(Radio Iowa) — Legislators are gathered at the Iowa Capitol today (Monday) with an unprecedented agenda. The plan is to as quickly as possible pass bills that will keep government operating, give schools authority to teach students online and grant the governor new powers to act during the COVID-19 emergency. The 2020 Iowa Legislature will then be suspended — for at least 30 days.

After briefly convening in open session early this (Monday) afternoon, members of both the House and Senate went into private meetings to discuss the scope of the bills they’ll be voting upon as soon as possible. While the plan to is suspend meeting as a group for at least 30 days, Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley says lawmakers will continue to talk via phone and conduct business via video conferences.

“I just want to be clear our expectation isn’t say, ‘Everyone go home and we won’t speak for 30 days,'” Grassley told reporters. “That’s not the expectation of the legislature.” Lawmakers do expect to return at some point this spring — or perhaps even this summer — to take action on a variety of policy proposals. That includes bills that would change the state’s medical marijuana program and resolutions outlining proposed constitutional amendments on abortion and felon voting rights.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A worker at a center for disabled Iowans will be reinstated with years of back pay after a board ruled that he did not intentionally kick a resident in 2017 as alleged by its then-superintendent. The order to overturn Aaron Cole’s firing is the latest setback for management at the Glenwood Resource Center, which is facing investigations into allegations of substandard care and improper medical experimentation.

It could also be an expensive one for taxpayers. Cole must be made whole under the Public Employment Relations Board ruling issued earlier this month. That means he’ll receive his roughly $60,000 annual salary and benefits for the past 2 1/2 years, minus any other earnings he received in the meantime.

Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber issued the following statement on social media Monday afternoon:

Dear Staff and Parents,

These are trying times for all. I realize that not having school has created numerous challenges for our staff, parents, and students. Last night at a press conference, Governor Reynolds recommended that schools shut down for four weeks due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are looking at a tentative startup date of April 13, 2020.

An incident at a residence in Corning, this (Monday) morning, resulted in the arrest of 30-year old Jeremy Allan Davis. Davis, from Corning, was arrested for Domestic Assault, Assault, and Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. His arrest followed a call to law enforcement about an incident whereby Davis allegedly threw a chair at a person, and striking them. He also allegedly pushed his wife. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office says Davis kicked-in the door to gain entry to the residence.

Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith said the Chamber “Received an email from the State this [Monday] morning, with recommendations that community events and large meetings [should be] postponed/cancelled for the next four weeks.” Smith said the Chamber “Will be following their recommendation and will be postponing Girls Gettin’ Out, Ambassador’s, Alive After 5’s and large meetings for the next four weeks. The Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 11th has been cancelled. Of course, recommendations have been changing daily, even hourly, so we will stay up-to-date and readjust as needed.”

Postponing/cancelling events, social gatherings and encouraging public health precautions all while still encouraging local shopping can be a tricky. We hear your concerns and are dedicated to reminding the community “Atlantic is still open for business”. Multiple businesses in town are already being extremely pro-active and are offering online features and delivery services. We encourage other businesses to follow suit if able. If you have adjusted your hours or added additional services, PLEASE let us know so we can help promote them. Currently, there are no Local or State lockdown demands regarding business, so we believe it’s up to the business on how you want to proceed with day-to-day operations. Of course, we will recommend and encourage whatever Local, State and Federal mandates are made as time goes on and remind you to be vigilant about the current situation.

CCHS has done a fantastic job of keeping the public informed and we will continue to share their information on our Facebook page as well as continue using their advice in day-to-day activities. Chamber staff plan on being in the office (unless things change) and are being very cautious and vigilant about our health and the health of those who are coming into the office.

We are always a resource for questions and concerns and will do our best to accommodate the current situation we are all in.

Atlantic Community School District Superintendent Steve Barber, Monday afternoon, said the District will be closed for four-weeks, beginning today (Monday, March 16th). All athletics and activities are cancelled or postponed. The tentative re-open date is Monday, April 13, 2020. More information will be sent out beginning today, to both staff and parents.

DES MOINES – Governor Reynolds today (Monday), announced assistance for workers and employers impacted by layoffs related to COVID-19.  The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers. “Iowa has incredible employers accommodating the needs of Iowans during the disruption caused by COVID-19,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The state of Iowa is doing everything we can to ease the process and shorten the time it will take for Iowans to receive unemployment benefits. All of our state agencies continue to work as one team to lessen the impact COVID-19 will have on our economy and our people.”

“Iowa Workforce Development is taking steps to reduce the impact of these claims on employers who have had to temporarily lay off staff due to closures or slowdowns,” said IWD Director BethTownsend. “IWD encourages all employers to utilize paid leave and telework options for employees before utilizing temporary layoffs.  Iowa Workforce Development will continue to monitor the situation, working with our stakeholders and updates will be released on our webpage.”

Unemployment insurance claims:

If you are laid off due to COVID-19 or have to stay home to self-isolate, care for family members or due to illness related to COVID-19, you can receive unemployment benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements.  Those requirements essentially include working for wages from an employer who claims you as an employee in six of the last eighteen months and have earned at least $2,500 in the same time period. More specific explanation of benefit eligibility can be found at: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/2019-unemployment-insurance-claimant-handbook
Claimants can expect to receive payment within 7-10 days after the date the claim is filed. Claims that are filed and identified as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19, will not be charged to employers.  Fact-finding interviews for these claims will be waived and not be held although employers will be notified of claims received. IWD will process unemployment insurance payments to ensure payment will continue to be paid in a timely manner.

“The Iowa Workforce Development team is dedicated to providing assistance to employees and employers affected by COVID-19.  Please do not hesitate to contact myself or our team for assistance at 1-866-239-0843,” said Director Townsend.  For more information, visit www.IowaWorkforceDevelopment.gov Updates will be released as they become available.

DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds will hold a press conference today from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Johnston, IA at 4:30 p.m. to provide an update to the state of Iowa on COVID-19. The press conference follows Gov. Reynolds recommending schools close for four weeks. The press conference will stream live on Facebook under “Governor Kim Reynolds.”

A traffic stop Sunday in Page County four-miles west of Clarinda, resulted in an OWI arrest. 35-year old Nathaniel Newton Thornton, of Coin, was arrested for O.W.I. 1st offense. Thornton was transported to the Page County Jail on $1,000 bond pending future court proceedings.