Hometown Broadcasting News Thursday 3/19/20
19 March 2020 News
Slow No Wake Protocols
With the arrival of the spring thaw a couple of Sheriff’s departments are ready for the issuing of Slow No Wake orders for their waters. In Waupaca County such an order was issued for the Wolf River and in particular for waters downstream of the City of New London. Meanwhile the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has developed protocols dividing the county into eight zones for issuing Slow No Wake orders. To check on the status of a declaration Winnebago County residents can call 920-236-7488 any time.
Waupun Common Council Approves Declaration Of State Of Emergency
The Waupun Common Council is among the latest to approve a state of emergency declaration in the wake of the coronavirus. Mayor Julie Nickel calls it a “precautionary measure.” She says the city’s top priority is the health and safety of the community. The pandemic has led to the closing of the Senior Center, Public Library, and Community Center in Waupun and restricted access to City Hall, the Public Safety Building, and Public Works Garage.
Wautoma Addresses COVID 19
The City of Wautoma is taking steps to address the COVID-19 outbreak. The Public Library has been closed. All non-essential meetings will not be held. The Municipal Court has cancelled sessions in April and May. Absentee voting is being encouraged for the April 7th election. The City Hall will be open for those purposes Monday, March 23rd through Friday, April 3rd by appointment only, voters are asked to call ahead. Public works and utility facilities are closed to visitors. Water bills can be mailed in or turned into the drop box outside City Hall.
Incubation Period For COVID-19
If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus your period of self-isolation following the experience is important. Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says it depends on how close that contact was, but generally it’s recommended that you be quarantined for 14 days. “But I would want to self-isolate myself for two weeks and I would want to monitor myself for symptoms. So I’m looking for the cough, the fever, the shortness of breath. And I’d want to pay attention to myself over those 14 days while I’m at home.” She says the incubation period for the new coronavirus is from 2 to 14 days so if you’re going to get it you will start showing symptoms during that time frame. It’s recommended people practice social distancing putting at least six feet between themselves and others.
Therapist Recommends Keeping Kids Occupied
A family therapist says it’s important to keep children busy while they are being kept home from school during the pandemic. Jackie Block works for Behavioral Health Professionals Psychotherapy in Fond du Lac. She says some children may be too young to know how COVID-19 can impact their lives so try and limit exposure to that if you are watching TV. Look for other activities you can do with your kids. “You don’t want to feed the anxious monster by continuing to have questions, but to help that child cope with those things like let’s do some breathing exercises or to find distraction you know focus on coloring or going for a walk.” She says plan activities like reading, game time, cooking a meal together but plan on predictably and engaging your child. She says watching movies you both can enjoy on television is also something you can do. She says the family time together can be a bonding experience and will help you keep your mind off the impact of the new coronavirus.
William Albrecht Remembered By County Board
The Fond du Lac County Board this week paid tribute to a Ripon resident that represented a portion of the city on the board for six years. County Board Chairman Marty Farrell, who lives in Ripon, read a memorial resolution to the board for William Albrecht who passed away on February 5th. Albrecht served on the board of supervisors from 2002 to 2008. As is tradition with such resolutions, supervisors showed their approval of the resolution by rising and standing in silence. The vote was unanimous.
Dodge County Board Approves Hiring Of Nursing Home Director
The Dodge County Board Tuesday approved hiring of a new director for the Clearview Nursing Home in Juneau. Edward Somers will start at the county-owned nursing home on April 20th. He worked as hospital and nursing home administrator at the Brown County Treatment Center and also had served as the administrator of the Samaritan Campus in Washington County. Somers succeeds Deanna Wilson as Clearview Director. Wilson retired to take a job with a senior living provider in Madison.
COVID 19 Cancellations
The Berlin Senior Center is closed to the public until further notice. Meal services offered through the Green Lake County Nutrition Program will continue to home-bound individuals.
The Markesan Public Library is closed until at least April 6th. The Markesan City Hall is closed to walk up service.
All Fox Valley Technical College facilities are closed. Classes are resuming online.
Alliant Energy is temporarily suspending disconnections for non-payment and will be waiving late fees to help customers during the public health emergency.
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac has suspended all public performances, Children’s Chorale rehearsals and events until at least March 31st due to concerns about COVID-19. Only viewing of the Art Exhibitions are available and regular hours will continue. For rescheduled concerts and classes, tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates as they are announced. Patrons may choose to have their tickets donated back to Thelma or refunded.
The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board has cancelled a job fair in Fond du Lac scheduled for next month. It was supposed to be held at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds on April 9th. A new date will be announced in the future.
Messiah Lutheran Church in Ripon has cancelled worship services until further notice. Worship services can still be viewed on the church’s website and Facebook page.
All AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s Tax Counseling for the Elderly and most IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sites in Wisconsin have closed until further notice, due to concerns with the spread of COVID-19.
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