Community News Stories

Black Hills Energy Commits $375,000 to COV-19 Community Relief Efforts

Rapid City, SD– April 1, 2020 – Black Hills Energy announced today plans to donate $375,000 to coronavirus relief efforts across its eight-state service area, including $34,000 in Iowa. This investment is supported by their gas subsidiary serving that state as well as the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, the charitable arm of Black Hills Energy.

As the impact of the coronavirus grows, Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of its customers, employees and communities. After assessing the growing needs in communities it serves, Black Hills Energy designated $375,000 for immediate relief efforts in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19, whether physically or economically, as we witness it impact communities where our families, friends and customers live, work and raise families,” said Black Hills Energy president and chief executive officer, Linn Evans. “As a provider of critical electric and gas services, we are committed to ensuring all the communities we serve maintain access to these services, but our care for our customers goes well beyond providing these services. We have been by our customers’ sides throughout all of the challenges over the last 136 years and will continue to do so through this challenge too.”

Black Hills Energy partnered with state and local non-profits to identify and address needs and allocated $34,000 for immediate relief efforts in Iowa.

“We continue to adapt to the ever-changing environment and are working daily to play our part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and helping those who are impacted,” said Black Hills Energy Shirley Welte, vice president of operations.  “In Iowa we will partner with the following organizations: Anita Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Clayton County Food Shelf, Council Bluffs School Foundation, Decorah Food Pantry, Dubuque Dream Center, Dubuque Rescue Mission, Grand Avenue Community Outreach, Grimes Storehouse, New Visions Homeless Shelter, Riverview Daycare and more.”

Additionally, Black Hills Energy offers assistance options for customers who may be financially impacted by COVID-19, including 12-month payment arrangements and budget billing, as well as temporary suspension of nonpayment disconnections. Visit www.blackhillsenergy.com for more information about these programs and others.

Becky Idstrom, Communications and Marketing Manager

bidstrom@vesterheim.org  •  563-382-9681

For Immediate Release

March 30, 2020

Vesterheim Museum Extends Temporary Closure Due to COVID-19

DECORAH, Iowa—As part of its continuing response to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, has extended its dates of closure through May 29, 2020. “We are monitoring conditions every day and will let people know if conditions change,” Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson said.

Although physical activities have been canceled and buildings closed, Vesterheim is finding ways to continue its work and stay connected.

Everyone is invited to explore the museum’s many online resources at vesterheim.org, including convenient secure shopping at the online Museum Store; the museum’s popular virtual galleries; and its engaging blog posts that feature subjects like fun activities for families. Another way to stay connected is through Vesterheim’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Everyone is welcome to join the public Vesterheim Facebook group to share favorite Scandinavian entertainment from home.

On campus, the Vesterheim staff are taking this opportunity to complete a few safe projects, like waxing the classroom floors and working on some remodeling in the lower level of the museum’s Main Building. “We are taking social distancing measures seriously and making extra precautions to stop the spread of the virus. We’ll be ready and happy to welcome you back when we are able,” Johnson continued.

As of today, the museum is answering the main phone lines, even though most staff members are working from home. The best way to communicate is by email at info@vesterheim.org.

“We are grateful to everyone on the front lines, working to save lives and keep everyone safe,” Johnson said. “We want to send a heartfelt thank you for continuing to support Vesterheim during this difficult and unprecedented time. Every day, we look forward to your words of encouragement as reminders of how much you care,” Johnson continued. Please consider a donation to keep connections strong and Vesterheim’s work continuing.

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, 523 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

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DATE:  March 31, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Explore Decorah Challenge

PRESS CONTACT:  Judy Syverson, (563) 382-4158, parkrec@decorahia.org

Decorah Parks and Recreation is challenging the community to Explore Decorah throughout the month of April.

Explore Decorah is an opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy Decorah’s trails. Participants are eligible to enter a drawing to win a free individual or family season pool pass for the summer.

For more information visit https://parks.decorahia.org/

This is an official city 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.

CARES Act Assistance for Small Businesses
Paycheck Protection Program – The CARES Act establishes the Paycheck Protection Program, a $350
billion loan program to help small & mid-sized businesses with cash flow during the COVID-19 crisis.
If the business maintains their payroll for 8 weeks, the portion of the loan used for covered payroll costs,
interest on mortgage obligations, rent, and utilities would be forgiven.
Who is eligible to receive the loans?
• Businesses with 500 or less employees;
• Businesses that meet current Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards;
• Self-employed individuals and “gig economy” workers;
• Certain nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) organizations and 501(c)(19) veteran organizations; and
• Tribal businesses with under 500 employees.
What is the size of the loans?
• The maximum loan size is 250% of the employer’s average monthly payroll, or $10 million
(whichever is less).
What can loans be used for?
• Payroll costs (salary, wages, and payment of cash tips up to annual rate of $100,000 per
employee);
• Continuation of health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and
insurance premiums;
• Employee salaries, commissions, or similar compensations;
• Payments of interest on mortgage obligations;
• Rent, including rent under lease agreement;
• Utilities; and
• Existing allowable uses under 7(a) program, which includes purchasing inventory, supplies, raw
materials, and working capital.
How does the loan forgiveness work?
• Borrowers are eligible for loan forgiveness equal to the amount they spend on payroll, interest on
mortgages, rent, and utilities during the 8-week period after the origination date of the loan.
• The amount forgiven will be reduced proportionally by any reduction in employees retained
compared to the prior year, and by any reduction in pay of employee beyond 25% of their prior
year compensation. To encourage employers to rehire any employees who have already been laid
off, borrowers that re-hire workers previously laid off will not be penalized for having a reduced
payroll at the beginning of the period.
Who makes and approves the loans?
• The loans will be 100% backed by the government, but the authority to make and approve loans
is delegated to local banks and credit unions.
• Financial institutions that are already approved 7(a) lenders would be automatically eligible to
participate. The bill also directs the Treasury Department to create a streamlined process for
becoming an approved lender so more financial institutions can participate.
• Without going through all of SBA’s channels, lenders can make determinations on a borrower’s
eligibility and creditworthiness. Instead of determining the ability for the businesses to repay,
lenders will simply determine whether a business was operational on February 15, 2020, and
whether it had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes, or a paid independent
contractor.
• SBA will provide lenders with a process fee for servicing the loan. The bill sets lender
compensation fees at 5% for loans of not more than $350,000; 3% percent for loans of more than
$350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and 1% for loans over $2,000,000.
What happens to the portion of loan that is not forgiven?
• The remaining balance will maintain a 100% guarantee & have a maturity of not more than 10
years.
• Loan payments are deferred at least six months.
• The maximum interest rate is 4%.
Can businesses receive this and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan?
• Limits borrowers from receiving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and an SBA
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for the same purpose. However, it allows a borrower
who has an EIDL loan unrelated to COVID-19 to apply for a PPP loan, with an option to
refinance that loan into the PPP loan.
Other Resources in CARES Act:
• Employee retention credit – In lieu of the Paycheck Protection Program, employers can opt to
receive a refundable payroll tax credit for 50% of wages paid by employers to employees during
the COVID-19 crisis. Available to employers with operations that were at least partially
suspended because of a shutdown order, or employers who had gross receipts decline at least
50% relative to the same quarter last year.
• Delay of payment of employer payroll taxes – Allows employers and self-employed
individuals to defer payment of the employer share of the Social Security tax they otherwise are
responsible for paying to the federal government with respect to their employees. Deferred tax
would be paid in the following two years.
• Emergency EIDL Grants – The bill expands eligibility for entities suffering economic harm
due to COVID-19 to access SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), while also giving
SBA more flexibility to process and disperse small dollar loans. The bill would allow businesses
that apply for an EIDL expedited access to capital through an Emergency Grant—an advance of
$10,000 within three days to maintain payroll, provide paid sick leave, and to service other debt
obligations.
• Small Business Debt Relief – The bill requires SBA to pay all principal, interest, and fees on all
existing SBA loan products, including 7(a), Community Advantage, 504, and Microloan
programs, for six months to provide relief to small businesses negatively affected by COVID-19.

