THE NEWSPAPER THAT SERVES ALL DECATUR COUNTY
10 PAGES USPS 310-140
LEON, IOWA 50144, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020
CD Temporarily Closes; Continues with Food Program Following a special meeting on March 19, the Central Decatur School Board voted to go with Governor Kim Reynolds’ recommendation and temporarily close school for the next three weeks, through April 10. Governor Reynolds had urged schools to do this in a state-wide press conference that was held Sunday, March 15. “While I anticipated we would have to react to the impact of COVID-19 when we
returned from Spring break, none of us understood how much or how quickly things would actually change,” stated Superintendent Chris Coffelt. “This closure also was done in order to ensure students and staff are not unnecessarily exposed to or contribute to the spread of the Coronavirus.” The Board also approved a Pandemic Pay Resolution, which provides pay for ALL contracted staff (classified,
DCPH Updates "As of today, [March 23, 2020 at 10:52 a.m.], we still do not have any positive cases in the county," stated Holly Rash, Administrator of the Decatur County Public Health and Homecare. Rash shared that Governor Kim Reynolds made additional closures of businesses in her press conference on Sunday. Governor Reynolds also included that any
Iowan that has traveled outside of the STATE should now self isolate for 14 days. "Our office is continuing to closely monitor everything and we are working closely with our Emergency Manager, DCH and CHCSI to protect the community." Decatur County Public Health re-affirms the most important issue right now for our community is
Iowa Grocers Assure ‘there is enough food' As Iowa responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state's grocery industry is adapting to unprecedented consumer demand. COVID-19 has caused a surge in demand for a number of grocery items, leaving some grocery store shelves temporarily empty. In response, the grocery industry is working hard to meet the needs of consumers, with many stores restocking items multiple times each day and changing store hours to accommodate extra sanitation and stocking efforts.
"The demand for certain products has made it challenging to distribute goods fast enough to restock shelves with those items as quickly as consumers are purchasing them," says Iowa Grocery Industry Association President Michelle Hurd. "But the important thing to know is that there is enough food and most items will be back in stock within a day or two." "We are asking people to please remain calm and buy only what you need for the week. This will allow us to get products back on store
National and World Responses; Case Numbers Around the US
President Trump on Sunday, March 22, announced the National Guard had been activated in New York, California and Washington and that the Federal Government would provide additional resources to help these states combat the coronavirus. "We're dealing also with other states," Trump said at
a news briefing at the White House. "These states have been hit the hardest." Trump commented the Federal Government would fund "100 percent" of the National Guard units carrying out approved missions in those states. The order will provide additional manpower and resources to the three states grappling with
certified and coaches) during the temporary closure through April 10. “Leadership begins at the top; the Board recognizes the critical role our staff fill at Central Decatur and has demonstrated their support in a meaningful manner during a challenging time, stated Coffelt. The school will continue to provide breakfast and lunch. This will be done free of charge to all children 1 through 18 years of age. The food will be distributed as a “grab and go” option. Breakfast will be
P.O. Box 580, 111 NW. 2nd, Leon, IA 50144 E-mail: JRNEWS@GRM.NET VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 08
Governor Reynolds Mandates Restrictions on Businesses
(continued on page 2) to make sure we are getting up to date and factual information about COVID-19. Below are trusted sources of information on COVID-19: (DCPH) https://www.facebook. com/DecaturCountyPublicHealth; 211 Iowa (https://www.211iowa. org; (Disease Control and Prevention) www. cdc.gov; (DCH) http:// www.decaturcountyhospital.org and DCH Facebook; or (CHCSI) http://chcsi.org.
In keeping with Governor Reynold's mandates for closing theatres statewide, SCIT Theatre has followed by closing its doors until the mandate has been lifted. Information continues to change so rapidly concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19). On Tuesday, March 17, Governor Kim Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency, effective at noon on March 17 through March 31. This
means events of more than 10 people are prohibited, according to the governor's office. Planned large gatherings MUST BE CANCELED. According to the proclamation, ALL restaurants and bars are closed to the pub-
Spring is Here! No matter what else is happening, Spring always arrives whether early or late. As our community and world go through some very difficult times, don’t forget to take the time to look for the beauty of Spring. Buds are forming on lilac bushes. Daffodils are making their yearly appearances. The grass is getting green, new baby calves are running in the pastures and the turkey buzzards are patrolling the sky once again. Spring, a sure sign that better days are on the way.
