SHERIFF’S OFFICE

COUNTY OF VERNON

1320 BAD AXE COURT

VIROQUA, WISCONSIN 54665

JOHN B. SPEARS, SHERIFF           NATHAN CAMPBELL, CHIEF DEPUTY SHERIFF            

2020 ANNUAL VERNON LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL

                                 SERVICE HELD VIRTUALLY – MAY 12, 2020, 10:00 AM

May 12, 2020

Vernon County Sheriff John B. Spears reports the week of May 10-16 is National Police Week.  Annually, officers who made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities are honored this week.  Over thirty years ago, retired Sheriff Geoffrey Banta began holding local services not only to honor the fallen, but to thank all officers, in all of our communities, for facing every-day conflicts and dangers.  This tradition continued under the leadership of Retired Sheriff Gene Cary and now current Sheriff John Spears.

Sheriff Spears says this uninterrupted tradition of honor and appreciation will continue and this year is no exception.  A virtual ceremony will be held today, May 12^th, at 10:00 AM via video.  We regret the community cannot attend, but we hope the video will cause you to pause, honor the memory of the fallen, and thank those who continue to serve during these challenging and uncertain times.

Sheriff Spears would like to thank all law enforcement, in all of our communities.  Normally, each and every law enforcement agency throughout the county are represented at our annual service as well as our formal Honor Guard.  We would also like to thank Lieutenant Jason Crume for planning and logistics throughout the years.

Sheriff Spears would like to thank Vernon Communications

Cooperative.  Not only did Vernon Communications loan us their

video equipment, their Video & Digital Media Coordinator edited the

video creating an excellent finished product.  The video will also air on

Community Channel 14 starting tomorrow, May 13^th, at 10:30 AM, and again Friday, May 15^th, at 5:00 PM.

Video link: https://youtu.be/Tad_z6OsNqQ

/s/ John B. Spears, Sheriff

Shellabration 2020 Canceled Due to COVID-19
Cheap Trick with special guest 38 Special rescheduled for 7/2/2021
Fort Dodge, Iowa
After “exhaustive ongoing discussions and careful consideration”, the Shellabration
Inc. Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s
Shellabration and Downtown Country Jam events. “The health and safety of our
attendees, volunteers, sponsors, contractors and community will always be our
highest priority, said Shellabration Inc. President, Jim Reed. With the ongoing public
health threat due to COVID-19 unlikely to subside any time soon, canceling was
both the responsible and conscientious thing to do. Even if large scale events were
hypothetically permitted later this year, the social distancing requirements would
make attempting to stage an event with several thousand people untenable,” added
Reed.
In addition to the compelling public health risk, the organization also considered the
long-term financial ramifications, were the State of Iowa to permit large scale
gatherings at some point this year. “With significantly lower sponsorship and ticket
sale revenue due to the current economic climate, we would be putting our ability to
stage future shows at risk, said Shellabration Inc. VP, Ted Bodensteiner. While we
could cover the loss with our cash reserve in the short term, to jeopardize
everything we’ve built in the past 19 seasons was a chance we weren’t willing to
take,” underscored Bodensteiner.
While disappointed to have to cancel their events for 2020, the upside is the group
was able to get all of their artists rescheduled for Shellabration 2021. Next year’s
event will take place on Friday, July 2, 2021 featuring Cheap Trick with special
guest 38 Special plus Saucy Jack. “The bands and agencies were great to work
with in getting our date rescheduled, said Reed. We’re incredibly excited to keep
our lineup intact. The fact that July 2nd falls on a Friday next year versus a Thursday
in 2020 is an added bonus,” he added. All tickets purchased for this year’s event
slated for 7/2/20 through Ticketweb will be automatically refunded to the credit card
they were purchased on. There is no action required to receive a refund. The
physical tickets received for 2020 cannot be used in 2021. New tickets will need to
be purchased. Tickets for next year’s event are tentatively scheduled to go on sale
Saturday, February 27, 2021.
“We hope the public will respect and support our decision to cancel and live for
another day, said Reed. Having survived severely weather impacted events over
the years, we thought we’d seen it all. Never could we have imagined having to
cancel an event due to a global pandemic. That said, we’ll learn from this
circumstance and continue working diligently to produce the highest quality shows
possible for the greater Fort Dodge and Northwest Iowa area. Fort Dodge ROCKS,”
emphasized Reed.
Shellabration Inc. Ÿ PO Box 752, Fort Dodge, IA Ÿ (515) 570-0176
Serving the Fort Dodge area community through performing arts & entertainment!

To provide better access to testing for patients, a COVID-19 drive-up testing site is now available on Gundersen Health System’s La Crosse Campus.  

The testing site is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The same prescreening protocol remains in place for triaging patients for testing, but now they will have the option to go to Onalaska or La Crosse. On weekends, Onalaska will remain an option for testing. Testing is also available for pre-screened patients at several regional locations.

Patient should call their primary care provider or Gundersen Telephone Nurse Advisors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (608) 775-4454 or (800) 858-1050. Virtual care options are also a convenient way to connect. Visit gundersenhealth.org to experience our commitment to providing care anywhere for patients.

Website: www.mhcfair.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/MHCFair
HOWARD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
THOMAS V. BARNES, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Post Office Box 83, Cresco, Iowa 52136
Home Phone: 563.547.4996 Fax: 563.547.4355 E-mail: tbarnes@mhcfair.com
2020 Mighty Howard County Fair Postponed to 2021
Cresco, Iowa – May 10, 2020: The Howard County Fair Board has announced that the 2020 Mighty Howard County Fair
will not be held this year. Events and entertainment will be postponed until June 22 to 27, 2021.
“To say we’re disappointed is an understatement.” said Tom Barnes, Executive Secretary of the Board. “But the
health and safety of our community is our top priority. Taking into consideration all of the factors the Board had
to look at in dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic, this is the right decision.”
The decision by the Fair Board was made after much time and effort was spent consulting with the Association of
Iowa Fairs (AIF), the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), the State of Iowa and Howard
County Public Health and Emergency Services.
“The Fair should be a time for celebrating the accomplishments of our area 4-H and FFA exhibitors, highlighting
the ethnic and cultural diversity of our Howard County community and a time when fairgoers can get together in
a family atmosphere to enjoy all of the sites, tastes and sounds of a great county fair.” Barnes said. “The last thing
the Board wants to do is to create an atmosphere of concern and anxiety.”
The decision was not made lightly, not only taking into consideration of the safety of those directly involved with
the Fair, but also realizing the impact the Fair has on the community and county. “The Board does understand this
decision could have a negative economic impact on our Fair vendors and local businesses who depend on the Fair
for their livelihood,” Barnes noted. “However, the safety of our community is our first and foremost concern.”
The Fair typically draws fairgoers and vendors from Iowa and several other states, with roughly 60 percent of the
fairgoers are coming from outside of the community. Current safety guidelines relating to the COVID 19 pandemic
that are in place by the State of Iowa and Howard County Community Health makes it an overwhelming task for
the Fair Board to ensure the Fair would be a safe and positive event for the community. “The guidelines in place at
this time put a great deal of risk on the Fair Board,” Barnes added.
“This pandemic is an unprecedented event for our generations. By working together, we will get through it. We
need to use what we have learned from this pandemic to better our lives.” Barnes said. “The Fair will back in
2021, stronger than ever.”

Gundersen providing limited in-person care

Patient and staff safety top priorities at all locations

Gundersen Health System is proving limited in-person care, with a focus on low-risk, high-priority patients while continuing its response to COVID-19 and care for those impacted by the virus.

The safe, careful approach to resuming in-person visits and expanding virtual care options are part of a long-term strategy to restore Gundersen operations and respond to our patients’ care needs.

The pandemic has shown our world the importance of virtual options – and that includes healthcare. For the care that can be provided at home, Gundersen brings providers to patients by video. Our patients’ response to the virtual care options has been remarkable, with more than 650 virtual care stations for our staff up and running to provide convenient video visits across the system.

“We remain committed to our plan to carefully and safely resume services beginning with low risk, high priority cases. We will test our designs for the safety of our patients and staff and expand as we believe best serves our patients and the community,” said Gundersen Chief Executive Officer Scott Rathgaber, MD.

Gundersen has taken every precaution to keep patients and staff safe at locations across the system. For patients: please don’t let concerns about COVID-19 prevent you from getting the care you need, especially urgent or emergency care. We are prepared to care for you safely and ensure your health and well-being at the Gundersen location nearest you.

Thank you for your assistance in keeping our communities healthy and safe. Continue to wash your hands and observe social distancing. We will get through this together. Gundersen and the local healthcare community are here to care for you, safely and close to home.

More online

For information on Gundersen visitor guidelines, face coverings and much more, visit gundersenhealth.org/covid19

Patients have many options for your care. Visit gundersenhealth.org/care to learn more.

They can also call (608) 782-7300 and ask for the Virtual Care Support Team at extension 70130 or visit gundersenhealth.org/care/skype-visits for more information.

Good afternoon Partners.

I wanted to take time to share a few resources with you. As always, continue to watch Governor Reynolds’s press conferences each weekday at 11 a.m. Reference https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ for the latest information for Iowa.

Governor Reynold’s Proclamation

Today, Governor Reynolds loosened restrictions for all counties in Iowa, including Fayette County. This restriction has eased businesses, restaurants, campgrounds, malls, fitness centers, libraries and race track restrictions as long as they follow specific guidelines. Again, the eased restrictions on religious gatherings and farmers’ markets apply to ALL 99 counties if they can adhere to the guidelines in the Proclamation. Within IDPH clarification, weddings and funerals are permitted as a religious gathering; however, receptions and visitations must adhere to the 10 and under gathering rule (rolling receptions/visitations with 10 people in and out are still allowed). Gatherings of more than 10 people continue to be prohibited.

See the Governor’s full Proclamation: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-the-state-public-health-emergency-0

 Check out our EOC saying hello attached😊

Thanks,

Jes

JESSICA WEGNER, RN

GPCH Coordinator – Fayette County Public Health

200 Jefferson Street, West Union, IA 52175      

Phone: 563.422.6267 ext 64681    Fax: 563-422-9876    jlwegne1@gundersenhealth.org

PRESS RELEASE

From: Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency and AGRISTAR

The following press release is provided for public dissemination:

The following release was done in cooperation with AGRISTAR and is in reference to the testing done at the AGRISTAR facility on Tuesday 5 May 2020.

