At the North Iowa Times, we take our duty to keep the public informed seriously, and have created a comprehensive list of local coronavirus-related closures and resources—a one-stop shop for the information you need. This document will change as we receive additional updates. If you have information you would like to share, please contact the North Iowa Times at (563) 873-2210, niteditor@mhtc.net or on Facebook messenger.

---

COVID-19 in Iowa: As of Wednesday, March 25, Iowa has 145 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including seven in Allamakee County, six in Dubuque County and one each in Fayette and Winneshiek counties. On Tuesday, March 24, the Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed the first death associated with novel coronavirus. The individual was an older adult, 61 to 80 years of age, and a resident of Dubuque County.

Iowans who have traveled recently for business or spring break vacations, whether internationally or domestically outside of Iowa, should strongly consider self-isolating for 14 days. This will support Iowa's ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and limit the introduction of the virus from other points of travel.

---

Resources

Health Resources: To stay informed about COVID-19 in Iowa, visit www.idph.iowa.gov or call the state’s 2-1-1 hotline. If you or your loved ones exhibit symptoms, please contact your local health department or the Iowa Department of Public Health at 1-800-362-2736.

From the Clayton County Healthcare Coalition: Not everyone in the community who becomes ill needs to have the COVID-19 testing completed. Eighty percent of the cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate illness symptoms (low grade fever, cough, shortness of breath) and will recover completely by following these recommendations:

• Stay home for at least seven days from the start of your illness and have a normal temperature for three full days without the aid of fever reducing medication such as Tylenol.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated.
• Isolate yourself from other family members in your home as much as possible.

Additionally, if you are experiencing mild to moderate illness symptoms that are manageable at home, the Iowa Department of Public Health is not recommending you have a COVID-19 test or a work release from your medical provider. If your occupation falls into the category of “essential service personnel” such as healthcare professionals, law enforcement, fire and EMS or long-term care and residential personnel, you may need to be tested according to your employer’s policies and can check directly with your employer on what those work policies are. If you develop a temperature of 100.4 F or higher, your symptoms worsen or you experience shortness of breath, please call your medical provider or local hospital to be evaluated over the phone. Your medical provider will determine if you need to be seen and/or receive a test. Please remember to call your medical clinic or local hospital before arriving, as they may want you to enter through a designated entrance to protect the other patients in the waiting rooms. If you experience a medical emergency, please call 911 or your local emergency room for guidance.

It is recommended that Iowans self-isolate for 14 days in the following situations:

• If you have been on a cruise anywhere in the world in the last 14 days
• If you have traveled internationally in the last 14 days to a country with a Level 3 Travel Warning in place. Please refer to the CDC website (cdc.gov) for travel warning information as it can change rapidly.
• If you live with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19.

​What does self-isolation mean?

• Stay home and do not go to school, public areas or attend gatherings.
• Do not use public transportation, ride sharing or taxis.
• Postpone all non-essential travel.
• Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
• Postpone all non-essential medical appointments until you have completed your 14 days of self-isolation. If you have an essential medical appointment during this time, please work with your healthcare provider and local public health professionals, as needed, to help coordinate the visit.

​What should I be watching for during self-isolation?

• Take your temperature twice a day. Watch for a fever.
• Watch for cough or difficulty breathing.

What about the people I live with?

• Family members or other people who reside in your home may remain in your home, but you should stay in a specific room away from others and use a separate bathroom (if available).
• As long as you remain healthy, the other people in your home can go about their daily activities as normal. There is no restriction on their movement.
• You should not have direct contact with any animals (i.e., dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, sheep and goats) out of an abundance of caution. Arrange for your pets to be cared for and housed outside of your home, if possible.

​

Employment Resources: Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced assistance for workers and employers impacted by layoffs related to COVID-19. The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers.

“Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is taking steps to reduce the impact of these claims on employers who have had to temporarily lay off staff due to closures or slowdowns,” said IWD Director Beth Townsend. “IWD encourages all employers to utilize paid leave and telework options for employees before utilizing temporary layoffs. Iowa Workforce Development will continue to monitor the situation, working with our stakeholders and updates will be released on our webpage.”

