TEN NAPEL – FLOODED FIELDS
Farmers are just now assessing the extent of damage in their fields following record flooding.
ISU Extension and Outreach area agronomist Leah Ten Napel says outside of flood zones, crops are in great shape.
Field damage usually becomes apparent five days after floods recede.
Farmers need to determine the viability of their damaged corn and soybean stands. Ten Napel says then they should check with their crop insurance carrier to determined their next moves.
For a farmer facing the loss of a stand of corn or soybeans, there are many options to consider, (including replanting or replacement with a cover crop.)
The biggest factor facing farmers, and non-farmers alike, is the stress brought on by the flood. TenNapel says the Iowa Concern Hotline is a great resources for anyone concerned about their finances, disaster recovery, or overall stress. Their number of 1-800-447-1985. This is a 24/7 service of Iowa State Universitiy Extension and Outreach.
LE MARS STREET WORK
Starting today, work has begun on repaving Plymouth Street in Le Mars. The city street department says Barkley Asphalt has started milling Hwy 3 from Central Ave. by Pizza Ranch and continue going west to Bus 75 . They will shut Hwy 3 down to traffic for the most part where they are working , there will be no on street parking allowed along Hwy 3. Once that is milled, they will start at Central Ave. and work east towards 5th.
STATE APPLIES FOR EXPANDED FEDERAL FOOD AID FOR LOW INCOME FLOOD VICTIMS
State officials are applying for expanded federal food assistance for low income flood victims in northwest Iowa. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services director Kelly Garcia says her agency is seeking what are called “Disaster SNAP benefits” for residents in the five counties that were declared federal disaster areas this week.
The federal benefits would not be restricted to Iowans who have already qualified for SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps.
Iowans who did not have flood insurance and lost their homes in the flooding, for example, would likely be eligible for disaster food assistance.
The five counties designated for Disaster SNAP benefits includes Plymouth County.
Disaster SNAP” benefits would get an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to buy food at authorized stores. Flood victims are able to calculate home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses and disaster-related medical expenses as well as loss of income to determine if they qualify for the benefits. Flood victims who are already receiving food stamps may qualify for an increase in benefits if the state’s Disaster SNAP application is approved for flood victims. The U-S-D-A has already approved Disaster SNAP for Iowans in Greenfield and other federally designated disaster areas hit by tornadoes in April and May.
BIRD FLU TESTS TO BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO DAIRY SHOWS
The state Ag Department plans to require Avian Influenza tests for dairy cattle before shows. Radio Iowa’s Dar Danielson reports.
There have been 11 confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in Iowa dairy herds as of Tuesday. A majority of the positive cases have been in Sioux County.
DISASTER PROCLAMATION FOR 27 IOWA COUNTIES
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Wednesday issued a proclamation for 27 Iowa counties in response to the widespread flooding in the state. These counties include Plymouth, Woodbury, and the rest of the northern 3 tiers of counties in northwest Iowa.
The governor’s proclamation allows suspends specific regulations and waives fees for government services in order to allow faster response and recovery in these areas.
The governor’s proclamation also allows for the additional targeted suspension of specific regulatory requirements in Clay County:
FEMA ASSISTANCE IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has set up shop in Plymouth County, and is making assistance available to county residents. They are located in the lower level of the county Courthouse Annex. Residents displaced by floods can call the disaster assistance hotline: 1-800-621-3362. Residents can meet with FEMA personnel at the Annex today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or they can speak with FEMA assistance teams as they canvass flood-affected neighborhoods. Residents may be able to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration. Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives and nonprofit organizations impacted by the severe weather may be eligible to apply for working capital loans. To find out more, contact the Plymouth County Emergency Management Agency at 712-546-8101.
FEMA ADMINISTRATOR TOURS NORTHWEST IOWA COMMUNITIES
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will tour three northwest Iowa communities damaged by floodwaters. They will take a walking tour of Rock Valley, Cherokee, and Spencer
RED CROSS RESPONDS TO FLOODS
The Greater Northwest Iowa Area Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help in northwest Iowa. Executive Director Tammy Lee of Le Mars says they need people to help at the northwest Iowa locations where they are providing aid.
Lee says they need administrative support in their Sioux City headquarters, or for a variety of other posts.
Red Cross is operating in seven flood-damaged communities in northwest Iowa, including their headquarters in Sioux City.
DECEASED BURGLAR
A former Kingsley resident has died after accidentally being electrocuted during an apparent burglary attempt in Sioux City early Wednesday morning.
Sioux City Police responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a business located at 2101 Court Street around 4:20 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers found 37-year-old Jerrod Schweitzberger of Sioux City, who had been electrocuted while apparently attempting to steal copper wire.
Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene. Schweitzberger was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A second person at the scene, 39-year-old Denair Byars of Sioux City. was charged with 3rd degree burglary.
The initial investigation indicates Schweitzberger was attempting to remove copper wiring from the property when he came into contact with a live electrical source, resulting in his fatal electrocution.
Police say the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with attempting to steal copper wiring and other metals.
GOV. REYNOLDS EXTENDS DISASTER PROCLAMATION FOR HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN SIOUX, CHEROKEE, AND SAC COUNTIES
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the extension of a disaster proclamation for Sioux, Cherokee, and Sac Counties effective immediately through July 26, 2024. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in all three counties.
This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.
The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.