WAUSAU, Wis. — Aspirus reported April 27 that it is starting to see more patients for all types of care including procedures, and primary and specialty care, that may have previously been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
     The health system is working closely with its physicians to safely increase in a controlled manner its volume of procedures and appointments. In doing so, Aspirus will closely monitor its use of important supplies and follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health agencies.
     “I’m proud of the efforts our team has made to address the COVID-19 pandemic while still caring for patients experiencing a wide variety of health care needs,” said Matthew Heywood, President/CEO of Aspirus, Inc. “We are glad to be increasing our care capacity because we are concerned that people may be delaying care for non COVID-19 health issues, which can lead to smaller problems becoming more serious.”
     Aspirus has made some operational changes to support a safe increase in volumes, including:
    • Expanding capabilities to test any patient who displays symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Designating areas within clinics to provide primary and specialty care services to patients with and without symptoms associated with COVID-19.
     In addition to these operational changes, Aspirus has implemented rigorous safety measures based on CDC guidelines and close collaboration with state and local health agencies. They include:
    •  Visitor restrictions.
    • Patient, employee and provider screening.
    • Effective and consistent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage and masking.
    • Expanded and separate intensive care capacity and negative pressure rooms.
    “We recognize that people in our communities remain cautious about seeking care during this pandemic but keeping our patients and employees safe remains our number one priority,” Heywood said. “The virus will likely be present in the community until a vaccine is available, so further delaying or postponing care for health needs may be a bigger concern than the virus itself.”
     Aspirus will be contacting patients who may have had previous appointments delayed due to COVID-19. Aspirus also encourages anyone with health concerns to call their doctors’ office to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be offered in person, over the phone or via videoconferencing where appropriate.

IRON RIVER — Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance executor director Paul Schuytema has resigned to take an economic development position out of the area.
    On April 27, the ICECA Board of Trustees received Schuytema’s letter of resignation and released it in its weekly digital newsletter.
    The letter read:
    “It’s both with a heavy heart but also a full understanding of the financial challenges ahead of all of us that I have accepted an economic development position out of the region.
    “It’s clear the numbers don’t lie - I’ve looked at them from all angles. Rick Kent and I have talked at length. I’ve had long conversations with other board members. In whatever the “new normal” looks like, the ICECA just can’t afford to offer me a new full-time employment contract (or any other full-time economic developer, for that matter).
    “I wish I was in a position to simply be able to continue to volunteer or work part-time, but spending the last 16 years in both the public and nonprofit sectors has cast my die to be a working stiff at least for another ten years.
    “We can all be very proud of the work we’ve done (board and staff alike) over the last three years to make Iron County a better place. And more importantly, a solid foundation of service has been built that will enable strong efforts going forward in the future.
    “And we’re not going anywhere right away - we’ve got at least a month of prep work and packing ahead of us - and I plan to continue to support Erika and our businesses, in a volunteer fashion, during that time.
    “The ICECA will get through this and will come out on the other side with new tools and new approaches to serve Iron County Businesses.
    “As for myself, and nearly every other economic developer I know - we have to “go back to school” and discover and learn new approaches to serve businesses in the coming years. None of us have been through times like this before.
    “It’s been an honor and a privilege and thank you so much for your support. Off to new adventures in an unknown future.”
    In an electronic vote, the Board of Trustees “regretfully” accepted Schuytema’s resignation and named Erika Sauter as interim executive director.
    “On behalf of the ICECA Board of Trustees and Chamber Committee, we send a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Paul for his years of hard work and dedication to the betterment of Iron County. He and Susan will be sorely missed, and we wish them all the best in their next endeavor.

    “Now more than ever, the ICECA is going to have to rely on its volunteer board and other community partners to help continue to move the needle in the positive direction for our local businesses and economic development.
    “We will continue to work hard with the focus staying on local business support through this COVID-19 crisis.
    Those who wish to send well-wishes to the Schuytemas can mail them to 135 FFH 16, Iron River, MI 49935.

