FRIDAY - April 3rd, 2020
Friday, April 3rd, 2020
Today's Weather Outlook - WOWT
Areas of sleet, freezing rain and snow moving through to start the day. Most will Be gone by 7am but some slick spots could linger through 10am before we start to warm and melting this afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 40s this afternoon allowing the slick spots to thaw out. Strong northwest winds gusting to near 35 mph will be with us this mornign before they start to taper off this afternoon. Sporadic power outages are possible this morning due to that. The weekend promises to be much better after a cold start Saturday morning. We'll start in the 20s and warm into the lower 50s by the afternoon. Sunday looks to be even better with highs in the mid 60s.
Harrison-Shelby-Pottawattamie-Mills-Douglas-Sarpy-Cass-Otoe-Gage- Johnson- Including the cities of Missouri Valley, Woodbine, Logan, Dunlap, Harlan, Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Plattsmouth, Nebraska City, Beatrice, Tecumseh, and Sterling 347 AM CDT Fri Apr 3 2020 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch. * WHERE...Portions of east central and southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Ice accumulation on windshields while driving is likely. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Covid -19 News
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a number of cancellations and postponements. We here at KNOD are striving to keep you updated on all of them. In order to keep these announcements in one place, we ask that you go back to the top of our news page and click on the drop down box of Cancellations and Postponements. You will find all COVID-19 related items on that page. For ease of location, the announcements are listed in alphabetical order. Thank you for your understanding.
STATE OF IOWA COVID-19 UPDATE: 699 total cases in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health reports 85 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19. That brings the total to 699 positive cases in Iowa. The IDPH reported no new deaths Friday. There have been 11 deaths in the state so far. The IDPH said there have been a total of 8,764 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.
According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 85 individuals include:
Allamakee County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Clayton County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Clinton County, 4 middle age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Crawford County, 1 middle age adult (41-60), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Dallas County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Dubuque County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Fayette County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Henry County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Jackson County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Jasper County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Jefferson County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Johnson County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)
Linn County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 5 older adults (61-80 years), 6 elderly adults (81+)
Louisa County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Lyon County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Marshall County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Monona County, 1 elderly (81+)
Muscatine County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
O’Brien County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Plymouth County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Polk County, 6 adults (18-40 years), 6 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Pottawattamie County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Scott County, 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Shelby County, 1 older adult (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)
Sioux County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Story County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Tama County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Van Buren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Warren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Washington County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Woodbury County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Acts of Kindness don’t go unnoticed -
While everyone in the KNOD listening area navigates through the difficult times the COVID-19 pandemic has created, acts of kindness within the community are still being seen. On Friday, an anonymous person paid for the meals of 4 patrons at The Buck Snort restaurant in Harlan. The act was said to be a “pay-it-forward” gesture by the anonymous donor. This deed not only assisted people looking to save a few dollars during uncertain times, but also helped a local business as they adjust their services to current state guidelines. And also proves the importance of communities coming together to help one another during the duration of this epidemic.
SHELBY COUNTY DAILY UPDATE: April 2, 2020
For up to date community information in Shelby County, please visit the Facebook page of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Myrtue Medical, Harlan Newspapers and KNOD Radio. For Iowa state updates, please visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website -https://idph.iowa.gov/ , or https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ For national updates, please visit the CDC website – https://www.cdc.gov/
As of 2:30 PM, April 2nd, there are 5 reported cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Shelby County. Statewide, there are 614 positive cases with 62 counties affected. 74 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19. Of the 614 positive cases, 402 individuals are under the age of 60. Eight children (age 0-17) are affected. Eleven deaths have been reported in Iowa. IA Dept of Public Health is reporting 8,054 negative tests for COVID-19 in Iowa.
UPDATE: During her 2:30 press conference today, Governor Reynolds announced that she has signed a proclamation that extends the business closures, social distancing guidelines, and school closures through April 30, 2020. Additional information regarding this proclamation will be added to the daily update once the press release from the Governor’s office is available.
NOTE: Age is a strong risk factor for severe illness. Starting at age 60, your risk of severe illness doubles or triples between decades of life. Underlying medical conditions also increase your risk of severe illness, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, or cancer. All age groups are vulnerable to the 2019 novel coronavirus and EVERYONE needs to practice social distancing measures.
UPDATE: UPDATE FROM SHELBY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Effective immediately, Shelby County is under an Extreme Fire Danger. NO PRESCRIBED BURNS ALLOWED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. This includes all outside burning.
UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF SHELBY: PARK CLOSING NOTICE
Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, Shelby City Park is closed Effective April 01, 2020 until further notice. An advisory is hereby given that none of the park features, including the playground equipment are being sanitized and IS NOT Sanitary; therefore, contact with these features is not recommended. Parents are advised to not allow their children to play in the city park.
URGENT: Please do not flush anything down a toilet other than toilet paper. Flushing any other items (paper towels, wash cloths, wipes of any kind, feminine hygiene products, etc.) WILL damage and possibly shut down our sewer systems. Cooking Grease is prohibited from being disposed into the sewer system. Please place cooking grease into an approved container or jar and dispose in the garbage.
UPDATE FROM HARLAN POLICE DEPARTMENT: If you need to make a police report, call the Harlan Police Department at 712-755-5151. Please do not come into the lobby. If you have an emergency, call 911.
UPDATE: The Shelby County COAD Grocery Shopping Service received 60 orders on Wednesday (April 1) evening. This service is for Fareway customers to place grocery orders and HyVee customers to order grocery delivery. The order line will be open again on Saturday evening (April 4) from 6 pm to 8 pm. Call toll free 833-356-8189. THANKS to all community members that are using this service and doing their part to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community. Everyone who can take advantage of this service makes a difference for the community!!
VOLUNTEERS: To volunteer to help with the Grocery Shopping Service, contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry and you will be referred to the Shelby County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).
REMINDER: The Harlan Senior Center will be closed until further notice. They will be delivering frozen meals to the home bound every Tuesday and will continue until they are opened again. If you need meals, call 755-3779 and leave a message.
REMINDER: From the City of Harlan - Playground equipment in City of Harlan Parks is closed to the public. Restrooms and Shelter Houses in the City of Harlan parks are closed. If you are using the parks, please practice safe social distancing.
UPDATE: Shelby County State Bank announced effective Wednesday, April 1st that they will limit their operations to four (4) of their seven locations in Shelby County. The Harlan Downtown, Elk Horn, Panama and Shelby offices will continue to operate in “drive thru” mode only. These locations will be open 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday and 8-11 am Saturday. The Irwin, Portsmouth, and Harlan West branches will be temporarily closed including the night depositories. Call SCSB at 755-5112 for all questions.
UPDATE: Shelby County Public Health Department – it is strongly suggested that if you choose to pleasure travel, or travel for extended business, outside of the State of Iowa you should self-quarantine upon return for two weeks. This does not include commuter travel to the Omaha Metro Market.
REMINDER: The City of Shelby is starting a donation program for people who have self-isolated in their homes and need groceries and could use some help paying for them. Please call City Hall for more details - 712-544-2404 If you would like to donate to this program to help our neighbors or buy groceries, drop them off at the old Shelby City Hall, 419 East Street, we will leave door open during regular business hours. Monetary donations can be sent to City Hall at 417 East Street. Your donations are greatly appreciated! 100% of donated funds received go to the grocery’s assistance program.
REMINDER: The Shelby County Landfill is now open to the public again. The office will remain closed. Individuals dropping off items should use the mailbox on the wall to drop off payment.
REMINDER: As of Tuesday, March 31st at Noon the Harlan Community Library has discontinued their curbside service. The library is encouraging everyone to stay home and access their online resources. For information, call the library at 755-5934.
REMINDER: If you are making surgical masks for Myrtue Medical, there is a limited supply of elastic available at the Shelby County Chamber. Some of the elastic available is 1/2” wide. If using this donated elastic, cut the 1/2” wide ribbon in half to create two 1/4” wide ribbons for use. Thank you to Variety Distributors and Rusty’s Shoe Repair (Roger Rust) for the elastic donated!
FACE MASKS FOR MYRTUE MARCH 2020
Instructions:
If you have begun making masks using a different pattern than the one posted, please continue and donate those also.
REMINDER: The Shelby County Courthouse is now closed to the public. Departments are answering phones. Please call 755-3831 and select the department you wish to speak to from the menu. Please call 755-3831 option 6 for an absentee ballot for the June primary to be sent to you. Additional details regarding the Court System may be announced later.
REMINDER: From the Shelby County Auditor:
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has issued a directive that the June 2nd Primary will not be cancelled or postponed. The Shelby County Auditor’s Office will begin mailing absentee ballots on April 23rd or possibly later depending on when they are printed and available. Mark Maxwell, Shelby County Auditor, is encouraging everyone to request an absentee ballot. You may request a ballot by calling 712-755-3831, ext. 6 and providing your name, address, telephone number, and the number of ballots needed for your address. If you call after hours, please leave a detailed voice mail message with this information.
West Central Community Action Food Pantry is open by appointment only. If you would like to donate food, gift cards from local businesses, or need to pick up food from the pantry, you must call first: 712-755-5602.
REMINDER: Pantry items are needed for the HCSD Feed the Children Program. Needed donated items: bread, mac & cheese, fresh vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, tuna, cereal, canned goods, etc. Donated items may be dropped off at FarmTable Delivery (1901 Hawkeye Avenue). Additional volunteer drivers are needed for the Feed the Children program. If you can assist, please email Ellen Walsh-Rosmann at ellen.walshrosmann@hcsdcyclones.com
REMINDER: Links for business assistance and unemployment claims are available on the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry website – exploreshelbycounty.com – under the Shelby County COVID-19 Daily Updates and Resources button.
