Community News Stories

Mabel-Canton Schools- During the school closure related to the COVID-19 VIRUS, FREE cold sack Breakfast and Lunches are available to ANY child ages 0-18 years old, no matter what school they attend.  Please contact Jane Hall at jhall@mabelcanton.org or TEXT ONLY 507-272-9363

De Soto School District- School buses will be delivering the meals which may also come with homework assignments, and educational materials.  “Go Bags” will also be available at Stoddard Elementary, De Soto Middle/High School, and Prairie View Elementary for parent or student pick-up between 7:30-8:30 a.m. weekday mornings.

Seneca School District-  Click on the link to order meals for your children. It is currently set up through April 3rd. We will add additional dates if the closure continues. Please take advantage of this even if you feel your family does not NEED it. It’s great for our school and will provide some normalcy and familiarity to the children. https://forms.gle/Bwn59JyoyNMLS3ew8

Allamakee Community School District Waukon, IA- Grab N’ Go Meals for all children 18 and under.  Drive-Thru Pick Up Meal Services at Waukon Middle School.

Breakfast 7:30am-8:30 am

Lunch 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Monday through Friday March 20, 2020 until school reopens

Postville School Distrcit Postville, IA- Grab-n-Go School Lunches from 11:30-12:00 for all K-12 students at the Elementary building.  Please bring your backpack or plastic grocery sack to carry out your meals.

Eastern Allamakee School District Lansing & New Albin, IA- Grab & Go lunch for all children 18 and younger.  Pick up between 11:30-1230 Monday-Friday. Lunch available at Lansing and New Albin Centers.

MFL MAR-MAC School District-  Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch for children at all communities which will be served by our district. These are FREE meals offered to all children 18 years of age and younger.  Students in need of Grab & Go Meals are invited to pick up at the designated locations listed below at 8 a.m. and noon, Monday – Friday, during the shutdown.

*McGregor

School Lunchroom

In front of McGregor Public Library

Breezy Point Shelter

*Marquette

Marquette Bench Diamond/Park

Marquette Under Bridge Park Parking Lot

*Farmersburg

City Park

St. John’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot

*Luana

St. John’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot

Park by Post Office

*Monona

School Lunchroom

Community Center Parking Lot

Howard-Winneshiek School District Cresco, IA-   Students will continue to receive both their school breakfast and lunch. Complete this form if you want school breakfast and lunch meals during the COVID-19 school closing.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hwcovid19

South Winneshiek School District- Grab and Go” meals will be available beginning Monday, March March 23, and distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00-12:30.  Meals will be distributed throughout the district in Calmar, Festina, Ossian and Spillville.

Calmar  – South Winneshiek High School (southside by the high school office)

Festina  – Festina Community Center

Ossian – east/back door of the St. Teresa of Calcutta School

Spillville – Spillville School parking lot

Register here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfx4EWyr9tlVPuG9HhIWDA5P_1ORSfdPpjmQz8PnbHyzwNhCg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Turkey Valley Schools- Free meals for children 18 and under.  Carry out breakfast and lunch will be provided. No identification or proof of school enrollment is required.

Curbside pick up at these locations:

Lawler- In front of library- Monday, Wednesday, Friday.  11-11:30AM

Fort Atkinson- Community Center- Monday, Wednesday.  Friday. 11-11:30AM

Protivin- Post Office- Monday, Wednesday, Friday.  11:45-12:15PM

St. Lucas- Church Parking Lot- Monday, Wednesday, Friday.  11-11:30AM

Waucoma- City Park- Monday, wednesday, Friday.  11:45-12:15PM

New Hampton School District- Drop off/pick up lunches and breakfast will begin on Wednesday, March 18th, at locations throughout the district from 11:30-12:30. Contact the school to sign up your child/children. If you have children who are not in school yet, meals can also be provided.

1. 1. New Hampton-Mikkelson Park and Elementary Playground
   2. Ionia- City Park
   3. Alta Vista- City Parking Lot
   4. North Washington-Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Parking Lot
   5. Jerico- Jerico Jo’s
   6. Hwy 63/18 Junction- Parking lot next to Ameritec

Caledonia School District- Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting Thursday, March 19th thru March 27th.

Caledonia Area Elementary School will be between 11:00-12:30 Monday through Friday

Drive into parking lot off Main Street and wait by the red cone for a staff person to bring the bags to your vehicle, please exit the parking/playground onto Grove Street.

Eitzen ——- Bus will be there about 11:30 near City Hall

Freeberg ——-Bus will be there about 11:30 near Community Center

Brownsville ——Bus will be there about 11:30 near City Hall/Community Center

Spring Grove Schools- FREE Meals are available for children 18 and under. Parents, if you haven’t already, please complete the survey so that we have a good idea of the number of meals to plan for. https://forms.gle/iQsQ975eJ21AyuaS8

When you pick up meals you might want to bring a reusable bag and a small cooler for cold items.

North Crawford School District- Meal deliveries within the district.  Please put a cooler near your front door for us to leave the food in. Contact Jen Kapinus at jkapinus@ncrawford.k12.wi.us or 608-735-7213.

Black Hills Energy Continues Focus on Customer and Employee Health and Safety in Response to Covid-19

Grimes, Ia. – March 20, 2020 – Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of our customers, employees and communities. We continue actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and have measures in place to ensure we continue to serve our customers in a way that is safe for everyone.

“We take the health and safety of our customers and employees very seriously and are committed to making practical decisions to appropriately protect all parties as our communities deal with the COVID-19 threat,” states Shirley Welte, vice president of operations. “We continue to closely monitor the frequently evolving environment and assess our processes alongside those developments.”

The company continues to work closely with local health, public safety and government officials to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the impact of service to customers.  Some of the actions the company has taken include:

• Black Hills Energy is temporarily suspending nonpayment disconnections for our customers. We realize that due to possible extended periods of isolation, customers may face financial hardships effecting their ability to timely pay their energy bills. Please visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/ to explore options to assist in those hardships.
• To minimize the potential spreading of COVID-19 Black Hills Energy will be asking customers who have had a fever, or dry cough within the last 48 hours to consider postponing non-emergency service calls.
• Crews will continue to respond to all emergency calls and will be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and following health practices as recommended by the CDC and other health organizations.
• Employee travel has been limited to mission critical purposes.
• A work from home policy has been implemented for all employees who are able to do so.
• Paid leave is being provided for employees who test positive or are put under quarantine.
• All on-site meetings with consultants and gatherings of over ten people have been postponed and electronic communications are encouraged when possible.

Black Hills Energy is committed to serving the needs of our customers while also having the privilege and responsibility of providing an essential service that our communities rely on.  The company will continue to do its part to reduce the spread of the virus and take action as needed to support the health and safety of its employees, customers and communities.

###

Media Contact

Nicole Breitbach                       (563) 235-7854
nicole.breitbach@blackhillscorp.com

24-Hour Media Assistance        888-242-3969

About Black Hills Energy

Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 1.28 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.

