[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6202294,"mediaKeyId","3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743","parentId",3787493,"title","County board reaffirms outside counsel authority to add defendants in opioid litigation (MDL 2804)","audioSeconds",70,"startMs",3942000,"endMs",4012000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743&start=3942&end=4012","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743/thumbnail_3942000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6202294/Chippewa-County/Wisconsin/County-board-reaffirms-outside-counsel-authority-to-add-defendants-in-opioid-litigation-MDL-2804","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6202294-98bc898fa06025c58f06ec8152e727aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637306&Signature=DyUXpkCS1j0LjJXQHiJsEGV2gf1k6dAfNaZxz-xBog~wEZYSUlADSpUrYZBHw3ZnoFoyD7MgDVzXgaXbdoS9KjLOXhIr6PBiPN7xaExYj713F~HYp~7wJYxn-XSdCrxnQNAwmP-uEF80GS8hQsxBOJFcDl-GCeR3WScrhpjdGMchObvsVd2TyE0R0y1CNQM~j~mSx7fapLBiecQJyROR5f-MW3S16KOZato4kj00LjF6mK2CSXafaUiDq3fKPX7YpqoSYX8Mc9LFYemRoI2rEloMcV45CrXEct7DdZDGf0qH187jQx57KPWeHI4kyFZ8rzYSCcit0kCuHHCXuCMPQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chippewa County, WI","date","2025-06-13T00:33:20.347Z","article","The Chippewa County Board approved Resolution 15-25 on June 10, reaffirming the authority of county outside counsel to add additional defendants in ongoing opioid litigation, including potential filings in multidistrict litigation MDL 2804 and other state or federal courts.

Supervisor Flynn, who moved the resolution, summarized the county's involvement in opioid litigation dating to 2017 and explained that outside counsel's investigation identified additional parties possibly responsible for opioid-related claims. Flynn said one potential defendant questioned whether the county's 2017 authorization explicitly allowed counsel to add that party; to forestall procedural challenges outside counsel recommended the board pass a clarifying resolution.

The resolution restates that the county board confirms and ratifies the authority for law firms to file appropriate pleadings to add additional defendants (including those listed on Exhibit A to the resolution) and authorizes county officers to execute documents necessary to effectuate that authority. The resolution further ratifies prior actions taken by the board and county officers in this matter.

Supervisor Kelly asked whether specific entities (including a question about the Department of Veterans Affairs) had been added to the list; the mover said the exhibit lists identified entities and includes a catch-all provision for any additional parties outside the exhibit. After discussion the board voted to approve the resolution.

The resolution was forwarded to the county board by the executive committee and approved during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chippewa County Board regular meeting - June 10 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Chippewa County Board approved a resolution reaffirming outside counsel's authority to add additional defendants in opioid litigation, including filings in MDL 2804 and other state or federal proceedings.","taxTitle","Chippewa County, Wisconsin","taxId",52049,"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},6202299,"County planning staff presents proposed zoning ordinance amendments; board conducts first reading",453,5596000,6049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743&start=5596&end=6049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743/thumbnail_5596000.jpg","/articles/6202299/Chippewa-County/Wisconsin/County-planning-staff-presents-proposed-zoning-ordinance-amendments-board-conducts-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6202299-be1501e8242f051b905632421966bb41/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637306&Signature=eiOjKgbNLXgBx4llmJf8daRny4qi3C4rvXbccOSb9rn0NNdLnylimQuCrXUaAlF0re~2BdkHWf3GMl2WLndWOqg3wpd3M6kNJgYfOYDyNfJsH~Ofgcb4dPTVHvBRFxHstIwoouSXWZpJmnYB5jnNoL12z62OA3SNSr0c7sRwvIFfaVd-1A6UlsiPEuFJxoAHfF97B8~JKtlNjey686TWBT8Nuj6CcvvFCR6HZdDsIeBArWGK0Wl9usGP39KC0YC7y4uh0Dxg2lJmShMDqN~ZSOsMAo9K1mvTQaICmdKiZCXvNE6-Fy2Y0yeeEbOWwejRJOzyqxZTZImWIgDN4UA6aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chippewa County planning staff conducted a first reading of proposed amendments to the county zoning ordinance on June 10, describing a package of updates that have been under review and circulated to towns and planning commissions for roughly 12 to 18 months.

The presenter said the changes aim to clarify definitions (for example, hotel and motel definitions aligned with state statute language), revise setback language to cover corner and irregular lots, and update residential district rules for multifamily dwellings. Multifamily units (three or more) will continue to be allowed in the R-3 district; the proposal would make developments of five or more units subject to conditional-use review so towns and planning bodies can weigh in on larger multiunit projects.

Staff described planned-unit development (PUD) updates to allow multiple primary buildings on a single parcel in certain commercial districts, subject to rezoning and a multi-step review that includes town boards, the planning and zoning committee, and the county board. The PUD language will require applicants to provide detailed upfront information so reviewers may place reasonable, enforceable conditions tailored to each proposal.

