(Radio Iowa) — Some of Iowa’s K-through-12 students may soon be required to participate in online classes during school closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Department of Education will fast-track requests from school districts and non-public schools for what the agency calls “continuous learning” plans. Ann Lebo is director of the Iowa Department of Education. “We all know how important it is for Iowa students to continue to learn during the COVID-19 emergency,” Lebo says. “…Even though schools are not required to offer learning opportunities when they are closed, they are certainly able and encouraged to do so as they consider the needs of the families and the learners they serve.”

The new guidelines allow schools to issue grades for homework and to give students this semesters’ credits for courses completed online. Schools must consider how all students may access online courses.  “The role of the Department of Education is to ensure we maintain a minimum standard of care,” Lebo says, “while allowing the maximum opportunity for growth through flexibility at the local level.” Some Iowa school districts are delivering homework packets to students. Lebo says others are providing one electronic device to each student and finding ways to ensure all students have access to WiFi.  “Innovation at this time of uncertainty is important,” Lebo says.

Governor Kim Reynolds has recommended that schools close through April 12th. However, it’s likely Iowa schools will remain closed for the entire month of April. Last (Sunday) night, President Trump extended federal social distancing guidelines until April 30th.

A traffic stop at Ingrum Avenue and Highway 34 Saturday morning resulted in two arrested on drug charges. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office says 22-year old Gabriella Cheyanne Mixan and 24-year old Blake Marshall Reed, both of Glenwood, were arrested at around 1:35-a.m. Saturday, for: Possession of a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Reed was additionally charged with OWI/1st offense, and Possession of Carrying of a Dangerous Weapon. His bond was set at $5,000. Mixan’s bond was set at $1,300.

Officials with Audubon County Public Health said this (Monday) morning, that a case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Audubon County. The patient is between the ages of 61-and 80. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home. Audubon County Public Health Director Robert Nelson said “While this is Audubon County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority.”

As experts have continuously stressed, those actions include:
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.

(Radio Iowa) — A person from Linn County with COVID-19 died Saturday night. State public health officials say the person was between the ages of 61 and 80. It’s the fourth death in the state connected to the pandemic. A total of 336 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed within the state. Sarah Reisetter, of the Iowa Department of Public Health says projections indicate the number of cases will continue to climb. “We’re thinking we might see a peak, a first peak, in the next two to three weeks, so that’s the best information that we have right now,” Reisetter says. “I would reiterate that things are changing on a daily basis and we continue to look at numbers both here in Iowa and what’s happening in other states.”

Reisster is urging Iowans who live in a county where a positive case of COVID-19 has not been reported to stay vigilant about personal hygiene and staying home, if possible. “It should be every Iowan’s assumption that the virus is currently circulating in their community,” Reisetter said. “Although I know we all stand up here and sound like a broken record, but those mitigation strategies are so very important regardless of where you live in Iowa at this time.”

Governor Reynolds emphasizes that the incubation period for the virus is up to 14 days. “Iowans who have recently traveled for spring break and may have been exposed to the virus are are still in that incubation period,” she says. The latest figures from the Iowa Department of Public Health indicate 51 Iowans were hospitalized on Saturday night for treatment of COVID-19. Experts say 80 percent of those who get the virus will either not have any symptoms or their symptoms will be mild and they’ll be able to recover at home.

PLEASANTVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Firefighters are battling a fire at a church in south-central Iowa that erupted before dawn Monday. Several firetrucks were dispatched to the Pleasantville Christian Church before 6 a.m. Water was sprayed down from a nozzle mounted on an aerial ladder as flames danced and heavy gray smoke billowed from the multilevel building. No injuries have been reported. The fire cause will be investigated.

Three people were arrested over the past few days in Creston. Authorities say 61-year old Edward Gunter, of Creston, was arrested Saturday afternoon for Theft in the 5th Degree. He was cited at the scene and released on a summons to appear in court. On Friday, 34-year old Joshua Weeks, of Lorimor, was served with a  Union County warrant at the Union County Jail, for Violation of Probation on an original charge of OWI/3rd offense. He remains held in the jail without bond, pending an appearance before the magistrate. And, 67-year old James Goodman, of Diagonal, was arrested Friday in Creston, for Violation of a Protection Order. He was released on a Promise to Appear in court.

Creston Police said also, a man residing in the 500 block of S. Birch Street, reported Sunday evening, that sometime between 6-p.m. Saturday and 1-p.m. Sunday, someone entered two vehicles on his property and took loose change along with a vehicle ignition key. The loss was estimated at $125.