Community News Stories

Black Hills Energy Continues Focus on Customer and Employee Health and Safety in Response to Covid-19

Grimes, Ia. – March 20, 2020 – Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of our customers, employees and communities. We continue actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and have measures in place to ensure we continue to serve our customers in a way that is safe for everyone.

“We take the health and safety of our customers and employees very seriously and are committed to making practical decisions to appropriately protect all parties as our communities deal with the COVID-19 threat,” states Shirley Welte, vice president of operations. “We continue to closely monitor the frequently evolving environment and assess our processes alongside those developments.”

The company continues to work closely with local health, public safety and government officials to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the impact of service to customers.  Some of the actions the company has taken include:

• Black Hills Energy is temporarily suspending nonpayment disconnections for our customers. We realize that due to possible extended periods of isolation, customers may face financial hardships effecting their ability to timely pay their energy bills. Please visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/ to explore options to assist in those hardships.
• To minimize the potential spreading of COVID-19 Black Hills Energy will be asking customers who have had a fever, or dry cough within the last 48 hours to consider postponing non-emergency service calls.
• Crews will continue to respond to all emergency calls and will be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and following health practices as recommended by the CDC and other health organizations.
• Employee travel has been limited to mission critical purposes.
• A work from home policy has been implemented for all employees who are able to do so.
• Paid leave is being provided for employees who test positive or are put under quarantine.
• All on-site meetings with consultants and gatherings of over ten people have been postponed and electronic communications are encouraged when possible.

Black Hills Energy is committed to serving the needs of our customers while also having the privilege and responsibility of providing an essential service that our communities rely on.  The company will continue to do its part to reduce the spread of the virus and take action as needed to support the health and safety of its employees, customers and communities.

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Media Contact

Nicole Breitbach                       (563) 235-7854
nicole.breitbach@blackhillscorp.com

24-Hour Media Assistance        888-242-3969

About Black Hills Energy

Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 1.28 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.

Drive-up or walk-up window will be open regular hours
ATM’s accept deposits and provide cash withdrawals
Online and Mobile Banking: view your balances, transactions and statements
Online applications for residential real estate, credit card, and checking/savings accounts
Deposit Checks by means of our Mobile App: snap a picture of your check to deposit into your
Kerndt Brothers Bank account
Set-up direct deposit to have peace of mind knowing your paycheck is in your account
Pay your bills through Online and Mobile Banking
Bank by mail
Drop your deposit in the Night Drop
As of March 19, 2020
LOBBY ACCESS
Kerndt Brothers Bank values the health of its staff and customers. We continue to monitor
recommendations from health agencies, and, for that reason, regular lobby access will be temporarily
limited.
If you need access to the lobby to enter your safe deposit box or meet with a banker please call your
local branch to make arrangements for a convenient time.
ALTERNATIVE BANKING CHANNELS
The bank offers many banking channels that enable our customers to meet their financial needs:
Many services to accommodate 24 hours a day:
BANKING INTO THE FUTURE
We continue to monitor the situation and may make changes to this schedule. A current schedule will
be maintained at www.kerndtbrothers.com and Kerndt Brothers Facebook site.
America’s financial foundation is dependent on its banks’ service to the community. Kerndt Brothers
Bank intends to remain open and serve its communities.
Thank you,
Jim Kerndt
800·577·5272

Effective March 23, 2020, Winneshiek Medical Center is deferring all elective care (care that can wait until later without putting you at risk).

This includes elective surgeries, procedures and office visits. Semi-urgent, urgent and  emergency care will continue in clinic and hospital settings. This deferment is in alignment with Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Health System.

If you have an appointment already scheduled, Winneshiek Medical Center staff will be contacting you to reschedule, if necessary.

Thank you for your understanding as we prepare our facility to respond to the needs of our communities.

Visitor restrictions updates:

• Visiting hours are from 8:30 am – 8:30 pm for “well” visitors only.
• Well includes:
  • No fever
  • No cough
  • No sore throat
  • No achiness
• Visitors must be over the age of 18.
• There is a one-visitor limit per inpatient stay (same visitor for the duration of the patient stay).
• A spouse/support person is the allowed visitor in the OB department.
• All visitors must clean their hands before entering any patient room— WMC provides hand sanitizer wall dispensers throughout the facility.
• All visitors will be screened prior to entering the facility.

507 W. Water St., Decorah, IA 52101
563.382.3990
Kristina@DecorahAreaChamber.com

March 19, 2020
Kristina Wiltgen, Executive Director
Buy now. Shop later.
The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting the local business community. As
a community we have supported each other through many difficult times and this time will be no
different.
The times are uncertain; the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to business and
community is not. In response to COVID-19, our office is closed to the public and our in-person meetings
and programs are postponed but we will continue to provide resources, engagement and leadership.
Remember all the businesses that have donated to your clubs, events and organizations? They’re calling
in a favor. Help us answer the call. The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a one stop shop
for all your local gift card purchases. Visit www.DecorahAreaChamber.com to support 35 (and counting!)
local businesses by purchasing gift cards.
We understand the difficulty our local businesses, and our local economy, will have in the coming
weeks or months. Many businesses are closed or operating under reduced hours or services.
Purchasing gift cards will support local business now while allowing you to shop as soon as doors are
open again.
Business hasn’t stopped, and neither has the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about
how we’re supporting you and how we can support each other by
visiting www.DecorahAreaChamber.com.
The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce mission is to be the trusted resource in the business
community for advocacy, collaboration, and education.

