Sheltered in Place and feeling it

We are officially into Day 3 of the state-wide shelter-in-place order that went into affect Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. If you haven't already done so click on this link to see the order itself: Shelter in Place . It's brand new ground for all of us and there is some confusion as to what is “kosher” and what is not.

Among many other things, here's a few things you CAN'T DO:

• Pick-up basketball, football, soccer, ultimate frisbee games say, on the football field or at any of the practice fields at the schools. For the immediate future these are all verboten.
• The playgrounds at Airport Park, Phillips (“Beach”) Park and at the schools are closed until further notice (and just when the days are getting nicer, too).
• The Youth Center on Knapp Street is closed at this time as well.

It's weird to see this playground empty at Friday noon

But having said all this,

Here's what you CAN do:

• You CAN send the kids out into the yard to play. FRESH AIR has always been good for us no matter the circumstances.
• You CAN go for a walk.
• You CAN go for a run.
• You CAN go for a bike ride.

  

  Okay, this is clearly not taken around here...but soon

• You CAN go hiking say, on the Nature Trail behind the high school (but it might be muddy). Or just under 20 miles away there's the Chippewa Moraine State Recreational Area, due east of New Auburn. The State is telling us that all State parks are open but none of their facilities at the parks are. So, plan wisely.
• You CAN go fishing at the dam.

In all these things the six-feet rule applies in that we are to maintain that kind of a space-bubble between yourself and any of your neighbors you may happen to meet. (Of course, this six foot rule does not apply to the people that you live with – unless that's how your family rolls).

Every extrovert's nightmare, every introvert's dream...
but they say it helps lessen the chance of "the spread"

I know we're all feeling a bit cooped up and more than a little stir-crazy. The main thing in all of this is use common sense and do your part to help “flatten the curve” and inhibit the potential spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, did you see this past week's Chetek Alert?

With regards to the Public Works Department:

For the immediate future as a preventative measure, Public Works Department Dan Knapp is staggering his crew so that half are off this week and the other half will be off next week. The logic in this is simple: in the chance that one of our guys would be exposed to someone who had tested positive for the virus, only part of our crew would have to be quarantined. Probably every municipality across the State is doing the same thing. The guys are being paid as they normally would and not forced to use sick or vacation pay.

If you read this week's Alert than you saw this short news release:

From The Chetek Alert (Wednesday, March 25, 2020)

So do your best to not make more work for our outstanding public works crew. They make sure that our garbage gets carted away and the system that both brings water to and from our homes continues to function as it normally would.

Calhoun Memorial Library:

While the library is closed until further notice, you may not be aware that:

• Our public Wi-Fi continues to be available 24-7. The network is “publiclibrary” and no password is required.
• Looking for free stuff to do on-line? Then check out Stuck at home? to see oodles of links to follow to things like a live feed to the pandas at the Atlanta Zoo or go “under the sea” at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. This page also has lots of links to free concerts and such.

  

  Monterrey Aquarium right
  in your own home

• And while you can't check out or order any materials from the library right now with your library card gives you access to online streaming services like Libby and Overdrive. More than likely if you're used to checking out E-books you are already familiar with what's out there.
• And in case you weren't aware, Calhoun Memorial Library no longer charges fines for overdue books. So, if you have something now Carol and her staff are encouraging you to hang on to it. When we re-open and you return your item you'll be “square with the house.”

In case you were wondering, all non-essential city employees such as The Center Director Donna Bachowski and Librarian Carol Burnham and her staff remain on the payroll even though they are unable to work at this time. As far as the city is concerned we have already budgeted the money for their salaries and we want to take care of our own during these unique circumstances.

Still open for business

Chetek Police Department

Chief Ambrozaitus and his crew continue to patrol as they normally would. Even though the “Shelter-in-Place” directive gives them authority to cite individuals who are in violation of it, they are simply trusting that everyone voluntarily cooperates with it for the greater good.

However, if you're in an emergency call 9-1-1 and our crew will be on hand to assist you because global pandemic or not our officers seek to serve and protect.

City Hall

City Hall might be closed to the public at present but Carmen and the girls are still at work, still answering phone calls and answering questions. If your custom is to drop off your water bill in person, you can drop it in the drop-box outside the front door. That box is checked frequently throughout the day but if it makes you feel better call City Hall after you drop off your bill to let them know. Karen will only be too happy to mail out your receipt to you. The thing everyone wants to know about these days is how to secure an absentee ballot. The thing is there's still time to do so but the window to get one will close next week. If you have any questions regarding how to get yours call Carmen at 715-924-4838 and she will walk you through the steps.

