The ADRC utilizes volunteers to assist with running and maintaining the nutrition sites throughout the county. Volunteers help with packing of home-delivered meals, delivery of these meals, serving of congregate meals, and clean-up. Volunteers are available to take people to medical appointments, both in the county and to out-of-county medical appointments. Volunteers also serve as friendly visitors to those who are shut-in or in nursing homes.

An advance directive describes, in writing, your choices about the treatments you want or do not want or about how health care decisions should be made for you if you become incapacitated and cannot express your wishes. Any one age 18 and older and of “sound mind” can make an advance directive. Directives are available on line at: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/AdvDirectives or by sending a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to : Living Will/Power of Attorney, Division of Public Health, PO box 2659, Madison, WI 53701-2659. They are also available at the ADRC. The “Declaration to Physicians (Wisconsin Living Will)” informs your physical regarding your wishes about life-sustaining measures to be used when you are near death or in a persistent vegetative state. It goes into effect when 2 physicians agree that your vegetative state cannot be reversed and you are unable to express your health care choices. A “Power of Attorney for Health Care” is a document in which you appoint another person to make health care decisions for you in the event that you are not capable of making them yourself. This, too, requires that 2 physicians agree in writing that you cannot express your treatment options to others. You do not need an attorney to complete these two forms. A “Power of Attorney for Finance and Property” designates power to an individual chosen by you to handle your finances and property. Anyone with complex or special assets should ask an attorney for help with this paperwork. “Authorization for Final Disposition” gives direction for funeral arrangements upon your death.

The Social Security Act defines disability as the presence of a physical and/or mental condition that is severe enough to prevent any substantial work activity and is expected to last at least12 months or result in death. Applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are filed with your local Social Security office. You will need to complete both an application for Social Security Benefits and an Adult Disability Report. The later report collects information about your disabling condition. The Disability Benefit Specialist at the ADRC office may be able to assist in gathering some of the necessary information. An appeal may be filed if you are denied a disability determination.

If your child currently receives SSI MA, you will need to contact Social Security during the month of turning 18 to determine if you need to reapply, or if a review should be conducted. If your child did not qualify for these benefits before age 18, you will need to apply at Social Security the month after his/her 18th birthday to determine eligibility for benefits. If your child currently receives Katie Beckett MA, you will need to apply at the Social Security Office for SSI and/or Social Security Disability the month after he/she turns 18. If he/she receives MA through BadgerCare, this coverage can continue through age 19, as long as he/she continues to reside with you. A parent’s legal responsibility ends at their child’s 18th birthday. Guardianship is set up when a person does not have the mental capacity to make decisions that meet their needs for physical health and safety. The process of appointing a guardian includes: 1) The completion of a competency evaluation; 2) filing a petition with the court; and 3) A court hearing. These steps are generally completed by a private attorney and started about six months prior to your son or daughter’s 18th birthday.

Family Care is another way of providing long term care services for people with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, and frail elders who are functionally and financially eligible. The ADRC is able to administer a functional screen that identifies whether a person meets the eligibility functionally, and Economic Support staff screen for financial eligibility. Eligible persons will be transferred to the Family Care organization and have a team that includes a social worker and a nurse, help develop a care plan that will allow the person to stay in the community. When Family Care is fully functional in 2013, waiting lists in the county will be eliminated.

The city of Manitowoc has a taxi service as well as a bus that operates six days a week between and around the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers. ADA transportation is available to those who cannot access the bus. Aurora Medical Center and Holy Family Memorial may be able to assist with transportation of clients to their facility. The ADRC website: www:manitowocadrc.org has a listing of the different transportation options and their contact numbers. You may also contact Maritime Metro for transportation operations at 920-683-4560.