Unemployment insurance claims:

• If you are laid off due to COVID-19 or have to stay home to self-isolate, care for family members or due to illness related to COVID-19, you can receive unemployment benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. Those requirements essentially include working for wages from an employer who claims you as an employee in six of the last 18 months and have earned at least $2,500 in the same time period. More specific explanation of benefit eligibility can be found at https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/2019-unemployment-insurance-claimant-handbook
• Claimants can expect to receive payment within 7 to 10 days after the date the claim is filed.
• Claims that are filed and identified as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19 will not be charged to employers. Fact-finding interviews for these claims will be waived and not be held although employers will be notified of claims received.
• IWD will process unemployment insurance payments to ensure payment will continue to be paid in a timely manner.

​“The Iowa Workforce Development team is dedicated to providing assistance to employees and employers affected by COVID-19. Please do not hesitate to contact myself or our team for assistance at 1-866-239-0843,” said Townsend.

For more information, visit www.IowaWorkforceDevelopment.gov. Updates will be released as they become available.

 

Small Business Assistance: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a disaster declaration for the state of Iowa as of Jan. 31, 2020 and continuing. The declaration allows pandemic-impacted small businesses to apply for low-interest support loans. The declaration comes after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds submitted a federal funding request via the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

The SBA is now making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

SBA assistance is also available to the state’s neighboring counties, including Crawford, Grant and Vernon counties in Wisconsin.

These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

Applications can be made via the SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Applicants can monitor the status of their applications online after submission. The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec 21, 2020.

 

Iowa Small Business Relief Program Grants: On March 23, Gov. Reynolds 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 to $25,000, in addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest.

To be eligible for a small business relief grant, eligible businesses must be experiencing business disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and 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.

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. 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 noon. The program may be restricted due to funding availability.

 

Iowa DOT Services: In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ issuance of a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency, the Iowa Department of Transportation seeks to combat the spread of the virus by taking the following immediate actions:

• Driver’s license holders: If you have a driver’s license that has an expiration date of Jan. 16, 2020, or later you do not have to renew your license at this time. It will remain valid for driving purposes until the declared disaster has ended.
• Vehicle titles, registration and license plates: If your vehicle registration expired Jan. 16, 2020, or later, it will be considered valid until the declared disaster has ended. If you are purchasing or transferring a vehicle, you will not be required to obtain a title and registration within 30 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over. If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, you will not be required to obtain license plates within 45 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.
• Overweight loads for motor carriers: On non‐interstate roads only, trucks hauling food, medical supplies, cleaning products or other household goods may exceed the weights listed in Iowa Code 321.463 by 12.5 percent without a permit, so long as they don’t exceed 20,000 pounds on an individual axle, and their total weight does not exceed 90,000 pounds. Trucks are still required to obey posted bridge restrictions.
• Driver’s service centers: If you decide you must come into an Iowa DOT-operated service center please be aware:

Driver’s license and ID business is being conducted by appointment. This move is being made to limit the number of people waiting in a location at a time. Customers should make appointments online or by calling (515) 244-8725.

 

Tax Resources: On March 19, the Iowa Department of Revenue extended the filing and payment deadline for several state tax types. The order extends filing and payment deadlines for income, franchise, and moneys and credits taxes with a due date on or after March 19, 2020, and before July 31, 2020, to a new deadline of July 31, 2020. Specifically, the order includes:

• IA 1040 Individual Income Tax Return and all supporting forms and schedules
• IA 1040C Composite Return and all supporting forms and schedules
• IA 1041 Fiduciary Return and all supporting forms and schedules
• IA 1120 Corporation Income Tax Return and all supporting forms and schedules
• IA 1120F Franchise Tax Return for Financial Institutions and all supporting forms and schedules
• IA 1065 Iowa Partnership Return and all supporting forms and schedules
• IA 1120S S Corporation Return and all supporting forms and schedules
• Credit Union Moneys and Credits Tax Confidential Report

​What does the deadline extension apply to? The tax returns listed above and any tax due associated with those returns if the due date is on or after March 19 but before July 31 of this year. The extension does not apply to estimated tax payments.

