The Ripon Commonwealth Press

Boats float near the docks at Deacon Mills Park during the patriotic-themed boat parade last year in Green Lake. The Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to celebrate Light Up the Lake on Saturday, July 4 at Deacon Mills Park. The morning will start with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Green Lake American Legion Post 306 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 448 Water St. At 8:30 a.m., Reilly’s Pub will host the 4 on the 4th Run/Walk for Veterans.

A group of friends, including Emma Hans, Haley Rens and Tim Geocaris have a good time at last year’s Party on the Pond. Town Square Community Center will kick off Independence Day weekend Friday, July 3 with Party on the Pond. The free community event begins at 4:30 p.m. on the Mill Pond Terrace at 492 Hill St. in downtown Green Lake and features live music, food from J’s BBQ, cold drinks and an evening of summer fun by the water.

Bernard “Bernie” L. Marshall, age 87, of Rosendale, WI, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his home. Bernie was born on December 25, 1938, on the family farm near Princeton, WI, son of Chester and Irene (Kozlowski) Marshall. After graduating high school, he went on to serve his country in 1961 for the US Army National Guard – Company B, 2d Battle Group, 127th Infantry- 32nd Infantry Division under the Sixth US Army.

Tom Schultz holds his Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award, which he was nominated for by Mary Guell, left. Green Lake resident Tom Schultz recently was presented with a Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award at the annual spring convention of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology (WSO), which took place this year in Madison. WSO is a nonprofit organization, established in 1939 with the mission of promoting the enjoyment, study and conservation of Wisconsin’s birds.

The Ripon Parks & Recreation Department has activities for residents of all ages to enjoy this summer. Eggo spent time with the Ripon Police Department earlier this month as part of the Plush Patrol program. Upcoming youth programming includes Plush Patrol, where children can send their stuffed animals on a day of adventure with local first responders.

Young anglers, along with their captains, gather in front of the Starlight Stage in Deacon Mills Park. A record 64 teams took part in the 18th-annual Angler & Young Angler Tournament, which included 112 young anglers. More than $50,000 in scholarships were handed out. The 18th-annual Angler & Young Angler Fishing Tournament broke records again with this year’s amount of scholarships paid out at the event in Green Lake last week Saturday.

A family gathers in front of a flag with an American eagle on it during last month’s Armed Forces Bingo. Town Square will host Red, White & Blue Bingo Saturday. Community members may celebrate summer Saturday, June 27 with an evening of patriotic fun during Red, White & Blue Bingo on at Town Square Community Center, 492 Hill St. in Green Lake.

Jose "Ruben" De La Rosa, age 75, of Ripon, WI passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, surrounded by his dedicated wife and children. Ruben was born on January 1, 1951, in Laredo, Texas, son of Leonides and Francisca (Don Juan) De La Rosa. Ruben married the love of his life, Maria Elizondo, on March 17, 1979. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage. They shared a lifetime of love, laugher, and unwavering partnership.

Mark Tharnish and his daughter, Adriane, 4 1/2, of Menasha ride down the super slide together. Riponfest attracted hundreds of people this weekend, filling Barlow Park with fun, family activities and a host of events. Anna Luedke of Ripon and Daniel Thayer of Oshkosh show off their prize from one of the games at the Spectrum Carnival. The event featured rides and games from Spectrum Carnival over the three days of the festival.

Fond du Lac County is considering closing its acute unit psychiatric hospital. A public hearing was held June 1, and additional public comments were offered at several meetings of the Human Services Board and the Health and Human Development Committee of the County Board. The county also has received a number of letters and phone calls from interested parties. This article lays out the broad themes we have heard and presents some new information that addresses some of the concerns raised.