Drive-up or walk-up window will be open regular hours
ATM’s accept deposits and provide cash withdrawals
Online and Mobile Banking: view your balances, transactions and statements
Online applications for residential real estate, credit card, and checking/savings accounts
Deposit Checks by means of our Mobile App: snap a picture of your check to deposit into your
Kerndt Brothers Bank account
Set-up direct deposit to have peace of mind knowing your paycheck is in your account
Pay your bills through Online and Mobile Banking
Bank by mail
Drop your deposit in the Night Drop
As of March 19, 2020
LOBBY ACCESS
Kerndt Brothers Bank values the health of its staff and customers. We continue to monitor
recommendations from health agencies, and, for that reason, regular lobby access will be temporarily
limited.
If you need access to the lobby to enter your safe deposit box or meet with a banker please call your
local branch to make arrangements for a convenient time.
ALTERNATIVE BANKING CHANNELS
The bank offers many banking channels that enable our customers to meet their financial needs:
Many services to accommodate 24 hours a day:
BANKING INTO THE FUTURE
We continue to monitor the situation and may make changes to this schedule. A current schedule will
be maintained at www.kerndtbrothers.com and Kerndt Brothers Facebook site.
America’s financial foundation is dependent on its banks’ service to the community. Kerndt Brothers
Bank intends to remain open and serve its communities.
Thank you,
Jim Kerndt
800·577·5272

Effective March 23, 2020, Winneshiek Medical Center is deferring all elective care (care that can wait until later without putting you at risk).

This includes elective surgeries, procedures and office visits. Semi-urgent, urgent and  emergency care will continue in clinic and hospital settings. This deferment is in alignment with Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Health System.

If you have an appointment already scheduled, Winneshiek Medical Center staff will be contacting you to reschedule, if necessary.

Thank you for your understanding as we prepare our facility to respond to the needs of our communities.

Visitor restrictions updates:

• Visiting hours are from 8:30 am – 8:30 pm for “well” visitors only.
• Well includes:
  • No fever
  • No cough
  • No sore throat
  • No achiness
• Visitors must be over the age of 18.
• There is a one-visitor limit per inpatient stay (same visitor for the duration of the patient stay).
• A spouse/support person is the allowed visitor in the OB department.
• All visitors must clean their hands before entering any patient room— WMC provides hand sanitizer wall dispensers throughout the facility.
• All visitors will be screened prior to entering the facility.

507 W. Water St., Decorah, IA 52101
563.382.3990
Kristina@DecorahAreaChamber.com

March 19, 2020
Kristina Wiltgen, Executive Director
Buy now. Shop later.
The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting the local business community. As
a community we have supported each other through many difficult times and this time will be no
different.
The times are uncertain; the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to business and
community is not. In response to COVID-19, our office is closed to the public and our in-person meetings
and programs are postponed but we will continue to provide resources, engagement and leadership.
Remember all the businesses that have donated to your clubs, events and organizations? They’re calling
in a favor. Help us answer the call. The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a one stop shop
for all your local gift card purchases. Visit www.DecorahAreaChamber.com to support 35 (and counting!)
local businesses by purchasing gift cards.
We understand the difficulty our local businesses, and our local economy, will have in the coming
weeks or months. Many businesses are closed or operating under reduced hours or services.
Purchasing gift cards will support local business now while allowing you to shop as soon as doors are
open again.
Business hasn’t stopped, and neither has the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about
how we’re supporting you and how we can support each other by
visiting www.DecorahAreaChamber.com.
The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce mission is to be the trusted resource in the business
community for advocacy, collaboration, and education.

Houston County Resource List Last updated March 19, 2020 (This list will be updated as much as possible. If you have an update, please comment on the post with this link at the top of the Houston County Emergency Management Facebook page. Also check that post for the most recent updates.) 

What You Need to Know: 

• As of 3/18, there is a shortage of test kits in Minnesota. At this time, priority of testing is for hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, and long-term care residents.
• IF YOU HAVE ANY GENERAL SYMPTOMS: PLEASE STAY HOME. Any respiratory symptoms may be attributed to COVID-19. Stay home at least 7 days after symptoms go away, or at least 3 days after your fever leaves.
• Mayo Clinic: If you are showing any sign of possible COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your local health provider. Your provider or a nurse will direct you to our dedicated COVID-19 Nurse Line.
• Gundersen: Call your primary care provider or call our Telephone Nurse Advisors (24/7, 365): 608-775-4454 or 800-858-1050.

City Services & Businesses Information Table of Contents Brownsville ………………………………………………………………………………………………….2 Caledonia ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Eitzen …………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Freeburg ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Hokah …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 Houston ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 La Crescent …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7 Spring Grove ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

1

Brownsville Essential Services: 

• Located at the City Hall/Community Center, bus will be there around 11:30 Monday – Friday. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.

Restaurants & Food: 

• Saxon Hall: Regular menu available as take out and delivery (delivery only to city limits of Brownsville and not on gravel roads)

2

Caledonia Essential Services: 

• FOOD SHELF: Donations of both food and money are needed. They are looking specifically for: hot dogs, hot dog buns, canned pasta, 2 lb packages of hamburger, hamburger helper. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays at normal times.
• Caledonia City Hall, Police Station, Public Library: CLOSED until further notice. City staff will be available by phone at 507-725-3450 and by email. Non-emergency police assistance: 507-725- 3889. Utility bills can be paid using the box outside city hall, by calling 507-725-3450, or online through Payment Service Network, which can be accessed through the city website. All debit/credit surcharges through phone payments are waived.
• Located at the Caledonia Elementary School between 11:00-12:30 Monday – Friday through March 27: Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.
• Caledonia Community Giving is available with volunteers if you have needs at this time. Contact them via facebook @Caledoniachampions.

Restaurants & Food: 

• AJ’s Bar & Grill: Full menu pickup or delivery (3-mile radius). Open Wednesday-Friday to start, weekend to be determined.
• Caledonia Bakery: Limiting the number of customers in the bakery at a time. You can call to place your order and staff will bring it out to you in your car. You can also call ahead. Normal business hours.
• Chuck’s Old-Fashioned Meats: Normal hours, offering delivery arrangements after 6 pm by calling 507-725-BEEF (2333).
• Elsie’s: Regular menu available as pickup and delivery. Pickup window is the window next to the telephone booth on the north side of the building.
• The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts: CLOSED until further notice.
• Redwood Café: Hours 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday – Sunday, Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Carry- out services ONLY (NO dine-in service). Call 507-725-2270 for your order.
• Wired Rooster: Selling all perishables on discount until sold. Once perishables are sold, they are closed until March 27th

Community: 

• Buckboard: Closed until further notice
• Caledonia Argus: Offices closed during business hours. You can contact via Facebook, email, or call the office at 507-724-3475. Virus-related stories posted to website free of charge.
• MAAD Alley: CLOSED through March 27th
• Mary Ann’s Floral/Pine Cone Place: Open with normal hours. Spring Open House has been cancelled.

3

Eitzen Essential Services: 

• City Hall: Remaining open at this time during normal hours.
• Located at City Hall, the bus will be there around 11:30 Monday – Friday through March 27. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.
• To get signed up for meals on wheels (or to help deliver meals), call: 507-864-8228

Restaurants & Food: 

• Gater’s Bar & Grill is offering carry-out food from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm daily. Hours of operations are 11:00 – 7:00 daily with off-sale available.