(1)

The CARES Act expands the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, allowing them to offer a loan advance of up to $10,000 which is available within 3 days of a successful application. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid if the money is used to maintain payroll, mortgage or lease payments, increased costs due to supply chain disruption, or the repayment of obligations that cannot be met due to revenue losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Note: Some sources, including internal SBA documents, have called this an “Emergency Grant”. However, this program is officially called an advance on the EIDL that doesn’t have to be repaid if spent on eligible expenses. You can apply here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

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(2)

During today’s press conference, Governor Reynolds stated that she will be sitting down with her team later today to discuss further funding opportunities, including more requests from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and steps Iowa can take to offer aid that supports provisions already established by the CARES Act. She stated that she anticipates allocating more funds to the small business relief fund. More on this as it develops.

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(3)

From the U.S. Census Bureau:

“At the present time, field operations for the 2020 Census are postponed until the Coronavirus threat ends.  When it is over the Census will be needing workers to help insure that all citizens are counted so that the county receives the most funding benefits.  Several workers are still needed.

Please help us spread the word that we are still recruiting workers.  This is a great part-time temporary job with flexible hours (15-20 hours per week) and pays $17.50 per hour and 57 1/2 cents per mile travel reimbursement.  Work is in the local area.  This is a good opportunity for retired people, college students, graduating high school seniors and those who would just like some extra income.  All applications are accepted on line by going to:  www.2020census.gov/jobs.”

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(4)

I have learned of a relief fund for restaurant workers, created by a partnership between two Houston, TX organizations: The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation and the Southern Smoke Foundation. Though based in Texas, they state that their funding is not limited to any specific state. You can read their FAQ here: https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/covid19faq

And you can apply here: https://form.southernsmoke.org/smoke/application/

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(5)

A citizen of Lansing created a list of important American books, authors, movies, directors, and artists. If you’ve been looking for entertainment to help you get through social distancing, this list can provide plenty of great options for you! You can see the list at this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-21FkE_9QuNE0np5wwAO_1kD0FkPjbNh

—

Andy KelleherExecutive Director, Main Street Lansing563-538-9229P.O. Box 307, Lansing, IA  52151

Fillmore County Public Health Official Statement

Date:  March 31, 2020 11:00 AM

Contact:  Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing

Phone:  Coronavirus Hotline 507-765-2642

Fillmore County COVID-19 Case Update

On March 31, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed one new positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Fillmore County.  This case involves a female in her 40s.

As of March 31 2020, the current coronavirus case counts for Fillmore County are below.

*Note 3/28/2020.  MDH provided updated information to Fillmore County regarding cases.  One case among a male in his 20s has been reclassified to a male in his 40s.

Fillmore County Public Health is working with MDH and health care partners to address needs of these patients and provide guidance to others who may have had contact with them.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza is spread.  It can also spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

Fillmore County Public Health would like to stress again the importance of continuing to do the things that can limit the spread of the coronavirus:

• Stay home and away from others if you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Avoid touching your face.

More information about coronavirus is available website at www.health.state.mn.us.  The MDH public hotline at 1-800-657-3903 is open 7AM to 7PM.  The Fillmore County COVID-19 hotline for media and the public is available Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. This number is 507-765-2642.

The deadline for the State of Iowa Small Business Relief Grant Program and Tax Deferral is tomorrow, March 31st at 12:00pm. If you need state assistance to help your business through this time, make sure you complete this application. Feel free to reach out with any questions. 

 The program offers grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000, in addition to offering a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest to eligible businesses. To be eligible, businesses must have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020 and be experiencing disruptions due to COVID-19. The state recommends having all necessary information collected before beginning the application process. Necessary information includes:

• 3-month income statement

* Standard business ownership information, including primary address, contact information, FEIN, withholding permit number,  sales tax permit number, etc. as applicable.

• Revenues – March 2019

• Revenues – March 2020 to date

• Balance Sheet (as of application date)

• Payroll prior to March 17, 2020

• Completed Business W-9 form

• Additional fields may include:

◦ Date of business establishment

◦ Description of Economic Impact Loss (loss of sales or revenue)

◦ Number of employees on March 1

◦ Number of employees working remotely as a result of the disaster

◦ Estimated loss of revenues March 15, 2020 – April 15, 2020

◦ Description of how funds will be utilized to maintain operations or reopen after the disaster

Learn more and apply here: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/reliefgrants

Small Business Loans:

· Governor Reynolds has announced the creation of The Iowa Small Business Relief Fund. This provides grants from $5,000-$25,000 for small business having between 2 and 25 employees. The application is available at: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/our-agency-det…/6710. The application is currently available through March 31.

· Governor Reynolds announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a disaster declaration for the state of Iowa as of January 31, 2020 and continuing. The declaration allows pandemic-impacted small businesses to apply for low-interest support loans. The declaration comes after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds submitted a federal funding request via the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

RE: Decorah Public Library expanding online materials, programming access

Decorah Public Library closed to the public on Monday March 16; however, since that time Library staff have been hard at work trying to meet the needs of the community in other ways.

Library Director Kristin Torresdal said “In the past two weeks, we have significantly expanded our e-book and digital audiobook offerings, pivoted to the creation of online content and programming, and spent a lot of time researching and discussing additional ways to serve our patrons.”

The Library will soon be announcing additional online content availability, and as of this week is implementing a regular schedule of online program offerings for children and families (available on Facebook or the library website). Patrons can access resources by signing up for a library card online or by emailing staff at dpl@decorah.lib.ia.us to retrieve their card number.

“We are aware that the public would really like us to offer curbside pickup of materials- and we wish that it was safe to do so- but experts in the library field are advising against curbside pickup and delivery right now. There are simply too many unknowns about the risk of contaminated materials, such as library books- both as they go into homes and as they’re returned to the library. If future research indicates that it’s safe for us to resume materials distribution using one of these methods, we will be happy to do so.

Additionally, we want to abide by Public Health guidelines which recommend avoiding all but essential travel and interpersonal contact- and we cannot in good conscience encourage significant numbers of people (staff and the public) to congregate at the library right now,” Torresdal explained.

Visit www.decorah.lib.ia.us to access online materials. Contact Torresdal at ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us with questions.

Gundersen honors doctors with food pantry donations

March 30 is Doctor’s Day. This national day of recognition honors physicians for their ability to comfort and heal through unsurpassed skill and dedication. Few professions in the world require the constant commitment and compassion that is necessary of doctors every workday of their lives.

To recognize the accomplishments of our outstanding clinicians, Gundersen donated to 31 food pantries in locations that serve our regional communities and to the WAFER Food Pantry and The Hunger Task Force in La Crosse for a total donation of $19,500.

Whether you regularly visit or work in a doctor’s office, mark your calendar for March 30 and take time to express thanks and appreciation for all that doctors do!

To honor our physicians, donations were recently made to the following area food pantries:

• Arcadia CommUNITY Food Pantry, Arcadia, Wis.
• Friends Sharing Food, Black River Falls, Wis.
• Blair Food Pantry, Blair, Wis.
• Southwest CAP, Boscobel, Wis.
• Cashton Cupboard and Closet, Inc., Cashton, Wis.
• First Lutheran Church Food Pantry, Decorah, Iowa
• Elroy Food Pantry, Elroy, Wis.
• Adams Food Pantry, Friendship, Wis.
• Grand Marsh School Pantry, Grand Marsh, Wis.
• Emergency Food Shelf, Preston, Minn.
• Fayette County Food Shelf, Fayette, Iowa
• The Good Samaritan Food Pantry, Hillsboro, Wis.
• Houston Food Shelf, Houston, Minn.
• Caledonia Food Shelf, Caledonia, Minn.
• Independence Food Pantry, Independence, Wis.
• La Crescent Food Shelf Program, La Crescent, Minn.
• Lansing Iowa Food Trust LIFT, Lansing, Iowa
• Care and Share Food Bank of Marquette County, Montello, Wis.
• Onalaska/Holmen Food Basket, Onalaska, Wis.
• Couleecap Food Pantry, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
• Couleecap Food Pantry, Sparta, Wis.
• Trempealeau County Community Cupboard, Strum, Wis.
• Neighbor for Neighbor, Inc., Tomah, Wis.
• Living Faith Food Pantry, Viroqua, Wis.
• Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Waterloo, Iowa
• Allamakee County Food Shelf, Waukon, Iowa
• Pioneer Pantry, Westfield, Wis.
• Open Hands Food Pantry, West Union, Iowa
• Whitehall Food Pantry, Whitehall, Wis.
• Winona Volunteer Services, Winona, Minn.
• Union Center Food Pantry, Wonewoc, Wis.

