(Radio Iowa) – The pandemic has made vacationing in a recreational vehicle more attractive and Forest City-based Winnebago Industries hopes to capitalize on that demand. Michael Happe is Winnebago Industries’ C-E-O.  “The motor home business has been working very hard the last number of years to revitalize its product line, strengthen the culture here in north Iowa, improve dealership relationships around the country,” Happe says, “and I think the business is very much headed in a good direction.”

The company builds motor-homes as well as travel trailers that are towed by a pick-up or S-U-V. In 2019, Winnebago acquired Newmar, which makes luxury motor-homes. It bought Florida-based boat building Criss Craft the year before. In 2016, Winnebago acquired Grand Design, which makes tow-able trailers.

“We’ve been in business now for 62 years and I think one of the ways you stay in business for 62 years and, hopefully, 62 more is to try to be smart in the way you run the business and make investments where you think are appropriate,” Happe says. “But you also want to be prudent and disciplined.”

An R-V Industry Association survey projects that 46 million Americans will take an R-V trip in the next 12 months and half of those surveyed said health concerns had increased their interest in camping in an R-V.

(Information as of 10-a.m.) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reports there were three additional COVID-19 related deaths over the past 24-hours (since Thursday’s report), for a total of 720, and an additional 389 positive cases, for a total of 30,355. Iowa Department of Public Health data indicates positive case numbers had been in decline since peaking in early May but began a slow climb again around mid-June. That’s about two weeks after Gov. Kim Reynolds reopened bars and restaurants and relaxed other restrictions on social activities.

Negative test results were reported to be 290,094. The total number of tests completed as of today, is 320,924. Officials with Cass County Public Health Thursday at Noon confirmed 20 positive cases of COVID-19, but since then, an additional case has been reported (for a total of 21). Officials say 18 persons have recovered from the virus in Cass County. Statewide a total of 24,243 Iowans have recovered from the virus.

Elsewhere around the listening area, here are the current number of positive cases and the number of persons recovered from COVID-19 ( ):

• Adair County: 15 (11)
• Adams County: 8 (8)
• Audubon County: 16 (15)
• Guthrie County: 64 (58)
• Montgomery County: 10 (8)
• Pottawattamie County: 719 (610)
• Shelby County: 111 [1 more case than on Thursday] (92 recovered= 3 more than Thursday).

Statewide RMCC data show 146 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms, 40 are in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 32 were admitted since Thursdays’ report, and 20 were on ventilators. In western/southwest Iowa, the numbers continue to be low: 3 hospitalized; 2 in an ICU; 0 admitted and 0 on a ventilator. Long-Term Care facility numbers show 20 facilities with outbreaks, 537 clients/staff have tested positive for COVID-19, 406 have recovered, and there have been 381 deaths at LTC’s.

(Radio Iowa) — As many of us fire up the grill during the holiday weekend, a southwestern Iowa dietitian urges everyone to follow the proper safety precautions. Emily Furst, a registered dietician at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, says the process to proper food safety begins at the grocery store. “It’s very important we take care of the food before we take it to the grill,” Furst says. “When you go to the grocery store, make sure you get all your meat in one bag and other groceries in another bag so they are not cross-contaminating.”

If you transfer your raw burgers, brats, chicken and other meat products to a cooler, Furst says to make sure they stay below 40 degrees. “I know it’s hard sometimes when you are taking a whole bunch of things to a cookout or picnic,” Furst says. “Just making sure that you’re packed and ready to go and keeping everything safe.” Furst says constantly washing your hands, as well as cleaning utensils like tongs, spatulas and grills is also a good safety measure. Using a separate meat thermometer is also recommended, even if the grill you are using already has one. “As time goes on with a grill, it’s not as safe and might not be as accurate,” she says, “especially if water gets in there.”

It’s recommended whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees as well as fish. Hamburgers and other ground beef products should be cooked to at least 160 degrees while all poultry and pre-cooked meats such as hot dogs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If there are leftovers, Furst urges we store and put away the food in a timely manner to prevent cross-contamination or food poisoning.

A traffic stop at around 6-p.m. Thursday in Montgomery County, resulted in the arrest of a man from Elliott. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports 42-year old Anthony Dean Morris was taken into custody for Driving Under Suspension. Morris was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a little more than $566 bond.

Police in Red Oak report a man was arrested on drug and assault charges, Thursday afternoon. 35-year-old Randon Daniel Phelps, of Red Oak, was arrested a little before 3-p.m. on charges that include domestic abuse assault/1st offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Phelps was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail, pending an appearance before the magistrate.