Assisted living is an alternative to living in your current home. It includes adult family homes, residential care apartment complexes (RCAC), community based residential facility, and nursing homes. An adult family home is a place where 3 or 4 adults who are not related to the operator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board. An RCAC is an apartment type setting that offers some independence and control over personal space. Room and board, up to 28 hours per week of supportive care, personal care, and nursing services are generally offered in an RCAC. A CBRF is a place where 5 or more unrelated people live together in a community setting. Services provided include room and board, supervision, support services, and may include up to 3 hours of nursing care per week. A nursing home is a facility in which a resident can receive care or treatment and, because of their mental or physical condition, require access to 24-hour nursing services, including limited nursing care, intermediate level nursing care, and skilled nursing services. The ADRC can provide you with a list of facilities in the county. The list is also available at its website: www.manitowocadrc.org. The ADRC has a booklet that describes the different facilities “Answers about Elderly Housing” that is available to the public. The state’s website: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov and the federal www.medicare.gov offer provider quality profiles and comparisons of most of the facilities.

Individuals who need the equipment short term (3 months or less) may borrow the equipment from the ADRC or the Two Rivers Fire Department. Both facilities have walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, crutches, bath benches, toilet risers, and a few other small items available. A security deposit is requested. Individuals needing the equipment long term, may be able to get the equipment through Medicare or their insurance. A prescription from a physician is required for purchasing equipment from an agency that accepts assignment.

The ADRC does have plans that assist with building ramps for individuals who need easier access in and out of their home. Family members, friends, and volunteers often times are able to mount grab bars and handrails. Rebuilding Together may be able to assist low income elderly and disabled clients with home modifications on a limited basis, including walk in showers. Some funding may be available through “high cost” funds from the state for individuals receiving services through the Community Options Program or Family Care.

The meal program is funded by the Older Americans Act, which requires that participating individuals be age 60 and older. A person must also be home-bound, meaning they are unable to get out of the house for normal activities. Some exceptions do exist, such as an unexpected weight loss or caregiver stress. A person able to get out is encouraged to participate in one of the 11 congregate meal sites in the county to enjoy social contact along with a nutritious meal. All meals follow the most current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Wednesdays as Ethnicity Days at the Manitowoc Senior Center and the Lakeshore Indochinese Hmong Center with a different ethnic meal served every Wednesday. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.

All persons age 18 and older, regardless of the disability, have the right to live in the least restrictive environment that will keep them safe. The Information and Assistance Specialist at the ADRC are able to discuss different options, including home modifications to make the home safer, adaptive medical equipment, home-delivered meals, home care services brought into the home, assisted living facilities and nursing home care.

Information and Assistance Specialist at the ADRC are available to work with individuals and help them identify resources that could be brought into the home to help them maintain their health and well-being for as long as possible. If the neglect is to the extreme and putting the person in danger of harming themselves, a referral will be made to Adult Protective Services for immediate assistance.

BadgerCare Core Plus is available for adults, age 19 – 64, who do not have any dependent children. Family income must be below 200% poverty level. An individual cannot have had health insurance a least 12 months prior to enrolling in this program, nor can you have access to health insurance from your employer. Application can be made online at: www.badgercaerplus.org or by calling the Enrollment Center at 1-800-291-2002. A $60 non-refundable application fee is required at the time of enrollment. For those with higher incomes, independent agents may be able to find a high deductible policy at a reasonable premium. High medical risk individuals may need to utilize the state’s health insurance risk sharing plan called HIRSP. This plan can be contacted by calling 1-800-828-4777.

The Elderly Benefit Specialist at the ADRC has support from the Elder Law Center in Madison and can assist with straightening out most claims.

People who are on LIS may choose a different plan anytime during the year. Open enrollment is available from November 15 through December 31 of every year for everyone. It is important to review your plan during open enrollment to determine whether you are still in the most cost effective plan for the next year. Insurance companies do look at their bottom line each year and will raise monthly rates along with co-payments if their profit margin is not where they would like it to be.

The state’s plan is $30 a year and drug co-payment costs are dependent upon yearly income. SeniorCare is available only to people who are 65 and older, while a Part D plan is available to anyone receiving Medicare. A part D plan has a monthly fee and can be a stand alone plan or can be built into an Advantage Plan. Individuals with low income and low assets may qualify for extra help (Low Income Subsidy – LIS) with the plan and drug co-payments. Most co-payments under the LIS are less costly than through SeniorCare. For individuals who are taking expensive prescription drugs, SeniorCare can be taken along with a Part D plan and may help an individual pay for drugs when they reach the gap that requires 100% cost out of pocket.