COVID-19: Protect Yourself

By Dr. Michele Dikkers, Clayton County Board of Health Chairperson

Coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2 or Covid-19, words, that at Thanksgiving, were unfamiliar and nonexistent. Now, they are part of our daily conversation, seeped deeply into every part of our day.

Now that we recognize the name, now that it is in our state and our county, what can we do about it?

WE NEED TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY.

Our best protection is not to get it. This is why it is so important to avoid contact with people outside your own home. If you must go out, practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from other people.

The best ways to prevent infection and spread of respiratory diseases, like COVID-19, include:

• Staying home if you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in. Symptoms to look for are: chills, fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, chest pain and shortness of breath.
• 2-1-1 is a phone line available across Iowa to assist with general questions on COVID-19.

If you develop trouble breathing, high fevers, chest pain, confusion, lethargy, blue lips or face you should seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department immediately.

Be well and take care of each other. Follow the recommendations of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the guidance of the state of Iowa, continue social distancing and stay local.

Most up-to-date information and recommendations on COVID-19 can be found by visiting:

• Iowa Department of Public Health webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The monthly Waukon Community Meal will be served today from 5 to 7 p.m. The free sack lunches will be distributed by drive-through service at City Park in Waukon. Drivers are asked to enter the park off Rossville Road and proceed around the park’s circle drive. The lunch sacks will be handed out at the end of the circle drive near the Sweeney Pavilion. For your safety, please remain in your vehicle at all times. There is a limit of six lunches per vehicle. The sack lunches include a ham and cheese sandwich, a piece of fruit, a bag of vegetable relishes, and bottled water.

Dear 4-H and FFA Families,

On March 26, the Iowa State 4-H office canceled all sheep and goat weigh-ins. The weigh-in scheduled for May 2 is now canceled. We take serving Iowans seriously, and we are prioritizing the health and safety of our community and staff.

We will still have a market lamb and goat show, but there will be no rate of gain contest. All market lambs and goats will be ear tagged by exhibitors. There will be no charge for tags this year.

An exhibitor letter with tagging instructions will be sent in the next two weeks. Please wait for this letter with instructions on how to ID your animals. In the meantime, be sure you are enrolled in 4HOnline and have the sheep and/or meat goat project area selected. FFA members, be sure you are in good standing with your chapter.

If you are exhibiting 4-H sheep/goats at the Iowa State Fair, please contact Angie at aksperf@iastate.edu to arrange retinal imaging.

If you are exhibting State Fair FFA sheep/goats, please contact your advisor.

Throughout this process, we are here to help. Our office is closed to walk-ins, but we are staffing the phones from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri, 563-382-2949 or you can reach Angie by email at aksperf@iastate.edu. We appreciate your understanding and willingness to overcome this bump in the road.

Guidance for Iowans to sew homemade masks
for healthcare providers
March 28, 2020
There is a national shortage of commercially-produced PPE including face masks, and public and private
officials are working to address national and global supply challenges. Due to the current limitations on
supplies of face masks, there may come a time during this response when commercially manufactured masks
are no longer readily available. Iowans who would like to support healthcare providers can use this guidance
document to construct homemade cloth masks that can be worn by Iowa healthcare providers during patient
care.
Iowans who would like to donate homemade masks need to call their local hospital, medical clinics, or longterm care facility prior to making a donation. The facility will provide guidance on where to drop off donations
outside of the health care facility.
Please construct masks as requested by the health care facility where you plan to donate. If the health care
facility does not have a specific plan, please construct masks using the following specifications:
• 100% cotton fabric, tightly woven, minimum of 160 thread count per square inch
• Ties and tape – 100% cotton – white or natural color – minimum ¼ inch thick
• Nose piece – minimum 4 inches long – plastic coated wire twist ties
• Mask size when complete – 7 inches wide by 3.75 inches long
• 3 pleats per mask facing upward (from outside view)
• The mask should have two layers of fabric
There are many different patterns available on the internet, please choose one that meets the specifications
above or one that meets the requirements provided by the facility where you are making a donation.

Disinfecting Your Facility if Someone is Sick

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-building-facility.html

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Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for Non-Healthcare Facilities and Not for Homes

Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

Purpose of this guidance

This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas of those with suspected or with confirmed COVID-19 have visited. It is aimed at limiting the survival of novel coronavirus in key environments. These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.

These guidelines are focused on community, non-healthcare facilities (e.g., schools, institutions of higher education, offices, daycare centers, businesses, community centers) that do and do not house persons overnight. These guidelines are not meant  for cleaning staff in healthcare facilities or repatriation sites, households, or for others for whom specific guidance already exists.

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Clean & Disinfect of Households

Interim Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html

Corey P Snitker

Emergency Management Coordinator

Allamakee County Iowa

877 HWY 9

Waukon, IA 52172

Cell: 563-568-1911

Office: 563-568-4233

csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us

***RUMOR CONTROL***

Folks, we would like to take an opportunity to address some rumors regarding COVID 19 pandemic and Governor Walz Executive Order #20-20.

As you are likely aware, this Stay at Home order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27th through April 10th.
State Border Closings: There are currently no plans to close state boarders under this directive. In our Tri-State area, we have many people who live in one state and work in another. You are free to go from one state to another for work if your employer has been deemed essential and to obtain medical services or other essential items.

As COVID-19 spreads, our top priority at MiEnergy Cooperative is to keep our employees safe in order to continue to provide reliable power and service to members. Below are important precautions that are being taken.

• Steps have been taken to enable employees to work from home. Employees with positions that require them to be at work have been given guidelines on reducing exposure to each other and to practice social distancing.
• All employees have been asked to take precautions to reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 outside of the workplace.
• The offices in Cresco and Rushford were closed to the public on March 18. Employees continue to take phone calls and respond to emails and mail.
• Member attendance for the annual meeting scheduled for April 22 is cancelled. Elections will continue as planned. Members in District 1 are encouraged to cast their ballot by mail or electronically by the deadlines supplied with the ballot information.
• Planned outages have been limited to avoid a conflict with members working from home.
• Disconnection of service due to nonpayment has been postponed at this time.

As members spend more time at home, being energy efficient now will help avoid higher electric bills later. One tool to help track energy use is SmartHub. Find it online at www.mienergy.coop or search for SmartHub where apps are downloaded. SmartHub also allows for online payments. The co-op’s website has online energy use guides and the newly added online Electric$ense site for delivering energy efficiency to your door.

The co-op understands that members will face financial hardships due to COVID-19 and encourages members to call the office to discuss payment options and possible utility assistance programs if they are in this situation. Members looking for a way to help their neighbors can contribute to the co-op’s RECare program that assists members in paying their electric bills.

Your local electric cooperative is prepared to continue delivering safe, reliable power during the pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 1-800-432-2285.

Wishing you safety and good health,

Brian Krambeer, President/CEO

Dean Nierling, Chair

This news release will have 5 parts listed below:

1. Donations of N95 Masks requested
2. Is that business essential or not. Citizens have questions.
3. Crawford County Testing numbers
4. Volunteers still needed
5. Food Pantry availability in Crawford County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Crawford County Emergency Management is accepting donations of certified N95 masks that are new and unused or even expired. Please contact Fire Chief Tad Beutin at the Prairie du Chien Fire Department at 608-326-4365 or his cell phone at 608-306-0361.

