June 30th…Deadliest Day On Iowa Roadways
(Le Mars) — Today…June 30th is a day the Iowa State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies have circled on their calendars. The reason is because this day has been historically the deadliest day on the state’s highways. Trooper John Farley explains.
Farley says it doesn’t matter which day June 30th would fall on, it has been proven to be the deadliest on the roadways.
Farley says the Iowa State Patrol establishes an annual goal to have fewer than 300 fatalities from vehicle accidents. He says because of the COVID-19 virus there have been considerable fewer motorists on the roadways this year compared to past years, which has meant fewer fatality accidents.
The Iowa State Patrol trooper says it has been sometime since the state had fewer than 300 annual fatal vehicle accidents.
Last year, according to Farley, Iowa finished the year with 322 fatalities from motor vehicle accidents. Farley says drivers need to remember to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and drive sober.
Sioux Rapids Police Chief Suspended For Social Media Comment
(Spencer) — The Sioux Rapids City Council has decided on disciplinary action for their Chief of Police over a comment he made on social media.
Chief Tim Porter posted a comment on an image of a truck attempting to drive through a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters in Des Moines. It read: “Hit the Gas and Hang on over the speed bumps.” Porter later apologized for the post, saying it was made on the wrong post. After a closed session, the city
council decided on two weeks suspension without pay and to have the council and Porter take a sensitivity course.
Governor Signs Legislative Bills
(Des Moines) — Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on a host of bills, including three that deal with marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes.
When bars and restaurants were closed this spring due to the pandemic, Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation allowing the sale of carry-out cocktails in addition to take-out food. Now, Iowa has become the first state to permanently allow bars and restaurants to sell mixed drinks to go.
The governor has also signed a bill into law that changes the state’s medical marijuana program. The new 90-day dosage maximum is four-and-a-half grams of T-H-C — the active ingredient in cannabis and physicians assistants, nurse
practitioners and podiatrists may now sign the paperwork so Iowans can legally buy cannabis products at state-licensed dispensaries. Post-traumatic stress and severe intractable autism are now on the list of conditions for which medical professionals may recommend cannabis as a treatment.
Reynolds has also signed the bill that raises the legal age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21. It mirrors a recent federal change, lets local officials start ticketing violators and ensures Iowa doesn’t lose $3.2 million in federal funding for substance abuse programs.
Penalties for animal abuse will be increased by another bill the governor signed. She’s also approved creation of a “blue alert” similar to “amber alerts” for suspected of child kidnapping. A blue alert will go out statewide if someone in law enforcement has been seriously injured or killed and there’s a threat to the public from a suspect or suspects who haven’t been arrested.
Governor Reynolds Signs Animal Cruelty Bill Into Law
(Des Moines, IA) — A bill signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds will strengthen Iowa’s animal cruelty laws. The Community and Pet Protection Act passed the House unanimously and the Senate on a 44-to-4 vote. Supporters
call it a significant step forward for a state that had been ranked low for its animal protection laws. It increases penalties for animal abuse and neglect and removes an exemption that bars owners from being charged for abusing their own animal. The law also clarifies food, water and shelter requirements to address animal welfare concerns. Livestock is not included in the new law.
2020 Farm Progress Show Cancelled in Boone
(Boone, IA) — The 2020 Farm Progress will not go on as scheduled this September in Boone. Officials decide to cancel the event Monday because of “rapidly changing conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Organizers had planned to have the show with physical distancing and other health and safety precautions. But after more than half of U-S states saw a spike in cases, they reconsidered bringing thousands of exhibitors and visitors to Boone. Farm Progress leaders say there will be a virtual experience with more details in the coming weeks.
