Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Thursday press conference on COVID-19. We will have live audio on KJAN as well with the presser set to begin at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Creston Police report one person was arrested on drug and other charges early this (Thursday) morning. 58-year old David Coontz, of Lorimor, was taken into custody at around 12:30-a.m., for Possession of a Controlled Substance/1st Offense, OWI/1st offense, and Possession of Paraphernalia. Coontz was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2300 bond.

(Radio Iowa) — Iowa bars and other establishments that serve alcohol will be allowed to open next Thursday, at half capacity. Iowa Restaurant Association C-E-O Jessica Dunker says bars will be opening under the same sets of restrictions that restaurants currently have to follow during the pandemic. “We’re actually working with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the governor’s office to put more guidelines out and to create an ‘Iowa Bar Promise,'” Dunker says.

Dunker’s organization helped develop the “Iowa Hospitality Promise” as Iowa restaurants reopened earlier this month — outlining some of the state public health protocols and steps restaurants are taking to protect employees and guests. Dunker says the governor’s previous proclamation loosening restrictions on restaurants was incredibly confusing to the public, since some restaurants that also served alcohol were allowed to open with sit-down traffic.

“It was not along the lines of receipts, like liquor liability insurance, or the way cities define bars. It was about the way food is prepared,” Dunker says. “…We’re pleased that all establishments across the state will be treated equally and be able to open.”  It won’t be business as usual, though. Dunker says in order to reopen, bars will need to be prepared to meet every single mandate required.  “That means getting out the tape measure and having those tables six feet apart,” she says.

“We strongly recommend that they go to our website www.restaurantIowa.com, download signage that explains to people that they need to maintain social distance, that they know their occupancy numbers and modify their floor plans accordingly.” Dunker says bar owners are going to have to be prepared to turn people away due to the 50 percent occupancy restriction and let their customers know the rules in place will be enforced.

“Across the state, we really have seen that people are anxious to get out and we’re asking everybody to be a good actor. This is not the time to not follow the rules and not follow the mandates,” Dunker says. “We’re going to reopen responsibly as an industry. We want everyone to have a fair shot and follow the rules.”

Dunker says it’s impossible for state regulators to write guidance for everything that goes on in a drinking establishment and customers should be prepared for changes in their favorite tavern or bar. Dance floors will stay closed and customers won’t be allowed to play pool or darts. Dunker, who is a native of Mason City, made her comments during the weekly Cerro Gordo County COVID-19 press conference.

Officials with Taylor County Public Health said Wednesday, two additional positive cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Adams County. One individual is an older adult (age 61-80) and the other is middle age (age 41-60). Adams County’s now has 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19. And, another positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Taylor County. The individual is an adult (age 18-40). This is Taylor County’s 5th confirmed case of COVID-19.

“Take Back Bridgewater, Iowa” founder Doug Miller says the organization will present “Music on Main,” Saturday May 30th, beginning at 6:30-p.m., in downtown Bridgewater. The free, 75-minute program will include fast paced, upbeat, feel-good music program featuring music from the 1920’s through today. Music includes works from: Benny Goodman; Louis Armstrong; Bill Haley & the Comets; Elvis; The Glenn Miller Band; Jerry Lee Lewis and more. Miller says “Our hope is to entertain you, make you tap your toes and make you want to dance in the street!” All current social distancing practices will be maintained

Miller says also:

• Use downtown street parking, side streets or your front porch
• Feel free to tailgate or picnic
• Bring your own lawn chairs or just sit in your vehicle
• Local businesses are planning to offer boxed sandwich meal options
• Popcorn and drinks will be available
• KC’s Tavern will offer a FULL sandwich meal to-go. Tentatively planned is: Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich, Pasta Salad, Baked Beans, Potato Chips.
• Beverages will also be available!

“Take Back Bridgewater, Iowa” will offer fresh Popped Popcorn and Fresh Caramel Glaze Pop Popcorn. The Bridgewater Cafe will offer ice Cream – cups and cones. Miller says prelude music will include nostalgic TV theme music, so come early, come out and support Bridgewater while staying safe!

For additional information visit “Take Back Bridgewater, Iowa” on our Facebook page or to help support/sponsor this event call 641-745-5108.