Freeburg Essential Services: 

• Located at the Community Center, the bus will be there around 11:30 Monday – Friday through March 27. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.

4

Hokah Essential Services: 

• Hokah City Offices: Closed to the public starting Wednesday, March 18 and may last two weeks or longer. City staff will be available to assist citizens by phone at 507-894-4990 and by email. Non-emergency city police assistance: 507-894-4777.
• Hokah Public Library: Closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 pm until further notice.
• La Crescent Schools will be providing student meals. Please contact your child’s school building office or the food service department to get on the list. This is for all students in the community including the Montessori school and private/home school children. Locations and times for services are:

o La Crescent Mayo Clinic lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o Dresbach-By Bobcat 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o La Crescent Pool Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o High School Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o Hokah Fire Hall 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o Brownsville Community Center 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM

• To get signed up for meals on wheels or to volunteer to deliver, call: 507-864-8228.

Community: 

• Hokah Firefighters Association Gun Raffle: Postponed until May 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Hokah City Hall.

5

Houston Essential Services: 

• City Hall: Closed to the public until further notice. Drop off your city payments in the drop box to the right of the door. Call the office at 507-896-4033 if you need assistance.
• Community Center, Nature Center, Library: Closed until further notice.
• Student Lunches: Houston Schools will be providing meal bundles (breakfast, lunch, snack). To sign up for the meal bundle or just lunch (typical meal prices), call 507-896-5323, option 8. State your name, names of children for whom you want meals, if you want lunch or the meal bundle, which weekdays you’d like it prepared, the time between 10:00 – 1:00 you can pick up OR the need for delivery due to lack of transportation or medical fragility and give your address.
• To get signed up for meals on wheels or to volunteer to deliver, call: 507-864-8228.

Restaurants & Food: 

• Barista’s Coffee House: Normal hours and all orders are made to go.

Community: 

• Valley High Golf Club: Closed until March 28.

6

La Crescent Essential Services: 

• FOOD SHELF: Open normal hours at the curb of the new location: 436 South 6th Street. They are providing pre-packed bags of food. New phone number is 507-895-1115. If you would like to donate financially, write your check to “La Crescent Food Shelf” and mail it to the HCP Center at 333 Main Street, La Crescent, MN 55947 or give online at https://givemn.org/story/LaCrescentFoodShelf
• City Hall: After 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, offices will be closed to the public. Staff will be on hand to answer questions via phone. Main office line: 507-895-2595. For other numbers, visit the City of La Crescent Facebook page or the city website. You may place water payments in the dropbox outside the front door. Permits can be done online via the city website. You can renew your license plate tabs online at www.dvs.dps.mn.gov.
• La Crescent Schools will be providing student meals. Please contact your child’s school building office or the food service department to get on the list. This is for all students in the community including the Montessori school and private/home school children. Locations and times for services are:

o La Crescent Mayo Clinic lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o Dresbach-By Bobcat 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o La Crescent Pool Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o High School Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o Hokah Fire Hall 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM o Brownsville Community Center 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM

• La Crescent Senior Dining is offering delivery only to all clients. You can sign up to be on the delivery route or to help volunteer by calling 507-864-8231.
• To get on the meals on wheels list or to volunteer to deliver, please call 507-895-6585.

Transportation: 

• As of 3/18, Apple Express is still operating normally. Visit La Crosse MTU Facebook page for the most up to date information. Community: 
• Chamber of Commerce: Monthly membership meeting March 18th CANCELLED.

7

Spring Grove Essential Services: 

• During the mandated school closure, Spring Grove Schools will be serving free meals (breakfast and lunch) to all children under the age of 18. Meals will be grab n’ go. Pick up times are between 11:00 – 12:30 on regularly scheduled school days. You can pick up at Door 1 of the school or at Viking Memorial Park, either at the white school van or at the log cabin. If you would like your child to receive meals, please fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/ZpmPafiwt6scQeg6A
• Spring Grove City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Payments can be left in the drop box next to the front door or by the back garage. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 507-498-5221. Staff will be available 8-5 Monday through Friday. Public restrooms at the log cabin and fest building are closed until further notice.
• To get on the meals on wheels list or to volunteer to deliver, please call: 507-498-3385.
• If you need more resources about what is available and community happenings, please check out the Caring For Our Neighbors, Spring Grove Area Facebook page.

Restaurants & Food: 

• Doc’s Blue Moose is closed temporarily due to the severity of the pandemic.
• Ivy Grove Café is open regular hours with carry out orders ONLY. Call 507-498-5450 to order.
• The Lounge in The Corner is off-sale only from 12 pm – 10 pm through March 27.
• Red’s IGA will shop for you. Drive up to the coffee shop drive thru window, hand your list to a barista, and they will get your order ready. You may pick up your order after an hour.

Community: 

• Spring Grove Cinema is closed until further notice.

8

Winneshiek County Emergency Management
400 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 387-4095
ssnyder@co.winneshiek.ia.us
March 18, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Winneshiek County Emergency Management
Contact: Sean Snyder, Coordinator
RE: SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
On March 9, 2020 Governor Reynolds signed a state of Iowa Disaster Proclamation pertaining to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Winneshiek County signed a local Disaster Declaration on Monday March 16,
2020.
Important Information for Small Businesses in Iowa Affected by COVID-19 – Latest Update on
SBA Disaster Assistance (as of March 16, 2020 – 5:00 p.m. CST)
Here is the latest information we have regarding disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA).
We’re waiting on Iowa to be designated as eligible for small businesses in the state to apply for
assistance in the form of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Because these are Economic Injury
loans, the rules require each state to demonstrate economic losses to SBA before we can declare the
counties within a state as eligible to apply for the loans. The Governor’s Office has been working with
SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance to get the appropriate statistics for the application. Unfortunately,
we don’t have a timetable as to when a decision will be made, but hopefully it will be soon.
Small businesses who have been impacted and want to pass their information on to the state are
encouraged to reach out to their County Emergency Management office. They will then provide
statistics on the number of affected businesses to the state as part of Iowa’s application to SBA.
Eligible businesses would apply directly to SBA for assistance as EIDL is a direct loan program.
As soon a declaration is made in Iowa, we will be getting the word out from our office through every
means we have. You can also go to www.sba.gov/disaster, click on the “Apply for Assistance” button
and then click on “Eligible Disaster Areas” and search “Iowa” to see what’s available. The most recent
declaration will be at the top and that’s where you’ll find information on the COVID 19 EIDL Loans as
soon as Iowa is declared eligible. This website is also where businesses will apply for these loans
once Iowa is declared eligible.
Winneshiek County Emergency Management
400 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 387-4095
ssnyder@co.winneshiek.ia.us
We also have a Website that encompasses ALL the information we have available for Small Business
related to COVID-19. We encourage you to check it out.
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) – https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirusdisease-2019-covid-19.
For additional information please contact the Winneshiek County Emergency Management office at
563-387-4095 or ssnyder@co.winneshiek.ia.us. Email is preferred at this time due to the high number
of phone calls being received.
This is an official Emergency Management press release. Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written
consent of the author. Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication.
###

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020
Contact: Krista Vanden Brink BA, RN Nancy Sacquitne RN, BSN
kvandenbrink@winneshiekhealth.org nsacquitne@winneshiekhealth.org
First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Winneshiek County
A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Winneshiek County. According to the
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.
“While this is Winneshiek County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all
residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Winneshiek County Public Health Director
Krista VandenBrink.
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.
Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness.
Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have
COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house. Stay home
and isolate from others in the house until:
• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of
medicine that reduces fevers)
AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have
improved)
AND
• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in
the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider
from home using technology.
If additional questions, we encourage use of the 2-1-1 call line.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/EmergingHealth-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at
@IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.
###

Update Coronavirus

Gov. Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan effective at noon March 17, 2020 for Covid-19 response.

