Van Orden talks federal funding for Chippewa Co. morgue in CF visit
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Plans to renovate or replace the Chippewa County morgue received a financial boost recently, as the county has received $600,000 in federal aid towards the project.
U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, inserted the funding request in legislation that President Donald Trump signed into law in February. It is the same measure that provided $2.25 million to upgrade the water system at an Altoona mobile home park.
Van Orden spoke at the Chippewa County Courthouse on Monday about getting the funding for the county.
“This is about how government is supposed to work,” Van Orden said. “You need anything, just reach out to our office. I’m very proud we got this done.”
The county is once again using the morgue at the former HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, now owned and operated by the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative. After HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital closed in March 2024, Chippewa County used a funeral home in Altoona until the hospital recently reopened.
Chippewa County Administrator Andy Albarado said early estimates to either upgrade the existing morgue or construct a new facility are likely about $1.3 million. The county board previously set aside $750,000. There is currently no timeline for when the county might begin renovations or construct a new facility elsewhere.
“This funding gives us flexibility,” Albarado said at the event Monday outside the courthouse. “We have a few options.”
The hospital is more than 60 years old and Coroner Ron Patten noted that some upgrades are needed.
“It would be nice if we had a space to get the coroner van in,” Patten said.
Patten said the building also needs more space for records, and a better viewing area for people to observe a corpse.
While Patten is pleased that Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative has reopened the former HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, he said the county doesn’t want to be in the position where a private organization could close the morgue again. He added that CVHC doesn’t charge the county for having the morgue there.
“Right now, we’re okay, as long as they allow us to [use the space],” Patten said. “But we’d like a permanent space.”
Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes praised Van Orden for securing the money for the county. He noted it is the second time Van Orden has provided federal funding for local law enforcement.
“We’re very grateful he stepped up and kept a promise,” Hakes said.
In an unrelated topic, Van Orden was asked about ICE agents working at 13 airports nationwide on Monday. Van Orden noted he has now voted four times to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, which would include money for TSA workers at airports as well as FEMA staff. He urged Democrats to get the funding issue resolved.
“These are hard-working — a lot of them are union workers — and they need to get paid,” Van Orden said.