Home News Monday Afternoon News, April 27th

Monday Afternoon News, April 27th

Reynolds Says Some Businesses In 77 Counties May Again Conduct Business

(Des Moines) — Governor Reynolds lifted some of the restrictions for businesses to open in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties. However, she says there are still some parameters and guidelines that businesses will need to follow.
The governor says she is lifting some of the mitigation efforts in counties where there are few to no cases, or where cases have been managed, and leveling.

The governor listed those businesses that can open should they choose to do so.

Reynolds says the businesses allow to conduct commerce, must still abide by some standards. She also advises those Iowans with pre-existing health conditions, along with the elderly to remain in their homes.

Most of all northwest Iowa counties, including Plymouth County, are allowed to begin opening for business. However, Woodbury County is among the 22 counties that will still need to abide by the strict mitigation orders, until at least May 15th. The remaining 21 counties are situated in eastern and central Iowa.

 

 

Wright Believes Floyd Valley Healthcare Will Be Allowed To Conduct Elective Surgeries

(Le Mars) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to allow for some elective surgeries to again occur at various hospitals across the state. Because of the spread of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, along with trying to mitigate the surge of positive virus cases and not having hospitals become overwhelmed with virus patients, the governor recently gave the order for Iowa hospitals and clinics to stop any elective surgeries. Dustin Wright,
the administrator with Floyd Valley Healthcare says Plymouth County has had only a minimal number of positive coronavirus cases, and he hopes and believes, the Le Mars hospital is one that will be allowed to again perform elective surgeries.

 

 

Wright Talks About New E-Care Program At Floyd Valley

(Le Mars) — Last week we had mentioned about Floyd Valley Healthcare had began a new “E-Care” program which allows for specialists to examine emergency room trauma cases via on-line. Dustin Wright, the C-E-O of Floyd Valley says the hospital staff is excited about the potential the “E-care” program offers.

Wright explains some of the other benefits to utilizing the new “E-Care” medical outreach.

 

Wright says the program is similar to video conferencing platforms such as Skype or Zoom used commonly among people from their home computers. He says doctors off-site have access to the patient’s vital signs, and he says the program is a good extension of health care to the rural areas.

 

 

Grassley Says He Is Concerned For Farmers

(Le Mars) — U-S Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa admits he is concerned for farmers, because of the fall-out from the COVID-19 coronavirus, and especially those that raise livestock. Speaking Monday during his weekly news conference with reporters, Grassley says some farmers and agricultural
entities may qualify for the $19 billion allocation through the CARES Act.

Grassley says what little financial relief may be available through the U-S Department of Agriculture for pork producers could be only pennies on the dollar. With several meat processing facilities being shuttered because of the virus outbreak among workers, and corn selling for about $2.70 cents a bushel, Grassley was asked if Iowa farmers will be able to survive during this economic downturn due to the COVID-19 virus?

The senior senator from Iowa says farmers may be able to get some help through crop insurance, by forward contracting their crop for a set bid price

Grassley says he doesn’t like to think about farmers being forced out of business, adding the major difference between today and the 1980’s during the agriculture recession is farmers may not be as financially leveraged at least with their land. However, the Iowa senator says there isn’t much protection for livestock producers for the lost income that they will sustain.

 

 

Drivers License Office To Re-open On Limited Basis

(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Driver’s License office will be taking appointments for essential Driver’s License services for Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays starting next week, Tuesday May 5th.

Only essential appointments will be taken.

Essential includes:

· CDL renewals

· January, February & March expirations on your Driver’s License. April & May expirations will be scheduled later.

· Those scheduled for Drivers Ed who have passed the online test and need a permit

The deadline for REAL ID’s has been pushed back until 2021, so anyone wanting to update their license for REAL ID we ask to wait.

Renewing your ID or license online may be an option for you. Also available online, you can change your address, or get a duplicate if your license is lost or stolen.

Check out IowaDOT.gov to renew online or to get more information.

Appointments can be made by calling 546-1663 on Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday.

 

 

Iowa Public Universities To Resume In-Person Classes This Fall

(Des Moines, IA) — Students attending classes in person will resume this fall at Iowa’s three public universities. Board of Regents President Mike Richards says the fall semester will see residence halls re-opening and food services resuming. Richards says the University of Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa University will follow state and federal guidelines to make
sure students, teachers and staff remain safe.

 

 

Des Moines Opens Drive-Thru Testing Station

(Des Moines, IA) — The state’s first “Test Iowa” drive-thru coronavirus testing station is open in Des Moines. Governor Kim Reynolds’ office says more sites will be opened in the coming weeks. People wanting to be tested at the location in the Wells Fargo Arena parking lot should take an online
assessment at TestIowa-dot-com, then schedule an appointment if they qualify.
For now, the Des Moines location is the only one in the state.