I think we can all agree that we have an outstanding team of individuals who work diligently to serve our residents and make sure our city continues to function as normally as it can during these abnormal times. Take care of yourself, look out for your neighbor and if you have any questions or concerns call me at 715-925-6078.

It's gonna be a great day!

Funny you should ask: Are the April 7th elections going to be held?

With the April elections just a little over two weeks away and given that it feels like every day some new governmental restriction has been put in place regarding public gatherings of one kind or another, one of the questions that keeps coming up is: are they on? That is, will they occur on the 7^th as planned or will they be postponed?

The safe answer is to tell you what we know today and that is the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) has announced that the spring elections will occur as scheduled. The one exception is that there will be no voting allowed on premise at Meadowbrook (formerly Knapp Haven). This was mandated state-wide a few weeks ago about all nursing homes. Of course, the grand caveat in all of this is the real and present danger of COVID-19 that may cause elected executives such as Governor Evers to postpone the elections. But assuming that they will occur as scheduled here are some things you need to know about April 7^th.

If you plan to vote in person you will experience this:

1. You will be greeted at the door by one of our police officers. Only three voters may be in council chambers at one time. This officer will help ensure that.
2. You will be asked to don a set of non-latex gloves.
3. The election workers who will be working all must be under the age of 65 and all will be wearing masks.
4. Voting screens and digital pens will be disinfected regularly

If you're like me, voting at City Hall is usually no more than a 5-minute stop. But given the unusual circumstances we are all facing, give yourself more time that day than you normally would expect to take.

If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, remember this:

1. You must be registered to vote in order to cast an absentee ballot. If you are not yet registered call City Hall at 715-924-4838 and Carmen will walk you through this process.
2. The deadline to register by mail has already passed.
3. The deadline to register online to vote has been extended by federal court until Monday, March 30. You may request your absentee ballot online at https://myvote.wi.gov
4. Voters who need to register may also do so in person at City Hall until Friday, April 3 and on Election Day at the polling place. Again, call City Hall with any questions you may have.
5. Request your absentee ballot as soon as possible. The deadline is Thursday, April 2.

This graphic came from the Wisconsin Elections Commission website

These times can make even the most optimistic of us feel just a tad discombobulated. Every day some new federal or state guideline is announced. But life will go on and hopefully sooner than later things will go back to normal. But like the age-old tongue-in-cheek saying goes “Vote early, vote often.” Now you and I know there's no way there gonna let any of us cast our vote more than once but one of the great things of a local election is that your voice is really heard if you vote. Make sure you do come April 7th.

State of flux (or what's changed since last Friday regarding the City's response to this global pandemic)

State of flux - a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action.

If you're feeling discombobulated these days, you're in good company. This is brand new territory for all of us. No school. No sports. And every day we learn of a new recommendation limiting social interaction. Last week we were discouraged from attending gatherings of 500 or more which was quickly amended to 250 than to 50 and now – at least as of Monday afternoon – 10. What will be next?

Since last week, every municipality throughout the State, Chetek included, have been holding meetings and having multiple conversations as to how respond to the new reality of COVID-19. Last week, after several consultations with county leaders such as Barron County Executive Jeff French and the mayors of neighboring communities as well as our own department heads, our decision was to stay calm and operate as we normally do. Governor Evers decision to shut down the schools late Friday afternoon, however, changed all that.

Monday afternoon we had a department head meeting at City Hall. This included Chief Ambrozaitus (Police), Dan Knapp (Public Works), Joe Atwood (Building & Zoning), Donna Bachowski (The Center), Carol Burnham (Library) and City Clerk Carmen Newman. After having an opportunity to share what, if any, part of their operations would be affected by the federal and state governmental recommendations the following decisions were made:

The Center will be closed until further notice.

When the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) suspended the bulk of their programming throughout the county on Monday the decision to close was practically made for us. These programs include the weekly Friday Soup and Salad Bar, Dining at 5, Beneficial Bites and the like. Meals on Wheels will continue as usual and the lunch meals will be modified to a “Grab & Go” format. AARP, who helps seniors with preparing tax forms, has canceled all appointments indefinitely. And many of the other groups that frequent the Center, such as the Stitching Sisters, have on their own accord suspended meeting regularly. With nothing going on, then, it makes no sense to keep the lights on. This also affects all those who have rented The Center for an event in the next several weeks. All deposits will be completely refunded.

