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 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! |