Just a little, “THANK YOU JEN!” first from a texter, then the rest of the community, to La Crosse County’s health director

She was in the midst of answering COVID-19 questions for the umpteenth time.

It was at least the second time La Crosse County Health director Jen Rombalski had been on WIZM this week. And, take note, it was only Tuesday.

But, in the midst of answering all the questions on La Crosse Talk PM, one text came in from City Council member Gary Padesky that simply said, “THANK YOU JEN!”

Then more texts flooded in, also giving thanks to the health director, who’s had to learn on the fly about a global pandemic and keep the community informed and educated.

Of course, Rombalski was appreciative and humble from the text. She then passed on the credit, first to her team, next to everyone else.

“First of all, thanks for the thanks,” she said on La Crosse Talk PM. “Gratitude is always wonderful. I will tell you, it’s not just me, it’s a team. And, really, just passionate people who want to try and help our community. It’s really cool to work with a bunch like that.”

But, she wasn’t done there. Rombalski also understood that, while she’s working hard to inform everyone about this virus — Taking, who knows how many questions about the flu vs. COVID-19? — she knows a lot of people are making sacrifices, too.

“All of our citizens and residents are a big part of that, because we can’t do that without all of you guys helping us, by changing your behaviors, which is a tough ask,” she added.

Following the lead of Padesky — who is the newest La Crosse County Board member, as well — and everyone else who texted La Crosse Talk PM on Tuesday, from WIZM and Mid-West Family, “THANK YOU JEN!” and we’re sorry we don’t have a better picture. But that’s your fault with all this social distancing.