SHAWANO In spite of health concerns over the coronavirus that have spurred numerous closings and cancellations of events, there were no plans as of Sunday to cancel the Shawano County Boards March 25 meeting.

It is anticipated there could be a huge public turnout for that meeting, given that the board will be considering a resolution designating Shawano County a so-called Second Amendment sanctuary.

The resolution would give the sheriff the discretion not to enforce state or federal gun control laws considered to be unconstitutional.

The countys public safety committee has held two meetings on that topic, which turned out crowds of about 50 people for the first and around 30 for the second.

There have been a host of cancellations of meetings and events announced over the last several days due the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The state has ordered that schools be closed starting Wednesday, and some, including the Shawano and Bonduel school districts, have already announced closures starting Monday.

The city of Shawano has closed down City Hall and cancelled public meetings. Many area churches have cancelled Sunday services.

Shawano County is discouraging people from coming to the courthouse building unless they have essential business.

As of Sunday, however, County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann said the March 25 County Board meeting at the county courthouse is still on.

That is up to me and I have not so far thought of cancelling it, Erdmann said.

I could possibly restrict so many people that would be coming to the courthouse or we could possibly take the names and addresses of everybody that does come, just so we know whos there so we have verification of people, he said.

Erdmann said the county would probably ask anyone who is stick to stay home.

If they definitely want to come, I may limit the number of people that will speak, he said. Thats up to me. But I may also have a health department nurse taking names of everybody that comes in, so if someone would, God forbid, get sick in Shawano County, at least we would know who would be there.

Erdmann said he felt it was important the County Board take up the Second Amendment resolution.

To me its a matter of what the Constitution of the United States says, Erdmann said. This vote is about the Second Amendment, which lies in the Constitution. We have to believe in the Constitution. Every board member basically took that oath when we were elected. So, to me, its more about the Constitution than it is any amendments.

Erdmann said he didnt feel there was any need to postpone the March 25 meeting at this time.

Now, if the situation would change where all of a sudden we are having numerous people sick in the county, I may then postpone it, he said, but right now I havent made the decision. The County Board meeting is still on for the 25th and I will deal with whatever changes happen in the near future.

Erdmann said he has been in contact with the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department on the issue and said he has asked department director Vicki Dantoin to update the board at the March 25 meeting regarding the coronavirus.

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County Board meeting still scheduled in spite of coronavirus concerns - newmedia-wi.com