The Calhoun Memorial Library is now closed.

On Monday morning the library board chose to soldier on as usual but at the same time limit the number of computers available to patrons and insisting that all children under the age of 14 be accompanied by an adult. All programming, however, like Story Time, Book Club and Brown-Bagging It, is suspended for the time being. As the day progressed and more and more area libraries closed and as delivery services to the facilities were suspended altogether to remain open was no longer practical. As of Monday night, the Calhoun Memorial Library will be closed for the immediate future. All due dates have been automatically set for April 6. With delivery services canceled, a patron can't even order books on-line.

Access to City Hall will be limited.

For the immediate future, the closest you can get to City Hall will be the front door. Utility bills may be deposited in the drop box as usual or paid for on-line. The girls will be at their posts as usual and you may contact them by phone and they will only be too happy to help you. If you are concerned about the April 7 election, the option to pick-up an absentee ballot is still viable. If you go to https://myvote.wi.gov it will walk you through how to register. A little fun fact though: if you want to cast your vote this way be sure you to do so by Monday, March 30. Remember, the front door to City Hall is presently locked and you can't come to the front desk and hand deliver it.

Police and Public Works

The men and women of our police department and the guys at the City Shop will continue to carry on at their posts serving and protecting. As a municipality we offer 24-7 protection and that will remain to be the case. All public works services will continue as they normally would.

Of course, if we've learned anything during this last week or so it's that EVERYTHING is in a state of flux and subject to change. It's a real possibility that this Sunday while it may be a beautiful day and the roads clear for travel every church will be closed on account of the social distancing measures the government is asking us to take. We will keep you in the loop but in the mean time, take care, keep breathing (it's critical!) and remember to follow your mom's advice which is to wash your hands and drink lots of water.

The sky isn't falling or the City's present position on COVID19

“Now, therefore, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of this state, and specifically by Sections 100.305, 321.39, 323.10, 323.12, and 323.13 of the Wisconsin Statutes, hereby:

1. Proclaim that a public health emergency, as defined in Section 323.02(16) of the Wisconsin Statutes, exists for the State of Wisconsin...

Executive Order #72. Signed March 12, 2020

As I'm sure you are all aware, COVID19 is all the news. In fact, it seems to be the only thing on the news these days. Many major college campuses have been shut down. The Big Ten tournament and all the NCAA winter tournaments are canceled. Major League spring ball and opening day have been postponed. And the NBA season is currently suspended. If the powers that be were trying to get our attention I think they've got it. The question you may have right now is how the City of Chetek is locally choosing to respond to this global pandemic?

March will not be as mad...or will it?

If I can be frank, my first reaction to all of these drastic measures as well as the rush to grab up as many rolls of toilet paper as may yet be found in Barron County was to seriously eye-roll the whole thing. After all, more people die every year of the “normal” flu than any who will from this latest strand of it. But upon reflection, I am reminded that a significant amount of our population in this community is in the at-risk age range and so I want you to know what our stance is as of today.

You've heard of a run on the bank? There seems to be a run on TP.
Taken Friday, March 13 at KJs in Chetek.

In the last 24-hours I have had conversations with Mayor Ron Fladten (Barron), Mayor Bert Skinner (Cumberland), Village Board President Mark Trowbridge (Cameron) and Jeff French (Barron County Administrator). I wanted to know if they had put in motion any particular policies or procedures affecting the running of either their municipal or county offices. None of them had. While offering the caveat that this is a very fluid situation and things may change, Jeff French informed me that as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 all county offices would remain open and function as they normally do.

People still go there but
only with assistance

That being said, Programs Director of the Barron County Jail Amanda Poppe sent out an email yesterday informing all volunteers that until April 17 all programming at the jail (i.e., church services, one-on-one chaplain visits, classes, etc.) would be canceled effective immediately. Given my involvement as a volunteer chaplain I called Amanda for further clarification. At the jail they limit physical contact with inmates to a handshake and there is no gathering larger than 15 people at the same time. Why, then, would they take such drastic measures to literally lock us out? The concern is that many of our volunteers are senior citizens and if they unknowingly infected one of the inmates there the virus would be transferred quickly throughout the jail. Fair enough.

I went to The Center today for Friday's salad bar and what is usually a very hopping place was strangely quiet as only 15 people were present. Selena Sackrider, who is the site manager for the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), informed me that sometime Friday afternoon an emergency meeting was being held to discuss preventative measures and she speculated that the county would cancel the Friday salad bar and other gatherings where people congregated until further notice (apparently Washburn County has already taken such a measure).

