[{"_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",6290481,"mediaKeyId","2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794","parentId",2530918,"title","Public health warns of active respiratory season; Polk reports pertussis cases and notes regional bird‑flu detection","audioSeconds",88,"startMs",6144000,"endMs",6232000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794&start=6144&end=6232","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794/thumbnail_6144000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6290481/Polk-County/Wisconsin/Public-health-warns-of-active-respiratory-season-Polk-reports-pertussis-cases-and-notes-regional-birdflu-detection","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290481-ef26ade04c2f245159706a341a758af2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771054087&Signature=Uw0sTHUZk6HLkson6iwgqJxA37pdr6LmFKlz0ppVwSG9RJIl8-rGEpZTKeC9HhCCjOnbUG9nP8EgVyFCsQv~-viv3xmlCPXyoE3T0e~pD7yJImH3ok25F-Ri38eR13OyvyZIg-HtY6msmpVGJHZvfX8Ij1jrXxPO7~K3YP9OtQ1ysOyYZr49dPa4VaOtVymi6o75lynfjOkLhBLnSKPR-Ked~lbjRd1I8YhBCeJJ92ikdfSEjkrDL3lQNKDR5xeos~mdQ1xsfJJ~ord4Lo27C14G6KJWvVU6I3SzlQnX0hdBcwXi9ke0GQRpyPpzARlts0MJADwsu8V6YIkxnd9Sew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","WI / Polk County ","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","Polk County public health staff updated the committee on communicable‑disease activity, describing a high respiratory‑virus season and noting county and regional surveillance findings.

The nut graf: Staff said COVID‑19, influenza and RSV activity increased regionally; Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) hospitalization tallies since October included seven COVID‑19 hospitalizations and 20 influenza hospitalizations statewide. The county also reported 16 pertussis (whooping cough) cases in 2024. Staff emphasized biosecurity for domestic flocks after a commercial flock in Burnett County tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in December.

Public health noted DHS focuses on hospitalization monitoring and that the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) oversees animal surveillance. Presenters urged residents to avoid contact with sick wild animals, maintain biosecurity for backyard flocks, contact a veterinarian for ill animals, and follow public health guidance if exposed. Staff said no human HPAI cases were reported in Polk County at the time of the meeting.

Presenters also reminded the public that routine respiratory vaccines (seasonal influenza and COVID‑19 boosters where indicated) remain important and noted RSV vaccine availability for older adults. The committee did not take action; staff requested ongoing coordination with regional partners and continued surveillance reporting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Health and Human Services Meeting: 1-14-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Polk County public health described a busy respiratory season with elevated COVID‑19, influenza and RSV activity, reported 16 pertussis cases in 2024, and noted a December commercial flock positive for avian influenza in neighboring Burnett County; statewide hospitalizations since October were presented.","taxTitle","Polk County, Wisconsin","taxId",72897,"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},6290486,"American Legion plans March ‘sleep out’ fundraiser for veteran suicide prevention in Polk County",195,5605000,5800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794&start=5605&end=5800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794/thumbnail_5605000.jpg","/articles/6290486/Polk-County/Wisconsin/American-Legion-plans-March-sleep-out-fundraiser-for-veteran-suicide-prevention-in-Polk-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290486-d7f1b78d62bdfdb4e2ba51dc796051b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771054087&Signature=H530Pzhso9VdhE8EcOJgnGAtUAMdDgOpCG3Dv64d49T1D55N75Ux1iVWgZQpGq3qPrbAQr2jyo4qEsRvpN5BSp99HhmtfmoyDF5Qkjvpa-EAuYSuhqAysr3N02xVfkQwnmBMs35wyDGXCoBgs-KzGHnIxTBzQPxRyyjKo4olvnPCndoMHuSws8Z9RfY1gKrdUuQbGKXL8~CwiqhLvswwCNym7VB1Tn3KYRDDPUjq76-qwYlagLpKodU2RXaVXv9oDQT7vUHCqDFP0wqs4lZ3~GmlsCbMaRrgTC7idwjCX-RLMtcXJjrIDkbSh2kMbD5LvOaVXlO8nbzcjWWKXyMTDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An American Legion representative told the committee the post plans a community sleep‑out and fundraisers in March to raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention and local veteran services.