REMINDER FROM MYRTUE MEDICAL CENTER: Patients coming to Myrtue Medical Center are discouraged from bringing more than one visitor with them unless necessary. This limitation should be one healthy adult, no children. This includes one healthy visitor with a patient for doctor appointments, testing, and hospitalization. For our OB patients and their families’ safety, Myrtue is limiting Birthing Center visitors to one healthy adult during the entire stay. Children may visit in the OB waiting room but not in the locked OB corridor. The visitor limitation will not apply to our Hospice patients.
REMINDER: The City of Harlan announced that effective Monday, March 23rd the City Hall Office is closed to the public. If you need to speak to the City of Harlan, please call (712) 755-5137.
Visit your local church social media pages and websites for updates on service broadcasts during this time. Many will record services/messages that will also be broadcast on FMCTC and HMU - check those websites for schedules.
From the Shelby County Public Health Nurse:
All Shelby County residents: Unless you must go out for essential supplies or services, please stay home. This recommendation is even more critical for those over 60 with underlying health conditions as seniors are more likely to have severe symptoms associated with COVID-19 infections. Social distancing makes a difference when we all do our part by staying home and reducing potential exposures. Anyone who is sick, please stay home. (This is always good advice, but particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic). If you are mildly ill, please rest and recover at home. If you need to see a health care provider, call ahead. Everything we do to reduce exposure individually is a victory for our community.
If you are mildly ill with respiratory illness or fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher), stay home and isolate from others until you have gone 72 hours without these symptoms without the use of over the counter medications and 7 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared and your respiratory symptoms have resolved. If you are seriously ill with respiratory illness or fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher), call ahead to (712) 755-5130 and speak directly to a nurse at Myrtue Medical to screen your needs. If you decide to go to the Emergency Room, call ahead to let them know you are coming if possible.
Please Practice Social Distancing at All Times – when considering going out for shopping, please do not make this a family outing. Have one individual from the household do your shopping.
Monitor local information at the Shelby County Chamber website and the Myrtue Medical Center website.
Purchase weekly groceries and supplies—purchasing large amounts of needed items limits exposure to others. Shop when the store is less busy and practice social distancing while in the store. Always keep six feet between yourself and other shoppers or workers. Use available hand sanitizer at the checkout counter or bring your own to use while you shop and after checking out.
Use credible sources for information to reduce gossip and fear. Credible sources include the Iowa Department of Public Health or the Center for Disease Control webpages. At the local level, please follow Myrtue Medical Center’s webpage and social media and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Weekly newspaper articles also provide information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay calm and be thoughtful. We are all in this together and want to make sure we are all able to have the resources and support we need to stay healthy, have essential needs met, and receive medical care as needed. For those of you who are choosing to practice social distancing to protect your family, yourself, and our community—Thank You! If you haven’t begun social-distancing practices, please start now.
Two Additional Shelby County Residents Test Positive for COVID-19 Making Five Total Cases
Two Additional Shelby County Residents Test Positive for COVID-19 Making Five Total Cases
Two additional Shelby County residents have tested positive for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to five.
Age ranges of the two additional cases:
Individual 4 – Age (61-80)
Individual 5 – Age (81+)
Community spread of COVID-19 is occurring in Shelby County. For this reason, we urge all Shelby County residents to:
Stay home
Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
If you have a fever, cough or respiratory symptoms, CALL AHEAD to 712-755-5130. Do NOT go directly to the Emergency Room or the clinic.
Harlan, Audubon & Exira-EHK Schools now closed through April 30th -
Officials with the Harlan, Audubon, as well as the Exira-EHK Community School Districts, are following Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Dept. of Education recommendations, to remain closed through April 30th.
Harlan Superintendent Lynn Johnson said they were remaining closed until April 30th and will re-evaluate the situation at that time.
Audubon Superintendent Eric Trager says parents and students are asked to “Please continue to check your email for schoolwork suggestions from teachers.” The administration says they “Are currently working on our plan for the Department of Ed to abide by their rules.”
Exira-EHK Superintendent Trevor Miller says “Exira-EHK teachers have been working hard to provide information for our students the past three weeks. Our administrative team will be meeting with the DLT team to discuss what continuous learning will look like for our students. Details about our plans will be released next week, with a target to begin online instruction for students PK-12 starting the week of April 13th. Other districts are expected to announce in the coming days, their plans to follow the Governor and Iowa DOE recommendations.
Pottawattamie County reports 6th COVID-19 case -
Pottawattamie County Public Health announced Thursday they now have a sixth case of COVID-19 in Pottawattamie County. The newest case is a Council Bluffs woman between 61 and 80 years old. Five of the six cases in the county are in Council Bluffs. The patient in the new case has pre-existing medical conditions with no recent travel and no identifiable contact with an existing case. Because the case is not traceable, the department said it believes it to be a result of community spread. The individual is currently self-isolating at home.
All Pottawattamie County and City of Council Bluffs playgrounds have temporarily closed. County and City parks remain open, but gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
Iowa schools to remain closed through April 30th -
Governor Kim Reynolds has announced schools in the state will be closed through April 30th. Originally, the plan released on March 15th, had been for classes to resume April 13th. During her Thursday afternoon daily press conference, Reynolds said “Keeping Iowa’s students out of classrooms is a very difficult decision, but it remains necessary for now. We anticipate the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Iowa to continue to grow.
“Keeping schools closed for an extended amount of time will help protect the safety of our students, teachers and school staff, reduce the burden, flatten the curve on our health care system and work force, and of course reduce the risk to our most vulnerable Iowans, and ultimately save lives.”
Reynolds said at this time, she is NOT ordering schools to remain closed until the end of the school year. She said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo “has been working proactively with the Education Task Force to develop a plan that defines options for continuous learning programs., including non-credit and for-credit options. School Districts will be required to select the best option for the students and families they serve, and inform the State of their decision by April 30th.
“School Districts that choose not to provide continuous learning will be required to make up the instructional time lost beyond what has been waived by the Iowa Legislature.” Reynolds said “I also want to let school districts know, while we extended closures through April 30th, and we continue to evaluate information, I know that it’s also extremely important to you when you’re making your decisions, to give you at least a two-week’s notice and we will plan to do that as we move through this process.”
USPS changes signed package delivery and in-office procedures -
To reduce health risks associated with COVID-19, officials with the United States Postal Service say they are temporarily modifying customer signature capture procedures as part of a social distancing initiative. A statement from USPS says “While maintaining a safe, appropriate distance, employees will request the customer’s first initial and last name so that the employee can enter the information on the electronic screen or hard copy items such as return receipts, PS Forms 3811 and 3829. “For increased safety, employees will politely ask the customer to step back a safe distance or close the screen door/door so that they may leave the item in the mail receptacle or appropriate location by the customer door.”
In your Post Office, customers are being limited to 10 persons at a time. There may be lines on the floor in the lobby of your Post Office, to help customers maintain a 6-foot distance in the queue to the service desk. There may also be a plastic barrier or shield (like those found in grocery stores), to protect the employee and customer. Once you place you package on the desk or counter, the USPS retail associate will ask you to step back while they process your transaction.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & prevention), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Surgeon General, have all indicated there is currently NO EVIDENCE that COVID-19 is being spread through mail and packages.
COVID-19 update from Audubon County Public Health Department -
Officials with the Audubon County COVID-19 Community Partners and Audubon County Memorial Hospital put together a weekly update on coronavirus related issues.
Exira Clinic
Audubon County Memorial Hospital has received enough personal protective equipment over the last week to re-open our Exira Clinic on a limited basis. The clinic had been temporarily closed for the safety of the staff and to maximize the use of limited PPE. Our provider, Val Riesberg, and Christie Konkler and Julie Vais will staff the clinic starting this Friday, April 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After this Friday, the clinic will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It is very important for the safety of our staff that visits are open by appointment only. This includes appointments for Lab draws and BP checks, which are usually walk ins.
Patients will be screened on the phone and again in person upon entering the clinic. Everyone will wear a mask and the mask will be sent home with the patient.
The Clinic will schedule the patients appropriately throughout the day so that no one is in the clinic at the same time as another family is.
The Clinic will only see patients whose symptoms are not suspected as possible COVID-19. Suspected COVID-19 will be redirected to Audubon County Memorial Hospital for testing at a designated time to maximize the staff's use of full protective equipment.
The Exira Clinic will open up fully only after the Pandemic is considered contained in Iowa.
Audubon County Fire and Rescue
Audubon Fire and Rescue wants the community to be aware that emergency responders in Audubon County are now wearing a N-95 mask to every medical call that we respond to. We are doing this out of precaution, regardless if the person we are responding to has COVID-19 symptoms or not.
Audubon County Public Health
The County of Audubon had its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The individual is between 61 and 80 in age and is self-isolating at home.
This person and all COVID-19 cases will remain in self-isolation until the following goals have been met:
* You have had no fever for at least 72 hours - three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever AND
* Other symptoms have improved, for example when your cough or shortness of breath have improved AND
* At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
Remember - Iowa Code Chapter 22 prohibits the release of any information that could lead to the identification of an individual or facility. Local public health works with the confirmed case to identify close contacts who should monitor their health symptoms and self-isolate. There is no additional general public guidance that would result from providing more information about a case. All residents are urged to stay home as much as possible, stay away from groups of people and maintain a six foot distance from other individuals. This is needed by everyone, regardless of a confirmed case, because we know there is community COVID-19 spread throughout the country and Iowa. The risk of the virus is the same for the general public regardless of a confirmed case in the community.
