Author: Chris Baldus

Newspaperman, professionally, since 1991 Husband since 1992 Father since 2001, triplets plus two States I've lived in: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Idaho and Iowa Graduate of Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minn. An offensive lineman who dreamed big
Charles City, Obituaries

Hannah Wood, 96

Chris Baldus

Hannah Mathilda (Rath) Wood, 96, entered her heavenly home on May 9, 2020 surrounded by her family. Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family funeral service will be held at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City with Erik Hoefer from Messiah Lutheran Church officiating. The service will be live streamed on the Messiah Lutheran Church and Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home Facebook pages at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 14, 2020. Burial will be at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in rural Charles City, Iowa. Hannah was born on May 24, 1923, in rural … Continue reading Hannah Wood, 96

Floyd County

Floyd County sees first COVD-19 death

Chris Baldus

Iowa has experienced 271 deaths because of COVID-19, as of Sunday night. In that total is one person from Floyd County. The Floyd County Department of Public Health on Monday announced the death of a person who was at least 81 years old. The government does not release more details about individual deaths. Iowa now has confirmed 12,373 cases of COVID-19, with 5,249 confirmed recoveries. Floyd County has only five confirmed cases. Continue reading Floyd County sees first COVD-19 death

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

COVID-19 update: 11,671 positive cases, 252 deaths in Iowa

Chris Baldus

UPDATE, May 9, 2020 — Iowa’s COVID-19 death toll rose to 252 as of Friday. The total number of Iowans testing positive for the illness now at 11,671, with 5,011 confirmed recoveries, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health A total 71,475 Iowans have been tested. Iowa’s population is roughly 3.155 million. Test Iowa sites are now open in Des Moines, Waterloo, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, Denison and Davenport. The nearest site, Waterloo, will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 11, to Friday, May 15. The Test Iowa process begins with individuals answering questions in … Continue reading COVID-19 update: 11,671 positive cases, 252 deaths in Iowa

Charles City

Minor Fire Early Thursday Morning in Charles City

Chris Baldus

News release from CCFD CHARLES CITY –  The Charles City Fire Department (CCFD) responded to a report of a house fire with smoke throughout the home at 605 N. Iowa St. in Charles City at about 4:00AM Thursday morning. Upon arrival of the first Engine company, no smoke or fire was visible from the exterior of the home, and all occupants of the residence had evacuated.  The homeowner advised that there was a fire in an exterior wall of the home that they had thought they had extinguished.  Firefighters entered the structure and found no fire extension from charring found on the exterior of the home.  The only … Continue reading Minor Fire Early Thursday Morning in Charles City

Charles City, Chickasaw County, Floyd County, Nashua, New Hampton, Rockford

11 things to know about reopening of Floyd, Chickasaw, Butler, Cerro Gordo and Mitchell counties

Chris Baldus

Diners will be able to sit down in restaurants in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties starting Friday, according to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ latest proclamation regarding restrictions put on Iowans to slow the spread of the COVID-19 illness, Her proclamation also allows the reopening of fitness centers, malls, libraries, race tracks and stores that had been ordered closed as long as they operated at only 50 percent capacity and adhere to the Iowa Department of Public Health’s social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Floyd, Chickasaw, Cerro Gordo, Mitchell and Butler Counties are among the 77 counties that will have restrictions lifted. The … Continue reading 11 things to know about reopening of Floyd, Chickasaw, Butler, Cerro Gordo and Mitchell counties

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Number of COVID-19 cases in Iowa rises to 8,641

Chris Baldus

STATE NEWS RELEASE, Saturday, May 2, 2020 DES MOINES – Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 757 additional positive cases for a total of 8,641 positive cases. There have been an additional 3,377 negative tests for a total of 41,085 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. 87 percent of new positive cases today are in the 22 counties where restrictions remain in place. 493 of the new 757 positive cases are from Black Hawk, Dallas, Polk and Woodbury counties. As Governor Reynolds mentioned in … Continue reading Number of COVID-19 cases in Iowa rises to 8,641

Charles City

DNR investigates manure spill in Mitchell County

Chris Baldus

Iowa DNR news release STACYVILLE—The DNR is checking a fish kill after the report of a manure spill Thursday evening about three miles southeast of Stacyville in Mitchell County. About 8 p.m. Thursday, Primrose Sow Site notified DNR that about 2,000 gallons of manure spilled after a hose split during land application. Manure flowed downhill into a nearby creek, a tributary of the Little Cedar River. Local residents reported seeing stressed or dying fish in the creek. The sow facility and land application crews dammed the creek Thursday night to pump and land apply the manure and creek water. DNR … Continue reading DNR investigates manure spill in Mitchell County

Charles City, Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Still no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Floyd County; 3 in Chickasaw

Chris Baldus

Floyd County has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Monday, April 20, but only 91 people have been testes, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Statewide, 3,159 cases have been confirmed with 1,235 confirmed recoveries, while 79 people have died. A total 25, 820 people have been tested. Chickasaw County has three confirmed cases after 94 tests. Cerro Gordo County has 14 confirmed cases with 12 recoveries after 638 tests. Mitchell County has two confirmed cases, both recovered, on 91 tests. Butler County has one confirmed case after 70 tests. Linn County leads the state with 409 … Continue reading Still no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Floyd County; 3 in Chickasaw

