May 1, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

This letter includes the latest guidance from the Governor regarding the COVID-19 Safer at Home Order, a very generous offer from Willard & Jeri Ogren, results of our Earth Day Community Clean-Up, and possible further delay of the Annual Town Meeting until June.

Safer at Home: As you may already know, the original order was revised and the new order extended until May 26. On April 27, Governor Evers issued Order #34, and the order took effect Wednesday, April 29. This is the second revision in response to the Badger Bounce Back plan that “turns the dial” toward a full opening of the economy and eases some restrictions on certain nonessential businesses. For more information, please consult the Safer at Home FAQ.

We need to remain vigilant and practice social distancing, hand washing etc. Bayfield County Health Department reports that we are still seeing community spread, and both Douglas and Ashland counties have seen recent cases in people who have not been out of the immediate area. Bayfield and Ashland County each have also had suspect cases that were not tested but are assumed to have been COVID-19. Testing has expanded but is still short of needed capacity.

At this time there will not be any change to the Community Center Procedures now in effect.

A very generous offer: Thank you to Willard & Jeri Ogren for their very generous offer to help persons in need and to support local business. Please see the announcement below for details.

Earth Day Clean up: 32 volunteers spent Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, and in several cases Tuesday through Saturday cleaning up the Town ditches and grounds. Although the Town appeared to be pretty clean, we managed to pick up at least two full pick-up loads of debris. We also recognize those of you that make trash pick-up a regular habit. Thank you for your action and pride in our community!

Annual Town Meeting: We scheduled this meeting for Tuesday May 19, before the current Order was extended to May 26. If necessary, we will schedule the meeting for the second Tuesday of June. You will be notified of any change on or before May 12.

On behalf of Town of Bell Board of Supervisors,

Roger Lindgren