Paul Bednarik

Temporary quarters for county supervisors

Published by admin on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 1:15pm

OCONTO — Holy Trinity Parish Hall will serve as the meeting place for the Oconto County Board for at least two more months, county officials said May 21.

Supervisors were seated at folding tables in a room that allowed officials, staff and the general public to provide at least 6 feet of space between everyone. Many people wore masks as recommended by some health officials.

The quarters were spacious in comparison with the County Board chambers at the courthouse down the street, where the board is seated side by side and spectators bunch together in church-style pews.

County Board delays vote on emergency powers

Published by admin on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 1:05pm

OCONTO — The Oconto County Board hesitated to authorize sweeping new communicable diseases enforcement powers and penalties during its May 21 monthly meeting, sending an ordinance amendment back to committee on a 17-11 vote.

Some board members were more hesitant than others.

“This is the scariest thing I have read since ‘1984,’” shouted Supervisor Gary Frank, not necessarily emotional as wanting to be heard in the expanse of Holy Trinity Parish Hall, which was equipped with only one microphone that was used sparingly.

Supervisor Wellens leaves County Board

Published by admin on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 1:01pm

LENA — Longtime Oconto County Board supervisor Melissa Wellens has submitted her resignation.

Wellens’ May 5 resignation letter, effective immediately, was read at the beginning of the board’s May 21 meeting. No reason was given, although County Board Chairman Paul Bednarik hinted at health issues.

“We wish her well in her battle forward,” he said.