The Iowa Department of Public Health, Thursday (today), said there were 628 new positive cases of COVID-19 test results returned from the labs over the past 24-hours, for a pandemic total of 331,064 positive cases.  There were also 15 additional deaths, for a pandemic total to-date of 5,321, including one additional death in Cass County. Statewide, 4,792 COVID deaths are attributed to Underlying causes. COVID was a contributing factor to 529 deaths. Deaths at Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities account for 2,139 of the total number of deaths.

Long-Term Care facility outbreaks declined to 27 from 29 on Wednesday. Officials say 771 LTC patients have tested positive for the virus, and 517 have recovered.

The State data show hospitalizations shows an uptick, from 235 Wednesday to 252 Thursday. COVID patients in an ICU increased from 52 to 59. The State says 52 were admitted over the previous 24-hours, and 24 patients were on a ventilator. In RMCC Region 4 (Hospitals in western/southwest Iowa), 13 are hospitalized with COVID symptoms, three people are in an ICU, one person was admitted over the past 24-hours, and one person remains on a ventilator.

Iowa’s statewide positivity rate continues to decline, from 7.3% Wednesday to 7.2% Thursday, and the 7-day average is down to 5.4%.

A total of 306,382 Iowans have recovered from the virus.

In the KJAN listening area, here are the current number positive cases by County; The # of new cases since yesterday {+} – if any; and the total number of deaths in each county to date:

• Cass, 1,239 cases; {+0}; 48 deaths
• Adair, 787; {+5}; 26
• Adams, 317 {+0}; 3
• Audubon, 464 {+1}; 9
• Guthrie, 1,073 {+1}; 28
• Harrison County, 1,650; {+0}; 68
• Madison County, 1,378; {+5}; 17
• Mills County, 1,460; {+1}; 20
• Montgomery, 954; {+0}; 36
• Pottawattamie County, 9,649; {+17}; 140
• Shelby County, 1,134; {+3}; 32
• Union County,  1,174; {+5}; 31

(Radio Iowa) – Organizers hope the thousands of RAGBRAI riders will be pedaling across Iowa this summer. Last year’s edition of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa was cancelled because of the pandemic. The 2021 ride will start in Le Mars and end a week later in Clinton. Lesley Webster, director of the Clinton Convention and Visitors Bureau, says they’re working to create a safe destination.*

RAGBRAI offers a tremendous economic boost to cities and towns along the route, with up to 20,000 riders likely. Many thousands of volunteers will be needed statewide to make it all work. Webster says Clinton already has several committees in place and projects are underway.

On Sunday, July 25th, riders will begin the ride by dipping their back tires in the Missouri River in Le Mars. Then they’ll pedal to Storm Lake, Fort Dodge, Iowa Falls, Waterloo, Anamosa, DeWitt, and will finally arrive in Clinton on Saturday, July 31st, to dip their front tires in the Mississippi.

Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report a man from Villisca was arrested Wednesday afternoon. 26-year old SeanCody Lee was arrested for Interference with Officials Acts, in connection with an incident that occurred in the 100 block of N. 2nd Avenue, in Villisca.  Lee was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $300 bond.

The Atlantic Police Department reports five arrests, two of which took place on Monday (2/15). Officials say 45-year old Bruce Birge, of Atlantic, was arrested for Operating under the influence. And, 18-year old Dante Watkins, of Atlantic, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Methamphetamine. Watkins was cited into court and released. Birge was booked into the Cass County Jail.

Last Saturday, 26-year old Bryce Baker, of Atlantic, was arrested for Simple Assault. Baker was booked into the jail. On Feb. 10th, 41-year old Jason Cook, of Atlantic, was arrested for Harassment in the 2nd Degree. He was cited into court and released.

And, on Feb. 4th, 49-year old Binte Binios, of Atlantic, was arrested for Operating under the influence, Criminal Mischief and Driving while license suspended. He was booked into the Cass County Jail.

It’s that time of year once again, when the Iowa Beef Industry Council asks Iowans to help identify the best burger in the State. In this year’s quest, the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) are encouraging you to nominate your favorite burger, whether it’s gourmet or down-home style. Kylie Peterson, IBIC Director of Marketing and Communications, says COVID caused the 2020 contest to be delayed, with the winners announced in September, so it seems strange that it’s time to be doing it already.

This is the twelfth year the two groups are holding the annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest, which officially kicked off on February 15, 2021. The contest is more important than ever this year, because of how the restaurant industry was affected last year.

She suggests going out and trying a new restaurant by no later than March 15th, and then fill-out the online nomination form on the Iowa Beef Council’s Facebook page. You can also text your nomination by sending the word BEEF to (515)-220-2020. Complete rules for the contest are available on the web at www.iabeef.org.

Some of the rules state the burger must be 100% real beef, served in a patty form on a bun or bread product.

Restaurants can download a digital toolkit including promotional materials for the contest from IBIC’s website at www.iabeef.org to promote the contest to their customers. The promotional materials can be used in the restaurants, online, or on social media. Peterson says 10 restaurants with the most nominations will be visited by a secret panel of judges, who will determine the ultimate winner.

The 2020 winner of the contest was the Twisted Tail in BeeBeeTown. Their winning burger features a double patty, two slices of cheese and a fried egg on top. This year’s winner will be announced on May 3^rd.