A program designed to provide wellness and support services for first responders in Kewaunee County will continue thanks to dollars accrued from settlements with opioid producers. The Kewaunee County Board approved the resolution allowing for $4,000 of the $172,087.84 deposited from the settlements to be used for wellness screenings for those who experience secondary trauma associated with opioid-related emergency events. Sheriff Matt Joski told the board that in the past, the department has relied on grants to help cover the wellness screenings for its staff so everyone can receive it. Joski felt it was important for the screenings to continue even though no grants were available this time.

The Kewaunee County Board also formally accepted a Department of Homeland Security Exercise Grant for over $12,000 that will assist the county’s Public Health and Emergency Management departments in forming a Family Assistance Center Plan that will consist of creating checklists, running exercises, and purchasing “go bags” to be deployed for centers and shelters during emergency situations. The board also accepted an ARPA HCBS Social Isolation and Loneliness Grant designed to help the county address its aging and disabled population. Supervisors were supposed to hear more about Bug Tussel’s $6 million plan to extend the county’s “middle mile” to expand broadband coverage, but no representatives were present at the meeting.