Governor Evers Makes Stop in Withee

Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 -- 11:01 AM

(Travis Rogers, Sentinel and Rural News of Owen) Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers appeared for a press conference at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee on Monday.

According to Travis Rogers with Sentinel and Rural News in Owen, Nazareth pastor Elizabeth Bier was recognized by the governor and DHS Secretary-Designee Karen Timberlake for her efforts in informing the community of the dire need for vaccinations in a county where only 29% of the population has been vaccinated.

Governor Evers made a statement to the audience in the fellowship hall of Nazareth Lutheran Church and was followed by remarks from Secretary-Designee Timberlake.

Addressing the assembled audience, Gov. Evers stated: “Thank you to Nazareth Lutheran Church and Pastor Elizabeth Bier for hosting us today. For the past 18 months, the coronavirus pandemic has challenged our communities and state in more ways than we could ever imagine."

"At times, things were looking pretty grim. Case number were skyrocketing and our loved ones and family members were getting sick. Our hospitals were filling up and there was no vaccine on the horizon. The good news is that the vaccine arrived and not a minute too soon."

"Now, it has been eight months since we got those first COVID-19 shots into the arms of Wisconsinites and, as of today, we have gone beyond six million doses and we now have more than 50% of Wisconsinites that have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19."

"That’s about three million of our friends and neighbors, co-workers and family members who have been rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated in order to protect not only their families and friends but also to help protect their fellow Wisconsinites at work, at school, at the grocery store, you name it.”

He continued, “But I can’t stress this enough, folks, that this pandemic is not over and the delta variant is no joke. It is highly infectious and is spreading more quickly than any other strain of the virus."

"We are no longer in a fight against COVID-19, this is now a fight against the delta variant and all the other variants that might follow. Frankly, while 50% is much better than where we started, it is not where we want to be."

"Here in Clark County, that becomes even more dire with less than 29% of the population fully vaccinated. So, this morning, I was excited to announce that we are launching a new COVID-19 vaccine reward program."

"From now through Labor Day, if you are a Wisconsin resident, when you get your first COVID-19 shot here in the state, you get a hundred bucks. It’s that simple. Get vaccinated, get a hundred bucks."

"The vaccine is obviously safe and effective and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your community from COVID-19 and the delta variant. Even if you have had COVID-19 before, you should get vaccinated."

"With the COVID-19 vaccine reward program, you not only protect your communities and save lives but you also get a $100 VISA gift card to spend however you want to spend it. Now, we know that, for some folks, getting vaccinated is easier said than done."

"Whether it is finding a ride to the clinic or getting a babysitter or taking time off from work, there are hurdles that some folks are struggling with getting vaccinated. This $100 will, hopefully, provide some additional support for those folks who need it, so that they are able to access the vaccine also and help themselves, their families, and their neighbors.”

He continued, “Wisconsinites can also call 2-1-1 to get connected with assistance, including finding transportation to a vaccine appointment. It is time, folks. I am calling on all eligible Wisconsinites who have not gotten their COVID-19 vaccine yet to step up, roll up your sleeve, get a shot, and do your part to help Wisconsin put an end to COVID-19."

"And to all those folks out there who have already got your shot, on behalf of the people of Wisconsin, I say thank you. Thank you for putting your health and safety and the health and safety of your fellow Wisconsinites first."

"Now, let’s get to work together to get our family members, friends, and neighbors vaccinated so we can put this pandemic behind us for good. We need everybody’s help to keep our kids healthy and safe as they head back to school, many of whom are not yet eligible to get vaccinated and to ensure that our economy continues to rebound and recover through this and get us through stronger than we were before the pandemic."

"It's easy. It’s free. Anyone 12 and up can get the vaccine and the $100, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Get your vaccine shot today and take a friend or loved one with you to get theirs."

"And, when you’re done, all you have to do is head over to the DHS website at dhs.wisconsin.gov or call 844-684-1064 and register for your $100 VISA gift card. Please, don’t wait. You have until September 6 to get vaccinated and get this hundred dollars. So, let’s get vaccinated, folks.”

Having concluded his remarks, the Governor turned the microphone to DHS Secretary-Designee Karen Timberlake. The secretary-designee reinforced the governor’s statement, stating that lack of vaccinations are resulting in preventable illness and preventable deaths.

Not only does the vaccine help prevent contraction of the COVID-19 virus and the delta variant but vaccination helps restrain the further mutation into other variants. Timberlake pointed out that vaccines can be located at vaccines.gov that will point to clinics and the hours of those clinics.

She reiterated the governor’s direction to dhs.wisconsin.gov or to claim the VISA incentive at 100.wisconsin.gov where registration to claim the incentive can take place.

Pastor Elizabeth Bier concluded the press conference and she began by referencing Martin Luther’s Whether One Should Flee from a Deadly Plague in 1527. Pastor Bier gave thanks for the intellect and vision that allowed for the development and production of the current vaccine.

Pastor Bier has been a stalwart champion of vaccination, helping others to find sources and locations for the vaccine. She also reported that the majority of her parishioners are indeed vaccinated.

But even those who chose not to receive vaccinations are still part of the body of Christ and “We are here for each other.” Pastor Bier also reported that her family was “living the painful reality of an unvaccinated family member who been hit hard by COVID-19.”

That family member has been placed in a medically-induced coma for easier administration of medicines and intubation. “I don’t wish that on anyone,” she continued. “So, I will do all that I can to help others avoid this.”

(Photo courteousy Travis Rogers of the Sentinel and Rural News in Owen)

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