Lynn Binnie

On Friday, March 27, Governor Tony Evers asked the legislative leadership “to work together on behalf of those performing their constitutional duty to administer the elections and those who are trying to exercise their constitutional right to vote — with the safety of our people as the top priority.”

The Wisconsin Presidential Primary, together with elections for the State Supreme Court as well as various county and municipal races, is scheduled for Tues., 4/7. In view of the current health concerns, many states have postponed their elections, but the governor has expressed reservation about doing so, stating that we cannot know whether the COVID-19 outbreak will be better or worse in May or June. Mr. Evers also expressed concern that if the election was delayed, the terms of many state and local officials would expire without a successor being elected. Instead, the Governor’s proposal would 1) Direct clerks to send an absentee ballot to every registered voter, 2) Allow absentee ballots to be postmarked the day of the election to be counted, and 3) Extend the time period to give clerks extra time to count the influx of absentee ballots.

The governor acknowledged that if legislation is to be considered to enable these steps, “…we have to act quickly, ensure everyone can safely exercise their right to vote, and keep our people safe.”

By the way, there are also at least two lawsuits seeking to delay the election.

BANNER COMMENTS: Michele Smith, City Clerk, indicates that over 1000 registered voters have requested absentee ballots. Voters who have not yet requested a ballot are encouraged to do so a.s.a.p. online at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/, since it is not known whether the Governor’s proposal will be adopted. Assuming that there is an in-person election on 4/7, poll workers will be subjected to less health risk for every person who votes absentee rather than in person. If you have an opinion on the Governor’s proposal, we encourage you to email the legislative leaders:

Sen.roth@legis.wisconsin.gov

Sen.fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.shilling@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.steineke@legis.wisconsin.gov

Rep.Hintz@legis.wisconsin.gov

You may watch the Governor’s comments at this site: https://vimeo.com/401229352/fecdcfacab

— Also on March 27, Gov. Evers directed Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to temporarily order the suspension of evictions and foreclosures amid the COVID-19 public health emergency. The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for any reason unless failure to proceed with the eviction will result in an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person and mortgagees from commencing civil action to foreclose on real estate for 60 days. Wisconsinites who are able to continue to meet their financial obligations are urged to do so. This order does not in any way relieve a person’s obligation to pay their rent or mortgages. 

“During this time individuals, families, and small businesses may see disruptions in paychecks due to losing hours, tips, business, or employment. This is another step we can take to prioritize the health and safety of Wisconsinites during this public health emergency,” said Gov. Evers. “Evictions and foreclosures pose a direct and serious threat to the health and well-being of Wisconsinites, ensuring they are able to keep a roof over their heads and those in social services can prioritize assisting those who currently do not have shelter is critically important.”

Under the Governor’s “Safer at Home” order, you are encouraged to engage in outdoor activity, including visiting public parks, provided that you comply with Social Distancing Requirements. Such activities may include, for example, walking, biking, hiking, or running. You may not engage in team or contact sports such as basketball, Frisbee, soccer, or football. Playgrounds are closed.

You’ve probably heard of the shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) at hospitals and other medical facilities around the country. Scott Brautigam, Assistant Chief of the EMS Division of the Whitewater Fire Department, indicates, “we are in need (of PPE) just like everyone else. We currently could use non latex nitrile gloves, masks, gowns, eye goggles, and eye protection.”

If you have materials that you are willing to donate to assist our Rescue Squad members in reducing the risks involved as they serve our community, please contact Scott to arrange delivery: 262-473-0510 x121 – office; 630-913-2181 – cell; SBrautigam@whitewater-wi.gov

On March 20, the six candidates for the three Walworth county districts that include most of our readers were given the opportunity to respond to a questionnaire for publication on the Banner. Candidates were informed that the Banner would hold publication of any responses until after March 22. As of this writing on March 24 only two candidates have responded. Additional responses will be posted as received.

Candidates were also invited by the League of Women Voters to respond to questions that are posted on www.vote411.com. You may enter your address on that site to see whether the candidates for your district have responded. That site also includes responses from candidates for other local and state races.

County Supervisor, District 3 
Tim Brellenthin – Has not yet responded.