Social Distancing remains a main focus of concern.  Mass gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited at ALL locations and venues, this includes festivals, conventions, fundraisers, and parades. This is important in slowing the spread of disease.

Restaurants and bars were ordered closed and many local establishments are offering take-outs or carry outs. Please call your local favorite and support them BUT call them first.

It remains essential that each individual covers their cough, washes their hands often, and stays home if not feeling well.

If you are an elderly person or someone in the high-risk category, please make every effort to stay home and away from public locations. Businesses have made changes to allow curbside, carry out, pick-up deliveries so call them and check out your options.

Ask your family first or perhaps ask a neighbor to assist you with running your errands such as picking up needed groceries or medication.

Limit visitors into your home if you are in the high-risk category. Have visitors wash their hands and maintain the social distance of six (6) feet, if they must come in.

Reminder to all residents that you must NOT use anything but toilet paper in the toilets. That is the only things that breaks down properly to avoid damage to yours and the municipal sewer pipes. Do NOT flush wipes down the toilet, put them in the trash!

If questions, regarding the Coronavirus, please call the Iowa Department of Public Health call line at 2-1-1.

Check out www.cdc.gov/covid19 or www.iowa.idph.gov  and look for COVID-19 resources for more information.

Own your energy future. Go solar today! The Winneshiek solar fair is no longer happening at the county fairgrounds.  Instead visit energydistrict.org/solarfair on Saturday, March 21st at 10 am for a live stream solar presentation and Q&A with Joel Zook, energy planner.  Get the tools you need to go solar in 2020 from the comfort of your own home!    This event is generously sponsored by Decorah Bank and Trust and Wennes Communications

Vosseteig Funeral Homes Press Release Re: COVID-19

For Immediate Release

March 18, 2020

Vosseteig Funeral Homes Press Release Re: COVID-19

The health and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. We want to assure you that Vosseteig Funeral Home is taking proactive measures to help prevent the spread of any potential illness. We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization’s statements, along with Wisconsin Department of Health Services, regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following guidelines from these agencies and our local health departments.

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Governor Tony Evers announced an emergency order banning mass gatherings of 10 people or more. Funeral homes are not exempt from this. This presents an obvious challenge in gathering families for funeral services. Recognizing loss is a human instinct and is a vital component to the healing process. Simply put, funerals are important. Yet, in times of critical health importance, we stand with these difficult decisions made to protect public health.

We are handling this situation by honoring family requests, and please know we are not cancelling any events. However, events will need to be limited to 10 people in our facilities at a time.

Please make an extra effort to support those that have lost a loved one during this time. Your support is more important than ever with the added stress of these extraordinary circumstances. For those who refrain from coming for any events you are encouraged to leave messages for the family on our website, www.vossfh.com or on our Facebook page.

Losing a friend or family member is never easy, and we are very aware that these unsettling times can amplify feelings of grief and anxiety. Please know that we are here for anything else you may need to honor life, support loved ones, and initiate the healing process. Do not hesitate to reach out with concerns, questions, or if you need someone to talk to we are here day and night for our community.

Our prayers go out to those affected by the recent changes.

*****We request that guests who are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath or have been in contact with or have recently traveled to any of the affected countries refrain from visiting the funeral home at this time*****

Please free to call us with any questions. (608) 637-2100

MiEnergy Cooperative offices close to the public

Co-op makes changes to annual meeting

Rushford, MN (11 a.m. March 18, 2020)— As of today, MiEnergy Cooperative’s offices in Cresco, Iowa and Rushford, Minn. are closed to the public until further notice due to COVID-19. Members are encouraged to call the cooperative at 800-432-2285 if they would like to talk with someone regarding electric service as employees are working and crews will continue to respond to outage calls 24/7.

Members who normally come into the office to make a payment can drop off payments in the drop box at the office locations. Other alternatives include using the payment phone line (1-877-853-6517) or submitting a payment online through SmartHub (www.MiEnergy.coop).

ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION NOTICE

The date was set, the announcement was made, the ballots will be mailed, but due to COVID-19 precautions, MiEnergy Cooperative will not have an annual meeting for members to attend on April 22.

The elections for District 1 board directors will continue as planned. A ballot package will be mailed to members living in District 1 on March 20 with details on how to vote. Contrary to what the cover letter will say with the package, as it was already pre-printed for mailing prior to changes due to the pandemic, members will not be able to cast their ballot in person.

“Information in the ballot package will explain how to cast a vote by mail with the paper ballot or online with an electronic ballot. There will be no in-person option,” explained Brian Krambeer, MiEnergy’s president and CEO. “Consistent with our bylaws, mail ballots and electronic ballots will be counted toward a member quorum to allow for director elections to proceed.”

MiEnergy’s directors will meet on April 22 to accept the elections results and adjourn the meeting. Results of the elections will be made available.

An independent firm is collecting and tabulating the ballots. Security measures are in place to protect the confidentiality of votes and to prevent duplicate voting. The cooperative encourages its members living in District 1 to submit their vote by mail or online. All details on how to submit a ballot are included with the mailed ballot package. No ballots will be accepted at MiEnergy’s office locations or in payment drop boxes.

MiEnergy Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative and is the result of a merger between Hawkeye REC, of Cresco, Iowa and Tri-County Electric Cooperative, of Rushford, Minn. in 2017. It maintains 5,500 miles of power lines covering most of Fillmore, Houston and Winona counties in Minnesota and Chickasaw, Howard and Winneshiek counties in Iowa. The cooperative also serves small pockets bordering those counties. It provides electricity to more than 18,800 members in northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota. MiEnergy is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Spring Grove Public Schools is eligible to serve Free Meals (Breakfast and Lunch) to ALL children under the age of 18 during this mandated school closure.  We encourage familes to take advantage to this opportunity. 

We will not be able to serve meals in the cafeteria, therefore meals will be Grab ‘n Go and “bundled”. When you or your child/ren pick up lunch, breakfast for the following morning will also be included. Meals will be standard and will include all required meal components. Janet will be working on a menu for next week that we will publish. 

Pick-up times will be from 11:00 am. to 12:30 p.m. on regularly scheduled school days. Locations for pick-up are: Spring Grove Schools, Door #1 (Main Entry) and Viking Memorial Park, either the white school van or the log cabin (depending in weather). 

Please complete the survey below as we are trying to determine how many meals we should tenatively plan for. We want all children that want or need a meal to have one. We will put out another survey at the end of this week, for next week. 

