[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6312872,"mediaKeyId","2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b","parentId",2390362,"title","Vernon County health staff identify translation gaps for WIC, promote radon kits and community screenings","audioSeconds",860,"startMs",2078000,"endMs",2938000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b&start=2078&end=2938","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b/thumbnail_2078000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6312872/Vernon-County/Wisconsin/Vernon-County-health-staff-identify-translation-gaps-for-WIC-promote-radon-kits-and-community-screenings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312872-6823327c0e162fb62723480cd72e0cb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864145&Signature=cJ9WFN6lNKwObXiHk4lG~wLL-oCYlaw5lxzATg05-jcdBXHQTWGzzBbFkyPQSxEV6i~PFT8VOE21HPFZfwILNQgRy7~XF6OD-DK8C10j3wYqSvK-IDVbLJdwPA10w6eDakWN~y4h2OZnGwnkyDQ75-H1njUhBDd1JDQQIdYPibo8-yUW3x4SY~6aH8~xlNQCPhXiRcvx3vzGrnqr5amFFUSYVMQVEQAL7BitaBS~zcOkwKaz76oiUTfO0xLEJXwUf84xfiSt1dcwx4sCOLyUzOn84pBEGHZNbXDzOqhiIh38BOdzDh2yutMNaYT2leDwHc4T76wwmBuHxD1BFAPb8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","WI / Vernon County ","date","2025-01-08T00:00:00Z","article","Vernon County health staff told the board they are evaluating options to provide interpretation for WIC and clinic clients and described several outreach and prevention programs planned for the year.

Staff reported that the longtime WIC translator is no longer available, creating occasional barriers for Spanish- and Venezuelan-language speakers who now require alternative interpretation services. The department discussed options including commercial language lines, subscription-based kiosk services, training staff with basic dialect modules, and mobile-translation apps. Staff said they would evaluate HIPAA and technical compliance before committing to a solution and may seek regional input from WALVAD partners and other counties.

The board was also told January is radon awareness month; free radon test kits are available at the health department Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and November–March is the preferred testing window. Staff described the kit as a charcoal-based detector that residents complete and mail to the testing lab; results are returned by the testing company.

Staff reviewed community-program planning: tobacco-control funding through a seven-county coalition has reduced considerably and will end July 2025, so the department plans to continue youth education without coalition dollars; cholesterol-screening outreach will be refocused toward events such as agricultural sales fairs to reach farmers; and WIC staff are joining a regional food-security group led by Second Harvest Food Bank.

No formal votes were taken on translation purchases or program changes; staff will return with proposals and cost estimates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Vernon County Board of Health Meeting Minutes January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported translation challenges affecting WIC and other services, promoted free radon testing kits, and outlined plans to revive cholesterol screenings and tobacco education amid shrinking coalition funding.","taxTitle","Vernon County, Wisconsin","taxId",67955,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312877,"Health department cites agent-program growth, ARPA rollover funds and lab capacity needs ahead of new nitrate testing requirement",468,1146000,1614000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b&start=1146&end=1614","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b/thumbnail_1146000.jpg","/articles/6312877/Vernon-County/Wisconsin/Health-department-cites-agent-program-growth-ARPA-rollover-funds-and-lab-capacity-needs-ahead-of-new-nitrate-testing-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312877-bda52dba9708d4be75144e77c7c72e40/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864145&Signature=n2zAAuis276Qo15PDoMlkjZE66~6iX6TOTTG3kIF7fF5g3XKUTm4nmlXjFt6vnpnB8uh5oq9fKmwqjDAMiNNHJYtI-BMaEaSoU-a7JGZEFR31obGIvOE9dSgkKVaGVOssVJ1V-uNwM3XkZAF7Q5wPe3HVSmZkUfIviUL~a-QyhCuH6SMR46AtaTlb0H9WDfHSefnKyBOEMhpC2x7FN8vuNKFxU-Fwz-GZ5ugb6sxTuIYmMuXiBfehKtBBDOEkceoNUM8wZikXcyc67QBz0NkZ2j9QSKseHhq-Qr3q7ilUb5he3LGOlweBm88AczBAHjCxt2SC1y4Uw7-WaTYrUE3ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vernon County health staff told the board the agent program’s workload has increased sharply and the department is preparing staff changes and inter-county cooperation to meet growing testing and inspection demands.

The director reported the agent program handled 827 water samples in the prior year and said staff are discussing how to support a heavy load without immediately hiring another registered sanitarian. One nurse, identified as Caitlin, is studying for the registered sanitarian exam; staff said the department intends to support internal training and certification timelines but does not expect Caitlin to replace the current sanitarian immediately. The department reported current agent staffing as about 1.75 full-time-equivalent positions for that function.

