The coronavirus pandemic is forcing some changes on lottery games and the way winning tickets are cashed in. Iowa Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, is getting the word out. "Clearly anything that is going on with the Iowa Lottery or with Powerball is just a very, very tiny slice of life these … [Read more...]
Iowa Egg Council suggests a coronavirus safe Easter egg hunt
Traditional Easter egg hunts in communities across Iowa are canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but nontraditional Easter egg hunts are already underway. Katie Nola, a spokeswoman for the Iowa Egg Council, suggests Iowans tape colored Easter egg drawings in their windows for young … [Read more...]
Monticello pianist entertains those sheltering at home with online sessions
Musicians across Iowa are using the internet to reach their fans -- and to find new audiences -- since many of us are staying in our houses due to the pandemic. Professional pianist Jim McDonough of Monticello is offering free, live performances at noon twice a week on his Facebook page, drawing … [Read more...]
Biking enthusiast says you can ride and still keep your social distance
Some Iowans are hesitant to leave their houses and apartments for fear they'll be exposed to coronavirus, but cooped-up couch potatoes are encouraged to get outside and get some exercise. Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says taking in some sunshine and being out in … [Read more...]
State officials issue advisory for closed pools, spas
The Iowa Department of Public Health is advising managers of Iowa swimming pools and spas to keep the water circulating systems operating. While all state-regulated swimming pools, spas, and aquatic centers are required to be closed -- draining the water out is not recommended, as that can damage … [Read more...]
Grinnell teen wins national essay contest
A central Iowa teenager is among three national winners of the 2020 Democracy Works essay contest, focused on the dramatic arts. Sixteen-year-old Barrett Edwards is a junior at Grinnell High School who wrote about how theatre has broken down barriers among different groups in his rural community. … [Read more...]
Le Mars residents bring back cruising tradition to beat self isolation boredom
Residents of the western Iowa town of Le Mars found a way to beat the boredom of being isolated by the coronavirus by taking their cars to "scoop the loop" Sunday. Close to 200 cars, pickups, and even an occasional semi were seen driving on Central Avenue, (the city's main street). The vehicles … [Read more...]
Pella Tulip Time Festival canceled
Pella's three-day "Tulip Time" festival in early May has been canceled. The annual festival, which started in 1935, has only been canceled once before, back in 1946. Valerie Van Kooten is the executive director of the Pella Historical Society and Museums. "It is disappointing," she says, "and it … [Read more...]
Casinos started shutting down before emergency order
The governor's emergency order requires the state-licensed casinos to shut down for the next two weeks. Iowa Gaming Association PresidentWes Ehrecke says four casinos had already made the decision to temporarily close -- and others were discussing it. "These are unprecedented times, and it's … [Read more...]
Association leader worried many restaurants won’t survive coronavirus shut down
The head of the Iowa Restaurant Association says today's proclamation by the governor could force the permanent closure of hundreds of Iowa eateries and put 80,000 Iowans out of work. Association President and CEO Jessica Dunker says she understands that this Public Health Disaster Emergency was … [Read more...]