Iowa Workforce Development reports initial unemployment insurance claims filed for week of March 22-28, 2020 -
The number of initial claims in Iowa reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, filed between Sunday, March 22 and Saturday, March 28, was 58,453. There were 55,963 initial claims by individuals who work and live in Iowa, and 2,490 claims by individuals who work in Iowa and live out of state. A total of $13,724,985.87 of unemployment insurance benefits were paid to claimants who live and/or work in Iowa for the week ending on March 27.
The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims is 54,461.
The following industry breakdown includes all (COVID-19 & non-COVID-19) claimants counts for last week, knowing a majority of them are going to be COVID-19-related. This will be reflective of the other data included in the release:
• Accommodation and Food Services (12,519)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (7,490)
• Manufacturing (7,168)
• Retail Trade (5,888)
• Other Services (3,780)
Iowa Workforce Development continues to successfully process unemployment insurance claims in a timely fashion. IWD is not authorized to release these payments and it may be several weeks before these payments are made. Iowa Workforce Development encourages the public to visit www.IowaWorkorceDevelopment.gov to file for their initial and weekly unemployment insurance claim and for the most updated information on the CARES act benefits and payments. Considerable information regarding unemployment insurance eligibility and the latest updates are available.
Iowa Workforce Development continues to receive an unprecedented level of calls. We know waits of more than 15 minutes may occur. However, we are answering almost 80% of these calls, so remain on the line and we should get to your call prior to 4:30. You can also send an email to uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov. We have been successful in answering most emails within 24 hours. Again many of the questions can be answered by the information contained on our website. We will continue to provide as much assistance as possible to our fellow Iowans to ensure everyone who is eligible for benefits receives those benefits in a timely manner.
For more information on the total data for this week’s unemployment claims, please visit https://www.iowalmi.gov/unemployment-insurance-statistics
US unemployment claims hit record 6.6 million as layoffs accelerate with virus -
More than 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — doubling a record high set just one week earlier — a sign that layoffs are accelerating in the midst of the coronavirus.
The stunning report Thursday from the Labor Department showed that job cuts are mounting against the backdrop of economies in the United States and abroad that have almost certainly sunk into a severe recession as businesses close across the world.
The figure for last week is much higher than the previous record of 3.3 million reported for the previous week. The surging layoffs have led many economists to envision as many as 20 million lost jobs by the end of April. The unemployment rate could spike to as high as 15% this month, above the previous record of 10.8% set during a deep recession in 1982.
Many employers are slashing their payrolls to try to stay afloat because their revenue has collapsed, especially at restaurants, hotels, gyms, movie theaters and other venues that depend on face-to-face interaction. Auto sales have sunk, and factories have closed.
Stay-at-home orders, imposed by most U.S. states, have intensified pressure on businesses, most of which face rent, loans and other bills that must be paid.
Congress significantly expanded the unemployment benefits system in last week's $2.2 trillion economic rescue package. That legislation added $600 a week in jobless aid, on top of what recipients receive from their states. This will enable many lower-income workers to manage their expenses and even increase their purchasing power and support the economy.
It also makes many more people eligible for jobless aid, including the self-employed, contractors, and so-called "gig economy" workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers.
The legislation will also help fund unemployment benefits for workers whose hours have been cut. That would enable these people to replace some of their lost income with unemployment aid even as they keep their jobs.
About 26 states allow workers with reduced hours to claim benefits. Most economists support doing so because it encourages companies to cut back on hours rather than lay off workers. Any program that encourages companies to maintain connections with their workers can help the economy rebound faster after the virus outbreak is contained.
General News -
Man arrested on Burglary & other charges -
25 year old Christian Edward Rexilius was arrested just before 9 pm, Thursday night. Rexilius was charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree – Breaking and Entering with a person present – no injuries, Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree – Destruction/ Damage of Property and Providing False ID information. His bond was set at $10,600.
And, a prisoner at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, NE., was transported to the Pottawattamie County Jail this morning. 47-year old Steven M. Morlan was wanted in Pottawattamie County on a warrant for Violation of Probation.
Cumberland woman injured in Friday morning accident -
44 year old Jennifer Lea Brisky of Cumberland was injured in a single-vehicle accident this morning. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the accident occurred at 6:50 a.m. on Lansing Road. Brisky was driving a 2005 Chevy Colorado pickup westbound when she lost control due to the icy road. The pickup went into the north ditch and rolled onto its top. Brisky was transported to Cass County Memorial Hospital via Medivac. No citations were issued.
Iowa DOT to issue restricted commercial driver’s licenses remotely -
With spring planting season just around the corner, many Iowa farm workers will need to obtain a restricted commercial driver’s license to assist with farm operations. To limit the number of people who come into the service centers and reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19, the Iowa Department of Transportation will be reviewing applications and issuing restricted commercial driver’s licenses remotely and mailing them out to these customers. If you need to obtain a restricted commercial driver’s license, please contact our CDL Program administrators at cdl.program@iowadot.us.
Council Bluffs man arrested for Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree -
On Wednesday, April 1st, Hershal James “Jim” Ratliff was arrested on 4 Counts of Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree, 1 Count Lascivious Acts W/Minor, 1 Count Solicit Commercial Sexual Activity and 1 Count Indecent Exposure. These charges stem from an investigation by the Council Bluffs Police Department that began in August 2019. A juvenile female had provided detectives with information on Ratliff’s involvement in criminal sexual activity. In January 2020, a second female came forward and provided additional, similar information on Ratliff’s criminal activity. With this information, detectives were able to request warrants for the listed offenses. This is an on-going investigation. Anybody with additional information is encouraged to contact the Council Bluffs Police Department at 712-328-4728.
Teenager accused of Mapleton murder wants case moved to juvenile court -
The 17 year old boy accused of killing a 16 year old in Mapleton is seeking prosecution as a juvenile. Monona County court records say the boy’s attorney filed a motion Wednesday to transfer the case to juvenile court. The boy is charged with first-degree murder in the January shooting death of Joseph Hopkins of Mapleton. A hearing on the request is scheduled for June 1st.
Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Report – 4-2-20 -
Officials with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday, an inmate at the Pottawattamie county Jail, 46 year old William Lewis of Council Bluffs, was served with a warrant on Monday for Theft in the 5th Degree. Bond on the charge was set at $300. Lewis was presented with the warrant and then returned to the custody of Corrections staff. There were also several prisoners transferred from the Douglas County Nebraska Jail to the Pottawattamie County Jail to address warrants in Pottawattamie County. They included: 19 year old Edmundo Galvez of Carter Lake, who was being held in the Pottawattamie County Jail on $11,000 bond for the charges of False Imprisonment and Kidnapping in the 3rd Degree. 51 year old William Nunez of Omaha who was wanted in Pottawattamie County for Domestic Abuse/Simple Assault and theft in the 1st Degree. His bond was set at $10,000. 35 year old Marco Burns of Omaha who was transported to the Pottawattamie County Jail Wednesday, under a warrant for Violation of Probation. 38 year old Raymond Dean Younce, Jr. was taken to the Pottawattamie County Jail to address a warrant for Felony, Escape From Custody. 34 year old Michael Anthony Martinez was wanted for Theft in the 3rd Degree. 37 year old Jermaine Tucker was wanted for Felony, Escape from Custody. And 30 year old Andrew Lippert of Council Bluffs was transported from Douglas County to the Pottawattamie County Jail under a warrant for Violation of Probation. He remained in the jail on a hold for a Residential Corrections Facility.
Denison man sentenced to federal prison for meth conspiracy – Denison Bulletin & Review
31 year old Jose Carlos Ramirez-Martinez, of Denison, the man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on Tuesday. Ramirez-Martinez received the prison term after a December 6, 2019 jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence showed that Ramirez-Martinez was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 50 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine from October 2015 to September 2016 from the Denison area. Ramirez-Martinez would have co-conspirators travel from Denison to Worthington, MN to deliver half pounds of methamphetamine for subsequent sale in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Those co-conspirators would then return with the money.
Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Ramirez-Martinez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Coronavirus-Related Request for Release from Jail Filed In Carroll County District Court -
Carroll Broadcasting -
27 year old Joshua Alexander Greene of Coon Rapids has filed a request with the Iowa District Court for Carroll County to be released based on the risk of being infected with the COVID-19 virus while incarcerated in the Carroll County Jail. According to Carroll Broadcasting, Greene has been held at the jail since March 12th, following a probation revocation hearing. The court had ordered him to serve time at a residential treatment facility, but there were no openings. Another motion has also been filed by the Carroll County Attorney seeking a denial of the request. Also the request for summary denial says the risk is high that Greene may flee if released as he has a history of non-compliance with prior court-ordered restrictions. Greene was arrested on two separate dates for incidents in Coon Rapids. The first occurred on July 10, 2019, when Greene kicked in the door at a family member’s home and threatened the life of one of the occupants. On January 22, Greene again damaged the door at a residence in the same neighborhood and then slashed all four tires in a neighbor’s vehicle.
Shelby County Board of Supervisors Meeting -
The Board of Supervisors of Shelby County, Iowa, met Tuesday morning in a remote meeting via teleconference.
