Mills County Public Health officials along with Mills County Emergency Management Agency announced Saturday, there two additional deaths associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The first individual had underlying health conditions and was in the age range of 80+. The second individual was in the 61-80 age range and also had underlying health conditions. Both deaths occurred on the evening of October 23, 2020.

Mills County Public Health Administrator Julie Lynes says “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families. This is a sad reminder of how COVID can impact those at high risk for severe symptoms. It is important that we do all we can to contain the spread of this virus by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and using good hand hygiene.”

Preventive health measures are still the best defense against COVID-19. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces. Wear a face mask and maintain social distance when in public. If you are sick, stay home. Carefully consider whether certain social or recreational activities are worth putting yourself or your family at risk. If you or someone you were in close contact with tests positive for COVID-19 and told to quarantine, take it seriously. By isolating yourself from others during the full 14-day incubation
period you will be doing your part to effectively stop the spread of the virus.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A Black man who was shot by police outside an Iowa nightclub five years ago has agreed to a nearly $400,000 settlement. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that 33-year-old Jovan Darnell Webb alleged in his suit that he was singled out because of his race in April 2015 when he was wounded while attempting to pull out of the parking lot of the New World nightclub in Waterloo during a disturbance.

His suit also alleged excessive force, equal protection violations and battery on the part of the police officers. The lawsuit had been scheduled to go to trial this month. The decision to settle for $399,999 was made by the city’s liability insurance carrier. The city’s attorney, David Baker, declined to comment.

(Atlantic) – The annual fall Book Sale was held at the Atlantic Public Library last Wednesday through Friday (yesterday). Special additional hours will be available 9 am to 7 pm on Monday, October 26 and 9 am to noon on Tuesday, October 27. The price will also be special. Bring your own grocery bag and pay one fee of $5 for as many books as will fit in the bag.

The Friends of the Library usually sponsor two sales per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring event was cancelled this year due to the pandemic causing many more books to be available. Also there is an increase in large print books, books on tape and music CDs. A large variety of children’s books and adult hard bound and paper backs are ready for your purchase.

All proceeds are given to the Library to support activities and programs. Friends of the Library is a volunteer group with the purpose of supporting work done for the community by the Library.