Community News Stories

(1)

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

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(2)

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

• 3-month income statement

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

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

◦ Date of business establishment

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

◦ Number of employees on March 1

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

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

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

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

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(3)

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

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(4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(5)

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

—A $500 Billion loan program for businesses

—$600 per week expansion for unemployment insurance

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

—$150 Billion in aid for state and local governments

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

—$367 Billion for loans to small businesses

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

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(6)

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

—

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

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

Finkenauer to Hold Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall

with Local Business, Labor, and Workforce Leaders

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

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

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

What: Coronavirus Employment and Economic Impact Telephone Town Hall

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

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

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

Iowa SBA Funding Update

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

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

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

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

Corey P Snitker

Emergency Management Coordinator

Allamakee County Iowa

877 HWY 9

Waukon, IA 52172

Cell: 563-568-1911

Office: 563-568-4233

csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Direct questions regarding this message to

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wed, 03/25/2020 – 10:55

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday March 25, 2020

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

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

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

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

Vernon County.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The quality of life while protecting constitutional guarantees”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You,

Respectfully,

Sheriff John B. Spears

“Stay Healthy and Stay Safe”

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

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

1
Houston County Resource List
Last updated March 24, 2020
(This list will be updated as much as possible. If you have an update, please email
olivia.denney@co.houston.mn.us or comment on the post at the top of the Houston County Emergency
Management Facebook page. The post will be updated as much as possible. Also check that post for the
most recent updates.)
What You Need to Know:
 IF YOU HAVE ANY GENERAL SYMPTOMS: PLEASE STAY HOME. Any respiratory symptoms
may be attributed to COVID-19. Stay home at least 7 days after symptoms go away, or at
least 3 days after your fever leaves.
 Mayo Clinic: If you are showing any sign of possible COVID-19 symptoms, please contact
your local health provider. Your provider or a nurse will direct you to our dedicated
COVID-19 Nurse Line.
 Gundersen: Call your primary care provider or call our Telephone Nurse Advisors (24/7,
365): 608-775-4454 or 800-858-1050.
 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 Hotlines (open 7 am – 7 pm)
o Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
o Community mitigation (schools, childcare, businesses) questions: 651-297-1304
or 1-800-657-3504
o DHS Crisis Text Line: https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policiesprocedures/adult-mental-health/crisis-textline/?fbclid=IwAR2CswzUGQbZIbt9z7AiiTodj5VD2BNWvW6MqnBWBFcQEhEf4P3
y48q_F3c
 Minnesota Unemployment: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/newsupdates/covid-19.jsp?fbclid=IwAR1-
v4im1JzHOCy5AeXkFNKwJb0fcaXHa06beDXKptbRAAgVy5olb3DpUQA
 Minnesota Workers’ Rights and Protections: https://www.dli.mn.gov/workers/workerrights-and-protections?fbclid=IwAR2_8za_hgf_ZDGGOFtlMke5cwkTUe-xgOT0Us–
OY7ufiIzlIux-_LBDCU
 MNSURE deadlines have been extended until April 21 due to the situation.
2
Services & Businesses Information Table of Contents
Houston County 3
Brownsville 4
Caledonia 5
Eitzen 7
Freeburg 7
Hokah 8
Houston 9
La Crescent 10
Spring Grove 12
3
Houston County Offices Information
 Houston County Board of Commissioner Chair Eric Johnson has declared a health
emergency, which will be ratified by the full board on March 24. This allows the county
government to proceed with emergency measures regarding COVID-19.
 Effective Friday, March 20, the County Courthouse, Highway Department, and
Community Services Center will be closed to walk-in public access, though all offices
will remain open for business. Face-to-face service is by appointment only, with
preferred methods of communication being phone, email, or mail. There is a drop-box
located near the Courthouse west entrance for applications, license plate renewals, and
tax payments.
 The Detention Center has suspended public fingerprinting services, programming
services for inmates, inmate work crew activities, and jail/dispatch tours. Access to the
visitation room may be limited to allow social distancing, but visitation process and
hours will function as normal. The front lobby window remains open for business.
 The Houston County Third Judicial District Court is following state guidance on
scheduling and encourages parties to call 507-725-5806 before coming to court or to
receive scheduling clarification. Super high and high priority cases will continue to be
heard. Please refer to www.mncourts.gov for more information.
 Drop sites will remain open on the regular schedule with the following changes in
operations. Drop Site employees have been instructed not to assist customers with
unloading and customers will be asked to remain outside drop site buildings to avoid
person-to-person contact. The drop sites will only accept bagged trash, recyclable
plastic, tin cans, bottles and cardboard during this time. Customers will not be asked to
sign receipts. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary trips to drop sites, if
disposal of an item is not urgent, please postpone it.
 The Houston County Historical Society Museum & Research Center is CLOSED until
further notice.
4
Brownsville
Essential Services:
 Located at the City Hall/Community Center, bus will be there around 11:30 Monday –
Friday. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the
mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru
March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a
lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18