If you are already collecting social security, you will receive a Medicare card with an enrollment date for Medicare Part A and Part B that will be the first of the month in which you turn 65 about 2 months prior to turning 65. If you have creditable coverage with your insurance at work or are covered by a spouse’s insurance, it may not be necessary to enroll in Part B. You will need to contact the Social Security office to have Medicare Part B removed. Medicare will only pay 80% of your medical costs, so it is important to look at either a Medigap policy to cover the remaining 20%, or privatize your Medicare with a HMO or other Advantage Plan. The ADRC has information on all of the Medigap plans that have been approved by the Insurance Commissioner of Wisconsin.

You may go to Social Security’s website: www.ssa.gov and actually do an on-line application. You should do this about 3 months before you would like to retire. The local social security office will call you after your online application is received and complete the form with you in a telephone interview. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call the Social Security office at 683-0302 to set up a phone interview.

REPRESENTING YOURSELF

FINDING LEGAL ASSISTANCE

FINDING LEGAL INFORMATION

GOING TO COURT

WISCONSIN COURT DIRECTORY

CIRCUIT COURT FORMS

FILING A COMPLAINT AGAINST MY ATTORNEY
FILING A COMPLAINT AGAINST A COURT COMMISSIONER
FILING A COMPLAINT AGAINST A JUDGE

Selection of a funeral home of your choice is important for your loved ones release from our custody. Select a funeral home and advise the funeral director of the involvement of our office. Funeral directors are familiar with the operation of our office and will assist you in making all arrangements for final disposition, including obtaining a death certificate. The funeral director will also receive the decedent's personal property that is not being held as evidence.

Under certain rare circumstances family members are asked to positively identify an individual. Our office and morgue are not designed for viewing decedents. We do however contact the funeral homes that your loved one is transported to for this purpose.

An autopsy will be performed when there is a need to establish or confirm a cause and manner of death for the purpose of issuing a death certificate, in cases involving criminal or suspected criminal wrongdoing and in any case which an autopsy is considered to be prudent at the Coroner's discretion.

Wisconsin State Statute 979 sets the guidelines for Coroner's and Medical Examiners in Wisconsin. All deaths in Manitowoc County regardless of cause and manner are reportable to the Coroner's office. The Coroner and/or Deputy Coroner will determine if our office will need to investigate deaths reported to our office.

Please call our office at 920-683-4008 and ask to speak to the Coroner. For most requests you will need to request specific information in writing. Family's are provided one copy of this information without cost. For other agencies and individuals there is a fee for this service. We do not fax this information, we typically use USPS. Photographs are not provided without a court order to release the photos.

Please call the Coroner's Office and make an appointment to meet with the Coroner. An application will be given for the disinterment. The application must be filled out accurately before a permit is issued. There is a fee for this service.

Death Certificates are available from the Register of Deeds Office. Our staff does not provide copies. On occasion an exact cause and manner of death is not immediately determined following an autopsy or investigation. Special laboratory tests or further investigation may be necessary. As a result, there are occasions when a death certificate may not be available for several weeks or longer. In those situations, a pending death certificate will be filed and later replaced with an ammended death certificate once the cause and manner has been established.

The official copy of the County Code is kept in the office of the Manitowoc County Clerk, Manitowoc County Courthouse, 1010 South 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220. The telephone number for the County Clerk is (920) 683-4003. An unoffical, electronic copy of each chapter of the County Code is available on the Corporation Counsel Forms/Documents page. Click on the following link to go to that page:

Forms/Documents

Form and documents are listed in alphabetical order, so you will need to scroll down to reach the links for the "Manitowoc County Code."