On Tuesday 5 May 2020 COVID-19 testing was conducted at AGRISTAR in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Public Health and other State agencies.  AGRISTAR had requested this testing in April but was unable to have testing done until early May due to testing being done in other facilities across the state first.  This testing was requested as an additional step in the plants efforts to protect its employees and ensure its ability to continue operations and is not part of the Test Iowa Initiative.  Over 400 employees of the facility were tested and all testing was voluntary with the first of these results possibly being available as soon as Friday 8 May.  Employees were tested to see if they currently may have the COVID-19 virus or if they have had it in the past.  The test results will allow AGRISTAR to determine their employees’ health status and to assess any additional preventative measure efforts that may need to be taken in protecting its workforce health while maintaining critical operations in the country’s food chain.

No further information is available at this time. 

DATE:  May 7, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Pulpit Rock Campground COVID-19 Response

PRESS CONTACT:  Andy Nimrod (563) 382-4158, parkrec@decorahia.org

Pulpit Rock Campground COVID-19 Response

Decorah Parks and Recreation

May 7, 2020

Decorah Parks and Recreation (DPR) continues to look at ways to protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In accordance with Governor Reynolds May 6, 2020 proclamation, Pulpit Rock Campground will be partially opening May 8, 2020 with some restrictions.  The following is a list of regulations created to help ensure the safety and well-being of campers and staff.  Regulations will be updated as needed.

• Pulpit Rock Campground will be opening at 8:00am, Friday May 8 to campers with self-contained units only.
• Restrooms at the campground and throughout the Decorah Parks System remain closed.
• Playgrounds and shelters are closed.
• Registration and payment over the phone is preferred, however the window of the registration booth will be open to handle firewood and ice sales transactions, and registration as needed.
• Some of the sites at the campground will be closed to help maintain safe distancing.
• It is asked that all campers and staff wear masks when consulting or conducting business with one another.
• Parks and trails are open in the Decorah Parks System; however, park patrons should keep a physical distance of at least six feet from other visitors and avoid areas where points of interest will likely congregate people. Using precautions set forth by the CDC is required; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
• Decorah Parks and Recreation highly recommends practicing physical distancing so that parks and campgrounds remain open for recreational opportunities.
• Campers should assume personal responsibility and not allow visitors to their campsite or campfires. Campsites should only be shared by members of the same household.
• Thank you for your patience during this challenging time. Staff will monitor the situation daily and will make changes as needed.

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.

May 7, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Marx, Marketing Representative

563-387-3020 ●marxm@winmedical.org

National Hospital Week is May 10-16

National Hospital Week, May 10-16, is the annual time to say Thank You to the staff and providers who have chosen a career of service through health care.

Lisa Radtke, chief administrative officer, Winneshiek Medical Center says, “Over the past few months, the concepts of teamwork, collaboration and dedication have taken on new meanings as our staff and providers have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is entirely appropriate and fitting that National Hospital Week falls during this time. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and WMC leadership, I thank each and every member of our WMC team for their service to our patients, our communities and each other.”

Winneshiek Medical Center typically celebrates National Hospital Week with internal events and activities, which have been postponed to a later date.

Radtke adds, “Although we cannot celebrate as we would like right now, our circumstances do not lesson our gratitude to those on the front lines and in support roles.  I ask the community to join me in thanking health care workers for their role in our health and safety during the pandemic, and in ‘normal’ times.  Please reach out to family and friends in health care and offer them your appreciation during National Hospital Week.”

National Hospital Week is the nation’s largest health care event. It celebrates the history, technology and the dedicated professionals of the health care profession. National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested that a day of community celebration might calm public fears about hospitals and build public trust. First held in Chicago on May 12, 1921, the event soon spread to other communities. It was expanded to National Hospital Week in 1953.

-30-

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

May 8, 2020

1. J. Sullivan, Jr.

Public Affairs Officer

Prairie du Chien Flotilla

(319)290-6403

sullivan@acegroup.cc

http://cgaux.org

National Safe Boating Week

May 16 – 22, 2020 is National Safe Boating Week.

Prairie du Chien – The US Coast Guard/Coast Guard Auxiliary officially kicks off the boating season with National Safe Boating Week. And while starting off under the burden of the COVID-19 virus at least this year the river is below flood stage, so far.

The lower water levels do not mean we can relax our attention to safety on the water. The normal year-round hazards still remain.

According to the US Coast Guard Boating Safety Division each year more than 70 million Americans participate in recreational boating activities on the nation’s waters including lakes, rivers and coastal waters.

US Coast Guard Boating Safety Division publishes some interesting statistics;

Since 1971 the estimated number of recreational boats has doubled while at the same time the number of reported boating casualties (deaths and injuries combined) has been reduced by 50%.

While this is good news, we still have a major problem: Every year lives of adults and children are lost and many more injured. And the losses due to property damage runs into the millions.

Some Key Facts –

Drowning was reported as the cause of death in 76% of all fatalities (four out of five people died from drowning).

Approximately 84.5% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Only 14% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.

Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, machinery failure and alcohol use are the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

How can you help ensure you are not contributing to these statistics?

Take a Boating Safety Course.

Get a vessel Safety Check for your vessel, no matter its size.

Make everyone on board your vessel WEAR a life jacket.

Do not mix boat operation and alcohol.

It is your responsibility to bring your family and passengers safely back to port.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org

###

On May 6 & 7, 2020, employees and both Nursing Home residents and Assisted Living tenants (unless refused by the individual), were tested for Covid-19. The tests were received from LabCorp (a private company referred to us through IDPH) and our staff, with assistance from Winneshiek County Public Health, conducted the testing.

The guidance on receiving test results is anticipated to take approximately 72 hours. Test results will be shared as soon as possible with the individual and/or their responsible party.

Prior to the testing, we had two employees test positive (both employees have self-isolated and have since been released to return to work). We also had 8 employees and 3 residents (asymptomatic) that were tested by their medical provider for various reasons. All tested negative.

“With guidance from our exceptional local and state-level professionals, we were able to obtain testing for our employees, residents (NH) and tenants (AL). Our top priority has and will continue to be the health and welfare of our residents, tenants, their families, and our dedicated and selfless employees.”

Barthell O.E.S. Home is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, offering the following levels of care: Nursing Facility, Assisted and Independent Living. We have been providing care for the elderly of Decorah and surrounding communities since 1969. We employ approximately 90 individuals caring for a community of 80+ residents and tenants.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region VII
11224 Holmes Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
May 7, 2020
RVII COVID-19 Release: 2020-004
Region VII news desk: 540-533-0140
News Release
FEMA Awards $78 million to Iowa for COVID-19 Response
KANSAS CITY, MO – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $78 million to the State of Iowa to help reimburse eligible expenses for emergency protective measures that the state has incurred as a result of its response to COVID-19. The grant funds, awarded by FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program, were made available Thursday, May 6, and are authorized under a major disaster declaration approved by President Trump on March 29 for the entire state. In total, FEMA has provided nearly $150 million to date in support of the state’s COVID-19 efforts.
The money reimburses 75 percent of projected eligible costs associated with buying essential
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and medical supplies and equipment during the months of
May and June 2020. The supplies include medical gowns, surgical masks, face shields, safety
glasses and gloves, disinfectant, respirators and viral swab collections kits.
This obligation also includes: $19.5 million in contract services for TestIowa, $35,000 in
contract services associated with overseas PPE purchases and $13.7 million for additional
medical supplies and equipment for the month of April. All figures represent the 75 percent
federal share. The 25 percent is paid by the grant recipient.
“We are pleased to provide this significant grant to the State of Iowa to help them manage the
financial demands that they’re experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Paul Taylor, FEMA
Region VII Administrator. “We will continue to work closely with them as our shared efforts to
respond to this pandemic continue.”
In addition to the $78 million, FEMA has obligated the following money for Iowa (75
percent federal share):
▪ $44 million to reimburse eligible costs for buying essential PPE, medical supplies
and equipment for March and April;
Page 2 – FEMA Awards $78 Million for Iowa
▪ $4 million to reimburse state administrative costs associated with COVID-19
response;
▪ $17 million to pay costs associated with the deployment of Iowa National Guard
members deployed under Title 32 authorities;
▪ $4.2 million to the Veterans Health Administration to pay for use of up to 20 beds at
VA facilities and to pay for extra nursing care at state veteran’s facility.
**Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest million and represent money made available to the state.
Final dollars will be determined after expenses are reconciled so totals may differ.
The Public Assistance program provides grants at a 75/25 cost share to state and local
governments, tribal nations and certain non-profit entities to assist with eligible costs associated
with responding to and recovering from disasters.
For COVID-19, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to
address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more
quickly. These reimbursements can play a critical role in helping local, state and tribal officials
assist their communities during this response.
The current disaster declaration for Iowa authorizes help with Emergency Protective Measures,
which includes the purchase of PPE, durable medical equipment, and consumable medical
supplies necessary to respond to COVID-19 cases.
The disaster declaration also authorizes Direct Federal Assistance to help governmental entities
and tribal nations with certain COVID-related actions that the states, localities and tribes
themselves cannot undertake at this time for some reason, such as the inability to use their own
personnel to perform a function or an inability to contract with someone else to do the work.
###
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

https://governor.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Proclamation%20of%20Disaster%20Emergency%20-%202020.05.06.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

State Veterans Cemeteries to hold virtual Memorial Day program
St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors. “The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events,” explains MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. ” This year we will mark this special day in a new and different way, but with the same goal: to honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.” MDVA is partnering with Twin Cities PBS TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Always Remember: A Minnesota Tribute to Veterans we’ve lost,” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25. The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event. More details on the program will be shared in the coming weeks.

Ernst Calls on USDA to Support Iowa’s Egg Producers

WASHINGTON— Following a call with members of the Iowa Poultry Association and the Iowa Egg Council about the unique hardships facing the state’s egg producers, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support egg farmers impacted by COVID-19.

In a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, Ernst is urging the department to include egg producers in the Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program and to consider purchasing liquid egg product to distribute to families in need.

In the letter, Ernst writes, “Our farmers and ranchers are doing their part to help the nation navigate the effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Iowa’s egg industry is no different. Iowa is home to over 55 million egg laying hens. Most of Iowa’s egg production goes toward supporting our nation’s commercial food service. With restaurants and other commercial facilities closed down or limiting operations, our egg industry has seen a drastic drop in demand and as a result some have had to dump product.”

Ernst goes on to ask, “Egg producers need to be included in the recently announced Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program. Receiving direct support will help these farmers survive this impossible time. USDA should also consider making purchases of liquid egg product to distribute to families in need.”

Background:

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Ernst has been fighting for Iowa’s agriculture community. Last week, Ernst joined other Iowa leaders in urging “immediate assistance” from the administration to support Iowa’s pork industry, and welcomed the president’s action to protect workers, support the supply chain, and help pork producers.

