalk at the intersection of Blackburn and Blossom Streets. An ambulance took her to the Ripon Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

Fire Destroys Town Of West Bend Home

Washington County Sheriff’s officials say fire destroyed a home and its contents in the Town of West Bend early Tuesday morning causing an estimated $800,000 in damage. The blaze happened at a residence on Woodland Summit. The homeowners were able to safely escape and there were no injuries. Ten fire departments battled the blaze. The cause is still being determined.

Unemployment Rates Lower

Unemployment rates for the City and County of Fond du Lac continued to shrink in September. According to Federal labor statistics released by the state’s Department of Workforce Development the City of Fond du Lac’s jobless rate last month decreased from 3.8 to 3.5 percent. The County’s unemployment rate was even lower falling from 3.6 to 3.2 percent. Those unemployment rates are more than a full percentage point lower than they were in September of 2014. For more click here.

Ground Breaking At John Deere Horicon Works

John Deere Horicon Works will break ground today on a new assembly and shipping facility. Among those scheduled to attend the event in Horicon are Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, State Senator Scott Fitzgerald, Horicon Mayor Steven Neitzel and other local officials. John Deere currently employs more than 1,100 people at its Horicon location.

NFDL Auto Aide Discussions Continue

The North Fond du Lac Village Board this week continued discussions on whether the City of Fond du Lac should be requested to provide the village fire department with support during structure fires. Village Administrator Chuck Hornung says that currently isn’t the case. He says right now the Van Dyne Fire Department provides auto aide. He says the discussions will continue on the auto aide issue. Hornung says if the village fire department is dispatched for a structure fire whether it’s happening or a false alarm the aid would be automatic.

Care Giving Conference Coming Up Next Week

Both family and professional care givers are invited to attend the Care Giving Conference coming up next Thursday at the Holiday Inn in Fond du Lac. Lori Anderson is with Fond du Lac County Senior Services. She says it will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. She says care givers provide a nice service for people unable to care for themselves. She says they will have a number of vendors and an inspirational speaker. More than 30 vendors will provide information and samples and the speaker will talk about using laughter to get through the day’s challenges. She says they will also have three break-out sessions and they will have all kinds of topics. To get a registration form or arrange respite call Anderson at 920-906-4792. The cost to attend is $5 for family care givers and $15 for professionals. For more information click here.

Corrections Career Fair At Waupun Correctional

Waupun Correctional will host a Career Fair at its Visiting Center next Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m.  Anyone interested in careers in Corrections or considering a career change is encouraged to check out all the opportunities that a career in with the Department of Corrections has to offer. Staff from Waupun Correctional Institution, Dodge Institution and Fox Lake Institution, as well as Probation and Parole will be on site to answer questions and assist with submitting an application. No cell phones, electronic devices, purses or backpacks will be allowed into the building. Virtual tours of correctional facilities will be presented and live tours of Waupun Correctional Institution will be provided as time permits. If you plan to participate in a tour of the facility, you must be 18. Minors accompanied by an adult may attend the Job Fair in the Visiting Center. Parking will be marked and is also available to the west of the institution off of Drummond Street. Please use the “Visitor Entrance” on Madison Street.

Reservations Being Taken For Caring For You Christmas Holiday Luncheon

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation is accepting reservations for people interested in attending the fifth annual Caring for You at Christmas holiday luncheon. It supports the Carol Hyland Caring for You Fund. The event will be at Whispering Springs Golf Club in Fond du Lac, on Saturday, December 5. Table viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to be served at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon features specially-designed tables that participants enjoy over good food and conversation. Cost of the luncheon is $40. The Carol Hyland Caring for You Fund was established in 2010 for families requiring assistance with basic life needs they are unable to afford during cancer treatment, or care for other long-term illnesses. If interested in attending the event or to be a table designer, call the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation office at (920) 926-4959.