Brian Holt

1. What educational, professional, civic, and community experiences have you had that you believe qualify you for this elective office? I graduated from Pius Xi High school in Milwaukee in ’06. I studied business and human resources at UW-Milwaukee for 3 years before riding my bicycle across the country. I decided to return to the Elkhorn area and start my own business. 
   I am now a self employed dairy farmer. I own and operate a custom dairy heifer business. I am a member of the Elkhorn Rotary Board and Lake Geneva Jaycees. I am very involved in our community and wanted to find additional ways to give back. I live with my partner outside of Elkhorn, she is a teacher in Milwaukee. This will be my first election for public office. 
   
2. Name your top priorities for your term as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and explain the reasons for your choices.  One of my top priorities would be bringing a voice from the agricultural sector to county Government. I know farmers feel underrepresented and I hope to change that. Farms are at a critical point in our country, things are going to change for everyone, big or small. Having a streamlined process for reformatting your business is crucial for expediting thing like zoning changes, food processing permits, Government programs for federal grants, etc.
   Our environment is very important to me. Land is our greatest asset as farmers, protecting our forests, fields and waterways is vital. I am currently helping to form a watershed protection group in Walworth County to make sure farmers stay on the cutting edge. I am organizing to protect our County and avoid the (sometimes) unjust perception that big ag is the only cause of the problems in our lakes and streams. 
   
3. Do you have an opinion as to whether the county should consider selling Lakeland Health Care Center?  If so, what are the reasons for your position? My instinct is not to sell, having a county run nursing home creates a level of consistency, a known place for our residents to have If needed, but I’d be open to hear arguments either way. 
   
4. The county is currently debt free.  Do you think that it is realistic to expect to continue that position over the next few years, or are you concerned that it will not be possible to adequately fund needed services and projects within the projected revenue? If the latter, what particular concerns do you have? As for the County being debt free; I know that infrastructure projects are key. Our County is on the verge of becoming an important hub for business in the region. There are companies who want to start projects here and the long term health of the area is at stake. I have a more ‘long term view’ that differs from some others on the board. Our County is one of the only in the state that is debt free, this is a great thing on the surface but at this point with interest rates at or very near 0%, not investing in long term projects seem short sighted. 
   

County Supervisor, District 4 

Kerstan Roeven

1. What educational, professional, civic, and community experiences have you had that you believe qualify you for this elective office? I see serving as County Supervisor as an opportunity to give back to the community of Whitewater. I am currently a student at UW-W studying history and political science with the goal of becoming a teacher. While at school I have volunteered with Circle K International, a group based on community service. I will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the Board.
   
2. Name your top priorities for your term as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and explain the reasons for your choices. My top priority is to serve the community of Whitewater and Walworth County as a whole. Walworth County has many places of natural beauty that must be protected. Trash is a threat to beautiful places around the world and in our county. When elected I hope to pass a partial ban on single use plastic straws in Walworth County. Plastic straws would be available upon request only. This policy will work to reduce the amount of plastic waste in Walworth County and help eliminate needless plastic from our environment.
   
3. Do you have an opinion as to whether the county should consider selling Lakeland Health Care Center?  If so, what are the reasons for your position? I do not think that Walworth County should sell Lakeland Health Care Center. Allowing the county to continue overseeing the rehabilitation and nursing facility is important. It would be unjust to the residents of Lakeland to sell their center and cast their future into uncertainty.
   
4. The county is currently debt free.  Do you think that it is realistic to expect to continue that position over the next few years, or are you concerned that it will not be possible to adequately fund needed services and projects within the projected revenue? If the latter, what particular concerns do you have? I believe that responsible budgeting for the county is of paramount importance. Remaining debt free has its benefits for maintaining current county projects and services. However, taking advantage of low interest rates to fund new growth opportunities, where and when appropriate, could help boost our county in the future. 

Jerry Grant 

1. What educational, professional, civic, and community experiences have you had that you believe qualify you for this elective office? My education is a graduate of: Whitewater High School, graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, other college courses. My professional experience is a Whitewater Police Officer for 33 years. I was involved in many organizations while the children were in school. Also past member Whitewater Optimist Club, current for over 20 years a member of Whitewater Kiwanis Club, past President. My community experiences along with the above, police officer 1962-1995, Whitewater School Board 1983 -1998, Walworth County Board 1998-2012 and 2018 to present.
   
