Community News Stories

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.

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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

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Contact: Laurie Kreul

Email or Phone: 563-382-8787

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. For more information, visit our website at www.easternstardecorah.com.

END.

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.