An N95 respirator is a protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are commonly used in healthcare settings and are a subset of N95 Filtering Face piece Respirators (FFRs), often referred to as N95s. These masks are not to be confused with surgical masks which are loose fitting and create a physical barrier for the wearer from particulants in the immediate area. These masks are not able to be formed around the mouth and make a seal.

We have received calls regarding certain businesses throughout out community on why they are still open and if they truly essential. Anyone that may have questions regarding these issues may direct their questions to Robert Moses at 608-326-8555 extension 12. If you cannot reach Robert at that number please leave him a voicemail with you name, phone number, and which businesses you may have questions about and he will return your call. Robert will be handling calls regarding ALL businesses throughout Crawford County.

The Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of commerce is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date information on Chamber member’s change of hours, closings, and what they have to offer during this difficult time. If you are a Chamber member business, please provide any updates or changes to your listing by emailing the Chamber at pdccoc@mhtc.net. We will do our best to keep up with the ongoing changes. A listing of these businesses can be found are prairieduchien.org under the COVID-19 tab in the upper right of the page.

Crawford  County Public Health Department reports the following:

As of 3/27/2020 @ 10 a.m. Crawford County, WI has ZERO confirmed cases of COVID-19.

There has been a total of 52 tests with 48 negative results and 4 pending results.

While confirmed cases help to represent the disease spread in a community, they do not account for all possible cases.

Community spread is now considered statewide in WI.
To see all WI confirmed case numbers go to: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
The site updates daily at 2 p.m.

We recommend that residents practice social distancing, continue hand washing regularly and stop all non-essential travel.

Crawford County is still looking to compile a list of volunteers willing to assist in the COVID-19 response (SHOULD WE END UP NEEDING VOLUNTEERS)

We urge for people with prior healthcare training to join the list as well.
Volunteers could be asked to a wide variety of different tasks.
Please call 608-326-2718 to register.  If no answer leave a message.

Couleecap, Inc. is offering expanded food pantry hours in Sparta and Prairie du Chien to assist people struggling with food insecurity during the corona virus emergency. Individuals and families impacted by unemployment or reduced hours, school or business closures, or other reasons for food scarcity are encouraged to visit a Couleecap food pantry Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The food pantries, located at 217 North Black River Street in Sparta and 200 E. Blackhawk Avenue in Prairie du Chien (rear entrance), will offer pre-packed bags of food than can be picked up without entering the building, reducing face-to-face contact to prevent the spread of germs. If a person or family needs food but cannot come to the pantry themselves, they may send a friend or family member on their behalf. Couleecap will offer accommodations for special dietary needs when possible and can schedule limited home delivery to those who are not able to send someone on their behalf.

For residents on the northern end of Crawford County, the Gays Mills Food Pantry, will be open The 1st Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The location of the Gays Mills Food Pantry is 120 Sunset Ridge, Suite 122 in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. There website can be found at http://www.gaysmills.org/foodpantry.html

Deputy Marc Myhre #28

Crawford County Sheriff’s Department

224 N Beaumont Rd

Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

608-642-3649- Cell (Primary Contact)

608-326-8414- Sheriff’s Department

For Immediate Release

March 27, 2020

Contact: Lisa Moose RN                                                        Contact: Sheryl Darling-Mooney RN

lmoose@vmhospital.com                                                        smooney@vmhospital.com

Allamakee County Public Health (Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care) has currently been notified of a total of 7 positive cases of COVID 19 in Allamakee County. Unfortunately we have received notice of a death of one our 7 cases. This case is a male between the ages of 61-80 years of age. 3 cases have already recovered and have been released from isolation and 3 are recovering at home under isolation. We do expect to see more positive cases in the coming days.

Allamakee County Public Health and our other area health partners can not stress enough the importance of STAYING HOME. This does slow the spread. Staying home does not mean you can’t go for a walk or be outside as long as you maintain social distancing. 6 feet physical distancing is about the length of a twin bed.

Send one (1) person out to go to the grocery store to get essentials for ONE week.

Utilize technology to connect socially by phone calls, texting, video streaming, Facebook live, Zoom and other apps. We understand you need to be able to connect with others but for everyone’s safety it needs to be at a distance.

Public notification of any additional positives will be released daily on the Iowa Department of Public Health website.

If you are experiencing any health concerns related to respiratory symptoms you NEED to call your health care provider first before seeking medical attention.

If you stay home now we can be together later.

Thank you for helping to keep yourself, your family, your neighbors and our communities safe.

This is an official public health press release. Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of this author. Any reprint or rebroadcast of this information must include the entire communication.

On Thursday, the Iowa Army National Guard delivered a shipment of PPE (personal protective equipment) to Clayton County. Public Health and Emergency Management worked to properly package the supplies for distribution throughout the county. These items will aide our first responders, healthcare workers, and long-term care facility providers. PPE is being dispersed throughout Clayton County today!

Last week county agencies were contacted for an inventory of items on-hand. Requests for projected needs were taken into consideration. All Clayton County agencies are working through this together. Each agency is sourcing their own additional PPE needs. We continue to see an inspiring dynamic of resources and responses from both public and private sectors working together.

Please Follow Clayton County EMA on facebook https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonCountyEMA/ for updates

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 27, 2020     0900 am                                                              563-382-4662

Contact: Krista Vanden Brink BA, RN                                       Nancy Sacquitne RN, BSN

kvandenbrink@winneshiekhealth.org                                   nsacquitne@winneshiekhealth.org

Winneshiek County Public Health was notified of an additional positive case of COVID 19 in Winneshiek County late yesterday. This person has already recovered and had been in isolation.

Winneshiek County Public Health and our community health partners are stressing the importance of STAYING HOME. This does slow the spread.

If you must go out, MAINTAIN the 6 feet physical distancing – about the length of a twin bed.

Send one (1) person out to go to the grocery store to get essentials for ONE week.

Utilize social media to connect socially by video streaming, Facebook live, Zoom and other apps. We know you need to socially connect but it must be at a distance for all.

Public notification of any additional positives will be released daily on the Iowa Department of Public Health website.

If you have health concerns with respiratory symptoms, you NEED to call your providers first before going to the hospital or clinics.

If you stay home NOW, we can have the summer together.

Thank you for helping to keep our communities safe.

This is an official public health 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

###

(1)

During Governor Reynolds’ press conference, she stated that the existing business closures would extend to April 7th, or one week longer than originally stated. She also announced that, as of 10:00pm tonight, additional retail stores will be closed through April 7th. Retail stores included in this closure are book stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, luggage stores, cosmetic, perfume and beauty supply stores, florists, furniture stores, and home furnishing stores. This closure does not affect other retail establishments, such as discount store, grocery stores, or pharmacies that sell these goods in addition to other essential food, medical supplies, and household goods.

Additionally, effective at 5 p.m. Friday, all non-essential or elective surgeries and procedures that can be delayed are suspended and all elective dental procedures are suspended, with the exception of emergency procedures.

She stated that they had reevaluated the school closure, and maintain that schools should remain closed until April 13th.

You can read her proclamation here: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-state-public-health-emergency-0

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(2)

Last night the Senate unanimously passed the $2.2 Trillion relief package in a 96-0 vote. House leadership seems confident that a passing vote will be reached, with voting hopefully taking place on Friday. Some representatives have expressed concern over the desire to vote without being present (due to proximity concerns), so the logistics of the vote could delay any action. More on this as it develops.

