Regional COVID-19 Testing Site Update

As of Wednesday, September 30, the COVID-19 regional testing site will be operating under new hours and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The testing site is located at the Sunnyview Expo Center at 500 E County Road Y, Oshkosh, Wis

To reduce wait times, it is highly recommended that you register ahead of time by completing the screening questionnaire at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/. If multiple people in your family are being tested, the same email address can be used but a questionnaire must be completed for each individual.

While you are waiting for test results, it is critical that you isolate yourself from others to prevent spread of the virus should you test positive.

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department's Feature Friday

Each Friday, the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department features something new for residents and visitors to learn more about. This week, we want to tell you about the prairie at Jennerjohn Park.

Just north of the tennis courts at Jennerjohn Park, you will find a storm water pond surrounded by a beautiful prairie. A grass walking trail runs through the prairie and around the pond. While it was only planted 5 years ago, the prairie is already well established and as the years pass, it will become even more impressive! It is a focal point within the park but also benefits the pond.

The prairie and aquatic plants are used to enhance both the beauty and functionality of the stormwater pond. There are two general categories of aquatic plants, shoreline plants which can be used to prevent erosion and provide wildlife habitat and submerged plants that are predominantly used to discourage the growth of undesirable species and algae. Both categories are very beneficial to the pond and are used to help assimilate nutrients.

A walking trail runs around the prairie and through the nearby woods, stretching just over a half mile long. At the start of the trail stands the newly dedicated Chip Garrow Memorial Arbor. While walking through the prairie you’ll see a wide variety of different insects along with birds and butterfly species. You might even see a few little critters! There are MANY different plants throughout the prairie, but some of the easier to recognize are the Blue Vervain, Purple Cone Flower, and Black Eyed Susans. A section on the trail also runs through the woods where you’ll find established boxelder, cottonwood and silver maple trees. There are some young sugar maple, swamp white oak, shagbark hickory and white pine planted near the entrances to these portions of the trail that were planted then the prairie was installed. 

To see more photos of today's Feature Friday or to see more posts like this, check out the Parks & Recreation Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/greenvilleparkandrec/

Make Your Ballot Count

Absentee voters in the Town of Greenville and all across Wisconsin may be unfamiliar with how to properly complete their absentee ballot certificate.

Included in the absentee ballot mailings is a checklist with a pictorial guide. We work hard to make absentee voting as understandable as possible. 

All of the language on the envelope is required by state law, and it can be very small type and difficult to understand. That is why we highlight those lines you need to fill out so your vote can be counted.

Here are 4 simple steps to make sure your absentee ballot will be counted on Election Day. 

1. Complete your ballot. 
2. Seal your ballot inside the certificate envelope provided. 
3. Voter signs in Box 3. 
4. Voter’s Witness signs and writes their address in Box 4. 

If we receive your ballot and the certificate envelope is incomplete or missing information, we must send your ballot back to you if time allows prior to election day or reject your ballot on election day if we cannot reach you to complete the certificate properly.  IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR ABSENTEE VOTERS TO FULLY COMPLETE THE CERTIFICATE ENVELOPE prior to returning the ballot. 

 

Voting Absentee - November 3, 2020 Presidential Election & Incorporation Referendum

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

There are several ways registered voters can request absentee ballots. If they have internet access, the easiest way is to request an Absentee Ballot by mail at MyVote Wisconsin, https://myvote.wi.gov.

Just look for the “Vote Absentee” button near the top of the page. On a mobile phone, use the menu button in the upper right corner of the website. There is a three-step process that starts with putting in your name and date of birth, followed by requesting your ballot. If you don’t already have an acceptable photo ID on file with your clerk’s office, you can upload a copy. More information on acceptable photo ID and exemptions can be found at www.bringit.wi.gov.   Mobile phone users can take a picture of your acceptable photo ID and upload it to MyVote. Absentee ballot requests submitted this way go directly to your clerk’s office, and you can track your ballot by returning to the website.

Voters can also request absentee ballots by mailing, emailing or faxing their municipal clerk’s office. You can find your clerk’s contact information on MyVote Wisconsin. These requests must be accompanied by a copy of your acceptable photo ID.   If you already have an acceptable photo ID on file from previous absentee requests under your current registration, you will not need to provide it again.

Voters who are indefinitely confined, meaning they may have difficulty getting to the polls for the reason of age, illness, infirmity, or disability are not required to provide an acceptable photo ID.  Voters in care facilities can have a representative of the facility to confirm the resident's identity instead of providing a valid photo ID. 

The deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is the Thursday before the election, October 29 by 5:00 p.m. However, the Wisconsin Elections Commission urges voters not to wait, due to possible delays in mail delivery.  If you get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you can still decide to vote at the polls on Election Day if you haven’t returned it.

Your absentee ballot must be received in your clerk’s office or at your polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day (Please note this rule is being challenged in court and is subject to change). Again, the Wisconsin Elections Commission urges voters to request and return ballots as soon as possible.  Vote the ballot in the presence of one adult witness.  The witness cannot be a candidate for the election.  The witness must verify that the individual completed the absentee ballot but should not view the voter’s choices. The witness must sign the certificate and provide their address.  Click here for a full list of instructions.

In-person absentee voting is being offered in the Clerk's Office beginning on October 19, 2020 during normal office hours and will conclude on Friday October, 30 at 5:00 p.m.  No In-person absentee voting is allowed the Monday preceding the election. 

Please note:  Due to the ever-evolving response to COVID-19, this information may be updated and revised under the guidance and direction of the Wisconsin Election Commission.   

How to Trick or Treat Safely During COVID-19

Greenville Trick or Treating is scheduled as normal, October 31, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

Outagamie County Public Health is supportive of trick-or-treating with good community education around safe practices. Large events and gatherings are still not recommended at this time.

According to Outagamie County Public Health:

Public Health Best Practices for Trick-or-Treaters, Homeowners, & Parents/Guardians

• Stay home if sick. DO NOT hand out treats or trick-or-treat if you are sick.
• Trick or treat with people you live with. Household members go together.
• Practice social distancing. Remain 6 feet apart from people not in your household.
• Wear a face mask that covers BOTH your mouth and nose when appropriate. This means even under/over your Halloween accessories as necessary.
• Homeowners distribute treats by placing them in a bucket or on a table on the front porch instead of handing things out. No in-person contact.
• Have hand sanitizer available. Use hand sanitizer often and before eating or after coughing/sneezing.
• Avoid public interaction with high risk groups both in the home as well as nursing home facilities.

Additional Safety Reminders:

• Examine all treats and wash hands before eating them.
• Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Guide children to stay on the right side of the road and walk on sidewalks when possible.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Carry a flashlight at night and ensure children have reflective clothing.
• Wear well-fitting masks and costumes appropriate for weather that also avoid blocking vision.
• Homeowners can post a sign or use porch lights to indicate if they are participating in trick-or-treat.