The department said it received acceptance for an ARPA rollover allocation estimated at about $150,000; staff will present a resolution to accept the funds in a future meeting. Earlier in the meeting the department also reported an ARPA-funded incubator purchase of $10,598.23 that was already installed and operating.

Staff raised a broader capacity concern tied to an anticipated change in statute that will require nitrate testing at tourist rooming houses, hotels and short-term rentals; the department said many county labs and UW-associated labs are at capacity and delays of several weeks have occurred. Vernon County staff said they discussed a memorandum of understanding to accept more samples locally and may expand lab capacity by agreement with nearby counties.

The environmental/sanitation program reported it is undergoing a three-year comprehensive evaluation by DECAP; staff said chapter 30 and chapter 31 ordinances adopted last year are part of the review and that a virtual meeting with DECAP leadership is scheduled for March 11. Environmental staff reported 67 environmental health concerns or complaints in the year, with four cases remaining open.

No formal vote to hire additional staff or to expand lab infrastructure was taken at the meeting; staff framed the matters as planning and coordination items.","Vernon County health staff described growth in the state agent program workload, plans to train an existing nurse for agent duties, an accepted ARPA rollover of about $150,000, and concerns about future nitrate-testing demand in light of an anticipated statutory change.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312882,"Health department reports mumps cases nearby, rising influenza and local COVID activity; vaccination clinics planned",285,762000,1047000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b&start=762&end=1047","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b/thumbnail_762000.jpg","/articles/6312882/Vernon-County/Wisconsin/Health-department-reports-mumps-cases-nearby-rising-influenza-and-local-COVID-activity-vaccination-clinics-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312882-c105c2f4f094695bf42685bfcf7cab05/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864145&Signature=RA857EynKAX~y3Fn608ZZ-57btPA85SN1X2vTIJvVb5twYABrOw1ydMQWbsAI7wwczX6FoxGidro0kqI0TZxMDluO-i1DklQVwUEhDoKJ~2Dh0nufShnWrmZw6x3pOQFzZa3IssG3D0627Px2zUvyEr2x0HAmodpsMxY96O77x~YBYx7ToluMDyjx6QcFtJZHkW-BMSfwO5JsLudYIgOnvBBJCr5DHuOEOsEqJayaLna2GJ43IjInOZQGUCIN7BMwF35bIbBNLq891OvRe0uo7un5RGGVpqZGQYAcp93Tx8AphZhBmYASRFjg7yHLG57k0CkbnVlFtklYj1sBl9vaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vernon County Health Department reported nearby mumps activity and said it is preparing vaccination outreach while monitoring influenza-like illness and local COVID trends.

Health staff told the board there had been a mumps outbreak reported in Clark County and a second case in Taylor County; local health staff said details on the Taylor County case had not been publicly released and were still under investigation. The department said it planned targeted outreach and immunization activities, including community vaccination efforts, and noted that MMR is a two-dose series typically given in childhood with routine boosters for certain groups; staff said during outbreaks an additional MMR dose can be used per public-health guidance.

The department reported influenza-like illness is at seasonal peak and that local COVID activity in Viroqua is at moderate levels. Staff encouraged standard precautions — handwashing and staying home when sick — and noted the state DHS site as a resource for travel and case-level information.

The department also reported one confirmed pertussis case and one probable pertussis case in a family, and three confirmed COVID cases plus one suspected during the past month; WIC and nursing staff coordinate follow-up when household-based exposures are identified. Health staff said they would begin community vaccine clinics and outreach to increase MMR uptake in identified at-risk groups.

No new local containment orders or mandates were proposed at the meeting.","Vernon County health staff discussed a mumps outbreak in neighboring Clark County, a second possible case in Taylor County, influenza-like-illness at seasonal peak and a moderate local COVID trajectory; staff said they will deploy vaccination outreach and monitoring.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312888,"Vernon County coroner reports 23 deaths in December; officials discuss autopsy and transport costs",265,156000,421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b&start=156&end=421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b/thumbnail_156000.jpg","/articles/6312888/Vernon-County/Wisconsin/Vernon-County-coroner-reports-23-deaths-in-December-officials-discuss-autopsy-and-transport-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312888-b8c2a6de11004b93df516df9a3f0b26f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864145&Signature=b9SNcdLBC8xNMNK2veNGEh-obzIPNA~dDjmwurXzmoYfU0LOmUWw06XvXftDBC3wr90Uo9Mn-BaLmGKSlL1O4oE43SJ6D9PXNapG5DGYl8P0pA9r9jcqezSSKt~ylCH95SiMp6AndTXcDQecMGPkiiDXqw7njx4UGFAolrUidGxl4dTfHf96tBIpTA4khx1BAL4lr7b5LCjgMY3QuVafKHQyw608HlF5UkSgZKfxpg6ukXNvLE-IZul7we8aI7J1g50Qwjz40YiOvHg9Dbb1ckHVqD1QnulmQ~-cTHc1fYSRfJwtdRb~xdqtCLXPAsgpVsTG9WIkuWmaRDOzAI6w6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vernon County’s coroner reported 23 deaths in December and reviewed related expenses and operational challenges, including autopsy and toxicology costs and the county’s practice of using local funeral homes for body transport.