CRYSTAL FALLS — At its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Crystal Falls City Council elected to cancel this summer’s Humongous Fungus Fest.
    Note: The meeting was held on an online conference call.
    News of the cancellation was brought to the public fore during City Manager Gerard Valesano’s monthly report. He cited staffing cutbacks within the Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance as the reason this development had come to pass.
    Valesano also said that the Crystal Falls Lions Club was also concerned as to status of the Bass Festival, which is set to take place at Runkle Lake Park in early July. The city manager said that he would have to wait and see what kind of executive orders would be in effect before the city could move forward with events there. Valesano did say that with the cancellation of the Fungus Fest, there were potentially other options for the Bass Fest. He also included Labor Day in the list of alternate possibilities.
    The ICECA stated in a newsletter released on May 1 that its reduced staff, a narrowed focus on supporting Iron County businesses through the COVID-19 crisis and the restrictions and recommendations to not hold large public gatherings this summer all factored into the decision.
    “Our focus this year is to beat the pandemic we have been faced with, and we do not want to chance any situations that may compromise the progress we’ve made so far,” Crystal Falls Mayor Mike McCarthy added in the news release.
    The ICECA announced that next year’s Fungus Fest is scheduled for Aug. 6-8, with the world premiere of “A Humongous Fungus Among Us” documentary by Tim Warmenen among many other festival activities.
    Other news from the Crystal Falls City Council meeting included Valesano’s announcement that the spring curb-side trash pickup program had been postponed due to coronavirus concerns. In addition, the overall spring cleanup program that was to be held at the Bristol Mine property in May was also been postponed after a council vote.
    Valesano added said that city-owned industrial property would be surveyed the week of April 27, and that any move to put the property to bid would be delayed until the completion of the survey. Gary Pisoni will be involved in the survey process, a factor Valesano put over due to his familiarity with the area in question.
    Valesano concluded by saying that field crews were currently busy cleaning winter debris, and that electric crews would also be brought back into service soon as well. He reported that morale among city employees was positive at this time. Mayor Mike McCarthy thanked the employees and the citizens of Crystal Falls toward the end of the meeting for the employees’ work and the citizens’ observation of stay-at-home orders, respectively. He added that City Hall will remain closed to the public.
    Under new business, the board performed a first reading for an emergency amendment to Ordinance 4.20, which governs marijuana use in the city. The amendment would include medical marijuana use in the adult use ordinance, which was originally intended to be in the ordinance. A public hearing regarding the ordinance will be held at the May 11 meeting.
    The board also approved another term for Mark Ahola to the Planning Commission.
    Finally, the city processed its quarterly budget amendments at this time.
    A public hearing for Ordinance 2.03: Disabled Motor Vehicles, and Ordinance 2.35: Noxious Weeds, was also held. Regarding Ordinance 2.03, McCarthy did say there was a change in Section 8, which pertained to city/law enforcement notification of violation. During discussion of Ordinance 2.35, McCarthy said Section 5-A had been changed, which also pertained to law enforcement warnings. Both ordinances were accepted.

LANSING — On April 30, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the state of emergency in Michigan through May 28. Executive Order 2020-67 clarifies that a state of emergency remains in effect under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945.
    The governor said she will evaluate the continuing need for this order prior to its expiration, and if she determines that an emergency no longer exists, will terminate or extend the state of emergency declared in this order.   
    The governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect until May 15. The emergency declaration she extended is the foundation for her Stay Home, Stay Safe order.
    On May 1, Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-70, which allows the resumption of some types of work that present a very low risk of infection, including construction, real-estate activities and work that is traditionally and primarily performed outdoors.
    She also signed Executive Order 2020-69 on April 30 to extend her previous order that temporarily closes certain places of public accommodation such as theaters, bars, casinos, and more. To maintain social distancing, the order also limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders.
    That order is effective until May 28.
    “Although we are beginning to see the curve flatten, we are not out of the woods yet,” Whitmer said. “We must all continue to be diligent, observe social distancing and limit in-person interactions and services to slow the spread of COVID-19. Michigan now has more than 40,000 cases of COVID-19. The virus has killed more Michiganders than we lost during the Vietnam War. Extending this order is vital to the health and safety of every Michigander. If we work together and do our part, we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”
     This order does not restrict a place of business from offering food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service. Places of public accommodation are encouraged to offer food and beverage service in one or more of those ways and use precautions to mitigate potential transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing and wearing face covering. Restaurants may allow five people inside at a time to pick up orders, so long as they stay 6 feet apart from each other.  
      These restrictions do not apply to the following locations: office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drug stores, and providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities.    
      Whitmer stated in her order to extend the state of emergency that the health, economic and social harms of the COVID-19 pandemic remain widespread and severe, and they continue to constitute a statewide emergency and disasters.
    “While the virus has afflicted some regions of the state more severely than others, the extent of the virus’s spread, coupled with its elusiveness and its ease of transmission, render the virus difficult to contain and threaten the entirety of the state,” the order stated.
    Whitmer’s order also stated that until a “stable path” to recovery is underway, until the economic and fiscal harms from the pandemic have contained and until the threats posed by the COVID-19 to life and the public health, safety and welfare of the state have been neutralized, statewide and emergency conditions will exist.
      The executive orders cite extensive data validating the existence of an emergency and disaster across the state of Michigan. Specifically, although the pace of COVID-19 spread has showed signs of slowing, the virus remains aggressive and persistent: as of April 30, there have been 41,379 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 3,789 deaths from the disease—fourfold and tenfold increases, respectively, since the start of the month. And while COVID-19 initially hit Southeast Michigan hardest, the spread is now increasing more quickly in other parts of the state. For instance, cases in some counties in Western and Northern Michigan are now doubling every six days or faster.
    On April 30, the Republican-led Legislature refused to extend the state’s coronavirus emergency declaration and voted to authorize a lawsuit challenging Whitmer’s authority and actions to combat the pandemic.
    Whitmer said Senate Bill 858, the bill passed by the legislature does not comply with constitutional requirements. The bill seeks to amend the Emergency Management Act to shorten the number of days for which the governor can declare an emergency or disaster from 28 to 14, after which the legislature would each have to approve an extension.
    Whitmer said she will not sign any bills that constrain her ability to protect the people of Michigan from “this deadly virus in a timely manner.” As such, she said she intends to veto the bill when presented to her.
    According to the Associated Press, Whitmer accused GOP lawmakers of “putting their heads in the sand and putting more lives and livelihoods at risk. I’m not going to let that happen.”
    The legislative pushback came as hundreds of conservative activists, including some who were openly carrying assault rifles, returned to the Capitol to denounce her stay-home order.
    Whitmer wanted legislators to extend the emergency before it was to expire late on April 30. But at the same time, she believes she has other powers to respond to the crisis and does not need a legislatively-approved extension — which Republicans dispute and appeared poised to challenge in court.
    