Who does the deadline extension apply to? Iowa residents or other taxpayers doing business in Iowa who are required to file the Iowa returns listed above.

How are penalties and interest handled? No late-filing or underpayment penalties shall be due for qualifying taxpayers who comply with the extended filing and payment deadlines in this order. Interest on unpaid taxes covered by this order shall be due beginning on August 1, 2020.

State income tax refunds currently are being processed at about the 30-day mark. Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds at the department's website where's my refund page. Taxpayers and tax professionals who need assistance can contact the department by email at idr@iowa.gov or call the taxpayer services phone line at (515) 281-3114 or 1 (800) 367-3388.

 

Regulatory Relief: On March 20, Gov. Reynolds issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration providing additional regulatory relief to Iowans impacted by the COVID-19 public health disaster. The declaration relaxes a number of restrictions and regulations and provides relief from other statutes and state regulations:

• Temporarily suspends collection of property taxes and penalties and interest
• Temporarily suspends some evictions under the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or the Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in certain circumstances
• Extends expiration deadline for a permit to carry and a permit to acquire a firearm and additional measures
• Permits the sale of carry-out, delivery or drive-thru of alcohol for unopened bottles of alcohol for bars and restaurants and suspends some fees
• Permits public meetings or hearings by electronic means to improve the functions of government while maintaining social distancing practices
• Suspends certain regulations to ease the transportation of agricultural supplies and commodities, food, medical supplies, cleaning products and other household goods on all highways in Iowa
• Allows related state agencies to implement the state’s public health emergency plan

​On March 22, Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration. The proclamation relaxes certain restrictions to promote additional social distancing and provides regulatory relief to Iowa health care industries:

• Suspends all foreclosures on residential, commercial and agricultural real property.
• Provides professional licensing relief to remove barriers for those who want to step up and serve in medical professions and to prevent the expiration of professional licenses during the disaster.
• Suspends in-person requirements for various activities, including notarization and witnessing.

 

Gathering Restrictions: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statewide public health disaster emergency on Tuesday, March 17. The order, which took effect at noon on March 17 and will run until March 31, limits gatherings of any kind to no more than 10 people. Any planned large gatherings or events must be canceled or postponed. The goal is to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. The order also says that, from now until March 31:

• All restaurants and bars are closed to the general public, but can operate on a carry-out or drive-through basis, or deliver the food or beverage to customers off the premises.
• All fitness centers, health clubs, health spas, gyms and aquatic centers are closed.
• All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or motion pictures are shown are closed.
• All casinos and other facilities conducting pari-mutuel wagering or gaming operations are closed.
• All facilities that conduct adult day services or other senior citizen centers are closed.

​On March 22, Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration. The proclamation closes the following from Sunday, March 22, at 10 p.m., until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March, 31: salons, medical spas, barbershops, tattoo establishments, tanning facilities, massage therapy establishments and swimming pools.

 

Election Changes: Secretary of State Paul Pate is extending the absentee voting period to 40 days for Iowans who choose to vote by mail in the June primary. He is also encouraging Iowans to cast ballots by mail, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This change will allow voters more time to send their ballots and provide county auditors a longer window for processing.

“The safety of voters takes precedence, and by encouraging Iowans to vote absentee, we can reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19,” Pate said. “We still plan on having polls open on June 2 for voters who prefer to cast ballots in-person, but this effort will help reduce the risk of infecting others.”

Curbside voting, as always, is an option for Iowans with disabilities and those who might have difficulty entering a polling place. This option will also be available in the June primary to voters who are in the high-risk population for the coronavirus.

The absentee voting period for mailed ballots in the June primary will begin on April 23. Iowans can request an absentee ballot from their county auditor now. For more information, visit VoterReady.Iowa.gov.

