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Mayor of Atlantic issues Emergency Proclamation

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones, Tuesday afternoon, issued an Emergency Proclamation effective today (Tuesday), and continuing through 11:59-p.m. on March 31st. Read the proclamation below:

Gaming Industry leader talks about casinos shutting down

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The governor’s emergency order requires the state-licensed casinos to shut down for the next two weeks. Iowa Gaming Association C-E-O, Wes Ehrecke, says four casinos had already made the decision to temporarily close — and others were discussing it.

“These are unprecedented times, and it’s imperative to flatten the curve to minimize exposure to the coronavirus so we don’t overwhelm the health care system,” Eherecke says.. Iowa’s 19 commercial casinos are premiere entertainment destinations that attract thousands of patrons each week, and we support the governor’s order to help contain that during these critical next two weeks.”

Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona was the first to announce that it was suspending operations. The casino announced a 30-day closing and says it will continue paying employees during that time. Ehrecke says other casinos might follow that pay policy.

“Anticipate that other gaming companies will do likewise — btu have not confirmed that entirely yet,”Ehrecke says. The casinos have restaurants that are part of their facilities and must shut down inside service — but under the governor’s order could still operate a restaurant drive-through or with take-out service. Eherecke is not sure if that will be an option for casinos.

“If someone had a facility that was capable of a drive-through or a carry-out, they might consider that. But, it’s my understanding that most will close their entire property for the next couple of weeks,” he says. Ehrecke is not sure what type of long-term impact this might have on the casinos.

“There’s is no script for what we are experiencing here as a state, as a country as world,” Ehrecke says. “Those are discussions to be having with the properties as it relates to potential state support or even federal support as it relates to disruption of business, and helping these companies if there is some need relative to that. So, all that discussion I anticipate will be happening here in the next week or two.”

The shut down under the emergency order is effective through March 31st.

Authorities: Likely human bones found near Des Moines home

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are investigating what appear to be human bones found on a property in northern Des Moines. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says in a news release that the remains were found Tuesday morning by children playing in a dirt pile near a home.

A medical examiner and Polk County detectives were called around 10:30 a.m. to investigate. Detectives say the bones appear to be old. No other details have been released in the case.

Mills County Attorney reminds residents about restaurant directive

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood) – In conformity with [today’s/Tuesday’s proclamation by Governor Kim Reynolds] Mills County Public Health, in conjunction with Mills County Emergency Management, would like to notify Mills County residents that the dining rooms of all area restaurants are directed to be closed. Restaurants offering to-go orders, drive thru service, and/or delivery services may still remain open for those purposes.

When residents wish to use and support our local restaurants during this period, we would encourage individuals to call ahead with their orders and limit their time in the restaurant. If you see more than ten (10) total individuals in the restaurant, please patiently wait for someone to leave before going in.

The six (6) foot social distance rule must be followed at all times in all circumstances.

Gov. Reynolds signs legislation to fund key services, combat COVID19 spread

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Today (March 17), Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF 2408, legislation that creates emergency measures and supplemental appropriations for key government services to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“Every Iowan has a role to play in limiting and mitigating the spread of COVID-19. These measures will fund core services and also give schools the flexibility to keep their students safe.” said Gov. Reynolds. “I appreciate lawmakers working together on legislation that funds key government services and additional emergency measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.”

SF 2408 Supplemental appropriations and emergency measurers

  • Supplemental appropriations for Medicaid ($88.98 million)
  • Supplemental appropriations other health programs ($1.8 million)
  • Supplemental appropriations for state hygienic lab ($525,000).
  • Limits some standing appropriations (non-public school transportation, instructional support, AEA funding).
  • Requires DOM and the LSA to review FY 2020 appropriations and to make appropriations for the first two months of FY 2021.
  • Transfers: Includes exemptions from transfer rules. EEF: Makes emergency appropriations from the EEF of up to 10% to the DOM for purposes approved by the Governor, through August 31. Includes various repeal dates. Schools: Authorizes the Governor to waive school instructional time requirements for schools that close due to the COVID-19 virus.

SF 2408 can be viewed here.

Governor Kim Reynolds held a press conference yesterday to provide an update to the state of Iowa on current 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigation efforts. That press conference can be viewed in its entirety, here.

Montgomery County Offices closed to the public

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Montgomery County has joined in the expanding list of area counties to report that their offices are closed to the public, until further notice. The change went into effect at Noon today (March 17, 2020).

Montgomery County offices will remain open for phone calls, email business and by appointment only. Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman said “This decision did not come lightly and we are making every effort to lead by example in an effort to combat the COVID-19 virus and public health concerns.”

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors recommend suspending all public gatherings of 10 people or more at this time. The decision to keep all Montgomery County offices closed will be evaluated on a daily basis and our decisions will be based on current public health trends as well as guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control (CDC).