 

 

Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Orange City Man

(Des Moines) — Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has sued an Orange City man, accusing him of charging excessive prices on hundreds of items including toilet paper, paper towels, and sanitizing products.  It is the first price-gouging petition filed in Iowa during the coronavirus pandemic.  State officials say since the public health emergency began, they have received 470 reports of price gouging, including 285 formal complaints.  Michael Evan Noteboom is named in the new lawsuit and identified as the eBay seller “mn65”.  The lawsuit asks a judge to order him to stop selling household merchandise on any platform.  A hearing via video conference is scheduled for May 6th.  The lawsuit says complaints against Noteboom allege he was selling a 12-ounce can of Lysol for $65.99, Angel Soft toilet paper (12 count) for $86, and Bounty paper towels (6 count) for $49.99.  Noteboom was sent a written warning on March 24th.  State Attorney General Miller says, “Our office has warned the defendant repeatedly to stop his activity.  Through news reports, public service announcements and other notices, our office has informed sellers and the public that we will not hesitate to protect consumers from price gouging.”  Governor Reynolds issued a disaster declaration in March, which triggered a price-gouging rule that forbids excessive prices for goods or services needed by victims of disasters.  The lawsuit accuses Noteboom of selling more than 250 items to COVID-19 disaster victims in several states.  The highest price item was a 12-count package of Bounty paper towels for $119.99.

 

 

City of Le Mars To Conduct Fire Hydrant Flushing

(Le Mars) — The city of Le Mars Water Department will start flushing water mains in the northeast part of town on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28th and April 29th, starting at 8:00 a.m.  This will take approximately two days.  On Thursday, April 30th, and Friday, May 1st, the city will start flushing hydrants in the northwest sector.  Next week on Monday, May 4th, the city will start in the southwest corner of town.  Businesses and residences may experience discolored water and should refrain from washing clothes during the flushing times in your area.  If you need to do laundry, you can monitor your cold hard water faucet or outside hose bib to check the incoming water for clarity.  If you do experience discolored water, limit your use on running hot water.  If you have a hard water faucet or hose bib, this would be the best place to check and flush water.

 

 

Governor Reynolds, Secretary Naig, Iowa Pork Producers Association Launch “Pass the Pork” Program to Help Feed Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 27, 2020) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced a new “Pass the Pork” program to connect Iowa pig farmers with food insecure Iowans. The program is an initiative of Gov. Reynolds’ Feeding Iowans Task Force led by Lt. Gov. Gregg.

Through “Pass the Pork,” Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship are helping Iowa pig farmers donate pigs to Iowa food bank feeding programs. Local meat processors are extending their hours of operation to process and package the pork donations to help meet the growing demand for food bank and food pantry resources. Iowa food banks are getting the pork into the hands of those in need.

“From family farms to the family’s dinner table, our entire food supply chain has been impacted by COVID-19,” said Gov. Reynolds. “‘Pass the Pork’ is an innovative partnership to put Iowa pork on the tables of families in need of food security while creating a new destination for pork which might otherwise go to waste. I’m grateful to Iowa’s pork producers, processors and others for stepping up to make this possible.”

“At a time when Iowa pig farmers face market challenges and supply chain disruptions, they continue to look for opportunities to help those in need,” said Secretary Naig. “We are proud to partner with Iowa pig farmers, food banks, and meat processors to ensure all Iowans have access to a locally produced, high-quality protein source.”

“Pass the Pork” will officially begin when the first donated pigs are delivered on May 1. Processing will continue in May and for as long as processing capacity and funds remain.

“The supply chain issues are challenging Iowa’s pig farmers, but we also see our friends and neighbors struggling with jobs and wondering how they will put food on the table, too. This program will help bring pork to our local communities when they need it most,” said Mike Paustian, the Walcott farmer who is IPPA president.

“Food banks across our state are working every day to help Iowans facing food insecurity,” said Lt. Gov. Gregg. “With the dramatic increases food pantries are seeing in demand during this pandemic, this initiative is going to play an important role in making sure Iowa families have the food they need in these challenging times.”

How to Get Involved

The pigs for “Pass the Pork” are being donated by Iowa pig farmers. However, there are costs associated with the processing, storage, and delivery of the pork to food banks and pantries. Iowans can contribute to the Iowa Food Bank Association to help cover these costs and future purchases of Iowa-produced pork for food bank programs.

To donate funds to help support this program, visit the Iowa Food Bank Association website at donorbox.org/passthepork.

Iowa pig farmers and meat processors who are interested in participating in the program should contact the Iowa Pork Producers Association at (515) 225-7675.

A summary of food resources available to those in need is available at coronavirus.iowa.gov.