During a recent government meeting, Linda Zilmer, a property owner and resident of Birchwood, highlighted the importance of virtual participation in local governance, praising the IT department for enabling public engagement through Zoom. She urged county supervisors to utilize available resources, such as recorded committee meetings on YouTube, to better understand ongoing discussions, particularly regarding tourist rooming houses and their implications on septic systems and neighboring properties.

Zilmer also addressed concerns about ambulance services in the southern part of Sawyer County, noting that residents have been underserved since a previous study failed to include the town of Edgewater. She recounted instances where emergency response times exceeded an hour, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of ambulance services across the county, rather than merely addressing land offers for new facilities.

Additionally, Zilmer raised questions about the effectiveness of proposed funding for the Bug Tussle project, expressing skepticism about assurances that investments would lead to improved systems. She urged the county to carefully consider the economic viability of such projects before proceeding, advocating for a thorough assessment of the community's needs and resources.