(Radio Iowa) — Investigators are still trying to figure out who’s responsible for the death of a former University of Northern Iowa softball player one year after she was shot while driving on a Waterloo highway. Police say 25-year-old Micalla Rettinger of Cedar Falls was returning home from work on April 28, 2019, around 2:30 A-M, when a bullet shattered the driver’s side window of her jeep as it crossed the U-S Highway 218 bridge over the Cedar River near George Wyth State Park. The bullet struck Rettinger in the neck, killing her.

Micalla Rettinger

Major Joe Leibold of the Waterloo police department says a 58-thousand-dollar reward is still available for information that brings closure to the unsolved case. “It’s still very much an active investigation,” Leibold says. “We continue to work with our local, state and federal partners investigating this matter. We’re using every resource at our disposal.” Investigators say the same bullet that struck Rettinger also hit her boyfriend, who was a passenger in the front seat.

Adam Kimball was treated at a hospital and released. A second passenger and a dog — both in the back seat — weren’t injured. Anyone with information about the case should call Waterloo Police at 319-291-4340, Extension 7, or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-855-300-TIPS (8477).

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa is experiencing a surge of coronavirus outbreaks at long-term care facilities, including at one of the nation’s largest nursing homes for military veterans.The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed that an outbreak at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown has spread in recent days to include the infections of 20 staff and residents.

Six other outbreaks at long-term care facilities across the state were confirmed, bringing the total to 23 since the beginning of the pandemic. Health officials reported Tuesday that another 508 people in Iowa had tested positive for COVID-19 and nine more had died. Another 304 were hospitalized, one-third of them in intensive care.

POSTVILLE, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa state audit has revealed improper spending of thousands of dollars of Postville Volunteer Fire Department funds. State Auditor Rob Sand said Tuesday that the special investigation found nearly $28,000 in improper disbursements and another $5,700 in unsupported disbursements from 2015 through 2018.

Sand says the special investigation was requested by city officials concerned about finances at the department. Among the finding were more than $11,000 in public funds spent at a local grocery store and nearly $4,000 spent on cable TV. The reports says some $16,000 more was wrongly or questionably spent at various vendors.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday meant to stave off a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on American supermarket shelves because of the coronavirus. The order will use the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as a critical industry to ensure that production plants stay open.

The order comes after industry leaders warned that consumers could see meat shortages in a matter of days after workers at major facilities tested positive for the virus. A senior White House official outlined the order on condition of anonymity to discuss it before its release.

Atlantic, IA – Cass County Public Health reminds residents that although they are spending more time away from friends and family because of social distancing, state, county and local leaders recognize and appreciate the vital role they serve in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“This unprecedented time is not easy,” said Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen. “We want everyone to know that the actions they are taking—staying away from groups of people and keeping a 6-foot distance from other individuals—are important and make a difference.” These actions, known as social distancing, help stop the spread of COVID-19.

While physical health is a primary focus now, mental health should also be a priority. “Spending most of your time at home means more television and social media, and that often means an overload of information about COVID-19. People may feel lonely and anxious. This is normal, but there are steps we can take to help these non-physical results of COVID-19,” said Olsen.

• Use the phone, computer or other devices to connect electronically with friends and family.
• Take time to unplug. It’s important to stay informed, but you can do that by checking in with trusted sources a few times a day.
• Eat healthy meals and find ways to be active. Be sure to eat regular, healthy meals and make time to move.
• Find ways to support others.
• If you need to talk to someone, visit YourLifeIowa.org, where you can online chat. You can also text YourLifeIowa 24/7 at 855-895-8398 or call 855-581-8111. All services are confidential and free.

Cass County Public Health thanks all the local businesses, schools, essential service workers, health care providers, coalitions, churches and individuals for doing their part during this COVID-19 pandemic.

As a reminder, all residents should:
• Stay home as much as possible, leaving only for essential errands like groceries or medication.
• Stay home completely when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever (100 or greater) and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call your health care provider before going into the office. The provider may have special instructions for you, and will determine if you should be tested.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

(Radio Iowa) — There are new guidelines for restaurants in the 77 Iowa counties that have the governor’s permission to reopen Friday.  “You know, many Iowans have missed their favorite local restaurant and they’re curious about how the experience will be different and whether it will be safe,” Governor Reynolds says. Iowa Department of Public Health deputy director Sarah Reisetter says no more than six people should be allowed to sit at a table and dining should be by reservation only — so no walk-in traffic.  “Prohibit customer self-service of food, including buffets and salad bars,” Reisetter says. “Implement reasonable measures to ensure social distancing of employees and customers.”

Reisetter says employees’ temperatures should be taken when they get to work and anyone with a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms should be sent home. “Employees with direct customer contact should wear masks that are laundered or replaced daily,” Reisetter says, “and work stations should be staggered, so employees are stationed at least six feet apart whenever possible.” Restaurants that reopen are to eliminate seating in bar areas where customers sit close together.  “We understand that we are asking restaurants to take many precautions,” Reisetter says, “but it’s all in an effort to protect their employees and their customers, so that we can all stay healthy.”