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Iowa Covid-19 case total rises to 3,159

Chris Baldus

Iowa Governor’s Office news release — Mon, 04/20/2020 – 16:50 DES MOINES – Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 257 additional positive cases for a total of 3,159 positive cases. There have been an additional 1,013 negative tests for a total of 22,661 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. Of these new cases, 27 can be attributed to Tyson employees and 19 to National Beef employees. According to IDPH, an additional 4 deaths were also reported, 214 are currently hospitalized, and 1,235 Iowans have … Continue reading Iowa Covid-19 case total rises to 3,159

Charles City

Iowa schools to extend closures through end of school year

Chris Baldus

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE IOWA GOVERNOR DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education announced today that all school districts and nonpublic schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year and will continue to offer continuous learning to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This also includes the cancellation of spring sports activities. “While I would like nothing more than to open up our schools and classrooms in May, we have to prioritize the health and safety of Iowans,” said Gov. Reynolds. “With our students at home, we must rely on continuous learning plans … Continue reading Iowa schools to extend closures through end of school year

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Iowa COVID-19 case total rises to 2,141; death toll at 60

Chris Baldus

SOURCE: Iowa Dept. of Public Health/Thursday, April 16, 2020 The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 146 additional positive cases for a total of 2,141 positive cases. There have been additional 660 negative tests for a total of 18,543 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. According to IDPH, an additional 7 deaths were also reported. The total is now 60 deaths. There are 175 Iowans currently hospitalized, and 987 Iowans have recovered. The additional 7 deaths were reported in the following counties: Allamakee County, 1 older … Continue reading Iowa COVID-19 case total rises to 2,141; death toll at 60

Charles City, Floyd County

Comment period open for Cambrex air quality permit until May 16

Chris Baldus

A Title V Operating Permit regarding air quality for Cambrex Charles City, Inc. is up for review with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. According to the DNR news release, the permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements. Cambrex Charles City, Inc., 1205 11th St., Charles City, submitted its application to operate its existing Medicinal Chemicals and Botanical Products facility. The public comment period ends May 16. The DNR encourages public comments on draft permits, providing help on how to make … Continue reading Comment period open for Cambrex air quality permit until May 16

Charles City

Fire damage contained mostly to one room of Charles City house

Chris Baldus

Charles City Fire Department news release   CHARLES CITY –  The Charles City Fire Department responded to a homeowner 911 call of a fire in their residence at 200 Kelly Street in Charles City around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.   Upon arrival, it was noted that there was smoke coming from the eaves of the home, as well as fire seen in a room on the second story of the residence.  There were no occupants of the home inside when Firefighters arrived. Firefighters initiated an offensive attack of the fire, and were able to extinguish the fire … Continue reading Fire damage contained mostly to one room of Charles City house

Outdoors

FISHING REPORT: Walleye have moved out of over-wintering areas of the Cedar

Chris Baldus

By the Iowa DNR These are the area fishing reports for April 16, 2020 Clear Lake The water temperature is in the low forties. Channel Catfish – Good: Use chicken liver or cut bait fished on the bottom where water is following into the lake. Walleye – Good: Pitch a jig and minnow in 3 to 6 feet of water along the east shore and around the island. Fish are biting throughout the day, but the best bite is late afternoon. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are being caught from the jetties. Boat anglers should try fishing the edge of the vegetation on the north … Continue reading FISHING REPORT: Walleye have moved out of over-wintering areas of the Cedar

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Iowa now has 68 confirmed cases on COVID-19

Chris Baldus

News release from the Iowa Governor’s Office: The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 23 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 68 positive cases. To date, there have been 1,049 negative tests conducted at the State Hygienic Lab. According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 23 individuals include: Allamakee County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years) Black Hawk County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years), 1 elderly (81 years or older) Dubuque County, 1 older adult (61-80 years) Fayette County, 1 adult (18-40 … Continue reading Iowa now has 68 confirmed cases on COVID-19

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Gov. Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency

Chris Baldus

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan effective at noon today. It takes significant steps to require social distancing and limit community spread of the virus by implementing temporary measures including moving restaurants to drive-through, carry-out, and delivery only and closures of certain entities such as bars and recreational facilities. The proclamation also allows state agencies additional flexibility in responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, and supports the critical work of public health.  “These … Continue reading Gov. Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

High school activities suspended

Chris Baldus

This statement regarding COVID-19 has been issued by the organizations in charge of Iowa high school, sports, speech and music : Following Sunday’s announcements from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, all spring activities of Iowa’s high school Unified Activities partners – the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa High School Music Association, and the Iowa High School Speech Association – will be prohibited through the state’s K-12 school recommended closure of four weeks. Gov. Reynolds announced the recommended closure in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, in response to community spread … Continue reading High school activities suspended

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Gov. Reynolds to hold a Press Conference on COVID-19

Chris Baldus

DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds will hold a press conference today from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Johnston, IA at 4:30 p.m. to provide an update to the state of Iowa on COVID-19. The press conference follows Gov. Reynolds recommending schools close for four weeks, read about that announcement here.  That press conference is open to credentialed members of the media and can be live on Facebook here. Members of the press need to be aware that there is no entrance to SEOC if: you have a fever of 100.4 F or above; you have traveled outside the … Continue reading Gov. Reynolds to hold a Press Conference on COVID-19