Extreme cold coupled with a Midwest propane shortage spurred the opening of warming centers and a flood of calls for energy assistance Monday.
Shawano County Emergency Management Director Natalie Easterday said the county’s Department of Social Services had been “swamped” with calls seeking assistance.
A call to the department’s economic support office was not returned by deadline. A call to the department’s energy assistance number was met with a recorded message warning of processing delays due to the high volume of applications.
Easterday said the Emergency Management office was emphasizing a three-pronged approach for residents to the cold and propane shortage situations.
“The message we’re pushing is to check on your neighbors, conserve propane and have a backup plan — someplace to go if you run out,” Easterday said.
The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department announced the county courthouse, Shawano public library and village of Wittenberg Community Center would be available during regular business hours through Wednesday as warming shelters. The courthouse closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, library at 6 p.m. and Wittenberg Community Center at 5 p.m.
“Any public government places will be open,” Public Health Director Jaime Bodden said.
Unfortunately, Bodden said, the county has no resources for assisting residents when those public places are closed.
“We have no capacity or capabilities for overnight stays,” she said.
Bodden said the county can refer people in need to facilities in Outagamie, Marathon and Portage counties.
Temperatures were expected to drop to 23 below zero Monday night and remain below zero Tuesday. Wind chills were expected to drop as low as 45 degrees below zero overnight.
While Shawano and some other area school districts held classes Monday, all area schools will be closed Tuesday and after-school activities canceled.
Gov. Scott Walker announced Monday the state will help propane dealers secure loans to purchase gas and release more money to help low-income propane users.
Wisconsin and other Midwestern states are grappling with a propane shortage and rising wholesale and retail prices. The governor declared a state of emergency on Saturday that clears the way for calling out the Wisconsin National Guard if needed.
On Monday, Walker announced the state Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority would set aside $8 million to guarantee loans propane dealers take out to purchase gas. Walker also announced the state would release another $8.5 million to help low-income consumers pay for propane.
He also urged people to conserve their propane and track their supply closely.
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