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(3)

A business called Iowa Love reached out to me to present a free online gift card option for small businesses. Essentially, they’ve created a section of their website that allows small business to offer gift cards for sale online; they are offering this service at no cost to participating businesses (aside from processing fees that the payment system incurs). A number of towns have jumped into this, and it’s especially helpful for businesses without an online store. Customers buying gift cards now can give businesses cash flow to survive this ongoing crisis. You can see participating businesses here: https://iowalove.org/products/giftcards

And you can learn more about how it works here: https://iowalove.org/pages/how-it-works

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(4)

I’ve been updating the restaurant information almost daily as situations continue to change. The Google Drive folder contains the most recent menus and hour changes. You can still access all the information at the same link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1013wTaRdkMMzbtE6AuTcdOG9NTKbwsnC

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(5)

Many people are temporarily out of work due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but Kwik Trip, Inc. has seen increased demands on their stores due to COVID-19. They are looking to hire at least 2,000 full- and part-time workers. While also looking for year-round and seasonal positions, they understand that their increased volume at the moment provides an opportunity for temporary work until people are able to return to their current jobs. If you’re curious about pursuing this option, your first step would be a hiring event, which are being held virtually; the first one will be Tuesday, March 31st. You can read more here: https://jobs.kwiktrip.com/lp/Hiring%20Events%20Home%20Page/6b3934aae342097d/?locale=en_US

—

Andy KelleherExecutive Director, Main Street Lansing563-538-9229P.O. Box 307, Lansing, IA  52151

March 26, 2020

Contact: Nancy Yelden RN  (563-245-1145)

Nancy.yelden@unitypoint.org

First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Clayton County

A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Clayton County for a female in the age group of 18-40 years.  According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.

“While this is Clayton 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 Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association Director Stacey Killian. These actions include:

• 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.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

March 26, 2020

CONTACT:  Erin Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital  568-3411

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Urgent Care Hours Change During COVID-19

Veterans Memorial Hospital has changed the hours of Urgent Care services during this COVID-19 challenge.  Monday through Friday, the hours will now be reduced to 5 – 7 p.m.  Saturdays, Sundays and holidays will still hold the same hours from 9 am – 1 pm.

Urgent Care is still available seven days a week and designed for treating injuries or illnesses requiring immediate care, but not serious enough to require an emergency department visit.  During COVID-19, all patients with any respiratory symptoms are required to call the hospital at 568-3411 before coming in.   Urgent Care patients present to the main entrance of Veterans Memorial Hospital.   Emergency patients are still asked to come to the ER entrance of the hospital.

Examples of what a patient may seek Urgent Care for could include back pain; bladder or urinary tract infection; cough; cuts, scrapes and bruises; diarrhea; fever, colds and flu; ear pain, swimmer’s ear, ear infection, or wax removal; insect or tick bite; joint pain; minor burn; nausea/vomiting; pink eye; rash; seasonal allergies; sinus and upper respiratory infection; sore or strep throat; strains/sprains; sudden back or neck pain; urinary problems or vaginal irritation/discharge.  Most insurance does cover urgent care visits.  Patients can usually expect to pay a copay or deductible for visits to Urgent Care treatment

For questions on local medical testing and services, please call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-3411.

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2 healthcare facilities remain able to accommodate those who require intensive medical intervention. This Executive Order is consistent with a growing nationwide effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. On March 16, 2020, President Donald Trump issued guidelines to limit gatherings of more than 10 people. As of March 24, 2020, twenty-four states representing almost 200 million Americans have issued orders or public health directives closing non-essential businesses or limiting residents from participating in non-essential activities. Limiting activities to only those which are most essential and practicing social distancing at all times are vital tools required to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota and nationwide. On March 23, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience inCOVID-19 Response (“CISA Guidance”—attached to, and incorporated into, this Executive Order). The CISA Guidance identifies workers who conduct a range of operations and services that are essential to continued critical infrastructure viability. This federal guidance provides a baseline for Minnesota’s efforts to ensure critical infrastructure and services are maintainedwhile slowing the spread of COVID-19.In Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.02, the Minnesota Legislature conferred upon the Governor emergency powers “in order to (1) ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with disasters, (2) generally protect the public peace, health, and safety, and (3) preserve the lives and property of the people of the state.” Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.21, subdivision 1, the Governor has general authority to control the state’s emergency management as well as carry out the provisions of Minnesota’s Emergency Management Act. Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.21, subdivision 3(7), authorizes the Governor to cooperate with federal and state agencies in “matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state and nation . . . .” including “the direction or control of . . . the conduct of persons in the state, including entrance or exit from any stricken or threatened public place, occupancy of facilities, and . . . public meetings or gatherings . . . .” Pursuant to subdivision 3 of that same section, the Governor may “make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders and rules to carry out the provisions” of Minnesota Statutes 2019, Chapter 12. When approved by the Executive Council and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, such orders and rules have the force and effect of law during the peacetime emergency. Any inconsistent rules or ordinances of any agency or political subdivision of the state are suspended during the pendency of the emergency. Any person who willfully violates such an order or rule is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days. For these reasons, I order as follows: 1.Beginning on Friday, March 27, 2020 at 11:59 pm through Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm, all persons currently living within the State of Minnesota are ordered to stay at home or in their place of residence except to engage in the Activities and CriticalSector work set forth below in Paragraphs 5 and 6.

3 2.For purposes of this Executive Order, homes or residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, shelters, and similar facilities, to the extent they are used for lodging. 3.This Executive Order does not restrict virtual work or telework (i.e . work from home), and Minnesotans working in any field are encouraged to work from their home or residence as much as possible.4.Definitions.As used in this Executive Order, “workers” and “personnel” are broadly defined to include employees, contractors, vendors, and volunteers. As used in this Executive Order, “Critical Sectors” is defined to include the categories found in the CISA Guidance and the additional categories listed below. 5.Exemptions – Activities. Minnesotans may leave their homes or residences to engage in the following activities, provided that all persons follow the guidelines set forth and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health (“MDH Guidelines”), including but not limited to social distancing, to the maximum extent possible. This list of Activities may be clarified, as deemed necessary by the Governor, to ensure the health, safety, and security of all Minnesotans. Clarifications will be available for public review at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/a.Relocation to ensure safety. Individuals whose homes or residences are unsafe or become unsafe, including individuals who have suffered or are at risk of domestic violence or for whom the safety, sanitation or essential operations of the home or residence cannot be maintained, are allowed and urged to leave their home or residence and relocate to a safe alternative home or residence. b.Health and s afety activities. Individuals may seek emergency services, obtain medical services, supplies, and medications, and visit a health care or dental professional or facility, or a veterinarian. Individuals may also donate blood. c.Outdoor activities. Individuals may engage in outdoor activities (e.g.,walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing), and may go to available public parks and other public recreation lands, consistent with remaining at least six feet apart from individuals from other households. This does not exempt public accommodations that may feature outdoor activities from closure under Executive Order 20-04 and does not permit trespass upon private property. d.Necessary supplies and services. Individuals may obtain food, including delivery or carry-out services, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and other grocery items, gasoline, supplies needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of homes and residences, businesses, and personally owned vehicles, including

(1)

The State of Iowa has released a program called the Targeted Small Business Sole Operator Fund. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000 to businesses that are sole proprietors or single-member LLCs that are also TSB certified, or have an application submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) by April 10, 2020 to become TSB certified. The Targeted Small Business Program is designed to help Iowa for-profit small businesses that are majority-owned (51 percent or more), operated and managed by a female, individual with minority status, service disabled veteran or individual with a disability. The program grants TSB Certified businesses access to business support, low-interest loans, and the ability to sell to state agencies without going through a competitive bidding process. If you are not a Targeted Small Business and would like to explore this opportunity, you can apply for both the program and the grant funds at the same time. Learn more here: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/programDetails?pid=137&ppid=26

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(2)

The State of Iowa Small Business Relief Grant Program and Tax Deferral is up and running. The online application was very busy yesterday, but I have checked 3 times today and had no problems accessing it. The program offers grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000, in addition to offering a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest to eligible businesses. To be eligible, businesses must have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020 and be experiencing disruptions due to COVID-19. The program is not first-come, first-serve, so you don’t need to worry if it takes you some time to complete the application. However, all applications are due by Tuessday, March 31st at noon. The state recommends having all necessary information collected before beginning the application process. Necessary information includes:

• 3-month income statement

* Standard business ownership information, including primary address, contact information, FEIN, withholding permit number,  sales tax permit number, etc. as applicable.