These are the County Board Meeting videos that can be played using Windows Media Player. Clicking this link will cause Windows Media Player on your PC to open up and start playing the video. The WMV Video will play from start to finish. However, there is no ability to navigate forward or backward. It would be just like watching it live on TV.

The actions required by the county to apply for this grant were taken and submitted to the DOA prior to the end of December 2008. To date, we have not been given formal approval to proceed in identifying eligible candidates.

Manitowoc County will participate in a full scale exercise with the Kewaunee Power Station Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The Ingestion Exercise for Point Beach Nuclear Plant, that was cancelled by WI Emergency Management December 10th has been rescheduled. The county will participate in the PB Ingestion exercise on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.

Yes, the 2009 weather spotter course is scheduled Wednesday, March 18th in room 300 at the County Office Complex, 4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. National Weather staff from Green Bay will be the presenter.

Emergency Management sells weather radios at cost which is presently $31.31 including tax. Call 920-683-4207 to order.

Contact the Manitowoc County Emergency Management Office: 920-683-4207. Bags sell for 42 cents each and are sold in lots of 100. The bags are not filled with sand.

The correct number to call for this information is: 920-683-4555.

Please call 1-800-ROAD-WIS or visit:http://dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/ driving-cond.htm

The correct number to call for this information is: 920-758-SNOW

Call: 920-683-4590 for information.

Call: 920-683-4228 for information.

Please call Wildlife of Wisconsin: 920-323-5609.

Call your local constable.

DO NOT CALL 9-1-1. Please call the company from whom you receive service. Click Emergency Services logo below for the numbers.

Please call the Wisconsin Department of Transportation: 1-800-924-3570.

Please call the Wisconsin Department of Transportation: 1-888-368-9556.

Lakeshore Family Resources - Access and Visitation Program provides a neutral facility to exchange the children for periods of placement with the other parent. The program also provides supervised visitation. Both parents must complete a separate orientation session. It is located at 540 North 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220-686-8710.

You may be allowed to appear by telephone if you put your request in writing prior to the hearing. Failure to appear for a hearing may result in a default judgment against you or issues that are important to you may not be ruled in your favor. If you are the party who scheduled the motion and then fails to appear for the hearing without having obtained an adjournment, the motion will be dismissed on the merits and may not be brought again without an additional or new factual basis. If you need an adjournment of your hearing date, you must request it more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled proceeding. Your request must be in writing, specifying the reason, stating the other side’s position on the request, and send a copy to the other side.

Safety comes first. Do NOT let your child go to the other parent if the child’s health or safety is in danger. For example, do not release a child to a parent under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But be careful! If your denial of a visit is in violation of the court order, you must file a motion in court to revise the order as soon as possible after the incident occurs, unless it is a one time occurrence and not likely to happen again. If you suspect abuse, call the Department of Human Services before you deny periods of placement to the other parent and file a motion to revise the placement schedule as well.

The Court Commissioner office has a procedure packet available to parties regarding Wisconsin Law on Removal of Minor Child 767.327 Wis. Stats., stating what each party is required to do.

1.) If the other party agrees to a reduction in child support, you can request and complete form FA-604, A Stipulation And Order To Amend Judgment, submit it to the Child Support Agency and upon approval of the Child Support Director and the Court Commissioner, it will become an order modifying your judgment. There is no filing fee for this action. 2.) If the other party does not agree and when there is a substantial change in circumstances, you may request a change in child support. That can be achieved by completing the Order To Show Cause To Revise A Judgment. The form is available in the Family Court Commissioner Office or the Clerk of Court Office. The filing fee is $30.00 plus process service fees. After completing the form and returning it to the Family Court Commissioner, a hearing date will be assigned, the court will take testimony at the hearing and make a decision regarding the request.

1.) You may request and complete form FA-604, A Stipulation And Order To Amend Judgment, submit it to the Child Support Agency and upon approval of the Child Support Director and the Court Commissioner, it will become an order modifying your judgment. There is no filing fee for this action.