In the meantime, some county services can be accessed online rather than coming to the courthouse. Many drivers license functions, tax payments, fine payments, etc. are quickly handled either online or by mail. Citizens are strongly encouraged to utilize these avenues rather than public exposure whenever possible. If you’re unsure if you can complete these services by mail or online, please contact the corresponding office (Listed below) by phone:

Assessor’s Office: 712-623-4171; General Assistance: 712-623-3848
Auditor’s Office/Board of Supervisors: 712-623-5127 Veteran’s Affairs: 712-623-3180
Treasurer’s Office: 712-623-3292 Option #2; Public Health: 712-623-4893
Driver’s License: 712-623-3292 Option #1; Conservation: 712-623-4753
Recorder’s Office: 712-623-4363; Secondary Roads: 712-623-5197
Clerk of Court: 712-623-4986; Mental Health: 712-623-6541
Law Enforcement Center: 712-623-5107. EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1
Emergency Management: 712-623-3749
County Attorney: 712-623-3011

For questions, concerns or to file papers for the June 2 Primary Election and/or November 3 General Election, please call the Auditor’s office at 623-5127, and the Auditor’s office will provide direction to you in order to receive the paperwork for the March 20 and March 25 deadline. You may also download an absentee request form from the Montgomery County website or from the Iowa Secretary of State website.

ISU Extension and Outreach Cancels Events due to COVID-19

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach continue to follow the rapidly changing situation involving the outbreak of COVID-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus. Officials say  most Iowa State University Extension and Outreach events throughout the state through April 4th, have been canceled. When possible, some activities may be conducted virtually using video or teleconferencing.

For details about an agriculture and natural resources event, including whether it will be rescheduled, reach out to the contact names listed in the original news release, or visit the program website for updates. You may also contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.

ISU Extension and Outreach is still open for business, said John D. Lawrence, vice president for extension and outreach. However, many employees are working remotely. If your office is closed, leave a message and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

“Our goal is to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus, by eliminating large gatherings and practicing social distancing,” Lawrence said. “The health and safety of Iowans is our greatest concern. We all have to do our part and be willing to change our plans for the greater good. We will get through this.”

For the latest information and guidance from Iowa State University, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://web.iastate.edu/safety/updates/covid19.

Cell phone company recommends wiping device exterior frequently

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(U-S Cellular Press Release) – Recent studies have found that coronaviruses can possibly last on surfaces, such as metal, glass or plastic, for two hours and up to nine days. Therefore, U.S. Cellular encourages people to take precautionary measures and regularly clean your devices.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that people clean all “high touch” surfaces, such as phones and tablets, every day. AppleSamsung and Google have tips online on how to properly clean their devices.

U.S. Cellular recommends wiping devices frequently with a soft, slightly damp lint-free cloth. The company also encourages people not to share their phone with other people and keep it out of restrooms.

While these tips take on a higher importance now, they can be used year-round to help keep your devices clean and germ-free.

Absentee Voting in the Primary Pushed in Light of Health Concerns

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Corning – Adams County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Becky Bissell is encouraging those wishing to vote in the June 2 Primary Election to vote absentee by mail due to the recent concerns with coronavirus and COVID-19.

“I am respectfully asking our voters to vote absentee by mail for the June Primary Election after meeting with public health officials, other county auditors around Iowa and with staff from the Secretary of State’s office,” Bissell said. “We are making this push for the safety of our voters and polling location workers.”

Bissell said polling locations will be open for voting on June 2, however she anticipates many will be combined creating fewer polling locations than normal for a Primary Election. “We aren’t sure what this situation will be when Election Day gets here,” Bissell explained. “We hope all of our precinct election officials will be able to work that day, but we just don’t know at this point so we will reduce the number of polling locations that we will need to staff.” Bissell said it has not yet been determined which polling locations will be combined. She said that will be announced soon.

Absentee ballots must be requested in writing. Forms are available on the Adams County Web site at https://www.adamscountyia.com/departments/adams-county-auditor/election-information/. Absentee ballot requests may also be obtained by calling the Adams County Auditor’s Office and requesting one be sent. The Adams County Auditor’s Office phone number is 641-322-3340. Requests may be submitted now. Absentee requests to vote by mail must be received in the Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m. May 22.

Voters are reminded that for the Primary Election they must choose a political party on the request form in order to receive the correct ballot. Absentee voters are also reminded they will need to provide a personal identification number (PIN) when voting absentee either in person or by mail. That PIN will most likely be your Iowa driver’s license number or your Iowa non-operator’s ID number. If a voter does not have either of those, the voter should have been sent a PIN from the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.

Please remember that the Auditor’s Office is always available to answer your questions and concerns by phone during regular business hours of 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday, at 641-322-3340. For more information about the 2020 Primary Election follow Adams County Facebook posts and the Adams County website at https://www.adamscountyia.com/.

Behrends files for Cass County Soil & Water Conservation District

News

March 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Cass County Deputy Auditor Sheri Karns reports Curt Behrends has filed his nomination papers as a candidate for the Soil & Water Conservation District. She said also, that the filing deadline for the General Election is THIS Friday March 20, 2020.

Karns says “We still have a couple positions were we have no person that has filed yet.”