Reynolds Disputes Death Projection From Coronavirus
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Kim Reynolds and an aide are pushing back against a research model that forecasts that Iowa will see a late peak in coronavirus cases, nearly 1,400 deaths by August and a huge shortage of intensive care unit beds. Reynolds and Department of Public Health Deputy
Director Sarah Reisetter said Wednesday that the model from University of Washington researchers doesn’t consider some of Iowa’s efforts to stop the spread, including school and business closures. They say they still expect Iowa’s cases to peak in mid to late April, which would be earlier than the April 30 date that the model projects.
Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department Issues March Report
(Le Mars) — Le Mars Fire and Rescue has issued its March monthly report, and during the third month of the year, the local firefighters responded to a total of 27 calls. The breakdown into separate categories shows the fire and rescue department answered 14 fire calls and five rescues. The conducted six
investigations or accident clean-ups, and provided mutual aid twice, once with Merrill and once with Akron.
Knights Of Columbus To Provide Sunday Meal
(Le Mars) — This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, and normally that would mean the All Saints Parish, St. James Catholic Church of Le Mars would hold its traditional smorgasbord meal. However, due to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the meal at St. James Catholic Church has been cancelled.
However, all is not lost, as the Knights of Columbus of Le Mars are stepping up to offer an alternative option meal in place of the annual feast. Seth Schmidt is with the local Knights of Columbus and says people will still have the opportunity to enjoy a good home-cooked meal.
Schmidt says the local Knights of Columbus will be serving a broasted pork chop dinner.
Due to the coronavirus, the meal will be served as a take out or drive through service. Schmidt says the K-C’s have had a little experience with the method during their Friday Fish Frys.
Schmidt says the Knights expect some traffic congestion at and around the Knights of Columbus Hall. They ask that everyone have some patience.
Schmidt says the cost of the broasted pork chop meal is $10.
Jeneary Suggests Unemployed People To File With Iowa Workforce Development
(Le Mars) — Certainly, the local, state, and national economies are seeing a sharp downward turn due to the spread of the coronavirus. Jeneary says he hasn’t yet heard of estimates as to how much the economy has been hurt by the spread of COVID-19.
The state legislator says if anyone has been layed off as a result of the coronavirus, he offers the suggestion they turn to the Iowa Workforce Development website for assistance.
Jeneary suggests for those individuals without internet access to locate a friend that does have internet capabilities and ask them to assist with the application process.
Chamber Executive Discusses Relief Options For Small Businesses
(Le Mars) — Several small businesses are hurting financially due to the coronavirus. Congress recently passed, and President Trump has signed the $2.1 trillion dollar CARES Act, which among other things will provide financial assistance to small businesses. Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Neal Adler says there are many assistance programs
available to small businesses.
Adler says the amount of money to be allocated back to small businesses will be determined through the Small Business Administration. He says the EIDL is a working capital loan.
The Le Mars Chamber executive says the Small Business Administration will review a business income and expenses covering a six month period. He says there is no collateral needed to obtain the small business relief loan.
Adler says he doesn’t know of any deadlines with the loan application, but he says that policies have been changing daily. He encourages all small businesses to apply for the loan regardless whether you want the assistance.
Adler says if local businesses have questions, they should contact the SBDC office located in Sioux City.
The Le Mars Chamber official says the SBA also offers a “Paycheck Protection Program, if employers retain their employees. Adler says the chamber wants to thank the public for continuing to support local businesses during this
era of closed doors due to the coronavirus.
COVID-19 Virus Disrupting Political Campaigns
(Sioux Center) — The COVID-19 coronavirus has disrupted nearly every aspect of what was considered as normal daily activities. Included is the ability to conduct a political campaign. Jeff Taylor is the Director of Political Science Studies at Dordt University in Sioux Center. He says candidates are finding it difficult to meet face-to-face with potential voters.
He says politicians are having to result to alternative methods to conduct their campaigns due to the spread of the coronavirus. Taylor says we may see additional television, radio, and newspaper ads as the primary election date gets closer. The Dordt University Political Science professor says many
politicians will wait, only because the attention span of voters is sometimes short.
Already, Iowa’s Secretary of State has pushed back three special elections, including the city council election for residents in Craig, due to the coronavirus. Taylor was asked if he thought the June 2nd primary election may also be pushed back because of the virus pandemic?
Check back for additional comments from Professor Jeff Taylor.
Boy Accused Of Teen Murder Wants Trial To Be Held In Juvenile Court
MAPLETON, Iowa (AP) – A 17-year-old boy accused of killing a 16-year-old in western Iowa is seeking prosecution as a juvenile. Monona County court records say the boy’s attorney filed a motion Wednesday to transfer the case to juvenile court. The boy is charged with first-degree murder in the January
shooting death of Joseph Hopkins in Mapleton. The Associated Press generally doesn’t name juveniles charged with crimes. A hearing on the request is scheduled for June 1.
Attorneys Say Reynolds Order To Stop Elective Surgery Does Not Stop Abortions
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Attorneys for Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds say her order halting elective medical procedures as part of the state’s coronavirus response does not halt all abortions in Iowa. The state and abortion providers have reached an agreement that some abortions may go forward in
cases where women may have been forced by the delay to carry the pregnancy to term. The agreement prompted abortion providers including Planned Parenthood to drop the request for a court injunction halting enforcement of Reynolds’ order last week. Reynolds said the order was part of her coronavirus response aimed at preserving medical equipment and supplies.
Felon Voting Rights Restoration May Be Dead Due To Virus
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – For Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a drunken driving conviction nearly 20 years ago marked a turning point. After becoming the state’s first female governor, the Republican is using her experience as motivation for a campaign to restore the vote to felons that’s divided her from many in her own party. After recent changes in Kentucky, Virginia and
Florida, Iowa is the only state with broad constitutional language that revokes voting for all felons. Some Republican lawmakers argue victims should be paid restitution before felons get voting rights back. The Legislature has suspended its session because of the coronavirus. It’s unclear whether lawmakers will return to the issue.