Supervisor Kenkel made a motion to approve Shelby County as the fiscal agent for the department of Public Health and Iowa Community Kitchen for the production and transport of up to 300 meals to vulnerable county residents up to 12 weeks. Donations to the community kitchen are also welcome to support their infrastructure to provide these meals.
Tracking of extra emergency expenses that include payroll and unbudgeted county expenses was brought to the attention of the auditor’s office by Alex Londo, Shelby County Emergency Management director. Mark Maxwell, Shelby County auditor reasoned that every Shelby County expense goes across his administrative assistants desk, Angel Poore, Shelby County Auditors Administrative Assistant also has been assisting in payroll duties as cross training has progressed in his office. It would make sense to have department heads mark extra expenses plainly when filing claims and payroll sheets that have been affected by the current emergency that may be unbudgeted expenses. Having all of this sorted as this crisis unfolds and ends would be a great advantage. Maxwell proposed for the duration of this event, Ms. Poore receive additional pay in the amount of $60.00 per week ($1.50 per hour)to perform the tracking for all departments at the Auditors office.
Southwest Iowa Mental Health has added a new member County, that being Fremont County. A new 28-E agreement has been drafted and the Shelby County Supervisors are required to approve the new agreement adding Fremont County and using the Mental Health Advocate service. A discussion was held on the current agreement, with Lonnie Maguire, Shelby County Community Services Director fielding questions.
A temporary addition to County sick leave policy was then discussed and considered by the Shelby County Supervisors.
During the time designated by the Board as a disaster emergency pursuant to Resolution 2020-15, in the event that an employee shall use all of that employee’s accrued sick leave, the employee shall continue to be paid per the County’s sick leave policy until June 1, 2020, or until such time as the Board determines an emergency no longer exists, whichever is earlier. However, the amount of additional sick leave granted to an employee under this policy shall not exceed 80 hours. Such sick leave shall be referred to as “negative sick leave.” If, at the time an employee’s employment with the County is terminated for any reason, such employee has not fully reimbursed the County for negative sick leave used under this policy, the County shall withhold from employee’s final pay check such amount as is necessary to reimburse the County for such negative sick leave. Prior to incurring negative sick leave, the employee shall execute an agreement with the County agreeing to such reimbursement.
Mark Maxwell, auditor and Election commissioner, then informed the Supervisors that in person absentee voting must be allowed. The Courthouse entrance will have a precinct election official at the door to admit voters to the lower entry level of the Courthouse during normal business hours. All other areas of the Courthouse will be closed. One voter at a time will be allowed in the Courthouse. This will be attempted to be done in this manner unless it becomes unworkable then moving the absentee voting to another location will be necessary. If voters would request an absentee ballot now, they do not have to vote in person, they may vote by absentee by mail. Special provisions are being made for election day. Voters who choose to wait until election day may expect long lines caused by social distancing and the number of people allowed in a group. Again voting absentee by mail would alleviate much of the burden on election day. Also the Primary polling place in Earling will be moved from St. Josephs Hall to the Earling Fire Hall.
MONOGRAM LOVES KIDS FOUNDATION NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS -
The Monogram Loves Kids Foundation, the charitable arm of Monogram Meat Snacks in Chandler, MN, will award $50,000 in 2020 to charitable organizations that sponsor programs benefiting children and their families. Registered 501(c)3 public organizations interested in applying for these grants, which will range from $500 to $10,000, should visit monogramfoods.com/values/mlkf to access the application form. All submissions must be mailed in to the address listed on the application by Friday, May 29th 2020 at 5PM CST. All applicants must be located within 100 miles of Monogram Prepared Meats, 1231 870th St. Harlan, IA 51537. A committee of team members at the Monogram Prepared Meats plant will review the grant applications from Harlan area organizations. The Monogram Loves Kids Foundation was founded in 2010 as Monogram Foods’ charitable fund to raise money for children’s charities in areas of the country where Monogram team members live and work. Between 2010 and 2019, Monogram has donated over $3 million to charities focused on children and their families.
This from the Shelby County Emergency Management - Effective immediately Shelby County is under an Extreme Fire Danger. No prescribed burns will be allowed until further notice. This includes ALL outside burning.
Urgent Notice from the City of Harlan -
Do NOT flush paper towels, wash cloths or baby wipes (of any kind, no matter what the packaging says) into the City Sewer Systems. These items cannot be processed and will clog the pumping systems, eventually SHUTTING DOWN our systems. If you must use these items, dispose of them into a waste basket and throw them out with the rest of your trash. PLEASE - THIS IS URGENT. The only flushable items are toilet paper and facial tissue.
Applications for healthcare educational grants from the Endowment for Education are now being accepted. The grants are made available through the Lucille Petersen Endowment Fund, which was established in 1988. The funds will be distributed to selected applicants seeking short or long-range educational assistance to pursue healthcare occupations. An April 30th deadline has been set for applications to be submitted for the summer 2020 semester. Application forms and more information are available by contacting Ruth Pitkin at Myrtue Medical Center, 1213 Garfield Ave, Harlan, IA 51537, call 755-4316 or email rpitkin@myrtuemedical.org. The grants can be for new, entry-level or advanced training or certifications.
Shelby County Relay for Life Luminaria bags are now available! Each bag represents a loved one lost to cancer, or brings support to those affected by it and honors survivors! Get your luminarias now – they are only $5 through May 21st and $10 from May 22nd through June 5th. There are caregiver bags available too! Luminarias are available from any Relay for Life Team Member, Julie Ziola at 813-245-4851 or Cindy Schechinger at 579-1212. They are also available online for $10 with decorating included at relayforlife.org/shelbycountyia. The Luminary lighting ceremony will be held during the Shelby County Relay for Life Event on June 5th at Merrill field in Harlan.
GriefShare Seminar and Support Group will meet Mondays now through March 23rd from 5:30 to 7 pm at the First Baptist Church in Harlan. For more information, call the church office at 755-2711.
Seeds of Hope, support group for people with mental illness diagnosis, will meet Mondays, 6:30 – 8 pm, Shelby County Community Outreach.
Blood Donations Needed -
Upcoming donation opportunities include:
Saturday, April 11th - 8 am to 2 pm - Shelby Community Building
9 am to 3 pm - Harrison County Home and Public Health
Friday, April 17th - 7:30 am to 1 pm - Conductix-Wampfler in Harlan
Monday, April 20th - 8 am to 2 pm - Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan
Monday, May 4th - 7:30 am to 1:30 pm - Harlan High School
Tuesday, May 12th - 11:30 am to 5:30 pm - Veteran's Memorial Building - Harlan
Thursday, May 14th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - Atlantic YMCA
Tuesday, May 19th - 8:30 am to 2:30 pm - Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic
Wednesday, May 27th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Boniface Parish Center in Westphalia
Wednesday, June 3rd - 12 Noon to 5 pm - Manilla Memorial Hall
12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Patrick's Parish Ceenter in Audubon
Friday, July 24th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - Sacred Heart Church in Manning
Saturday, July 25th - 8 am to 1 pm - American Legion Building in Avoca
Saturday, August 1st - 7:30 am to 12:30 pm - Shelby Community Building
Wednesday, August 5th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Patricks Parish Center in Audubon
Tuesday, December 29th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Patrick's Parish Center in Audubon
AS a preventative action, the Carson Fire Department has postponed the Fish Fry Event that was scheduled for March 28th. It has been rescheduled for September 12th.
St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs invites you to the Roaring 2020's Annual Benefit Auction, Saturday, March 28th, at St. Albert High School Gymnasium. at f pm, the evening will start with cocktails, hors d'oeurves and a silent auction. A welcome, blessing and dinner at 7 pm, and a live auction at 7:30. Don't forget your raffle tickets for a chance at $10,000.
The Carson Fire and Rescue presents their 2nd annual Fish Fry, Saturday, March 28th, from 5 to 8 pm (or while supplies last) at the Carson Community Building. The cost is a free will donation. All proceeds will go to benefit the Carson Fire and Rescue Department.
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An Immunization Clinic for Children will be held on Wednesday April 1st, from 2 to 6 pm at Community Health. Immunizations are free for children that qualify for the VFC program. If you have insurance that pays for immunizations including Hawk-I, please call Myrtue Medical Clinic at 755-4516 to schedule an appointment there. Appointments are recommended to save time, but are not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Make appointments by calling 755-4422 or at shelbycountyclinics.com. Please ask for Cathy Buman if you have questions or need to make an appointment for a different day or time.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet every month at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. The meetings begin at 6:30 pm. The monthly meetings will be held on:
Thursday, April 2nd
Thursday, May 14th
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Upcoming events -
Defiance Parish Picnic - June 13th - dinner only - June 14th
Panama Parish Picnic - June 19-20
Westphalia Parish Picnic - July 3-4
Earling Parish Picnic - July 10-11
Shelby County Fair - July 12-20
Portsmouth Parish Picnic - July 25-26
Today's Weather Outlook - WOWT
Areas of sleet, freezing rain and snow moving through to start the day. Most will Be gone by 7am but some slick spots could linger through 10am before we start to warm and melting this afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 40s this afternoon allowing the slick spots to thaw out. Strong northwest winds gusting to near 35 mph will be with us this mornign before they start to taper off this afternoon. Sporadic power outages are possible this morning due to that. The weekend promises to be much better after a cold start Saturday morning. We'll start in the 20s and warm into the lower 50s by the afternoon. Sunday looks to be even better with highs in the mid 60s.