    The House and Senate voted along party lines for the bill that would temporarily codify many of her directives but not her stay-home order.
    Republicans accused Whitmer of ignoring their input.
    “We can no longer allow one person to make decisions for 10 million people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey of Clarklake in the AP report.
    House Speaker Lee Chatfield, of Levering, said the death toll is “terrible,” but other lives have been “negatively impacted unnecessarily because of how we have handled this pandemic. We believe we you can prioritize public health yet be reasonable in your approach to fighting COVID.”
    Democrats opposed the legislation as an unconstitutional “political stunt” and called the likely legal action a wasteful expense amid plummeting tax revenues.
    “We must ensure that our state can respond quickly and decisively to a situation that changes day by day,” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter, a Detroit Democrat who recovered from COVID-19. “That means ensuring that our governor has the emergency powers necessary to lead us in this fight.”
    

While the local Memorial Day activities are still on hold because of COVID-19 restrictions, one aspect of the annual preparations in Iron River has been completed. On May 1, the American flags were put up, with social distancing requirements adhered to. Here, Iron River Department of Public Works temporary foreman Jeff Andreski (on ground) and Steve Golliher of Limbwalkers Tree Service perform the task. The city of Iron River rented the bucket truck and service for the day. Other city workers who assisted in the operation were Nick Karnack and Mike Swanson. Both the West Side Vets and East Side Vets are awaiting more guidance from the state for their plans.

IRON RIVER — The Iron County Road Commission Board held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on April 23. The meeting had been postponed from April 14.
    The meeting was held in the Road Commission’s office vehicle garage/parking lot with social distancing. When the weather is cooperative, the plan is to hold the meetings outside in the parking lot. This has been the policy for the last three meetings and will continue for the near future, according to ICRC Superintendent Doug Tomasoski.
    “(We’ve) looked at purchasing tablets for use by commissioners as not all have capable computer/phone technology and discussed audio only (phone conference) but all were OK with continuing with in-person being close to nature,” Tomasoski said.
    At the meeting on April 23, the board decided to put the summer employment program on hold temporarily due to COVID and uncertain funding for coming months. The action will be reevaluated at the next meeting.
    Tomasoski reported other highlights, including:
    -Sending out communication to cities and village concerning upcoming millage renewal. Will be discussing for November ballot proposal.
    -Previously ordered pickups (from Stateline) were recently received.
    -Authorized purchase of used maintenance/plow truck from U.P. Truck Center of Quinnesec for $29,000. Unlikely will be bidding out planned/budgeted new maintenance/plow truck this fiscal year due to COVID funding uncertainty.
    -Acknowledged receipt of State Treasury acceptance of Corrective Action Plan.

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KINGSFORD — The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department said it wishes to support local businesses with their plans to reopen as executive orders are lifted. More guidance will become available in the upcoming weeks as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer initiates stages of reopening. In the meantime, the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department urges local businesses to reference the current CDC interim guidelines on how to plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19.  
    The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department knows how important the lines of communication will be in upcoming weeks as local communities navigate through the reopening of the business sector and would like to be a source of information for any business in the counties that is interested.
    To be contacted by the Health Department with specific guidance, call the Environmental Health Division directly at 906-779-7239 to be placed on a contact list for future updates as they become available. Information documents are currently in the draft stage but will be available soon.

