Community News Stories

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

Disinfecting Your Facility if Someone is Sick

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

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

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

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

Purpose of this guidance

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

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

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Clean & Disinfect of Households

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

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

Corey P Snitker

Emergency Management Coordinator

Allamakee County Iowa

877 HWY 9

Waukon, IA 52172

Cell: 563-568-1911

Office: 563-568-4233

csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us

***RUMOR CONTROL***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing you safety and good health,

Brian Krambeer, President/CEO

Dean Nierling, Chair

This news release will have 5 parts listed below:

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

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

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

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

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

Crawford  County Public Health Department reports the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deputy Marc Myhre #28

Crawford County Sheriff’s Department

224 N Beaumont Rd

Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

608-642-3649- Cell (Primary Contact)

608-326-8414- Sheriff’s Department

For Immediate Release

March 27, 2020

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

lmoose@vmhospital.com                                                        smooney@vmhospital.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you stay home now we can be together later.

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

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

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

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

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

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 27, 2020     0900 am                                                              563-382-4662

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

kvandenbrink@winneshiekhealth.org                                   nsacquitne@winneshiekhealth.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for helping to keep our communities safe.

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

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(1)

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

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

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

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

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(2)

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

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(3)

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

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

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(4)

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

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(5)

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

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

March 26, 2020

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

Nancy.yelden@unitypoint.org

First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Clayton County

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

“While this is Clayton County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association Director Stacey Killian. These actions include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.

Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house. Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.

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

March 26, 2020

CONTACT:  Erin Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital  568-3411

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Urgent Care Hours Change During COVID-19

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1)

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

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(2)

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

• 3-month income statement

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

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

◦ Date of business establishment

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

◦ Number of employees on March 1

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

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

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

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

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(3)

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

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(4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(5)

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

—A $500 Billion loan program for businesses

—$600 per week expansion for unemployment insurance

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

—$150 Billion in aid for state and local governments

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

—$367 Billion for loans to small businesses

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

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(6)

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

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

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

Finkenauer to Hold Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall

with Local Business, Labor, and Workforce Leaders

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

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

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

What: Coronavirus Employment and Economic Impact Telephone Town Hall

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

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

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

Iowa SBA Funding Update

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

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

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

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

Corey P Snitker

Emergency Management Coordinator

Allamakee County Iowa

877 HWY 9

Waukon, IA 52172

Cell: 563-568-1911

Office: 563-568-4233

csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Direct questions regarding this message to

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

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

Iowa Department of Public Health – www.idph.iowa.gov or call IDPH at 2-1-1
Winneshiek County Public Health – www.winneshiekhealth.org 563-382-4662

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

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

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

Wed, 03/25/2020 – 10:55

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday March 25, 2020

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

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

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

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

Vernon County.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The quality of life while protecting constitutional guarantees”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You,

Respectfully,

Sheriff John B. Spears

“Stay Healthy and Stay Safe”

