Community News
Houston County Sheriff Provides Rumor Control
***RUMOR CONTROL***
Folks, we would like to take an opportunity to address some rumors regarding COVID 19 pandemic and Governor Walz Executive Order #20-20.
As you are likely aware, this Stay at Home order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27th through April 10th.
State Border Closings: There are currently no plans to close state boarders under this directive. In our Tri-State area, we have many people who live in one state and work in another. You are free to go from one state to another for work if your employer has been deemed essential and to obtain medical services or other essential items.
Random Traffic Stops: The Sheriff’s Office will NOT be randomly stopping you to inquire your purpose in being out under this “Stay at Home” order. Just be aware that if you are stopped for another reason, you could be asked about your purpose.
It’s important to note that the “Stay at Home” Executive Order is not a government curfew. It allows folks to get necessary items and still enjoy some outdoor activities. Let’s also remember that its primary purpose is to slow the spread of the virus and not overwhelm our medical centers. Let’s all just use some common sense and if your need to leave your house could be put off for a couple of weeks, than that’s the right thing to do.
I want you to know that we are/will continue to serve our citizens. We have changed a few operational procedures in an effort to reduce direct contact with folks during this time when it is appropriate. Other than that, we will continue to assist you in any way we can.
Take Care…stay healthy….be safe.
Your Sheriff – Mark
MiEnergy’s Response to COVID 19
As COVID-19 spreads, our top priority at MiEnergy Cooperative is to keep our employees safe in order to continue to provide reliable power and service to members. Below are important precautions that are being taken.
- Steps have been taken to enable employees to work from home. Employees with positions that require them to be at work have been given guidelines on reducing exposure to each other and to practice social distancing.
- All employees have been asked to take precautions to reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 outside of the workplace.
- The offices in Cresco and Rushford were closed to the public on March 18. Employees continue to take phone calls and respond to emails and mail.
- Member attendance for the annual meeting scheduled for April 22 is cancelled. Elections will continue as planned. Members in District 1 are encouraged to cast their ballot by mail or electronically by the deadlines supplied with the ballot information.
- Planned outages have been limited to avoid a conflict with members working from home.
- Disconnection of service due to nonpayment has been postponed at this time.
As members spend more time at home, being energy efficient now will help avoid higher electric bills later. One tool to help track energy use is SmartHub. Find it online at www.mienergy.coop or search for SmartHub where apps are downloaded. SmartHub also allows for online payments. The co-op’s website has online energy use guides and the newly added online Electric$ense site for delivering energy efficiency to your door.
The co-op understands that members will face financial hardships due to COVID-19 and encourages members to call the office to discuss payment options and possible utility assistance programs if they are in this situation. Members looking for a way to help their neighbors can contribute to the co-op’s RECare program that assists members in paying their electric bills.
Your local electric cooperative is prepared to continue delivering safe, reliable power during the pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 1-800-432-2285.
Wishing you safety and good health,
Brian Krambeer, President/CEO
Dean Nierling, Chair