LANSING — On May 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-77 to extend Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order to May 28. The governor’s order allowed manufacturing workers, including those at Michigan’s Big 3 auto companies, to resume work on Monday, May 11 as part of her MI Safe Start Plan.  
     “This is good news for our state, our businesses, and our working families,” Whitmer said. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but this is an important step forward on our MI Safe Start plan to re-engage our economy safely and responsibly. As we continue to phase in sectors of our economy, I will keep working around the clock to ensure our businesses adopt best practices to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19.
    “When we all keep doing our part, we can reduce the risk of a second wave and re-engage our economy safely and responsibly.”
     Under Executive Order 2020-77, manufacturing facilities must adopt measures to protect their workers from the spread of COVID-19. That includes conducting a daily entry screening protocol for workers and everyone else entering the facility, including a questionnaire covering symptoms and exposure to people with possible COVID-19, together with a temperature screening as soon as no-touch thermometers can be obtained. They must also create dedicated entry points at every facility and suspend entry of all non-essential in-person visits, including tours.
     “Governor Whitmer has brought together leaders in business and labor to ensure our workers can return to the job safely,” said John Walsh, president and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “The safety of our workers is our top priority and I am confident that Michigan manufacturers are prepared to deliver on the worker protections included in today’s order. We believe the manufacturing industry has a big role to play in Michigan’s economic recovery and we’re ready to lead the way. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the governor to bring the manufacturing industry back up to full strength.”
     Manufacturing facilities must also train workers on, among other things, how COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or suspected or confirmed diagnosis, and the use of personal protective equipment.
     All businesses in the state—including manufacturers—must require masks to be worn when workers cannot consistently maintain 6 feet of separation from others and consider face shields for those who cannot consistently maintain three feet of separation from other workers.
     “MICHauto and the Detroit Regional Chamber applaud the Governor for her continued steps to safely re-open our economy,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto, and vice president of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives for the Chamber. “Automotive and manufacturing is not only the backbone of our regional and state economy, it is essential to the functioning of the global supply chain. This is good news for Michigan and the nation,”
     “We have supported Governor Whitmer’s approach to keeping families, communities and companies safe since the beginning of this pandemic,” said Andi Owen, president and CEO of Herman Miller. “Our manufacturing teams are at the heart of our company. Working within the governor’s guidelines will help to ensure we maintain the safest environment for our employees, both as they come to work and return home to their families.”
     The governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect until May 28, 2020. Under this order, Michiganders still must not leave their homes except to run critical errands, to engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to specified jobs.
    After announcing that Michigan’s manufacturing workers were return to work on Monday, Whitmer detailed the six phases of her MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy. The governor has worked with leaders in health care, business, labor, and education to develop the plan, and announced today that Michigan is in phase three.
     The phases of the pandemic include:
    1) UNCONTROLLED GROWTH: The increasing number of new cases every day, overwhelming our health systems.
    2) PERSISTENT SPREAD: We continue to see high case levels with concern about health system capacity.
    3) FLATTENING: The epidemic is no longer increasing, and the health-system’s capacity is sufficient for current needs.
    4) IMPROVING: Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are clearly declining.
    5) CONTAINING: Continued case and death rate improvements, with outbreaks quickly contained.
    6) POST-PANDEMIC: Community spread not expected to return.
    “I am working closely with health care experts and epidemiologists to closely monitor Michigan’s progress in the fight against COVID-19,” Whitmer said. “As we move forward with the MI Safe Start Plan, I am working closely with partners in business, labor, and education to determine the best way to move forward each day. All of us know the importance of getting people back to work and the economy moving again. We’ve already reopened lower-risk sectors like construction, manufacturing, and lawn care.  
     “The worst thing we can do is open up in a way that causes a second wave of infections and death, puts health care workers at further risk, and wipes out all the progress we’ve made. That’s why we will continue to monitor the spread of this virus, hospital capacity, testing rates, and more as we work toward reaching the ‘improving’ phase.”

Angeli Foods produce/floral manager Michelle Aldegarie (left) and customer service manager and West Iron County senior Alex Verville unloaded hanging baskets from the back of delivery truck on May 7 at Riverside Plaza.

Silver Moon employee Jenora Piwarski is ready with geraniums, petunias and a variety of florals available for curbside pickup or delivery from the store located on U.S. 2 west of Iron River. The store lobby remains closed to the public per Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order.

WAUSAU, Wis. —Aspirus announced May 12 that it has begun providing COVID-19 serology (antibody) testing to the area.
    Testing will be performed daily, and results will be available within 24 hours of a sample arriving at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Lab.
    “Aspirus is committed to getting companies back to business and patients back to receiving excellent, compassionate health care,” said Aspirus System Laboratory Services Director Deakin Washatko. “Fast access to reliable, high-quality tests is essential for health care systems. The antibody test is an important next step in the fight against COVID-19.”
    An antibody test looks for the presence of antibodies, which are specific proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies can be found in the blood of people who are tested after infection and demonstrate an immune response to the infection.
    Antibody test results are especially important for detecting previous infections with few or no symptoms.
    It’s important to note that it is not known if the antibodies will provide people with immunity from future infections, according to the CDC.  
    “The availability of antibody tests is an important turning point in the progression of a pandemic,” Washatko said. “This will help us get a clearer picture of how the disease has spread throughout the community.”