The nut graf: The event will include an overnight cardboard‑box “sleep out,” a spaghetti dinner, a pancake breakfast and a food pantry drive; organizers said proceeds will support veteran services in the seven‑county area covered by the Legion’s district, and they will coordinate with the county veteran service officer to identify local beneficiaries.

Steve DuBois, Polk County adjutant secretary for the American Legion, said organizers plan to host the event at the American Legion in Pine Park and will invite posts from across the district. He described planned fundraisers (spaghetti dinner, pancake breakfast and potential silent auction) and invited county staff to supply informational tables and promotional materials. DuBois said the group will also solicit in‑kind donations, sponsorships and volunteers.

Committee members asked whether funds would be distributed locally; DuBois said the intent is to keep funds local where possible and to coordinate with the county veteran service officer to designate recipients — options include local veteran services, county veteran programs and, where appropriate, shelters or other regional providers that assist veterans.

No action was required. Organizers provided contact information and said they will circulate flyers and online donation options as planning continues.","Representatives of the American Legion described a March fundraising and awareness event — a sleep‑out in cardboard boxes — to raise funds for veteran services and suicide prevention across a seven‑county area; organizers will solicit local donations and will provide event details to county partners.",{"_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},6290491,"Polk County public health reports retail and tavern compliance checks; municipalities notified and education to continue",744,3616000,4360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794&start=3616&end=4360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794/thumbnail_3616000.jpg","/articles/6290491/Polk-County/Wisconsin/Polk-County-public-health-reports-retail-and-tavern-compliance-checks-municipalities-notified-and-education-to-continue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290491-129fff44218b02f61560806d02eb0bb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771054087&Signature=ny~377uOTyrvM04Kbps5-CcL~1YbXRYBCuFAicEkvJaN8JqEboP723uLxOUdPfuMI0HmA4n9OpHZw4AjHD8FzzwtRKtX8Q3iIX-8Alyo29ygzOPar6G-ShsIXkHSjuugPn4gEq6lhRdFhuQ1s2K46GFUFIDZzMQiCkhGj5hmygXbbMRRnsM3Vn5wo5vxnp7vyGk5F86BfCcHDGHpqnjQ94Z5~fx~xLzoBuAoaPYPgYF8RPIeRrDk6g3dd~~3TTfeU6JXV4D3c50WNBIZ5sBhOwbCtzVyOYm~AZu0mhdAKA-eihpkjOxvSF~Gnt4XkCmPuYpX-wSUC9V1RFjgF~e6FA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County’s public health staff presented the results of last year’s tobacco and alcohol compliance checks and outlined follow‑up steps including education for retailers, municipal notification and continued annual checks.

The nut graf: The county completed 46 tobacco compliance checks and 47 alcohol compliance checks with trained underage volunteers. Tobacco checks were conducted in partnership with the state program; alcohol checks this year included on‑sale establishments (bars and taverns) for the first time in the county’s recent efforts.

Felicia, the tobacco program educator, said Polk County completed 46 tobacco checks; she reported a single‑digit percent sell rate to the under‑18 volunteers (reported in the meeting as 9 percent) and said the number represented a decrease from the prior year. Retailers that failed tobacco checks receive follow‑up education materials and the state’s vendor training resources.

Jason, public health educator for alcohol, reported 47 alcohol checks. Among off‑sale retailers (liquor stores, groceries, convenience stores) the checks returned 5 sales and 23 denials. Among on‑sale locations (bars and taverns) there were 9 sales and 10 denials. Jason said 35.7 percent of sales in the overall sample occurred without an ID check, while 64.3 percent of sales occurred despite an ID check (the seller checked ID but still completed the sale).

Public health worked with municipal police departments on the checks; in the jurisdictions where sales occurred, municipal law enforcement issued citations where appropriate (presenters cited Emery, Frederic, and Luck as jurisdictions where citations were handled during follow‑up). Presenters noted letters had been sent to all alcohol license holders in advance to announce that compliance checks would occur.

Next steps announced by public health include sending results to municipal licensing authorities, issuing a press release and social media outreach of aggregated results, offering educational outreach to retailers and schools, and continuing annual checks. Presenters said ID scanning systems performed reliably where used and recommended that retailers consider scanners as a control. The department will refine on‑sale testing and track patterns year to year now that the county has a baseline including taverns.

