A fifth case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Montgomery County. The new case is a child (0-17 years) and contracted the virus through close contact with a positive case.

In Montgomery County, to date, there have been five (5) confirmed cases, one (1) of which has recovered. A total of 149 people have been tested. There is still a great need for all residents to stay home as much as possible, stay away from groups of people and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals as there is substantial spread of COVID-19 throughout Iowa.

“We encourage residents to spend time outdoors when possible because it’s beneficial to mental health and physical activity is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle,” said Samantha Beeson, Montgomery County Public Health Administrator. “Everyone needs to continue following social distancing guidelines when outdoors because close contact, even outside, can spread the virus that causes COVID-19.”

Oakland (Iowa) Mayor Brant A. Miller, today (Monday) extended a State of Emergency proclamation that was made April 1st. The action taken today extends the State of Emergency for 30 days, and is in response to the three positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the City. In his letter posted on social media, Mayor Miller said “We have been lucky thus far to have a low case count, but this can change at any time.”

He went on to say “This is a rapidly evolving situation and we should continue to be vigilant and continue to do what is in the best interest of the public. To date,” he said, “The city has done everything within [its] power to help keep [the] community safe.”

He says “Simply what this means is that I am making decisions and approving expenditures from the city budget in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic without needing council approval prior to enacting a new regulation or requirements in the city.”

After the 30 day State of Emergency Extension  expires, Miller says the situation will be re-evaluated and a determination made on further action.  In the meantime, City buildings will remain closed (including City Hall, the Oakland Community Center, Fitness and Senior Centers and Library). City Parks and Trails remain open, but playground equipment will remain off-limits. All gatherings of 10-persons or more remain prohibited in the City, and social distancing recommendations remain in effect.

The City of Atlantic’s Planning and Zoning Commission will meet 5:30-p.m. Tuesday, May 12th, in the Council’s Chambers, at City Hall. On their agenda, is:

• The introduction of Alexsis Fleener as the Commission’s new Urban Planning Consultant.
• An Industrial Building site plan at 310 Birch Street, for Dreyer Brothers Construction, LLC.; The company desires to construct a new industrial equipment storage facility on the lot, that would be created through the subdivision of 305 Birch. A proposed building for light industrial equipment storage and office space will be constructed on the new lot, north of the current building at 305 Birch.
• An Industrial Building site plan for Henningsen Construction (at 1407 SW 7th St.). Henningsen’s proposes the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new, cold storage building on the same lot.
• And Industrial Building Addition for Richter & Son Towing, Inc., at 4 State Street. The company wishes to add a building to their property, just west of the current industrial building. They propose to demolish a portion of the existing building on the south side of their property.

MUSCATINE, Iowa (Muscatine Journal) — A Muscatine attorney with a troubled past has been appointed as the county’s interim prosecutor, despite objections and warnings from the local bar association. The Muscatine Journal reports that the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved James Barry as the interim county attorney. He’ll stay in the role until a new attorney is elected in November.

In 2004, Barry was removed as Cass County attorney by a judge for misconduct in office, and his state law license was suspended for a year in 2009. Those who support Barry’s appointment say he’s reformed and was the only candidate to apply.

OTTUMWA, Iowa, May 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Union Officials say workers at the American Bottling plant in Ottumwa are planning to strike at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 13th if the company doesn’t back off its proposal to terminate the employees’ current healthcare plan in the next contract. The company is proposing switching employees from their current plan under United Healthcare of Iowa to a company plan under Keurig Dr. Pepper with higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Jesse Case, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 238, said the company has refused to give a proposal that doesn’t terminate the current healthcare plan for employees. “People can live without Dr. Pepper and 7-UP, but people are dying during this pandemic. Workers at Dr. Pepper just want the peace of mind to know that their insurance won’t change for the foreseeable future,” Case said.

The union has given the company two extensions on the current agreement. The union contract expired April 1, 2020 and the current extension expires at 5 p.m. this Wednesday. American Bottling in Ottumwa distributes Dr. Pepper, 7-UP, A & W Root Beer, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Sunkist, Hy Vee brand soda and other products in several midwestern states.

The workers, who voted down a five-year proposal from the company on April 29, 2020, say they simply want to maintain current healthcare benefits during the course of the next contract and are asking for a three-year deal. There are approximately 100 employees covered by the agreement.

Atlantic, IA – Cass County Health System officials, on Monday (Today), announced Katie Demanett, RN was the winner of the DAISY Award on May 8th. Demanett said “I’m incredibly thankful.” She began her career at CCHS as an LPN in the Atlantic Medical Center in 2016. She became an RN in 2018 and now works in Inpatient Services caring for hospitalized patients.

Katie Demanett, RN

Her nominator said, “Katie’s professionalism shined while providing my care.  She was respectful and courteous every time she entered my room.  While providing my care she was positive and reassuring and you could see how she clicked with the rest of the staff.”

CCHS Chief Nursing Officer Amanda Bireline added, “We have been looking forward to this bright spot in these uncertain and sometimes chaotic times.  Our nurses prove their commitment throughout the year and have certainly stepped up to the plate during the trying times of COVID.  Katie is incredibly deserving; she is humble, kind, sincere, and funny.  She worked very hard to become a nurse, and even harder to become an inpatient nurse at CCHS.  We are so very blessed to be able to bestow this award for the high quality care she consistently delivers!”

Nurses at Cass County Health System are honored twice annually with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.® The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org. An online nomination form is available at https://www.casshealth.org/daisy.

Pottawattamie County Public Health officials today (Monday), reported one new COVID-19 case in an elderly adults (someone over the age of 80), residing in Council Bluffs. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Pott. County is now 85, but the IDPH COVID-19 dashboard shows 86 cases. Officials say a Texas resident tested positive in Pottawattamie County, but lives in Texas, and has since returned to Texas. PCPH is currently working with the IDPH to correct the discrepancy.

Currently, 40 persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in Pott. County, are self-isolating. One is hospitalized, 41 have recovered, one moved out-of-state, and two have died.