Reynolds Extends Deadline For COVID-19 Proclamations
(Cedar Rapids) — At a press conference held Thursday morning, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has extended the deadline for COVID-19 declared proclamations for another 30 days.
Reynolds reiterated it is the responsibility of all Iowans to do what is necessary to keep the coronavirus in check.
The governor reported the general number of positive COVID-19 cases in Iowa is declining, while we are able to test more Iowans each day.
Reynolds acknowledged some other states seeing a rise in positive coronavirus cases, but she says she remains focused on Iowa’s trends and statistics. She says the numbers show additional cases of COVID-19 are showing up with the
younger generations.
Reynolds says nearly 94 percent of the 117,000 Iowans tested for COVID-19 have tested negative.
Reynolds Signs Bill Easing Licensure Requirements in Iowa
(Des Moines, IA) — A bill signed into law by Governor Reynolds today makes it easier for plumbers, electricians and others who’ve worked in professional occupations in other states get a license to work in Iowa. Reynolds said a rigorous professional licensing system is absolutely appropriate – “but when
that system becomes onerous and burdensome to those seeking opportunity and when it creates unnecessary barriers to people entering the workforce, changes need to be made.” The law lets Iowa licensing agencies accept work experience as a substitute for education. It also waives licensing fees for low-income Iowans and lets paroled prisoners get professional licenses if
their crime had nothing to do with their occupation. The new law does not make changes in the licensing system for teachers and school administrators.
Floyd Valley Healthcare To Offer COVID-19 Serology Tests
(Le Mars) — Floyd Valley Healthcare is now offering COVID-19 serology (antibody) testing to the general public. Testing is by appointment only and can be made by calling (712) 546-3426. There is an $80 fee due at the time of the lab draw. The COVID-19 serology (antibody) test will not be submitted to your insurance by Floyd Valley Healthcare, but this may be reimbursable under most FSA/HSA plans. Also, results will be sent to the patient and they are responsible for sharing with their provider if they choose.
If you’re exposed to COVID-19, your body may develop antibodies starting a week after infection. An antibody is a protein in your blood that your immune system uses to fight viruses and bacteria. Antibody tests – sometimes referred to as serology tests – may be able to detect whether you’ve been
exposed to COVID-19.
Here are some things that are important to know about your antibody test:
• Testing for these antibodies is new and the usefulness is still being
evaluated.
• It is not known whether having antibodies means you’re immune to COVID-19.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says these tests are most
useful in watching the spread of COVID-19, because they can show how many
people in a given group or area might have been infected.
• The CDC does NOT recommend that antibody tests be used in making health
care decisions.
• Antibody tests cannot tell you whether you currently have COVID-19.
Sioux City Grandview Bandshell Hit By Vandals With Graffiti
(Sioux City) — The Grandview Park Bandshell is the latest Sioux City landmark to be defaced by vandals. Sioux City Police were informed of the damage early Thursday morning. Graffiti was spray painted in the bandshell and along the front and sides of it.
Kelly Bach of the Sioux City Parks Department says the repairs won’t be cheap because of special paint that is needed.
Bach says it won’t be a quick process. He says another nearby area of Grandview Park was also damaged.
Bach’s reaction to the damage was like most people’s would be as he surveyed what the vandals had done.
He says it is too early for a total estimate on what the repairs will cost. The Sioux City Police Department responded to the report of a subject spray painting graffiti on the Bandshell at Grandview Park, at 6:49 am on June 25. Responding officers located a subject hiding in the park that had been reported by a witness as the one responsible for damage.
Officers arrested 23-year-old Esteven A. Avila of Sioux City for Criminal Mischief 3rd degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
City crews are unable to provide an exact estimate for repairing the damage due to the special procedures and considerations required to preserve the Bandshell.
Families Of 3 Tyson Workers Who Died Suing Company
(Waterloo, IA) — The families of three Tyson workers who died of COVID-19 accused the Waterloo plant management of “incorrigible, willful and wanton disregard for worker safety.” They have filed suit in Black Hawk County Circuit Court. More than a thousand workers at that plant have tested
positive for the coronavirus – many during an outbreak in April. At first, the company refused to close the plant, even though workers, elected officials and public health experts had urged it to do so. Tyson is accused of putting profits over the health of its workers.
Farm Owner Watches Property Go Up In Flames After It Was Torched By Tenant
(Grinnell, IA) — Farm owner Allen Latcham says he milked cows in the barn that was burned to the ground near Grinnell Wednesday when he was six or seven years old. Latcham had to watch his property destroyed after 49-year-old tenant Dwaine Bauman set all of the buildings on fire. Witnesses say
Bauman was covered in what they describe as war paint after stripping off his clothes. The Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office says he was upset about a proposed hog confinement lot planned for the area. Latcham says the house was 75 years old and the 100-year-old barn had antique cars stored inside.
Congresswoman Finkenauer Hopes Get Infrastructure Bill Passed Soon
(Dyersville, IA) — Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer says she hopes to get a bill funding rural infrastructure passed in Washington soon. The Iowa Democrat visited rural Dubuque County Thursday. She is backing the INVEST In America Act. If it passes, Iowa would get four billion dollars in federal grant funding over four years. Finkenauer says rural communities are often forgotten when it comes to improving roads and bridges – and she says Iowa is one of the worst states in the country for that. She thinks it’s possible people may be relocating to rural communities soon because they are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic. She says the communities need to be getting ready.
Governor Issues Disaster Proclamation For Black Hawk County
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Black Hawk County to help it deal with the aftermath of a severe storm last weekend. The proclamation means state resources can be used to help with the recovery. The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides up to five thousand dollars for some low-income households. Grant
money is available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Grant applications are available online at the Department of Human Services website for the next 45 days.