1.) You may request mediation services. That form is available in the Family Court Commissioner office. A date will be arranged with a mediator who will help parents resolve placement issues. If an agreement is reached, you may attach the agreement to form FA-604 (Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgment) and it will then become part of your court order. 2.) If you cannot reach an agreement between yourselves or through a mediator, you may request a hearing by completing an Order To Show Cause To Revise A Judgment. The form is available in the Family Court Commissioner Office or the Clerk of Court Office. The filing fee is $50.00 plus process service fees. 3.) If you have a court order currently in effect that states what periods of placement you are entitled to, then you may file a Petition to Enforce Physical Placement Order (FA-609). This form is available in either the Child Support Agency, Clerk of Circuit Court Office or the Family Court Commissioner Office.

Foster care is a temporary alternative to a child’s natural home when that home becomes socially, emotionally or physically inadequate for the child’s needs. Foster children range in age from infant to 18. Foster Care Questions

We have standardized on Microsoft Office XP.

The County has color orthos created from a spring 2005 flight. They have a 12" pixel resolution.

It is the policy of Manitowoc County to accept applications only when there is a vacancy or when establishing an eligiblity list for future vacancies. A Manitowoc County application must be completed to be elibible for any vacancy. Employment opportunites can be found under the "Employment" section of this site.

The Maintenance program, mandated by the State of Wisconsin, is designed to ensure that POWTS (septic systems) throughout the county are functioning properly. This is accomplished by requiring that all POWTS are regularly maintained on a three year maintenance schedule. Maintenance includes a visual inspection and pumping of the POWTS if required.

In 2000, the State of Wisconsin completed a comprehensive update of the rules that govern the installation and operation of septic systems in the State of Wisconsin. According to Comm. 83.54(4) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, all septic systems that existed prior to July 1, 2000 shall be incorporated into a County Maintenance Program.

These laws seek to protect our ground and surface water, both in the interest of public health and of the environment. We can be proud that Manitowoc County has taken a lead role and is one of only a few counties in Wisconsin actively working towards 100% compliance with Comm. 83. As we continue to look for ways to protect Manitowoc County’s most valuable natural resources, the support of rural landowners is critical.

POWTS is an acronym for Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System, another term regularly used for septic system. POWTS includes conventional, mound, at-grade, pre-treatment, dosed conventional, and holding tanks systems.

Every three years, you will receive a card from the Manitowoc County Planning and Park Commission notifying you that it is time to have your POWTS visually inspected and your septic tank pumped. Once these actions are completed, the licensed professional who inspected the system completes the card and then returns it to the address provided.

Maintenance of your POWTS includes pumping of the septic tank if the combined sludge and scum volume is more than 1/3 of the tank. In cases of minimal use were the sludge and scum volume is less that 1/3 of the tank, pumping may be defered for one year provided a visual inspection is completed.

Landowners who are required to update their septic system as part of the new requirements may be eligible to apply for a Wisconsin Fund Grant through the Manitowoc County Planning and Park Commission if certain conditions are met. Since 1987, 736 residents in Manitowoc County have received a total of $2,147,559.00 in financial assistance through this program. For further information call please call (920) 683-4185

All owners of POWTS (septic systems) in Manitowoc County will be charged an annual fee of $10.00 to be used to administer the maintenance program. This modest fee is designed to cover the cost of information collection and administration of the program and will be included on the property tax bill you will receive in December.

The Manitowoc County Planning and Park Commission and Manitowoc County Comptrollers office amortized a budget for the next 10 years that includes the total cost of administering the maintenance program. Associated cost includes postage, staff time, vehicle expenses, data processing costs, contracted services and asset depreciation. Charging the $10.00 maintenance fee will allow the County to break even.

Including the maintenance fee on individual tax bills allows Manitowoc County to greatly reduce the administrative costs of the program. These cost savings are realized through reduced postage, staff time, and enforcement action.

For more information please contact the Manitowoc County Planning and Park Commission at (920) 683-4185.

Much of the equipment that is part of the radio system is very old and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Also, the federal government is reclaiming radio frequencies currently used on the existing system. As a result we have to purchase all new radio equipment.