Harrison-Shelby-Pottawattamie-Mills-Douglas-Sarpy-Cass-Otoe-Gage- Johnson- Including the cities of Missouri Valley, Woodbine, Logan, Dunlap, Harlan, Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Plattsmouth, Nebraska City, Beatrice, Tecumseh, and Sterling 347 AM CDT Fri Apr 3 2020 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch. * WHERE...Portions of east central and southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Ice accumulation on windshields while driving is likely. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Covid -19 News
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a number of cancellations and postponements. We here at KNOD are striving to keep you updated on all of them. In order to keep these announcements in one place, we ask that you go back to the top of our news page and click on the drop down box of Cancellations and Postponements. You will find all COVID-19 related items on that page. For ease of location, the announcements are listed in alphabetical order. Thank you for your understanding.
STATE OF IOWA COVID-19 UPDATE: 699 total cases in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health reports 85 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19. That brings the total to 699 positive cases in Iowa. The IDPH reported no new deaths Friday. There have been 11 deaths in the state so far. The IDPH said there have been a total of 8,764 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.
According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 85 individuals include:
Allamakee County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Clayton County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Clinton County, 4 middle age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Crawford County, 1 middle age adult (41-60), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Dallas County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Dubuque County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Fayette County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Henry County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Jackson County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Jasper County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Jefferson County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Johnson County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)
Linn County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 5 older adults (61-80 years), 6 elderly adults (81+)
Louisa County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Lyon County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Marshall County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Monona County, 1 elderly (81+)
Muscatine County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
O’Brien County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Plymouth County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Polk County, 6 adults (18-40 years), 6 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Pottawattamie County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Scott County, 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Shelby County, 1 older adult (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)
Sioux County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Story County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Tama County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Van Buren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Warren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
Washington County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Woodbury County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Acts of Kindness don’t go unnoticed -
While everyone in the KNOD listening area navigates through the difficult times the COVID-19 pandemic has created, acts of kindness within the community are still being seen. On Friday, an anonymous person paid for the meals of 4 patrons at The Buck Snort restaurant in Harlan. The act was said to be a “pay-it-forward” gesture by the anonymous donor. This deed not only assisted people looking to save a few dollars during uncertain times, but also helped a local business as they adjust their services to current state guidelines. And also proves the importance of communities coming together to help one another during the duration of this epidemic.
SHELBY COUNTY DAILY UPDATE: April 2, 2020
For up to date community information in Shelby County, please visit the Facebook page of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Myrtue Medical, Harlan Newspapers and KNOD Radio. For Iowa state updates, please visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website -https://idph.iowa.gov/ , or https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ For national updates, please visit the CDC website – https://www.cdc.gov/
As of 2:30 PM, April 2nd, there are 5 reported cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Shelby County. Statewide, there are 614 positive cases with 62 counties affected. 74 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19. Of the 614 positive cases, 402 individuals are under the age of 60. Eight children (age 0-17) are affected. Eleven deaths have been reported in Iowa. IA Dept of Public Health is reporting 8,054 negative tests for COVID-19 in Iowa.
UPDATE: During her 2:30 press conference today, Governor Reynolds announced that she has signed a proclamation that extends the business closures, social distancing guidelines, and school closures through April 30, 2020. Additional information regarding this proclamation will be added to the daily update once the press release from the Governor’s office is available.
NOTE: Age is a strong risk factor for severe illness. Starting at age 60, your risk of severe illness doubles or triples between decades of life. Underlying medical conditions also increase your risk of severe illness, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, or cancer. All age groups are vulnerable to the 2019 novel coronavirus and EVERYONE needs to practice social distancing measures.
UPDATE: UPDATE FROM SHELBY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Effective immediately, Shelby County is under an Extreme Fire Danger. NO PRESCRIBED BURNS ALLOWED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. This includes all outside burning.
UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF SHELBY: PARK CLOSING NOTICE
Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, Shelby City Park is closed Effective April 01, 2020 until further notice. An advisory is hereby given that none of the park features, including the playground equipment are being sanitized and IS NOT Sanitary; therefore, contact with these features is not recommended. Parents are advised to not allow their children to play in the city park.
URGENT: Please do not flush anything down a toilet other than toilet paper. Flushing any other items (paper towels, wash cloths, wipes of any kind, feminine hygiene products, etc.) WILL damage and possibly shut down our sewer systems. Cooking Grease is prohibited from being disposed into the sewer system. Please place cooking grease into an approved container or jar and dispose in the garbage.
UPDATE FROM HARLAN POLICE DEPARTMENT: If you need to make a police report, call the Harlan Police Department at 712-755-5151. Please do not come into the lobby. If you have an emergency, call 911.
UPDATE: The Shelby County COAD Grocery Shopping Service received 60 orders on Wednesday (April 1) evening. This service is for Fareway customers to place grocery orders and HyVee customers to order grocery delivery. The order line will be open again on Saturday evening (April 4) from 6 pm to 8 pm. Call toll free 833-356-8189. THANKS to all community members that are using this service and doing their part to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community. Everyone who can take advantage of this service makes a difference for the community!!
VOLUNTEERS: To volunteer to help with the Grocery Shopping Service, contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry and you will be referred to the Shelby County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).
REMINDER: The Harlan Senior Center will be closed until further notice. They will be delivering frozen meals to the home bound every Tuesday and will continue until they are opened again. If you need meals, call 755-3779 and leave a message.
REMINDER: From the City of Harlan - Playground equipment in City of Harlan Parks is closed to the public. Restrooms and Shelter Houses in the City of Harlan parks are closed. If you are using the parks, please practice safe social distancing.
UPDATE: Shelby County State Bank announced effective Wednesday, April 1st that they will limit their operations to four (4) of their seven locations in Shelby County. The Harlan Downtown, Elk Horn, Panama and Shelby offices will continue to operate in “drive thru” mode only. These locations will be open 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday and 8-11 am Saturday. The Irwin, Portsmouth, and Harlan West branches will be temporarily closed including the night depositories. Call SCSB at 755-5112 for all questions.
UPDATE: Shelby County Public Health Department – it is strongly suggested that if you choose to pleasure travel, or travel for extended business, outside of the State of Iowa you should self-quarantine upon return for two weeks. This does not include commuter travel to the Omaha Metro Market.
REMINDER: The City of Shelby is starting a donation program for people who have self-isolated in their homes and need groceries and could use some help paying for them. Please call City Hall for more details - 712-544-2404 If you would like to donate to this program to help our neighbors or buy groceries, drop them off at the old Shelby City Hall, 419 East Street, we will leave door open during regular business hours. Monetary donations can be sent to City Hall at 417 East Street. Your donations are greatly appreciated! 100% of donated funds received go to the grocery’s assistance program.
REMINDER: The Shelby County Landfill is now open to the public again. The office will remain closed. Individuals dropping off items should use the mailbox on the wall to drop off payment.
REMINDER: As of Tuesday, March 31st at Noon the Harlan Community Library has discontinued their curbside service. The library is encouraging everyone to stay home and access their online resources. For information, call the library at 755-5934.
REMINDER: If you are making surgical masks for Myrtue Medical, there is a limited supply of elastic available at the Shelby County Chamber. Some of the elastic available is 1/2” wide. If using this donated elastic, cut the 1/2” wide ribbon in half to create two 1/4” wide ribbons for use. Thank you to Variety Distributors and Rusty’s Shoe Repair (Roger Rust) for the elastic donated!
FACE MASKS FOR MYRTUE MARCH 2020
Instructions:
- Use cotton fabric. No need to prewash as the mask will be processed after arriving at MMC.
- Cut 2 pieces of fabric 8.5 inches long and 8 inches high.
- Sew right sides together along the 8.5-inch side. Turn fabric pair right side out and press.
- Sew a 5/8-inch seam from one sewn edge (on the 8.5-inch side) to create a “pocket” which will house a nose clip once the mask is processed at MMC.
- Finish the raw edges along each 8-inch side/ends making sure to leave the 5/8-inch pocket open. Zigzag the raw edge or serge if you have a serger.
- If you can find thin elastic (1/8, 1/4 or ½ inch), sew a 6-inch length to each end top and bottom taking care to secure it firmly. This creates a loop that will fit around the ears on each side so be sure the elastic is not twisted. Again, do not sew over the 5/8-inch opening where the nose clip will be inserted. You may also cut open a large elastic hair tie if elastic is not available.
- Place completed masks in a paper bag and drop off in the lobby outside the Shelby County Chamber office 1901 Hawkeye Ave. Harlan
If you have begun making masks using a different pattern than the one posted, please continue and donate those also.
REMINDER: The Shelby County Courthouse is now closed to the public. Departments are answering phones. Please call 755-3831 and select the department you wish to speak to from the menu. Please call 755-3831 option 6 for an absentee ballot for the June primary to be sent to you. Additional details regarding the Court System may be announced later.
REMINDER: From the Shelby County Auditor:
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has issued a directive that the June 2nd Primary will not be cancelled or postponed. The Shelby County Auditor’s Office will begin mailing absentee ballots on April 23rd or possibly later depending on when they are printed and available. Mark Maxwell, Shelby County Auditor, is encouraging everyone to request an absentee ballot. You may request a ballot by calling 712-755-3831, ext. 6 and providing your name, address, telephone number, and the number of ballots needed for your address. If you call after hours, please leave a detailed voice mail message with this information.
