The mayor of Muscatine has issued a proclamation for a city-wide face covering mandate starting at 6 a.m. today. Muscatine Mayor Diana Broderson said she's concerned by growing COVID-19 caseloads in neighboring areas. "Our numbers aren't terrible right this minute. If we wait 'til they are, it's … [Read more...]
Clay County Fair cancels for this year
The Clay County Fair in northwest Iowa is joining the list of casualties from coronavirus. The Clay County Fair Association says the decision was made amid concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. After weeks of looking at various options, the fair decided it could not protect the health and … [Read more...]
Be prepared to quarantine if you travel to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
Iowans traveling to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut now face a two-week quarantine upon arrival. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says Iowa is one of 16 states on a list that requires travelers to self-isolate once they reach one of the three northeastern states. Cuomo says any state with a … [Read more...]
State website now using new method for counting recovery from COVID-19
State officials have changed the way recovery from COVID-19 is reported on the state website with coronavirus information and Governor Kim Reynolds says it means more hours will be spent finding people who may have been near someone who has the virus. Case inspection first teams try to speak with … [Read more...]
Governor says schools with mandatory mask policies must define appropriate use
Governor Kim Reynolds says Iowa school officials who choose to mandate that everyone in a school building must wear face masks must seriously consider how to implement the policy. "What type of a face covering will be allowed?" Reynolds asks. "...Who will be responsible for providing the face … [Read more...]
Quarterly survey from Iowa Business Council shows some optimism
The Iowa Business Council's second-quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2020 shows some improvement in what the managers of the states' largest businesses expect in the coming months. IBC executive director Joe Murphy says it's a modest improvement. He says the overall score in overall economic … [Read more...]
Iowa Central Community College leader expects changes to increase fall enrollment
While some Iowa colleges are projecting fall enrollment will drop due to COVID-19, the president of Iowa Central Community College predicts a boost in students when classes resume in a few months. Dan Kinney says he's remaining optimistic that the choices being offered and the changes being made … [Read more...]
Woodbine Applefest canceled for this year
Applefest in Woodbine that had been scheduled for September 26 is now canceled. Organizers made the announcement on their Facebook page. Vendors who paid their fees have the option of a refund or can roll that over to next year's Applefest -- which is now scheduled for September 25th of … [Read more...]
All blood donations to Red Cross now screened for COVID-19
The American Red Cross is now testing all blood donations from Iowans for COVID-19 antibodies. Red Cross spokesman Joe Zydlo says the tests will let donors know if they have been exposed to coronavirus, plus, it's another way to encourage people to donate a pint. Zydlo says, "There continues to … [Read more...]
Some turning to RV’s as a way to travel and keep social distance
The pandemic has many Iowans skittish about traditional means of travel and they're seeking out alternative ways to heed the call of the open road. Nick Smith, sales manager at Good Life RV in Webster City, says they've seen record sales of recreational vehicles for two months in a row. "We've … [Read more...]