Iowa Reports Another 398 Positive Cases Of COVID-19
(Des Moines) — Another 398 positive cases of COVID-19 has been reported by Iowa Department of Public Health officials pushing the total number to 11,457 state wide. In Plymouth County, the number of positive cases is now at 48.
Iowa has had 4,685 people recover from the coronavirus, and the Hawkeye state has had 12 more deaths associated with the virus, which now is at 243 total deaths. Nationwide, more than 1.3 million people have been infected with the COVID-19 virus, while the U-S has had 78,170 deaths.
City Council Address Plymouth Energy Issue
(Le Mars) — Earlier this week the Le Mars city council addressed the issue involving the Plymouth Energy ethanol production facility at Merrill. The ethanol plant has loan agreements with the city of Le Mars for both a rail line and with a storage facility. The problem is the ethanol plant has ceased its operations at least on a temporary basis due to economic conditions, in part due to the drop of demand for ethanol. Since the plant is no longer producing ethanol, Plymouth Energy has defaulted on their loans
with the city of Le Mars. The city council discussed whether an extension to the loan should be granted to Plymouth Energy. City councilman Clark Goodchild inquired about what should the city do if the ethanol plant fails to again begin operations, and within six months, the city council is facing the same situation involving Plymouth Energy.
Neal Adler, the executive director with the Le Mars Business and Industry Corporation informed the city council that Plymouth Energy is trying to create additional products, besides just ethanol, to be able to have operations again proceed.
Goodchild advocated for the ethanol producer to make at least a partial payment, instead of an entire waiver. Mayor Kirchoff mentioned to the council that Plymouth Energy is up to date with their tax payments to the city of Le Mars for the property within the Industrial Park located on the southern edge of town. Goodchild again asked what happens in another six months, if conditions remain the same and there are no improvements to the situation.
The council did approve action to extend both loans for a period of an additional six months. This was the second time the city council has extended the loan agreements. The term of the lease is for seven years. It was noted that Plymouth Energy has paid nearly $1.8 million of the $3.1 million dollar loan.
Le Mars Farmers Market To Open On Saturday
(Des Moines) — As part of her proclamation, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is allowing local farmer’s markets to again operate, although with some restrictions and guidelines. The Le Mars Farmers Market is planning to open for the season, today, Saturday, May 9th. Rob Scheitler is a vendor with the Le Mars Farmers Market.
Scheitler explains what the Farmers Market will look like to start this season.
According to the governor’s proclamation, farmer’s markets will not be allowed to have common seating, such as picnic tables. Entertainment, children’s activities, contests, or games are also prohibited at farmer’s markets. The Le Mars Farmers Market official says there are also some guidelines pertaining to bags with farmers markets.
In terms of growing conditions, Scheitler says this spring has been better than last year, and he says consumers can expect to find fresh grown produce at the start of this year’s farmers market.
Scheitler says the farmers market will operate on Saturdays to begin with, but later, he anticipates the vendors will add a second day. The hours of the Le Mars Farmers Market will be from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The Le Mars Farmers Market is located on Prospect Street behind Cork-It.
Dordt University Holds Virtual Graduation Ceremonies
(Sioux Center) — Dordt University of Sioux Center held its commencement ceremonies for its graduating seniors today (Friday). COVID-19 forced the college to hold a virtual commencement instead of the traditional program. As Faculty Chairman, Dr. Mark Christians read the names of the graduating seniors, a photo of the graduate was also displayed. Dr. Justin Bailey presented the commencement address focusing on COVID-19 and the cross. Dordt had 69 graduate students, 286 Bachelor degrees, and 13 Associate Degrees.
Vice President Pence Meets With Religious Leaders in Urbandale
(Urbandale, IA) — Vice President Mike Pence met with a group of Iowa faith leaders yesterday afternoon to discuss ways to safely resume services inside houses of worship in the midst of a pandemic (Friday). Pence sat on the altar steps of an Urbandale church, listening as pastors, rabbis and a handful of others scattered throughout the sanctuary spoke. Pence said, “the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis and I promise you we are going to continue to stand by the religious liberty of every American of every faith until this is over and then beyond.” Monte Knudson of the Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant and Fairfield plans to re-open a week from Sunday with social distancing and “family style” seating. Pence’s arrival in central Iowa was delayed by more than an hour due to his press secretary’s positive coronavirus test. He also spoke at Hy-Vee headquarters Friday afternoon on a panel about food security.
Congresswoman Axne Introduces $700 Million Rental Assistance Bill
(Washington, DC) — Congressman Cindy Axne is sponsoring legislation that will provide an additional 700-million dollars to support rural renters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Protect Rural Renters Act would fund a U-S-D-A program to help elderly and low-income Americans in rural areas find rental housing and stay in their homes. Axne said, “housing costs are not only an urban issue, but we also need to ensure that rural Americans don’t get forgotten or left out of relief efforts during these difficult times.”
Iowa Supreme Court Issues Split Decision on Court Fees
(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa Supreme Court issued a rare split decision in a case involving court fees. Lori Mathes appealed the dismissal of a possession of marijuana charge after being ordered to pay more than 28-hundred dollars for court-appointed attorney costs. She said the dismissal was based on a bad warrant and she only agreed to pay the fees if they were under 500 dollars to get the issue over with. She says an assessment should have been done on her ability to pay the fees. The Monona County District Court threw out the appeal — saying a defendant does not have the right to appeal following the dismissal of charges. The Iowa Supreme Court reviewed the case and three justices voted to uphold the district court ruling — while three said they would vacate the ruling — and one justice did not take part. With no deciding vote, the district court ruling stands.