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

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

1
Houston County Resource List
Last updated March 24, 2020
(This list will be updated as much as possible. If you have an update, please email
olivia.denney@co.houston.mn.us or comment on the post at the top of the Houston County Emergency
Management Facebook page. The post will be updated as much as possible. Also check that post for the
most recent updates.)
What You Need to Know:
 IF YOU HAVE ANY GENERAL SYMPTOMS: PLEASE STAY HOME. Any respiratory symptoms
may be attributed to COVID-19. Stay home at least 7 days after symptoms go away, or at
least 3 days after your fever leaves.
 Mayo Clinic: If you are showing any sign of possible COVID-19 symptoms, please contact
your local health provider. Your provider or a nurse will direct you to our dedicated
COVID-19 Nurse Line.
 Gundersen: Call your primary care provider or call our Telephone Nurse Advisors (24/7,
365): 608-775-4454 or 800-858-1050.
 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 Hotlines (open 7 am – 7 pm)
o Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
o Community mitigation (schools, childcare, businesses) questions: 651-297-1304
or 1-800-657-3504
o DHS Crisis Text Line: https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policiesprocedures/adult-mental-health/crisis-textline/?fbclid=IwAR2CswzUGQbZIbt9z7AiiTodj5VD2BNWvW6MqnBWBFcQEhEf4P3
y48q_F3c
 Minnesota Unemployment: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/newsupdates/covid-19.jsp?fbclid=IwAR1-
v4im1JzHOCy5AeXkFNKwJb0fcaXHa06beDXKptbRAAgVy5olb3DpUQA
 Minnesota Workers’ Rights and Protections: https://www.dli.mn.gov/workers/workerrights-and-protections?fbclid=IwAR2_8za_hgf_ZDGGOFtlMke5cwkTUe-xgOT0Us–
OY7ufiIzlIux-_LBDCU
 MNSURE deadlines have been extended until April 21 due to the situation.
2
Services & Businesses Information Table of Contents
Houston County 3
Brownsville 4
Caledonia 5
Eitzen 7
Freeburg 7
Hokah 8
Houston 9
La Crescent 10
Spring Grove 12
3
Houston County Offices Information
 Houston County Board of Commissioner Chair Eric Johnson has declared a health
emergency, which will be ratified by the full board on March 24. This allows the county
government to proceed with emergency measures regarding COVID-19.
 Effective Friday, March 20, the County Courthouse, Highway Department, and
Community Services Center will be closed to walk-in public access, though all offices
will remain open for business. Face-to-face service is by appointment only, with
preferred methods of communication being phone, email, or mail. There is a drop-box
located near the Courthouse west entrance for applications, license plate renewals, and
tax payments.
 The Detention Center has suspended public fingerprinting services, programming
services for inmates, inmate work crew activities, and jail/dispatch tours. Access to the
visitation room may be limited to allow social distancing, but visitation process and
hours will function as normal. The front lobby window remains open for business.
 The Houston County Third Judicial District Court is following state guidance on
scheduling and encourages parties to call 507-725-5806 before coming to court or to
receive scheduling clarification. Super high and high priority cases will continue to be
heard. Please refer to www.mncourts.gov for more information.
 Drop sites will remain open on the regular schedule with the following changes in
operations. Drop Site employees have been instructed not to assist customers with
unloading and customers will be asked to remain outside drop site buildings to avoid
person-to-person contact. The drop sites will only accept bagged trash, recyclable
plastic, tin cans, bottles and cardboard during this time. Customers will not be asked to
sign receipts. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary trips to drop sites, if
disposal of an item is not urgent, please postpone it.
 The Houston County Historical Society Museum & Research Center is CLOSED until
further notice.
4
Brownsville
Essential Services:
 Located at the City Hall/Community Center, bus will be there around 11:30 Monday –
Friday. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the
mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru
March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a
lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18
years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals
will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced
meals to household members 18 and under.
Restaurants & Food:
 Saxon Hall: Regular menu available as take-out and delivery. Off sale available.
o Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 5-8 pm
o Delivery must be $20 + and is limited to the city limits of Brownsville but no
gravel roads.
5
Caledonia
Essential Services:
 FOOD SHELF: Donations are needed, money is preferred at this time. They are open
Tuesdays and Thursdays at normal times, and there are signs posted for instructions.
Email caledoniacc@semcac.org to make an appointment before visiting.
 Caledonia City Hall, Police Station, Public Library: CLOSED until further notice. City staff
will be available by phone at 507-725-3450 and by email. Non-emergency police
assistance: 507-725-3889. Utility bills can be paid using the box outside city hall, by
calling 507-725-3450, or online through Payment Service Network, which can be
accessed through the city website. All debit/credit surcharges through phone payments
are waived.
 Located at the Caledonia Elementary School between 11:00-12:30 Monday – Friday
through March 27: Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals
during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March
19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice)
and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your
household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals.
All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for
free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.
 Caledonia Community Giving is available with volunteers if you have needs at this time.
Contact them via facebook @Caledoniachampions or email
caledoniacommunitygiving@gmail.com.