In addition, Ernst has written a letter to Vice President Mike Pence calling on the administration to ensure the U.S. maintains a strong, secure food supply chain.

Ernst also joined a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Secretary Perdue to take immediate action to assist pork producers and maintain the pork food supply chain.

Ernst has also urged the administration to eliminate payment limits for Iowa’s livestock, dairy, and specialty crop producers, so they can get the relief they need during COVID-19.

In addition, Ernst successfully pushed the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure Iowa’s farmers are able to access Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). In the bipartisan package there is also increased funding for the EIDL program – which will help businesses, and now farmers, across Iowa.

Recently, Ernst hosted a telephone town hall with thousands of Iowa’s farmers and producers, and was joined by Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

New Hampton’s Emma Rosonke wins trip to D.C.

Winner of “Living with Energy in Iowa” essay contest highlights MiEnergy Cooperative

Cresco, IA | Rushford, MN (8 a.m. May 6, 2020)— Emma Rosonke was selected as a finalist in MiEnergy Cooperative’s Youth Tour Contest in March. She was preparing to compete in the interview portion where the winner receives an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. with 1,900 electric cooperative-sponsored students from across the U.S. But, COVID-19 struck. MiEnergy canceled its interviews and trip amid uncertainty. A few weeks later the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association canceled the 2020 Youth Tour.

Even though there will not be a trip this summer, MiEnergy is happy to announce Rosonke as the essay winner of the “Living with Energy in Iowa” Youth Tour Contest. The Iowa publication runs an annual contest for Iowa youth to double their chances of winning a trip by entering the magazine’s contest right after they enter the one for their electric co-op. Her prize was to be a trip to this year’s Youth Tour, but due to its cancellation she has accepted the opportunity to attend the 2021 Youth Tour.

Students completed an entry form and were asked to provide a short (250-word maximum) essay in response to this statement: Pick one of the seven cooperative principles and share how your local electric cooperative embodies it.

The following is Rosonke’s essay:

“MiEnergy Electric Cooperative not only embodies the principle of concern for the community but rather puts it at the forefront of their decision-making process. MiEnergy has given over $4.4 million to local Iowa communities, enhancing economic growth and development in these communities, while creating jobs and brightening lives. With a strong commitment to rural economies, my cooperative is working to make Northeast Iowa a prosperous place. An example of this is Operation Round Up, where paying members are able to round up their monthly payments. Money generated from Operation Round Up goes back to community services. This past fall a donation was given to a church in Ridgeway in order to purchase an AED unit and in St. Lucas the local fire department was given a check to fund the construction of their new station. MiEnergy also focuses on the youth, their future customers, by providing students with scholarships and opportunities such as the Youth Tour trip. Participating in Halloween candy drives and Holiday light tours, are two of the many ways MiEnergy showcases their devotion to even the smallest of energy consumers. MiEnergy not only works diligently with adolescents in their area communities but also offers volunteer opportunities to their devoted members. Through project Green Touch, MiEnergy promotes the health of communities, by hosting conservation days at State Parks. MiEnergy embodies the principle of concern for the community by donating funds, giving to services in need, contributing to their future clients, and by positively impacting the environment.”

Emma is a junior at New Hampton High School. She is the daughter of Allen and Nicole Rosonke, members of MiEnergy.

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

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are taking extra precautions to reduce their risk of contracting this virus including wearing gloves when heading out in public. While vinyl, latex and nitryl gloves protect the skin from body fluids and certain harmful chemicals, they don’t protect you from contracting viruses including COVID-19.

It may come as a surprise, but healthcare experts say wearing gloves won’t give you an added layer of protection against the risk of coming into contact with germs. Most experts say a pair of gloves won’t lower your risk of contracting COVID-19 mostly because wearing gloves provides a false sense of security that bare hands do not. Also, germs collect on the gloves as a person touches surfaces and spread when they touch other objects.

The best way to decrease your risk of COVID-19 is to practice proper hand washing, practice social distancing and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

LANE CLOSURES ON IOWA 9 BETWEEN WAUKON AND LANSING BEGIN MONDAY, MAY 4

POSTED ON: MAY 01, 2020

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – May 1, 2020 – A project to resurface and add asphalt shoulders to Iowa 9 between 10th Avenue Northwest in Waukon and South Road in Lansing will require lane closures with traffic being directed by a pilot car and flaggers beginning on Monday, May 4, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office.

Replacement of culverts from the north city limits of Waukon to Allamakee County Road A-44 on Iowa 9 will require a full closure with a marked detour route beginning on Monday, May 11 until early June. During the closure, motorists will be detoured around the work zone using Iowa 9, Ninth Street, Iowa 76, and Allamakee County Road A-44.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites), or download the free app to your mobile device.

To receive email or text alerts about traffic incidents, road closures, traffic delays, and other restrictions that affect this highway route or other routes you travel, the Iowa DOT offers the “Your 511” option on 511ia.org. It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive the email/text alerts. Visit https://iowadot.gov/511/511-full-feature-website-help/how-to-videos for simple, step-by-step instructions.

#

Contact: Ron Loecher at 641-394-3161 or ron.loecher@iowadot.us

“Test Iowa” site opens at Crossroads Mall in Waterloo

April 29, 2020 5:45 pm Taylor Vessel Coronavirus, News, Top Stories, Waterloo News

WATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL) — The second of its kind, a drive-thru testing site for “Test Iowa” opened Wednesday at Crossroads Mall in Waterloo.

For the first two days, the tent will operate from noon to 6 p.m. before becoming fully operational on Friday, when it will operate instead from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. moving forward.

Iowans who simply drive up without an appointment from TestIowa.com will be turned away.

“Once they reach the area, we ask that people keep their windows up and have their IDs and QR code, that they’ll receive from TestIowa.com, ready. Once they reach the site, they’ll be directed by National Guard soldiers where to go to next,” said Major Bryan Davis with the Iowa National Guard who are facilitating the site’s opening.

Wednesday morning, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds wished the site luck and said they were prioritizing essential workers for the first tests.

