Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers, Monday night, said two students had absconded from the Clarinda Academy campus, and were traveling in an unknown direction of travel. A search was underway. They were reported missing at around 8:30-p.m.

One of the students is a 15-year old white male, 5’-feet 9-inches tall”, 140-pounds, with blonde hair. He also wears eyeglasses. The second is a 17-year old Native American male. 5’10” 145 lbs. Black hair. No clothing descriptions available.

(Radio Iowa) The Iowa Legislature has suspended its 2020 session for at least 30 days and given Governor Kim Reynolds new authority to use nearly 20 million dollars from the state’s Economic Emergency Fund to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a Republican from Ankeny, says suspending the legislature follows the advice of public health officials about avoiding large gatherings. “We also think it’s prudent at this time to pause our normal legislative business so that the governor, legislators and government employees can focus exclusively on the coronavirus outbreak,” Whitver says.

In addition, lawmakers voted to lift all limits and let the governor shift money around within the current state budget, if needed.  “We’ll give the governor the authority to do what she needs to do while we’re not in session to make sure that there’s confidence that government will function appropriately at this time,” Whitver says.

House Speaker Pat Grassley, a Republican from New Hartford, says as an added precaution, the plan sets aside enough money to keep state government operating until September 1st.
“Hopefully, we can be back as soon as possible,” Grassley says. “If not, we need to be prepared and making responsible decisions so that the government will continue to operate.”

Republicans AND Democrats voted for these moves. Todd Prichard of Charles City is the House Democratic Leader. “We all can agree that we need to give the governor the powers to take decisive action,” Prichard says.

If the governor decides more than 20 MILLION is needed from the Economic Emergency Fund, GRASSLEY says the 20-member Legislative COUNCIL made up of leaders will convene to approve that withdrawal. “We made sure that the legislature was still involved as much as we could be without bringing everyone back into the building,” Grassley says.

Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen of Des Moines says the COUNCIL could also decide to reconvene the FULL legislature earlier, but she’s hoping lawmakers stay out of the Capitol for at least 30 days. “Setting a good example for Iowans by not gathering in a germ-infested building like this one,” Petersen says, “and making sure that we’re abiding by a quarantine as well.”

Part of the plan ensures schools do NOT have to make up missed days that occur between now and April 12th — but some districts may accumulate more than that. Petersen has a son who’s scheduled to graduate this spring, but that timing could be in doubt in his district and in others, depending on how many days are missed. “The state wants to do what’s in the best interest of families,” Petersen says. “…Safety first and health first.”

Pay for teachers and other school staff is determined by local district officials, but advocates say it’s unlikely districts will withhold pay over the next month since school budgets aren’t being cut. The legislature convened early Monday afternoon. Following hours of private negotiations and meetings, senators began voting on the plan at about 10 p.m. The House ended the legislature’s marathon day at 12:13 a.m today (Tuesday).