---

Health Care Providers

Crossing Rivers Health, Prairie du Chien: One visitor/support person is allowed per patient, per hospital stay. Visitors must be ages 12 and older. Visitor hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Keep the length of visits to a minimum and do not visit if you are sick.

 

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital and Clinics, Guttenberg: Patient visitation is limited. Children under age 14 and anyone who is sick are asked not to visit. Any patients who are experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath) are asked to call their primary care provider before coming to a facility.

Starting March 23, the Garnavillo and Edgewood Cornerstone Family Practice clinics will be opened regularly scheduled hours for well care visits only. What does this mean? Only healthy patients will be allowed to enter, including patients for medication refills, well child exams and immunizations, physicals and routine lab draws. If you have an appointment scheduled at one of the three clinics (Guttenberg, Edgewood or Garnavillo), you will be contacted by the office for a screening. You will be offered these options:

• Keep your scheduled appointment
• Reschedule to a later date
• Reschedule to the well care clinic in either Garnavillo or Edgewood

​

MercyOne Elkader Medical Center: No visitors will be allowed. Some exceptions will be made in extenuating circumstances, such as children admitted to the hospital or patients receiving end-of-life care.

 

Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon: Beginning Wednesday, March 18, all visitors will be restricted. In the event of a special circumstance, family members may call VMH at (563) 568-3411 and speak with the charge nurse. All outpatients and visitors with special circumstances should enter the hospital’s main entrance to be screened at the door. Urgent care patients should call the hospital at (563) 568-3411 to set up an appointment. Emergency patients are still asked to come to the ER entrance.

Anyone requesting a COVID-19 test must meet all criteria to qualify; screenings will be performed over the phone at (563) 568-3411.

 

Family Dentistry Associates of Monona: Family Dentistry Associates of Monona will be temporarily closed until April 6. Staff will continue to be available for emergency care (major dental trauma, facial swelling, acute dental pain). If you find yourself in a dental emergency, please call (563) 539-4651 for specific instructions regarding emergent dental concerns.

---

Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Facilities

Garden View Place, Monona: No visitors are allowed until further notice.

 

Great River Care Center/Turner Pointe Assisted Living, McGregor: All non-essential visits are restricted. Staff have worked to provide alternative forms of communication so residents can stay in touch with loved ones. Residents can video chat on a big screen TV from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you would like to set up a chat time, message the Great River Care Center Facebook page or call Debbie at (563) 873-3527. A “family time” cell phone is also available for use, in addition to the facility’s regular phone.

---

Schools/Child Care Centers

MFL MarMac: The school district will be closed until April 13. As part of the closure, Superintendent Dale Crozier said there will be no practice or activities, and no students are to be at school for any reason. The required 1,080 hours of instructional time is in the process of being waived for the entire time period from March 16 to April 13, allowing the school more flexibility.

The district has taken steps to assure students remain fed while they are away from school. Beginning Tuesday, March 17, MFL MarMac began offering free grab and go breakfast and lunch for children 18 and younger at all communities in the district. Students in need of grab and go meals are invited to pick them up at a designated time and location below on Mondays and Thursdays, during the shutdown. On Mondays, kids will be provided with a three-day supply of both breakfast and lunch meals, and on Thursdays, they will get a two-day supply of both breakfast and lunch meals. Some of these meals may be more appetizing reheated, while others are intended to eat cold. Upon receiving grab and go meal bags, children should refrigerate whatever they will not be immediately eating. Sites include:

• Farmersburg: City Park – 11:20 a.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot - 11:30 a.m.
• Luana: Park by Post Office – 11:50 a.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot - noon
• Giard: Living Faith United Methodist Church - 11 a.m.
• Marquette/McGregor: Marquette Bench – 11:30 a.m., Marquette Parking Lot Under the Bridge - 11:40 a.m., Breezy Point – 11:50 a.m., McGregor Public Library – noon, McGregor School – noon
• Monona: Community Center Parking Lot - 11:30 a.m., Bo and Pat Echard’s Driveway at 208 N. Page St. – 11:45 a.m., Joe and Shelley Hertrampf’s Driveway at 503 W. Iowa St. – 11:55 a.m., School Lunchroom – noon, Neal and Stephanie Wikner’s Driveway at 529 Iowa St. – 12:05 p.m.