• Revenues – March 2019
• Revenues – March 2020 to date
• Balance Sheet (as of application date)
• Payroll prior to March 17, 2020
• Completed Business W-9 form
• Additional fields may include:

◦ Date of business establishment

◦ Description of Economic Impact Loss (loss of sales or revenue)

◦ Number of employees on March 1

◦ Number of employees working remotely as a result of the disaster

◦ Estimated loss of revenues March 15, 2020 – April 15, 2020

◦ Description of how funds will be utilized to maintain operations or reopen after the disaster

Learn more and apply here: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/reliefgrants

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(3)

The State of Iowa has released a new website providing information on COVID-19. This site includes information on Iowa COVID-19 statistics, information on the COVID-19 virus and how to protect yourself and a State of Iowa Agency Guidance site that has links to various Iowa Agencies and information pertaining to their services. This new website can be found at https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/

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(4)

The United States Bartenders Guild has an emergency assistance program for COVID-19 relief.

In order to qualify for grant assistance from the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program, the recipient must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1 Be a Bartender or the spouse or child of a Bartender. The Bartender Emergency Assistance Program defines a “Bartender” as an individual employed in serving beverages or otherwise engaged in the production, promotion or distribution of alcoholic beverages. An individual is considered “employed” as a Bartender if, for not less than one year prior to the application, the individual performed services as a Bartender on a regular full- or part-time basis or, if the catastrophic event or emergency hardship giving rise to the application prevents the individual from performing such services, for not less than one year prior to the event or hardship the individual performed services as a Bartender on a regular full- or part-time basis.

2. Experience a catastrophic event or emergency hardship that is:

• Identifiable and described in detail in the application;
• Damaging to the person or property (e.g., loss of life, health, or property);
• Sudden and precipitous rather than gradual or progressive;
• Unexpected, unanticipated, unforeseen, unintended, or unplanned; and
• Unusual and not normally occurring in the ordinary course of day-to-day living.

3. Lack the necessities of life, including financial, physical, mental, or emotional well being as a result of the catastrophic event or emergency                hardship.

4. Provide tangible documentation of the catastrophic event or emergency hardship.

Note: You do not need to be a member of the USBG to apply. Find more information and apply here: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap

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(5)

The Senate is expected to vote on the $2 Trillion coronavirus aid package today. The House could vote as early as tomorrow, and President Trump has indicated that he is willing to sign when it lands on his desk. While details could change, the current Senate aid package includes:

—A $500 Billion loan program for businesses

—$600 per week expansion for unemployment insurance

—$150 Billion for hospitals, equipment, and health care worker protections

—$150 Billion in aid for state and local governments

—A one-time $1,200 check to most adults making $75,000 or less annually, plus $500 for every child

—$367 Billion for loans to small businesses

One important note: The House has its own plan for stimulating the economy, but they may choose to agree with the Senate plan in order to get this out to the public as soon as possible. Updates on this will continue in the coming days.

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(6)

Yesterday, Shep’s Riverside Bar and Grill and a team of fantastic volunteers delivered nearly 350 free hot meals to people across the community! An anonymous donor reached out to Shep’s to pay for 100 meals to distribute to the community to ease COVID-19 worries, and donations kept coming in to cover the cost of even more meals. They didn’t turn anyone down. At the end of the day, they served 80 pounds of beef, 90 pounds of potatoes, 10 gallons of gravy, 100 pounds of corn, 60 pounds of green beans, 33 loaves of bread, and 230 cookies. The local news covered it here: https://wxow.com/2020/03/24/the-lansing-iowa-community-helps-their-locals-with-free-hot-meals/

—

Andy KelleherExecutive Director, Main Street Lansing563-538-9229P.O. Box 307, Lansing, IA  52151

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon will be offering Curbside Service. Call M-F from 10am-12pm or visit www.waukon.lib.ia.us for details.

Finkenauer to Hold Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall

with Local Business, Labor, and Workforce Leaders

Thursday, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) will hold a telephone town hall with local business, labor, and workforce leaders to answer questions from Iowans in the First Congressional District regarding work and business impacts. Finkenauer wants to ensure Iowa families have the most up to date information.

To sign up to participate in Thursday’s telephone townhall, please visit https://finkenauer.house.gov/live

Who: Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, local business, labor, and workforce leaders

What: Coronavirus Employment and Economic Impact Telephone Town Hall

When: Thursday March 26th at 3:00 PM Central

Where: https://finkenauer.house.gov/live

Finkenauer also published a coronavirus informational page to help Iowans access important information regarding the global pandemic. The page is available at https://finkenauer.house.gov/coronavirus-information

Iowa SBA Funding Update

As we shared yesterday, the Iowa SBA webinar experienced many technical difficulties. Another session is scheduled for Thursday. I would suggest logging on early in an attempt to secure a spot.

Thursday, March 26, 2020 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Join at https://meet.lync.com/sba123/tdlentel/FKK1FR1Y
There will be a visual presentation.
You can join by audio only at (202) 765-1264 using ID# 480330157#

A recording of the Tuesday, March 24th webinar can be found here. 
Two important changes have taken place since the Tuesday webinar:
1. No tax returns require to be uploaded at the time of application regardless of size.
2. The SBA is not requiring personal assets used as collateral.

As of 3/25/20, the following is an overview of actions taken by Iowa and surrounding states concerning disaster declarations, shelter in place orders, school closures, business closures, and travel restrictions.

Corey P Snitker

Emergency Management Coordinator

Allamakee County Iowa

877 HWY 9

Waukon, IA 52172

Cell: 563-568-1911

Office: 563-568-4233

csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nancy Sacquitne, RN, BSN, Winneshiek County Public Health

Wanda Hemesath, City Clerk,Tr., PIO
Kristin Torresdal, Library Director, PIO

Decorah, IA (March 25, 2020) – Winneshiek County Public Health in partnership with the City of Decorah are taking all steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of City and County residents. We know community spread is occurring in other Iowa counties, so we need to assume that this virus is community spread here as well.

We urge you to follow these simple steps to help protect you and your family

• STAY home unless TRULY ESSENTIAL – Shelter in place whenever possible
• Maintain at least 6 feet physical distance from any person even in line at the grocery store
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Frequent use of hand sanitizer
• Use disinfectant procedures at home and work
• Do not congregate in groups – No more than 10 persons

Following these simple steps will help ensure the continued safety and protection of not only yourself, but of medical staff, emergency workers, grocery clerks and others who remain on the front lines to ensure the continuation of essential medical, public safety and public works services.

This unprecedented event is taxing the supply of medical equipment and Personal Protective Equipment.  No testing kits were initially available for this previously unknown virus.  Testing kits have just recently been developed but are in short supply.

Winneshiek County Emergency Management has taken all steps necessary to procure these needed items as soon as possible.  However, these supplies will be prioritized and go to areas of greatest need first.

In the meantime, as residents, we have the responsibility to protect ourselves by following the recommended steps.  This will help save precious resources as we continue to try to slow the spread and not overwhelm the healthcare systems.

Please do as we have told you to help reduce the spread! We want you to take care of yourself. Be sure to tell your family and friends to help protect them.

Public Health and the City will continue to follow the guidance of the Iowa Department of Public Health and will update the public with changes as they occur.

Public information releases will be accomplished by press releases to radio, newspaper and other public forums, Winneshiek County Public Health website, www.winneshiekhealth.org , City website www.decorahia.org and county/city social media venues.

Direct questions regarding this message to

• Nancy Sacquitne, Winneshiek County Public Health 563.382.4661
• Wanda Hemesath, City Clerk, Tr. Hemesath@decorahia.org. 563.379.1362 (C)
• 563-382-3651 City Clerk’s Office

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.

This is an official city 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

Additional COVID-19 cases in Iowa, Reynolds to hold press conference today

Wed, 03/25/2020 – 10:55

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 21 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 145 positive cases. There have been a total of 2,578 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.

According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 21 individuals include:

• Allamakee County 1 middle-aged adults (41-60 years)
• Benton County, 2 middle-aged adults (41-60 years)
• Hancock County, 1 middle-aged adults (41-60 years)
• Johnson County, 4 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Linn County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)
• Muscatine County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
• Polk County, 3 older adults (61-80 years)
• Poweshiek County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
• Scott County, 2 middle-aged (41-60 years)
• Washington County, 2 adults (18-40 years)

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at outside labs, and is providing additional information on the conditions of those infected with COVID-19.

