KFIZ News Tuesday 1/10/17

Ripon Police Talk About Utility Scam

Ripon Police are advising area businesses of a utility scam. They say they got calls from business owners reporting calls in which the caller says they are with Alliant Energy and unless a bill is paid their power will be shut off. The caller also requests banking account information to settle the bill.  Several businesses contacted Alliant Energy directly, and found they were up to date on bills, and this was a scam attempt. Ripon Police say businesses should verify information directly with Alliant Energy before agreeing to pay any bill requested by phone.

Chimney Fire In Town Of Scott

A chimney fire damaged a home on Maple Tree Road in Sheboygan County’s Town of Scott Sunday night. When Sheriff’s deputies arrived they confirmed an active fire in the chimney. Firefighters found embers in the attic. The fire was extinguished; it was contained to the chimney and a small section of the attic. No one was injured and the blaze is not considered suspicious. Five fire departments responded to the fire at N571 Maple Tree Road.

Highway 33 Closing In Allenton For RR Crossing Work

Washington County authorities say a portion of Highway 33 in Allenton will be closed today so work can be done on the Canadian National railroad crossing. The crossing will be open to local traffic only for a while, then closed completely. A detour will send traffic onto I-41, County K and Highway 175. Work should be completed by the end of the day.

Six New Courses Approved For FDL High School

The Fond du Lac School Board Monday night approved six new courses for the high school. District Superintendent Jim Sebert says two of them have to do with Project Lead the Way and in particular are for computer science principles and biomedical innovations. Another is a college-level geology course students can get college credit for. There’s also a new Spanish course, advanced music theory course, and Matt Smith of the High School Journalism Department will offer Writing for the Media, which will give students credit through the UW-Oshkosh for a reduced cost. Sebert also informed the board that they will begin accepting applications for Acuity Fund Grants next week. The board also approved a 1 percent increase in pay for 28 administrators in the district.

Senator Johnson Says Russian Hacking Not Surprising

The chairman of the U.S. Senate’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee says Russian hacking of our voting doesn’t surprise him at all. Ron Johnson says Russia’s destabilization campaigns are something they have held a number of hearings on. He says as chairman of the European subcommittee on Foreign Relations they have held hearings on Russian disinformation campaigns, propaganda and destabilization efforts. He says it comes as no surprise to him or the administration. He says he asked for a briefing from the CIA, but was refused. He says it would have been nice to be briefed on the situation. Johnson says he does agree with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that perhaps it is something that should be handled by our intelligence community. He says some of the information that might be revealed needs to remain classified. Johnson says he will reserve his judgment until an official report is issued.

Crops And Soils Agent Pleased To Be Working For UW Extension

The new crops and soils agent for Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties says she’s glad to be back in a role that takes her out of a classroom setting. Dr. Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing actually started in that role last June replacing Mike Rankin who spent 27 years as the UW Extension Service Crops and Soils agent for Fond du Lac County. She had most recently worked for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and also was a professor at the UW-River Falls. She says most of her experience has been in helping and solving problems. She says she’s happy to be serving in her role as a crops and soils agent. She’s originally from Illinois. She says budget cuts affected her job in Illinois as an extension specialist similar to the budget cuts in Wisconsin that led to restructuring of the UW-Extension.

Marian Program Open Houses In Berlin

Marian University will hold two informational open houses for individuals interested in the Registered Nurse and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion program through its partnership program offered at ThedaCare in Berlin. The informational open houses will be held on Thursday, January 12th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Tuesday, January 17th from 3 – 7 p.m. at ThedaCare in Berlin. The program is intended for individuals who have already earned a RN/ADN certification. Faculty and admission counselors will be available to answer questions about the RN-BSN Completion program and admission process. Light refreshments will be served.