Police in Red Oak, Wednesday night, arrested a man on a Criminal Mischief charge. 46-year old James Reed Mitroff II, of Red Oak, was taken into custody in the 900 block of E. Washington Avenue a little before 10-p.m. and brought to the Montgomery County Jail. His cash bond was set at $300.

(Radio Iowa) — Republicans in the Iowa House have approved legislation to forbid paroled felons who owe victim restitution from voting if Iowans approve a constitutional amendment that automatically restores felon voting rights. Representative Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican from Wilton, was the bill’s chief advocate. “We’re talking about somebody who potentially killed someone,” he says, “not just some dismissive bill they can’t pay.”

Representative Mary Wolfe, a Democrat from Clinton, is a criminal defense attorney. Wolfe says last (Wednesday) night was a strange time to pass the bill as protesters 50 blocks from the Capitol were calling for criminal justice reform. “It’s punishing people because they do not have the financial resources to pay a debt,” Wolfe said. “It’s a poll tax.”

Representative Ras Smith of Waterloo, a Democrat, says the bill exacerbates inequities in the criminal justice system.”You are knowingly utilizing legislation to guarantee that poor Iowans are dis-proportionally impacted and shut out from the process to raise their voices,” Smith said. “That’s just what it is.”

Kaufmann says this was always part two of Republican lawmakers’ plans on felon voting rights. “If I’ve got care-o-meter for the rights of the victim, it’s up here,” Kaufmann says. “And if I’ve got a care-o-meter for the rights for the people who committed the crimes and hurt them, it’s a lot lower.”

The bill goes to the governor, so attention shifts back to Senate Republicans who’ve balked at passing a plan to end Iowa’s status as the only state that bans felons from voting once they’re released from prison. In 2019, Governor Reynolds called on lawmakers to pass a resolution for a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore felon voting rights. She has resisted calls to accomplish that with an executive order, as former Governors Vilsack and Culver did.

Reynolds has streamlined the system for individuals seeking voting rights through applications she must review and approve.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Senate has sent Governor Reynolds a bill to adjust Iowa’s medical marijuana program. It will not boost the potency of the cannabis products as significantly as a bill she vetoed in 2019 would have. Senator Rich Taylor, a Democrat from Mount Pleasant, says he’d like to pass a meaningful bill.

“I figured this year we’ll come back and tell the governor: ‘No, you’re wrong,'” Taylor said. “‘We’re going to stick with this. We’re going to move Iowa forward. We’re going to get some real help for some very, very sick people who can be helped by this drug.'”

The bill aligns with the recommendations of a state task force — allowing Iowans in the medical cannabis program to buy a 90-day supply of products with a maximum of four-and-a-half grams of T-H-C. That’s the key chemical in marijuana. Senator Brad Zaun of Urbandale, a Republican, says the bill isn’t perfect, but worth supporting because it also lets doctors recommend a higher dosage.

“Tell that 57-year-old woman that is already on the program that will go to her doctor and want an increase in the THC level, explain to her why you’re voting against this,” Zaun said, “because this is a step forward.”

Senators had an often testy debate over this bill before it passed on a mostly party-line vote. The House endorsed the plan earlier this year.

Mills County Public Health Officials, Wednesday night, confirmed an additional, positive case of COVID-19 was found in person 41-to 60-years of age. The case was contracted through community spread, and brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in Mills County, to 20. Of those, 19 persons have recovered from the virus. Officials say to-date, 1,249 residents of the county have been tested.

Officials said also, “We encourage all our residents to continue to use good judgment in the decisions they make. All residents are urged to stay home as much as possible, stay away from groups of people and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals. We remind all residents to continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm and stay at home when you are ill.”

TESTIOWA.COM
“The sooner we can identify COVID-19 cases, the sooner we can get back to our normal way of life. In addition to social distancing, widespread testing is a proven, effective way to combat the spread of COVID-19. Testing gives us crucial data that we need to track the spread of the virus, contain it, and to help find a cure and save lives. There is a new TESTIOWA site close to us located in Council Bluffs. Go to TESTIOWA.COM to schedule your appointment. Testing is open to anyone interested. It is an easy process. You get a time slot and drive-through testing.”

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit Mills County Coronavirus webpage at http://covid19.millscoia.us

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Republican lawmakers Wednesday proposed a bill that would offer broad protection from coronavirus lawsuits for doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, meatpacking plants, restaurants and other businesses. The measure, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, was tacked onto a medical malpractice bill that previously had passed the Senate. Democratic Rep. Brian Meyer, a lawyer, opposed the bill, saying it protects corporations but not the people of Iowa. Similar efforts to curb what supporters consider frivolous lawsuits are underway in Congress and several other states.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Rep. Steve King became a unifying force in American politics the longer he served in Congress. Republicans and Democrats alike were glad to see him go Tuesday, defeated in a GOP primary after nine terms in Congress representing Iowa. King’s political demise comes amid a reckoning moment for the United States as it confronts its long history of mistreatment of African Americans and a backlash against the nationalistic policies of President Donald Trump. The congressman’s defeat comes five months before Americans decide whether to reelect Trump, who in 2014 described King as “a smart person with really the right views on almost everything.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Legislature has returned to finish work left when the coronavirus pandemic surfaced in Iowa in March and prompted state officials to close the state Capitol. Lawmakers began work Wednesday and are expected to meet for at least two weeks to complete work on a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and address policy measures on which House and Senate leaders reach agreement. Temperatures will be checked at the door and masks will be provided. Meeting rules have been established to allow lawmakers to be at least 6 feet apart. Committee meetings and floor debates will be streamed on the internet.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are facing a reckoning as they contend with some divisive candidates during the country’s struggle through civic unrest. So far the results are mixed. Iowa congressman Steve King lost his bid for a 10th House term Tuesday after losing his committee assignments over racist comments. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo decided against seeking a Senate seat representing Kansas, meaning a lightning rod conservative hard-liner might instead win the nomination. And President Donald Trump has favored confrontation over compassion in how cities are handling protests sparked by the police killings of black men.

