(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.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest at around 9:20-p.m. Wednesday, of a man wanted on a valid Fugitive from Justice warrant out of Nebraska. 25-year old Timothy James Black, of Emerson, was wanted on the warrant related to an incident of Domestic Assault/strangulation. Black was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:35 a.m. CDT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal recommendations meant to keep meatpacking workers safe as they return to plants that were shuttered by the coronavirus have little enforcement muscle behind them. That is fueling anxiety that working conditions could put employees’ lives at risk. Extensive guidance issued last month by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls for meatpacking companies to erect physical barriers, enforce social distancing and install more hand-sanitizing stations, among other steps. But the guidance is not mandatory. OSHA’s general guidance plainly says the recommendations are advisory and not a regulation or a new legal obligation.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says movie theaters, museums, zoos and wedding reception venues can reopen on Friday. The Republican governor also announced Wednesday that state campground restrooms, showers and cabins can reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend. Camping will be allowed for tents and all campers, but playgrounds, shelters and visitor centers will remain closed. Reynolds says she’s confident that the state’s coronavirus testing capabilities are sufficient to deal with any outbreaks that occur. Her push to reopen sectors of the economy comes despite the state still registering hundreds of new COVID-19 cases and a dozen new coronavirus deaths per day.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police say a 21-year-old Des Moines man who adopted two dogs from an animal shelter left them to starve to death in his apartment. David James Goodburn is charged with two animal neglect misdemeanors. He is being held in the Polk County Jail. Police allege Goodburn adopted the dogs in late March. A criminal complaint says the dogs were found this week because a strong odor was coming from Goodburn’s apartment. Power to the apartment had been turned off and the dogs were left without food or water. The complaint says investigators believe Goodburn intentionally let the dogs starve.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa woman accused of intentionally hitting children with her car because of their race has been ruled competent to stand trial. KCRG reports court documents show a psychiatric evaluation found Nicole Poole competent. Poole is charged with two counts of attempted murder. Police have said she intentionally ran over an Hispanic girl and a black boy near Des Moines-area schools last December. Both children survived. She is also charged in connection with an outburst at a convenience store in West Des Moines on the same day the children were hit. A judge found her incompetent to stand trial in February and she was ordered to receive treatment.