LUSK – Local community leaders and business owners met virtually with county health officer Dr. Joleen Falkenburg on April 29 to discuss a safe plan to move Niobrara County towards a phased reopening. 

Governor Mark Gordon had issued continuing restrictions, but also attempted to allow some local control with options for variances. 

Falkenberg emphasized to the community that phasing and close monitoring of illness and hospitalizations will be necessary for a safe return to activities in the county. 

The school district, working with Falkenburg, has stated that while school in general will not reopen the district has begun a phased plan to help those students identified in a work plan. The district issued a letter detailing the phased plan. This will allow those specific groups to return to the brick and mortar buildings using controlled class sizes. 

Falkenberg also met with local pastoral leaders to formulate guidelines for churches. 

As of May 4, Falkenburg filed papers with the state health officer on behalf of Niobrara county to request a variance for local restaurants, pubs and bars. While she had considered the recommended restrictions for outdoor dining, limited capacity and other options as put forth by the state, she does not feel, after meeting with business owners, that those restrictions are viable options for local businesses. She is asking for a reopening with only table separation restrictions and hygiene guidance. Approval is pending.

Falkenburg cautioned communities in Niobrara County to remember the potential exists for additional “hotspot” breakouts. Each phase of the planned reopening would be reevaluated, dependent on those outbreaks, she said. Falkenburg also emphasized it is important to continue to remain respectful, compliant and kind and to show gratitude for those restrictions which have been lifted and work towards a safe and
necessary reopening.

Local leaders stressed their commitment to continue to try and balance health needs with economic needs and know that it is important to evaluate each step carefully. 

During the May 5 commissioners meeting elected officials and county employees discussed how and when public buildings will be reopened with Public Health and Dr. Falkenburg. Any and all actions needed to continue to follow public health orders and if a gathering or activity falls outside of those, then an exception request needs to be made.

Commissioners and elected officials agreed the county courthouse would not open for in-person business until plexiglass barriers and distancing marks are installed and completed. Tentative plans now are for a May 18 reopening. Treasurer Keri Thompson expressed concern about the reopening because of the unusually high volume of customers her office has seen in the last week – 100 customers on Friday and almost that many, at 92, on Monday.

This is largely made up of out of town customers since our county is providing curb-side services and many counties are strictly mail in which is leading many out of town individuals to renew their plates in Niobrara county. 

Thompsons stated, “I would like to wait until we have plexiglass and we have a concrete plan for marking out spots for lines and people to stand.” 

Clerk Becky Freeman did not think waiting another week or two for reopening would significantly impact the ability of candidates looking to file for the upcoming elections and it would be appropriate to wait.

Falkenburg agreed: “I don’t want to push forward and put your staff at risk. People need to make long-term preparations knowing that these cases could ebb and flow.” 

For now the jail will continue to stick with no visitation. If this begins to impact inmate mental health or cause issues then the policy will be revisited. 

Extensive discussion  was held regarding the reopening of the Niobrara County Fairgrounds. It was agreed doors could be opened to in-person visits to the office and then the office will follow restrictions and utilize their fair windows for taking care of customers. Scheduling of events and activities at the fairgrounds will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the event follows all public health orders then the event may be scheduled and held. If it does not then a conversation needs to be held with health officials to determine if an exception filing needs to be done. 

Clubs, individuals and organizations need to remember variances require approval from the state health officer. Appropriate planning for events needs to be considered to get approval for activities well in advance. At this time Falkenburg is disinclined to cancel anything currently scheduled for July or August. However, all graduation parties and plans need to be cancelled if they involve individuals outside of nuclear families or are 10 people or more. Falkenburg discouraged mass graduation celebrations lacking social distancing guidelines.