IRON RIVER — The West Iron County School Board held its monthly meeting via Zoom on April 20 and reported that its online and distance learning roll-out went well.
    With the suspension of the 2019-20 school year, school districts have grappled with ways to continue educating their students but without face-to-face and classroom interaction. Technology has played a big part in the effort to deliver educational services to students in the WIC district, while those who don’t have internet services have had packets of materials delivered to their homes.    
    The following report is based on minutes sent by WIC.
    Superintendent Chris Thomson said he was apprehensive leading up to the roll-out of online learning, calling it “difficult and stressful.” However, he said the district received positive feedback afterward.
    Thomson thanked principals Mike Berutti and Michelle Thomson for being ready to go with the program.
    “We need to maintain the positive and keep the kids engaged to finish strong,” Chris Thomson said.
    He added that during a Zoom meeting with other superintendents from other districts, West Iron’s transition to online and distance education was complimented.
    Both Berutti and Michelle Thomson praised their teaching staffs for their work in the transition, both saying their staffs have “gone above and beyond” to help the students.
    “The staff has come together and figured everything out and has done a great job,” Berutti reported.
    Berutti added that lockers will be emptied as soon as the executive order to close the school buildings is lifted.
    Michelle Thomson said her teachers helped parents set up with the technology by a phone conversation and that her staff was pushing out three days of homework per week. One day per week, the staff meets at grade level to prepare for the week, meetings which Thomson said she observes.

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CRYSTAL FALLS/IRON RIVER — With the extension of the state’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order through May 28, events that often draw a crowd are being cancelled because of the COVID-19 restrictions against public gatherings.
    So the cascade of cancellations has begun, and now that includes Memorial Day events in Iron County. Both the West Side Veterans Council and the East Side Veterans Council, which lead Memorial Day ceremonies, reported that their usual slate of events will not be held this year.
    “We will put up flags, at social distancing, but the events where people gather are cancelled unless (Gov. Gretchen Whitmer) lifts the restrictions,” Iron County Veterans Service Officer Jerry Williams said, speaking for the West Side Vets Council which consists of the VFW, the American Legion and AMVETS.
    This effectively means that all ceremonies, including parades and programs at county cemeteries, have been cancelled.
    The original Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order from Gov. Whitmer stated “to suppress the spread of COVID-19, to prevent the state’s health care system from being overwhelmed, to allow time for the production of critical test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment, to establish the public health infrastructure necessary to contain the spread of infection, and to avoid needless deaths, it is reasonable and necessary to direct residents to remain at home or in their place of residence to the maximum extent feasible.”
    This eventually included the social distancing requirement of keeping 6 feet between people and the restrictions against crowds of more than 10.
    Dennis Brozak spoke for the East Side Vets Council.
    “We are definitely disappointed because it was a very important veterans’ activity to honor our members who have contributed as much as their lives for our country. We feel bad that we can’t hold this activity to honor them. But at the same time, we understand what’s happening right now and we want to prevent additional (problems).”
    The city of Crystal Falls owns the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery where the event is usually held. Crystal Falls City Manager Gerard Valesano said the city will follow the governor’s orders.
    The Bates Township Board of Trustees released a statement on May 14, reporting the cancellation of events in Bates.
    “The Bates Township Board of Trustees would like to express our sincere regret that we will be cancelling our Memorial Day ceremony and continental breakfast due to the Governor’s Stay Home order, which at this writing, is in effect until May 28.
    “We would like to encourage everyone to take a moment on Memorial Day, as we will do, and remember all those who have served and are serving. We give thanks for the sacrifices that they and their families have made to provide us with the freedoms that we enjoy today.
    “To all veterans, we salute you and we extend a heartfelt thank you.
    “We look forward to next year when we hope to have the privilege and opportunity to honor our veterans once again on Memorial Day!”

Michigan National Guardsmen Sgt. Adam Szabo (left) and Spc. Domenic Nettell delivered personal protective equipment to Iron County last week.