​Individuals who deliver the meals will practice social distancing as recommended by IDPH, so students will not be permitted to stay and eat their meals at the sites. Rural students, families who are immunocompromised or those with illness who are unable to pick up meals at one of the designated locations can contact Brandi at (563) 880-1266 to request delivery. Please be mindful that the school does not have the resources to provide deliveries to every household, so use this request only if needed. Additionally, the district will have SnackPacks available. Students in need are encouraged to take one to two SnackPacks each week from a meal site location for supplementation of meals. These will be provided on the honor system.

More information at: http://northiowatimes.com/articles/2020/03/24/mfl-marmac-will-roll-out-%E2%80%98educational-opportunities%E2%80%99-students-week

 

Smith and Bulldog Childcare and Learning Centers, McGregor and Monona: Both the Little Bulldog and Dr. Smith centers will remain open until directed otherwise.

---

Government

Clayton County: On March 16, the Clayton County Board of Supervisors announced all county offices will be closed to the public due to COVID-19 and public health concerns. However, the law enforcement center and services will continue with extra protocols in place and essential court proceedings will still take place.Services can still be performed electronically, through drop-off and by scheduled in-person appointments for select offices. Clayton County employees continue to work with some staggered schedules in place. County departments and phone numbers are listed below:

• Auditor’s Office: (563) 245-1106 (suspending passport services)
• Treasurer’s Office: The property tax deadline has been extended to April 16. Property owners may pay online at www.iowataxandtags.org, by mail or put them in the drop box located near the exit of the courthouse parking lot. You may direct questions or request assistance by calling (563) 245-1807. The Iowa DOT bans driver's license renewal appointments for non-essential service industry personnel until May 1. The Clayton County Driver's License Station remains closed.
• Driver’s License: (563) 245-3200
• Recorder’s Office: The office continues to process real estate documents as an essential service to the real estate industry and larger economy. Please call (563) 245-2710 to direct questions or schedule an appointment for real estate. Please use the U.S. Postal Service for vital records: birth, death, marriage. Use mail service or e-submit for real estate.
• Assessor’s Office: (563) 245-2533
• Clerk of Court: (563) 245-2204
• Law Enforcement Center: (563) 245-2422 (suspending fingerprinting, inmate visitation, work release and gun permits)
• Engineer’s Office/Secondary Roads: Staff are proactively taking steps to support the workforce, their families and the general public. They are practicing social distancing so please do not approach workers in the field. Additionally, all shops and offices are closed to the public. If you have a road concern, please contact the office. You can call (563) 245-1782, email cceng@claytoncountyia.gov or send a direct message on Facebook to Clayton County Secondary Roads.
• General Assistance: (563) 245-1865
• Veteran’s Services: (563) 245-1865
• Visiting Nurses and Public Health: (563) 245-1145
• Unity Point at Home: (563) 245-2064
• Community Action: (563) 245-2452
• Substance Abuse: (563) 245-1546
• Emergency Management: Follow Clayton County Emergency Management on Facebook for the latest updates and resources. (563) 245-3004
• Environmental Health & Zoning: Water testing, septic and well permits for emergency situations can call (563) 245-2451. Office hours are limited as staff practice social distancing.
• Board of Supervisors: Regular meetings are taking place in the public meeting room at the county office building on Gunder Road, and they will return calls (563-245-2166) and emails. Measures are being taken to make public meetings available online to ensure the safety of citizens, employees and essential service personnel. Supervisors will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed with guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Steps taken to-date are to minimize spread, preserve supplies and aide the healthcare system rather than overwhelm front-line personnel.
• Osborne Nature Center: Conservation employees continue working on a staggered schedule with work from home accommodations as needed. The Osborne Conservation Center/Welcome Center is closed to the public. The native wildlife exhibit is open for walk-through visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Campgrounds are not open at this time due to high moisture. Parks are open for hiking, fishing, etc. All conservation programs and events are cancelled. (563) 245-1516
• Economic Development/Tourism/Industry: (563) 245-2201
• Rural Services: Garbage collection is still taking place.