Gov. Reynolds will hold a press conference today at 2:30 p.m. The press conference will be livestreamed and posted in full on Governor Reynolds’ Facebook Page

On March 24, the Winneshiek County Extension and Outreach council made the formal decision to cancel the swine weigh-in originally set for March 28, 2020. This decision was made with the best interest of our 4-H families, volunteers, staff and members of our communities in mind. We take serving Iowans seriously, and we are prioritizing the health and safety of our community and staff.

The weigh-in is canceled, but we are still having a market swine show. To view the letter, please visit: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/winneshiek/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/winneshiek/swine%20letter%202020_pick%20up%20procedure.pdf

Throughout this process, we are here to help. Our office is closed to walk-ins, but we are staffing the phones from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri, 563-382-2949 or you can reach Angie by email at aksperf@iastate.edu. We appreciate your understanding and willingness to overcome this bump in the road.

Wednesday March 25, 2020

Recently Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released his “Safer at Home Order” to the people

Of Wisconsin in an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Law Enforcement leaders have

Been working throughout Vernon County to ensure everyone’s safety regarding the order.

 The Sheriff’s office has been diligently trying to interpret what the order means to citizens of

Vernon County.

Numerous inquiries are coming into the Sheriff’s Office seeking guidance on what this order

Means to them. Unfortunately, I do not have all the answers at this time as we were given the

Order at the same time all of you received it and are still working actively to fully understand

The intended scope. I want to take a moment to share my thoughts.

My belief and leadership that I share with my staff is as follows: “The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to providing a safe and secure community through partnerships

That build trust, proactively reduce crime/recidivism, minimize victimization and enhance

The quality of life while protecting constitutional guarantees”.

During these difficult and unprecedented times some of our individual rights are certainly

Being restricted. These rights are being restricted at the recommendation of medical health

Professionals for the greater good of all, so that others may live. This is a community effort

That requires collaboration and cooperation from all. I ask the people of Vernon County to voluntarily comply with the “Safer at Home order” issued by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers so that together we can get through these difficult times. I understand and appreciate

The great personal sacrifices being made to accomplish this by all of you. I have a very difficult time with this concept as I sit at my desk and stare at my copy of the United States

Constitution, as it represents the foundation of our country. Our Constitution is not a document that gives us rights, but preserves our rights.

As your Sheriff, I want to assure all of you that the words of my leadership matters. All staff

At the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office are committed and dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights and guarantees. This order from Governor Evers has not suspended the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin. We are not under “Martial Law”. You will not be stopped without reasonable suspicion that a violation of the law has occurred. This is the same standard that existed prior to this order. You will not be detained or questioned as to why you are leaving your house or questioned as to if the purpose of your travels falls under the essential travel portion of the order.

The Sheriff’s Office will investigate and take enforcement action on blatant violations of this order that put our community at great risk. We are asking for a voluntary compliance with this order so we can readily reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and defeat the virus.

I want to personally thank the citizens of Vernon County for your compliance, understanding, and the sacrifices that all of you are making. Like other law enforcement agencies, we have had to change how we operate during this pandemic. I want to assure all citizens that your Sheriff’s Office is here to serve you and ready to protect you.

Thank You,

Respectfully,

Sheriff John B. Spears

“Stay Healthy and Stay Safe”

Sheriff Spears wants to thank Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis of Washington County for offering to share

His thoughts and thoughts of many Sheriff’s across Wisconsin.

1
Houston County Resource List
Last updated March 24, 2020
(This list will be updated as much as possible. If you have an update, please email
olivia.denney@co.houston.mn.us or comment on the post at the top of the Houston County Emergency
Management Facebook page. The post will be updated as much as possible. Also check that post for the
most recent updates.)
What You Need to Know:
 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.
 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 Hotlines (open 7 am – 7 pm)
o Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
o Community mitigation (schools, childcare, businesses) questions: 651-297-1304
or 1-800-657-3504
o DHS Crisis Text Line: https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policiesprocedures/adult-mental-health/crisis-textline/?fbclid=IwAR2CswzUGQbZIbt9z7AiiTodj5VD2BNWvW6MqnBWBFcQEhEf4P3
y48q_F3c
 Minnesota Unemployment: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/newsupdates/covid-19.jsp?fbclid=IwAR1-
v4im1JzHOCy5AeXkFNKwJb0fcaXHa06beDXKptbRAAgVy5olb3DpUQA
 Minnesota Workers’ Rights and Protections: https://www.dli.mn.gov/workers/workerrights-and-protections?fbclid=IwAR2_8za_hgf_ZDGGOFtlMke5cwkTUe-xgOT0Us–
OY7ufiIzlIux-_LBDCU
 MNSURE deadlines have been extended until April 21 due to the situation.
2
Services & Businesses Information Table of Contents
Houston County 3
Brownsville 4
Caledonia 5
Eitzen 7
Freeburg 7
Hokah 8
Houston 9
La Crescent 10
Spring Grove 12
3
Houston County Offices Information
 Houston County Board of Commissioner Chair Eric Johnson has declared a health
emergency, which will be ratified by the full board on March 24. This allows the county
government to proceed with emergency measures regarding COVID-19.
 Effective Friday, March 20, the County Courthouse, Highway Department, and
Community Services Center will be closed to walk-in public access, though all offices
will remain open for business. Face-to-face service is by appointment only, with
preferred methods of communication being phone, email, or mail. There is a drop-box
located near the Courthouse west entrance for applications, license plate renewals, and
tax payments.
 The Detention Center has suspended public fingerprinting services, programming
services for inmates, inmate work crew activities, and jail/dispatch tours. Access to the
visitation room may be limited to allow social distancing, but visitation process and
hours will function as normal. The front lobby window remains open for business.
 The Houston County Third Judicial District Court is following state guidance on
scheduling and encourages parties to call 507-725-5806 before coming to court or to
receive scheduling clarification. Super high and high priority cases will continue to be
heard. Please refer to www.mncourts.gov for more information.
 Drop sites will remain open on the regular schedule with the following changes in
operations. Drop Site employees have been instructed not to assist customers with
unloading and customers will be asked to remain outside drop site buildings to avoid
person-to-person contact. The drop sites will only accept bagged trash, recyclable
plastic, tin cans, bottles and cardboard during this time. Customers will not be asked to
sign receipts. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary trips to drop sites, if
disposal of an item is not urgent, please postpone it.
 The Houston County Historical Society Museum & Research Center is CLOSED until
further notice.
4
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. Off sale available.
o Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 5-8 pm
o Delivery must be $20 + and is limited to the city limits of Brownsville but no
gravel roads.
5
Caledonia
Essential Services:
 FOOD SHELF: Donations are needed, money is preferred at this time. They are open
Tuesdays and Thursdays at normal times, and there are signs posted for instructions.
Email caledoniacc@semcac.org to make an appointment before visiting.
 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 or email
caledoniacommunitygiving@gmail.com.
 Mayo Clinic Caledonia will be temporarily closing to redirect resources to their COVID19 response.
Restaurants & Food:
 Quillins: New Store Hours: 7 am – 7 pm, 7 days a week. 7 – 8 am is reserved for
customers in high-risk categories.
 AJ’s Bar & Grill: Currently not open, check the AJ’s Bar and Grill Facebook page for most
recent updates.
 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). Need eggs? Chucks has gotten some in. Bring your own
carton – 2 dozen limit.
 Elsie’s: Regular menu available as pickup and delivery, as well as daily carryout specials
(check Facebook or call for daily specials). Pickup window is the window next to the
telephone booth on the north side of the building. Frozen pizzas are now available.
 Good Times Restaurant and Bar: CLOSED until further notice.
6
 The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts: CLOSED until further notice. E-Gift Cards Available.
 Redwood Café: The Redwood Café is officially closed after 60+ years of business.
 Wired Rooster: CLOSED until it’s safe and they are allowed to reopen.
 The American Legion is closed until further notice.
Community:
 Dollar General has dedicated its first hour of business to senior customers only.
 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: Closed through March 31, call for specific
orders/delivery.
 Twice as Nice is closed until further notice.
 Herman Dental Clinic is only open for emergencies through March 29th. If you have a
dental emergency call 507-725-3341.
 Mell Chiropractic is temporarily closing until further notice.
 Wiebke Tire: Call the shop at 507-725-2875 to make an appointment for URGENT needs
only. Only employees are permitted in the shop.
 AcenTek is offering free broadband and WiFi internet for students and teachers who do
not currently have service with them. Call 888-404-4940 for more information.
7
Eitzen
Essential Services:
 City Hall: Remaining open at this time during normal hours.
 Eitzen Community Center is closed to the public until further notice. Those who have
reserved the Community Center will be contacted regarding their reservation.
 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 open 11:00 – 7:00 Monday through Saturday with off-sale available
during these hours.
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.
Restaurants & Food:
 Little Miami is open for to-go orders and off sale Wednesday-Sunday. Call 507-724-2156
to place your order.
8
Hokah
Essential Services:
 Hokah City Offices: Closed to the public until further notice. 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 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.
9
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: Closed until further notice.
 The Houston Library is closed. However, they are offering contactless curbside pick=up
for items ordered online, by phone, or by email at the front of the building. Call 896-
7323 or email hpublib@gmail.com with questions for concerns. Order online at
www.houston.lib.mn.us. You will need your library card number and pin to order – call
if you need assistance.
 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.
 The Houston County Food Shelf is open normal hours.
Restaurants & Food:
 Barista’s Coffee House: All orders are made to go.
o Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 until 1:30; Saturday and Sunday 7 am – 2 pm
 JT’s Bar & Grill is open for takeout only.
 Subzero Pizza is open with curbside service.
 River Valley Convenience is open with to go service available.
 The American Legion is closed until further notice.
Community:
 Valley High Golf Club: Closed until March 28.
 Nesler Auto Repair office is closed to the public. They are only taking prescheduled
vehicle repairs for non-routine maintenance. Keys can be placed in the drop box as well
as knocking on the shop door for a mechanic to come and assist.
 Houston Nature Center indoor exhibits are closed until further notice.
10
La Crescent
Essential Services:
 FOOD SHELF: Open Wednesdays 2-5 and 2nd Saturday of the month 9 – noon (normal
hours) at the curb of the new location: 436 South 6th Street (former Pam’s Hair Salon
building just south of the elementary school). 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 Public Library is closed to the public until further notice. Service by phone
and email will be available at lcr_dire@selco.info and 507-895-4047.
 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.
Restaurants & Food:
 Swing Bridge Pub is closed until Friday. They will go day-by-day. Check their Facebook
page for the most up to date information.
 Schmitty’s TimeOut Tavern: offering full menu carryout service by calling 507-895-4239.
o Hours: 11 am – 1:30 pm, 4:30 – 8 pm.
 Sports Hub Bar & Grill: open for carry-out with a full menu from 11 am – 8 pm. Off-sale
beer & liquor available. Call 507-895-2715 to place your order.
11
 Kaddy’s Café: Open normal hours for take-out/curbside pickup. Call 507-895-2900 to
place your order. Daily specials on the Kaddy’s Café Facebook page.
o Hours: 6 am – 2 pm daily, 4 – 8 pm Friday night.
 Corky’s Pizza: Open regular hours for carry-out only. Call 507-895-6996 to place your
order.
Community:
 Chamber of Commerce office is closed to the public. April 2nd Trivia Night is cancelled.
12
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. You can get same-day orders if you place your order by 3 pm
weekdays, otherwise they will end up on the next week’s list (not occurring on
weekends). Email order@shopreds.com or use Facebook messenger to place you order.
You can snap a picture or type your order. Do NOT call in large orders of items. Include a
pick up time and phone number (please give them an hour to gather items). Please call
507-498-5484 to notify staff once you arrive to pick up your order. Park on the north
parking lot side (Jo’s Coffee House).
 Spring Grove Soda Pop: Call 507-498-3424 or order through their website at
www.springgrovesodapop.com to place your order for curbside pick up. Ring the bell
and they’ll take care of you.
Community:
 Spring Grove Cinema is closed until further notice.