CRYSTAL FALLS — The Michigan National Guard is helping to distribute personal protection equipment (PPE) to counties around the U.P.
    According to www.army.mil, six soldiers in teams of two make supply runs from a distribution hub in Greenland (Ontonagon County). The teams deliver supplies to the western, central and western U.P.
    Sgt. Adam Szabo and Spc. Domenic Nettell delivered PPE to Iron County last week.
    Iron County Emergency Manager Vernon Jones said the National Guardsmen are a critical part of the COVID-19 response in Iron County and throughout the U.P.
    “A large part of the response to this virus is protection from the highly contagious nature of it,” Jones said. “We know that it is quickly spread from person to person by water droplets. If a person sneezes, coughs or talks, the possibility of droplets becoming airborne is possible. These droplets of water containing the virus can be inhaled by individuals or land on hard surfaces where the virus can survive for a lengthy period of time.
    “To protect us from contamination we must utilize various forms of PPE. Masks, gloves, goggles, and hand sanitizer are just a few forms of PPE that we have now all become so familiar with of late.”   
    Jones said a massive undertaking is taking place in the U.S. to get PPE to where it is needed the most – health care workers and first responders.
    Szabo spoke similarly in an article written for www.army/mil.
    “I think it’s important because we’re always here,” Szabo said. “We’re always ready to answer the call and assist the first responders and local volunteers. We’re there to help with these efforts.”
    Jones said “all areas of government” were caught unprepared by the rapid spread of the virus.
    “Each level of government assumed that there was a cache of PPE that could be quickly supplied. Quickly it became apparent that there was only a limited supply of PPE available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the State Emergency Operations Centers (SEOC) around the county and the Local Emergency Managers (LEM) began to scramble to try and help. Hospitals and long-term care centers were in desperate need of supplies, but no entity had prepared for the ‘unthinkable pandemic.’”
    Three distribution hubs have been established in the U.P. - Ontonagon (west) Marquette (central) and Chippewa (east).
    PPE continues to be shipped into these hubs and is then distributed to the counties by the Guardsmen.
    “This has allowed the local EMs to be more productive during this crisis.” Jones said. “We still are lacking PPE in the U.P but are hopeful that the quantity will soon pick up. Naturally, the bulk of supplies went to the hardest hit areas in the Lower Peninsula.”
    Jones added that the National Guard medical technicians have also been critical in testing in the Upper Peninsula testing and training in the state prisons, the local jails and some of the long-term care facilities. He said training of local staff to perform testing will be critical in the future.
    Szabo said he wants to keep all his fellow Yoopers safe and let them know the National Guard is there for them.
    “It honestly feels great, because being from the U.P. and being able to help out other Yoopers and actually show a presence and let our community members feel that we are supporting them any way we can,” he said. “The people we’ve been working with truly appreciate it and we appreciate helping out because they’ve been supporting us so much in every other aspect before this pandemic.”
    “As the local emergency manager, I cannot thank the Guardsmen enough for their contribution and helping hand at this critical time in our lives,” Jones added.
    “We thank them for their efforts and presence during this pandemic.”

IRON RIVER — The Iron County Road Commission held its monthly meeting on May 12. The meeting was held in the Road Commission’s office vehicle garage/parking lot with social distancing.
    As is common across the board during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICRC faces much uncertainty in the near future, Superintendent Doug Tomasoski said, One of projects to be affected is the Ottawa Lake Project, which will now be pushed back to 2021 due to concerns of revenue for match.
    Tomasoski reported other items from the meeting. He said the Road Commission:
    -is continuing the process for millage renewal
-is preparing an update of its COVID preparedness plan
-the board authorized expenditure for repair of Bates-Amasa Rd/Paint River bridge guardrail by Action Traffic Maintenance ($3,500)
-will be advertising for bids on ice control sand for the upcoming winter with an option for up to two one-year renewals
-is waiting to hear from the Road Commission for Oakland County concerning federal aid exchange – the delay in obligation of the RCOC project is due to slowdown in project revenues at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
-the pre-construction meeting is tentatively scheduled for the two CR-424 projects
-the summer employment program is still on hold due to uncertainty of funding
-the regional task force meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 3, to be conducted electronically
-season road restrictions began to be lifted on May 12. As of May 22, all county road restrictions have been lifted except:
-Baker Road
    -Deer Lake Road
    -University Road
    -Vinnedge Road
    -West James Lake Road
    Finally, Tomasoski said the Road Commission’s operations continue under the COVID modifications - office and garages are closed to the public, while full crew operations are ongoing.

LANSING — On May 18, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-92, allowing for the reopening of retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars with limited seating in the U.P. and the northern Lower Peninsula.
    Specifically, Whitmer opened Michigan Economic Recovery Council Regions 6 and 8. Region 8 includes all 15 counties of the U.P, while Region 6 includes the following Lower Peninsula counties: Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, and Emmet.     
    The partial reopening took effect on Friday, May 22. Cities, villages, and townships may choose to take a more cautious course if they wish: the order does not abridge their authority to restrict the operations of restaurants or bars, including limiting such establishments to outdoor seating.  
     “This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said. “It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families.”
     “The data shows that these regions in Michigan are seeing consistent encouraging trends when it comes to the number of cases, deaths, and the percent of tests that are positive for COVID-19,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “It’s important to note that these businesses must take special precautions to protect Michiganders. I also encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask in public, maintain a 6-foot distance from others, and to remain vigilant in washing their hands often.  This will help prevent a second surge in cases in our state.”
     All businesses that will reopen in regions 6 and 8 must adopt the safety measures outlined in Executive Order 2020-91. That means they must, among other things, provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions.
Restaurants and bars will also have to limit capacity to 50 percent of their normal seating, to keep groups at least six feet from one another, to require their servers to wear face coverings, and to follow rigorous disinfection protocols.
     “We are thankful to Governor Whitmer as today marks an important first step of reintegrating restaurants into the fabric of our daily lives,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Restaurants in the U.P. and northern Michigan understand that with their opportunity comes an extraordinary responsibility to operate in a manner that ensures the safety of their guests and their employees.  I believe they are up to the challenge.”
“I support the shift to making decisions on a regional level when possible,” Marquette Mayor Jenna Smith said. “As restrictions are slowly eased, it will be important for us to remain vigilant to stop the spread of the virus.”
      “Like Gov. Whitmer, mayors in Michigan support the well-being of all our citizens,” Traverse City Mayor Jim Carruthers said. “All regions of Michigan have been affected by COVID-19, and ‘Up North,’ we want to support the governor by cautiously opening up some of our economy resources. However, in doing so, we must be mindful that wearing masks and continuing to practice social distancing is a must to make this work. Stopping the spread of this virus is still key and if we can’t, then we will have to close it down again.”
    