No vote or formal action was taken; the committee accepted the reports and directed staff to proceed with planned education and municipal notifications.","Public health presented results of annual tobacco and alcohol compliance checks: tobacco stings (46) showed a low sell rate; alcohol stings (47) found sales at some retailers and several on‑sale (tavern) locations. Municipalities received notifications and citations where applicable; public health will continue education and annual checks.",{"_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},6290496,"ADRC kitchen estimate shocks Polk County; staff to explore funding and lower‑cost options",538,2242000,2780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794&start=2242&end=2780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794/thumbnail_2242000.jpg","/articles/6290496/Polk-County/Wisconsin/ADRC-kitchen-estimate-shocks-Polk-County-staff-to-explore-funding-and-lowercost-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290496-99f7ba151387804f11ffdb8102f5a4bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771054087&Signature=ULvZjTA12UInmoLTBhSGZBt2b0yyyrjcyHhA4XAtv9jMjZRxOkdQe~XC-TXz69lZjfJYhxZetnctG8ObzyjaM0EtM7vw-iEvx8kMFzRsDmp1YH0MrBu~b3eXqCmBne3Kgce9Swhp8QBbdN4hiz5pEjMzjI7PvYWHXnZscbKSUPTm4asgLqO17pdvYLlyhtFBoVzeI3CgSCqS-AfR-lXFV34onOz087TH5Ov42W4~vXfcIwJvu1dO1FtF0qdfOurPz5OcN9bVvXHk55JPYCpEDI4fUpbcklYk5~YRsUpC2bbsPQYlnEjHBKZG6auGyUai8JUc4FkypOOjas2Wvlo5dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County staff reported that an engineering estimate to build a commercial kitchen in the Endeavors building — intended to centralize Meals on Wheels production — came in at about $900,000, far above the $50,000 the board set aside during the budget process for planning.

The nut graf: Committee members were briefed on alternate approaches to reduce capital cost, including soliciting donated labor and materials, evaluating existing restaurant or commercial buildings, pursuing local fundraising and foundation support, and comparing a Burnett County project that was completed with substantial community donations.

Laura and staff said the Endeavors location remains the preferred site because of centrality for meal distribution and potential partnership with Endeavors program participants for meal packaging. An engineering consultant incorporated permit fees, reconstruction, equipment and engineering into the $900,000 estimate, prompting staff to pursue competitive comparisons with local builders and additional cost‑reduction options.

County staff described several near‑term steps: reach out to the regional planning commission for grant opportunities (none identified offhand), map potential private donors and foundations, solicit donated professional services as Burnett County had done, and check procurement and public bidding rules that apply to public projects. Staff noted that public procurement rules require competitive bidding for public works over $25,000, which constrains informal volunteer build models but does not prevent soliciting donated equipment or donated professional services in some phases.

Speakers cited the Burnett County example: that project obtained roughly $47,000 in donated appliances and materials and used donated land and local builders to reach an initial estimate around $535,000 (staff said the Burnett total later rose modestly due to unforeseen costs). Staff also noted the ADRC aging program fund balance was discussed as a potential partial funding source (a prior figure of about $350,000 was mentioned for the aging fund) and audit figures for ADRC fund balance may differ; staff said they will follow up to clarify available balances and legal constraints.

