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Wisconsin
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2020-08-16
Senior Pictures During Covid
I took these photos of some of my family members during our time at a state park where we were taking my sister’s senior pictures. There were scarcely any other people around, and those that were had masks as well. While we were taking pictures at this park, I thought of how strange it is that years into the future, people in our family will look back on my sister’s senior pictures and will be reminded of the pandemic. Her picture will go up in our house next to ones of her from earlier years and will stand out due to that mask. It will be an interesting sight one day to look back on pictures of us with masks on and be reminded of what it was like to live through a global pandemic. -
2020-10-11
In the Pandemic Journey
I am an international student from Colombia. I was in the middle of my fourth semester as a sophomore in college when I heard that the pandemic hitting the world just entered the U.S. I was excited at the time because my girlfriend and I bought tickets to go to New York City during spring break. I thought we were going until I heard that New York City was a hot spot for COVID-19. We did not want to risk anything, especially if we were going to encounter a virus that was completely unknown to us, so we cancelled the trip, but the airline still gave us the tickets to fly anytime between then and the end of 2022. After that, spring break came, and it was announced that the university was closed after spring break and we would have to go completely online. I live with my girlfriend since I first came to the U.S., so I stayed with her at her home that is two hours from the university we are enrolled in. We finished the rest of the semester there at her home. We then stayed for another month there and while we were in complete isolation we took advantage of that to go running together to be healthy, we did not let ourselves get bored, we were always doing something, we would do zoom video calls with our friends, watch movies, play video games, etc. After that we came back to Stevens Point to work on campus for the summer (with the required restrictions) so we could make some money to pay for our tuition. Though this is considered by many one of the worst years they’ve lived in, I had the most fun summer since I first came to the U.S – me, my girlfriend, and our friends had a blast; we hung out almost every day, we went to isolated beaches and went on boat rides, we had bonfires, we partied amongst ourselves, we went hiking, we went biking, we played soccer, etc. When the summer was over, we went back to classes and I got also got interested in learning new languages, so I downloaded the app called Duolingo to learn Portuguese and practice some other languages. Since Spanish and Portuguese are so similar, I am quickly picking up the language. I started my junior year in college, and I could not be happier with the classes I picked. My girlfriend and I thought that since we have classes online and more time at home, it would be the perfect time to get a dog, so we adopted a Doxiepoo, the combination of a Dachshund and a miniature poodle. She is 4 months and we have had a lot of time to train her and we couldn’t be happier with her. Everyone has their ways of coping, and with this ongoing journey through a global pandemic, I have learned that my way of coping is not only adjusting to the situation but also taking advantage of the variety of opportunities that arrive and make the best out of it. This pandemic has taught me in a way that just because we are adjusting, we should not stop living in the moment and while I understand that for some people this pandemic might be harder, it is up to us to either make it a living hell or make it one of the most memorable experiences of our life. -
2020-10-06
What is it going to take for Wisconsinites to take COVID-19 seriously?
I find myself to be very troubled with the division of our current society. I live in Wisconsin and we have a democratic governor who, like many other governors, declared a public health emergency. In early March Governor Evers issued a mask mandate, put restrictions on the size and length of time of gatherings, shut down in-person school, and closed bars and restaurants. Although we continued to see increased cases and were able to track the spikes in cases to gatherings that defied the Safer-At-Home order, Republicans challenged and overturned the Safer-At-Home order after just sixty-two days. Calling the order an abuse of power, those who stood in opposition declared victory. We continue to be the only state where legislature (or the lack of) is what is driving our response to COVID-19. After the restrictions were lifted (in entirety), many in the state resumed life as ‘normal’. There were a good number of events cancelled. Their organizers cited liability when they were attacked for making the hard decision to shut down this year. The events that did move forward drew record attendance. My friend Randy is one of the many Americans who lost his job. He tried to make up for his lost income by promoting his band and he was able to book several gigs. After his fourth gig, he and several band members contracted the virus. Randy and his disabled daughter were both hospitalized. Jenna spent close to a week on a ventilator. Thankfully, she recovered. It could have been so much worse. People who chose to continue to wear masks, socially distance, and whether in support of the Governor or looking out for their own health and safety, continue to exercise caution were (and still are) publicly and brutally harassed. My husband has an incurable cancer. Although he is in remission, we remain vigilant with limiting our exposure as much as possible. A few months ago, we went to a hardware store and as we attempted to enter the store, two