A sunny, splash of yellow at the Leon Library. (photo by Macson Lindsey)
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Property Tax Penalties to be Waived
shelves and for everyone to get what they need." Hurd explains that the food industry has been working with government at the federal, state and local levels to ensure uninterrupted service to consumers. As a result, grocery stores and food manufacturer employees have been identified as essential emergency workers. Hurd says that shortened store hours are NOT due to any shortages. Adjusted hours allow store employees the time they need to clean and sanitize, and keep shelves stocked to meet the A locked, drop box has been placed inside the north entrance to the Decatur County Courthouse for the purpose of collecting property tax (continued on page 4) and motor vehicle payments. The entire courthouse is closed to the public in response to the some of the worst coro- coronavirus (COVID-19) sitution. County Treanavirus outbreaks in surer Janet Pierson reminds everyone that tax the U.S. payments are still due by March 31, however The President also there is a change that delinquent penalties will stated various addi- not be collected until April 17. tional medical supplies Governor Reyn- 17, 2020. Payments would be shipped out must be postmarked olds issued a proclamato those states in the by April 16, 2020, paid tion on 03/19/2020, that coming days and that online at www.iowawaives late penalty on troops would help contreasurers.org by April property tax payments struct additional medi16, 2020, or dropped off for the March 2020 incal facilities at speciin the Decatur County stallment, if not paid by fied sites in each state. Treasurer’s drop box, March 31, 2020. PenalShipments of tens of located inside the ty will now begin April thousands of pieces of personal protective (continued on page 9)
lic. Carry-out or drivethrus can stay open. Food delivery services are also allowed to continue. In addition, all fitness centers, gyms and health spas MUST CLOSE. Other facilities like theaters and casinos will also have to close. Facilities that conduct adult day services or other senior citizen centers are also ORDERED TO CLOSE. "These are unprecedented times and the state of Iowa will do whatever is necessary to address this public health disaster. I have authorized all available state resources, supplies, equipment and materials to combat the spread of COVID19," said Gov. Reynolds. "The actions taken today are necessary to protect the health and safety of all Iowans and are critical to mitigating the spread of the
Healthcare Centers' Policies for Patients DECATUR COUNTY HOSPITAL Due to the continually changing COVID-19 situation, only scheduled outpatients will be allowed through the main entrance of Decatur County Hospital effective as of 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020. Scheduled outpatients include those with appointments to any outpatient clinic, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, infusion, Senior Life Solutions, radiology, and/ or lab. The Medical Surgical floor and the Emergency Department are restricted to patients only and are closed to all visitors. The main entrance will be locked each weekday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on the following business day and from 4:00 p.m. on
Friday afternoon to 7:00 a.m. Monday morning. For those needing assistance with billing questions or payments, please contact the DCH Business Office at 641-446-4871. For all other questions, please contact DCH Administration at 641-446-2339.
CHCSI *All patients MUST have an appointment. NO walk-ins will be accepted! *Leon hours are 7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. (NO Saturday Clinic.) *Lamoni hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. *The following lists which services will be scheduled in each office:
North entrance of the courthouse, by April 16, 2020, to avoid a late penalty. Property tax payments are still owed and will be considered delinquent after March 31, 2020. The date for charging delinquent penalty is the only change! Many of the driver’s license and motor vehicle deadlines have also been extended through a state of Public Health Emergency Proclamation made by Governor Reynolds on 03/17/2020, backdated to 01/16/2020. If your driver’s license has an expiration date of January 16, 2020 or later, you do not have to renew your license at this time. It will remain valid until the declared disaster is lifted. If your vehicle registration expired January 31, 2020, or later, it will be considered valid until the declared disaster has ended. If you purchase or transfer a vehicle, you (continued on page 2)
AT LEON (healthy/routine check-ups): Well Checks - Adult and Child; High Blood Pressure; Family Planning Services; Presurgical Evaluations; Women's Health Services; Injuries; Medication Refills; Procedures; Injections; Immunizations; Coumadin/Warfarin Checks; Hospital Follow-Up; Other Illnesses (That Do Not Include the Symptoms Listed in the Lamoni Services); Behavioral Health Services; Substance Use Disorder Services; Dental Services; Vision Services; and Pharmacy Services.
AT LAMONI (unhealthy/illness check-ups):
Cough; Cold; Fever; Body Aches; Sore Throat; Coronavirus Exposure; and Chest Congestion.