If you have any questions, please email me at tanya.elton@springgrove.k12.mn.us. 

Thank you for your patricipation! 

https://forms.gle/ZpmPafiwt6sCQeg6A

NEICAC Family Services & Food Pantries Still Serving Residents

For immediate release –

Decorah, Iowa

March 18, 2020

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) will continue operations in all service area county Family Services offices. In following recommendations, offices will not be seeing customers face-to-face with the exception of Food Pantry pick-up at office doors. All area residents are encouraged to apply for the low-income home energy program and other assistance by phone or online. Workers who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 crisis are especially encouraged to apply. Residents of Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard & Winneshiek counties can apply online at www.neicac.org or by calling the local Family Services office listed below. Applications for assistance can be completed without visiting an office. Eligibility (175% of the federal poverty level) is based on either the household’s last 30 days of income or the most recent tax return, whichever is most beneficial to the household.

Additionally, NEICAC Food Pantries in Waverly, Decorah and Cresco will provide pre-bagged food and may be able to deliver food supplies to households needed for an emergency. To request food, residents can call or email the Food Pantry in their community.

It is important for everyone to stay home to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. NEICAC is prepared to provide needed services without requiring face-to-face appointments.

XXX

For more information, please contact:

Trisha Wilkins, Executive Director
Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation
563.387.4911

-Don Jose in Decorah: has decided to stop delivery services at this time and stick with takeout. **To call in your order call, 563-382-6052**

-Empty Nest Winery is offering Curbside Pickup at the Winery Saturdays 10-5 & Sundays 1-5pm. Our tasting room & event room are closed to the public, BUT with this curbside delivery you can either orderline, call during those hours with your order or we will take your order from your car & deliver it back to your car in our parking lot the same time. Available to order: wines, fresh sangria, growlers of tap beers & hard ciders all available for curbside pickup Saturdays 10-5 & Sundays 1-5 until further notice. Stay in your car and we will take care of you!

-The Family Table  Restaurant is Closed until March 31st

-TBocks in downtown Decorah is closed until April 2nd

-Magpie Cafe & Coffeehouse Decorah is now closed until April 1st

-Barney’s in Burr Oak: open 11am-8pm for carry out food and beer! Call us 563-735-5900

-Tapt out west union. 11 til 7- 563-412-1185

-The Creamery, Rushford
-Burdey’s Cafe, Peterson
-Shawnee’s, Rushford
-Stumpy’s Rushford
-Subway, Pam’s Corner- Rushford
-The Pizza Place, Spring Valley
-Rack’s, Spring Valley

-Diane’s Cafe, Hawkeye 563-427-3315

-Pizza Hut, Decorah – CARRYOUT & DELIVERY. Now offering delivery times 11am-2PM & 4pm-close.

-Dairy Queen, West Union 563-422-6284

-the Mint in Protivin

-In Lansing: Safe House Saloon: 563-538-4288, Shep’s Riverside Bar & Grill: 563-538-2009, Milty’s: 563-538-4585, NutMeg’s Cafe and Bakery: 563-538-9214, Main Channel Grill & Lodging: 563-538-4955, Fajitas Grill: 563-538-3000

-The Zipper in Festina: 563-534-7181 ,Monday-Saturday: 11-1:30 ,Wednesday Night: 5:30-8:30, Fish Fry Fridays 4:30-8:30

–South Side Bar and Grill in Cresco (563)547-4242

-Jets MEATS AND CAFE 563-568-2620

-Buzzards In New Albin IA 544-4422

-Luana Tap. 563-539-4380

-Green Valley Getaway -Update on hours! 430-730 pm Tue-thurs take out only! Friday 11-1 take out only! Fri-sunday 4-8 take out and delivery available!

-Ktown tap, Kendallville 563-547-3256

-Oneota Coop: ONLINE ORDERING IS LIVE! http://oneotacoop.com/covid-19-and-the-co-op/?fbclid=IwAR0AA7iO8dxaCE02WD2PDsdMyPUiQrI_MauM9jY_eYwI7geHZMnw9NEbET8

– Riverside, Waucoma Takeout only: 563-776-4971

–Stone Hearth has To -Go and Carry outs available 563-382-4614 Hours are 11-2 and 5-7

-The Fort in Ft Atkinson is open for carry outs from 11 am to 2 pm and then from 4 to 8 pm every day 563-358-9006!

–Alpha Tap, Alpha: 563-429-3051

-Farr Side, Spillville. 563 562 3114

–Buzzards, New Albin 563-544-4422

-The Barrel Drive in in West Union IS Open

-Little Miami, Freeburg- We will be open for carry outs and off sales ONLY, no dine in Wednesday – Sunday 11-7 p.m.
Our full menu is available.

-NutMeg’s Cafe & Bakery, Lansing- NutMeg’s will be doing carry-outs only and have a limited number of baked good and donuts on hand for the foreseeable future. We will still be taking bakery orders so just give us a call.

-Gus and Tony’s in West Union dine-in closed. Carry-outs and deliveries still availiable! Call: 563-422-9500

-Culver’s of Decorah dine-in is closed. Drive-thru will remain open! Call ahead orders are also accepted: 563-382-5120

-Mabes Pizza Decorah plans to be open 11am-9pm for carry-out and delivery only. Find their menu at www.mabespizza.com!

-Pizza Ranch Decorah- Pizza Ranch in Decorah is not doing buffets or dine ins until further notice. We will still do carry outs and deliveries until further notice. Please spread the news.

-Ede’s Angry Pickle Decorah is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:30am to 2pm for Curbside pickup. Call to order at 382-9600 and Ede will deliver out to the curb.

-Elsie’s in Caledonia has a window available for food pick up. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm. Call 507-725-3313 to order.

-Jet’s Meat & Cafe Waukon open for carry outs from 9-2 Monday -Sunday and meat counter open Monday – Friday 8-5.  563-568-2620

-Two Tree’s Pizza of Ossian will be offering take out Pizza’s along with offering delivery to all places within 5 miles of Ossian.

-Milty’s of Lansing will be open for pick up orders.  Call them and they will get it ready for you.

-Ivy Grove Cafe in Spring Grove will be providing carry out orders only until further notice. Please call 507-498-5450.

-Toppling Goliath Decorah. Curbside Pick-Up AND Carry-Out services. Their full menu PLUS To-Go Beer, including cans and NEW growler fills, are all available for easy, safe pick-up.  Check out TG’s full menu online at tgbrews.com then call 563-387-6700 to place your order.

-Fireman’s Inn Ridgeway-  Will be switching gears to curbside/carryout food and beverage. We ask that you call when you arrive outside. Please pay by card over the phone, check or exact cash. We will deliver the food to you in either parking lot. We will be open normal business hours – Wednesday through Sunday 11:00am to 9:00pm. Thank you for your patience. Stay healthy and safe! The Fireman’s Inn Team.