Houston County Resource List Last updated March 19, 2020 (This list will be updated as much as possible. If you have an update, please comment on the post with this link at the top of the Houston County Emergency Management Facebook page. Also check that post for the most recent updates.) 

What You Need to Know: 

• As of 3/18, there is a shortage of test kits in Minnesota. At this time, priority of testing is for hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, and long-term care residents.
• 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.

City Services & Businesses Information Table of Contents Brownsville ………………………………………………………………………………………………….2 Caledonia ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Eitzen …………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Freeburg ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Hokah …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 Houston ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 La Crescent …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7 Spring Grove ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

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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 (delivery only to city limits of Brownsville and not on gravel roads)

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Caledonia Essential Services: 

• FOOD SHELF: Donations of both food and money are needed. They are looking specifically for: hot dogs, hot dog buns, canned pasta, 2 lb packages of hamburger, hamburger helper. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays at normal times.
• 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.

Restaurants & Food: 

• AJ’s Bar & Grill: Full menu pickup or delivery (3-mile radius). Open Wednesday-Friday to start, weekend to be determined.
• 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).
• Elsie’s: Regular menu available as pickup and delivery. Pickup window is the window next to the telephone booth on the north side of the building.
• The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts: CLOSED until further notice.
• Redwood Café: Hours 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday – Sunday, Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Carry- out services ONLY (NO dine-in service). Call 507-725-2270 for your order.
• Wired Rooster: Selling all perishables on discount until sold. Once perishables are sold, they are closed until March 27th

Community: 

• 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: Open with normal hours. Spring Open House has been cancelled.

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Eitzen Essential Services: 

• City Hall: Remaining open at this time during normal hours.
• 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 offering carry-out food from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm daily. Hours of operations are 11:00 – 7:00 daily with off-sale available.

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.

4

Hokah Essential Services: 

• Hokah City Offices: Closed to the public starting Wednesday, March 18 and may last two weeks or longer. 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 starting Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 pm 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.

5

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, Library: Closed until further notice.
• 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.

Restaurants & Food: 

• Barista’s Coffee House: Normal hours and all orders are made to go.

Community: 

• Valley High Golf Club: Closed until March 28.

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La Crescent Essential Services: 

• FOOD SHELF: Open normal hours at the curb of the new location: 436 South 6th Street. 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 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. Community: 
• Chamber of Commerce: Monthly membership meeting March 18th CANCELLED.

7

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. Drive up to the coffee shop drive thru window, hand your list to a barista, and they will get your order ready. You may pick up your order after an hour.

Community: 

• Spring Grove Cinema is closed until further notice.

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Winneshiek County Emergency Management
400 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 387-4095
ssnyder@co.winneshiek.ia.us
March 18, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Winneshiek County Emergency Management
Contact: Sean Snyder, Coordinator
RE: SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
On March 9, 2020 Governor Reynolds signed a state of Iowa Disaster Proclamation pertaining to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Winneshiek County signed a local Disaster Declaration on Monday March 16,
2020.
Important Information for Small Businesses in Iowa Affected by COVID-19 – Latest Update on
SBA Disaster Assistance (as of March 16, 2020 – 5:00 p.m. CST)
Here is the latest information we have regarding disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA).
We’re waiting on Iowa to be designated as eligible for small businesses in the state to apply for
assistance in the form of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Because these are Economic Injury
loans, the rules require each state to demonstrate economic losses to SBA before we can declare the
counties within a state as eligible to apply for the loans. The Governor’s Office has been working with
SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance to get the appropriate statistics for the application. Unfortunately,
we don’t have a timetable as to when a decision will be made, but hopefully it will be soon.
Small businesses who have been impacted and want to pass their information on to the state are
encouraged to reach out to their County Emergency Management office. They will then provide
statistics on the number of affected businesses to the state as part of Iowa’s application to SBA.
Eligible businesses would apply directly to SBA for assistance as EIDL is a direct loan program.
As soon a declaration is made in Iowa, we will be getting the word out from our office through every
means we have. You can also go to www.sba.gov/disaster, click on the “Apply for Assistance” button
and then click on “Eligible Disaster Areas” and search “Iowa” to see what’s available. The most recent
declaration will be at the top and that’s where you’ll find information on the COVID 19 EIDL Loans as
soon as Iowa is declared eligible. This website is also where businesses will apply for these loans
once Iowa is declared eligible.
Winneshiek County Emergency Management
400 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 387-4095
ssnyder@co.winneshiek.ia.us
We also have a Website that encompasses ALL the information we have available for Small Business
related to COVID-19. We encourage you to check it out.
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) – https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirusdisease-2019-covid-19.
For additional information please contact the Winneshiek County Emergency Management office at
563-387-4095 or ssnyder@co.winneshiek.ia.us. Email is preferred at this time due to the high number
of phone calls being received.
This is an official Emergency Management 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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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020
Contact: Krista Vanden Brink BA, RN Nancy Sacquitne RN, BSN
kvandenbrink@winneshiekhealth.org nsacquitne@winneshiekhealth.org
First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Winneshiek County
A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Winneshiek County. According to the
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.
“While this is Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County Public Health Director
Krista VandenBrink.
• 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.
If additional questions, we encourage use of the 2-1-1 call line.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/EmergingHealth-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at
@IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.
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