No formal action was required. The committee asked staff to pursue additional cost comparisons, donor outreach, planning with regional partners and to report back at a future meeting.","An engineering estimate to create a commercial kitchen at the Endeavors building to support Meals on Wheels came in near $900,000. County staff said they will explore alternatives including donated labor, used restaurants or commercial buildings, local fundraising, and use of aging program funds.",{"_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},6290501,"Polk County committee approves resolution backing new inpatient psychiatric facility; ad hoc committee urges state funding and prevention measures",135,167000,302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794&start=167&end=302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530918-b5dec9669ada19fa54e9b1f46dc38794/thumbnail_167000.jpg","/articles/6290501/Polk-County/Wisconsin/Polk-County-committee-approves-resolution-backing-new-inpatient-psychiatric-facility-ad-hoc-committee-urges-state-funding-and-prevention-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290501-c531850ad80ce1a3ed9478b4c8c7eb7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771054087&Signature=dgM2whB-7X4tqobYr2JWdSyIeFBYpF27OpY-2uUfdltCt5OPh2yPaZRLqg~ViYtfaGkAbzUxt14fMV5DZxeEexTQkO4yT0Q-QLI9zpBK2VhqLigEMnXBgfimDfaJdKRTk1Snngb7PSPe7ZYS0HhwxfTPAWQqrF~6n1mQmlVbBfRkPAXDPeHKkMBdlXusZ5bcCGvKhFhINr7k7kf2n2MbTpBugWOOsFvxrF1QkA1YRdz7rDoD4ZohpQM-J6rROR7b36r0PaBMh9dtM7yrfw9SfAO4Vyh8uXJSN7Yx9vwgMnPumAhSoS~IvaNQiYMVYrCxgQbRvrwwt4y7bel5LbKxZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County’s Health and Human Services Committee voted to approve Resolution 01‑25, a lobbying resolution urging state legislators to fund and support creation of an inpatient psychiatric treatment facility for northwest Wisconsin.

The vote followed a detailed Crisis Ad Hoc Committee report led by Tanya, who outlined a pronounced shortage of locked inpatient psychiatric beds in the western part of the state and recommended both short‑ and long‑term remedies.

The nut graf: Committee members said the region’s limited inpatient capacity forces law enforcement and social‑service resources to travel long distances and drives many emergency detentions out of county. The committee and local legislators are seeking a mix of seed funds, ongoing operating support and expanded prevention services to reduce demand for high‑acuity inpatient care.

Tanya told the committee there are roughly 400 inpatient crisis beds statewide and only about 10 serve the western region; that scarcity means patients from Polk and neighboring counties are often sent to distant facilities such as Winnebago, a state run hospital that accepts transfers because it does not operate a wait list. The committee heard that HSHS closures reduced regional capacity by about 19 beds and that staffing shortages, not just bed counts, limit usable capacity.

Committee members discussed short‑term options such as interstate contract templates with Minnesota facilities (work the regional directors have drafted but which some Minnesota providers declined because of local demand) and diversion strategies including co‑responder teams, peer supports, recovery coaches and mental‑health officers. Tanya said Wisconsin Department of Health Services is revising statute language (referred to in the report as Act 242) to enable more prevention‑oriented behavior stabilization units and step‑down community services.

Data shared with the committee showed that across Chippewa, St. Croix and Polk counties about 50–60 percent of emergency detentions are dismissed after 72 hours; those dismissed patients commonly stabilise within days and do not go on to longer civil commitments. Tanya said Polk County averages roughly 40–45 emergency detention cases a year; the county bears initial transport and custody costs even when the patient’s legal residence is another county.

Committee members and staff said sustaining any new inpatient facility will require operational funding beyond one‑time capital grants. Speakers urged writing legislators, meeting with the Joint Finance Committee members who attended advocacy sessions and reconvening the legislative outreach group to press for both startup and ongoing reimbursement changes to Medicaid and other payers.

The committee recorded no amendments and directed staff to forward the approved resolution to the full county board for final approval and then to the state legislature as part of the county’s lobbying materials. Members also emphasized continued work to secure seed funding for prevention programs and to collect additional county data requested by legislators to justify a statewide, standardized approach.

The meeting closed the topic noting next steps: sending the resolution onward, continuing the regional work group for interstate contracts, pursuing grants and local seed money for peer responders and reconvening legislative meetings to refine funding asks.","Committee approved Resolution 01-25 to formally support creation of an inpatient psychiatric treatment facility in northwest Wisconsin and heard a detailed Crisis Ad Hoc Committee report documenting bed shortages, frequent out‑of‑region placements and recommendations for prevention and funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public health warns of active respiratory season; Polk reports pertussis cases and notes regional bird‑flu detection

American Legion plans March ‘sleep out’ fundraiser for veteran suicide prevention in Polk County

Polk County public health reports retail and tavern compliance checks; municipalities notified and education to continue

ADRC kitchen estimate shocks Polk County; staff to explore funding and lower‑cost options

Polk County committee approves resolution backing new inpatient psychiatric facility; ad hoc committee urges state funding and prevention measures