Here is the latest COVID-19 update from the State of Iowa, as reported by the Iowa Dept. of Public Health and Governor Kim Reynolds (This information is current as of 11-a.m. today, April 15th):

• There are 96 new, positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 1,995.
• No new counties have reported new cases of the virus.
• There are 407 negative cases for a total of 17,874 negative test results.
• There are 3,048 tests available from the State.
• 908 Iowans have recovered from the virus, for a recovery rate of 46%.
• There have been four additional deaths: an elderly adult from Polk County; 1 elderly adult from Clayton County; one older adult in Allamakee County, and one older adult in Johnson County. Total number of deaths in Iowa: 53.

The Department of Public Health has also confirmed one additional Long Term Care (facility) outbreaks.: At Wilton Retirement Community in Muscatine County. That brings the total number of LTC outbreaks to seven. The Governor said “More than 10-percent of Iowa’s total number of positive COVID-19 cases, and 49-percent of our deaths are related to Long Term Care Outbreak. All deaths in Iowa are among older or elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions, again underscoring the importance of doing our part to protect the most vulnerable population.”

For additional, county-by-county data, go to: https://idph.iowa.gov/emerging-health-issues/novel-coronavirus

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A group of agriculture economists are estimating the coronavirus pandemic will cause billions of dollars in damage to Iowa’s crop and livestock industries. In a report released Wednesday, the economists say the ethanol industry will see $2.5 billion in losses due to lower fuel demand and the state’s hog industry $2.1 billion in losses.

Damage to corn is estimated at $788 million, soybeans at $213 million and cattle $34 million. The economists note the numbers will change as the pandemic evolves.

WATERLOO, Iowa (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier) — An Iowa mayor is tapping a fired Texas police chief for the same role. The Courier reports Waterloo’s mayor on Tuesday named Joel Fitzgerald Sr. to be the city’s next police chief. Fitzgerald would be Waterloo’s first black police chief if he’s ratified by the city council during a meeting next week. Fitzgerald was fired from his job as Fort Worth, Texas police chief last year.

Fort Worth officials in part cited an incident in Washington, D.C. that they said brought Fitzgerald’s judgment and leadership into question. Fitzgerald now serves as the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office’s chief deputy.

Sheriff’s Deputies in Union County, Tuesday afternoon, arrested a Creston man for Harassment in the 2nd Degree. 52-year old James LeRoy Jones was taken into custody at his residence, and released at the scene on a Promise to Appear in court.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Wednesday press briefing on COVID-19. We plan on having live audio of the presser as well on KJAN. The press conference is scheduled to begin at about 11:00 a.m.

(Radio Iowa) — While few Iowa farmers are able to do any spring planting yet in many areas, one expert says now is the ideal time to plan for the season ahead, taking coronavirus into account. Ellen Duysen, the community outreach specialist with the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, says if farmers haven’t made any shifts in their emergency plans due to COVID-19, they really should consider doing so.  “Now is the time to start talking to people, writing a plan down,” Duysen says, “so in case of the worst case scenario, you will to be able to get those crops either in the field or harvested, that your livestock will be taken care of, and you’ll be able to get all of this taken care of — even if you or some of your critical staff are out.”

It may be uncomfortable, but Duysen says we have to make contingency plans for ourselves, our families and our farm hands, in case someone is unable to do the job they’re expected to do. Like everyone else, farmers who will be working around others need to maintain the six-foot social distance and wear a respirator, or at least a cloth mask. “Those fabric masks are great but they are to protect other people, not necessarily you,” Duysen says. “When you take that mask off, make sure you treat that like it is contaminated. Put it away from other items. If you’re going to reuse it, make sure that you sanitize and disinfect your hands in between taking it off and putting it on.”

Handwashing is always an important part of food safety, but Duysen says it’s especially vital now to have good hand hygiene. “Right now, it’s going to protect our health,” Duysen says. “So every time you’ve been in contact with something or someone, make sure that your hands get washed. Either by soap and water, which is the preference, or if you have a disinfectant to do that.”

The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health is based at the UNMC College of Public Health in Omaha.

Mills County has received an award from the Iowa West Foundation Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund to address challenges related to COVID-19, and to ensure resources are available to serve our community. Mills County Public Health Director Julie Lynes says “As the local impact of the pandemic unfolds, we know that many individuals and families have had their employment disrupted. Many others are needing help to stay safely isolated from others. For those who are experiencing a financial hardship and need assistance with rent or utilities; or need a gift card for groceries or other necessities, this funding will help. We want our community to stay safely at home and have what they need.”

Rent or utility assistance will be paid directly to the entity owed. Gift cards for groceries and other personal and household items will be available for curbside pickup at the Mills County Public Health Office. Community volunteers are also available to grocery shop and leave goods by the front door. Applications can be submitted online at http://covid19.millscoia.us under the “Application for Assistance” tab. Applications can also be submitted by calling 712-520-4001.

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID19, call Mills County Public Health at 712-527-9699. Resources, support, and information related to COVID19 are available.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Sioux City police have charged a South Carolina man with murder after two people were stabbed and one later died at a hospital. Police charged 30-year-old Paul Belk, of Beaufort, South Carolina, with first-degree murder and willful injury. The Sioux City Journal reports the arrest came after officers were called about 6 p.m. Tuesday to a disturbance at an apartment building and found two people with stab wounds. They were taken to a hospital, where one died and the other was being treated for a serious injury. Police didn’t identify the victims or give more details about the incident.

Four juveniles were cited following the pursuit of a speeding vehicle late Tuesday evening, southwest of Atlantic. According to Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren, Deputy Josh McLaren tried to stop a Jeep Cherokee for speeding at around 7:50-p.m., on Highland Road. The chase transitioned southbound before ending at Lansing Road. The driver was cited for various traffic offenses. Three juvenile passengers in the SUV were cited for Minor in Possession of alcohol, and turned over to their parent(s) or guardian. The MIP charges require the juveniles to appear in court and, if found guilty, pay a $330 fine.

(Radio Iowa) – A district court judge Tuesday granted a petition to suspend Calhoun County Sheriff Scott Anderson without pay. The Calhoun County Supervisors on Tuesday met in a closed session and found that sufficient cause appears from the verified allegations to suspend Anderson for willful misconduct or maladministration in office and for intoxication pursuant to Iowa Code. The court order named deputy Jeff Feldhans as acting sheriff until a temporary sheriff can be appointed.

A criminal complaint stated Anderson was arrested Saturday night by officers after he allegedly was pinning a woman to a bed in his home and holding her by the neck, choking her as she gasped for air. It took six officers about nine minutes to handcuff him and drag him to the patrol car after he refused to cooperate with the arrest. Anderson pleaded not guilty to assault on persons of a certain occupation on Monday.

Another charge of domestic abuse assault was continued for 180 days. The 51-year-old Anderson has been the sheriff since 2018.