​

 

City of Marquette: City hall will be closed to the public until further notice. The office will be open and personnel will continue to do normal duties. If you have business that requires contact, please call (563) 873-3735 or email marqcity@alpinecom.net and your business will be handled in a proficient manner. City utility bills can be paid by mailing in payments or dropping off payments at the drop box located outside the entrance to city hall.

 

City of McGregor: City hall is closed to the public until further notice. The office will be open and personnel will continue to do normal duties. If you have business that requires contact, please call (563) 873-3795 or email citymcgr@mchsi.com and your business will still be handled in a proficient manner.

 

City of Monona: City hall is currently open regular hours, but residents are asked to limit visits and conduct as much business as possible over the phone at (563) 539-2355. Payments can be made at https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/plc/a0001c (a fee will apply) or please use the drop box located right outside the city hall main entrance when possible. Staff will not make change for cash payments. In addition, the community center is closed until further notice.

More information at: http://northiowatimes.com/articles/2020/03/24/cities-make-adjustments-response-covid-19

---

Public Services/Gathering Spaces

Mar-Mac Police Department: The department has implemented temporary procedures and officers are doing everything they can to keep the public, fellow officers and themselves healthy and safe. In non-emergency incidents, officers handle reports by phone. If you call for assistance, please be aware you may be contacted by an officer to determine if the situation can be handled by phone. If an officer responds to your home, please meet the officer outside, if possible, and observe recommended social distancing guidelines. The department will continue responding appropriately and timely to crimes and other emergency situations that require an in-person response. In a true emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies and all other questions, please call the department’s non-emergency line at (563) 873-2500.

More information at: http://northiowatimes.com/articles/2020/03/24/mar-mac-police-taking-protective-measures

Clayton County Sheriff's Office: The Clayton County Sheriff's Office will be accepting carrying concealed weapon applications, renewals and permit to purchase by mail. These forms may be printed from the Iowa Department of Public Safety website at https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/administrative-services/weapons-permit. Please include a color copy of your identification and check or money order. Please do not send cash. If you have never had a permit to carry, please include your training certificate or DD-214 honorable discharge. Your training must have occurred within 24 months prior to applying. No training is required for a permit to acquire.

Renewal Applications for Carry Permit: A person wishing to renew a permit to carry weapons must apply within 30 days before the permit expires, or within 30 days after the permit expires, otherwise the higher new permit fee of $50 must be charged. Please note that, while a permit can be renewed within 30 days after it expires, a person whose permit has expired should not go armed in a fashion that requires a permit until a person has renewed their permit. Fees: New Permit - $50, Renewal - $25, Duplicate - $25, Permit to Acquire - $25. Once completed, please mail to Clayton County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 10, St. Olaf, IA 52072. If you have any questions, please call (563) 245-2422.

 

McGregor Municipal Utilities: The office is currently open regular hours, but residents are asked to limit visits. Payments can be left at the drop box, or automatic payments can be set up.

 

McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce: The office is operating as usual.

 

Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc.: The office is operating as usual.

 

Northeast Iowa Telephone Company - NEIT, Monona: Effective March 18, NEIT's business office in Monona will be closed to the public until further notice. Staff will continue to maintain the communications services you rely on and business operations will continue regardless of these changes.

 

Alpine Communications, Elkader: Alpine Communications is currently not open to the public. Customers have a variety of options for payments, submitting troubles and support. The SmartHub app is a great way to connect with Alpine Communications online without having to leave your home. You can activate your SmartHub account in less than three minutes online. You can also pay your bill over the phone by calling (563) 245-4000, chat with technical support online or by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-264-2908. Alpine Communications will contact all customers in advance of scheduled appointments. They will ask questions before the visit to ensure the health and safety of employees. If anyone in the home or business is ill, Alpine asks that you contact them to reschedule the appointment.

 

Farmersburg Public Library: The library will be closed for two weeks.