gentlemen (a term I use as loosely as possible), heckled us by calling us sheep and yelling “BAAAAA” as we tried to enter the store. Not wanting to make a scene, we turned around and left. On the way home, I called the store to report the incident. My thought was the family owned business was losing customers by no fault of their own so they should be made aware. I asked for a manager and ended up speaking with the owner. His response was to cite the fifth amendment and offer the option to take my business elsewhere. How did we become a society where it is OK to openly mock people who are just trying to keep themselves healthy? Fast forward to just a few days ago. On October 3rd, the Center for Disease Control reported that Wisconsin is now considered an epicenter of an outbreak having a reported 17,000 positive cases in seven days. It did not have to be this way. Why must the virus be so politicized? What happened to thinking of others? Most importantly, what is it going to take for Wisconsinites to take COVID-19 seriously? -
2020-07-27
Being Known
As a Grandma in rural Wisconsin, I spend hours each week in my garden. After a particularly grueling day, these thoughts came... about weeds, Covid, politics and their relationships. I don’t know how to upload, so am just going to put my poem into the next box. -
2020-04-30
Menards Covid-19 guidelines
Menards is a home improvement store that primarily serves the Midwestern United States and has headquarters in Eau Claire, WI. Menards has mandated masks to enter the store since April. The representative in this image screened customers for heightened temperatures. -
2020-04-07
Covid-19 Polling
During the Covid-19 shutdown in Wisconsin I volunteered with my Air National Guard unit to assist with local polling during the elections. Our unit was deployed to various locations around Wisconsin, we conducted 2 days of training and swore in as public officials. During polling operations, we assisted voters, sanitized voting stations, and ensured that proper social distancing was being adhered to. During the voting I was able to observe the many ways people handle the epidemic. It was difficult not to express my opinion with the people who believe that Covid-19 is a hoax. Luckily for most of the people who visited the polling station the type of person who disobeyed social distancing was few and far between. Almost all the people did believe that voting should have been postponed and so did I, unfortunately being in the position I held I was unable to voice that opinion. Once Polling had closed, we turned over all our ballets to a team devoted to counting and relaying the information. We each conducted a Covid-19 test and patiently waited the next day for our results. A negative test allowed us to return to our normal jobs, whereas a positive test resulted in a 2 week stay in a hotel the city uses for temporary shelter for the homeless. The experience was humbling after seeing how many people Covid-19 has affected and the fear that people have of the disease. I would gladly volunteer again to help my community, and it looks like I will have my opportunity once again with the Democratic National Convention in Wisconsin where we have been asked to help once more. -
05/13/2020
Sam Hauke Oral History, 2020/05/13
Sam Hauke, a high school senior, initially learned about covid 19 from online memes and jokes, then saw it come to the US and started to take it more seriously. Sam then talks about online school experience and how there is almost no live interaction with the teachers and that they just watch videos and this isn’t the best way to learn. Sam stays connected with friends via online games and zoom meetups. He also describes the challenge of having to seek another job as his usual summer jobs were pool related and the pools are all closed. Sam describes that a positive of the pandemic for him has been that it has brought his family closer and that other people have been spending more time in nature. Sam then talks about how he gets most of his information about covid from one of his friends and from advertisements and commercials on social media. Lastly, Sam describes how he feels he took for granted hanging out with friends and will spend lots of time with them when the pandemic is over. -
5/14/2020
Grace Neugebauer Oral History, 2020/05/14
This interview was completed for a class project at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. The project was to contribute to a COVID-19 database while also working on a university database to show the importance of rapid response collection. The class was a research methods course called History 486 taught by Dr. Cheryl Jimenez Frei. -
04/30/2020
Matthew Schneider Oral History, 2020/04/30
This interview was completed for a class project at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. The project was to contribute to a COVID-19 database while also working on a university database to show the importance of rapid response collection. The class was a research methods course called History 486 taught by Dr. Cheryl Jimenez Frei. -
05/22/2020
Darcy Brossow Oral History, 2020/05/22
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Public History Seminar Covid 19 Project -
05/15/2020
Mackenzie Shay Oral History, 2020/05/15
