By Joseph Snook
Investigative Reporter
Manitowoc, WI – February, 2011 – After nearly two years of investigating the reported eight-years of abuse against seventy-five year old, Shigeko Skarvan, the truth regarding her alleged abuse by the State of Wisconsin is making headlines and progress.
Shigeko’s current court appointed legal guardian, Sharon Stelzer has verbally committed to the US~Observer that Shigeko will obtain independent (not on state or medical facility payroll) medical and psychological exams to prove or disprove the accusations that Shigeko has been wrongfully diagnosed and held against her will at Trempealeau County Health Care Center.
On February 14, 2011 and after numerous articles have been published on this case, Stelzer was finally willing to talk. She stated during our conversation that Shigeko, her cousin by marriage, was well taken care of at Trempealeau County Health Care Center. Stelzer stated that Shigeko has medical conditions that require assistance and would be willing to have independent medical and psychological doctors conduct an exam to finally prove or disprove the allegations that have reportedly kept Shigeko confined for nearly eight years. Stelzer stated that Shigeko is a diabetic and requires daily insulin injections, has to eat pureed foods due to a throat problem and suffers from bi-polar disorder, which she takes minimal medications for.
Stelzer went further to comment that the allegations of Shigeko’s wrongfully diagnosed medical conditions were completely false, and that Shigeko in fact, does suffer from said conditions. Shigeko suffered greatly after her husband, also Stelzer’s cousin and war-veteran Harlan Skarvan passed away according to Stelzer. “Shigeko was ‘different’ after Harlan’s death and would have been better off returning to her immediate family in Japan” said Stelzer.
During my conversation with Stelzer, I explained the concerns that everyone involved, including many of former Governor Dole’s staff (read previous articles) passed the responsibility of being accountable around like a hot-potato. I explained to Stelzer that my prior attempts to contact her were to simply find the truth. Stelzer was informative, polite and seemingly concerned during our conversation.
Putting this case to rest will rely on the final reports made by the independent doctors. Had it not been for Stelzer wanting to disprove the allegations, Shigeko would still be allegedly held against her will and on medications for medical conditions that have been reported as false. Had it not been for Shigeko’s friend, Robert Neuser contacting the US~Observer, these medical exams would not be taking place.
If you have any information regarding this case, or any case concerning elder abuse, please contact the US~Observer immediately at 541-474-7885.
