Ripon Fire Followup

The Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce is asking for donations for the families displaced by the fire in downtown Ripon early Wednesday morning. Jason Mansmith of the Chamber says there were 13 adults and nine children who need clothing and basic needs. He says money and personnel hygiene products are also needed. He says within hours of the fire the Chamber was already getting contacted about what was needed to help those families out. Mansmith says you can check out their website for the list of items that are needed or give them a call at (920) 748-6764. Donations can be dropped off at Traded Treasure Thrift Boutique and Ripon Community Food Pantry at 102 West Jackson Street in Ripon. Fond du Lac Fire Department photo.

Ripon Mayor Grateful For Response To Fire

Ripon Mayor Gary Will says he’s grateful no one was injured during a huge fire in downtown Ripon this morning. He says buildings can be replaced and they can deal with the rest of it as the days unfold. He’s also grateful to everyone that pitched in to put out the fire or make it easier for police and firefighters including the businesses that set up warming shelters. He also thankful for the 60-75 firefighters who braved sub-zero temperatures to make sure the fire didn’t spread to any other downtown buildings on Watson Street. Will says he was notified of the fire early in the morning by police dispatch.

Fire Victim Wasn’t Deprived Of Birthday Cake

A kind gesture during a tragic fire in Ripon Wednesday will likely be remembered for a long time. Joan Karsten is the President of the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In the course of finding out what displaced families from a downtown fire needed they learned a young girl was celebrating her 8th birthday. She says a decorated birthday cake and a few napkins might not be much given what the girl and her family lost, but no one should be deprived on their special day.