2. Name your top priorities for your term as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and explain the reasons for your choices.  My top priorities are to maintain the needed services to our Walworth county residents in an efficient manner, and to continue to work hard to keep Walworth County debt free as long as possible.
   
3. Do you have an opinion as to whether the county should consider selling Lakeland Health Care Center?  If so, what are the reasons for your position? I do not believe Walworth County should sell the Lakeland Health care Center. We have life-long residents that have contributed much to the County. We owe it to them.
   
4. The county is currently debt free.  Do you think that it is realistic to expect to continue that position over the next few years, or are you concerned that it will not be possible to adequately fund needed services and projects within the projected revenue? If the latter, what particular concerns do you have? There is a near future need to update the County’s communication system. This will include updated equipment. The need is close for emergency services to be able to communicate better between agencies while working together. It is hoped the State of Wisconsin will update that system, so we can join it. It is estimated to cost about $25,000,000.00.

County Supervisor, District 5

 Ryan G. Simons 

1. What educational, professional, civic, and community experiences have you had that you believe qualify you for this elective office? –Education: BBA, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Finance, Marketing and International Business; MBA, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, Finance and Marketing. Professional Experience: Currently a Real Estate Broker for Keefe Real Estate. Prior to real estate, I served in a number of finance and marketing capacities in Manufacturing. Received the designation of an Inc 500 company, given to the fastest growing companies in the United States, two years in a row. Civic: Member of Delavan Delavan-Lake Chamber of Commerce; Member of Walworth County Visitors Bureau; Member and prior president of Lakes Area Realtors Association; Prior member and Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International Community Experience: Town of Delavan Supervisor for two years.  Town of Delavan Chairman for eight years
   
2. Name your top priorities for your term as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and explain the reasons for your choices.  My pledge to the residents in District 5 is to continue to Listen, Plan, and Protect as I have demonstrated during my terms as Town of Delavan Supervisor and Town of Delavan Chairman. The pledge to “Listen” could be seen during the extended public hearings that I held for complicated or expensive town decisions and public comment sections that encouraged the contribution of citizens present at Town of Delavan meetings. We need to get the input of citizens before taking action on issues that can have a long term effect on those that live in our community. As a member of the Walworth County Board of Supervisors, I will continue to listen to those who I represent and make the best decisions for the Towns of Delavan, Richmond and Darien, and the Village of Darien. The pledge to “Plan” has been realized through my implementation of long range planning at the Town of Delavan since elected as Town Chairman. I instituted a long term capital plan with careful consideration of expenditures and planning from all town committees. As a member of the Walworth County Board, I will continue to plan for the future and work to create and maintain the small town feel of this community. The pledge to “Protect” includes protecting our lakes, streams, waterways and farmland of Walworth County. It also means protecting our citizens by providing the resources that are needed by the Sheriff’s Department, Health Department and other municipal services. While Town Chair, we invested more in the Fire and Rescue departments during my term than during any other similar period of time since the 1980’s. We completed the largest lake management project since the 1980’s, and maintained a strong, dedicated police force through open contract negotiations and support of their capital needs. This was all accomplished while lowering the taxes for Town of Delavan citizens. As Walworth County Supervisor, I will build on the knowledge I have gained as Town Chairman and work with other County Supervisors to create the best possible county for all who live here and visit here.
   
3. Do you have an opinion as to whether the county should consider selling Lakeland Health Care Center? If so, what are the reasons for your position? I believe that Lakeland Health Care Center should be maintained as a County entity.  The Health Care Center has provided valuable services for a number of years and provides a balance to private options that are available.  Lakeland Health Care Center should be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that it maintains a high standard and remains a positive asset to the county.
   
4. The county is currently debt free.  Do you think that it is realistic to expect to continue that position over the next few years, or are you concerned that it will not be possible to adequately fund needed services and projects within the projected revenue? If the latter, what particular concerns do you have? The county has been extremely fiscally responsible in recent years and I do not see a reason for that to change.  The county has the ability to remain debt free though the continued prudent use of funds.
   

