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

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

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

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

DNR investigates manure spill in Mitchell County

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

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

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

Iowa Covid-19 case total rises to 3,159

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

Iowa schools to extend closures through end of school year

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

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

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

Comment period open for Cambrex air quality permit until May 16

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

Fire damage contained mostly to one room of Charles City house

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

Iowa now has 68 confirmed cases on COVID-19

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

Gov. Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency

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

High school activities suspended

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

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

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

Gov. Reynolds recommends Iowa schools close for four weeks

News Release DES MOINES – Upon discovery of the existence of substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Reynolds is recommending that Iowa schools close for four weeks.  “Based on new information today from the Iowa Department of Public Health, now is the time to move to the next level of response,” Gov. Reynolds stated. “I am now recommending that all Iowa schools close for a period of four weeks to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.” Gov. Reynolds released the following video statement, it can be viewed here.  Gov. Reynolds is making this recommendation in consultation with … Continue reading Gov. Reynolds recommends Iowa schools close for four weeks

CC schools posts Q-and-A about coronavirus and local reaction

The Charles City School District has posted this Q-and-A about coronavirus. Charles City Community Schools Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions – Families Q. Will Charles City Community Schools temporarily close due to COVID-19? A. As of now we are not closing. We are following the guidance and expert recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health and as of March 13, the IDPH says, “There is currently no known community spread of COVID-19 in Iowa and IDPH is not making any recommendations to cancel planned events and mass gatherings at this time.” These are not decisions that are taken lightly and … Continue reading CC schools posts Q-and-A about coronavirus and local reaction

Additional COVID-19 Case in Iowa

News release from the Iowa Governor’s Office DES MOINES – Testing at Iowa’s State Hygienic Laboratory has indicated one additional positive case of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iowa residents, a total of 14 positive cases. An additional 21 tests were negative.  According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the new case is in an older adult (61 to 80 years) from Johnson County and was on the same Egyptian cruise as other positive cases.   The cases previously identified as presumptive positive are now considered positive. The first five positive cases in Iowa were confirmed by CDC, per … Continue reading Additional COVID-19 Case in Iowa

Zoetis Named a Top Company for Executive Women by NAFE

NEWS RELEASE: For the Second Year in a Row, the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) Recognizes Zoetis for its Commitment to Women’s Advancement PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) today (March. 3) announced that it has been named one of the 2020 “Top 70 Companies for Executive Women” by the National Association for Female Executives. This honor recognizes U.S. corporations where there is a strong focus on best practices that demonstrate effectiveness in moving women to senior ranks, including mentoring, involvement in employee-resource groups and leadership development training. Zoetis is a major employer in Charles City. “We are honored … Continue reading Zoetis Named a Top Company for Executive Women by NAFE