By Kelli Bultena
On Tuesday afternoon Lennox Mayor Tracy West asked all Lennox businesses to meet to discuss plans and needs around COVID-19. The conference call was well attended.
The uncertainty from business owners was evident as Mayor West brought up Ordinance 608. An Emergency Ordinance to Address a Public Health Crisis deemed necessary to slow the community spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Under Sdcl 9-32-1. The ordinance includes measures that would close non-essential businesses. The ordinance will likely see some changes by the first reading, which will take place at an emergency meeting on March 25 at 7 p.m. The ordinance was influenced by Governor Kristi Noem’s recent executive order that has set a baseline for decision-making related to the novel coronavirus in South Dakota.
Many businesses have already implemented changes and safety precautions and likely there will be more changes coming. Watch future issues for more information and call ahead to your local businesses with questions.
The Lennox Independent invited local businesses to send in announcements regarding adjustments to hours or services, the following were submitted:
Sunshine provides home delivery for seniors
Sunshine Foods in Lennox is maintaining regular business hours. The local grocery store also will deliver groceries to seniors on Thursdays. There will be no charge for this service. Senior customers should have their order called in to (605) 647-2666 by 10 a.m.
Sunshine Foods has noted that they are doing all they can to stay in stock on items, and there will be times that certain items will be limited.
Valley Exchange Bank drive-through only
Valley Exchange Bank in Lennox and Tea will continue regular business hours with drive-up window only through April 3rd, after which it will be evaluated. Valley Exchange Bank will be taking appointments for anyone needing to speak to a loan officer or account representative. Bank staff will be available to assist with phone calls. Customers can call 605-647-2261 or 605-368-2051 with any questions.
Great Western Bank drive-through only
Great Western Bank in Lennox will continue regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through drive-up only. Great Western Bank in Lennox is still servicing accounts and loans by appointment only. Customers can call the branch at 605-647-2818 to set up an appointment.
Only One Bar & Grill
The Only One Bar and Grill in Lennox has closed the bar to the general public and is focusing on carry-out / to-go orders of food and off-sale liquor and beer. The family-owned business is encouraging citizens to support local establishments. Staff will bring food/off-sale orders to your car window if requested — no need to leave your vehicle. The Only One menu can be found on page 11 of this week’s newspaper, and customers can call 605-647-5125.
Lennox Chiropractic remains open
Jeff Elhoff D.C. with the Lennox Chiropractic office said he will continue to monitor the ever-changing current healthcare situation with COVID-19. He stated, “It is our goal to remain open to meet our patients’ urgent chiropractic healthcare needs. However, office hours may need to be adjusted or flexed during this time. Please call the office at (605) 647-2236 for appointment availability or leave a message if necessary. We encourage you to follow the current CDC and South Dakota health department guidelines. Be informed, be smart and be safe.”
Ace Hardware buy online, pick up in store
Lennox Ace Hardware is always trying to take “Helpful” a step further. The local store is encouraging customers to buy online and employees will bring the order right to your car. Customers can also call 605-744-0117 and staff will get your items ready to be picked up for you.
Steps to ordering are as follows: 1. Order on www.acehardware.com and select Free Store Pickup at checkout.
2. Await email confirmation that Your Order is Ready for pickup and head over to your local Ace.
3. Once you arrive, call us at 605-744-0117 and a helpful associate will bring out your order.
Exchange Insurance Agency offers curbside option
Exchange Insurance Agency in Lennox is open regular business hours with a reduced staff present. Staff will be happy to meet customers at their car as long as they phone ahead. Phone calls are also encouraged to conduct business. Exchange Insurance Agency can be reached at (605) 647-2853.
Lennox Independent office closed to public
The Lennox Independent has closed its office to the public. The newspaper staff continues work to gather the relevant news and stories important to the communities they serve.
The Lennox Independent office has a news drop to the left of the front windows that is checked daily. Staff encourages customers to conduct business online at www.lennoxnews.com or contact the office by phone 605-647-2284 or email: editor@lennoxnews.com. Send mail to: PO Box 76, Lennox, SD 57039.
Newspaper subscriptions will remain on time and delivered to customer’s post office boxes or home mail boxes, as well as store copies available at Sunshine Foods in Lennox, Caseys in Lennox and Tea, Cenex Total Stop and Dollar General in Lennox, Ampride in Chancellor, Blue Sky Junction in Worthing, Get N Go in Tea, Cubbies in Tea, and Fareway in Tea.
All About Travel and the Coronavirus
Local travel agency, All About Travel, announced, “As professional travel advisors, we are immensely concerned with the health and well-being of all our travelers and friends, and our community both at home and worldwide. As always, we will continue to work alongside our travelers and others to ensure that unique, personal travel needs are reasonably and fairly met. We are in the office during our normal business hours ensuring that our travelers’ needs are met and answering any questions we can to help travel consumers understand their options.
“The situation with travel advisories regarding the coronavirus is exceptionally fluid and changing daily, even throughout each day, as new information becomes available. We are closely monitoring the situation and encourage everyone to ask questions and check-in as we receive daily updates from the CDC, WHO, the State Departments and the US government, as well as key industry organizations and providers.
“We are encouraging all travelers and friends to make the best decisions for their unique situation. Remain cautious, yet optimistic. Know your resources, and be sure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, unbiased information by following the information and guidelines the CDC and WHO are sharing regarding the coronavirus and public health and safety.
“Thank you for everyone’s continued support! It’s in times such as this we cannot express our gratitude enough for how our communities continue to work together in solidarity and support of each other.”
Sioux Falls Audiology Associates
Sioux Falls Audiology Associates announced, “As are most, we at Sioux Falls Audiology Associates are taking things day by day in our clinic. At this point, we are planning on being open as scheduled for patient appointments. We are taking the necessary precautions at our clinic to keep it disinfected and to have hand sanitizer readily available and follow the recommended guidelines.
“As we know, this is a rapidly changing situation, the best choice for the safety of our patients is to take each day as it comes and make decisions based on the information we have. The health and wellness of our patients and our families is our top priority. We are striving to make decisions that will allow us to keep going after this unprecedented hiccup we didn’t anticipate.
“For the time being, Dr. Mandy is able to perform home visits if necessary. Also, we are available for curbside repairs if you are having issues with your hearing aids.
“Please message, email or call if you have questions or concerns. We look forward to getting back to normal very soon.”
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