 Mayo Clinic Caledonia will be temporarily closing to redirect resources to their COVID19 response.
Restaurants & Food:
 Quillins: New Store Hours: 7 am – 7 pm, 7 days a week. 7 – 8 am is reserved for
customers in high-risk categories.
 AJ’s Bar & Grill: Currently not open, check the AJ’s Bar and Grill Facebook page for most
recent updates.
 Caledonia Bakery: Limiting the number of customers in the bakery at a time. You can call
to place your order and staff will bring it out to you in your car. You can also call ahead.
Normal business hours.
 Chuck’s Old-Fashioned Meats: Normal hours, offering delivery arrangements after 6 pm
by calling 507-725-BEEF (2333). Need eggs? Chucks has gotten some in. Bring your own
carton – 2 dozen limit.
 Elsie’s: Regular menu available as pickup and delivery, as well as daily carryout specials
(check Facebook or call for daily specials). Pickup window is the window next to the
telephone booth on the north side of the building. Frozen pizzas are now available.
 Good Times Restaurant and Bar: CLOSED until further notice.
6
 The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts: CLOSED until further notice. E-Gift Cards Available.
 Redwood Café: The Redwood Café is officially closed after 60+ years of business.
 Wired Rooster: CLOSED until it’s safe and they are allowed to reopen.
 The American Legion is closed until further notice.
Community:
 Dollar General has dedicated its first hour of business to senior customers only.
 Buckboard: Closed until further notice
 Caledonia Argus: Offices closed during business hours. You can contact via Facebook,
email, or call the office at 507-724-3475. Virus-related stories posted to website free of
charge.
 MAAD Alley: CLOSED through March 27th
 Mary Ann’s Floral/Pine Cone Place: Closed through March 31, call for specific
orders/delivery.
 Twice as Nice is closed until further notice.
 Herman Dental Clinic is only open for emergencies through March 29th. If you have a
dental emergency call 507-725-3341.
 Mell Chiropractic is temporarily closing until further notice.
 Wiebke Tire: Call the shop at 507-725-2875 to make an appointment for URGENT needs
only. Only employees are permitted in the shop.
 AcenTek is offering free broadband and WiFi internet for students and teachers who do
not currently have service with them. Call 888-404-4940 for more information.
7
Eitzen
Essential Services:
 City Hall: Remaining open at this time during normal hours.
 Eitzen Community Center is closed to the public until further notice. Those who have
reserved the Community Center will be contacted regarding their reservation.
 Located at City Hall, the bus will be there around 11:30 Monday – Friday through
March 27. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the
mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru
March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a
lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18
years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals
will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced
meals to household members 18 and under.
 To get signed up for meals on wheels (or to help deliver meals), call: 507-864-8228
Restaurants & Food:
 Gater’s Bar & Grill is open 11:00 – 7:00 Monday through Saturday with off-sale available
during these hours.
Freeburg
Essential Services:
 Located at the Community Center, the bus will be there around 11:30 Monday – Friday
through March 27. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals
during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March
19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice)
and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your
household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals.
All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for
free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.
Restaurants & Food:
 Little Miami is open for to-go orders and off sale Wednesday-Sunday. Call 507-724-2156
to place your order.
8
Hokah
Essential Services:
 Hokah City Offices: Closed to the public until further notice. City staff will be available to
assist citizens by phone at 507-894-4990 and by email. Non-emergency city police
assistance: 507-894-4777.
 Hokah Public Library: Closed to the public until further notice.
 La Crescent Schools will be providing student meals. Please contact your child’s school
building office or the food service department to get on the list. This is for all students in
the community including the Montessori school and private/home school children.
Locations and times for services are:
o La Crescent Mayo Clinic lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Dresbach-By Bobcat 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o La Crescent Pool Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o High School Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Hokah Fire Hall 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Brownsville Community Center 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
 To get signed up for meals on wheels or to volunteer to deliver, call: 507-864-8228.
Community:
 Hokah Firefighters Association Gun Raffle: Postponed until May 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm at
Hokah City Hall.
9
Houston
Essential Services:
 City Hall: Closed to the public until further notice. Drop off your city payments in the
drop box to the right of the door. Call the office at 507-896-4033 if you need assistance.
 Community Center, Nature Center: Closed until further notice.
 The Houston Library is closed. However, they are offering contactless curbside pick=up
for items ordered online, by phone, or by email at the front of the building. Call 896-
7323 or email hpublib@gmail.com with questions for concerns. Order online at
www.houston.lib.mn.us. You will need your library card number and pin to order – call
if you need assistance.
 Student Lunches: Houston Schools will be providing meal bundles (breakfast, lunch,
snack). To sign up for the meal bundle or just lunch (typical meal prices), call 507-896-
5323, option 8. State your name, names of children for whom you want meals, if you
want lunch or the meal bundle, which weekdays you’d like it prepared, the time
between 10:00 – 1:00 you can pick up OR the need for delivery due to lack of