 

McGregor Public Library: The library is closed until further notice.

 

Murphy Helwig Library, Monona: The library will be closed for two weeks. 

 

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging Meal Sites: Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) made the decision to close all of its senior centers and meals sites starting March 17, until further notice. Individuals who attend the sites will be contacted and given the option to receive a home-delivered meal. Please contact NEI3A at (800) 779-8707 if you need further information.

 

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation Family Services: Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) will continue operations in all service area county Family Services offices. In following recommendations, offices will not be seeing customers face-to-face with the exception of food pantry pick-up at office doors. All area residents are encouraged to apply for the low-income home energy program and other assistance by phone or online. Workers who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 crisis are especially encouraged to apply. Residents of Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties can apply online at www.neicac.org or by contacting the local Family Services office in Elkader at (563) 245-2452. Applications for assistance can be completed without visiting an office. Eligibility (175 percent of the federal poverty level) is based on either the household’s last 30 days of income or the most recent tax return, whichever is most beneficial to the household.

 

Clayton County Food Shelf: The Clayton County Food Shelf is open regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

More information at: http://northiowatimes.com/articles/2020/03/24/food-shelf-remains-open-precautions-place

 

Clayton County Extension and Outreach: The Clayton County Extension office close to the public Monday, March 23, until further notice. Please contact staff by phone at (563) 245-1451 or by email at xclayton@iastate.edu. Updated information can be found at www.extension.iastate.edu/clayton or on Facebook.

 

 

Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry: The visitor center is temporarily closed. Park trails will remain open, including the north unit trail system to Fire Point and Hanging Rock and the south unit trail system to the Marching Bear Group. All trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.

 

Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor: Iowa state parks and campgrounds are remaining open.

---

Churches

Trinity Cluster: The Archdiocese of Dubuque announced March 16 that all public celebrations of holy mass are cancelled. Father Nils de Jesús Hernández will offer private masses—both in English and in Spanish—for all parishioners in the Trinity Cluster from the chapel. These masses will be live streamed and not open to the public. Times are as follows: Tuesday through Friday at 9 a.m., mass in Spanish on Saturday at 7 p.m. and mass on Sundays at 10 a.m. Please visit www.trinitycluster.com or Facebook. Stations of the Cross will be broadcast via conference call on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and recitation of the Holy Rosary on Thursdays at 6 p.m. You can call (712) 451-0516, access code 480892#. The call will be activated at 5:55 p.m. Please do not call before that time.

Online care center mass schedule is as follows: Great River Care Center, McGregor - Wednesday, April 1 at 2:30 p.m.; Garden View Place, Monona - Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m.; and Postville Good Samaritan - Friday, March 20 and Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m.

 

St. Paul Lutheran, Monona: All in-person worship services, fellowship, activities and Sunday school have been suspended until at least April 1. The church office will remain open, but please call first. Pastor Erika is available for home, office or phone visits. Worship will continue to be broadcast on cable, and abbreviated services will also be available on Facebook and possibly YouTube.

 

Faith Lutheran NALC, Monona: All activities and worship services have been cancelled.

 

Living Faith United Methodist Parish, McGregor, Monona and Giard: All services are canceled through April 13.

 

St. John Lutheran Church, Farmersburg: All services are canceled.

 

St. John Lutheran Church, Luana: All services are canceled.

 

First Congregational Church of McGregor: There will be no public services. Pastor Gentry will pre-record the sermon to be aired on Sunday.

 

St. Paul Lutheran, McGregor: There will be no public services. Pre-recorded services will be available online.

 

First Lutheran Church (Swede Ridge), McGregor: No services for two weeks. For anyone who needs assistance, church members will provide a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting Friday, March 20, outside Pocket City Pub, in McGregor. The meals will be packaged inside and delivered curbside. This will continue Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as needed.

---

Businesses

Maggie’s Diner, McGregor: Carry outs, curbside pick up and delivery available. Contact (563) 873-2935 to order. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

 

Marquette Cafe: Carry outs, curbside pickup and delivery available. Call (563) 873-9663 to order.