.

https://www.auctionsgo.com/bill.cfm?bid=prestby2003210901&st=&key=prestby&tr=key&itm=&dbx=uhoas4zcipk4n48h3yed5q3hs

Good afternoon friends of HSNEI, in the midst of the international pandemic of COVID-19 we are in preparations for all scenarios and that includes limiting staff and non essential personnel in and out of HSNEIs facilities, especially with many of our current staff members being Luther students who will no longer be in the Decorah area. We are hoping and searching for emergency fosters at this time to lessen the burden at the shelter. If you are able and willing to accommodate a cat or two or a dog in your home during these uncertain times we would very much like to get in contact with you. Please apply for fostering at https://www.hsnei.org/foster-homes so we can get you approved as soon as possible. We appreciate and thank you in advance for your outreach

[Over]
VERNON COUNTY OFFICE OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
318 FAIRLANE DRIVE, SUITE 5 Brandon Larson, Director
VIROQUA, WISCONSIN 54665 Telephone: (608)637-5266
Fax: (608) 637-5502
Brandon Larson, Director of Vernon County Emergency Management
608-637-5266
brandon.larson@vernoncounty.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
County Office Building Restrictions
Viroqua, WI, March 17th, 2020-
In an effort to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, and create social distancing, effective Tuesday,
March 17th at 4:30pm all Vernon County buildings will be closed to the public. Starting
Wednesday, March 18th at 8:30am a number of Vernon County employees will be working
remotely, consistent with continuity of operations plans that have been developed. The plans
were recently updated as Coronavirus emerged as a global pandemic. Countywide, wherever
possible a number of county employees will have the technical capability to work outside of an
office setting and, effective today, are beginning to reduce face to face human contact. This will
help provide social distancing at work consistent with public health recommendations. Using
prevention, we can slow the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable.
There will also be County staff present and working in the County buildings. Vernon County
officials are encouraging people to conduct business with County Departments via phone and
email when possible. If you need to meet with a county department you are asked to call ahead
and make an appointment with that department. A list of department phone numbers can be
found below, and also on our website www.vernoncounty.org
Aging and Disability- 608-637-5201 Child Support- 608-637-5335
Circuit Court- 608-637-5364
Clerk of Courts- 608-637-5340
County Clerk- 608-637-5280
District Attorney- 608-637-5357
Emergency Management- 608-637-5266
Health Department- 608-637-5251
[Over]
Highway Department- 608-637-5452
Human Services- 608-637-5210
Information Technology- 608-637-5375
Land and Water Conservation- 608-637-
5480
Personnel- 608-637-5303
Register of Deeds- 608-637-5371
Resource and Community Development608-637-5379
Sheriff- 608-637-2123
Solid Waste and Recycling- 608-634-2900
Treasurer- 608-637-5367
UW Extension- 608-637-5276
Vernon Manor- 608-637-5400
Veterans Service- 608-637-5323
Zoning and Sanitation- 608-637-5270
If you would like more information please contact the Vernon County Emergency Management
office at 608-637-5266 or the Health Department at 608-637-5251.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Nate Furler, Marketing & Outreach Manager, Oneota Community Food Co-op

563-382-4666, nate@oneotacoop.com

Oneota Co-op Launches Phone and Online Ordering Offerings and Closes to Customer Foot Traffic

Decorah, Iowa, 03/17/20 –

During the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak the Oneota Community Co-op has been following our Pandemic Plan to protect employees, members, customers and vendors as this virus has progressed. Having a safe and sanitized shopping environment has always been a top priority for us and has presented many challenges to continue normal operations. The Co-op, as all grocery stores in the area, is an essential business for our community and this virus has forced us to think about how we can do business in different ways.

In order to ensure that we can continue to provide groceries and supplies to our customers in a safe manner, beginning at 1pm today (Tuesday, March 17) the Management Team, in conversation with our Board of Directors, has made the decision to close the store and secure it from outside normal customer traffic. Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, the Co-op will launch online and phone ordering systems for customers. Phone orders may be placed from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday, by calling the Co-op at 563-382-4666. Curbside pick-up at the front of the Co-op will be utilized for both phone and online orders. Please check www.oneotacoop.com for links to the online ordering platform and follow the Co-op on Facebook and Instagram for updates through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to close the store to customer foot traffic was not made lightly – but we feel it is our responsibility to keep our employees safe, and by limiting outside exposure to the interior of the store we can help to ensure that we will stay open and continue to serve our community.

The Board, management team, staff and I want to thank everyone in our community for your overwhelming support as we navigate this situation. The need to balance the safety of our employees with meeting the needs of our community will continue, but it will look different for a while. Thank you for your patience.

This has not been easy, but your kind words and virtual hugs go a long way!

David Lester, GM

As the coronavirus crisis has escalated, Winneshiek County residents have watched people around the world panic. It doesn’t matter which channel; the news is bad and filled with dire warnings. Fortunately, in these unprecedented times, our community members and leaders are looking for ways to keep our community members healthy, our businesses solvent, and our economy stable. They are taking the call to slow the spread of the virus and lower the curve seriously. They may even show the rest of the world how caring, ingenious, and creative rural Iowans can be.

Winneshiek County Development and Tourism just announced a new project with Decorah Now. Executive Director Stephanie Fromm noted, “We live in a part of the world where people are ingenious problem solvers. We know what it means to act locally and buy local. We know from past experience that our citizens our resilient, innovative, and caring. We care for each other and take care of each other. We have strong families and work every day to have strong local economies. What we are and how our rural communities’ function in Northeast Iowa is very different than New York or Seattle. That is why we knew we wanted our response to be different and why Winneshiek County Economic Development and Tourism was so excited to partner with Decorah Now to establish the Decorah and Winneshiek County Mutual Aid Network. It won’t be the only thing we do, but it is the first and we believe one of the most important.”

Fromm noted that the network will function through Decorah Now to help community members, businesses, and organizations from throughout Winneshiek County and beyond, share information and resources, read more about what is happening locally, let others know they are available to help, and/or to ask for help, suggest ideas, and share positive stories.

Why and how did it come about? This effort came about in part because several people want to help and didn’t know how to get in touch with people who needed help. Kayla Scholl, Brad Crawford, and Liz Rog from Decorah Now were thinking that our community needed a way to streamline communications so that we could meet the needs of individuals and the community as a whole. Crawford explained, “We were wondering how we could connect people. So for example, what if someone could safely offer temporary child care to families, especially health care workers, who must continue to work during this time? How would they get ahold of those people that need help? What if at risk community members just need someone to pick up groceries or household items? Are there businesses that could offer temporary work to healthy people who are temporarily out of work?” Scholl noted, “I wondered if we could set up a specific board on Decorah Now for requests for help and offers to help during the COVID-19 outbreak? Contact could be made just like it is when someone is selling/buying on Decorah Now.”

Around the same time, Steph Fromm and Lora Friest from Winneshiek County Development and Tourism were thinking that individuals and businesses needed a way to connect and help each other in innovative ways. Fromm noted, “We wondered, what if we encourage shifts in business policies and management that, if given a chance, could help our community members. For example, why not start more delivery options from our restaurants but if they do, how will they tell people? What if our small business counselors help our downtown businesses, and other small businesses, improve their on-line presence so more commerce can happen on-line, but if they do, how will we get the word out? What about individual community members who need assistance but have no family here? If we have people who want to help, how do we connect them?”