transportation or medical fragility and give your address.
 To get signed up for meals on wheels or to volunteer to deliver, call: 507-864-8228.
 The Houston County Food Shelf is open normal hours.
Restaurants & Food:
 Barista’s Coffee House: All orders are made to go.
o Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 until 1:30; Saturday and Sunday 7 am – 2 pm
 JT’s Bar & Grill is open for takeout only.
 Subzero Pizza is open with curbside service.
 River Valley Convenience is open with to go service available.
 The American Legion is closed until further notice.
Community:
 Valley High Golf Club: Closed until March 28.
 Nesler Auto Repair office is closed to the public. They are only taking prescheduled
vehicle repairs for non-routine maintenance. Keys can be placed in the drop box as well
as knocking on the shop door for a mechanic to come and assist.
 Houston Nature Center indoor exhibits are closed until further notice.
10
La Crescent
Essential Services:
 FOOD SHELF: Open Wednesdays 2-5 and 2nd Saturday of the month 9 – noon (normal
hours) at the curb of the new location: 436 South 6th Street (former Pam’s Hair Salon
building just south of the elementary school). They are providing pre-packed bags of
food. New phone number is 507-895-1115. If you would like to donate financially, write
your check to “La Crescent Food Shelf” and mail it to the HCP Center at 333 Main Street,
La Crescent, MN 55947 or give online at https://givemn.org/story/LaCrescentFoodShelf
 City Hall: After 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, offices will be closed to the public.
Staff will be on hand to answer questions via phone. Main office line: 507-895-2595. For
other numbers, visit the City of La Crescent Facebook page or the city website. You may
place water payments in the dropbox outside the front door. Permits can be done
online via the city website. You can renew your license plate tabs online at
www.dvs.dps.mn.gov.
 La Crescent Public Library is closed to the public until further notice. Service by phone
and email will be available at lcr_dire@selco.info and 507-895-4047.
 La Crescent Schools will be providing student meals. Please contact your child’s school
building office or the food service department to get on the list. This is for all students in
the community including the Montessori school and private/home school children.
Locations and times for services are:
o La Crescent Mayo Clinic lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Dresbach-By Bobcat 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o La Crescent Pool Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o High School Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Hokah Fire Hall 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Brownsville Community Center 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
 La Crescent Senior Dining is offering delivery only to all clients. You can sign up to be on
the delivery route or to help volunteer by calling 507-864-8231.
 To get on the meals on wheels list or to volunteer to deliver, please call 507-895-6585.
Transportation:
 As of 3/18, Apple Express is still operating normally. Visit La Crosse MTU Facebook page
for the most up to date information.
Restaurants & Food:
 Swing Bridge Pub is closed until Friday. They will go day-by-day. Check their Facebook
page for the most up to date information.
 Schmitty’s TimeOut Tavern: offering full menu carryout service by calling 507-895-4239.
o Hours: 11 am – 1:30 pm, 4:30 – 8 pm.
 Sports Hub Bar & Grill: open for carry-out with a full menu from 11 am – 8 pm. Off-sale
beer & liquor available. Call 507-895-2715 to place your order.
11
 Kaddy’s Café: Open normal hours for take-out/curbside pickup. Call 507-895-2900 to
place your order. Daily specials on the Kaddy’s Café Facebook page.
o Hours: 6 am – 2 pm daily, 4 – 8 pm Friday night.
 Corky’s Pizza: Open regular hours for carry-out only. Call 507-895-6996 to place your
order.
Community:
 Chamber of Commerce office is closed to the public. April 2nd Trivia Night is cancelled.
12
Spring Grove
Essential Services:
 During the mandated school closure, Spring Grove Schools will be serving free meals
(breakfast and lunch) to all children under the age of 18. Meals will be grab n’ go. Pick
up times are between 11:00 – 12:30 on regularly scheduled school days. You can pick up
at Door 1 of the school or at Viking Memorial Park, either at the white school van or at
the log cabin. If you would like your child to receive meals, please fill out the survey
here: https://forms.gle/ZpmPafiwt6scQeg6A
 Spring Grove City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Payments can be left in
the drop box next to the front door or by the back garage. If you have questions or
need assistance, please call 507-498-5221. Staff will be available 8-5 Monday through
Friday. Public restrooms at the log cabin and fest building are closed until further notice.
 To get on the meals on wheels list or to volunteer to deliver, please call: 507-498-3385.
 If you need more resources about what is available and community happenings, please
check out the Caring For Our Neighbors, Spring Grove Area Facebook page.
Restaurants & Food:
 Doc’s Blue Moose is closed temporarily due to the severity of the pandemic.
 Ivy Grove Café is open regular hours with carry out orders ONLY. Call 507-498-5450 to
order.
 The Lounge in The Corner is off-sale only from 12 pm – 10 pm through March 27.
 Red’s IGA will shop for you. You can get same-day orders if you place your order by 3 pm
weekdays, otherwise they will end up on the next week’s list (not occurring on
weekends). Email order@shopreds.com or use Facebook messenger to place you order.
You can snap a picture or type your order. Do NOT call in large orders of items. Include a
pick up time and phone number (please give them an hour to gather items). Please call
507-498-5484 to notify staff once you arrive to pick up your order. Park on the north
parking lot side (Jo’s Coffee House).
 Spring Grove Soda Pop: Call 507-498-3424 or order through their website at
www.springgrovesodapop.com to place your order for curbside pick up. Ring the bell
and they’ll take care of you.
Community:
 Spring Grove Cinema is closed until further notice.

