Directed Health Measures, that’s what the State of Nebraska, the City of Omaha and health departments have in making decisions regarding Covid-19.
The City of Blair, however, does not have that authority and cannot make those directives on it’s own, however, when the state, county or Three Rivers Health department does make a rule about Covid-19, the City of Blair will comply and enforce those directives, that’s the bottom line of a message from the city and Mayor Richard Hansen. The mayor reassures Blair’s residents that they are reviewing emergency plans and working to insure uninterrupted utility services.
Joining other government agencies in attempts to slow down the spread of Covid-19, the Harrison County Court House is closed to the public, the court house is staffed and will answer phone calls, but a drop box at the court house west entrance will be used for payments. Missouri Valley City Hall is closed to the public as well. Staff are still working, but Mo Valley citizens will be able to pay bills through a drop box or curbside pick up. Residents are encouraged to call City Hall if there are questions.
The same protocol is in place now for the City of Tekamah.
Fort Calhoun’s mayor, Mitch Robinson announced this morning that the Library is closed, city offices will remain open until tomorrow, but then will have reduced hours next week, and you will have to call head regarding any business. The city’s clerk will start working from home.
An emergency meeting of the Board of Education of Blair Community Schools is tonight at 7 PM. The board will discuss classified staff pay during the current school shut downs due to Covid-19. That meeting at Deerfield starting at 7 PM. This will be on Zoom meetings, an internet based video meeting service. You can find connection details online at the Blair Community Schools facebook page.
Utilities crews in a number of area towns are cautioning us about increasing problems in municipal sewer systems. Due to toilet paper hoarding, many area residents are flushing paper towels and other materials that are clogging up systems. Tending to that problem can drive up costs for your local municipalities – which are funded through taxes we pay.
The Washington County Food Pantry is feeling the strain of providing for more families, a list of needed items can be found on their facebook page, as well as a means of donating funds. You can find that link online at JosephsCoat.org.
The Red Cross says blood donations are needed – a blood drive is this Saturday at Blair’s city hall, 218 South 16th Street. The Red Cross says giving blood is a safe process. You can find out more and schedule an appointment by calling 1-800 Red Cross or going online to RedCrossBlood.org.
Scammers posing as World Health Organization employees are taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic. All forms of communication are being used – email, text, phone calls and more. Area law enforcement strongly encourages you to never give out information in a call you did not initiate.
- Reported by Connie Green
For more coverage of the Coronavirus and local community response, including news from Connie Green and guest host interviews with Kelly Johnson, click here.