Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced an expansion of the TestIowa.Com COVID-19 testing, to include anyone who wishes to be tested. Previously, the  website focused on testing for the “essential work force” (health care providers, EMS and others in the health or emergency services field.).

In addition, Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebow confirmed school districts and non-public schools may begin offering summer learning activities for students, effective June 1st.

Other activities, including some related to sports, remain on hold for another month.

Lebow said COVID-19 mitigation efforts will still be in effect for those districts that chose to hold summer activites in-person, as opposed to on-line.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states inched upward in May from April’s record low, but still remained profoundly low as efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the rural economy. The overall index for the region rose slightly to 12.5 from April’s record low of 12.1. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says nearly three of every four bankers surveyed reported restructuring farm loans to deal with weak farm income. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education held an electronic meeting today (Thursday),and approved a proposal for retaining wall over-excavation at the Trojan Bowl. According to Tim Veach with FRK Architects, soil tests from Certified Testing Service, Inc., of Storm Lake, showed inadequate capacity at multiple locations. Superintendent Steve Barber said the district knew early on that there was a problem, but they didn’t know the scope of the remediation and cost.

CTS said the foundation area for the retaining wall requires 3,500 pounds per square foot (Psf). Several tests performed resulting in the soil failing to meet the project requirements. CTS had recommended the removal of one foot of material and replacing it with one-inch of crushed gravel compacted to 98% of the optimum daily density per regulations. Central Iowa Dirt Works’ bid of $44,911.77, which includes the use of machinery, a GPS Technician, supplies and trucking to the site. Their bid noted a soil tester must be on-site for the duration of the backfill/compaction process.

Steve Barber said the cost could go up, but there’s hope it will go down, too, especially with after Engineer Dave Sturm said there may be cost-saving options available.

Using a formula whereby 68% of the would be used, the cost savings would amount to a savings of around $20,000. Project Liaison Bob Sweeney acknowledged the project came back more expensive than expected.

Sweeney said he would be disappointed and mad, if the costs came in at $42,000 or more.

Officials with the City of Harlan report the “8 Ball Aviation Club” has made the tough decision to cancel this year’s airplane rides and Flight Breakfast at the Harlan Municipal Airport. The event was set to take place Father’s Day weekend (June 20-21). The decision was made with regard to the uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID-19. Officials say “Hopefully, things will get back to normal, and we may be able to rescheduled another event this year or at least have our airplane rides and Flight Breakfast, next year.” They thank everyone for their support over the years.

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal recommendations meant to keep meatpacking workers safe as they return to plants that were shuttered by the coronavirus have little enforcement muscle behind them. That is fueling anxiety that working conditions could put employees’ lives at risk. Extensive guidance issued last month by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls for meatpacking companies to erect physical barriers, enforce social distancing and install more hand-sanitizing stations, among other steps. But the guidance is not mandatory. OSHA’s general guidance plainly says the recommendations are advisory and not a regulation or a new legal obligation.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Thursday press conference on COVID-19. We will have live audio on KJAN as well with the presser set to begin at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Creston Police report one person was arrested on drug and other charges early this (Thursday) morning. 58-year old David Coontz, of Lorimor, was taken into custody at around 12:30-a.m., for Possession of a Controlled Substance/1st Offense, OWI/1st offense, and Possession of Paraphernalia. Coontz was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2300 bond.

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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