Friest noted that, “Because Winneshiek County Development and Tourism already works closely with Decorah Now, the partnership was obvious. I just gave Brad a call.” Brad Crawford, who has helped businesses and nonprofits create websites, was already at work developing the on-line platforms. The partnership was off and running. Crawford noted that, “Liz reached out to the community, and Lauren Bonney put together a logo in record time!” Soon others were contributing and committed to helping. Fromm noted that she is excited to see what happens and how these on-line platforms inspire people in our community. “We all know of some amazing things that people are already doing so we are excited to get that word out and inspire others. Just yesterday, I was contacted by several people who have committed to paying their child care bills even though their child care is closed. They want to make sure their child care providers are available when the child cares and schools reopen. That is just one of several examples of what is happening here.The individual things that people are doing…they are a big deal.”

When asked what people could do, Brad Crawford encouraged them to go to the website and complete the “I need help” form, the “I can help” form, join the Facebook group and if they can, join the coordination effort.

For more information, visit https://decorahnow.com/mutual-aid-network/ or contact Brad Crawford (brad@decorahnow.com) or Stephanie Fromm (director@winneshiekdevelopment.org).

In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Winneshiek County is taking steps to protect employees and the public. Cleaning practices have been increased in all offices and plans are in place to assist employees in working remotely if necessary. To protect your personal health and the health of our employees, before visiting a Winneshiek County building please call ahead to see if you can conduct your business electronically or over the phone. Visit https://www.idph.iowa.gov or https://www.winneshiekhealth.org/ for the most up-to-date information about the rapidly evolving situation.

Winneshiek County Assessor – Iowa Code 441.23 requires assessment notices be delivered by April 1^st. Winneshiek Counties 2020 assessment notices were recently mailed to property owners where changes were made in 2019. Please contact this office by email, phone, or mail regarding your assessment notice, to file an appeal, or signing up for any of the various credits and exemptions. All contact information is listed on the top portion of your assessment notice. Please, also review specific dates on the lower portion of the notice. Feel free to contact our office with any questions you may have.  Phone: 563-382-5356 .

Winneshiek County Recorder – most services except passport applications and vital statistics records can be done online, by mail or over the phone. Please call 563/382-3486 or email: recorders@co.winneshiek.ia.us for details.

Winneshiek County Treasurer –Many transactions can be done online with a credit card or by phone or by mail. Please call 563/382-3753 for an appointment before you go to the Winneshiek County Courthouse for Treasurer Office transactions. If your transactions can be done online staff can walk you through the process. Simple vehicle tag/sticker renewals and property taxes can be paid online at www.iowatreasurers.org or by mail to Winneshiek County Treasurer, 201 W. Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101. Simple driver’s license renewals can be processed online at MyMVD.iowadot.gov.

Winneshiek County Sheriff – check the Winneshiek County Sheriff Facebook page and website for adjustments to services. Please call (563/382-4268) to schedule an appointment for any non-emergency services.  https://www.winneshiekcounty.org/departments/sheriff.

Winneshiek County Veteran Affairs – please call the office at 563/382-5786 to conduct business via the phone or to schedule an appointment.

Winneshiek County Engineer – please call the office at 563/382-2951 to conduct business via the phone or to schedule an appointment.

Winneshiek County Auditor – please call the office at 563/382-5085 to conduct business via the phone or to schedule an appointment.

Winneshiek County Public Health – please call the office at 563/382-4662 to conduct business via the phone or to schedule an appointment.

Winneshiek County Environmental Health (Sanitarian)– please call the office at 563/387-4120 to conduct business via the phone or to schedule an appointment.

Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning– please call the office at 563/387-4080 to conduct business via the phone or to schedule an appointment.

Winneshiek County Conservation– please call the office at 563/334-7145 to conduct business via the phone or to schedule an appointment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Todd Ihde, City Water Superintendent, 563-382-5171
decwat@decorahia.org

City of Decorah Water Dept Warns, don’t flush disposable wipes

Aase Haugen Senior Services has cancelled the Annual Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, March 17. New date TBD

Library Director Kristin Torresdal said “Our mission centers on serving the community; we have determined that the most important service we can render at this time is to aid social distancing measures and limit community spread. It is our hope that by discontinuing open hours in the short term, we can help protect our most vulnerable community members.”

Public Libraries across the state are announcing closures this week as k-12 schools and colleges and universities are also closing or moving to online education modules.

“Don’t worry about due dates or fines,” Torresdal said, “just hang on to any library materials you have for now and we’ll get things sorted out as we move forward. Community members can still access free e-books and digital audiobooks via our website during this time. Staff will also share recommendations for additional online resources on our social media pages.”

When open hours resume that information will be made available on the library’s website, social media, and in local media outlets. Contact Torresdal at ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us with questions

Update regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): The Minnesota Department of Health does NOT recommend K-12 school closures at this time. For more information from MDH, including guidelines f or school closures from CDC, click here.The BAND AND CHOIR CONCERTS are postponed. More information to come.

Read the Lion’s Roar for all the details!

https://www.springgrove.k12.mn.us/sites/springgrove.k12.mn.us/files/files/Private_User/rachel.udstuen/March 13 (1).pdf

Girl Scout Carnival event to be held 3:30-6:30pm on Sunday March 15th at Luther Regents Center has been cancelled.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Cancels Upcoming Pesticide Applicator Testing Sessions

Events will not be held from March 16-31 out of an abundance of caution

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 13, 2020) – To help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is canceling its in-person pesticide applicator testing sessions through the end of the month.

“We’re working with public health officials and other state and federal agencies to monitor the rapidly developing COVID-19 situation,” said Secretary Naig. “The health of the public and our employees is our top priority so we are temporarily suspending in-person testing out of an abundance of caution.”

The affected in-person meetings were scheduled to take place between March 16 and 31.

• March 16: Nevada
• March 17: Everly, Mason City and Tama
• March 18: Emmetsburg and Newton
• March 23: Oskaloosa
• March 24: Garner, Orange City and Waterloo
• March 25: Altoona, Muscatine and Rock Rapids

Additional pesticide applicator certification testing sessions may be offered at partner locations later in the year. Visit iowaagriculture.gov/pesticide-bureau for a list of alternate pesticide applicator certification testing dates and locations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Wanda Hemesath, City Clerk,Tr., PIO

   Kristen Torresdal, Library Director, PIO

City of Decorah COVID Response

Decorah, IA (March 12, 2020) – The City of Decorah is taking all steps necessary to ensure the continuation of all public services during this time of potential health concern.

Staff shall follow specific procedures to help limit the exposure or spread of COVID19 within their respective departments and the City overall.

The City will work in cooperation with and follow the direction of Winneshiek County Public Health and the Winneshiek Emergency Preparedness Coalition in taking all necessary steps to provide for public safety and the continuation of City services.

The City will continue to update the public with changes as they occur.  Public information releases will be accomplished by press releases to radio, newspaper and other public forums, city website www.decorahia.org and city social media venues.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is the lead agency for the dissemination of information related to the Coronavirus (COVID19).  Winneshiek County Public Health is your local, central point of contact for local efforts.