Charlene Fell Staples –

1. What educational, professional, civic, and community experiences have you had that you believe qualify you for this elective office? 6 years as a Walworth County Supervisor- Chair of the Land Conservation Committee, Vice Chair of the Executive Cmte, Vice Chair Agriculture and  U.W. Extension Cmte, Secretary of Lakeland school Cmte, serving on 7 county committees. I retired early from my  county employment as a C.N.A. to bring that specialized experience. Two term President of Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (D.U.V.C.W.); Vice Regent Daughters of American Revolution (D.A.R.); Board member of Walworth County Historical Society, Walworth County Genealogy Society volunteer, Old World Wisconsin docent, I have spent most of my adult life in service to my community. Serving as a volunteer emergency medical technician (E.M.T.) for 12 years as a member of Darien EMS and the city of Delavan       Rescue squad.
   
2. Name your top priorities for your term as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and explain the reasons for your choices.  The continued concern for the health and welfare of our county,  this includes our County’s Emergency radio system and dispatch center, which is beyond its life expectancy.
   
3. Do you have an opinion as to whether the county should consider selling Lakeland Health Care Center?  If so, what are the reasons for your position? My opinion is Walworth County has had a long history of providing for those of us that need assistance. Examples would include our Lakeland school and Lakeland Heath Care Center. I believe if we can continue to provide superior care for those people that need it we should continue to do so.
   
4. The county is currently debt free.  Do you think that it is realistic to expect to continue that position over the next few years, or are you concerned that it will not be possible to adequately fund needed services and projects within the projected revenue? If the latter, what particular concerns do you have? As stated earlier we will soon need to replace our radio system. This is a huge ticket which will need to be bonded for. Any big project needs a steady and forward-moving approach.

Leslie Brissette, a first grade teacher at Milton East Elementary School, was thinking about what her children might be able to do while stuck at home when she got an idea from another Milton teacher. “She had posted something about a Happy Heart Hunt. I thought that sounded really cool,” Brissette said.

Brissette posted the idea on Facebook, where the concept took off. First, it spread to other states. Then, before she knew it, people were posting from other countries. By Wednesday evening, March 26, the Facebook group had grown to over 65,000 members. People are decorating doors, windows, mailboxes, and even a large rock.

“I think that we’re all in this together. That we all have to stay positive and help each other through it. It’s unprecedented what we’re going through right now. If we can just stick together and keep that positive message going, we’ll make it through,” says Brissette.

The Banner learned about the positive phenomenon when Jeanine and Rick Fassl sent us pictures of their home’s beautiful participation in the Happy Heart Hunt.

You can read more in this story from WKOW.

There’s also this story in the Daily Jefferson County Union.

You can check out, or even join the Happy Heart Hunt here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2665566023565792/

Here’s what Leslie Brissette says on the site as an introduction to the group:

Welcome to Happy Heart Hunt!

GROUP MISSION: The group created to spread HAPPINESS, LOVE, KINDNESS and POSITIVITY during these unprecedented times.

Idea credits to kidsforpeaceglobal.org and Heather Henthorn.

TASK: Create items around the theme of hearts to decorate your house, car, sidewalks, place of work, the possibilities are endless. Post pictures here of what you have created or what you spot when out walking or driving around. Because of the size of the group at this time we will only be accepting posts of items created by you to uplift yourself and others! Perfect activity while social distancing!I f you would like to expand your decorations and add to your hearts with flowers, rainbows, Easter eggs, bunnies or anything else feel free and be sure to share.

RULES: Every post must be appropriate and relevant to the group. Kindness and Positivity are a must. Any questionable posts or comments will be deleted by admin. at their discretion.#togetherfromadistance

Since we have been given no media update to share with our community yet, I will try to answer some of the questions you may be having.

Yes, the post office remains open, which includes delivery and normal retail window hours.
This does not mean it’s a good time to come to the post office to buy those essential stamps though!

If you do need stamps, and you don’t have a ‘stamps by mail’ envelope, here’s how you can improvise: Put your check in an envelope and write POSTMASTER on it with our zip code, (zip code, just in case it accidentally gets put in the outgoing mail. This way we know it will get back to our office!) Then place it in your mailbox with the flag up and your carrier will pick it up!

If you are a ‘snowbird’ and want to end your temporary forwarding early, you have a couple of options: The preferred method would be to go to USPS.com and request to put your mail on hold until you get back. In the comment section, please state that you would like to stop your temporary forwarding, and we will handle the rest! If you would rather speak to someone directly, please feel free to call. (I just know, we were very busy with lots of phone calls yesterday! But either way, we are here to help you!)