West Central Community Action Food Pantry is open by appointment only. If you would like to donate food, gift cards from local businesses, or need to pick up food from the pantry, you must call first: 712-755-5602.
REMINDER: Pantry items are needed for the HCSD Feed the Children Program. Needed donated items: bread, mac & cheese, fresh vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, tuna, cereal, canned goods, etc. Donated items may be dropped off at FarmTable Delivery (1901 Hawkeye Avenue). Additional volunteer drivers are needed for the Feed the Children program. If you can assist, please email Ellen Walsh-Rosmann at ellen.walshrosmann@hcsdcyclones.com
REMINDER: Links for business assistance and unemployment claims are available on the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry website – exploreshelbycounty.com – under the Shelby County COVID-19 Daily Updates and Resources button.
REMINDER FROM MYRTUE MEDICAL CENTER: Patients coming to Myrtue Medical Center are discouraged from bringing more than one visitor with them unless necessary. This limitation should be one healthy adult, no children. This includes one healthy visitor with a patient for doctor appointments, testing, and hospitalization. For our OB patients and their families’ safety, Myrtue is limiting Birthing Center visitors to one healthy adult during the entire stay. Children may visit in the OB waiting room but not in the locked OB corridor. The visitor limitation will not apply to our Hospice patients.
REMINDER: The City of Harlan announced that effective Monday, March 23rd the City Hall Office is closed to the public. If you need to speak to the City of Harlan, please call (712) 755-5137.
Visit your local church social media pages and websites for updates on service broadcasts during this time. Many will record services/messages that will also be broadcast on FMCTC and HMU - check those websites for schedules.
From the Shelby County Public Health Nurse:
All Shelby County residents: Unless you must go out for essential supplies or services, please stay home. This recommendation is even more critical for those over 60 with underlying health conditions as seniors are more likely to have severe symptoms associated with COVID-19 infections. Social distancing makes a difference when we all do our part by staying home and reducing potential exposures. Anyone who is sick, please stay home. (This is always good advice, but particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic). If you are mildly ill, please rest and recover at home. If you need to see a health care provider, call ahead. Everything we do to reduce exposure individually is a victory for our community.
If you are mildly ill with respiratory illness or fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher), stay home and isolate from others until you have gone 72 hours without these symptoms without the use of over the counter medications and 7 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared and your respiratory symptoms have resolved. If you are seriously ill with respiratory illness or fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher), call ahead to (712) 755-5130 and speak directly to a nurse at Myrtue Medical to screen your needs. If you decide to go to the Emergency Room, call ahead to let them know you are coming if possible.
Please Practice Social Distancing at All Times – when considering going out for shopping, please do not make this a family outing. Have one individual from the household do your shopping.
Monitor local information at the Shelby County Chamber website and the Myrtue Medical Center website.
Purchase weekly groceries and supplies—purchasing large amounts of needed items limits exposure to others. Shop when the store is less busy and practice social distancing while in the store. Always keep six feet between yourself and other shoppers or workers. Use available hand sanitizer at the checkout counter or bring your own to use while you shop and after checking out.
Use credible sources for information to reduce gossip and fear. Credible sources include the Iowa Department of Public Health or the Center for Disease Control webpages. At the local level, please follow Myrtue Medical Center’s webpage and social media and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Weekly newspaper articles also provide information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay calm and be thoughtful. We are all in this together and want to make sure we are all able to have the resources and support we need to stay healthy, have essential needs met, and receive medical care as needed. For those of you who are choosing to practice social distancing to protect your family, yourself, and our community—Thank You! If you haven’t begun social-distancing practices, please start now.
Two Additional Shelby County Residents Test Positive for COVID-19 Making Five Total Cases
Two Additional Shelby County Residents Test Positive for COVID-19 Making Five Total Cases
Two additional Shelby County residents have tested positive for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to five.
Age ranges of the two additional cases:
Individual 4 – Age (61-80)
Individual 5 – Age (81+)
Community spread of COVID-19 is occurring in Shelby County. For this reason, we urge all Shelby County residents to:
Stay home
Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
If you have a fever, cough or respiratory symptoms, CALL AHEAD to 712-755-5130. Do NOT go directly to the Emergency Room or the clinic.
Harlan, Audubon & Exira-EHK Schools now closed through April 30th -
Officials with the Harlan, Audubon, as well as the Exira-EHK Community School Districts, are following Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Dept. of Education recommendations, to remain closed through April 30th.
Harlan Superintendent Lynn Johnson said they were remaining closed until April 30th and will re-evaluate the situation at that time.
Audubon Superintendent Eric Trager says parents and students are asked to “Please continue to check your email for schoolwork suggestions from teachers.” The administration says they “Are currently working on our plan for the Department of Ed to abide by their rules.”
Exira-EHK Superintendent Trevor Miller says “Exira-EHK teachers have been working hard to provide information for our students the past three weeks. Our administrative team will be meeting with the DLT team to discuss what continuous learning will look like for our students. Details about our plans will be released next week, with a target to begin online instruction for students PK-12 starting the week of April 13th. Other districts are expected to announce in the coming days, their plans to follow the Governor and Iowa DOE recommendations.
Pottawattamie County reports 6th COVID-19 case -
Pottawattamie County Public Health announced Thursday they now have a sixth case of COVID-19 in Pottawattamie County. The newest case is a Council Bluffs woman between 61 and 80 years old. Five of the six cases in the county are in Council Bluffs. The patient in the new case has pre-existing medical conditions with no recent travel and no identifiable contact with an existing case. Because the case is not traceable, the department said it believes it to be a result of community spread. The individual is currently self-isolating at home.
All Pottawattamie County and City of Council Bluffs playgrounds have temporarily closed. County and City parks remain open, but gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
Iowa schools to remain closed through April 30th -
Governor Kim Reynolds has announced schools in the state will be closed through April 30th. Originally, the plan released on March 15th, had been for classes to resume April 13th. During her Thursday afternoon daily press conference, Reynolds said “Keeping Iowa’s students out of classrooms is a very difficult decision, but it remains necessary for now. We anticipate the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Iowa to continue to grow.
“Keeping schools closed for an extended amount of time will help protect the safety of our students, teachers and school staff, reduce the burden, flatten the curve on our health care system and work force, and of course reduce the risk to our most vulnerable Iowans, and ultimately save lives.”
Reynolds said at this time, she is NOT ordering schools to remain closed until the end of the school year. She said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo “has been working proactively with the Education Task Force to develop a plan that defines options for continuous learning programs., including non-credit and for-credit options. School Districts will be required to select the best option for the students and families they serve, and inform the State of their decision by April 30th.
“School Districts that choose not to provide continuous learning will be required to make up the instructional time lost beyond what has been waived by the Iowa Legislature.” Reynolds said “I also want to let school districts know, while we extended closures through April 30th, and we continue to evaluate information, I know that it’s also extremely important to you when you’re making your decisions, to give you at least a two-week’s notice and we will plan to do that as we move through this process.”
USPS changes signed package delivery and in-office procedures -
To reduce health risks associated with COVID-19, officials with the United States Postal Service say they are temporarily modifying customer signature capture procedures as part of a social distancing initiative. A statement from USPS says “While maintaining a safe, appropriate distance, employees will request the customer’s first initial and last name so that the employee can enter the information on the electronic screen or hard copy items such as return receipts, PS Forms 3811 and 3829. “For increased safety, employees will politely ask the customer to step back a safe distance or close the screen door/door so that they may leave the item in the mail receptacle or appropriate location by the customer door.”
In your Post Office, customers are being limited to 10 persons at a time. There may be lines on the floor in the lobby of your Post Office, to help customers maintain a 6-foot distance in the queue to the service desk. There may also be a plastic barrier or shield (like those found in grocery stores), to protect the employee and customer. Once you place you package on the desk or counter, the USPS retail associate will ask you to step back while they process your transaction.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & prevention), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Surgeon General, have all indicated there is currently NO EVIDENCE that COVID-19 is being spread through mail and packages.
COVID-19 update from Audubon County Public Health Department -
Officials with the Audubon County COVID-19 Community Partners and Audubon County Memorial Hospital put together a weekly update on coronavirus related issues.
Exira Clinic
Audubon County Memorial Hospital has received enough personal protective equipment over the last week to re-open our Exira Clinic on a limited basis. The clinic had been temporarily closed for the safety of the staff and to maximize the use of limited PPE. Our provider, Val Riesberg, and Christie Konkler and Julie Vais will staff the clinic starting this Friday, April 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After this Friday, the clinic will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It is very important for the safety of our staff that visits are open by appointment only. This includes appointments for Lab draws and BP checks, which are usually walk ins.
Patients will be screened on the phone and again in person upon entering the clinic. Everyone will wear a mask and the mask will be sent home with the patient.
The Clinic will schedule the patients appropriately throughout the day so that no one is in the clinic at the same time as another family is.
The Clinic will only see patients whose symptoms are not suspected as possible COVID-19. Suspected COVID-19 will be redirected to Audubon County Memorial Hospital for testing at a designated time to maximize the staff's use of full protective equipment.
The Exira Clinic will open up fully only after the Pandemic is considered contained in Iowa.
Audubon County Fire and Rescue
Audubon Fire and Rescue wants the community to be aware that emergency responders in Audubon County are now wearing a N-95 mask to every medical call that we respond to. We are doing this out of precaution, regardless if the person we are responding to has COVID-19 symptoms or not.
