COVID-19

County human services adjusts to coronavirus concerns

Published by admin on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 4:02am

SHAWANO — Shawano County’s Lakeland Industries has been closed down until at least March 30 due to health concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“We didn’t want the participants to be compromised,” Human Services Director Rick Kane said.

Lakeland Industries is part of the county’s Department of Human Services and provides services to adults with intellectual disabilities and/or chronic mental health conditions.

Human services has also closed its meal sites, but those meals are now being taken to participants via home delivery.

County Board calls emergency meeting Wednesday

Published by admin on Tue, 03/17/2020 - 10:47am

SHAWANO — Shawano County has called an emergency County Board meeting for Wednesday at 3 p.m. amid a pending cap on large gatherings due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the board’s March 25 meeting has been canceled, according to County Clerk Pam Schmidt.

Administrative Coordinator Brent Miller said there is some county business that must be approved by the board before gathering limits go into effect.

“We’re trying to beat the thing where they say no more than 10 people at a meeting,” he said.

COVID-19 causing complications for election

Published by admin on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 10:06pm

SHAWANO — In-person absentee voting got underway at Shawano City Hall Monday, even though the building is technically closed due to COVID-19 coronavirus concerns.

There is currently no access for the public at City Hall, but city employees are still at work inside.

Those wishing to cast absentee ballots can ring the buzzer, and city staff will step outside to assist them, Deputy Clerk Lesley Nemetz said.

“We take the necessary paperwork with us and they complete the process outdoors,” Nemetz said, including the necessary checks for a valid photo ID.

No confirmed COVID-19 in Shawano, Menominee counties

Published by admin on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 9:56pm

SHAWANO — As of Monday, there were no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Shawano or Menominee counties, but that is likely to change sooner or later, health officials said.

“We have multiple people who are symptomatic and have been tested and we’re awaiting those results,” said Dr. Kevin Culhane, a member of the Shawano County Board of Health.

A number of people who have been exposed or who have traveled to hot spots where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 are presently in quarantine.

County Board meeting still scheduled in spite of coronavirus concerns

Published by admin on Sun, 03/15/2020 - 5:13pm

SHAWANO — In spite of health concerns over the coronavirus that have spurred numerous closings and cancellations of events, there were no plans as of Sunday to cancel the Shawano County Board’s March 25 meeting.

It is anticipated there could be a huge public turnout for that meeting, given that the board will be considering a resolution designating Shawano County a so-called Second Amendment sanctuary.

The resolution would give the sheriff the discretion not to enforce state or federal gun control laws considered to be unconstitutional.

Area churches respond to COVID-19 concerns

Published by admin on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 3:00pm

SHAWANO — Area churches are dealing with the impact of COVID-19 health concerns.

Some churches are cancelling Sunday services or letting church-goers know they can participate online if they’re not comfortable attending.

The CatholicDiocese of Green Bay’s Bishop Ricken has lifted the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the next three Sundays. However, Mass will still be offered.

Hope Community Church announced on its website that the church will not be gathering this Sunday, but a full worship service will be offered online.