Other changes include a permitted-use standard for outdoor display fireworks storage when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issues a permit and federal setback standards are met; a proposed 400-square-foot minimum dwelling unit size (drawn from a city ordinance) for some units; and updated setback definitions for front, rear and side yards.

Supervisors asked clarifying questions during the reading. One asked whether the state statute defines \"adequate\" for development standards; planning staff said they would check state law and follow up. The presenter emphasized this hearing was a reading and not a final vote; the ordinance changes will return for public hearings and subsequent board action following the required town reviews and planning-commission recommendations.

Because the county zoning ordinance amendments must be considered by town boards in the county's six zoning towns, staff said the revision process includes town review, planning commission hearings, and county-level public hearings before adoption.","Planning and zoning staff presented proposed edits to the county zoning ordinance during a first reading. Changes include updated definitions, standards for multifamily and mixed-use developments, planned unit development language, and provisions for storing display fireworks with federal permits.",{"_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},6202303,"Board approves 2026 capital improvement transfers, authorizes sales tax use across county projects",3168,1444000,4612000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743&start=1444&end=4612","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743/thumbnail_1444000.jpg","/articles/6202303/Chippewa-County/Wisconsin/Board-approves-2026-capital-improvement-transfers-authorizes-sales-tax-use-across-county-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6202303-f8b74f51bf9306e1ef90c698348b1133/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637306&Signature=Ao4yLihUJTGP~ZgrLunoyqfNVo1fKE9qcFsVx2J1cX4SazATdYdfcyrfZMs7RLK1BJVU-7E7BSmTHRGs-NtMY~O70pl0EULmPxNSFytJJ2bA54Eg~wozY-ZPWEwrBFceEw9ywAc4JeUyeh7zlHAPvcL-0yVkuTi-MQmyuJD601br38sIiEwH337ViWx4nmkqxQYk57yRx8CI0vOkuG0Djq9lnn2rjfMGFntMnuN25PPC2WIek3HquvHeoYVr9ZDxwpsmNRei5FNJjC5dbhzjNWVe7Rz00YqpZC9990-~ZoIOOZcV5Sw~Ci2dSELzXJVq~9ZtSXKG5DsmV9Q~M6D3hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors approved multiple resolutions on June 10 authorizing transfers of sales tax and other funds to cover 2026 capital improvement plan (CIP) expenditures.

County staff presented the CIP summary and funding sources, noting some line items are placeholders to accept grant or donated funds if awarded. The board approved a series of resolutions forwarded by the executive committee that move specific sums from the sales tax property tax relief fund and other fund balances into project accounts for 2026.

Key approved transfers and authorizations included:
- Debt service: Resolution 16-25 authorized transfers totaling $2,105,178 from the sales tax/property tax relief fund and bond-premium fund balance to pay principal and interest on 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 capital improvement project bonds (itemized in the resolution as $944,700; $250,875; $422,700; $6,903; plus $86,722 in bond-premium fund balance).
- Airport contribution: Resolution 17-25 authorized $132,890 from sales tax/property tax relief fund as Chippewa County's 2026 annual contribution to the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport for capital projects and/or debt service.
- Facilities & Parks: Resolution 18-25 authorized $500,000 for Parking Lot A replacement (phase 2), $150,000 to remodel the Branch 3 jury box, and $50,000 for planning/design work for a Sheriff's Department remodel (phase 1), all funded by sales tax.
- Highway projects: Resolution 19-25 authorized $2,800,000 in sales tax transfers for roadway and bridge projects; it also authorized use of $1,100,000 in highway machinery fund balance for machinery replacement and $100,000 for building improvements, and $300,000 from sales tax for non-highway fleet replacement.
- Information Technology: Resolution 20-25 authorized $245,000 from sales tax for computer and IT equipment replacement and upgrades.
- Land Conservation & Forest Management (LCFM): Resolution 201-25 placed $500,000 in the CIP (approximately $250,000 in state grants and $250,000 in donations) for a warming shelter and maintenance shed at Hickory Ridge; $120,000 from snowmobile trail aids for snowmobile bridges (if DNR grants approved); $300,000 (approx. $150,000 state grants + $150,000 fund balance) for county forest land acquisitions; and $100,000 from county stewardship fund balance for stewardship projects.
- Sheriff's Office: Resolution 202-25 authorized $195,000 to purchase a mobile command trailer and $135,000 to replace TASERs in a phased acquisition, both funded by sales tax.

Board members asked for clarifications during the presentation. A supervisor with a law-enforcement background highlighted prioritization questions for capital items, pointing to the jury box remodel and warming-shelter costs. County staff and other supervisors explained that several LCFM and snowmobile items are contingent on grant or donated funds and that placeholders are necessary in the CIP to receive restricted grant dollars if awarded.

