Sawyer County Board Chairman Declares Public Health Emergency for the County

By Joe Morey

News Editor

The Sawyer County Board Chairman, Tweed Shuman, declared a Public Health Emergency for Sawyer County on Friday, March 13, stating because of emergency conditions, the County Board is unable to meet with promptness.

The Declaration stated, pursuant to sections 323.11 and 323.14(4)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes it is necessary and expedient for the health, safety, welfare and good order of the county to proclaim that emergency conditions exist; and the Public Health Emergency has caused the county to expend, commit and exhaust its pertinent available resources; and the county requests state assistance and advises the State of Wisconsin of our emergency conditions.

"NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to chapter 59 of the Wisconsin Statutes, as county board chairman or designee of Sawyer County, Wisconsin, I hereby declare a condition of disaster and proclaim until March 19, 2020 6:30 p.m. or such earlier time as a quorum of the county board convenes:

• Travel/entry restrictions, as follows: No non-essential travel

• Request Wisconsin state resources, as follows: National Stock Pile PPE

• Authorize emergency purchases of goods and materials, as follows: PPE, Covid-19 test kits, Public Information Flyers, Cleaning supplies

• Authorize emergency purchases of services, as follows: Cleaning Services

• Authorize hiring, as follows: Staff to assist with case consultation and follow-up and approve OT for current staff.Authorize public works contracting in excess of $20,000 without advertising or bid."