BIRD FLU DETECTED IN SIOUX COUNTY
The Iowa and U.S. Departments of Agriculture have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a flock of commercial layer chickens in Sioux County. This is Iowa’s fourth detection of H5N1 HPAI within poultry in 2024, and the state’s first detection since June. H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. It can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. H5N1 HPAI also impacted 13 dairy herds in Iowa earlier in 2024, many of those reports also in Sioux County. With supportive care, dairy herds recover with no or limited mortality associated with the disease.
GOV. REYNOLDS ANNOUNCES DISASTER PROCLAMATION FOR BIRD FLU IN SIOUX COUNTY
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has authorized a disaster proclamation for Sioux County, effective immediately through January 5, 2025. This comes after confirmation of a positive case of bird flu in a commercial layer flock.
The recent 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.
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.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
There are more holiday celebrations in Le Mars tonight. There’s a lighted evening parade downtown. You are urged to bring your lighted entries and participate. Entries are to meet on 8th St SE at 5 pm. Pre-registration is not required. The parade will make its way north on Central Ave to 2nd St NW.
Afterward, the Plymouth County Historical museum will be open, serving hot drinks.
Also tonight and Sunday night is the Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland. This is at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds from 5-30 to 8-30 p.m. There is a Festival of Trees and Entertainment in Century Hall, Horse-drawn wagon rides and a display at the Round Barn. The Christmas Wonderland will also be next Saturday and Sunday.
Akron has their Festival of Trees and Wreaths for a Reason auction today, from 10 am to 2 pm
Events in Remsen today include the Remsen St. Mary’s School Tour of Homes will take place today, and there’s a WinterFestival/Candy Walk from 8-30 am to noon at Christ Lutheran Church on South Washington St in Remsen.
Kingsley is celebrating a Hometown Christmas today, from 10 am to noon at the Kingsley Public Library.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA VISITS SIOUX CITY
Volunteers spent Friday morning placing over 4400 wreaths on the gravesites of local military veterans during ceremonies at Sioux City’s Memorial Park Cemetery.
Rene Lapierre, commander of American Legion Post 697, came up with the idea to have Siouxland participate for the first time in the national “Wreaths Across America” program:
He approached Great West Casualty Company to help with the idea. Company chief operating officer Mandy Graham says they quickly agreed to take part in the effort:
A semi carrying the memorial fir wreaths arrived Thursday, and Graham says the significance has really hit home:
Lapierre says several other local organizations joined in supporting the idea and they along with many local veterans and volunteers showed up Friday to lay the wreaths of honor, speaking the name of the veteran who lays beneath the headstone:
A public ceremony was held at the cemetery where a special wreath was presented for each branch of the military and those missing in action before the volunteers began laying wreaths on individual graves.
Some people placed their wreath on their own family member’s gravesite.
FLAGS AT HALF STAFF TODAY TO HONOR PEARL HARBOR DAY
Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Pearl Harbor was attacked 83 years ago. 2,403 service members and civilians were killed.
Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building, in the Capitol Complex, and on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
