DES MOINES – A barn in Ogden, a courthouse in Decorah, a tiny cemetery chapel in Avoca and a sprawling military base on the south side of Des Moines – these are just four of the 14 historic preservation projects that were honored in a virtual ceremony Thursday during the annual Preserve Iowa Summit. Chris Kramer, director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees the State Historic Preservation Office, says “These outstanding properties give communities a unique sense of pride and place. The adaptive reuse of these iconic buildings is a creative and economic way to revitalize an entire neighborhood.” The IDCA is co-hosting this year’s summit with the City of Dubuque.

The state office presented four awards, for projects that were completed July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019. The nonprofit group Preservation Iowa presented 10 additional awards. Preservation Iowa President Bruce Perry said “It’s thrilling to see owners, architects, contractors and communities work together not only to save Iowa’s historic treasures but to make them focal points to attract new investment into Iowa communities. Preservation is a unique way of using our collective history to prepare for Iowa’s bright future.”

Graceland Cemetery Chapel, Avoca

Among the winners of the “Preservation at its best” awards, was:

Graceland Cemetery Chapel, Avoca
Best Rural Preservation Project
Members of the Newton-Avoca Historical Society teamed up with the City of Avoca to save a tiny octagonal chapel in the local cemetery. Built around 1875, the 320-square-foot chapel now has a refurbished chimney, restored arched windows and new cedar shingles that pay tribute to the original design.

The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Friday), reports 316 additional, positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 21,022. The number of deaths since Thursday, increased by 10, to a total of 589.  Out of the 179, 808 Iowans tested for the virus, 158,391 proved to be Negative. And, 12, 436 people have recovered from the virus. RMCC data show 299 are hospitalized with COVID-19, 102 are in an ICU, 23 were admitted over the past 24-hours, and 62 were on ventilators. The IDPH said also, the number of Long-Term Care (LTC) facility outbreaks went back down to 40. At those facilities, 1,535 patients/staff have tested positive for the virus, 768 have recovered, and 294 have died.

Here are the latest numbers for Cass and surrounding counties [the number of positive COVID-19 cases, and the (number who have recovered)]:

• Cass 12 (10)
• Adair 9 (6)
• Adams 7 (4)
• Guthrie 54 (30)
• Montgomery 10 (6)
• Pottawattamie 317 (193)
• Shelby 37 (33).

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday, 39-year old Kathleen Ann Beckmann turned herself-in to the Sheriff’s Office in Council Bluffs, late Wednesday morning. Beckmann was wanted on warrants out of both Pottawattamie and Muscatine Counties, along with a non-extraditable warrant from State of Illinois.  Beckman was transported to the Pott. County Jail.

In addition, three inmates at the Pott. County Jail were presented with additional arrest warrants before being turned over to Corrections Staff. And, two men held in other jails, were transported to Pott. County to face separate charges in the County.

Creston Police arrested a Red Oak man Thursday morning. 52-year old Jeffrey John Lusk was arrested at a residence in the 800 block of Birch St., in Creston, on a charge of Failure to Appear on a prior charge, of Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree. Lusk was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,000 cash only bond.

(Radio Iowa) — Governor Kim Reynolds says state officials are providing new guidelines so nursing homes may reopen to visitors. In early March, long term care facilities were closed to visitors, to reduce the risk that residents would contract COVID-19.  “This time of separation has been extremely difficult for residents of long term care facilities and their loved ones,” Reynolds says. “I’ve heard stories of spouses that have been married for over 60 years who have rarely spent a day apart until these last three months, of sons and daughters who worry they’re missing precious time with an elderly parent.”

The governor says there are also concerns about how social isolation is impacting the mental health of nursing home residents. Dr. Caitlin Pedati, the state medical director, says facilities will get advice from the state on how to handle easing some of the COVID-related restrictions. “Visitation of family as well as of health care personnel, trips outside of a facility, dining practices and group activities,” she says.

Dr. Pedati says facilites will be advised to consider virus activity in the vicinity before making changes.