Governor Reynolds Allows For Full Capacity At Many Businesses
(Des Moines) — Governor Reynolds has decided to lift the restrictions relating to capacity beginning on Friday. She informed the news media of her decision during the Wednesday COVID-19 briefing. Reynolds says Iowans are heading in the right direction with regards to the virus. She says we still
need to make decisions regarding the coronavirus based on measured and responsible approach that is driven by data.
Reynolds continued by offering some guidelines businesses must follow when allowing for additional capacity. She is also lifting the restrictions with community swimming pools and senior centers.
Governor Reynolds says Iowans will still need to implement safeguards against the spread of the coronavirus.
In response to the governor’s lifting of additional restrictions for swimming pools, Le Mars YMCA officials have said the Le Mars outdoor community swimming pool will open to the general public beginning on Monday, June 15th.
State Fair Officials To Make Decision About Fair Wednesday Afternoon
(Des Moines) — The Iowa State Fair Board is meeting today (Wednesday) to decide whether or not there will be a state fair this summer. Minnesota and Wisconsin state fair officials have cancelled their state fairs, while Nebraska and South Dakota have decided to proceed with having their annual state fair events.
Governor Reynolds was asked if she had been consulted by Iowa State Fair officials with regards to their pending decision. Reynolds says she did not offer any type of recommendation, rather she says state fair officials have updated her on the ever-changing situation.
Reynolds was asked about her decision allowing for full capacity, if that will help inform state fair officials?
Reynolds says regardless of the final decision made by the state fair board, she will stand by the decision.
Dr. Caitlin Pedati, the state’s medical health director, was asked if she had any specific recommendations for the state fair board to consider. Pedati reiterated earlier comments about those people that are most vulnerable should avoid group settings. Pedati says it doesn’t necessarily make a difference as to the setting itself.
Dave Hoffman of Le Mars is the president of the Iowa State Fair, and he told KLEM news that a decision one way or another will be made by late this afternoon. Hoffman says he isn’t certain as to how the fair board directors will cast their vote on the decision.
Plymouth County Fair Board To Meet Thursday For A Decision
(Le Mars) — On a related note, the Plymouth County Fair Board is scheduled to convene on Thursday evening, and they too will be making the decision about the county fair, slated as the “best five days of summer.” Other neighboring county fairs, such as Sioux, O’Brien, and Lyon county fairs have decided to offer a 4-H and FFA only fair, allowing for the youth to exhibit their projects, but not offering any grandstand or entertainment events.
Northwestern College Names New Vice President Of Enrollment And Marketing
ORANGE CITY, Iowa—Northwestern College has announced the promotion of Tamara Fynaardt to vice president for enrollment and marketing. Fynaardt, who has worked in Northwestern’s marketing and communications office for 25 years, will start her new position July 1.
Fynaardt will oversee the college’s admissions, financial aid, and marketing and communications offices.
(photo contributed.)
“Tamara is already looked to as an institutional leader by many,” says President Greg Christy. “I’ve witnessed the respect her colleagues have for her, the expertise she brings to marketing and communications, and the strategic thinker she is.”
Fynaardt started her career at Northwestern as an adjunct English instructor before transitioning to the marketing and communications office. She’s served as a member of the college’s Strategic Planning Committee for 10 years and has represented her colleagues as a member of the Staff Advocacy Committee.
Instrumental in several key areas of Northwestern’s marketing and communications efforts, Fynaardt has coordinated several projects that have won awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District Six and the Higher Education Marketing Report.
One of the projects recognized by CASE was Northwestern’s recent “Stand Out” branding campaign. Fynaardt led the team that developed Northwestern’s brand promise and coordinated the development of creative materials.
“The Stand Out brand has been widely embraced internally and externally by Raider Nation,” says Christy.
Iowa AARP Leader: COVID-19 A Wake-Up Call For Nursing Homes
(Des Moines, IA) — A-A-R-P’s state director says it’s time to revisit the model of elder care in Iowa. Brad Anderson says surveys consistently show older Iowans would prefer to stay at home rather than enter a nursing home, yet he says Iowa has among the highest rates of people with low-care needs in
nursing homes. Anderson said, “COVID-19 is a wake-up call to this industry and the time has come to start having those conversations at the federal level and at the state level.” A-A-R-P urges policymakers to consider shifting spending to in-home and community-based services. Anderson also says it’s time to ensure the 55-thousand Iowans who care for elderly Iowans
are properly compensated for their work. He complains that the median wage is 13-dollars-and-80 cents an hour. There are COVID-19 outbreaks in 39 Iowa nursing homes.
8 Passengers, Crew Rescued From Queen 2 Boat at Arnolds Park
(Arnolds Park, IA) — Some scary moments Tuesday night for passengers on the Queen Two excursion boat on West Lake Okoboji. Several people had to be rescued after the boat became disabled during severe thunderstorms and could not return to dock at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Firefighters were
able to get eight passengers and three crew members off the Queen Two and safely brought them to shore. No injuries were reported. The captain blamed engine problems and high wind gusts for being unable to dock the boat.
Damage to the Queen Two is undetermined at this time.