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

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

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

Rumor Control

Medicare Fraud

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

Fake Test Kits and Cures

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

FEMA Website

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

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

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

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

Other Websites

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

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

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

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

Out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our staff and volunteers, and with respect to the recommendations from our government and public health officials as they relate to COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to suspend Hope In Bloom – Daffodils campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society delivery on April 1st. For those who have made a donation to the American Cancer Society in the hope of receiving or having flowers delivered, we regret the current circumstances that are prohibiting us from delivering the flowers. Please know your donation comes at a critical time when our mission to help those touched by cancer is in great need. Please also note that we have honored our agreement with our suppliers and – even though we will not be receiving the flowers – we have paid for what has been ordered.

The health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and the cancer patients who rely on us, is our top priority. And we know the needs of people facing cancer will continue – and our mission of attacking cancer from every angle is critical. We cannot allow an innovative research grant to go unfunded – it could be the next big breakthrough. We cannot miss a phone call or a chat from a cancer patient with a question – we could be the only ear he or she has to turn to. Your donation to Daffodil Days is helping to ensure we are here today for those facing cancer and will be here tomorrow for anyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis. While we hope you will enable us to use your donation to forward our mission in the community, we will arrange to redirect or refund based on your desire, please contact Rhonda Schnitzler at 563.419.2133 for arrangements.

Where we can, we’re continuing our services to get patients the care and support they need. Because cancer doesn’t stop. So neither do we. Visit cancer.org or call 800.227.2345.

The SBA’s Iowa District Office will host two Webinars this week to give an overview of assistance available to Iowa small businesses through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

The webinars will discuss loan program details, eligibility, application requirements as well as where and how to submit a loan application. There will also be information on counseling assistance available from SBA Resource Partners (Iowa Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women and Business Center and Veterans Business Outreach Center).

Two options are currently available:
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
Join at https://meet.lync.com/sba123/tdlentel/FV4ZWJJY
There will be a visual presentation.
You can join by audio only at (202) 765-1264 using ID# 118151981#

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

Gundersen suspends all hospital and clinic visitors

Gundersen Health System understands the importance of engaging families as part of the healing process. However, to protect our patients, staff and community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are restricting all visitors to our Hospitals, Emergency Services and Clinics until further notice.