The microwave system communicates between towers. The regular radio system communicates to mobile devices in the field.

Yes, garden and yard waste can be composted. Some items not accepted at the compost site are kitchen scraps, branches over 5 feet long or greater than 6 inches across, stumps, sod, soil, sand, gravel or lumber.

No we do not take these appliances. Visit our “Forms/Documents” webpage and view the “Businesses That Accept Recyclable Materials” document for more details.

Check the local phone book and choose a hauler. In some areas you may need to check with your municipality for details.

We do not handle residential accounts. Contact your local hauler’s customer service department. Their number should be listed in the phone book or on your garbage/recycling bill. You may bring your recycling in to the MRF (Materials Recycling Facility) at 3000 Basswood Road.

Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of in the garbage. Otherwise save your paint until the Manitowoc annual Household Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep. This event is usually held in the spring. Residents can bring in paint and other hazardous waste for proper disposal. The Brown County Recycling Center accepts paint throughout the year, call 920-492-4950 for details.

Save them until our tire clean sweep. This is an annual collection usually occurring in September. Residents can bring in their tires for a minimal fee. Tires are also accepted at the Ridgeview Landfill throughout the year for a fee.

We accept paper, cardboard, containers made of glass, plastic, tin, aluminum or steel. We also take computers and electronics, batteries, cell phones, light bulbs, mercury and yard waste. Visit our services webpage for more detail.

If there is an estate pending, you can file a claim by using the mandatory state claim form and paying the $3.00 filing fee. The court does not pay your claim but if there were sufficient assets, it must be addressed before the estate will be closed.

Please check the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website

Answers to these and many other questions can be found in the Register in Probate Services section of this website. Additional sources of information are the Wisconsin Registers in Probate Association website and the public reference service of the Wisconsin State Bar.

See "Forms" for a step-by-step explanation of the eviction process.

Yes. The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Dept. will now require a Bond of Indemnity when required to seize or take possession of property. The plaintiff shall provide a bond to protect the Sheriff. The bond shall conform to State statutes and shall: Indemnify the Sheriff by name and Manitowoc County. Indicate the Plaintiff and Defendant(s). Be in the amount of twice the value of the judgment or property to be seized, whichever is greater. Provide a description of the property, and be approved by the civil process server.

You may call (920)683-4211 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm, Monday - Friday to speak with the civil process clerk. You may leave a message at anytime.

See Forms/Documents "Writ of Restitution/Assistance" for a listing of Plaintiff and Officer responsibilities.

You should complete the Civil Process Information Sheet located in the forms section of this website. This will give us all the information we need to attempt service.

You should send us 2 copies. One copy will be served and the other will be returned with the affidavit of service or non-service.

Manitowoc Co. Sheriffs Dept. Attn: Civil Process 1025 S 9th St. Manitowoc, WI 54220

$75 (includes one hour of standby time) Additional standby time will be charged at $40 an hour.

Posting $75 - Sale $75

A Sheriff's Sale is a sale of property by the sheriff under authority of a courts judgment and writ of execution in order to satisfy an unpaid judgment, mortgage, lien, or other debt of the owner.

In the event that a process server is able to serve more than one person at the same address on the same date at the same time, the fee for the second and each additional service will be $40.

Service is $40 a person this includes one attempt. We may also charge $30 for each additional attempt up to 3 attempts. Mileage is included and will not be charged separately. The $40 fee should be included when your papers are submitted for service.

http://www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov – found under programs.

The agency to call for assistance is Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at 1-800-433-0663.

For Manitowoc County, the DNR general information number is (920)652-2000.

Trees and shrubs can be ordered through either 4-H Camp TaPaWingo - Phone (920)755-2785 or Woodland Dunes Nature Center - Phone(920) 793-4007. Sales start in the fall of the year with pick up scheduled for the last weekend in April.

The Soil and Water Conservation Department has sampling bottles available. There is a $3 deposit which is subtracted from the cost of the test you choose to do. Samples are sent to the UW-Stevens Point Water and Evnironmental Analysis Lab.