If you have a package delivery that requires a signature: First, carriers are being instructed not to touch door bells, but rather knock. If you are home to receive it, the carrier will now be asking for your permission to act as your ‘agent’ and initial their own name for you. This is to keep our carriers’ scanners, (that you would normally sign on), in their own hands. It protects them, along with you!

If you receive a form in your mailbox that says ‘sorry we missed you’-again, you have two options. You can sign the back instructing your carrier you would like it redelivered and put it back in your mailbox. (Please check the box that you would like your carrier to be your agent, so they can leave it!) This would take longer to receive your item, which is why I would suggest using the second option of going to our website.
On USPS.com there is the option for redelivery. In the comment section please add that you are giving your consent to have your carrier sign for it (if it requires a signature).

I hope I answered at least some of the questions you may have had, but now I need to ask a few things from all of you!

In the last two weeks with more people working from home and kids home from school, please be aware of your mailman and when you let your furry friends out!
In the last two weeks, we’ve had more than two instances where dogs showed aggression towards your mailman. They both are doing their jobs (one is protecting his loved ones, while the other is delivering your mail) and sometimes they just can’t be co workers and work on the same shift!
We all (including our pets) are a little ‘out of sorts’ with all that’s going on, and we just need to be a little more aware, or a reminding of some things….
Thank you for your understanding!

I would like to end with a reminder on how blessed we all are, to live in such a compassionate, caring community! We look out for one another, and are there to protect our friends and loved ones.
Let’s not allow this epidemic to get the best of us…

Courage, compassion and caution in equal parts, and we’ll get through this…?

Sherrie Benes
Postmaster
Whitewater/Palmyra

Banner comments: We’d be inclined to refer to Sherrie as our Postmistress, but here’s the official word from USPS: “Over the course of its history, the United States Postal Service has employed women as postmasters – from a single woman at the birth of our country in 1775 until today, when more women than men head United States Post Offices. Although sometimes popularly referred to as “postmistresses,” their official title always has been ‘postmaster.’ ” While the Banner has the “floor,” for future reference, when we’re past the outbreak concern, did you know that you can still get local mail delivered on the next postal day? There’s a limit of 2-3 pieces per day, but if you are mailing something that you’d really like to have delivered locally the next day rather than going out-of-town to be sorted, just ask the friendly clerk for a local postmark. We are grateful that Sherrie is willing to extend this courtesy.

Dear Whitewater Unified School Families and Staff:

Today, March 24, 2020, Governor Evers issued an executive order: “All individuals present within the State of Wisconsin are ordered to stay home or at their place of residence.” The order extends school closures until April 24, three weeks beyond the original date of April 6. This extension necessitates continued home-based learning for students, additional planning and preparation for teachers and principals, and the continued support and cooperation of parents and guardians. Working together, teachers and families can help students continue to learn while protecting the health of children and our entire Whitewater community.

In the days ahead, families will receive regular updates from principals with more specific information about continued learning. Since the schools closed on Monday, March 16, the District’s leadership team met daily, teachers planned distance learning and prepared materials, families picked up supplies and learning materials at school, and principals, teachers, students and parents are working together every day so learning continues during this challenging health emergency. The efforts of everyone are truly inspiring and making a difference.

Now with the extended closing, those efforts must continue as we build on our past successes. Our children are learning, our District food service workers and community volunteers are providing needed food to hundreds of children, and most importantly, our health care professionals are advising and helping us keep the children and community as safe as possible.

The District program providing meals to children during closure will be changing effective next week.  We will be distributing a week’s worth of meals each Monday instead of daily.  A separate communication will be forthcoming with additional information.

As a reminder, you can visit our COVID-19 website at any time for information:  https://wwusd.org/covid-19.

We know this emergency has challenged all of us. Whitewater Responds to that challenge. Let’s keep learning together. Thank you, families and staff, for all your hard work.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Shaw, PhD
District Administrator

Matthew Sylvester-Knudtson, CPA, CSRM
Director of Business Services

Whitewater Unified School District
419 South Elizabeth Street
Office:  (262) 472-8705

(3/24/20) Governor Evers has issued a 16-page “Stay at Home” emergency order, which may be found here. Mr. Evers is scheduled to address the public at 1:30 p.m. today (Tues., 3/24). The order requires that for the duration of the order all persons may leave their residence only for (a) essential activities, (b) essential governmental functions, (c) to operate essential businesses and operations, (d) to perform non-essential minimum basic operations, (d) for essential travel, and (e) for special situations. Those situations are defined in sections 8-15 of the order. With limited exceptions, at all times, persons must maintain a distance of at least six feet from any individuals with whom they do not live.