Our policy is in line with other state and national guidelines to limit gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone dropping off and picking up patients should wait outside unless they need support in communicating.

There will still be exceptions for end-of-life, interpreter/communication needs, surgery, Labor and Delivery, emergency room and pediatric patients.

Visitor restrictions are temporary and may change as Gundersen monitors the COVID-19 situation locally, regionally and nationally.

Isolation Guidance for Iowans
Updated 03/22/2020
COVID-19 is circulating in Iowa communities and many more Iowans are likely to become ill in the coming
weeks. This guidance describes isolation recommendations for well Iowans with potential COVID-19 exposure
and Iowans who are ill with fever or respiratory symptoms (like cough or difficulty breathing).
Isolation recommendations for well Iowans with potential COVID-19 exposure
Iowans should stay at home and isolate themselves from other people and animals in the home in the
following situations. Isolation should be in place for 14 days after the last exposure.
 Traveled outside of Iowa for business or vacation in the last 14 days.
 Taken a cruise anywhere in the world in the last 14 days.
 Traveled internationally to a country with a level 3 travel warning in the last 14 days.
 Live with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19.
Isolation recommendations for Iowans ill with fever or respiratory symptoms (like cough or difficulty
breathing)
Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most
mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19.
Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house.
Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:
 You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of
medicine that reduces fevers)
AND
 other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND
 at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the
office or if you can recover at home. Also, there may be options for you to talk to a medical provider from
home using technology.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: David Lester, General Manager, Oneota Community Food Co-op
563-382-4666, gm@oneotacoop.com
Oneota Community Co-op Expands Services to Phone and Online Ordering Providing Safe Food
Delivery for Customers and Staff
DECORAH, IOWA 3/20/2020
The Oneota Community Co-op (OCC) in Decorah, Iowa has taken extraordinary measures to keep
customers and staff safe and provide essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. On
Tuesday, March 17, OCC transitioned from its conventional business model to providing storefront
delivered orders only. Customer shopping is currently done by shopping exclusively online and over the
phone.
“This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life,” said David Lester, General
Manager of the member-owned cooperative grocery store in northeast Iowa. “It was clear to our team
that we needed to enact creative measures to balance the needs of combating this virus and the needs
of our staff and community,” Lester said.
Previously, the store did not have an online presence to sell groceries. Lester and his management team
organized a pandemic response plan in early March as news of the scope of Covid-19 became clearer to
the general public. With OCC’s pandemic response plan in place, and within five days work, the store’s IT
Coordinator, Theresa Kleve, and Marketing & Outreach Manager, Nate Furler, created an online
ordering system through Shopify with over 6,000 available items. Customers in the Decorah area can
place an online or phone order that can be picked up storefront, or delivered through another service.
“The overwhelming response from our community keeps us moving forward. We are refining our
procedures daily in case this is a long-term situation,” said Furler. He added, “the cooperative phrase
‘Stronger Together’ really takes on more meaning these days.
About Oneota Community Food Co-op
Located in downtown Decorah, Oneota Community Food Co-op is a cooperatively-owned grocery store
specializing in local, organic, and sustainably produced products since 1974. For over four decades, the
Co-op has been the leading provider of whole foods at a reasonable cost, with an emphasis on organic,
local and bulk foods. The Oneota Community Food Co-op was named the 2020 Outstanding Single Store
by Progressive Grocer. Located at 312 West Water Street in Decorah, or online at
www.oneotacoop.com.

Decorah, IA—As of Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Hometown Taxi will be open for delivery services and essential medical rides only, due to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Hours will be Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Delivery cost within Decorah is $5 and from Wal-Mart is $6. Discounts for seniors and people with disabilities still apply. Call 563-382-3155 for services, and check Facebook or hometowntaxidecorah.com for possible changes in delivery open hours.