COVID-19: Frequently-Asked Questions for Reopening Restaurants
Issued April 28, 2020
Iowa restaurants have a responsibility to take measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The
Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency issued on April 27, 2020, allows restaurants in all counties
except the following to resume limited on-premises dining service effective 5 a.m. on May 1, 2020, until
11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2020: Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque,
Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama,
Washington, or Woodbury.
RQ1: Is a restaurant required to physically remove tables or booths?
A: If a facility is unable to remove tables or booths to ensure a minimum of six feet between guests, tables
or booths which are not available for seating guests must be identified by signage.
RQ2: Is a restaurant required to take an employee’s temperature before allowing the employee to enter
the facility?
A: This is strongly encouraged. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must be excluded from work. This is a
reasonable public health measure that a restaurant can implement.
RQ3: What social distancing strategies should I use?
A: Do not allow guests to congregate in waiting or bar areas. Design a process to ensure guest separation
while waiting to be seated. This can include adding floor markings, enforcing social distancing outside the
restaurant, having customers wait in cars, etc. Consider also using a facility exit separate from the main
entrance, in addition to the main entrance. Predetermine traffic paths to/from restrooms to limit
proximity for guests and staff.
RQ4: Can a restaurant located in a mall or food court allow guests to utilize common seating in malls,
food courts, or in other venues where there is normally common seating?
A: Common seating areas outside restaurant dining rooms remain closed. Restaurants that utilize only
common seating (e.g., food courts) may continue to offer carry-out and delivery options only.
RQ5: Can restaurants refill customer beverages?
A: Refilling beverages at the table or from common containers (e.g., pitchers, carafes, decanters, bottles,
kettles, etc.) is strongly discouraged. We recommend using clean glassware to provide customer refills.
RQ6: Can a bowling alley or other entertainment venue with a restaurant reopen for on-premise dining?
A: Bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades, and amusement parks remain closed to the public. The
restaurant area of the facility may reopen for on-premises dining in accordance with the proclamation.
However, non-dining activities must remain closed to the public, including but not limited to bowling,
pool, darts, arcade games, amusement devices, and other games of skill or chance.
RQ7: Can a restaurant allow customers to use pool tables, dartboards, arcade games, amusement
devices, and other games of skill or chance?
A: No, the use of these items by the public continues to be prohibited in the governor’s proclamation.
COVID-19: Frequently-Asked Questions for Reopening Restaurants Page 2 of 5
RQ8: Can a restaurant provide live music and dancing?
A: We strongly advise against this practice. The governor’s proclamation requires restaurants to
implement reasonable measures to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased
hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
RQ9: Can a bar or brewery tap room partner with a mobile food unit or restaurant, or utilize restaurant
delivery options to allow on-premises dining along with alcohol sales?
A: No, bars must remain closed to the public, except for carry-out and delivery only. For the purposes of
this order, a bar is an establishment where a customer may purchase alcoholic beverages and in which
the serving of food in incidental to the consumption of those beverages and is limited to the service of
ice, snack foods, and the reheating of commercially prepared foods such as frozen pizza, pre-packaged
sandwiches, or other prepackaged, ready-to-serve products.
RQ10: Can a restaurant within a golf course clubhouse reopen to on-premises dining?
A: Restaurants within golf course clubhouses and other social and fraternal clubs may reopen to the public
for on-premise dining, provided clubhouse activities and other club activities remain closed and the
restaurant operates in accordance with the governor’s proclamation.
RQ11: Since restaurants are not allowed to conduct self-service food or beverage operations, are
grocery and convenience stores also prohibited from offering self-service food and beverage
operations?
A: Grocery and convenience stores are not mandated to cease customer self-service operations. We
advise that each operation assess self-service and consider discontinuing self-service beverages. We
further advise selling food that has been wrapped or placed in individual containers only.
RQ12: The governor’s proclamation states restaurants must limit the number of customers present in
indoor or outdoor spaces to 50 percent of its normal operating capacity to ensure adequate spacing of
groups. How is “operating capacity” defined or interpreted?
A: Operating capacity means the maximum number of individuals able to be seated for use by restaurant
patrons on the premises, which may include indoor and outdoor seating areas. Fifty percent operating
capacity includes customers seated for on-premise dining service, as well as customers waiting within the
indoor and/or outdoor seating areas for carry-out orders.
RQ13: How much distance do we need between restaurant tables?
A: The restaurant must ensure at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individual diner.
RQ14: What if my family group is larger than six members? Will we be permitted to be seated together
in a group larger than six people?
A: No. Group seating is limited to six or fewer guests. Groups greater than six people could be divided into
smaller groups consisting of six or less individuals. The groups should expect to maintain a social distance
of at least six feet between groups while in the restaurant.
COVID-19: Frequently-Asked Questions for Reopening Restaurants Page 3 of 5
RQ15: If my racetrack/speedway includes a concession stand where food is prepared and served, may
I open the concession stand to serve food even though I am not permitted to reopen the speedway or
racetrack to permit spectators to attend an event in person.
A: Yes, the concession stand would be permitted to open for service to attending race drivers and race
crew members providing appropriate social distancing measures and guidance are implemented.
General public customers could be served as long as entry into the event is not required, and proper social
distancing measures and guidance are followed. If practical, general public service may be limited to
curbside carry-out at the speedway or race track location, or delivery.
RQ16: If I own or operate a licensed juice or health drink bar within a gymnasium, fitness center, or
health spa, can I reopen this space to serve customers?
A: Yes, however, the juice/health drink bar area would be included within the proclamation, which limits
the number of customers to 50 percent of the maximum legal occupancy capacity of the gym, fitness
center, or health spa. Appropriate social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures must be
implemented.
RQ17: May I offer preset tables, which may include tableware, utensils, cups/glasses, table tents,
menus, salt/pepper shakers, napkin dispensers, condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce),
or other similar items?
A: We strongly discourage offering preset tables. As an alternative, you should consider offering prewrapped single-use tableware, single-service condiments (e.g., packets of salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard,
mayo) or other single-use items (e.g., napkins) upon customer request or delivery of the meal to the dining
table/booth. If offered for use, multiple-use tableware or glassware should be placed at the table/booth
as guests are seated and must be cleaned and sanitized between each customer.
RQ18: Can a restaurant allow dining customers to remain on premises and order additional beverages,
including alcoholic beverages, after the completion of their meal?
A: While it may be common practice for diners to socialize after the meal, we advise restaurants to closely
monitor this practice, establish limits, and inform customers of limitations.
RQ19: Are restaurants allowed to serve customers that are only ordering alcoholic beverages?
A: The governor’s proclamation allows restaurants to resume on-premises dining. If customers are only
ordering alcoholic beverages, they are not dining. We strongly advise restaurants to only service alcoholic
beverages to customers who are ordering and consuming food.
RQ20: Can a restaurant utilize seating at the bar to serve customers food?
A: To the extent possible, seating at bars within restaurants should be eliminated. When determining if
seating at the bar will be allowed, social distancing between customers and employees must be
considered.
RQ21: Can a restaurant be open for on-premise dining during hours when food is not offered? For
example, if the kitchen hours are from 4-9 p.m., can the restaurant be open to the public for beverage
service until 11 p.m.?
A: No, once food can no longer be ordered or consumed on premise, a restaurant, for the purposes of the
proclamation, meets the definition of a bar and must be closed to the public. They can continue to offer
carry-out or delivery for beverages but are not allowed to be open to the public.
COVID-19: Frequently-Asked Questions for Reopening Restaurants Page 4 of 5
RQ22: What type of disinfectants can be used for tables, chairs, and other non-food contact surfaces
following customer use?
A: Prior to disinfecting surfaces, these surfaces should first be cleaned (i.e., removal of germs, dirt, and
impurities from surfaces). Cleaning does not kill germs, but removing them from surfaces lowers their
numbers and the risk of spreading infection. An EPA-registered disinfectant effective for use against SARSCoV-2 (the virus which causes COVID-19) is recommended. The EPA’s list of disinfectants for use against
SARS-CoV-2 can be found online: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. EPA-registered disinfectants
must be appropriate for the surface to which it is being applied, and must be applied in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
RQ23: How frequently should I disinfect commonly touched surfaces in my facility used both by
customers and employees (i.e. door handles, credit card machines, bathrooms, and etc.)?
A: The FDA and CDC both recommend cleaning frequently-touched surfaces as often as possible. The
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and Iowa Department of Public Health, to the extent
practical, strongly recommend disinfecting commonly-touched surfaces at a minimum of at least hourly;
however, if practical, it may be necessary to disinfect such surfaces more frequently.
RQ24: If I need to post signage on the entrance of my food establishment restricting customer access
due to a consumer customer exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, are there specific requirements for the
signage (i.e., the size of sign or text on sign, and information or content printed on the sign)?
A: There are no requirements regarding size, format, size of text, or content of signage; however, each
establishment operator is strongly encouraged to consider the following when posting signage for
customers: (1) Signage should be placed where it can be easily be seen by customers; (2) signage should
be large enough for customers to identify and read the posted content (3) text should be appropriately
sized and be legibly typed or printed for the customer to read; (4) signage in multiple languages should
be considered, if necessary; and (5) signage should include information about particular COVID-19
symptoms. The CDC has identified the following symptoms to watch for on their website: fever, cough,
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache,
sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Please check the CDC’s website for symptoms of coronavirus.
RQ25: Are my restaurant employees or customers required to wear masks?
A: No there are no issued mandates for employees and/or customers to wear protective face masks or
other personal protective equipment (PPE). Each establishment operator should consider enforcing their
own mitigation practices and/or strategies to protect their employees and customers from the spread of
COVID-19. Such mitigation strategies may include the wearing of a protective face mask, face shield, or
other applicable PPE. Employees with direct customer contact would be of greatest concern. Disposable
mask are recommended. However, if cloth masks are worn they should be changed as frequently as
necessary, or at least laundered and replaced daily. FDA has issued guidance related to employees in retail
food and food production settings wearing face coverings to prevent exposure to COVID-19 (posted April
4, 2020). The FDA’s guidance regarding this practice can be accessed online: Food Safety and the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
COVID-19: Frequently-Asked Questions for Reopening Restaurants Page 5 of 5
RQ26: Is my restaurant permitted to use reusable menus?
A: It is strongly recommended to discourage the use of reusable menus. If used, each reusable menu
should be disinfected between each customer with an EPA-registered disinfectant effective against the
COVID-19 virus. It is recommended instead to use single-use paper menus, and to discard them after each
use. Alternatives such as stationary menu boards, electronic menus, or mobile device downloadable
menus should be considered.
RQ27: Can individual packages of condiments such a ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, hot sauce,
barbeque sauce, dipping sauces, salt, and pepper be served to a consumer be reused if they are
unopened or unused?
A: It is strongly recommended once served to a customer, unopened or unused individual condiment
packages not be served to new customers.

Northeast Iowa Citizens’ Climate Lobby has sent a letter of recognition to the Decorah City Council and Mayor Lorraine Borowski for their adoption of Resolution 3063 on a 5-2 vote. The council’s resolution supports national legislation that would enact a carbon fee and dividend program.

“This is a crucial step to reduce pollution and climate-altering carbon emissions,” Lyle Otte, lobby chair of Northeast Iowa CCL, said. “On behalf of our entire membership and those who support meaningful efforts to stem catastrophic climate change, we wanted to recognize the council and mayor for their commitment.”

The Citizens’ Climate Education Corporation provided supporting information about the urgency of the climate crisis, efforts to mitigate the crisis, and steps that can be taken to address the climate crisis as a nation.

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend bill is championed by 3,550 US economists, four former chairs of the Federal Reserve, twenty-seven Nobel Laureate economists, fifteen former chairs of the Council of Economic Advisers and two former Secretaries of the Department of the Treasury. CCL is a nonpartisan organization.

The program is projected to add 2.2 million American jobs.
For information about Citizens’ Climate Lobby go to

citizensclimatelobby.org

Special alert for VA, SSI recipients who don’t file a tax return and have dependents

VA, SSI recipients with eligible children need to act by May 5 to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; ‘Plus $500 Push’ continues

IR-2020-81, April 24, 2020

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today issued a special alert for Supplemental Security Income and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries to act by May 5 if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have dependents so they can quickly receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payment.

Their $1,200 payments will be issued soon and, in order to add the $500 per eligible child amount to these payments, the IRS needs the dependent information before the payments are issued. Otherwise, their payment at this time will be $1,200 and, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child amount will be paid in association with a return filing for tax year 2020.

“We want to ‘Plus $500’ these groups so they can get their maximum Economic Impact Payment of $1,200 and their $500 for each eligible child as quickly as possible,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “They’ll get $1,200 automatically, but they need to act quickly and use the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov to get the extra $500 per child added to their payment. Everyone should share this information widely and help others with the Plus $500 Push, so that more Americans get more money as fast as possible.”

Following extensive work by the IRS and partner government agencies, $1,200 automatic payments will be starting soon for those receiving Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) beneficiaries who didn’t file a tax return in the last two years. No action is needed by these groups; they will automatically receive their $1,200 payment.

For VA and SSI recipients who have a qualifying child and didn’t file a 2018 or 2019 tax return, they have a limited window to register to have $500 per eligible child added automatically to their soon-to-be-received $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. A quick trip to a special Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov by May 5 for these groups may help put all of their eligible Economic Income Payment into a single payment. The Non-Filers tool is available in English and Spanish.

To help spread the word to recipients with children about this special “Plus $500 Push,” the IRS has additional material available on a special partners page that can be shared with friends, family members and community groups.

SSI and VA recipients: Have a child but don’t file a tax return? Visit IRS.gov now

SSI and VA recipients who have children and who weren’t required file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 should visit the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool on IRS.gov. By quickly taking steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they can receive the $500 per dependent child payment automatically in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. Otherwise, their payment at this time will be $1,200 and, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child amount would be paid in association with a return filing for tax year 2020.

SSI and VA recipients who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments should receive their automatic payments by mid-May. If they have children and aren’t required to file a tax return, both groups are urged to use the Non-Filers tool as soon as possible before the May 5 deadline. Once the deadline passes and processing begins on the $1,200 payment, they will not be eligible to use the Non-Filers tool to add eligible children. Their payment will be $1,200 and, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child amount would be paid in association with a return filing for tax year 2020.

SSA / Railroad Retirees: Economic Impact Payments arriving next week

For recipients of Social Security retirement, survivors or disability insurance benefits (SSDI) and Railroad Retirement benefits (RRB), automatic payments of $1,200 are scheduled to begin arriving next week. No action is needed on their part. This includes people who don’t normally file a tax return.

For Social Security / RRB beneficiaries who don’t normally file a tax return, have a child and registered using the IRS Non-Filers tool by the April 22 deadline, more payments are scheduled to begin arriving next week as well.

For SSA/RRB beneficiaries who don’t normally file a tax return and have a child but did not register on the IRS Non-Filers tool by April 22, they will still receive their automatic $1,200 beginning next week. Given the deadline has passed, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child amount would be paid in association with filing a tax return for 2020. This group can no longer use the Non-Filers tool to add eligible children.

Note – Direct Express Account Holders: You may use the Non-Filers tool, but you cannot receive your and your children’s payment on your Direct Express account. You may only select a bank account for direct deposit or leave bank information blank and receive the money by mail.