 

Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery, McGregor: Carry outs and curbside pickup available. Call (563) 873-2002 or (608) 566-9956 to order. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Sandwiches and pizza only on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

By the Spoonful, McGregor: Carry outs, curbside pickup and some delivery available. Contact (563) 873-2900 to order. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

 

Latino’s Mexican Restaurant, McGregor: Carry outs available. Call (563) 873-3838 to order. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

 

Backwoods Bar and Grill, McGregor: Carry outs and curbside pickup are available. Call (563) 873-3150 to order. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 4 to 8 p.m.

 

Josie’s River Queen, McGregor: Pizza is available for carry out or curbside pickup. Call (563) 873-2284 to order. Hours are Saturday and Sunday, 4 to 8 p.m.

 

MJ’s Bar and Grill, Monona: Carry outs only. You can call your order in at (563) 539-8370 on Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You are able to pick it up and pay inside, or staff can take payment when you order and run the food out to your car when you arrive.

 

TJ’s Pizza, Monona: Carry outs only.

 

Old Rossville Store: To-go orders only. Call (563) 535-7272 to order. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

 

Kwik Star, McGregor and Monona: Open, but no self-serve items are available at this time.

 

Central State Bank, McGregor and Marquette: The McGregor office is closed until further notice. The Marquette office lobby is closed to the public, but drive thru, internet and mobile banking and ATM are still available.

 

FreedomBank, Monona: The bank lobby will be open by appointment only until further notice. The drive-up facility will be open regular business hours.

 

Luana Savings Bank: The bank is operating as drive-through only until further notice. The lobby is closed.

 

Rivertown Fine Books, McGregor: Open, but please call ahead at (563) 326-6056.

 

McGregor Mercantile: Open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

The Left Bank Shop and Gallery, McGregor: Open regular hours, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Navy Rose and Co., McGregor: Open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

 

Fisk Farm and Home, Monona: Open normal business hours. If you are not comfortable coming into the store, call ahead at (563) 539-2405. Staff will take phone orders and offer curbside pickup.

 

Outdoor Creations, Monona: Outdoor Creations is still taking floral orders for delivery and pick up at this time. If you would like, you can call ahead at (563) 539-2565 to place your pick up order and provide staff with credit card information and they will be happy to bring your arrangement out to your car when you arrive.

 

Quillin’s, Monona: Starting Friday, March 20, the store will have new hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. These shortened hours will allow for additional time to clean and sanitize the store and restock items. Please reserve 7 to 8 a.m. for customers in high risk categories.

 

Luana Community and Recreation Center: Per the governor’s state of public health disaster emergency, the facility is closed through March 31.

 

McGregor Pharmacy: The pharmacy is operating as usual. But if you call ahead to (563) 873-3781, they will also bring your prescriptions out to you.

 

NuCara Pharmacy, Monona: Curbside delivery or mail orders only. Please call (563) 539-2348.

 

Cobblestone Inn and Suites, Marquette: Business as usual, but there is limited use of open areas.

 

Frontier Motel, Marquette: Business as usual.

 

Grumpster’s Cabins, McGregor: Business as usual.

 

Closures: Casino Queen Marquette, Paper Moon in McGregor (curbside pickup and shipping still available), Eagles Landing Winery in Marquette (wine can still be shipped), Prairie Farms Luana Cheese Store, Backwoods Bar and Grill in McGregor, Riverview Inn in McGregor, Schoolhouse Mall in Marquette

---

Event Cancellations/Postponements

MFL MarMac Friends Helping Friends Benefit: scheduled for March 20-21, moved to May 8-9

 

Clayton County Democratic Convention: scheduled for March 21, no new date set

 

Flood of 1896 Dinner Theater and Marquette 100th Anniversary Celebration: scheduled for March 27-28, no new date set

 

"Four Weddings and an Elvis" at the Elkader Opera House: scheduled for March 27-29 and April 2-4, moved to May 8-10

 

AMVETS Post #27 Fish Fry, Monona: scheduled for April 3, no new date set