In this interview, Mackenzie Shay talks about the initial pandemic shut down and how this has impacted her as a student. She describes how Eau Claire’s small shops and businesses were being closed and how the community still tried to keep them alive by ordering online and using curbside pickup. Then Mackenzie talks about her first impressions of the virus, how she knew covid was a big deal because her mom was an English teacher in China at the time and would tell her how the students were staying at home, but she didn’t fully realize it until it came to America. Mackenzie then talks about how she is going to university to be a teacher and this is her last semester but she is unable to do the student teacher portion due to covid restrictions. Then she discusses how covid and the stay at home initiative caused all schooling to be online and that she believes this will cause students to fall behind as she thinks that many are not absorbing the material, this is based on what she sees in her tutoring sessions. She then talks about her challenges with the pandemic, one being money, as her boyfriend had been laid off with his server job and she was not coaching anymore. So to stay in budget they stay at home and don’t do much. Then she discusses how she keeps in touch with family via zoom, snapchat, and other social apps to stay up to date with family business. -
05/08/2020
Greta Oral History, 2020/05/08
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05/14/2020
Marin Munos Oral History, 2020/05/14
Marian Munos is a junior studying journalism and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Marian participates in track and field and is originally from Illinois. She is working for the university while in Wisconsin. Marian’s mother is a principal and said that she didn’t want her to come home to avoid spreading Covid-19. Marian misses her teammates and family but is thankful that she can FaceTime her grandmother. Marian details that strangers have been kind during the pandemic and that she thinks we will come out of it closer than ever before Marian got very sick sometime in March with her roommate, but was unable to get tested because only those who had traveled abroad or come into contact with someone who had could get tested at the time. -
05/13/2020
Adam Azzalino Oral History, 2020/05/13
Adam Azzalino is a graduate student of history at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. In this interview, Adam discusses how the pandemic has affected his life as a graduate student working on his thesis and his life as a person with a disability. He is living in the dorms at his university and working on his final thesis for his program. -
05/19/2020
Caitlyn Kirchoff Oral History, 2020/05/19
Caitlyn Kirchoff, a senior at Augusta High School in Augusta, Wisconsin, discusses the difficulties and disappointments of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing the State of Wisconsin’s quick and effective response, Caitlyn expresses excitement at the thought of stores reopening, summer vacation plans, and attending college in the fall. As a part-time employee at a local restaurant, Caitlyn describes the shift from dine-in to take-out service, outlining newly imposed food service regulations. Caitlyn recalls the full range of emotions experienced by high school students as the initial excitement associated with school closures quickly became displeasure at the thought of canceled rites of passage. Addressing the shortcomings of distance learning, Caitlyn describes technological malfunctions responsible for incomplete assignments and the travel required to obtain reliable internet service. Caitlyn openly expresses concern around other states reopening too quickly and believes a slow reopening will help keep the number of positive cases low in Wisconsin. -
05/11/2020
Charles Redbird Oral History, 2020/05/11
Charles Redbird, a chef from Osseo, Wisconsin, reflects on his experience being laid off and filing for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a single father to a two-year-old boy, Charles shares his frustrations with delayed processing times and bureaucratic red tape as his financial savings dwindled during the initial months of Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order. Charles describes the steps taken by the Ho-Chunk Nation to ensure economic stability and longevity among tribal members and employees. Citing increased time spent with his child and the opportunity for personal growth, Charles shares positive aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic that are often overlooked. Additionally, Charles notes the positive impact of internet celebrities and charitable giving, specifically mentioning the work of David Dobrik and h3h3. Comparing the experience of working as a chef before and during the pandemic, Charles provides insight into the changes that restaurants have implemented to ensure health and safety. Looking ahead, Charles expresses a belief that the social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic will improve his familial relationships in the future. -
05/08/2020
Lisa Steig Oral History, 2020/05/08
Lisa Steig, a guidance counselor at Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, reflects on the social, economic, and political impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As students were required to learn from home, Lisa recalls the efforts made by local school districts to ensure access to adequate technology and educational resources. Lisa expresses concern with the shortcomings of the economic stimulus plan, sharing stories of local families in need of support. Turning to family life, Lisa shares the difficulties associated with having her mother-in-law located in an assisted living facility where physical contact with outsiders is prohibited and discusses the outlook for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. Lisa also discusses several articles and news pieces featuring positive stories of hope, encouragement, and support during challenging times, expressing her pride in the American spirit and gratitude for living in the United States of America. With great optimism, Lisa looks forward to finding a cure for the virus and returning to regular life once the pandemic is under control. -
2020-06-06
Changing Attitudes of White America
Excerpt: The big shift is due, in large part, to the changing attitudes of white people. One question, though, is what that might mean politically come November. -
2020-03-31
Menominee Tribal Council Announces First Case on Reservation, Non-Native Living in Community