Mayo Clinic Health System to temporarily suspend operations at Caledonia Clinic to support COVID-19 response.

CALEDONIA, Minn. – In light of deferring elective care appointments, Mayo Clinic Health System will temporarily suspend operations at the Caledonia, Minn. clinic effective Thursday, March 26, 2020. The clinic will reopen following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The suspensions are necessary to reallocate staffing resources to other critical care needs in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
“We are temporarily suspending operations at the Caledonia Clinic to redirect important resources to where they are needed most,” says Paul Mueller, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse regional vice president. “During this interim period, our patients will continue to have options to receive care that includes necessary clinic visits at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse or Onalaska, virtual video visits with local providers, or our 24/7 Nurse Line and Express Care Online.”
Patients should call 507-724-3353 to inquire about virtual video visits with a provider. Patients who have upcoming clinic appointments scheduled will be notified. Nearby locations to receive care locally include Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse and Onalaska.
If you are showing any sign of possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), please call first before presenting to a health care facility. If you meet testing criteria, you will be directed to a local testing site.
Please visit our Mayo Clinic Health System COVID-19 online resource site for contact information and the most up-to-the-minute information about COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, unrelated health care needs, or need to visit someone at the clinic or hospital. You can also view updates via Mayo Clinic Health System’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.

New State of Iowa COVID-19 Website
https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/

Rumor Control

Medicare Fraud

• Iowans can contact Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol for information about scams and to report Fraud. Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol is housed in the Iowa Insurance Division. https://shiip.iowa.gov/smp/

Fake Test Kits and Cures

• Iowans should look to official sources for information on testing and medications currently available for COVID-19. If it sounds too good to be true it most likely is.
• The FDA has information on test kit fraud and vaccine and treatment development.  Kits: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-alerts-consumers-about-unauthorized-fraudulent-covid-19-test-kits Overall Website: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

FEMA Website

FEMA R7 public affairs staff made us aware of a rumor control page being done by their HQ. Here’s a link https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control

FEMA also provides other great resources like fact sheets: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus

SPANISH: https://www.fema.gov/es/coronavirus

Federal Coronavirus Site: https://www.coronavirus.gov/

Other Websites

The CDC also addresses this on their site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/share-facts.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fshare-facts.html

Medicare Scams and Fraud information: https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus

FDA Fraudulent COVID-19 kits Information:  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-alerts-consumers-about-unauthorized-fraudulent-covid-19-test-kits

Governor Reynolds Announces COVID-19 Iowa Small Business Relief Program
Financial Assistance and Tax Deferral Now Available to Eligible Small Businesses
Impacted by COVID-19
March 23, 2020 (DES MOINES) – Governor Reynolds today announced the launch of a
new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to small
businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The
program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 in
addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes
due and waiver of penalty and interest.
“Small businesses are the source of thriving main streets and community pride across
Iowa,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The Small Business Relief Grant Program is another way
we can support our small businesses during this unprecedented time.”
Iowa Small Business Relief Program Grant:
2
To be eligible for a small business relief grant, eligible businesses must:
 Be experiencing business disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic
 Have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020
The Small Business Relief Grants will assist eligible businesses in maintaining
operations or reopening business following the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds may
not be used to pay debts incurred prior to March 17, 2020.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority will review grant applications for eligibility
and will determine the grant amount by the level of impact including loss in sales
revenue and employees. Notification of award decisions and disbursement of grant
funds will be expedited.
Tax Assistance:
The Iowa Department of Revenue will review each application as applicable, to
determine if it is appropriate to grant a deferral of the eligible taxes and waiver of
penalty and interest.
The dual application for grant assistance and tax deferral is available at
iowabusinessrecovery.com. The deadline for applications is March 31 at 12:00 p.m.
(noon). The program may be restricted due to funding availability