(Radio Iowa) — This week’s White House Coronavirus Task Force report puts Iowa in its “red zone” for new infections. The rate of new Covid cases here is twice the national average. Governor Kim Reynolds says Iowans need to monitor what’s going on in their community. “We really need to focus,” Reynolds says. “We know that the most vulnerable Iowans are older Iowans age 65 and over and those Iowans with pre-existing conditions are the ones that are most at risk.”

IA Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during a Press Conference (File Photo)

The state’s coronavirus website shows (as of Saturday morning) there are Covid outbreaks at 63 Iowa nursing homes (two more than on Friday). For the past 10 days, the total number of Covid patients in Iowa hospitals has been higher than at any other point in the pandemic, although fewer patients are winding up in intensive care units. “The same thing applies today that applied when we had our first cases of Covid-19 in the state of Iowa and that is to stay home when you’re sick, social distance when you can. If you can’t, make sure you have a face covering and wash your hands often,” Reynolds says. “…If you’re a vulnerable Iowan, you need to take extra precautions.”

This week’s White House Coronavirus Task Force warns cases are increasing in Iowa due to social gatherings of families and friends. It specifically classified the cities of Carroll, Council Bluffs, Dubuque, Pella, Sioux City, Spencer, Spirit Lake and Storm Lake as “red zone” areas.

(Radio Iowa) – U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made stops in Pella and Sioux Center, Friday. Friday morning DeVos toured Vermeer Manufacturing’s apprenticeship program which trains people to work as painters and welders and to operate machinery in the plant.

Betsy DeVos learning to weld at Vermeer Mfg.

“I know that in Iowa, workforce development continues to be a big opportunity and a big challenge,” DeVos said.

Governor Kim Reynolds has set a goal for 2025 of having at least 70 percent of working-age Iowans hold some sort of professional certification or a college degree.”We’re at 60% right now,” Reynolds says, “but we’re looking at the data for 2020 and it looks like we could see potentially a 5-6% increase, so we’re really making great gains.”

Devos also toured one of Dordt University’s two-year apprenticeship programs, Friday afternoon. She spoke at a roundtable with educators and business leaders from the Sioux Center area. DeVos is the third Trump Administration cabinet secretary to visit Iowa in the past week.

Betsy DeVos painting at Vermeer Mfg.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Friday, reported that a Red Oak man was arrested Wednesday on drug and weapon charges. Deputies arrested 48-year-old Floyd Raymond Henry for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Concealed Weapon (a gun), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Drug Stamp Criminal Penalties. Bond for Floyd Henry was set at $17,000.

DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Friday, signed a new proclamation continuing the Public Health Disaster Emergency for another 30 days.  The proclamation extends all the public health mitigation measures currently in place for businesses and other establishments until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2020. This includes the requirements for bars and restaurants to ensure six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining or drinking; to ensure all patrons have a seat at a table or bar and consume alcohol or food while seated; and to limit congregating together closer than six feet. Requirements for social distancing, hygiene, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission also remain in place for gyms, casinos, salons, theaters, and other establishments. 

The proclamation also extends the suspension of weight limits for transportation of agricultural supplies and commodities on state highways for the continued fall harvest.  And it extends many of the previously issued regulatory relief measures necessary to respond to this public health disaster, including those related to healthcare, professional licensure, educational workforce, and expirations of driver’s licenses.  

The proclamation now remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2020.  The full proclamation can be read in its entirety, here.

The Harlan Police Department, Friday, issued a reminder to all residents, that they need need to make sure building numbers (address numbers) are on their houses. Harlan City code requires building numbers be visible. Authorities say the numbering is extremely important, for without them, there can be a significant delay in getting emergency services to your house. Fire, Ambulance, and Law Enforcement rely on numbering to get you the quickest emergency services possible. A delay in not being able to locate the correct house has the potential be disastrous.

The Harlan P-D says “It is every homeowner’s responsibility to have the numbers clearly visible from the street. If you are a renter, check your house and contact your landlord if the address numbers are missing.”

Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Des Moines IA 405 AM CDT Sat Oct 17 2020

Sac-Crawford-Carroll-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-Adams-Union-Taylor-Ringgold Counties

…Gusty Winds and Elevated Fire Danger Today…

Winds will increase rapidly by mid morning across central and southeast Iowa with gusts of 40 mph or more expected before diminishing later this afternoon. Farther north and east wind
gusts of 20 to 30 mph will be common. These gusty winds will combine with warm temperatures, fairly low humidities, and drying grasses and crops to produce an elevated fire danger through this afternoon. Any fires that ignite could spread quickly under these conditions, especially across cropland. Burning is not recommended under these conditions. Burn bans are
in effect for multiple central Iowa counties.

Burn Bans continue until further notice, for: Adair-Audubon-Cass-Dallas-Guthrie-Harrison-Mills-Montgomery and Pottawattamie Counties.

Officials with the Guthrie County Public Health Department Friday (Today), confirmed our previous reports with regard to a 14th COVID-19 related death. According to Guthrie County Hospital Public Information Officer Emily McColloch, the person who died was over the age of 80. Guthrie County Public Health Director Jotham Arber says “We want to extend our deepest condolences to the individual’s families.”

Heath officials remind you to take the proper and necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe from the Corononavirus.

The Glenwood Police Department reports 24-year-old Brittney Barrett, of Glenwood, was arrested Friday (Today), for Possession of Marijuana. She posted a $1,000 cash or surety bond, and was released from the Mills County Jail.

Area Counties: Sac-Crawford-Carroll-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-Adams-Union-Taylor and Ringgold…

...Elevated Fire Danger Again Today…

Gusty west to northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with wind gusts in excess of 40 mph will develop later this morning and persist through this evening. Relative humidity values will fall into the
25 to 35 percent range by this afternoon. These weather conditions combined with curing grasses and the crop harvest across the state will lead to an elevated fire danger today. Any fires that ignite could spread quickly under these conditions especially in cropland. Burning is not recommended under these conditions.

If you have ever attended or viewed a funeral for someone who has served in the military, you might expect to see a Color Guard. It’s easy to take that service for granted, but there is much to know about the tradition. Veteran Steve Livengood will give a presentation about the Atlantic Veterans Color Guard this Sunday, October 18th, at the American Legion Memorial Building (The Armory). The program begins at 2-p.m.  Health precautions will be in place, and attendees are expected to wear masks when they are closer than six-feet from another person. Masks will be available. Seats will be placed at appropriate distances and attendance is limited to 30 persons. No refreshments will be served.

During the program, Steve Livengood will explain the duties and options for a Color Guard. He’ll talk also: about the number of people required to perform, their training and equipment; How to make arrangements, and where the Color Guard may be used. Each veterans’ organization has an official manual on how to do a military funeral. However each funeral can be unique. Livengood was in the Service for 25 years.

He’s been involved with the Color Guard since 1987 and has been the point of contact for six years. He’ll have interesting stories about the many military funeral experiences over the years, providing those who attend this Sunday’s program, with a better appreciation for the volunteer job getting done. The program is sponsored by Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE). It’s free and open to the public.

Doors will open at 1 pm and exhibits in the Military Museum, Military Library and Atlantic History Center will be available for viewing.  The American Legion Memorial Building is handicapped accessible.