“The individual is reported as a non-native and resides in within Menominee County, which shares the same boundaries of Menominee Indian Reservation. The individual is a resident of Menominee County. Given this individual is a non-native, this case is reported by Shawano-Menominee County public health and to Wisconsin DHS. This person is not in the care of Menominee Tribal Clinic or Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin… The protection and security of our Menominee Tribal members and surrounding community member is important to our Tribe.” -
2020-05-28
Oneida Nation Extends Declaration of Public Health State of Emergency Until June 11
“March 12, 2020 the Chairman declared a Public Health State of Emergency, the Oneida Business Committee took actions to take steps to protect the health and welfare of the members, employees and the community, including instituting expenditure restrictions to preserve resources for the provision of governmental services to members most at risk, closure of the Nation’s gaming operations, and insuring that employees will continued to be paid during the Public Health State of Emergency as long as the Nation’s resources will allow.” -
2020-05-14
Red Cliff Tribal Council Rejects Wisconsin’s Move to Reopen Businesses and Exercises Sovereign Right to Extend Tribal Stay at Home Resolution
“While we support economic prosperity for all during normal times, the Red Cliff Tribal Council does not consider these to be normal times with the coronavirus pandemic still putting lives at risk across the country. In following the advice of our medical professionals, we issued our own Tribal Stay at Home resolution.” -
2020-05-28
Wisconsin Sees Coronavirus Spike 2 Weeks After Abrupt Reopening
I am a college Junior currently living in California. Since May 8, California has been in "Phase 2" of reopening which means that "retail and dine-in restaurants are reopened with social distancing guidelines". The news from Wisconsin makes me feel worried about the safety of going to reopened places like restaurants. After seeing this article, I will definitely reduce the frequency of going to public places. -
2020-05-30
Wisconsin's LGBTQ communities recognize, celebrate Pride Month despite COVID-19 limitations
With the Covid-19 outbreak, the LGBTQ community is still finding ways to celebrate Pride Month. In Wisconsin, the gay night club "This Is It," has been live steaming drag shows and other organizations are exploring ways to still celebrate Pride despite the impact of Covid-19. I'm looking forward to potentially joining a virtual pride event and interested in how it would work. With the advent of technology things are much more accessible than they used to be and I'm glad people can still participate in some way. -
2020-05-19
Reid’s reflection on the pandemic 19 May 2020
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2020-04-17
Low Gas Prices
A Kwik Trip in Onalaska, WI advertising gas prices below a dollar. Low demand as a result of the pandemic led to many prices similar to this one in western Wisconsin. -
04/17/2020
A Restaurant Offering Takeout
The Stockyard in Coon Valley, WI still offers takeout during the pandemic. Many local restaurants have stayed open by offering takeout available for pickup at the front door to ensure that people are not spreading COVID-19 in the restaurant. -
2020-04-16
Checkout at the Supermarket
Workers at the checkout at Woodman's supermarket in Onalaska, WI wear different types of masks as they bag food. A clear barrier between customers and workers was also installed to protect people. Woodman's, like many supermarkets, had to put limits on the amount of certain items customers could buy due to hoarding of those items -
2020-04-16
Sign Honoring First Responders
A sign at St Francis Hermitage in is illuminated blue in a show of support to First Responders. The Hermitage normally has a restaurant which has been closed as a result of COVID-19. -
2020-04-16
By Appointment Only
Valley Fudge Company in Coon Valley, WI is displaying a sign explaining their protocols of business during the pandemic. They are only taking appointments or online orders to maintain social distancing. -
2020-04-16
An Encouraging Storefront Window Sign
A sign at Donna's Daughters vintage store in Coon Valley. This sign is playing off of the classic "Live, Laugh, Love" signs often seen in homes. They added "Lysol" to create a list of four important things during the pandemic. -
2020-04-16
Church Sign Announcing Online Services
Local churches are still managing to have services using online resources. This church in Soldiers Grove, WI is not able to meet in person but are still able to connect the congregation. This is one branch of a larger group of churches located in southwest Wisconsin. -
2020-04-25
Skull scarf mask
My friend gave me the scarf patterned with roses and skulls About 15 years ago when I was 25 and lived in Chicago. Today I put it on thinking so much of her because we are both 40 now and I just read today that people our age are experiencing strokes after having mild or asymptomatic cases, and a scarf with skulls seems like an appropriate “mask”. I also put it on because I was about to take a walk around the block and masking up in Wisconsin, where I live, feels a little extreme because I often don’t encounter anyone else while walking, and if I do, I’m able to get well away from them. Still it’s nice to have a scarf at least something to dip my face and when I feel vulnerable. Even if I know it doesn’t really work scientifically it helps to have a gesture -
2020-03-14
Awaiting Pandemic: March 12, 2020
Blog post -
3/17/2020
We took this photo on our walk this evening. This is our local theater.
My husband and I were walking in our neighborhood tonight. So many stores in our small village were closed including our theater. We came upon this just as an employee was putting these letters up 😢