No action needed by most taxpayers

The Treasury Department will make these automatic payments to SSA, SSI, RRB and VA recipients. Recipients will generally receive the automatic $1,200 payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits.

For more information related to veterans and their beneficiaries who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA, please visit VA.gov.

General IRS information about the Economic Impact Payments is available on a special section of IRS.gov.

Watch out for scams related to Economic Impact Payments

The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. There is no fee required to receive these payments.

-30-

Root River Trail Towns cancels annual 60-Mile Garage Sale

Root River Trail Towns was planning its sixth consecutive 60-Mile Garage Sale on June 19-20, but concerns due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus have forced its cancellation. The garage sales usually take place in the nine towns along the Root River State Trail, as well as locations in between.

Trail Towns President, Gabby Kinneberg, said, “The 60-Mile Garage Sale has brought in visitors and garage sale enthusiasts from across Minnesota and surrounding states the past several years. We’ve seen its popularity increase each year. Unfortunately, with the projections for continued COVID-19 transmission and the need to continue physical distancing, we feel it best to cancel the event this year. We hope the 60-Mile Garage Sale in June 2021 can be even bigger as more area residents and organizations join in by having a sale.”

Root River Trail Towns is a non-profit agency led by volunteer representatives of each town that work together to promote the Root River State Bike Trail System as a regional destination, and to link people to an outdoor experience while fostering community connections. For more information, visit www.rootrivertrail.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Jeremy Bril, City Engineer, 563-382-2157

City of Decorah Offering Loading of Compost and Wood Chips on 5/2 and 5/9

Decorah, IA (April 28, 2020) – The City of Decorah will be offering loading of free compost and wood chips at the City’s Yard Waste Disposal Site located on Trout Run Road. The City will have an end loader at the Yard Waste Site on Saturday, May 2^nd, and Saturday, May 9^th, from 8 AM to 12 PM to load compost or wood chips. The giveaway is available to residents and non-residents of the City of Decorah.

In an effort to maintain social distancing, residents should not leave their vehicles or approach the loader operator or other vehicles. The piles of wood chips and compost will be labeled with signs. Residents should drive their vehicles to the appropriate pile and wait to be loaded. Any communication with the loader operator should be done through the vehicle window.

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

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.

# # #

Black Hills Energy Hires Pete Hamell as Director of Operations
Grimes, Ia.– April 28, 2020 – Black Hills Energy is proud to announce Pete Hamell as the new director of
operations. In this position, Hamell will provide overall leadership, management and direction for the Black Hills
Energy Iowa Gas field operations team.
Hamell was raised on a farm near Gowrie, Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration –
Finance degree from Iowa State University. He previously worked for Ingram Barge and BNSF Railway with
extensive leadership experience in operations, logistics and customer service in railway and transportation
industries.
“Pete’s proven success as a leader of people, combined with a focus on safety and customer service will allow him
to serve our company and customers well,” said Shirley Welte, Black Hills Energy Vice President of Gas
Operations.
Pete and his family are relocating from the greater Nashville, Tennessee area.
About Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of
improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the
company serves 1.28 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa,
Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. More information is available at
www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.
—
Media Contact: Digital Media:
Nicole Breitbach www.blackhillsenergy.com
563-235-7854
nicole.breitbach@blackhillscorp.com
24-Hour Media Support:
888-242-3969

Support local healthcare heroes during national day of giving on May 5

As the life-threatening COVID-19 pandemic reaches our communities, the need for support has never been greater.

#GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, 2020, is a new day of giving to meet the unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19.

You can join the global effort by supporting small businesses, connecting with those isolated due to the pandemic or supporting the healthcare heroes in your community with a gift to Gundersen Medical Foundation.

Generous donations to Gundersen Medical Foundation support our frontline workers caring for your community by:

• Equipping them with protective equipment and supplies to provide safe care to patients
• Assisting them with critical resources and support during the crisis
• Advancing cutting-edge medical research on COVID-19 conducted in Gundersen Medical Foundation research labs
• Providing meals and coffee

Gundersen Medical Foundation is partnering with the La Crosse Media Group for a Radiothon on May 5 to support COVID-19 response efforts. Tune in to hear from local frontline healthcare heroes and learn more on how to give.

April 27, 2020

For Immediate Release

Re: Winneshiek County Development Secures Funding To Support Winneshiek County COVID19 Programs

Contact:

Stephanie Fromm, Winneshiek County Development and Tourism

563-382-6061

director@winneshiekdevelopment.org

Winneshiek County Development and Tourism (WCDT) recently helped Winneshiek County secure $11,040 through an Iowa Economic Development Authority Community Development Block Grant. The funding will be used to support innovative COVID-19 programs in Winneshiek County.

Stephanie Fromm, Executive Director for Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, stated “The funding was made available at a time when many of us were struggling to figure out what our communities, businesses, and residents would need to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. We wanted to maximize the structures, resources and programs our agencies and organizations already had while filling in the gaps that no one could have imagined would occur during a pandemic.”

WCDT Project Coordinator Lora Friest, who put the proposal together, noted that the proposal requested funding for equipment and new programs. “At first we thought we were going to be able to secure $45,000 in funding for COVID-19 testing equipment for our hospital and another $5,500 for communications equipment for our emergency personnel. That was everyone’s first priority. But, after the federal stimulus included millions for equipment through Homeland Security, the grant funder, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, decided equipment was no longer eligible. They ultimately limited the grant award to new programs designed to help communities deal with the COVID-19 crisis. While we weren’t able to get the funding we wanted for equipment, we were able to secure funding for two new initiatives that will help residents throughout the county.” Fromm noted that when the equipment was declared ineligible under the Economic Development grant award guidelines she began working with Sean Snyder, the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator, who was simultaneously drafting a request to Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management for COVID-19 testing equipment. Fromm contacted federal legislators to secure letters of support to go with the request Mr. Snyder was submitting. “Mr. Snyder mentioned that the request to Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which has a regional focus, is a longshot so we wanted to help him demonstrate federal support.”

Through the grant, Northeast Iowa Community Action will receive $7,040 to implement a new food delivery program to rural residents. The program will help community members, especially elderly, at-risk, rural community members who used to come to town to eat meals at senior centers in Decorah and Calmar. Friest stated “Due to the pandemic, the senior centers just can’t serve food anymore. Although Meals on Wheels, whose services have been increasing daily, is doing a phenomenal job getting food to people in our towns, we realized there are alot of rural residents that weren’t being reached. Northeast Iowa Community Action offered the use of their EARL public transit vans to deliver food to those at-risk rural residents. Because of the pandemic, they are not able to use them to transport people so they were available for this temporary use.” An estimated two thirds of the people who were previously served at Congregate Meal Sites live in rural areas of the county. Trisha Wilkins, Executive Director of Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation noted “NEICAC wanted to be responsive to our community needs during this crisis and is grateful for the resources that allow for our EARL Transit to provide food delivery in Winneshiek County. We intend to help those who need it most in addition to doing our part to encourage everyone to stay home.” Fromm mentioned that the program meets multiple goals stating “It uses existing transportation vehicles, employs drivers, and helps us keep rural residents safe and healthy.”

The other $4,000 of grant funds will be used to maximize community volunteerism through the Decorah and Winneshiek County Mutual Aid Network. The Network is a new online and phone call platform set up to help residents connect during the COVID-19 crisis. People can find information about where they can get help and how they can help others during this difficult time, including information about community services, which businesses will deliver food, local job openings, who has financial assistance available for community members, businesses, and others. Fromm noted that WCDT worked with Decorah Now and the Decorah Faith Coalition, with support from the Winneshiek Board of Supervisors, to get the Network started but that the need for the Network has extended longer than expected. “At the beginning, when we helped develop the Mutual Aid Network, I don’t think any of us thought that the crisis would go on so long. The funding will help us keep the part-time Administrator of the Network for a few more months until we get through this crisis.” Fromm added that the response to the new Network has been overwhelming and additional funds will also help expand volunteer coordination and social media management saying “New information that needs to be distributed to the public from many different sources is coming in daily and over a hundred volunteers are helping with various efforts.

https://governor.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Public%20Health%20Proclamation%20-%202020.04.27%20-%20Pt%201.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

National Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Press 1 for Veterans.

Free support when in distress, feeling anxious, prevention, confidential and available 7 days a week / 24 hours a day.

National Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255. Press 1 for Veterans.

The monthly Waukon Community Meal will be served Monday (April 27) 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 per normal Park traffic flow. 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, a bag of chips, and a small dessert.

DATE:  April 24, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Decorah Park-Rec. Summer Registration Temporarily Delayed

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

Decorah Parks and Recreation is delaying the start of summer registration for swim lessons and recreational activities until further notice. The department is following the orders of Governor Reynolds and the direction of the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County Public Health, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Decorah Park-Rec continues to serve residents by maintaining its parks, green space and trails system, offering Activities from a Distance for kids and families to do at home and providing outdoor challenges to the community. Information about Activities from a Distance, the Explore Decorah trail scavenger hunt, and the Virtual Race Series can be found on the Decorah Park-Rec Website (https://parks.decorahia.org/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DecorahParkRec/).

Park and trail users should continue to obey social distancing guidelines.

Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation
continuing the State Public Health
Emergency Declaration
Fri, 04/24/2020 – 12:45
DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public
Health Emergency Declaration. The proclamation permits health care providers to begin
the process of resuming some elective surgeries and procedures through a phased
approach, permits farmers markets to begin limited operations with appropriate public
health precautions, and provides other relief to Iowans affected by this disaster.
Read the full proclamation below or online here:
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has reported an outbreak of thousands of cases
of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in multiple countries, causing illness and deaths;
and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human
Services declared a national public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency was issued to
coordinate the State of Iowa’s response to the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
outbreak and such disaster continues to exist; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19
outbreak a global pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring
that the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, a Proclamation of Public Health Disaster Emergency was
issued to provide additional needed resources and measures to respond to this disaster,
was extended on April 2, 2020, and such public health disaster continues to exist; and
WHEREAS, responding to this public health disaster and the continued medical needs of
Iowans requires the preservation of personal protective equipment to protect our
healthcare workforce and the preservation of critical hospital capacity for Iowans impacted
by the COVID-19 outbreak or while permitting the provision of other medical care; and
WHEREAS, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 may be substantially reduced while still
providing Iowans essential food products by limiting farmers markets and ensuring that
they engage in certain preventative measures; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 641-131.5(1)
requiring in-person clinical experience would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in
coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 641-131.4(1)(f)
requiring successful completion of the NREMT practical examination to be eligible for state
certification would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in
all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 641-
131.5(10)(d) requiring training programs meet certain standards and guidelines in
applying to the department would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with
this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 147.2, 148B.8, and
154B.4, and Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-201.3(4) and 645-208.3(4), requiring out-of-state
physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational
therapy assistants, speech pathologists, audiologists, optometrists, podiatrists,
psychologists, dietitians, hearing aid specialists, physician assistants, behavior analysts,
assistant behavior analysts, orthotists, pedorthists, and prosthetists who hold an active
license in another state to be licensed in Iowa to provide services by telephone or other
electronic means to individuals in the State of Iowa would prevent, hinder, or delay
necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 35A.16(3) and 35B.6,
and provisions of the Iowa Administrative Code implementing those sections, limiting
certain expenditures of allocations from the county commissions of veteran affairs fund
would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties
of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code § 256I.9(4)(e) limiting the
amount of school ready child grant funding that may carry forward to the next fiscal year
would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties
of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 26 requiring the
distribution, receipt, opening, or recording of paper documents by a governmental entity
under the Iowa Construction Bidding Procedures Act would prevent, hinder, or delay
necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code § 808.8(2) requiring a peace
officer’s statement on a return of service to be made under oath would prevent, hinder, or
delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rules 650-11.2, 650-
11.5, 650-12.1, and 650-12.4 requiring an applicant for initial licensure as a dentist or
dental hygienist to complete specific examinations as a prerequisite for licensure would
prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our
state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with Iowa Code § 135.17(3) and Iowa Administrative Code
rule 641-51.12 which require each local board of health to furnish the Iowa Department of
Public Health with evidence by May 31 annually that each student enrolled in school within
the local board’s jurisdiction has satisfied dental screening requirements would prevent,
hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state;
and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 493-12.3(1)
limiting the submission of interim claims in juvenile cases to certain hearings would
prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our
state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 493-12.3(4)
limiting the submission of interim claims in other cases to the conclusion of the case would
prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our
state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 446.2, 446.7(1), 446.9,
446.10(2), 446.15, 446.16, 446.17, 446.18, 446.19, 446.19A, 446.19B, 446.24, 446.25, and
446.28 requiring a county treasurer to hold a tax sale for any parcel on which taxes are
delinquent would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in
all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 446.20(1) and 445.3(5),
permitting a county treasurer to collect the total amount of delinquent taxes due by
alternative remedy would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this
disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 446.20(2), 447.9 and
447.12 relating to a person’s right of redemption would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary
action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 447.1(1), 447.3, 447.4,
447.7(d), 447.8(4), relating to payments of interest on a person’s right of redemption
would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties
of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 448.1(1), requiring a
county treasurer to make out a deed immediately after the expiration of ninety days from
the date of completed service of a notice to redeem would prevent, hinder, or delay
necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code § 422.7(32)(a) and Iowa
Admin. Code rule 701-40.53(1)(b) requiring a taxpayer that has made contributions to the
Iowa educational savings plan trust to make certain contributions and elections by April 30
would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties
of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 541B.3(1)(a) and §§
541B.3(2)(a) and Iowa Admin. Code rule 701-40.82(2)(b)(4) requiring the designation of
an account and an individual as beneficiary of a first-time homebuyer savings account by
April 30 of the year following the tax year during which the account is opened would
prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our
state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 331.478(2) and
331.478(3) permitting a board of trustees of a county hospital to authorize noncurrent
debts would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all
counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 331.478(2) and 331.479
requiring notice, publication, and a meeting of a board of trustees of a county hospital prior
to authorizing noncurrent debts would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping
with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 643 concerning
actions of replevin to recover collateral for nonpayment of a debt would prevent, hinder, or
delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions authorizing the commencement of
proceedings or the prosecution of ongoing proceedings subject to mandatory mediation
under Iowa Code §654A.6 would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with
this disaster in all counties of our state; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code Chapters 642
and 626 regarding the practice of garnishing Iowan’s bank accounts, public benefits, and
earnings, including potentially garnishing federal stimulus and expanded unemployment
insurance payments, causes hardship for the most vulnerable Iowans and is
counterproductive to the government’s efforts to counteract the negative economic effects
of this disaster in all counties of our state.
NOW THEREFORE, I, KIMBERLY K. REYNOLDS, Governor of the State of Iowa, by the
power and authority vested in me by the Iowa Constitution, Art. IV, §§ 1, 8 and Iowa Code
§§ 29C.6(1), 135.140(6), and 135.144 do hereby proclaim a STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH
DISASTER EMERGENCY continues to exist throughout the entire state of Iowa and do
hereby ORDER and DIRECT the following:
NONESSENTIAL OR ELECTIVE SURGERIES AND PROCEDURES
SECTION ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa
Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or
order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby order that effective at 5:00 a.m. on
April 27, 2020, and continuing until this disaster proclamation expires:
A. A hospital, outpatient surgery provider, or outpatient procedure provider may conduct
in-patient surgeries and procedures that, if further delayed, will pose a significant risk to
quality of life and any outpatient surgeries or procedures if the hospital or provider
complies with the following requirements:
(1) A hospital or provider must have:
(a) Adequate inventories of personal protective equipment (PPE) and access to a reliable
supply chain without relying on state or local government PPE stockpiles to support
continued operations and respond to an unexpected surge in a timely manner; and
(b) A plan to conserve PPE consistent with guidance from the CDC and Iowa Department of
Public Health;
(2) A hospital or provider must have a plan for timely COVID-19 testing of symptomatic
patients and staff to rapidly mitigate potential clusters of infection and as otherwise
clinically indicated. Providers must comply with any relevant guidance related to testing
requirements for patients and staff issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the
CDC, or a provider’s professional specialty society. For scheduled surgeries patients should
have a negative COVID-19 test performed within 48 hours of surgery date. If a COVID-19
test is not available, a hospital or provider should consider alternative methods to
determine the patient’s probability of COVID-19. If the patient has symptoms of fever,
cough, or low oxygen saturation, then postponing the surgery is recommended.
(3) A hospital must continue to accept and treat COVID-19 patients and must not transfer
COVID-19 patients to create capacity for elective procedures.
(4) A hospital must reserve at least 30% of intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 30% of
medical/surgical beds for COVID-19 patients.
(5) A hospital or provider that begins conducting surgeries or procedures as authorized by
this paragraph but is no longer able to satisfy all these requirements must cease conducting
such surgeries or procedures except as authorized by paragraph B. All hospitals and
providers shall have a plan in place to monitor compliance and a transition plan to reduce
or suspend procedures and surgeries as necessary.
B. Except as provided in paragraph A, all nonessential or elective surgeries and procedures
that utilize PPE must not be conducted by any hospital, outpatient surgery provider, or
outpatient procedure provider, whether public, private, or nonprofit.
C. A nonessential surgery or procedure is one that can be delayed without undue risk to the
current or future health of a patient, considering all appropriate factors including, but not
limited to any: (1) threat to the patient’s life if the surgery or procedure is not performed;
(2) threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system; (3) risk of metastasis
or progression of staging; and (4) risk of rapidly worsening to severe symptoms.
D. Each hospital, outpatient surgery provider, and outpatient procedure provider shall limit
all nonessential individuals in surgery and procedure suites and patient care areas where
PPE is required. Only individuals essential to conducting the surgery or procedure shall be
present in such areas.
E. Each hospital, outpatient surgery provider, and outpatient procedure provider shall
establish an internal governance structure to ensure that the principles outlined above are
followed.
FARMERS MARKETS
SECTION TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby order that farmers
markets, as defined in Iowa Code § 137F shall not be prohibited as a mass gathering under
the Proclamations of Disaster Emergency issued on April 6, 2020, or April 16, 2020, but
only to the extent that the farmers market complies with the following requirements:
A. Farm Products and Food: The farmers market may only permit vendors who sell farm
products or food. Vendors selling other goods or services are not permitted.
B. Entertainment and Activities Prohibited: Musical performances, children’s activities,
contests, or other entertainment or activities organized by the farmers market or vendors
are prohibited.
C. Common Seating Prohibited: Farmers markets must eliminate all common seating
areas, picnic tables, or dining areas and shall prohibit vendors from having any seating for
the public to congregate or eat food on the premises.
D. Vendor Spacing: Farmers markets shall space all vendor booths or assigned parking
areas so that there is six feet or more of empty space from the edge one vendor’s assigned
areas to the neighboring vendor.
E. Social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures: Farmers markets shall also
implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each market to ensure social
distancing of vendors and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health
measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at farmers markets consistent
with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of
Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, and Iowa
State University Extension and Outreach.
Any other farmers market, festival, or community gathering of ten or more people that
does not comply with these requirements is prohibited. Customers of farmers markets are
strongly encouraged to engage in social distancing, wear a mask or other protective facecovering if unable to maintain a distance of six feet from others, practice good hygiene
practices, and attend the market alone without other family members.
FARM PRODUCT AUCTIONS
SECTION THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144 (3), and in conjunction with the Iowa
Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or