Martha Piwarski, Silver Moon (left) and Jen Sarder, Wink’s Woods (right)

IRON RIVER / CRYSTAL FALLS — At first glance, one might think that small business owners and managers would be hopping up and down at the chance to reopen their stores after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order allowed for reopening of retail businesses in the U.P. and the northern Lower Peninsula.
    And for Silver Moon manager Martha Piwarski and Wink’s Woods manager Jen Sarder, they certainly are excited. But that excitement comes with a healthy dose of trepidation.
    “It’s such a double-edged sword,” Piwarski said May 20, two days before Silver Moon opened its doors. “I told my husband (Steve), ‘What if no customers come in?’ And then I said, ‘What if customers come in?’”
    Sarder felt much the same way, one day before Wink’s Woods opened on May 22.
    “I don’t want to say it’s scary, but it’s the unknown. I mean, of course we’re a business and we want to be busy and obviously we want to be here for the community. But what’s going to happen tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. when we open the doors, you know?”
    Both store managers were crystal clear – the last eight weeks since Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order began on March 23 have been extraordinarily difficult for their businesses.
    “I was down 97.8 percent in April,” Piwarski said. “We were heading into a really good year, but I looked at it the other day and my business for the year is down 40 percent and that is huge.”
    “March and April are our busy times (in terms of inventory),” Sarder added. “I mean, that’s when we start to pick up, so that’s when we get in all our spring inventory, so it really hit us hard because everything had to stop basically.”
    At the same time, neither manager is sure about what will take place when their businesses did open. Of course, no one is completely sure about anything these days.
    “Well, of course, I think everyone has reservations about it,” Sarder said. “I mean, are we opening too early? We don’t know.”
    Since Whitmer’s call to reopen on May 18, businesses have been in quick transition mode. The order seemed to come out of nowhere and it left just four days between executive order and the date retail businesses in those two regions could open.
    The preparations included much thought on how to provide a safe space for both employees and customers. Hand sanitizer will be readily available at both businesses, both will wipe down door handles, will require social distancing and neither will have their public restrooms open.
    Piwarski said Silver Moon will use Clorox wipes to handle credit cards, while Wink’s Woods will have a plastic shield set up between the cash register and the paying customer
    There will be plenty of cleaning and disinfecting at both stores.
    “Just be patient,” Piwarski recommended to potential shoppers. “Customers are skittish, I’m skittish, but we’re doing our best and we’ll get through it.”
    Despite all the uncertainty, Piwarski offered one clear message to residents.
    “I really hope that the locals make a point of shopping more locally. Just come in and take a look. A $10 purchase in here is huge.”
    To alleviate some possible customer concerns, Piwarksi said she would open early or stay late if a customer is wary of shopping around other customers.
    Sarder gave the final word.
    “We want the customers to come back,” Sarder said. “I will be upbeat and friendly, and we want to treat them with the utmost respect and we’re happy that they’re here. But it is strange. I don’t even know what to think. We’ve been home so long that it was even weird coming back in here.”
    “We just want everyone to feel safe.”
    Wink’s Woods is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. The store is located at 1225 West U.S. 2 in Crystal Falls. Call 875-3750.
    Silver Moon is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday; closed Sunday. The store is located at 4148 US Hwy. 2 in Iron River. Call 265-6666.

IRON RIVER — Iron River City Manager David Thayer announced his resignation at the conclusion of the May 27 meeting of the Iron River City Council.

      Thayer read from a letter he wrote to Mayor Dennis Powell.

      “The city charter is the glue that holds the city together, from one council to the next council,” Thayer read. “When the charter is not followed, the city suffers. Given your recent statements, it’s clear to me that my services are no longer coveted. I’ve enjoyed my position and believe I have helped the city substantially for four-and-a-half years. There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

      “Through this missive, I am providing my 30-day notice to remove myself from the employment role. I wish you and the city well.”

      After the meeting, the Reporter asked Thayer for additional comment.

      “There’s always a transition ...when you get a new council,” he said. “A council that didn’t hire you. There’s really no allegiance to the manager… in this situation. I’ve given it five months to see if we can mesh, and from what I can gather that what I have done for the city is not the direction they want to continue to go, and so therefore they should be free to pick a manager they want to work with.”

      A special meeting of the Iron River City Council will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at which time the council is expected to vote on acceptance of Thayer’s resignation.          

      Look for more coverage on this issue in the Reporter as new details become available.