“Since the fall of 1987, Hometown Taxi has been open every week in every type weather to serve our community with safe and friendly transportation to work, to medical appointments, to grocery stores, and to social events,” Scot Idstrom, Hometown Taxi partner said. “It’s terribly difficult for us to have to reduce our services at this time, but it’s the responsible thing to do to keep our riders and the rest of the community safe,” he continued.

“We wish our community of riders well and want to continue supporting them with this delivery service. We hope to resume our regular schedule sometime in the near future,” Idstrom said.

Hometown Taxi is a partnership owned and operated by Scot Idstrom, Ian Miller, Heidi Olstad, Ketel Paulsen, Eric Paulson, Daniel Rotto, Eric VanVliet, and Craig Witt.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of one additional positive case of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 45 positive cases. 765 negative tests have been conducted at the State Hygienic Lab.

According to IDPH, this individual resides in Allamakee County and is a middle-aged adult (41-60).

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The governor’s office and the Iowa Department of Public Health will be transitioning to mid morning updates as testing capabilities have expanded.

Gov. Reynolds will hold a press conference today from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Johnston, IA at 2:30 p.m. to provide an update to the state of Iowa on COVID-19. Gov. Reynolds held a press conference later this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The press conference will be livestreamed and posted in full on Governor Reynolds’ Facebook Page.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants have been forced to close to the public. Many of them are still offering carry-out and/or delivery, and in an effort to help drive customer traffic to our restaurants, I’ve compiled a list containing business hours, phone numbers, and various new policies if applicable. Additionally, I’ve uploaded the menus of every open restaurant to a Google Drive folder, so you can easily access each menu to determine what you’d like to order. You can access that Google Drive folder at the following link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1013wTaRdkMMzbtE6AuTcdOG9NTKbwsnC

Full Restaurant Info, in Alphabetical Order:

Coffee on the River

563-538-2899

https://www.coffeeontheriver.com

CLOSED AT THIS TIME

Expresso

563-538-4349

Carry-Out Only; No counter service—call in your orders

Deli Hours:

Sunday-Thursday: 6:00am-6:30pm

Friday-Saturday: 6:00am-7:30am

Fajita’s Grill

563-538-3000

Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00-2:00; 4:30-9:00

Friday-Saturday: 11:00-10:00

Sunday: 11:00-9:00

Kwik Star

563-538-4308

Regular Hot Spot Items to-go

Suspended Service Includes:

—Roller Grills

—Bakery Case

—Condiment Bar

—Nacho/Chili Cheese Machine

—Soup Bar

—Refillable Cups and Mugs

—Food Sampling

Main Channel Grill & Lodging

563-538-4955

https://mainchannelgrillandlodging.com

CLOSED AT THIS TIME

Milty’s

563-538-4585

https://www.miltys.net

Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00-1:30; 5:00-7:30

Friday-Saturday: 11:00-8:00

Sunday-Monday: CLOSED

CASH ONLY

Delivery Available on Request

NutMeg’s Cafe and Bakery

563-538-9214

https://manning48.wixsite.com/nutmegs

Wednesday-Sunday: 7:00-1:00

Safe House Saloon

563-538-4288

Monday-Thursday: 4:00-8:00

Friday: 4:00-9:00

Saturday: 11:00-9:00

Sunday: 11:00-8:00

Free Delivery

20% off carry-out beer and growler fills

Shep’s Riverside Bar & Grill

563-538-2009

Thursday-Tuesday: 11:00-7:00

CASH ONLY

Delivery upon Request

Thee O.P.

563-538-9383

CLOSED AT THIS TIME

TJ Hunter’s (Wednesday Rib Nights)

563-538-4544

CLOSED AT THIS TIME

—

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

MDH COVID-19 Hotlines are open 7 am – 7 pm.

Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903

Community mitigation: (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504

APPLICATIONS FOR IOWA’S LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 31, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Division of Community Action Agencies (DCAA) has extended the regular LIHEAP season through May 31, 2020. Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) Family Service Offices will continue taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through May 31, 2020.  Residents of Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard & Winneshiek counties can apply online at www.neicac.org or by calling the local Family Services office listed below. Applications for assistance can be completed without visiting an office. If your household applied for LIHEAP in the 2018-2019 LIHEAP program year, you can apply online.  Go to our website’s LIHEAP page http://www.neicac.org/LIHEAP  and look for the “Apply Online” link. Applications may also be requested by mail or by phone. NEICAC’s Family Services offices will not be scheduling face-to-face appointments with customers until further notice.

