Kass Addresses COVID-19 Issue – Courthouse To Remain Open
(Le Mars) — The spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus, is causing several closures of offices and businesses, and other entities. On Tuesday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a Public Health Disaster Emergency which essentially means that there can be no more than ten people gathered in one
location. In addition, the order means that restaurants and bars must close their doors, unless they distribute food through a drive-through or carry-out. Also closed are fitness centers, theaters, and casinos. Reynolds on Tuesday prohibited mass gatherings and events including parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Le Mars city administrator, Jason Vacura has
ordered all city facilities to be closed to the public for a duration of 14 days until the end of the month of March. Plymouth County courthouse, as of now, remains open. However, County Supervisor chairman Don Kass says conditions are changing by the hour, and he encourages people to use on-line and postal services.
Being a livestock producer, Kass says he understands how quickly a virus can spread. He says Plymouth County, as of today’s date, hasn’t had any reported cases of the coronavirus, but Kass fears it may be only a matter of time before the first positive case is reported.
Kass says many people may believe health and state government officials are going over-board and exaggerating with their precautions of shutting down schools, and businesses. However, Kass says people simply need to do the math to see what potential dangers may be coming.
The Plymouth County supervisor says the county board has been working closely with county health officials. He asks people to remain calm, and to realize that many people have recovered after contracting the virus.
Kass says there are thousands of people who because of an existing health issue, may be more vulnerable to the contracting of the coronavirus.
The Iowa Department of Public Health says 29 residents have now tested positive for coronavirus.
Floyd Valley Adopts New Policies For COVID-19
(Le Mars) — Due to the spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus, Floyd Valley Healthcare has implemented some new policies and procedures. So far, there have not been any outbreak cases of the coronavirus in Plymouth County. Ann Cole-Nelson serves as the hospital’s Community Relations Director says the
safety of the patients and staff are the top priority. She says the
landscape of the virus is ever changing, so she suggests people frequently check the hospital’s standards.
Cole-Nelson says the hospital has also placed some restrictions with its cafeteria.
The Floyd Valley Community Relations Director says nurses will be staffed at the entrances to help monitor the situation.
Cole-Nelson says hospital officials have been meeting on a frequent basis to stay up to date on the latest information regarding the spread of the coronavirus.
Cole-Nelson wants everyone to know that as of today’s date, Floyd Valley Healthcare has not had anyone testing positive with the COVID-19 virus.
Le Mars Community Board Of Education Calls For Special Meeting
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Community Board of Education has scheduled another special meeting for this week. School board members will convene at noon today at the Education Service Center. School superintendent, Dr. Steve Webner will update the school board on the latest information regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus. As for action items, the board will consider possible
pay options for hourly wage employees during the coronavirus work stoppage. The Board of Education will also consider revising the school calendar for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Under the recommendation of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Le Mars Community School District, along with schools across the state, are closed for the next four weeks.
Transit Systems Making Changes Due To Coronavirus
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Transit systems in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines have taken steps to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. City of Cedar Rapids Transit buses will carry no more than 10 passengers at a time starting Wednesday in order to minimize contact. Officials encouraged people to limit
usage to essential rides, such as trips to work or to grocery stores. The Des Moines transit system has stopped fare collections and is asking riders who can safely do so to get on and off buses through the back doors. The goal is
to minimize contact between riders and system employees.
Authorities Investigate Found Human Bones
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Authorities are investigating what appear to be human bones found on a property in northern Des Moines. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says in a news release that the remains were found Tuesday morning by children playing in a dirt pile near a home. A medical examiner and Polk
County detectives were called around 10:30 a.m. to investigate. Detectives say the bones appear to be old. No other details have been released in the case.
Marshalltown Man Arrested For Murder
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) – A man charged with a fatal shooting in Marshalltown is being held on $1 million bail. Marshall County court records say Mustafa Muhammad, 30 is charged with first-degree murder and other crimes. The
records don’t list the name of an attorney who could comment for him. The shooting was reported around 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Officers responding to the report found a critically injured 27-year-old man. Police say he died later at a Marshalltown hospital. He’s been identified as Blake Thomas, who lived in Marshalltown. A 37-year-old woman also suffered a minor wound. She’s been
identified as a Marshalltown resident, Sarah DeSautels.
Webster City Man Killed By Iowa State Patrol Troopers After Kidnapping And Stand-off
WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say a man who’d taken a woman hostage was shot and killed after an Iowa State Patrol team entered a residence in central Iowa’s Webster City. The Iowa Public Safety Department says officers responded around 3:30 p.m. Monday after the woman called 911 to report that
the man had fired shots at her. Police negotiators talked to the man for hours, but he threatened to shoot the woman within a specified time period.
The department says that’s when the patrol team went into the home and shot the man. The names of the man and woman haven’t been released.
