The Sawyer County government meeting held on June 8, 2025, focused on several key issues related to public safety and community health. Among the main topics discussed were updates on emergency response times, the formation of a criminal justice coordinating council (CJCC) executive committee, and the status of mental health and opioid outreach programs.
During the meeting, officials highlighted the increasing number of emergency calls related to falls among the aging population. It was noted that many individuals require assistance after falling, often due to underlying health issues such as diabetes, which can lead to unnoticed injuries. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding these calls, as they often reflect more serious health concerns.
The meeting also included a review of average response times for emergency services, with officials expressing a commitment to improving these metrics over time. They plan to track response times year over year to ensure progress is being made.
In addition, the CJCC executive committee was discussed, which was formed to address various criminal justice issues. The committee includes key community leaders and aims to draft resolutions for two important grants: "Building Bridges," focused on mental health and alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) support, and "Reaching Rural," which targets opioid outreach in less populated areas. These resolutions will be presented to the full board and state legislature in hopes of reinstating funding that was halted in late April.
Overall, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to public safety and health, with a focus on improving emergency response and addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges in the community.