For Wednesday, June 3.

MARQUETTE — This summer’s Marquette County Fair has been canceled, joining the long list of major events in the area that have announced cancellations because of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Marquette County Fair Board made the announcement on Facebook on Tuesday.

“It is with heavy hearts that the Marquette County Fair Board decided to cancel the 2020 fair,” the post read. “We waited as long as we could to make a final decision, but feel it’s in the best interest for the safety of our volunteers, vendors, youth and adult exhibitors and patrons that we cancel for this year.

“It was an emotional decision because we all love the fair as much as you do. Since we are a non-profit organization, we rely on sponsorships from many businesses and realize many of them are struggling too, and don’t want to be a further burden to them. We are hope(ful) to find a way to help the youth that have been raising livestock to sell at the fair.”

Organizers urged people to watch for future announcements at marquettecountyfair.org and on its Facebook page.

“Since the grounds will be mostly empty for the summer it will give us an opportunity to do some freshening up of some well-used areas, including the bathrooms and information booth,” the post read. “We look forward to welcoming you all back August 12, 13, 14 of 2021.”

The Alger County Fair Board also voted on Tuesday to cancel its fair, which had been set for July 31-Aug. 2.

History center planning to open

The Marquette Regional History Center and its J.M. Longyear Research Library have planned to open to the public on June 15 after being closed to visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health and safety measures will be put in place by staff to open the facility’s galleries and library safely, organizers said in an announcement.

The current special exhibit, “Vote and Be Counted: Local Elections and the Census,” has been extended through July 3.

Exhibit dates for “The Great Outdoors: The History of Recreation in Marquette County,” are July 20-Jan. 23, 2021.

For more information, to renew a membership or to make a donation, visit www.marquettehistory.org.

VA moves forward with services

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, based in Iron Mountain, is working on a plan to reintroduce health care services as the VA starts reopening after the COVID-19 shutdowns. The facility was to have begun expanding some services on Tuesday.

The OGJVAMC was to have started marginally increased specialty care at the main facility first. These specialty care clinics include: primary care, urology, endoscopy, pain management, neurology, oncology, mental health, home-based primary care, outpatient lab services, radiology and pharmacy- counseling room for walk-in pickups.

All other clinics will resume services at the main facility in Iron Mountain on June 22.

The VA community-based outpatient clinics are scheduled to expand services on the following dates: June 15 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and Sault Ste. Marie; June 29 in Ironwood and Manistique; June 30 in Hancock and Marquette; and July 1 in Menominee.

The OGJVAMC will continue to maximize personalized virtual care options such as telehealth, phone consults and wellness checks, officials said in a release.

Scheduling appointments for face-to-face services will be made in a structured manner considering the risk and urgency factors of the individual veteran. Staff safety and resource considerations will guide expansions and scheduling decisions.

Although face-to-face visits are increasing, walk-in clinics are not open at this time.

Only patients with a confirmed, scheduled appointment should go to the facility unless they are experiencing an urgent medical issue.

Veterans are also encouraged to go to the facility no earlier than 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment to assist in maintaining physical distancing. Urgent medical and mental health care remains open and available.

Veterans who wish to be seen should call 906-774-3300, ext. 33115, to make an appointment.

Test availability

addressed

Michigan is working to ensure that anyone who needs a COVID-19 test can get one. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services are alerting Michiganders that diagnostic COVID-19 testing for those who meet testing criteria should be covered by most health insurance plans without any out-of-pocket cost.

There are various ways that test costs may be covered, and resources are available to help answer questions, according to the State Emergency Operation Center.

As of March, federal law requires most insurance plans to cover — at no out-of-pocket cost — diagnostic COVID-19 testing and related services provided by a health care provider.

These plans include individual and group health insurance plans offered on and off the Health Insurance Marketplace, employer-based plans, non-federal governmental plans and church plans.

Related services that are covered at no cost include office visits, both in-person and telehealth; urgent care visits; and emergency department visits related to testing for COVID-19.

Consumers with health insurance who are seeking COVID-19 testing should contact their insurance company to find out what is covered if they plan to be tested at a site that requires upfront payment or indicates they will be billed for the test.

Some insurance companies may be required, for tax reasons, to reimburse consumers for out-of-pocket costs, rather than paying those costs directly to health care providers.

Insured consumers who pay upfront or receive a bill for COVID-19 testing should contact their insurance company for assistance.

Consumers who are unable to resolve the issue with their insurance company can contact DIFS for assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442, or file a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

In accordance with federal law, consumers with Medicaid or Medicare may also receive a no-cost COVID-19 test and related services from a health care provider. Medicare beneficiaries who believe they have been charged inappropriately may call 800-MEDICARE, while Medicaid beneficiaries should call 800-642-3195.

To find a testing site, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirustest or call 888-535-6136.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net