Audubon County Public Health
The County of Audubon had its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The individual is between 61 and 80 in age and is self-isolating at home.
This person and all COVID-19 cases will remain in self-isolation until the following goals have been met:
* You have had no fever for at least 72 hours - three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever AND
* Other symptoms have improved, for example when your cough or shortness of breath have improved AND
* At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
Remember - Iowa Code Chapter 22 prohibits the release of any information that could lead to the identification of an individual or facility. Local public health works with the confirmed case to identify close contacts who should monitor their health symptoms and self-isolate. There is no additional general public guidance that would result from providing more information about a case. All residents are urged to stay home as much as possible, stay away from groups of people and maintain a six foot distance from other individuals. This is needed by everyone, regardless of a confirmed case, because we know there is community COVID-19 spread throughout the country and Iowa. The risk of the virus is the same for the general public regardless of a confirmed case in the community.
Iowa Workforce Development reports initial unemployment insurance claims filed for week of March 22-28, 2020 -
The number of initial claims in Iowa reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, filed between Sunday, March 22 and Saturday, March 28, was 58,453. There were 55,963 initial claims by individuals who work and live in Iowa, and 2,490 claims by individuals who work in Iowa and live out of state. A total of $13,724,985.87 of unemployment insurance benefits were paid to claimants who live and/or work in Iowa for the week ending on March 27.
The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims is 54,461.
The following industry breakdown includes all (COVID-19 & non-COVID-19) claimants counts for last week, knowing a majority of them are going to be COVID-19-related. This will be reflective of the other data included in the release:
• Accommodation and Food Services (12,519)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (7,490)
• Manufacturing (7,168)
• Retail Trade (5,888)
• Other Services (3,780)
Iowa Workforce Development continues to successfully process unemployment insurance claims in a timely fashion. IWD is not authorized to release these payments and it may be several weeks before these payments are made. Iowa Workforce Development encourages the public to visit www.IowaWorkorceDevelopment.gov to file for their initial and weekly unemployment insurance claim and for the most updated information on the CARES act benefits and payments. Considerable information regarding unemployment insurance eligibility and the latest updates are available.
Iowa Workforce Development continues to receive an unprecedented level of calls. We know waits of more than 15 minutes may occur. However, we are answering almost 80% of these calls, so remain on the line and we should get to your call prior to 4:30. You can also send an email to uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov. We have been successful in answering most emails within 24 hours. Again many of the questions can be answered by the information contained on our website. We will continue to provide as much assistance as possible to our fellow Iowans to ensure everyone who is eligible for benefits receives those benefits in a timely manner.
For more information on the total data for this week’s unemployment claims, please visit https://www.iowalmi.gov/unemployment-insurance-statistics
US unemployment claims hit record 6.6 million as layoffs accelerate with virus -
More than 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — doubling a record high set just one week earlier — a sign that layoffs are accelerating in the midst of the coronavirus.
The stunning report Thursday from the Labor Department showed that job cuts are mounting against the backdrop of economies in the United States and abroad that have almost certainly sunk into a severe recession as businesses close across the world.
The figure for last week is much higher than the previous record of 3.3 million reported for the previous week. The surging layoffs have led many economists to envision as many as 20 million lost jobs by the end of April. The unemployment rate could spike to as high as 15% this month, above the previous record of 10.8% set during a deep recession in 1982.
Many employers are slashing their payrolls to try to stay afloat because their revenue has collapsed, especially at restaurants, hotels, gyms, movie theaters and other venues that depend on face-to-face interaction. Auto sales have sunk, and factories have closed.
Stay-at-home orders, imposed by most U.S. states, have intensified pressure on businesses, most of which face rent, loans and other bills that must be paid.
Congress significantly expanded the unemployment benefits system in last week's $2.2 trillion economic rescue package. That legislation added $600 a week in jobless aid, on top of what recipients receive from their states. This will enable many lower-income workers to manage their expenses and even increase their purchasing power and support the economy.
It also makes many more people eligible for jobless aid, including the self-employed, contractors, and so-called "gig economy" workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers.
The legislation will also help fund unemployment benefits for workers whose hours have been cut. That would enable these people to replace some of their lost income with unemployment aid even as they keep their jobs.
About 26 states allow workers with reduced hours to claim benefits. Most economists support doing so because it encourages companies to cut back on hours rather than lay off workers. Any program that encourages companies to maintain connections with their workers can help the economy rebound faster after the virus outbreak is contained.
General News -
Man arrested on Burglary & other charges -
25 year old Christian Edward Rexilius was arrested just before 9 pm, Thursday night. Rexilius was charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree – Breaking and Entering with a person present – no injuries, Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree – Destruction/ Damage of Property and Providing False ID information. His bond was set at $10,600.
And, a prisoner at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, NE., was transported to the Pottawattamie County Jail this morning. 47-year old Steven M. Morlan was wanted in Pottawattamie County on a warrant for Violation of Probation.
Cumberland woman injured in Friday morning accident -
44 year old Jennifer Lea Brisky of Cumberland was injured in a single-vehicle accident this morning. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the accident occurred at 6:50 a.m. on Lansing Road. Brisky was driving a 2005 Chevy Colorado pickup westbound when she lost control due to the icy road. The pickup went into the north ditch and rolled onto its top. Brisky was transported to Cass County Memorial Hospital via Medivac. No citations were issued.
Iowa DOT to issue restricted commercial driver’s licenses remotely -
With spring planting season just around the corner, many Iowa farm workers will need to obtain a restricted commercial driver’s license to assist with farm operations. To limit the number of people who come into the service centers and reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19, the Iowa Department of Transportation will be reviewing applications and issuing restricted commercial driver’s licenses remotely and mailing them out to these customers. If you need to obtain a restricted commercial driver’s license, please contact our CDL Program administrators at cdl.program@iowadot.us.
Council Bluffs man arrested for Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree -
On Wednesday, April 1st, Hershal James “Jim” Ratliff was arrested on 4 Counts of Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree, 1 Count Lascivious Acts W/Minor, 1 Count Solicit Commercial Sexual Activity and 1 Count Indecent Exposure. These charges stem from an investigation by the Council Bluffs Police Department that began in August 2019. A juvenile female had provided detectives with information on Ratliff’s involvement in criminal sexual activity. In January 2020, a second female came forward and provided additional, similar information on Ratliff’s criminal activity. With this information, detectives were able to request warrants for the listed offenses. This is an on-going investigation. Anybody with additional information is encouraged to contact the Council Bluffs Police Department at 712-328-4728.
Teenager accused of Mapleton murder wants case moved to juvenile court -
The 17 year old boy accused of killing a 16 year old in Mapleton is seeking prosecution as a juvenile. Monona County court records say the boy’s attorney filed a motion Wednesday to transfer the case to juvenile court. The boy is charged with first-degree murder in the January shooting death of Joseph Hopkins of Mapleton. A hearing on the request is scheduled for June 1st.
Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Report – 4-2-20 -
Officials with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday, an inmate at the Pottawattamie county Jail, 46 year old William Lewis of Council Bluffs, was served with a warrant on Monday for Theft in the 5th Degree. Bond on the charge was set at $300. Lewis was presented with the warrant and then returned to the custody of Corrections staff. There were also several prisoners transferred from the Douglas County Nebraska Jail to the Pottawattamie County Jail to address warrants in Pottawattamie County. They included: 19 year old Edmundo Galvez of Carter Lake, who was being held in the Pottawattamie County Jail on $11,000 bond for the charges of False Imprisonment and Kidnapping in the 3rd Degree. 51 year old William Nunez of Omaha who was wanted in Pottawattamie County for Domestic Abuse/Simple Assault and theft in the 1st Degree. His bond was set at $10,000. 35 year old Marco Burns of Omaha who was transported to the Pottawattamie County Jail Wednesday, under a warrant for Violation of Probation. 38 year old Raymond Dean Younce, Jr. was taken to the Pottawattamie County Jail to address a warrant for Felony, Escape From Custody. 34 year old Michael Anthony Martinez was wanted for Theft in the 3rd Degree. 37 year old Jermaine Tucker was wanted for Felony, Escape from Custody. And 30 year old Andrew Lippert of Council Bluffs was transported from Douglas County to the Pottawattamie County Jail under a warrant for Violation of Probation. He remained in the jail on a hold for a Residential Corrections Facility.
Denison man sentenced to federal prison for meth conspiracy – Denison Bulletin & Review
31 year old Jose Carlos Ramirez-Martinez, of Denison, the man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on Tuesday. Ramirez-Martinez received the prison term after a December 6, 2019 jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence showed that Ramirez-Martinez was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 50 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine from October 2015 to September 2016 from the Denison area. Ramirez-Martinez would have co-conspirators travel from Denison to Worthington, MN to deliver half pounds of methamphetamine for subsequent sale in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Those co-conspirators would then return with the money.
Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Ramirez-Martinez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Coronavirus-Related Request for Release from Jail Filed In Carroll County District Court -
Carroll Broadcasting -
27 year old Joshua Alexander Greene of Coon Rapids has filed a request with the Iowa District Court for Carroll County to be released based on the risk of being infected with the COVID-19 virus while incarcerated in the Carroll County Jail. According to Carroll Broadcasting, Greene has been held at the jail since March 12th, following a probation revocation hearing. The court had ordered him to serve time at a residential treatment facility, but there were no openings. Another motion has also been filed by the Carroll County Attorney seeking a denial of the request. Also the request for summary denial says the risk is high that Greene may flee if released as he has a history of non-compliance with prior court-ordered restrictions. Greene was arrested on two separate dates for incidents in Coon Rapids. The first occurred on July 10, 2019, when Greene kicked in the door at a family member’s home and threatened the life of one of the occupants. On January 22, Greene again damaged the door at a residence in the same neighborhood and then slashed all four tires in a neighbor’s vehicle.
