Governor Kim Reynolds is moving up the re-opening of more businesses prior to the holiday weekend. "Today I am announcing that effective on Friday, movie theaters, zoos, aquariums, museums and wedding reception venues will be permitted to re-open with appropriate public health measures in place," … [Read more...]
More retailers plan to close stores in wake of pandemic losses
More retailers and big box stores are permanently closing due to economic conditions worsened by the pandemic, bringing untold job losses in Iowa. JCPenney filed for bankruptcy protection last week and now says it will close more than 240 stores nationwide, though it's unclear how many, if any, … [Read more...]
Catholic Diocese of Des Moines to allow restart of masses in 15 counties
The Bishop of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese is allowing in-person masses to return in 15 counties beginning Thursday. Bishop William Joensen says the decision comes after looking at information surrounding the coronavirus pandemic for the past month. "We just thought that a kind of gradual … [Read more...]
New DOT plan would only close 8 interstate rest stops
The Iowa Department of Transportation plans to release an updated proposal by the end of this month that reduces the number of full-service interstate rest areas targeted for closing from 11 to 8. The DOT's Brad Hofer says they used public input and did some more study of the rest areas and truck … [Read more...]
Iowa bars, casinos must stay closed, but hair cutting businesses may reopen
Hair salons and barber shops statewide may reopen on Friday. Governor Kim Reynolds announced a series of decisions today that will allow more businesses to reopen. "We can and must reopen our economy," Reynolds said during a late morning news conference "We can restart in a stable, safe and … [Read more...]
State Historical Society starting Iowa’s COVID-19 collection with digital donations
The State Historical Society is asking Iowans to help document the pandemic for future generations. "We are inviting Iowans to capture the stories of COVID-19 and its impact, its ripple effects on everyday life here in Iowa," said Michael Morain, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Cultural … [Read more...]
After 91 years, western Iowa restaurant to close
An iconic western Iowa restaurant is closing for good. Cronk's Cafe in Denison opened in 1929. Eric and Terri Skoog have owned the restaurant since 1984. Presidential candidates from both political parties have campaigned in the cafe. "I think we've done just about everything you possibly could," … [Read more...]
Wapello County Fair canceled, other fair boards weighing options
Officials with the Wapello County Fair announced the event's cancellation this morning. The fair was scheduled for June 17th through the 21st. Wapello County Fair President Jim Sloan said in a statement the fair board "unanimously supported" the directive passed down from the Wapello County … [Read more...]
Governor to allow businesses to reopen in 77 Iowa counties
Governor Kim Reynolds will allow many businesses in 77 Iowa counties to reopen May 1 and church services may resume in the entire state this weekend. "The reality is that we can't stop the virus, that it will remain in our communities until a vaccine is available," Reynolds said late this morning … [Read more...]
Attorney General sues Orange City man for price gouging on pandemic essentials
Iowa's Attorney General Tom Miller is suing a northwest Iowa man for alleged price gouging. Spokesman Lynn Hicks says the lawsuit accuses Michael Evan Noteboom of Orange City of charging excessive prices for some 250 items. "He was in one case selling a 12-count package of paper towels for … [Read more...]