Community News Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Wanda Hemesath, City Clerk,Tr., PIO

   Kristen Torresdal, Library Director, PIO

City of Decorah COVID Response

Decorah, IA (March 12, 2020) – The City of Decorah is taking all steps necessary to ensure the continuation of all public services during this time of potential health concern.

Staff shall follow specific procedures to help limit the exposure or spread of COVID19 within their respective departments and the City overall.

The City will work in cooperation with and follow the direction of Winneshiek County Public Health and the Winneshiek Emergency Preparedness Coalition in taking all necessary steps to provide for public safety and the continuation of City services.

The City will continue to update the public with changes as they occur.  Public information releases will be accomplished by press releases to radio, newspaper and other public forums, city website www.decorahia.org and city social media venues.

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. 

We are sorry to say, but the Spring Grove Band Concert tonight is POSTPONED. At the Governor’s Press Conference at 1 p.m. today, MDH recommended postponing large events where 250 people or more would gather, including concerts.

We will live stream the concert for our community next week. More information to come.

Media Release

For Immediate Release

March 15, 2020

Subject:  Granny Basketball® Games

Contact:  Barbara Trammell

319-389-7174

sixonsix@grannybasketball.com

The Granny Basketball League® is hosting an official game day at De Soto High School April 4, 2020. Games will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The public is invited to watch the somewhat amusing action; admission is by free will donation.

Six teams from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin (Lansing Great Dames, Center Point Model Ts, Monticello Gothics, La Crosse Does, Wanamingo Bulldogs and Faribault Hot Shots) will meet at the two-gym facility to allow simultaneous games. Other area teams (Viroqua, Dubuque, Decorah, Harpers Ferry) will be playing at a different venue.

The Granny Basketball® League began in Lansing in 2005 and now includes 39 teams in 9 states. The slow-moving granny games are played using 1920s women’s basketball rules, which include three courts, two dribbles, no physical contact and no running or jumping. “Hurrying” is allowed.  Players wear uniforms typical of the 1920s: bloomers, middy blouses and long stockings. No bare legs or upper arms are permitted and players shoot underhanded (granny) shots for three points from anywhere on the floor.

These “ladies of a certain age” play throughout the year for fun, exercise and, as a 501(c)3 Corporation, donate game proceeds to various charities.

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The Community Forum will be Tuesday, March 17th at City Hall Chambers from 5:00pm-6:00pm.

Representatives from the city government, Luther College, Decorah PD, and Decorah Schools will be available for exchanging ideas and views on various issues.

Representatives will be sharing measures taken for citizen safety concerning the COVID-19 virus. Winneshiek Public Health representatives will also be available to provide current updates.

The event is open to the public.

Eastern Star: All outside visitors and group activities are suspended effective immediately. It has been determined by the IDPH regarding COVID-19 precautions that we restrict visitation at this time. The well-being of our residents and tenants is our top priority. Family members are welcome to contact us directly at 563-382-8787 to make alternate communication plans.

Thank you for your cooperation, we are continuing to monitor this situation and will provide updates with any changes.

In response to the worldwide COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic we have made the decision to postpone the April 4 Winneshiek Pheasants Forever Banquet with plans to reschedule as soon as is responsibly possible

We understand that individuals have a unique level of risk tolerance, and that some individuals might have reached a different decision regarding these developments. In an attempt to be civically responsible, we are making decisions with an eye on the impact on community risk and public health, and are deferring to the guidelines of the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you have questions, please contact one of the following WPF board members:

Todd Duncan, 563-419-5006

DJ Friest, 563-419-0462

Brian Fankhauser, 515-249-1338

Mike Halverson, 563-419-5251

Gavin Nimrod, 563-379-8915

Thank you for your continued support of Winneshiek Pheasants Forever.

Due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, the Western Home String Band is cancelling the contra dance scheduled on Saturday, March 14th at the Lingonberry. Thank you and stay safe!

St. Olaf Catholic Church dinner in Mabel, scheduled Sunday, March 15th has been cancelled due to the uncertainty surrounding the potential spread of the coronavirus.

Effective Immediately:

The Minnesota State High School League is immediately cancelling the Girls Basketball State Tournament.

Additionally, all Boys Section and State Basketball Tournaments have been cancelled.

Section Speech Tournament events for the week of March 15-21 have been postponed indefinitely.