order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, all auctions with more than 10 people
present in person continue to be prohibited until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020, at all
locations and venues, except for livestock auctions that only include food animals and farm
product auctions, which may continue to operate so long as there are no more than 25
people present in person. People who remain inside parked cars, trucks, or other enclosed
motor vehicles shall not be counted in considering the number of people present, provided
all people remain inside the vehicle at all times, and the vehicle remains enclosed with all
windows, sunroofs, and convertible tops closed.
EMS PROVIDER TRAINING REGULATORY RELIEF
SECTION FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 641-131.5(1) to the extent those
provisions require in-person clinical experience, so long as alternative evaluation methods
are used including but not limited to scenarios, case studies, or simulations. I hereby direct
the Department to provide guidance to training programs regarding the effect of these
suspensions.
SECTION FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 641-131.4(1)(f) to the extent those
provisions require successful completion of the NREMT practical examination to be eligible
for state certification, if the department determines that the candidate has completed the
cognitive examination and should be granted an emergency certification to practice in
accordance with any guidance issued by the department. I hereby direct the department to
provide additional guidance to candidates for certification regarding the effect of these
suspensions.
SECTION SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory
provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 641-131.5(10)(d), requiring training programs meet
certain standards and guidelines in applying to the department, to the extent a training
program cannot comply with applicable requirements due to this disaster emergency.
OUT-OF-STATE TELEHEALTH PROVIDER LICENSURE
SECTION SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory
provisions of Iowa Code §§ 147.2, 148B.8, and 154B.4, and Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-
201.3(4) and 645-208.3(4), to the extent that they require out-of-state physical therapists,
physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants,
speech pathologists, audiologists, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists, dietitians,
hearing aid specialists, physician assistants, behavior analysts, assistant behavior analysts,
orthotists, pedorthists, and prosthetists who hold an active license in another state to be
licensed in Iowa to provide services by telephone or other electronic means to individuals
in the State of Iowa.
ELECTION ACTIVITIES
SECTION EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa
Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or
order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby order that:
A. Voting and Election Training: The prohibitions on certain mass gatherings in the
Proclamations of Disaster Emergency issued on April 6 and April 16, 2020, shall not be
construed to limit any person from voting or attending training for precinct election
officials.
B. Use of Facilities: The closures of any school, establishment or other facilities in the
Proclamations of Disaster Emergency issued on April 2, April 6, 2020, and April 16, 2020,
shall not be construed to prohibit the operation of a polling place or in-person absentee
voting location at the school, establishment, or other facility.
VETERANS ASSISTANCE
SECTION NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health and at the request on behalf of a
county commission on veteran affairs, I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of
Iowa Code §§ 35A.16(3) and 35B.6, and any provisions of the Iowa Administrative Code
implementing those provisions, to the extent a county is prohibited from expending an
allocation from the county commissions of veteran affairs fund for the current fiscal year to
provide services to veterans in coping with this disaster, including but not limited to the
provision of food or other basic necessities.
SCHOOL READY FUNDING LIMITATION
SECTION TEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and at the request of the Early Childhood
Iowa State Board on behalf of Early Childhood Iowa Area Boards, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 256I.9(4)(e), to the extent it limits the amount of
school ready children grant funding an area board may carry forward from fiscal year 2020
to fiscal year 2021 to twenty percent, but only if the amount does not exceed thirty-five
percent consistent with any policy adopted by the Early Childhood Iowa State Board.
SUSPENSION OF PAPER BIDDING PROCEDURES
SECTION ELEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, and at the request of the City of
Des Moines and the Iowa League of Cities on behalf of numerous local governmental
bodies, I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapter 26 to the
extent they require the distribution, receipt, opening, or recording of paper documents by a
governmental entity under the Iowa Construction Bidding Procedures Act, so long as the
governmental entity otherwise complies with those provisions of chapter 26 by electronic
means, including but not limited to the use of an electronic public bidding service.
ELECTRONIC SEARCH WARRANT RETURNS OF SERVICE
SECTION TWELVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health and at the request of the Iowa
Judicial Branch, I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 808.8(2)
requiring a peace officer’s statement on a return of service to be made under oath, to the
extent that a peace officer may use electronic means to file the return of service and submit
an inventory of seized property, subject to any processes and procedures established by
the judicial branch.
DENTAL LICENSURE RELIEF
SECTION THIRTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rules 650-1-1.2, 650-11.5, 650-12.1, and 650-
12.4 to the extent an applicant is required to complete specific examinations as a
prerequisite for initial licensure as a dentist or dental hygienist, if the dental board
determines that the applicant has completed sufficient education and should be granted a
temporary license to practice in accordance with any guidance issued by the board.
Suspension of these provisions shall extend through the duration of this Proclamation and
any future extension of this suspension. I hereby direct the dental board to provide
additional guidance to applicants regarding the effect of this suspension, including
guidance on obtaining a temporary license.
SUSPENSION OF DENTAL SCREENING AUDITS
SECTION FOURTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and
in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 135.17(3) and Iowa Administrative Code rule 641-
51.12 which require each local board of health to furnish the Iowa Department of Public
Health with evidence by May 31 annually that each student enrolled in school within the
local board’s jurisdiction has satisfied dental screening requirements. I hereby direct the
Iowa Department of Public Health to provide additional guidance to local boards of health
regarding the effect of this suspension.
INTERIM INDIGENT DEFENSE FEE CLAIMS
SECTION FIFTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 493-12.3(1), to the extent those provisions
prohibit an attorney from submitting an interim claim in a juvenile case at the continuance
of a dispositional hearing or a post-dispositional review hearing. Suspension of these
provisions shall not affect any other requirement related to the submission of claims to the
state public defender for review, approval, and payment.
SECTION SIXTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 493-12.3(4), to the extent those provisions
prohibit an attorney from submitting an interim claim in other cases, including all adult
criminal cases except Class A felony cases, at the continuance of trial. Suspension of these
provisions shall not affect any other requirement related to the submission of claims to the
state public defender for review, approval, and payment.
SUSPENSION OF TAX SALES AND
EXTENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION AFTER TAX SALES
SECTION SEVENTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 446.2, 446.7(1), 446.9, 446.10(2), 446.15, 446.16,
446.17, 446.18, 446.19, 446.19A, 446.19B, 446.24, 446.25, and 446.28, requiring a county
treasurer to hold a tax sale for any parcel on which taxes are delinquent, including all
notice and publication requirements prior to such a sale.
SECTION EIGHTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 446.20(1) and 445.3(5), permitting a county
treasurer to collect the total amount of delinquent taxes due by alternative remedy,
including by personal judgment.
SECTION NINETEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 446.20(2), 447.9, and 447.12, to the extent that a
person’s right of redemption expires if the person has been served a notice of expiration of
the right of redemption. Nothing in this section affects the ability of a holder of a certificate
of purchase to serve a notice of expiration of the right of redemption, and nothing in this
section restricts or limits a person’s right to redeem during the pendency of this disaster.
SECTION TWENTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 447.1(1), 447.3, 447.4, 447.7(d), 447.8(4), to the
extent those provisions require the accrual or imposition of interest for a tax sale
redemption for the duration of this suspension.
SECTION TWENTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 448.1(1), requiring a county treasurer to make out a
deed immediately after the expiration of ninety days from the date of completed service of
a notice of expiration of the right of redemption.
EXTENSION OF TAX-DEFERRED SAVINGS DEADLINES
SECTION TWENTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 422.7(32)(a) and Iowa Admin. Code rule 701-
40.53(1)(b) to the extent those provisions require a taxpayer that has made contributions
to the Iowa educational savings plan trust on or after January 1, 2020 but on or before the
date prescribed in Iowa Code § 422.21 for making and filing an individual income tax
return, excluding extensions, to elect to be deemed to have made a contribution on the last
day of the preceding calendar year, so long as that election is made on or before the end of
this suspension or any extension of this suspension for contributions made on or after
January 1, 2020, but before the end of this suspension or any extension of this suspension.
Taxpayers should not expect that this suspension will be extended beyond July 31, 2020.
SECTION TWENTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 541B.3(1)(a) and §§ 541B.3(2)(a) and Iowa Admin.
Code rule 701-40.82(2)(b)(4) to the extent those provisions require the designation of an
account and an individual as beneficiary of a first-time homebuyer savings account by April
30, 2020 for accounts opened in 2019, so long as the designation is made on or before the
end of this suspension or any extension of this suspension for accounts opened in 2019.
Taxpayers should not expect that this suspension will be extended beyond July 31, 2020.
COUNTY HOSPITAL BORROWING
SECTION TWENTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 331.478(2) and 331.478(3) to the extent those
provisions prevent a board of trustees of a county hospital from authorizing noncurrent
debt for the purpose of providing working capital or for general financing needs to sustain
the hospital’s operations and in the form of natural disaster loans from the state or federal
government.
SECTION TWENTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 331.478(2) and 331.479 to the extent those
provisions require notice and publication of the proposed action prior to the authorization
of noncurrent debt for the purpose of providing working capital or for general financing
needs to sustain the hospital’s operations, so long as the board complies with the notice
requirements contained Iowa Code § 21.4.
SUSPENSION OF ADDITIONAL DEBT COLLECTION PROVISIONS
SECTION TWENTY-SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapter 643 concerning actions of replevin, to the
extent that the basis of the replevin action is to recover collateral for nonpayment of a debt.
Suspension of these provisions includes the commencement or ongoing prosecution of a
replevin action and all relevant service or notice requirements for a replevin action to
recover collateral for nonpayment of a debt, and does not include an action to recover
personal property under chapter 643 for any other purpose. Nothing in this section shall be
construed as relieving any individual of their obligation to make promissory note or
contractual payments, or to comply with any other obligation that an individual may have
under a promissory note or contract.
SECTION TWENTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code §
135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions authorizing the commencement of proceedings or the
prosecution of ongoing proceedings subject to mandatory mediation under Iowa Code
§654A.6 (proceedings to enforce a debt against agricultural property which is real estate
under chapter 654, to forfeit a contract to purchase agricultural property under chapter
656, to enforce a secured interest in agricultural property under chapter 554, or to
otherwise garnish, levy on, execute on, seize, or attach agricultural property). Nothing in
this section shall be construed as relieving any individual of their obligation to make
promissory note or contractual payments, or to comply with any other obligation that an
individual may have under a promissory note or contract.
SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and § 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby temporarily suspend the
provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 642 authorizing garnishment and the provisions of Iowa
Code Chapter 626 allowing execution of garnishment, except for those provisions relating
to enforcement of domestic support orders.
IMPLEMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION TWENTY-NINE. The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Department of
Public Health, Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, Iowa Department of Transportation, and other participating state
agencies are hereby directed to monitor the operation and implementation of this
proclamation to assure the public’s health and safety.
SECTION THIRTY. Nothing contained in this declaration shall be construed as an
exemption from any other portion of the Iowa Code or Iowa Administrative Code not
specifically identified in this proclamation.
SECTION THIRTY-ONE. The provisions of this proclamation shall be effective
immediately, unless otherwise noted. This proclamation shall not be construed to
otherwise modify the proclamations issued on April 2, 2020, April 6, 2020, April 10, 2020,
or April 16, 2020. This state of public health disaster emergency shall continue to expire on
April 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., unless sooner terminated or extended in writing by me.

