Driftless
PRSRT.STD CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PD CHARLES CITY, IA PERMIT #144
HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION
ECRWS POSTAL CUSTOMER
the www.driftlessjournal.com | 563-382-4221 | Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | Vol. 7 Issue 4
INSIDE: Physicians say reasonable goal setting PAGE 3
key to achieving better health
Vote Yes
WinnMed, Mayo reach new professional service agreement WinnMed’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new professional services agreement with Mayo during its Jan. 8 meeting. Hospital officials said the new agreement, which will take effect in July, will allow physicians to continue providing healthcare at WinnMed as they have been.
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025
VOTING YES!
on March 4 opens the door to an opportunity for Decorah to keep our energy dollars LOCAL. While this vote will not change our utility provider, this vote will give us access to the information we need to determine the best path forward for our community.
Hospital staff confirmed no employees left their positions at WinnMed due to the transition. Full article available in the January 16 Decorah Leader in print and online at decorahleader.com. (Photo by Seth Boyes)
This week is Decorah Restaurant Week
Scan
for more info or visit
decorahlocalpower.org Decorah Power
Paid for by Citizens for Local Power
Be an
d e m r iufoVOTER
The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Decorah Restaurant Week Jan. 20-26. Residents are encouraged to support their favorite local eateries, try new ones and revisit ones they haven’t been to in a while. Visitors are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to
schedule a date night in Decorah. A total of 22 Decorah area restaurants are participat-
ing in this year’s event, with specials, discounts and exclusive entrees which are only available for a short time.
Officials with the chamber said Decorah Restaurant Week was launched specifically to support restaurants during a slow time of year. “Our restaurants are anchor businesses that bolster the community’s tourism experience and add vibrancy to the Decorah Area,” said Decorah Area Chamber Direc-
tor Jessica Rilling, “Restaurant Week is a chance to tell them thank you for all they do and enjoy a delicious meal. Supporting local doesn’t get easier than that. Let someone else do the dishes and support our small businesses.” For a full list of participating restaurants and to see each restaurant’s special for the week, visit www.decorahareachamber. com.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
in beautiful bluff country!
Learn more about the March 4 Municipal Electric Utility referendum Visit the City of Decorah’s website
www.decorahia.org/decorah-meu or scan QR code RUSHFORD BUSINESS GROWTH SUPPORT PROGRAM
Iowa Concealed Carry Class Instructors: Dan & Mary Marx
Wednesday, January 29 @ 5:30 pm
Elk’s Lodge 105 River Street, Decorah Cost: $60 (cash or check, due at the door) Photo ID required
Why get a concealed carry permit? Learn Iowa concealed carry laws from local, experienced instructors Learn firearm safety Reciprocity to carry in other states Simplify firearm purchases as a permit holder
Reserve Your Spot 563-419-6133 (text preferred) danmarymarx@gmail.com danmarxfirearms.com
The City of Rushford, Minnesota, along with the Rushford Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), are offering three exciting new programs to current or new business owners currently in or considering relocating to Rushford. The programs are designed to breathe new life into Rushford’s business district by supporting business growth and development.
! e r o m n r a e L For more information on all programs, contact Rushford City Hall at
507-864-2444
Find applications and complete program details at rushford.govoffice.com
Rushford City Hall 101 N. Mill St., PO Box 430 Rushford, MN 55971
The Rushford Business Growth Support Program, in partnership with CEDA, offers FREE tailored expertise to businesses at every stage – from startups to mature enterprises. CEDA provides project management, grant writing and technical support to help businesses create jobs, secure funding and grow sustainably. With defined service caps based on growth stages and a focus on measurable outcomes, this program ensures efficient, impactful assistance that supports Rushford’s economic development goals.
RUSHFORD REVITALIZATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM The Rushford EDA proudly offers the Rushford Revitalization Incentive Program. This initiative supports businesses leasing vacant commercial spaces in Rushford, providing grants of up to $2,500 annually in Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce’s “Valley Doe” for up to four years. The program stimulates economic growth and revitalizes our community by encouraging spending within the city and filling vacant spaces.
BUSINESS JUMP START Designed to empower for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, this program offers up to $50,000 in financing to fill or renovate commercial spaces, enhancing economic growth in Rushford. We’re here to support your success with a competitive interest rate of 2.5%, flexible terms tailored to your project, and up to 50% loan forgiveness over 10 years. Whether you’re acquiring property, upgrading facilities or investing in equipment, this program makes it easier to take the next step.
Support for startup & mature businesses CEDAprovided expertise for sustainable growth
Grants up to $2,500 in “Valley Doe” Four-year support
For-profits and nonprofits eligible Up to 50% loan forgiveness over 10 years