Iowa Department Of Public Health Reports 87 More COVID-19 Cases
(Des Moines) — The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus is now at 786. The Iowa Department of Public Health on Saturday reports an additional 87 cases and three additional deaths, making the total deaths in Iowa at 14. Those deaths involved an older adult between 61 and 80 years of
age from Linn County, a middle-aged adult between the ages of 41-60 years from Henry County, and an older adult between 61 and 80 years from Polk County. There have been a total of 9,454 negative tests to date.
North West Rural Electric Cooperative Offers Annual Report
(Orange City) — North West Rural Electric Cooperative was unable to hold its district meetings because of the COVID-19 virus, and the annual meeting instead of inviting all members, consisted of only directors and committee chairs. Still, Lyle Korver, the Executive Director of the power utility
cooperative, says some essential business was conducted.
Korver says one item of business was the election of a director position for District 3 which covers Plymouth County.
Korver says the electrical cooperative was able to continue to provide reliable power to its members in a cost effective manner, while also having a good safety record for its employees.
The North West Rural Electrical executive says the power utility cooperative continues to be active with economic development by attracting new members to the area.
Korver says the total number of kilowatt hours consumed in 2019 was lower than from previous years.
Korver explains upgrades are what’s ahead for the future of the rural electric utility cooperative.
Like many other businesses, the COVID-19 virus has also affected North West Rural Electrical Cooperative. Korver says the board of directors are wanting to extend some financial assistance to its members by distributing dividends
earlier in the year.
North West Rural Electric Cooperative consists of Sioux, O’Brien, Ida, and Plymouth Counties.
Toilet Paper Purchase Results In Incident With Gun
(Atlantic) — Authorities are investigating an argument between two men over an allegedly excessive toilet paper purchase in western Iowa on Friday afternoon.
According to Atlantic Police Lt. Devin Hogue, officers were called at around 4-p.m. to the Dollar General Store in Atlantic, where an unidentified man reportedly had displayed a gun during the
incident. There were no injuries. The man with the gun left the store and waited for police to arrive. Both subjects cooperated with police during the investigation. Hogue said no arrests were made. Formal charges are pending a review of in-store video, and an opinion from the Cass County Attorney.
Iowa To Receive $44 Million From FEMA For COVID-19 Expenses
(Des Moines) — Gov. Kim Reynolds received word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that more than $44 million has been obligated to the State of Iowa for reimbursement of expenses related to the COVID-19 response.
Reynolds says, “Our health care workers are on the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have the State of Iowa’s full support. “FEMA’s reimbursement will allow Iowa to buy additional personal protective equipment (PPE). We appreciate President Trump and his team for supporting the health and safety of Iowans during this unprecedented crisis.”
The funds were obligated under the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration approved for Iowa by President Trump on March 23 and will be used to reimburse the State of Iowa for costs it has incurred in March and April to implement emergency protective measures.
These emergency protective measures have included the purchase of PPE such as gowns, masks, and face shields to support the response efforts of hospitals and clinics, local governments, and certain nonprofit entities.
The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which is responsible for coordination of disaster response resources, submitted for reimbursement to FEMA a cost of approximately $59 million for emergency protective measures taken by the State of Iowa in response to COVID-19.
The $44 million is the 75 percent federal share of that total cost, with the State covering the remaining 25 percent. However, the State of Iowa has requested FEMA cover 100 percent of the eligible costs. As the COVID-19 response continues, additional costs will be submitted to FEMA for reimbursement.
