News – January 27, 2021

(Wisconsin) Demand is outpacing supply for COVID-19 shots in Wisconsin. Health care administrators say they could not keep-up with the demand when people 65 and older became eligible for the shots on Monday. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says more than 345-thousand doses have been administered across the state, but only 53-thousand of them have gone to people who are 65 and older.

(Beaver Dam) Marshfield Medical Center – Beaver Dam has paused scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations due to high demand. Based on current availability of the vaccine, appointments have filled the clinic schedule through April. Those who currently qualify for the vaccine can be placed on a wait list available online. If you do not have access to the internet, people can call 855-908-5029 and leave a message to receive a call back. A link to the wait list can be found with this news story at DailyDodge.com.

(Wisconsin) More groups have been added, to the next round of those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin. The state Department of Health Services has approved teachers, grocery store workers, public transit, non-frontline health care personnel and people who in congregate living facilities, including prisoners, for those next eligible for the vaccine. The next wave of vaccinations is to begin around March 1, depending on the state’s vaccine supply.

(Madison) The state Assembly voted on Tuesday to reinsert a number of provisions to their coronavirus relief bill that the Senate pulled out of the package last week. The added measures prevent anyone from closing a place of worship because of the pandemic and bars employers from requiring their workers to get the COVID-19 vaccination. The bill would also give the Joint Finance Committee control over any future federal COVID-19 relief funding. The Assembly version of the bill is likely to get vetoed by the Governor.

(Beaver Dam) State Representative Mark Born says the amended COVID-19 relief bill provides assistance to medical professionals and small business owners while protecting individual freedoms. The Beaver Dam Republican says he is disappointed his colleagues on the other side of the aisle could not join them in passing the bill that will provide relief to many.

(Wisconsin) The state Senate yesterday passed a resolution to end Governor Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate. If passed by the Assembly, the joint resolution will go into effect immediately without the governor’s signature, although local health declarations and mask orders would not be affected.

(Dodge County) Wisconsin health officials are reporting 1,301 positive coronavirus cases in Tuesday’s daily update. State health officials recorded 54 deaths bringing that total to 5,753. Dodge County has experienced 142 deaths, four more than Monday, and 11,071 cases; a one-day increase of 19 positive tests. County health officials are actively monitoring 290 people, four fewer than on Monday. Fond du Lac County reported four deaths while Jefferson County had two.

(Dekorra) The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating a fatal traffic crash in Columbia County. A state trooper located a black Toyota Echo in the marshy area of I-39/90/94 in the Town of Dekorra just after 7am yesterday (Tuesday) with the driver deceased inside. Evidence at the scene suggests that the victim may have rear-ended a semi-trailer before leaving the roadway and entering the ditch. Authorities say the rear bumper of the semi-trailer should be substantially bent inward. Anyone with information is asked to call 608-846-8500.

(Columbus) The City of Columbus is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The program primarily includes the replacement of lead service lines through the city. In August, Columbus Water and Light said lead had been found in the drinking water of some homes and that the levels are above Environmental Protection Agency action limits. The program is asking for public comments about the potential environmental impacts of this project. The deadline is tomorrow. Information about submitting comments can be found with this news story at DailyDodge.com.

(Dodge County) All snowmobile trails in all zones in Dodge County are open. The Wild Goose State Trail is also opening to snowmobile traffic and is currently open to ATV/UTV traffic. For updates or changes to the trails, check the Trail Status Hotline message at 920-386‐3705.