Barthell O.E.S. Home (Eastern Star) Statement of COVID-19 Diagnosis of Staff Member

On April 23, 2020, in Decorah, Iowa-A case of COVID-19, the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus, has been diagnosed in an employee of Barthell O.E.S. Home in Decorah, Iowa.

“The staff member is in quarantine in a hotel. We have notified Winneshiek County and the Iowa Department of Public Health as required and are following facility procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Iowa D.P.H.” We are taking steps as recommended by authorities to contain the spread. We want to make residents and tenants and their families, our dedicated staff and our community aware of this situation and reassure everyone that we are on top of the situation. “

Barthell O.E.S. Home is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, offering the following levels of care: Nursing Facility, Assisted and Independent Living. We have been providing care for the elderly of Decorah and surrounding communities since 1969. We employ approximately 85 individuals caring for a community of 80+ residents and tenants. For more information, visit our website at www.easternstardecorah.com.

Fillmore County Public Health Official Statement

Date:  April 23, 2020 11:00 AM

Contact:  Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing

Phone:  Coronavirus Hotline 507-765-2642

Fillmore County COVID-19 Case Update

On April 23, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed one new positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Fillmore County.  This case involves a male in his 80s. Eleven of the twelve Fillmore County cases have completed the required isolation period. Once isolation is completed, a person may return to activities within the community.

As of April 23, 2020, the current coronavirus case counts for Fillmore County are below.

*Note 4/20/20. MDH provided updated information to Fillmore County regarding cases. One case among a male in his 40s has been reclassified to another county.

*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.

Ptacek and Redalen re-elected to MiEnergy Cooperative’s board

Cresco, IA | Rushford, MN (7:30 p.m. April 22, 2020)— Last month, MiEnergy Cooperative announced its annual meeting scheduled for April 22 would be a non-member attended event due to COVID-19. Elections for District 1 board directors went ahead as scheduled. Dennis Puckett, of Sullivan & Ward, P.C. and who serves as the cooperative attorney, announced the election results during a conference call held today (April 22) at 7 p.m. by the MiEnergy board and staff.

A total of 974 votes were cast (862 by mail and 112 electronically). This is 21.48% of 4,534 eligible MiEnergy voters in District 1.

Both incumbents are returning to the board for three-year terms. Dennis Ptacek, of Elma, Iowa, ran unopposed and received 900 votes. Ptacek has served on the board for MiEnergy and its predecessor Hawkeye REC since 1997. Incumbent Jeffrey Redalen, of Fountain, Minn., was re-elected with 562 votes, while his challenger Dave Ruen, of Wykoff, Minn. received 392 votes. Redalen has served on the board for MiEnergy and its predecessor Tri-County Electric Cooperative since 2002.

The results were certified by independent election vendor Survey and Ballot Systems.

In lieu of a member attended meeting, the cooperative posted a five-minute video online on April 17 that details the decision to have no member attended annual meeting and to provide highlights of 2019 that would normally be presented at the annual meeting. The video is posted on the co-op’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

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

For immediate release…

Absentee voting through the mail for the June 2^nd Primary Election starts April 23^rd.  Voters are encouraged to vote by mail for this election to help minimize person to person contact in the current COVID19 epidemic.  The Secretary of State will be sending each registered voter an application for absentee ballot by mail.  Voters can also print these request forms out from www.winneshiekcounty.org or the Secretary of State’s WEB site.  Voters can also contact the County Auditor’s Office at (563) 382-5085 or auditor@co.winneshiek.ia.us to receive a request form in the mail.

Voters are reminded that for a Primary Election they must register with the Democratic or Republican Party.  If requesting a ballot by mail, be sure to indicate on the application which party’s ballot you wish to receive.

Early, in-person voting will be available in the Auditor’s office starting May 4^th.  Please exercise appropriate social distancing measures if voting in person.

Several factors including: Increased vote by mail participation, many regular polling locations being closed, and many poll workers being “at risk” individuals; will necessitate the use of fewer polling locations on Election Day.  On June 2^nd there will only be three polling locations in Winneshiek County:

Winneshiek County Courthouse: Precincts 1-6 and 11.  These are the voters that normally vote at the Courthouse, North Winn School, Decorah City Hall, First Lutheran Church, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Calmar Lutheran Church: Precincts 7 and 8.  These are the voters that normally vote at Calmar Lutheran Church and Ossian Community Center.

Ridgeway Community Center: Precincts 9 and 10.  These are the voters that normally vote at Ridgeway Community Center and Fort Atkinson Community Center.

Additional Election Information is available at www.winneshiekcounty.org, including forms, sample ballots, and other information.  Contact the County Auditor at (563) 382-5085 or auditor@co.winneshiek.ia.us with questions.

Thank you,

Ben Steines

Winneshiek County Auditor

1
Department of Justice
United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum
Southern District of Iowa
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rachel J. Scherle
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 515-473-9300
http://www.justice.gov/usao/ias Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov
U.S. Attorney and IRS-CI Warn Taxpayers against Fraud Schemes
Related to COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments
DES MOINES, Iowa – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of
Iowa and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are
warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic
impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge,
Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the
announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the
recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’
accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account.
For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper
check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try
to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your
filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a
later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a
COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The
existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears
and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or
your personal information.”
2
“Today, we need to be just as careful about our financial information as we are about our
health,” stated U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. “Don’t give out your financial or personal
information—or your money – over the phone, or in response to emails or texts. And look out for
your elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives to help prevent them from falling victim to
scammers.”
Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam
and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
• The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously
provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
• The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out
your bank account or any other account information – even if someone claims it’s necessary to get
your check. It’s a scam.
• If you receive a call, don’t engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to
tell them that you know it’s a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
• If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by
sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don’t click on any links in those
emails or texts.
• Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires
that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Don’t
become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family,
friends and neighbors about these scams.
“IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these
types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to
prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly
and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
3
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always
report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing
# # # # #

April 22, 2020

For Immediate Release

Re: Winneshiek County Development Launches an Interactive List of Available Local, State and Federal Programs for Businesses and Individuals

Contact:

Stephanie Fromm, Winneshiek County Development and Tourism

563-382-6061

director@winneshiekdevelopment.org

Winneshiek County Development and Tourism (WCDT) launches a new Small Business Assistance Program Directory on the WCDT website, www.winneshiekdevelopment.org under the Services tab. The new Directory offers a searchable organized list of available local, state, federal, public and private programs, including grants. The search filter allows users to easily find and access programs and resources that specifically apply to them.

Stephanie Fromm, Executive Director for Winneshiek County Development and Tourism states, “We have new grant and program announcements and updates from state and federal partners almost daily. So many in fact that we were having trouble figuring out how to share the information with our business partners without overwhelming them. Not everyone will qualify for every program or grant but we don’t want anyone to miss out on an opportunity they do qualify for. So we thought, why not fix this and make it simple for everyone. We started working with Brad Crawford because he has developed unique interactive web platforms in the past. He has years of experience working on projects that maximize the interface between information technology and the social and physical conditions that influence human cognition and retention. As a result, the development of this new Directory provides a model that other communities in Iowa can learn from.”

The site will be updated daily with new information and available grants and loans as the team finds them. Lora Friest, Project Coordinator for WCDT noted, “Stephanie, I, and our Small Business Consultants are constantly on the look-out for new grants and programs, as well as updates to existing opportunities. We always want our existing businesses and community members to have every opportunity to find and secure financial and technical assistance – even more so during this difficult time. Economic Development isn’t just about recruiting new businesses, it is also about helping the businesses we have when they need it. However, honestly, figuring out and keeping track of these programs can be daunting for small business owners and community members. I feel confident that this new Directory will help.”

The Winneshiek County Small Business Development Counselors have also been working with WCDT staff to help develop and update the on-going list of available grants, loans, and funds that support our local businesses. Josh Dansdill, SBDC Counselor, shared “There have been hundreds of phone calls from small business owners throughout the region taking advantage of our Helpline services to talk and get one-on-one assistance. This is just one more opportunity for those who want it to access information. Not everyone feels comfortable talking about financial issues over the phone. This new Directory will help them get updated information they need via the web.”

Fromm also noted that the Directory doesn’t preclude anyone from contacting her or one of the Small Business Counselors with questions and that the information on the Directory will be updated. “There are four of us taking questions and helping small businesses. We know that sometimes it just helps to talk with a person and many people prefer that. That won’t change. We’ll still be here. However, information changes so quickly, the Directory provides an opportunity for everyone to see updates and get additional information on-line. The site makes it so people don’t have to check multiple websites, multiple times a week. We specifically include additional programs and grant opportunities for certain areas of our workforce. Additional programs and funding opportunities are announced or re-opened every week, so we will update the Directory regularly.”

DATE:  April 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Decorah Parks and Recreation Virtual Race Series

PRESS CONTACT:  Erika Randall (563) 382-4158, parkrec@decorahia.org

Decorah Parks and Recreation invites runners (and walkers) of all ages, speeds and abilities to participate in a free Virtual Race Series!

The Virtual Race Series will include different race distances each week. Individuals may participate in one or all of the races. Participants should run (or walk) alone or with members of the same household. The race can take place anywhere a participant enjoys running or walking.

Participants may run or walk the required distance as many times as they want during the week, but participants should only submit their fastest completed race time. Times must be submitted by midnight on the final day of each designated race week.

Races are run on an honor system and the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department asks that participants be honest and accurate with the times they submit. Participants may contact the Decorah Park-Rec Office if they have questions or need assistance calculating the distance of a particular route.

Registration and race results should be submitted using the website link available at https://parks.decorahia.org/ for the corresponding race period. If a participant does not have internet access, results may be submitted by calling the Decorah Park-Rec Office at 563-382-4158.

Awards will be given to the top male and top female participant in each week’s race (5k, 5 mile and 10k). Weekly drawing prizes will be awarded to two randomly selected participants in the Kids 1-mile race and two randomly selected participants in each week’s respective race.

The Decorah Parks and Recreation Virtual Race Series Calendar

April 21 – April 27  (Open to submit results April 21 – April 27)

• 5k (awards to top overall male & female, all participants eligible for drawing prize)
• Kids 1 mile (all participants eligible for drawing prize)

April 28 – May 4  (Open to submit results April 28 – May 4)

• 5 mile (awards to top overall male & female, all participants eligible for drawing prize)
• Kids 1 mile (all participants eligible for drawing prize)

May 5 – May 11  (Open to submit results May 5–11)

• 10k (awards to top overall male & female, all participants eligible for drawing prize)
• Kids 1 mile (all participants eligible for drawing prize)

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.

April 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Marx, Director of Marketing & Communications

563-387-3020 ● marxm@winmedical.org

WMC announces cancellation of 2020 Grand Community Picnic

Winneshiek Medical Center has announced the Grand Community Picnic will not be held in 2020, due to COVID-19 precautions.  Typically, the picnic takes place the end of August.

“The Grand Community Picnic has been a fun tradition for many families as summer winds down each year.  We are saddened by the need to cancel the 2020 event, and look forward to the future when we can safely gather for the event again,” says Lisa Radtke, chief administrative officer, Winneshiek Medical Center.

The primary influencing factors in this decision were as follows:

• The amount of dedicated time, staff and dollars required to plan the picnic when energy is focused on the medical center’s COVID-19 response and recovery.
• Concern for our community’s safety at a large event, even if state guidelines have been lifted to allow for gatherings to resume.
• Our desire to respect other organizations that support WMC’s efforts in making the picnic successful when they are focusing time, energy and expense on their own COVID-19 responses.

Radtke says, “This decision was made with great discernment. We believe it is the best decision at this time so we may focus our efforts on caring for our patients, staff and communities during the height of the pandemic.”

-30-