Iowa State Patrol To Watch Motorists During Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend
(Le Mars) — Travel for this Thanksgiving holiday may be down in comparison with Thanksgivings of the past, due mainly to the wide spread outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus. However, despite what is believed to be less traffic on our highways, the Iowa State Patrol will be out and about in full force.
Farley says motorists will notice troopers patrolling Iowa’s roads and highways.
The Iowa State Patrol trooper says traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend ranks as one of the most deadliest in terms of number of fatal accidents.
Farley says troopers will be watching for distracted driving, seat belt violations, impaired driving, and of course…speeding.
Farley says excessive speeding of more than 20 mph than the posted limits continues to be problematic.
Reynolds Urges Iowans to Adjust Holiday Traditions During Pandemic
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says she’s canceled her family’s Thanksgiving gathering. The governor’s current public health emergency proclamation limits the size of family gatherings to no more than 15. Reynolds made a direct appeal to Iowans, saying, “consider the amount of planning that typically goes into the holidays, from preparing our family’s
favorite meals to purchasing special gifts from those we love.” Reynolds added, “this year, I ask that you put that same time and effort into keeping your family healthy this holiday season, which may mean having to adjust your traditions.” One-third of Iowa’s COVID cases this year have been reported in November. Reynolds said that means many forecasts predict hospital numbers and COIVD deaths will increase in Iowa — “by varying degrees” — over the next few weeks.
Big Increase in Initial Unemployment Claims in Iowa
(Des Moines, IA) — The state is reporting a significant increase in first-time unemployment claims last week. Iowa Workforce Development says nine-thousand-458 laid-off workers filed initial claims between November 15th and 21st. That’s three-thousand-466 more than the previous week. The number of continuing jobless claims rose by more than 23-hundred to 37-thousand-112.
I-W-D says 43-point-six percent of filers indicated their claims were not COVID-related. Unemployment claims rose by 30-thousand nationally last week and economists claim the economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge.
Correctional Officer Assaulted By Inmate at Fort Dodge Prison
(Fort Dodge, IA) — An inmate is accused of assaulting two correctional officers at the Fort Dodge state prison. The Department of Corrections says an officer was taking the inmate to their cell Tuesday afternoon when the officer was punched in the face. More staff arrived to help and another officer suffered minor injuries in the scuffle. The first officer was taken
to the hospital for treatment and released. The other was evaluated by prison medical staff. Officials say the inmate did not suffer any major injuries.
Test Iowa Sites Closed For Thanksgiving Day
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowans will not be able to get tested for COVID-19 on Thanksgiving Day at the state’s five Test Iowa sites. The State Hygienic Lab will also be closed Thursday for test processing. The Test Iowa locations in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Davenport will re-open
Friday from 8 a-m to 4 p-m. The Council Bluffs site is closing at 2 p-m today (Wednesday) so samples can be transported to the lab. People looking to get tests must complete an online assessment and schedule an appointment
at testiowa-dot-com.