At 11:30 a.m. on Fridays, the Center is usually always full.
NOT today.

I also had conversations with both Calhoun Memorial Librarian Carol Burnham and The Center's Director Donna Bachowski regarding the facilities they are responsible for. Here's what they had to say:

Carol Burnham:

The library is open and ready
to serve you

“The library email has been buzzing. We have hand sanitizers everywhere. We disinfect and wipe counters, keyboards and mice every couple of hours or let computer users do it themselves. The virus supposedly lives only four hours on dry surfaces so we may start to check items in on a time delay. I had double my usual kids at story time on Wednesday. Go figure! I thought that would drop off completely. 17 attended our lunch time speaker on Tuesday. People do not seem to be self-quarantining. We have only small groups at a time...I am not aware of any area libraries closed. And all this at the time the census wants people to come to libraries to fill out the census online.”

Donna Bachowski:

“We got notice that Washburn County canceled and we expected that we were next. As far as activities I feel it's up to the volunteers running classes if they want to continue. I assure them that they don't HAVE to come and that they should use good judgment.”

If you are someone who likes to pay your water bill in person you may have noticed that there are a few notices on City Hall's door these days. Essentially it says, “IF YOU ARE SICK STAY HOME AND GET BETTER.” The drop box at City Hall remains available and if you choose you may make your payments on-line. Meanwhile, counters and entry door handles are being wiped regularly. (By the way, if you came in during the last couple of days, Ollie the dog is NOT there to keep sick people away; her people are on vacation and so she's keeping the girls company.)

This sign is on our front door, too

I also talked by phone to Dr. Jennifer Martin-McKay last night. Dr. McKay is a pediatrician in Coon Rapids and, full disclosure, my sister as well. I wanted to get her perspective on this whole matter as a medical professional. Honestly, I wanted to know if this is as big a deal as the media seems to be portraying it. Her reply was to say, in so many words, that she and other medical professionals in her circle are sincerely worried about the spread of this virus. She feels that people are going to want to be tested but there are not enough kits let alone adequate protections available (i.e., gowns and masks) for those who will administer the testing. “The thing that is trying to be done is to flatten out the size of the 'bell curve' and so, in short, don't travel if you don't have to and stay away from large gatherings (right now defined by our governor as 250 people or more).” While I love my sister politically we sail in different boats. I asked her if she thought that some of the media hype is politically driven. While she conceded some of it might be she personally doesn't trust the government to tell us the whole truth based on the make-up of President Trump's task force to address COVID19. “Better to wash your hands, cut-out unnecessary travel and if you're feeling symptomatic, stay home if at all possible.”

This is from Barron County Public Health's FB page. This is the "curve"
everyone is trying to flatten out

This seems to be a long walk around the block just to return to the original question which was, “How is the City of Chetek responding locally to this global pandemic?” but I wanted to give some context to what my official position presently is. Namely,

• Given that at present there has not been one diagnosed case of COVID19 in Barron County
• Given that all county offices and other neighboring municipalities offices remain open for business
• Given that all city employees have been reminded that if they are feeling symptomatic they should not try to 'push through it' but use accrued sick time
• Given that at City Hall and the Library equipment and surfaces most touched by the public are frequently sanitized
• And given that all of us have been reminded lately that nothing helps more than a good thorough hand-washing with soap and water, staying home if we're sick and simply using good judgment with regards to contact with others, City Hall, The Center and the Calhoun Memorial Library remain open for business as usual.

As most of you are aware, my real job is that I'm a pastor. Linda and I had dinner with a couple who are members at St. Joe's in Rice Lake last Sunday evening and they shared with us that at all Catholic churches until further notice people are being discouraged from sharing the peace. Instead, people are encouraged to fist-bump, elbow-bump or “air-five” one another. I haven't made up my mind yet if we will follow suit at Refuge this Sunday. There will be a whole lot less than 250 people there and most of our crowd is well under what would be called the "grey-line". But in the end I don't want to coerce people to share the right hand of fellowship (let alone a 'holy kiss') nor scare them into an introvert's bubble. In my mind, they should just be smart, keep breathing, keep smiling, keep hoping because with 100 per cent certainty this too will pass.

Maybe this is a sign of the times, the fist-bump sharing of peace?

We will keep everyone apprised in case anything changes but in the mean time, take care, and remember to follow your mom's advice which is to wash your hands and drink plenty of water.

It's funny how moms know so much