While Peterson never formally requested a medical leave of absence, he dropped off a similar note at the village office in August and stopped showing up to the office or meetings.

Prior to providing the village with the note, Peterson was reportedly hospitalized with stress-related symptoms.

Peterson has been the focal point of controversy in the village since taking office at the beginning of the year. Trustees have accused Peterson of obstructing attempts to recover missing court funds, of with holding information pertinent to legal actions involving the village, of using his office to retaliate against political opponents, of abusing the powers of his office and of harassing village employees.

There was no other communication from Peterson with the new doctor's note, which is signed by a physician from Pembroke Family Medicine and dated Dec. 19.

The previous doctor's note gave him clearance to resume his elected duties at the beginning of January.

His term ends at the close of 2014.