Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski presented at Friday morning’s Finance Committee meeting on a new robot that helps protect inmates and staff at the jail from COVID-19. The federal grant was dispersed to Kewaunee as a state pass-through from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. In addition to the Skytron ultraviolet disinfectant robot, Kewaunee added to its personal protective equipment inventory and got a device to ensure that N-95 masks fit staff properly. Joski explained to the committee why current disinfecting methods weren’t ideal for the jail.

The grant had strict parameters attached to it. It would only help facilitate purchases that: (1) enable the development of safe methods to operate the courthouse, (2) increase the safety of jails, or (3) improve the safety of law enforcement personnel. There are no restrictions on using the equipment in other county buildings. The grant was capped at $58,000, with Kewaunee County’s application coming in at $57,300.