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:35 a.m. CDT

Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa has another confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Governor Kim Reynolds said Monday afternoon a test came back positive on a person in Dallas County, bringing the total in Iowa to 23. It’s not clear if the virus was associated with one of the cruise ships or if it was another case of “Community spread.” The State can only provide information on positive cases in a county of residence, but will no longer be able to provide information regarding any known risk factors or contact information related to those cases, due to changes in the information being presented to the State Hygienic Lab and the Iowa Dept. of Health.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Dozens of Iowa school districts are following the governor’s guidance and suspending classes for four weeks to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.And after legislative leaders made a similar decision to suspend the legislative session, lawmakers began the process Monday of at least temporarily shutting down their work at the Capitol. For schools, the rush to cancel classes came after Gov. Kim Reynolds on Sunday recommended such closures for four weeks after she learned of more cases that indicate the coronavirus is spreading in the state.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A worker at a center for disabled Iowans will be reinstated with years of back pay after a board ruled that he did not intentionally kick a resident in 2017 as alleged by its then-superintendent. The order to overturn Aaron Cole’s firing is the latest setback for management at the Glenwood Resource Center, which is facing investigations into allegations of substandard care and improper medical experimentation. It could also be an expensive one for taxpayers. Cole must be made whole under the Public Employment Relations Board ruling issued earlier this month. That means he’ll receive his roughly $60,000 annual salary and benefits for the past 2 1/2 years, minus any other earnings he received in the meantime.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have released the names of a woman and her 5-year-old child who died in a Des Moines residential fire. They were identified Monday as Tharassa Page, 40 and her son, Red Eagle Thundercloud Page. Firefighters were sent around 10:45 a.m. Sunday to a duplex, where they found flames coming out of windows on its north side. Three other people inside the residence escaped to safety. No other injuries were reported. The fire cause is being investigated.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s unemployment rate for January was 2.8%. Iowa Workforce Development reported Monday that the rate was unchanged from the revised rate for December. The number of unemployed residents rose slightly in January to an estimated 49,500. The number of people with jobs also increased, to about 1.7 million. Iowa’s rate is tied for the 10th lowest in the nation. The U.S. unemployment rate for January was 3.6%.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says is doing its part in preparing and taking precautions regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic. Currently the Shelby County Jail has cancelled all family & friend visitation, all jail programming, and all jail classes inside the facility, and public fingerprinting until April 6th, 2020.

Officials say “We will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as they arise. Our goal is to return to normal visitation and jail programming as soon possible.  We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.”

Any questions or concerns can be directed to Jail Administrator Kyle Lindberg at 712-755-5026 or klindberg@shco.org

Iowa has another confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Governor Kim Reynolds said Monday afternoon a test came back positive on a person in Dallas County, bringing the total in Iowa to 23. It’s not clear if the virus was associated with one of the cruise ships or if it was another case of “Community spread.” The State can only provide information on positive cases in a county of residence, but will no longer be able to provide information regarding any known risk factors or contact information related to those cases, due to changes in the information being presented to the State Hygienic Lab and the Iowa Dept. of Health.

The Governor said also, the legislature is considering legislation to waive the instructional time requirement in Iowa (normally a mandatory 1,080 hours or 180 days), through April 12th. The legislation would also provide Reynolds with the authority to waive the requirement for a longer period of time if it becomes necessary. Once they have finished drafting the legislation, she has indicated she will sign it.

Reynolds said while schools are out, coordinated efforts are being made to provide lunches for students, as well as Child Care Assistance. “We know that closing schools will have a ripple effect on Iowa families, businesses and our work force, and I understand many families are concerned about how to care for their children and continue to go to work,” Reynolds said.

“My staff is working hand-in-hand with the Department of Education (DOE), the Dept. of Human Services (DHS) and the Dept. of Public Health (IDPH), to put policies in place that ensure continued access to child care during this time,” she added. Gov. Reynolds said that would include financial assistance so that child care providers who receive child care assistance are paid on enrollment, rather than attendance, and a way to expedite licensing so “We can quickly ramp-up child care capacity. Many low income families who rely on meal programs in their schools are worried about how to feed their children at home,” Reynolds said.

She said “Iowa has already applied for and received a USDA waiver to allow schools to continue serving meals upon closure. Schools will be able to activate their Summer Meal Program and provide meals in non-group settings, such as drive thru pickup or a “Grab-and-go.” The DOE is currently working with school districts now, on the details, and schools will provide more information to families soon.

She said also, a second shift is being added to the State Hygienic Lab to increase the capacity and speed of COVID-19 test results from 54-to 108 per day. If the situation warrants, Reynolds said they are ready to add a third shift, so that tests can be run “around the clock.” National labs have also begun running tests from Iowa. Those labs are required to report all COVID-19 positive test results to the State Hygienic Lab. Those numbers will be included in the State’s daily update. They will not know the number of Iowa tests pending at the national lab, or the number of negative test results.

