News and Notes: May 8-15

Jensen Challenges Kitchens for Assembly Seat

First Assembly District Rep. Joel Kitchens has announced he will seek reelection to a fourth term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. 

“Since 2015, I have had the incredible honor of representing the citizens of the 1st Assembly District,” Kitchens said. “We’ve accomplished many great things during that time, but I know my work is not done. I am hoping that voters will continue to put their trust in me so I can keep advocating for our shared priorities in Madison and make our area a better place to live for everyone.” 

Kitchens has at least one challenger in the race: Egg Harbor restaurateur Kim Jensen – owner of Mojo Rosa’s, Pink Bakery, Villaggios and the Village Cafe – has announced that she will run as a Democrat. 

“I know what life is like in our region on the farm, in small towns and cities,” Jensen said. “As a small-business owner employing over 100 people, I know what it means to live paycheck to paycheck and hold down multiple jobs just to make ends meet.”

Door County COVID-19 Count Grows

At press time Wednesday, Door County has reported 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three deaths. In Kewaunee County, officials are now reporting 25 cases and one death, and in Brown County, cases continue to surge.

The state has increased testing capacity to more than 15,000 tests per day, resulting in far more cases being confirmed. The percentage of those tested that come back positive continues to hover between 8 and 13 percent. 

Partnership Releases Reopening Suggestions

The Partnership for Infection Prevention has released a slate of suggestions for local businesses to operate safely during the reopening phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations from the partnership between Door County Medical Center and Door County Public Health include:

• Requiring all employees to wear a mask unless working alone

• Installing face shielding or barriers wherever possible

• Reorganizing spaces to encourage six-foot social distancing

• Having sanitizer readily available and encouraging frequent hand washing

• Keeping staff home if they feel sick

• Screening employees for symptoms of COVID-19

• Cleaning and disinfecting according to CDC guidelines

The partnership also asks all customers to wear a mask when they’re near other customers or staff and to maintain social distancing.