Portage County Executive John Pavelski begins 'temporary' medical leave of absence

STEVENS POINT - Portage County Executive John Pavelski began a temporary medical leave of absence Monday, according to a news release from the executive's office.

The Tuesday release asks for privacy for Pavelski and says, “county officials and staff send our best wishes to John and look forward to his return in the near future.”

Wisconsin state statute regarding the role of the county executive says in the event a county executive is unable to serve in the role “because of mental or physical disease” their responsibilities and powers go to the current county board chairperson. In Portage County, Ray Reser, District 25 supervisor, was elected to the chairperson role in April following his reelection to the board .

Reser told a Stevens Point Journal reporter he was informed of Pavelski’s leave mid-day Monday. There is no current timeline for Pavelski’s return and any future updates will be released by the county.

Local weather news: Thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday could bring heavy rain, hail and tornadoes to Wausau, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield

More local news Two Wisconsin Rapids residents hospitalized after motorcycle crash in Portage County

Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Portage County Executive John Pavelski begins 'temporary' medical leave of absence