The order is similar to those that have been issued in a number of other states. The following types of businesses are among those that are allowed to remain open: health care operations, convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, food banks, restaurants (only carry-out and delivery are permitted; customers may enter restaurants only to place/pick up orders and may not be seated), pharmacies, child care facilities, banks, laundry businesses, hardware stores, education institutions – for distance learning purposes, and law and safety and essential government services.

“Each and every one of us has to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 so we can flatten the curve to ensure our doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have the opportunity to do their important work,” Evers said in a statement. “Let’s all do our part and work together.”

3/24/20 – Additional information gleaned from review of the order as well as today’s media briefing:

As of this date there have been 8237 negative test results in the state, 457 confirmed cases, and 5 deaths. Based on the experience of other states and countries whose outbreaks started before ours was identified, our experts are estimating that if we do not take strong preventive actions we could see 22,000 confirmed cases and 440 to 1500 deaths by April 8. The need for hospitalization would exceed our bed capacity by that time.

There are no vaccines available to prevent this infection and no medications that have been proven to reduce the symptoms of or to cure infections. The only tool available to us is to reduce human interactions. It is estimated that the average infected person will infect 2-3 additional persons, and that the number of infections is likely to double every 2-3 days. A very high percentage of the population who are infected have mild symptoms. However, about 20% are expected to require hospitalization. People are contagious even before they show any symptoms.

Since testing has been limited, it is suspected that for every one confirmed case there are probably about ten undetected cases, which would mean that we already have about 5000 infected residents in the state. The virus is highly transmittable. It can quickly go from a mild case to a severe one.

People over the age of 60 and those who are vulnerable as a result of underlying health conditions should take additional precautions. People at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their home or residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care. A person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must remain isolated at all times in a separate room from other people.

Prohibited activities: All public and private gatherings of any number of people that are not part of a single household or living unit are prohibited, except for the limited purposes expressly permitted in the order. No potlucks, sleepovers, dinner parties, etc. Gatherings of less than 10 people are no longer permitted; the goal is to limit your interaction to the same people, and ideally five people or less.

Outdoor activities: You are encouraged to engage in outdoor activity, including visiting public parks, provided that you comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined below. Such activities may include, for example, walking, biking, hiking, or running. You may not engage in team or contact sports such as basketball, Frisbee, soccer, or football. Playgrounds are closed.

Social Distancing Requirements: Maintaining social distancing of 6 feet between people; washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer; covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands); regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces; not shaking hands; and following all other public health recommendations.

The county health departments, together with support from state health professionals, are tracing the previous contacts of every person who has a positive test. The state also has “strike forces” as follows: surge planning, personal protective equipment and medical supplies, lab, isolation, and child care for health care workers. Mr. Evers indicated that there is a need for much more assistance from the federal government in obtaining medical supplies and equipment.

Although the Governor has been urged to either postpone the April 7 election or to conduct it entirely by mail, there was no word on whether there will be any changes. Mr. Evers indicated that consideration is still being given to this matter. Meanwhile he strongly encouraged citizens to request an absentee ballot online and to vote by mail.

It was admitted that the lack of physical interaction with other people can be very detrimental to our mental health. Communicating with family members, friends, and neighbors by telephone, Facetime, Google Hangout, etc. is strongly encouraged. If people are feeling lonely or stressed while the safer-at-home order is in effect, people can call the state hotline at 1-800-985-5990 to speak with crisis counselor or text “Talk with us” to 66747.

The Governor stated that our citizens are known for kindness, compassion, empathy, and respect, and he knows that those qualities will help get us through this difficult time, but everyone’s cooperation is needed in order to keep this pandemic from overwhelming our hospitals and medical professionals.

The order is currently in effect from 8 a.m. on Wed., 3/25 until 8 a.m. on Fri., 4/24. Though law enforcement is not asked to pull drivers over to ensure that they are traveling for a permitted purpose, they are authorized to enforce violations of the order. Please, stay at home as much as possible.