            Iowa Department of Public Health – www.idph.iowa.gov or call IDPH at 2-1-1

            Winneshiek County Public Health – www.winneshiekhealth.org 563-382-4662

Please refer to these agencies for specific information and direction regarding COVID19. 

Media Release

For Immediate Release

March 15, 2020

Subject:  Granny Basketball® Games

Contact:  Barbara Trammell

319-389-7174

sixonsix@grannybasketball.com

The Granny Basketball League® is hosting an official game day at De Soto High School April 4, 2020. Games will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The public is invited to watch the somewhat amusing action; admission is by free will donation.

Six teams from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin (Lansing Great Dames, Center Point Model Ts, Monticello Gothics, La Crosse Does, Wanamingo Bulldogs and Faribault Hot Shots) will meet at the two-gym facility to allow simultaneous games. Other area teams (Viroqua, Dubuque, Decorah, Harpers Ferry) will be playing at a different venue.

The Granny Basketball® League began in Lansing in 2005 and now includes 39 teams in 9 states. The slow-moving granny games are played using 1920s women’s basketball rules, which include three courts, two dribbles, no physical contact and no running or jumping. “Hurrying” is allowed.  Players wear uniforms typical of the 1920s: bloomers, middy blouses and long stockings. No bare legs or upper arms are permitted and players shoot underhanded (granny) shots for three points from anywhere on the floor.

These “ladies of a certain age” play throughout the year for fun, exercise and, as a 501(c)3 Corporation, donate game proceeds to various charities.

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In response to the worldwide COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic we have made the decision to postpone the April 4 Winneshiek Pheasants Forever Banquet with plans to reschedule as soon as is responsibly possible

We understand that individuals have a unique level of risk tolerance, and that some individuals might have reached a different decision regarding these developments. In an attempt to be civically responsible, we are making decisions with an eye on the impact on community risk and public health, and are deferring to the guidelines of the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you have questions, please contact one of the following WPF board members:

Todd Duncan, 563-419-5006

DJ Friest, 563-419-0462

Brian Fankhauser, 515-249-1338

Mike Halverson, 563-419-5251

Gavin Nimrod, 563-379-8915

Thank you for your continued support of Winneshiek Pheasants Forever.

Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center located at 313 W. Post Street Postville, Iowa

Will hold it’s annual Women’s Day Event on Saturday ~ April 18th from 9 AM to Noon

The event will feature a Vendor Shopping Fair, Free Group Fitness Classes:

9 AM – Water Aerobics

10 AM – Princess Yoga

11 AM – Cycling

~~ Canvas painting and sign making classes will also be offered with preregistration and class fee~~

Ames, IA – The Best Burger Contest is not only a great way to celebrate Iowa’s 25,000 beef farmers, it’s also a great way to increase business for participating restaurants and draw visitors to Iowa communities.

“Winning the 2019 Iowa’s Best Burger Contest put our restaurant on the map and garnered new customers from all over the state. We went from serving 200 burgers a week to 200 burgers a night,” says Oskaloosa’s Wood Iron Grille. “Our burgers have always been our best-selling menu item, but after winning the contest nearly every guest that dined at our restaurant ordered a burger.”

The contest is sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and occurs in two phases. In the first phase, Iowans are encouraged to nominate their favorite burger, whether it’s gourmet or down-home style. Nominations will be accepted between February 10 and March 10, 2020.

OFFICE OF THE IOWA SECRETARY OF STATE
MEDIA RELEASE: Office statement from Secretary Pate regarding Iowa Caucuses

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate released the following statement today regarding the Iowa Caucuses:

“The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office and county auditors have no official role in the Iowa Caucuses. They are run by the political parties. Although the caucuses are the kickoff of the presidential nominating process, they are not elections. Iowans do a terrific job of vetting the candidates and I congratulate the tens of thousands of citizens who turned out on caucus night and made their voices heard.
The accuracy of the Iowa Democratic Party’s vote totals is much more important than the timeliness of releasing the results. I am glad to hear they have a paper trail for their votes, just as we use paper ballots in all official elections in the State of Iowa. I support IDP while they take their time and conduct checks and balances to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the votes.”

Tuesday, February 4

Story Time, 10:30am

Stay & Play, 11am

Wednesday, February 5
World Read Aloud Day, 10am-8pm

Special Story Time, 10:30am

Thursday, February 6

Tech Tutor, 10am-12pm

Saturday, February 8

Matinee Movie: Million-dollar Duck, 1:30pm

Tuesday, February 11

Story Time with Ross: River Otters, 10:30am

Library Board Meeting, 4:30pm

Thursday, February 13

Tech Tutor, 10am-12pm

Pinterest Projects: Pulled String Art, 5:30pm

Monday, February 17

Teen Advisory Board (TAB), 4pm

Tuesday, Feburary 18

Story Time, 10:30am

People’s Law School: Elder Abuse, 5:30pm

Thursday, February 20

Tech Tutor, 10am-12pm

Foundation Book Sale, 2-6pm

Book Club: Thrift, Gift, or Used Book, 6pm

Tuesday, February 25

Story Time, 10:30am

After School with Ross: Animal Relationships, 3:30pm

Thursday, February 27

Tech Tutor, 10am-12pm

Live & Learn:Cultivate Hardwood Log Mushrooms, 5:30pm

More info… https://www.waukon.lib.ia.us/download_file/force/2184/1395

Maple Crest Campus in Fayette will be having a job fair 2/26/20 from 10a-6p. We will have tours, open interviews, child care available during your interview/tour, refreshments and more! Please plan to join us! Come and see what Maple Crest Campus has to offer!

Decorah, IA (January 16, 2020) – The City of Decorah is notifying residents that a snow emergency will be in effect starting Saturday, January 18th at 8:00 AM. The snow emergency will be in effect until Sunday, January 19th at 12:00 PM.

Residents are reminded that during a snow emergency, all vehicles shall be parked on the side of the street where buildings bear even numbers, until such time as the snow has been plowed from the opposite side of the street (where buildings bear odd numbers). Vehicles shall then be moved to the side of the street where buildings bear odd numbers.

Please contact the Street Department at 382-2157 with any questions.

DECORAH, Iowa — Be inspired by budding folk artists and Scandinavian traditions at Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, during an open house for students from the “Scandinavian Fine Handcraft” January Term course at Luther College. This free community event will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, in the museum’s Main Building.

During the open house, students from the class will demonstrate carving and exhibit their class projects. Refreshments will be served.
The class is taught by Harley Refsal, Luther professor emeritus of Scandinavian folk art. Refsal is a Vesterheim Gold Medalist who has taught Scandinavian figure carving throughout the United States and Norway. He was honored by Norway’s King H. M. Harald V with the St. Olav Medal of Honor for his efforts in reinvigorating Scandinavian figure carving in both the United States and Norway.

Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, in scenic Decorah, Iowa, showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. This national treasure includes world-class exhibitions and 12 historic buildings. It is also a center for folk-art education, offering a wide variety of classes in authentic Norwegian folk art every year. For more information on the museum’s exhibitions, classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, check Vesterheim’s website at vesterheim.org, call (563) 382-9681, or write to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379
A national liberal arts college, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website: www.luther.edu.
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