CRYSTAL FALLS—Two Iron River residents charged with drug offenses in February pleaded not guilty to their separate amended charges at a pair of hearings on May 27. The hearings were held via Zoom videoconference.
    David Lee Hunt, 41, has been charged in three separate files. In one file, Hunt faces one count of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver (a 20-year felony) and one count of possession of methamphetamine (a 10-year felony).
    In the other files, Hunt has been charged with felonious assault (a 4-year felony) and absconding (a 4-year felony).
    Hunt was also given a habitual offender fourth notice, which makes him subject to life in prison if the primary offense has a penalty of five years or more or 15 years or less if the primary offense has a penalty under five years.
    In her amended felony complaint, Paige Jeannine Nichols, 26, has been charged with one count of delivery/manufacture of marijuana or synthetic equivalents with intent to deliver (a 4-year felony) and one count of possessing twice the amount of marijuana (3.65 pounds) allowed by Michigan statute (a misdemeanor).
    Both Hunt and Nichols had originally been charged with the same four offenses – possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine and fentanyl (a 20-year felony), possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl (a 20-year felony) possession of 25 grams or more but less than 50 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl (a 4-year felony) and possession of 25 grams or more but less than 50 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl (4-year felony).
    The original preliminary examinations were scheduled for April but were delayed.

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IRON RIVER — The Iron County Fair Board has announced its plans for this year’s event, which was to be held Aug. 6-9.
     “As many of us know, events are being canceled in many locations due to COVID-19,” Fair Manager Carrie Nelson said in a news release. “There are many reasons for these cancellations. The health and safety of the people, financial uncertainty, and restrictive guidelines are some of the top reasons.
“With that being said, the Iron County Fair Board decided to cancel the 2020 fair at a meeting held on May 28. It was not an easy decision, but most of the members felt it was the best decision at this time.”
As such, the fair will not hold a carnival this year and there will be no entries, which means there will be no fair book.
Nelson stated that IC Fair raffle tickets will be sold and are available from Fair Board members. Cost is $5 each or 5 for $20. The proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will go toward utility bills and maintenance at the fairgrounds.
Nelson added that the Iron County Market Animal Club is continuing with its plans to have the animal auction on Aug. 7.  Details will be provided as they are available.  
“Please support our youth in this endeavor,” Nelson said.
Additionally, O’Claire Productions is continuing to work toward possibly holding the annual demolition derby on Aug. 8.
“Jeff (O’Claire) is incredibly determined to make this happen for our community,” Nelson stated. “We will support him as much as we can.  
Nelson added that Horse Department superintendent Zach Gagnea is considering holding a horse show/event at the horse arena during what would normally be fair weekend in Iron River. That information will be released at a later date.
“These people that are doing their best to give everyone a something to look forward to this summer are greatly appreciated,” Nelson said. “They are aware that they must follow state guidelines for everyone’s safety and will follow them closely.  We are also aware that state regulations may cause them to cancel, but it is a chance they are willing to take. It is still an unpredictable future, but kudos to those that are doing their best to make things happen in Iron County.   
“Stay safe and be positively amazing!”
Nelson said these events are separate entities, meaning the Fair Board will not be involved in running them if they should take place.

IRON RIVER — Iron River City Manager David Thayer abruptly resigned his position at the close of the Iron River City Council meeting on May 27.
    In a letter addressed to Mayor Dennis Powell, Thayer said the city charter was the binding principle for the city and that the city suffers when it is not followed. He then said that recent events had convinced him that his services are no longer “coveted” by the city, and that he was providing the board his 30-day departure notice.
    At a special meeting of the council on May 29, the city accepted Thayer’s resignation by a 3-1 vote. Councilman Benjamin Garcia voted against the motion, while councilman Rodney Dood was not in attendance.
    Thayer’s resignation put an end to his 4½ year term in Iron River, one that included accomplishments such as the repair of several city streets and reorganizing the city’s administrative structure, and one that had its share of controversies, such as the Laura Frizzo case in which the former police chief sued Thayer and the city for violating the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the disagreements with Powell and some members of the current council.
     Speaking with the Reporter, Thayer said after the May 27 meeting that he and the new council had not “meshed” in the five months since it had been assembled. He then said that his departure would allow the city to find a manager that it could work with. He said that he was not sure if he would be involved in any transition process. During the second interview two days later, Thayer said he had no immediate plans for himself in mind.
    Going forward, the city will begin looking for a replacement for Thayer, and a temporary steward for that role.
    Prior to this development, the May 27 meeting started with a public hearing on the fiscal year 2021 budget. The board listened to concerns from the public adopting the budget, with an alternate suggestion of readopting the previous budget, although alternatively others suggested that the budget could be amended as needed. The board ultimately decided to adopt the FY2021 budget during new business, with some board members commenting on possibly amending it as time goes on.
    Immediately following, some local residents – including some West Iron County district students – discussed the situation regarding banners of the senior students being displayed in town.
    Powell said he counted poles that could support banners, and he found 37 that would be able to hold them, just short of the 49 that are required for the project. One of the residents said they also counted poles and some of them will need brackets, and they believed they needed 17 more brackets overall to make sure everyone was included.

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