Shelby County Board of Supervisors Meeting -
The Board of Supervisors of Shelby County, Iowa, met Tuesday morning in a remote meeting via teleconference.
Supervisor Kenkel made a motion to approve Shelby County as the fiscal agent for the department of Public Health and Iowa Community Kitchen for the production and transport of up to 300 meals to vulnerable county residents up to 12 weeks. Donations to the community kitchen are also welcome to support their infrastructure to provide these meals.
Tracking of extra emergency expenses that include payroll and unbudgeted county expenses was brought to the attention of the auditor’s office by Alex Londo, Shelby County Emergency Management director. Mark Maxwell, Shelby County auditor reasoned that every Shelby County expense goes across his administrative assistants desk, Angel Poore, Shelby County Auditors Administrative Assistant also has been assisting in payroll duties as cross training has progressed in his office. It would make sense to have department heads mark extra expenses plainly when filing claims and payroll sheets that have been affected by the current emergency that may be unbudgeted expenses. Having all of this sorted as this crisis unfolds and ends would be a great advantage. Maxwell proposed for the duration of this event, Ms. Poore receive additional pay in the amount of $60.00 per week ($1.50 per hour)to perform the tracking for all departments at the Auditors office.
Southwest Iowa Mental Health has added a new member County, that being Fremont County. A new 28-E agreement has been drafted and the Shelby County Supervisors are required to approve the new agreement adding Fremont County and using the Mental Health Advocate service. A discussion was held on the current agreement, with Lonnie Maguire, Shelby County Community Services Director fielding questions.
A temporary addition to County sick leave policy was then discussed and considered by the Shelby County Supervisors.
During the time designated by the Board as a disaster emergency pursuant to Resolution 2020-15, in the event that an employee shall use all of that employee’s accrued sick leave, the employee shall continue to be paid per the County’s sick leave policy until June 1, 2020, or until such time as the Board determines an emergency no longer exists, whichever is earlier. However, the amount of additional sick leave granted to an employee under this policy shall not exceed 80 hours. Such sick leave shall be referred to as “negative sick leave.” If, at the time an employee’s employment with the County is terminated for any reason, such employee has not fully reimbursed the County for negative sick leave used under this policy, the County shall withhold from employee’s final pay check such amount as is necessary to reimburse the County for such negative sick leave. Prior to incurring negative sick leave, the employee shall execute an agreement with the County agreeing to such reimbursement.
Mark Maxwell, auditor and Election commissioner, then informed the Supervisors that in person absentee voting must be allowed. The Courthouse entrance will have a precinct election official at the door to admit voters to the lower entry level of the Courthouse during normal business hours. All other areas of the Courthouse will be closed. One voter at a time will be allowed in the Courthouse. This will be attempted to be done in this manner unless it becomes unworkable then moving the absentee voting to another location will be necessary. If voters would request an absentee ballot now, they do not have to vote in person, they may vote by absentee by mail. Special provisions are being made for election day. Voters who choose to wait until election day may expect long lines caused by social distancing and the number of people allowed in a group. Again voting absentee by mail would alleviate much of the burden on election day. Also the Primary polling place in Earling will be moved from St. Josephs Hall to the Earling Fire Hall.
MONOGRAM LOVES KIDS FOUNDATION NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS -
The Monogram Loves Kids Foundation, the charitable arm of Monogram Meat Snacks in Chandler, MN, will award $50,000 in 2020 to charitable organizations that sponsor programs benefiting children and their families. Registered 501(c)3 public organizations interested in applying for these grants, which will range from $500 to $10,000, should visit monogramfoods.com/values/mlkf to access the application form. All submissions must be mailed in to the address listed on the application by Friday, May 29th 2020 at 5PM CST. All applicants must be located within 100 miles of Monogram Prepared Meats, 1231 870th St. Harlan, IA 51537. A committee of team members at the Monogram Prepared Meats plant will review the grant applications from Harlan area organizations. The Monogram Loves Kids Foundation was founded in 2010 as Monogram Foods’ charitable fund to raise money for children’s charities in areas of the country where Monogram team members live and work. Between 2010 and 2019, Monogram has donated over $3 million to charities focused on children and their families.
This from the Shelby County Emergency Management - Effective immediately Shelby County is under an Extreme Fire Danger. No prescribed burns will be allowed until further notice. This includes ALL outside burning.
Urgent Notice from the City of Harlan -
Do NOT flush paper towels, wash cloths or baby wipes (of any kind, no matter what the packaging says) into the City Sewer Systems. These items cannot be processed and will clog the pumping systems, eventually SHUTTING DOWN our systems. If you must use these items, dispose of them into a waste basket and throw them out with the rest of your trash. PLEASE - THIS IS URGENT. The only flushable items are toilet paper and facial tissue.
Applications for healthcare educational grants from the Endowment for Education are now being accepted. The grants are made available through the Lucille Petersen Endowment Fund, which was established in 1988. The funds will be distributed to selected applicants seeking short or long-range educational assistance to pursue healthcare occupations. An April 30th deadline has been set for applications to be submitted for the summer 2020 semester. Application forms and more information are available by contacting Ruth Pitkin at Myrtue Medical Center, 1213 Garfield Ave, Harlan, IA 51537, call 755-4316 or email rpitkin@myrtuemedical.org. The grants can be for new, entry-level or advanced training or certifications.
Shelby County Relay for Life Luminaria bags are now available! Each bag represents a loved one lost to cancer, or brings support to those affected by it and honors survivors! Get your luminarias now – they are only $5 through May 21st and $10 from May 22nd through June 5th. There are caregiver bags available too! Luminarias are available from any Relay for Life Team Member, Julie Ziola at 813-245-4851 or Cindy Schechinger at 579-1212. They are also available online for $10 with decorating included at relayforlife.org/shelbycountyia. The Luminary lighting ceremony will be held during the Shelby County Relay for Life Event on June 5th at Merrill field in Harlan.
GriefShare Seminar and Support Group will meet Mondays now through March 23rd from 5:30 to 7 pm at the First Baptist Church in Harlan. For more information, call the church office at 755-2711.
Seeds of Hope, support group for people with mental illness diagnosis, will meet Mondays, 6:30 – 8 pm, Shelby County Community Outreach.
Blood Donations Needed -
Upcoming donation opportunities include:
Saturday, April 11th - 8 am to 2 pm - Shelby Community Building
9 am to 3 pm - Harrison County Home and Public Health
Friday, April 17th - 7:30 am to 1 pm - Conductix-Wampfler in Harlan
Monday, April 20th - 8 am to 2 pm - Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan
Monday, May 4th - 7:30 am to 1:30 pm - Harlan High School
Tuesday, May 12th - 11:30 am to 5:30 pm - Veteran's Memorial Building - Harlan
Thursday, May 14th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - Atlantic YMCA
Tuesday, May 19th - 8:30 am to 2:30 pm - Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic
Wednesday, May 27th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Boniface Parish Center in Westphalia
Wednesday, June 3rd - 12 Noon to 5 pm - Manilla Memorial Hall
12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Patrick's Parish Ceenter in Audubon
Friday, July 24th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - Sacred Heart Church in Manning
Saturday, July 25th - 8 am to 1 pm - American Legion Building in Avoca
Saturday, August 1st - 7:30 am to 12:30 pm - Shelby Community Building
Wednesday, August 5th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Patricks Parish Center in Audubon
Tuesday, December 29th - 12 Noon to 6 pm - St. Patrick's Parish Center in Audubon
AS a preventative action, the Carson Fire Department has postponed the Fish Fry Event that was scheduled for March 28th. It has been rescheduled for September 12th.
St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs invites you to the Roaring 2020's Annual Benefit Auction, Saturday, March 28th, at St. Albert High School Gymnasium. at f pm, the evening will start with cocktails, hors d'oeurves and a silent auction. A welcome, blessing and dinner at 7 pm, and a live auction at 7:30. Don't forget your raffle tickets for a chance at $10,000.
The Carson Fire and Rescue presents their 2nd annual Fish Fry, Saturday, March 28th, from 5 to 8 pm (or while supplies last) at the Carson Community Building. The cost is a free will donation. All proceeds will go to benefit the Carson Fire and Rescue Department.
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An Immunization Clinic for Children will be held on Wednesday April 1st, from 2 to 6 pm at Community Health. Immunizations are free for children that qualify for the VFC program. If you have insurance that pays for immunizations including Hawk-I, please call Myrtue Medical Clinic at 755-4516 to schedule an appointment there. Appointments are recommended to save time, but are not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Make appointments by calling 755-4422 or at shelbycountyclinics.com. Please ask for Cathy Buman if you have questions or need to make an appointment for a different day or time.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet every month at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. The meetings begin at 6:30 pm. The monthly meetings will be held on:
Thursday, April 2nd
Thursday, May 14th
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Upcoming events -
Defiance Parish Picnic - June 13th - dinner only - June 14th
Panama Parish Picnic - June 19-20
Westphalia Parish Picnic - July 3-4
Earling Parish Picnic - July 10-11
Shelby County Fair - July 12-20
Portsmouth Parish Picnic - July 25-26
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