Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Hurley closes city offices due to COVID-19 increase

By TOM LAVENTURE

[email protected]

Hurley — As of Tuesday, the Hurley City Hall building was again closed to general entry until further notice.

The announcement Monday on the social media pages of the Hurley Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Jay Aijala, was to “ensure the safety of our employees.” If entry into the building is necessary, it will be on an appointment basis and a face mask is required.

The city of Hurley buildings were in a similar status throughout the early part of the coronavirus pandemic and reopened in May with the end of the state’s stay-at-home order.

“The office building is closed again as of Tuesday,” said Kathy Osterman, deputy clerk and treasurer. “This is because the numbers are increasing and to keep everybody safe.”

The number of COVID-19 cases in Iron County had remained at two from March through June, but then increased to eight within the past few weeks. The Badger Bounceback website of the Wisconsin Department of Health lists Iron County’s case rate trend as relatively high and its activity rate as high.

Katie Hampston, the health officer for the Iron County Health Department, said the increase in COVID-19 cases and the city’s return to shutdown mode should serve as a reminder to the public to continue practicing coronavirus prevention measures. 

“Wear a face mask when out in public,” Hampston said. “Wash your hands, stay home and keep your circles small.”

The city clerk’s office is requesting that people wanting to make payments at the office to use the library book return in front of the building. The office is available by appointment only by calling 715-561-4715.

The public library at the city office is also closed until further notice with curbside pick-up service continuing during the closure. To request entry to the library, call 715-561-5707 for an appointment from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Hurley Police Department’s administrative office is also closed. Call 715-561-2345 for assistance.

 
 
Rendered 03/20/2024 15:42