A household may be eligible if the household’s annual gross income of 175% of poverty or less – see chart below. 

(Please see below for office locations and telephone numbers)

For more information contact your local NEICAC (Community Action) Family Service Office or call the NEICAC central office in Decorah at (563) 382-9608.

(TO MEDIA – PLEASE ONLY USE THE LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW THAT ARE IN YOUR COVERAGE AREA)

Additionally, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) issued an emergency order directing all electric and natural gas utilities in Iowa to cease disconnection of residential service due to nonpayment. The extended winter moratorium period will continue until May 1, 2020. This statewide extension period issued by IUB order applies to all investor-owned, municipal and cooperative utilities in Iowa. For more information, visit https://iub.iowa.gov/press-release/2020-03-13/iub-emergency-order-extends-utility-winter-moratorium

For more information, please contact:

Karen Henry, LIHEAP & Outreach Director

563.387.4924

Emergency Proclamation Helps Farmers, Agribusinesses Meet Demand for Food and Supplies

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 20, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement in response to the State Public Health Emergency Proclamation signed by Gov. Reynolds today.

“Gov. Reynolds has shown tremendous leadership to our state during this challenging and evolving situation,” said Secretary Naig. “I appreciate her continued support of the agriculture community. We’ll continue working together to find solutions that keep the supply chain moving so we can get food from the farm to the grocery store shelf.”

The emergency proclamation temporarily suspends the oversized, overweight and hours of service regulations that apply to commercial vehicles transporting “agricultural supplies and commodities including, but not limited to, livestock, raw milk and crop supplies.” This waiver helps farmers and agribusinesses continue to meet the demand for food and supplies during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The proclamation is effective immediately and lasts until April 16, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.

Gundersen moves some clinic appointments to phone 

Gundersen Health System is changing how it handles some clinic appointments at all locations to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Effective immediately and for the coming weeks, some scheduled clinic appointments will be converted to a phone visit or canceled to help us focus on preparing for COVID-19 and treating patients with the virus.

In either case, patients will receive a phone call from their healthcare team to confirm a phone visit or cancellation. Patients do not need to call us. If an appointment is canceled, we will work with patients to reschedule it for a later date.

In cases where a patient needs to be seen in person, the appointment will continue as scheduled. If you do not hear from your provider, plan to be at your appointment. Patients are reminded that only one support person may accompany them to appointments and are asked to drop off and pick up patients, rather than waiting inside the clinic.

For the most up-to-date information, visit gundersenhealth.org/covid19

Telephone: (563) 387-1417

Luther College extends distance learning period through spring semester 

On Wednesday, the Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed nine additional cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, one of which is located in Winneshiek County. Given these developments, federal and state guidance on travel and social distancing, and our obligations to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the local community, Luther leadership has decided to extend the period of distance learning through the remainder of the spring semester. Beginning Monday, March 30, and continuing through Thursday, May 21, all courses at Luther College will be held in distance learning formats.

All students who complete graduation requirements during the Spring 2020 semester will formally graduate from Luther College and become alumni in May 2020. Luther College is committed to celebrating this important accomplishment, and it will hold on-campus commencement exercises for the Class of 2020 at a date yet to be determined, depending upon local, regional and national considerations for individual and community health.

“I know that these are anxious and uncertain times. Together we will find answers to the questions that you may have now, as well as those that may arise in the future. This situation is challenging and not what we planned. But I know that our community is strong and that our commitment to academic excellence is unwavering. Even though the distance learning approach is going to be different for many of us, I know that the content of what we are going to do together will endure,” said President Jenifer K. Ward.

Campus buildings will be closed to visitors and the general public. Effective immediately, all events at Luther College are canceled through at least Thursday, May 21. The Campus Programming Office will work with event planners and hosts to identify and cancel events, including those sponsored by groups not affiliated with Luther College.