Supervisors also discussed airport contributions. Board members said the county receives an annual operations report from the airport commission and noted federal subsidy programs support passenger service to smaller airports. The airport contribution was described by supporters as funding restricted to airport capital projects and debt service under the airport agreement.

All resolutions listed above were forwarded by the executive committee and approved by the full county board as part of the 2026 budget process. Several supervisors urged care in using discretionary sales tax dollars, emphasizing that sales tax items are most flexible for local decision-making while some items are grant-restricted and cannot be reallocated.","Chippewa County supervisors approved a slate of resolutions transferring sales tax and other funds for 2026 capital projects, covering debt service, airport contribution, facilities and parks, highways and bridges, IT equipment, land conservation, and sheriff equipment.",{"_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},6202307,"Chippewa County supervisors elect Jason Bergeron vice chair; executive committee seat filled after multiple ballots",386,145000,531000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743&start=145&end=531","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3787493-2c798301ef9f201f90ea9985a7c74743/thumbnail_145000.jpg","/articles/6202307/Chippewa-County/Wisconsin/Chippewa-County-supervisors-elect-Jason-Bergeron-vice-chair-executive-committee-seat-filled-after-multiple-ballots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6202307-cd9495794fb85ddeec5ad51dc68eb5e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770637306&Signature=G9coR3j0~QTWN1d3T2eMj7dx0~-j2uisliegYmDw0tE--FT8RDomFkYwwFw3P1xKEr6XBqeBNQWImSU27E7HSrKS78r5BSaldNXwhqEADQ36Z3fBRh77LmVJcDMVKra5u4bsyFF9Ao-0OLqaKxiXNHsJD1l6IS1Twa-hbe-yNTG2yk7ONAT-nVBoUE-yNgQOB-QbsKHpEEHLkLailRfeKFdBxF~KT17eikBROK2EYJ0kIKU7WygMPPFLLlEfwqfAC-n2H-tYsIF94infu4r~25mxjKOBNr38NxZ5iORQ6U8SrsO7c0kd66jw0Qgr5VJBPiRYeMdKZQWA9HQo5gFmew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chippewa County Board of Supervisors elected Supervisor Jason Bergeron vice chair on a secret ballot during the board's June 10 meeting. The board then held a separate, recorded vote to fill the at-large seat on the county executive committee created by Bergeron's elevation.

Nominations for vice chair came from Supervisor Flater (for Bergeron) and Supervisor Shoobridge (for Joel Seidlitz). Both nominees spoke briefly to the board before the secret ballots were collected. Supervisor Jason Bergeron, who identified himself as representing District 7, said he has \"a desire to serve the public\" and stressed keeping debate factual and nonpersonal. Supervisor Joel Seidlitz, identified as representing District 9, said he wants \"everybody's voices to be heard.\"

After the secret-ballot count, the clerk announced Supervisor Seidlitz had received five votes and Supervisor Bergeron 13 votes; the clerk declared Bergeron the winner by a majority of ballots cast and sworn him in as vice chair. The board chair had earlier read the election procedure, which required nominations, optional candidate statements of up to five minutes, and a secret ballot requiring a majority of votes cast of supervisors present.

With Bergeron moving into the vice chair post (which carries an automatic seat on the executive committee), the board opened a separate nomination and recorded vote to fill the resulting vacancy on the executive committee. Nominations for the at-large seat included Supervisor Lotz and Supervisor Charles Bomar. The recorded voting process required signatures and district numbers on ballots; several ballots were found invalid during the first two rounds because they lacked a readable name or required signature. After additional rounds and replacement ballots, Supervisor Bomar received 10 votes to Lotz's 8 in the final count and was declared elected to the executive committee.

The board discussed procedural points during voting, including whether the required majority should be a majority of valid ballots cast or a majority of supervisors present; clerks and the chair determined the proper threshold required re-balloting until a candidate received a majority of supervisors present. Chair and clerk oversight, volunteer ballot collectors, and use of provided ballot forms were noted during the process.

The elections followed the board's established procedures and were conducted while other agenda business continued. No formal motions to postpone the vice-chair vote were seconded, and the board proceeded with nominations and balloting as described.","At a June 10 Chippewa County Board meeting, supervisors held secret-ballot votes to elect a vice chair and to fill a vacancy on the executive committee. Supervisor Jason Bergeron was elected vice chair; Supervisor Charles Bomar won the at-large executive committee seat after multiple rounds of voting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County board reaffirms outside counsel authority to add defendants in opioid litigation (MDL 2804)

County planning staff presents proposed zoning ordinance amendments; board conducts first reading

Board approves 2026 capital improvement transfers, authorizes sales tax use across county projects

Chippewa County supervisors elect Jason Bergeron vice chair; executive committee seat filled after multiple ballots