In the coroner’s report the coroner said there were 23 deaths for the month with 13 cremations and nine burials; causes included one accidental, one pending investigation, and the remainder natural. The coroner listed toxicology and autopsy costs: a blood toxicology test at $305, a transported autopsy cost recorded as $500 for transport and $1,500 for the autopsy, and a second autopsy cost recorded as $1,500. Other expenditures included supplies and routine billing adjustments. The coroner reported total expenditures of $5,661.64 for the coroner’s office for the month.

Board members asked whether transportation for autopsies goes to Madison; the coroner confirmed bodies are typically transported to Madison and explained that other counties sometimes have vehicles assigned to their coroner or medical examiner offices, which can reduce reliance on outside funeral homes. The coroner said Vernon County typically uses local funeral homes for transport and estimated roughly 12–15 out-of-county transports per year. The coroner noted that if homicides increased, the county would need to revisit transport arrangements because of chain-of-custody and jurisdictional issues.

The coroner also discussed the operational trade-offs of obtaining a vehicle for transport—costs would include a vehicle, insurance, a cot or stretcher and refrigeration capacity—and said he had discussed interim options with the sheriff’s office.

No formal action or vote on transport or equipment acquisition was recorded at the meeting.","The county coroner reported 23 deaths for December and outlined autopsy and transport expenses, and discussed whether the county should acquire a transport vehicle given jurisdictional and chain-of-custody concerns.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312893,"Vernon County health board approves minutes and updates vaccine-coordination contact",1863,523000,2386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b&start=523&end=2386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390362-ffd2bc26088a198909d0edf9ab8c371b/thumbnail_523000.jpg","/articles/6312893/Vernon-County/Wisconsin/Vernon-County-health-board-approves-minutes-and-updates-vaccine-coordination-contact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312893-1ef57bd5e74f9946b526779175bb37c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864145&Signature=DEcGECDD49DTmZPRAM-HvSi1m5qReNJVtUXEyC2F1z8zdy~nL1e1Wig-kFYlLcS5t3M9SJueVg68d4r76eGwB67DrRgLOK4y0RaF~kGkOAPmHTtXJZhBMU~pT2tEsl1PtNRjHsA6sHji4QMu3t7gk~w2hX1nvrPwAl8qh2G7xyfurnqTgvNNW3sUsLCJaK-ElTBxzcsmU8WXkbvb4miG9qvlLhwQa7GfnQmNpQKYR5jFu5nriXqVQnAkJHiO1fgEOySVA-YnlMH95MAUB4egyct6UF0d~uzVVUWoNxbxd-rsAgGv8VnJjUEsA-ewLZxwPw-cv8MFwxvbC1oeihZ1cA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Vernon County Health Department board voted to approve the minutes from its previous meeting and adopted a policy change to remove a former senior office administrator and add a third contact for the department’s vaccine-coordination program.

The motions were moved and seconded without names recorded on the transcript; both were carried by voice vote. During the vote on the policy change, a board member moved approval, a second was recorded, and the board chair called for the ayes; the motion carried.

The policy change was described in the director’s report as an administrative update required by state vaccine coordination rules; the director said the update was the only change in the packet presented to the board. The minutes-approval motion was routine and uncontroversial and drew no discussion.

The board’s formal actions at the meeting were limited and procedural; other substantive items were addressed in staff reports and updates. The board set its next regular meeting for February 12.","At its January meeting, the Vernon County Health Department board approved last meeting’s minutes and a policy change updating vaccine-coordination contacts; both motions passed by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Vernon County health staff identify translation gaps for WIC, promote radon kits and community screenings

Health department cites agent-program growth, ARPA rollover funds and lab capacity needs ahead of new nitrate testing requirement

Health department reports mumps cases nearby, rising influenza and local COVID activity; vaccination clinics planned

Vernon County coroner reports 23 deaths in December; officials discuss autopsy and transport costs

Vernon County health board approves minutes and updates vaccine-coordination contact