years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals
will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced
meals to household members 18 and under.
Restaurants & Food:
 Saxon Hall: Regular menu available as take-out and delivery. Off sale available.
o Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 5-8 pm
o Delivery must be $20 + and is limited to the city limits of Brownsville but no
gravel roads.
5
Caledonia
Essential Services:
 FOOD SHELF: Donations are needed, money is preferred at this time. They are open
Tuesdays and Thursdays at normal times, and there are signs posted for instructions.
Email caledoniacc@semcac.org to make an appointment before visiting.
 Caledonia City Hall, Police Station, Public Library: CLOSED until further notice. City staff
will be available by phone at 507-725-3450 and by email. Non-emergency police
assistance: 507-725-3889. Utility bills can be paid using the box outside city hall, by
calling 507-725-3450, or online through Payment Service Network, which can be
accessed through the city website. All debit/credit surcharges through phone payments
are waived.
 Located at the Caledonia Elementary School between 11:00-12:30 Monday – Friday
through March 27: Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals
during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March
19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice)
and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your
household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals.
All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for
free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.
 Caledonia Community Giving is available with volunteers if you have needs at this time.
Contact them via facebook @Caledoniachampions or email
caledoniacommunitygiving@gmail.com.
 Mayo Clinic Caledonia will be temporarily closing to redirect resources to their COVID19 response.
Restaurants & Food:
 Quillins: New Store Hours: 7 am – 7 pm, 7 days a week. 7 – 8 am is reserved for
customers in high-risk categories.
 AJ’s Bar & Grill: Currently not open, check the AJ’s Bar and Grill Facebook page for most
recent updates.
 Caledonia Bakery: Limiting the number of customers in the bakery at a time. You can call
to place your order and staff will bring it out to you in your car. You can also call ahead.
Normal business hours.
 Chuck’s Old-Fashioned Meats: Normal hours, offering delivery arrangements after 6 pm
by calling 507-725-BEEF (2333). Need eggs? Chucks has gotten some in. Bring your own
carton – 2 dozen limit.
 Elsie’s: Regular menu available as pickup and delivery, as well as daily carryout specials
(check Facebook or call for daily specials). Pickup window is the window next to the
telephone booth on the north side of the building. Frozen pizzas are now available.
 Good Times Restaurant and Bar: CLOSED until further notice.
6
 The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts: CLOSED until further notice. E-Gift Cards Available.
 Redwood Café: The Redwood Café is officially closed after 60+ years of business.
 Wired Rooster: CLOSED until it’s safe and they are allowed to reopen.
 The American Legion is closed until further notice.
Community:
 Dollar General has dedicated its first hour of business to senior customers only.
 Buckboard: Closed until further notice
 Caledonia Argus: Offices closed during business hours. You can contact via Facebook,
email, or call the office at 507-724-3475. Virus-related stories posted to website free of
charge.
 MAAD Alley: CLOSED through March 27th
 Mary Ann’s Floral/Pine Cone Place: Closed through March 31, call for specific
orders/delivery.
 Twice as Nice is closed until further notice.
 Herman Dental Clinic is only open for emergencies through March 29th. If you have a
dental emergency call 507-725-3341.
 Mell Chiropractic is temporarily closing until further notice.
 Wiebke Tire: Call the shop at 507-725-2875 to make an appointment for URGENT needs
only. Only employees are permitted in the shop.
 AcenTek is offering free broadband and WiFi internet for students and teachers who do
not currently have service with them. Call 888-404-4940 for more information.
7
Eitzen
Essential Services:
 City Hall: Remaining open at this time during normal hours.
 Eitzen Community Center is closed to the public until further notice. Those who have
reserved the Community Center will be contacted regarding their reservation.
 Located at City Hall, the bus will be there around 11:30 Monday – Friday through
March 27. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals during the
mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March 19th thru
March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice) and a
lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your household 18
years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals. All bag meals
will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for free/reduced
meals to household members 18 and under.
 To get signed up for meals on wheels (or to help deliver meals), call: 507-864-8228
Restaurants & Food:
 Gater’s Bar & Grill is open 11:00 – 7:00 Monday through Saturday with off-sale available
during these hours.
Freeburg
Essential Services:
 Located at the Community Center, the bus will be there around 11:30 Monday – Friday
through March 27. Caledonia Area Public Schools will be providing free bag meals
during the mandated COVID-19 school closure. Bag meals will be offered starting March
19th thru March 27th. The sack will contain a breakfast (grain, cheese stick, fruit, juice)
and a lunch (a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and a beverage). Any child, in your
household 18 years of age or younger is eligible to receive one of these bags of meals.
All bag meals will be offered FREE of charge regardless if your student is eligible for
free/reduced meals to household members 18 and under.
Restaurants & Food:
 Little Miami is open for to-go orders and off sale Wednesday-Sunday. Call 507-724-2156
to place your order.
8
Hokah
Essential Services:
 Hokah City Offices: Closed to the public until further notice. City staff will be available to
assist citizens by phone at 507-894-4990 and by email. Non-emergency city police
assistance: 507-894-4777.
 Hokah Public Library: Closed to the public until further notice.
 La Crescent Schools will be providing student meals. Please contact your child’s school
building office or the food service department to get on the list. This is for all students in
the community including the Montessori school and private/home school children.
Locations and times for services are:
o La Crescent Mayo Clinic lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Dresbach-By Bobcat 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o La Crescent Pool Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o High School Parking lot 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Hokah Fire Hall 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
o Brownsville Community Center 10:30 – 11:30 AM 4:30 – 6:00PM
 To get signed up for meals on wheels or to volunteer to deliver, call: 507-864-8228.
Community:
 Hokah Firefighters Association Gun Raffle: Postponed until May 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm at
Hokah City Hall.
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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.
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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.
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 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.