For weeks now, in-person business at City Hall in Atlantic has been off-limits due to fear over the spread of COVID-19. Since things appear to be approaching “The new normal,” Mayor Dave Jones, Wednesday evening, said City Hall will re-open Monday, June 8th, but with a caveat or two: Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in contact with a known case of the virus, should not enter the building. And, visitors must receive permission before entering.

Jones said City Hall is open to those persons with official business only, and that social distancing will be practiced in the hallway, with one person per family in that area, preferably while wearing a mask.  The Mayor said also, he is working with Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel, and as it stands right now, 4th of July fireworks will take place July 3rd, at the AMU well field near the Little League complex, which is across from the KJAN studios on North Olive Street. In the event COVID-19 is still a factor, or if the weather is bad, the make-up date for fireworks will be held September 4th.

There will be no Flight Breakfast this year. In other business, Mayor Jones announced the City’s Parks restrooms and those at the Schildberg Rec Area, will re-open effective 4-p.m. Friday, June 6th. r

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Rep. Steve King became a unifying force in American politics the longer he served in Congress. Republicans and Democrats alike were glad to see him go Tuesday, defeated in a GOP primary after nine terms in Congress representing Iowa. King’s political demise comes amid a reckoning moment for the United States as it confronts its long history of mistreatment of African Americans and a backlash against the nationalistic policies of President Donald Trump.

The congressman’s defeat comes five months before Americans decide whether to reelect Trump, who in 2014 described King as “a smart person with really the right views on almost everything.”

A crowd estimated at over 100 people gathered in Atlantic’s Sunnyside Park on a warm evening, Wednesday, to show they care about racial injustice and for those who protect and serve.

Pastor Ben Winford

Pastor Ben Winford with the New Life Church,  lead the event by saying “Racism is alive…it’s never been fully extinguished, and it still rears its ugly head from time to time.”

He said also, that while he prays justice is served swiftly for those who bring injustice upon others, he also prays for forgiveness for those involved, and that  the officers who were involved in the incident leading to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, would grieve over their actions and become better people.

Pastor Winford say “I know many of the fine men and women in blue and have worked alongside them I have seen their hearts for their community and have watched many times as they have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of their neighbor, both physically and emotionally.”

He says “What one person does or says is not a blanket statement for those that all wear the uniform. Just as what one protestor does or says is not a blanket statement for those peacefully assembling, crying out for the unheard.” The biggest issue is not a political issue, he said “It is a heart issue.”

Winford said those gathered Wednesday night were there to say “enough is enough. I will no longer remain silent on either side.” He said in this instance, black lives do matter because they are oppressed and they have experienced things most of us will never experience. He asked those who could kneel, to do so, or bow their heads, in solidarity to say to the world that “Little Atlantic hears you and stands with you, and that George Floyd should not have been killed and that things have got to change.”

Afterward, those in attendance were welcome to enjoy hot dogs and bottle water.

Pottawattamie County Public Health officials, Wednesday evening, reported seven new COVID-19 cases, all of whom are residents of Council Bluffs. Three of the individuals are 18-to 40-years old, two are 41-to 60, and two are 61-to-80. They were tested between May 22nd and June 2nd.

According to the IDHP dashboard, 3,438 Pottawattamie County residents have been tested for COVID-19 so far. A total of 316 have tested positive. An additional 11 people have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 180. Five persons are hospitalized, and 115 are self-isolating. A total of 92 Pott. County COVID-19 cases are the result of community spread.

PCPH reported Wednesday, a total of 316 COVID-19 cases, while the State’s dashboard shows 275. Officials say part of the reason for the discrepancy is timing and the fluidity of the situation. Another reason the inconsistency is epi-linking (epidemiologically linked) individuals. A person can be epi-linked if their physician or PCPH assumes they have the virus based on close contact with a confirmed case and the demonstration of COVID-19 symptoms. Epi-linked cases are not confirmed by laboratory testing.

PCPH includes epi-linked persons in their monitoring process and offers them assistance and guidance as they recover. Contact tracing is also conducted for epi-linked persons. The State of Iowa does not account for epi-linked cases in their official numbers. PCPH began epi-linking cases on May 16th, and has worked with a total of 30 such cases thus far.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Montgomery County Public Health have identified six (6) cases of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility in Montgomery County. The six (6) cases include both staff and residents at the Good Samaritan Society of Villisca. According to IDPH, an outbreak is when three or more cases of COVID-19 are identified among residents of a facility.

The facility has notified residents and their families, and consistent with IDPH guidelines, the affected residents are in isolation and/or hospitalized. Good Samaritan Society of Villisca staff are working closely with IDPH and Montgomery County Public Health to protect the health of all residents and staff, with additional testing of residents and staff as directed by IDPH.

“Protecting the health and wellbeing of the residents and staff is of the highest priority,” said Montgomery County Public Health Director Samantha Beeson. “We know our older population is at the highest risk for serious COVID-19 illness, so we are monitoring the situation carefully and taking the highest precautions to prevent virus spread.”

Montgomery County Public Health also announces today, the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The individual was an elderly adult (over 80). “We wish to extend our sympathy to this individual’s family,” said Montgomery County Public Health Director Samantha Beeson. “Montgomery County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.”

As of today, June 3rd, 2020, there are nine (9) total cases of COVID-19 in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Public Health continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and other state and local partners to respond to this ongoing pandemic.