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WISCONSIN–A federal judge has extended the deadline for online voter registration to March 30 to accommodate voters in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Online registration had closed on March 18, but District Judge William M. Conley from the US District Court-Western District of Wisconsin approved an extension on March 20.

The Democratic National Committee and state Democrats petitioned the court to extend both voter registration and deadline for absentee ballot requests to April 3. Instead Conley shortened the registration date to March 30 and left the date to request a ballot at April 2 at 5 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to vote by mail in the April 7 Spring Election, but at this time, the primary is scheduled to go on as scheduled. Clerks are asking for to volunteers to man the polling places. If you would like to volunteer to work the polls on election day, contact your local town, village or city clerk.

WISCONSIN–Gov. Tony Evers announced on his Twitter account this morning that he is in the process of drafting a “Safer at Home” executive order to be officially announced on March 24. Evers said that after conversations with health officials and business owners it is clear more needs to be done to prevent citizens form going out in public. 

In a string of tweets, Evers explained why the order will be put in place and askes people to limit their interaction to a small group of the same people.

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton is conducting two surveys concerning COVID-19 in an effort to learn how the virus is affecting the community.

The surveys and their respective websites are as follows:

COVID-19: The Household Status Survey: https://polco.us/s226f

COVID-19: Resident Knowledge and Attitude Survey: https://polco.us/s0982

MADISON–On March 19, County Executive Joe Parisi announced that Dane County has partnered with several hotels in Madison to secure 72 hotel rooms and counting to ensure safe social distancing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Dane County. The rooms will be used specifically for families experiencing homelessness who were staying in overnight shelter, and individuals experiencing homelessness who are considered high-risk in multiple categories for COVID-19. Move-in starts today. Dane County is allocating over $150,000 for the rooms and to provide these residents with meals. Supportive services will be provided by a number of service agencies.

MADISON–Gov. Tony Evers announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Wisconsin’s request for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to access low-interest federal disaster loans.

“This is very good news for Wisconsin businesses that have already suffered financial losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said. “With the SBA loans now available to our state, small businesses and their employees have a little more certainty over their financial futures. This is another step in providing much-needed assistance to Wisconsin's small businesses.”

With unprecedented demand for the loans nationwide, processing of the applications may be delayed. 

“We are encouraging business owners to reach out to SBA’s partners [mentioned below] and to SBA’s offices with their questions to help the loan application process go as smoothly as possible,” said Wisconsin's SBA district director, Eric Ness.

CROSS PLAINS-The Cross Plains Village Board of Trustees declared a local state of emergency at their meeting Tuesday night in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The county, state and other local municipalities also declared states of emergency in a n effort to help secure future federal relief funding should it be made available.

The village is asking residents to try to conduct business at department offices through phone or email whenever possible to minimizer exposure to the virus. In addition the utility payments should be made online or placed in the drop box at village hall. 

MIDDLETON–Effective on the morning of March 23, Route 78 (the Saturday bus route) will operate all seven days of the week in Middleton according to the Saturday schedule. This route connects most of Middleton with the West Transfer Point near Westgate Mall (Tokay Blvd.) in Madison. 

Route 72 will continue to operate on weekdays during the morning and afternoon peak hours (no significant change in service anticipated). This route connects Middleton with Capitol Square.

Service via Routes 70, 71, and 73 is being temporarily discontinued.

Each bus will be limited to a capacity of 15 passengers to adhere to public health directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional, important information is on Metro Transit's website: www.cityofmadison.com/metro/contact/covid-19-updates.

DANE COUNTY–Matt Raboin had tears in his eyes when he put up a temporary “closed” sign on the business he and his wife run in Mount Horeb last week. 

Like most places where people gather in the community, Brix Cider’s strength had suddenly become a potential weakness. Schools. Churches. Sporting events. Even a maple syrup event at Donald Park. It seemed nothing was safe from the global impact of COVID-19, the pandemic that world health experts warn could kill as many as a million people if drastic measures aren’t taken. 

While the virus originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), it spread exponentially and had arrived in Wisconsin two weeks ago. 

Experts say no one will know how many people in Wisconsin have been infected for weeks or even months. But in the meantime, the Raboins know the virus has already made an indelible impact on the community. 

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Common Council declared a state of emergency in response to the Covid-19 outbreak with measures including closing public buildings and some services and conducting virtual meetings. The council is also called on Governor Tony Evers to delay the April 7 election.

City election staff are concerned the election will be impacted by the Governor’s orders not to gather in groups larger than ten and social distancing. 

City administrator Mike Davis said he can’t imagine how the election will be conducted. He noted that there has been a surge in absentee ballots that are overwhelming staff. 

“Lining people up in public places where we are already banning ten people from gathering is just somewhat ridiculous,” Davis said. 

Council president Dan Ramsey called the idea asinine.