Authorities continue to stress people should wash their hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and avoid large crowds. President Trump today said experts have determined people should avoid massing in groups greater than 10. That number has dropped from a high of 250, to 50, and now 10, as authorities look to limit the potential spread of the virus.

(Radio Iowa) — Legislators are gathered at the Iowa Capitol today (Monday) with an unprecedented agenda. The plan is to as quickly as possible pass bills that will keep government operating, give schools authority to teach students online and grant the governor new powers to act during the COVID-19 emergency. The 2020 Iowa Legislature will then be suspended — for at least 30 days.

After briefly convening in open session early this (Monday) afternoon, members of both the House and Senate went into private meetings to discuss the scope of the bills they’ll be voting upon as soon as possible. While the plan to is suspend meeting as a group for at least 30 days, Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley says lawmakers will continue to talk via phone and conduct business via video conferences.

“I just want to be clear our expectation isn’t say, ‘Everyone go home and we won’t speak for 30 days,'” Grassley told reporters. “That’s not the expectation of the legislature.” Lawmakers do expect to return at some point this spring — or perhaps even this summer — to take action on a variety of policy proposals. That includes bills that would change the state’s medical marijuana program and resolutions outlining proposed constitutional amendments on abortion and felon voting rights.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A worker at a center for disabled Iowans will be reinstated with years of back pay after a board ruled that he did not intentionally kick a resident in 2017 as alleged by its then-superintendent. The order to overturn Aaron Cole’s firing is the latest setback for management at the Glenwood Resource Center, which is facing investigations into allegations of substandard care and improper medical experimentation.

It could also be an expensive one for taxpayers. Cole must be made whole under the Public Employment Relations Board ruling issued earlier this month. That means he’ll receive his roughly $60,000 annual salary and benefits for the past 2 1/2 years, minus any other earnings he received in the meantime.

Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber issued the following statement on social media Monday afternoon:

Dear Staff and Parents,

These are trying times for all. I realize that not having school has created numerous challenges for our staff, parents, and students. Last night at a press conference, Governor Reynolds recommended that schools shut down for four weeks due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are looking at a tentative startup date of April 13, 2020.

An incident at a residence in Corning, this (Monday) morning, resulted in the arrest of 30-year old Jeremy Allan Davis. Davis, from Corning, was arrested for Domestic Assault, Assault, and Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. His arrest followed a call to law enforcement about an incident whereby Davis allegedly threw a chair at a person, and striking them. He also allegedly pushed his wife. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office says Davis kicked-in the door to gain entry to the residence.

Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith said the Chamber “Received an email from the State this [Monday] morning, with recommendations that community events and large meetings [should be] postponed/cancelled for the next four weeks.” Smith said the Chamber “Will be following their recommendation and will be postponing Girls Gettin’ Out, Ambassador’s, Alive After 5’s and large meetings for the next four weeks. The Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 11th has been cancelled. Of course, recommendations have been changing daily, even hourly, so we will stay up-to-date and readjust as needed.”

Postponing/cancelling events, social gatherings and encouraging public health precautions all while still encouraging local shopping can be a tricky. We hear your concerns and are dedicated to reminding the community “Atlantic is still open for business”. Multiple businesses in town are already being extremely pro-active and are offering online features and delivery services. We encourage other businesses to follow suit if able. If you have adjusted your hours or added additional services, PLEASE let us know so we can help promote them. Currently, there are no Local or State lockdown demands regarding business, so we believe it’s up to the business on how you want to proceed with day-to-day operations. Of course, we will recommend and encourage whatever Local, State and Federal mandates are made as time goes on and remind you to be vigilant about the current situation.

CCHS has done a fantastic job of keeping the public informed and we will continue to share their information on our Facebook page as well as continue using their advice in day-to-day activities. Chamber staff plan on being in the office (unless things change) and are being very cautious and vigilant about our health and the health of those who are coming into the office.

We are always a resource for questions and concerns and will do our best to accommodate the current situation we are all in.