Winneshiek County Emergency Management

10/16/2026

Cooler weather is here, and winter won’t be far behind.

Now is a good time to update the emergency supplies you keep in your vehicle.

Consider including a flashlight, phone charger or power bank, water, snacks, first aid supplies and a warm blanket.

A little preparation can go a long way when you’re away from home.

10/16/2026

Winneshiek County Emergency Alert:

Freeze Warning
FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM CDT SATURDAY
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 12:59AM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Iowa, southeast
Minnesota, and central, north central, southwest, and west central
Wisconsin.

* WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM CDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.

10/15/2026

Winneshiek County Emergency Alert:

Freeze Watch
FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING
Freeze Watch issued October 15 at 1:53PM CDT until October 17 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 possible.

* WHERE...Northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and southwest into
west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...From late Friday night through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

10/15/2026

Frost is possible on Saturday!

Rain moves through the region today with rainfall totals around 1/2" to 1". Additional showers are possible on Friday with gusty winds during the morning and afternoon. Temperatures drop Friday night into the 20s and 30s with frost/freeze conditions expected.

10/07/2026

Subject in custody.

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

Call 911 if you see him.

UPDATE: 10/6/2026 at 3:50 p.m. - Mr. Johnson has still not been located by law enforcement. He is wanted on several charges. Please call 911 immediately if you have information of his whereabouts.

**Note: We have since received information he no longer has a beard as shown in the past booking photo.

On October 6, 2026, the Winneshiek Communications Center received a 911 call to check the welfare of a woman who had been severely assaulted and ran from the residence to seek help. The suspect (Chad Johnson) fled from law enforcement on foot from the residence at 701 Centrum Drive in Decorah, Iowa. Law Enforcement is on scene and attempting to locate Chad Johnson. He was last seen wearing gray shirt & navy blue sweatpants. Do NOT make contact with him. We encourage the public to lock house doors and outbuilding doors. Call 911 immediately if he is seen.

10/06/2026

Winneshiek County Emergency Alert: Decorah Police searching for a fleeing subject near 701 Centrum Drive. Gray shirt, navy sweatpants. All residents are being asked to lock all doors and cars. DO NOT approach. Call 911 immediately if seen. Updates will be shared via text.

10/06/2026

It’s Fire Prevention Week!

Take a few minutes this week to make sure your household is ready.

Test your smoke alarms.
Review your home fire escape plan.
Make sure everyone knows two ways out when possible.
Practice your plan together.

A little preparation now can make a big difference when seconds matter.