On Monday, Governor Reynolds said restaurants in 77 counties with limited virus activity may reopen — but at 50 percent of normal seating capacity, with at least six feet separating tables. The proclamation Reynolds issued Monday allows farmers markets to open in May. Reisetter says vendors may only sell farm products and food.  “There can be no entertainment, other social activities or common seating. There is a required six-foot minimum spacing between vendors and other social distancing requirements for vendors and customers,” Reisetter says. “Signs should be posted telling the public not to enter if they are feeling ill and vendors should consider accepting cashless options whenever possible.”

According to the Federal Reserve, some paper currency can be in circulation for up to 15 years. A 2017 study of one-dollar bills circulating in New York City found that cash can carry bacteria and viruses.

CHARLES CITY, Iowa (Sioux City Journal) — A driver has pleaded not guilty to charges in the traffic death of a boy in northern Iowa’s Floyd County. The Sioux City Journal reports that 30-year-old Jesse Blade, of Charles City, entered a written plea last week to vehicular homicide while intoxicated, vehicular homicide while driving recklessly, second-offense operating while intoxicated and three counts of serious injury by vehicle. The crash happened in Rudd on Oct. 26. The Iowa State Patrol has said Blade didn’t stop at a stop sign and rammed into the passenger side of a minivan, killing 9-year-old Royce Fisher of Sioux City.

The Adair County Auditor’s Office reports Absentee Ballots will be available for in-person absentee voting, on Monday, May 4, 2020. Absentee Voting deadlines for the June 2nd Primary Election are as follows:

May 22nd – Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail, to allow timely delivery and return. Request must be received by 5:00 p.m. The Auditor’s Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

June 1st – Last day to vote absentee in person at the Auditor’s Office. All absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than June 1st.

Absentee voters have until 5:00 p.m. to fix incomplete affidavit envelopes.

June 2nd – Last day to return absentee ballots to the Auditor’s Office before the polls close at 9:00 p.m.

Due to the coronavirus both Iowa Secretary of State, Paul Pate and Adair County Auditor, Mandy Berg are strongly encouraging voters to vote-by-mail. Absentee ballots can be requested by mail at any time up until the request deadline on May 22nd. If you have any questions regarding voting absentee by mail please contact the Auditor’s Office at (641) 743-2546.

The Harlan Police Department reports 32-year old Kimberly Desiree Kidd, of Harlan, was cited April 27th following a traffic stop, for Driving While Suspended, and having no insurance.  That same day, 60-year old Mark Leslie Thomas, of Crescent, was cited for Driving While Suspended, and a seat belt violation. And, on April 25th, 44-year old Phillip Bradley Pool, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. Pool was taken into custody for Domestic Abuse.

There was also a non-injury accident that took place April 22nd on Dye Street, in Harlan. A vehicle driven by Raven Spahn, of Harlan, was traveling eastbound when the woman became distracted. Her 2002 Dodge Caravan struck a legally parked 2000 GMC Sierra near the driver’s side door. The GMC is owned by Thomas Gallagher, of Harlan. The incident happened near the intersection of Dye St. and Gary Skull Drive.

Governor Kim Reynolds reports said the State of Iowa has had 508 new COVID-19 positive test results returned from the State Hygienic and other labs over the past 24-hours, for a total of 6,376 Positive cases as of today (Tuesday). 98% of those positive cases were in the 22 counties where restrictions remain in-place. There were also 1,165New Negative COVID-19 test results returned, for a total of 33,447. She said 1,673 Iowans have been tested, for a total of 39,823 (or 1 out of every 79 people per capita). The State Hygienic Lab has a testing capacity of 5,226 persons.

Reynold said 2,169 Iowans have recovered from COVID-19, for a recovery rate of 34%. There have also been nine new deaths resulting from COVID-19. The victims were older or elderly adults. Seven were residents of Long Term Care facilities (LTC’s).

According to IDPH the additional 9 deaths were reported in the following counties:

• Black Hawk County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
• Linn County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
• Muscatine County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
• Polk County, 3 elderly adults (81+), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Story County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

And, there were seven, LTC facilities with new outbreaks of COVID-19. Those facilities include:

• Granger Nursing & Rehab, in Dallas County.
• Dubuque Specialty Care, in Dubuque County.
• Park Center and Accura Health Care of Newton West, in Jasper County,
• The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshall County.
• Fleur Heights Center for Wellness and Rehab, and University Park Nursing & Rehab, both in Polk County.

After IDPH Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter spoke about specific guidance for restaurant owners that need to be implemented when they open their doors to sit down customers, Friday, Governor Reynolds praised those individuals across the State got creative since the shut-down, in employing their staff, and serving their customers.

“Some,” she said, “even dedicated themselves to serving their community from their kitchens, in truly meaningful ways, like Joel Mahr, owner of the Primrose Restaurant, in Corning.

Mahr explained his restaurant helped out students by provide them with a nutritious meal and snack.

Mahr said he was looking forward to re-opening and making sure all the recommend guidelines are in-place to keep their customers safe and happy.