DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Sunday afternoon, confirmed the first death of a child due to complications from COVID-19. The child was under the age of five, and had significant underlying health conditions.

Officials said the death occurred in June and the case investigation was completed on August 6 by the State Medical Examiner. The child’s death was publicly reported this weekend after ensuring the individual’s identity would remain protected and notifying the family. When any pediatric death occurs, which includes any individual under the age of 17, due to disease or other unnatural circumstances, the medical examiner performs a number of routine tests.

The investigation to confirm cause of death includes extensive pathology, metabolic and other tests that can take months to complete and certify, depending on the complexity of the case. In this case, the Medical examiner performed a full range of testing, given the complicating factor of the child’s health history. Ultimately, COVID-19 was deemed the cause of death.

The IDPH said also, “We have made every effort to protect the identity of this child, while the family grieves this devastating loss. Again, we send our sincerest condolences.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will speak at this week’s Republican National Convention. Reynolds’ campaign said Sunday that the Iowa Republican will address the convention remotely on Tuesday and doesn’t plan to attend the event in Charlotte, North Carolina. GOP officials in Charlotte are expected to vote to renominate President Donald Trump in a small in-person session Monday. Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is also scheduled to speak to the convention on Wednesday.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are investigating after a car drove through a group of protesters in downtown Iowa City on Friday night, but no serious injuries were reported as part of the incident. Iowa City Police said they identified the driver who went through a group of at least 100 protesters Friday, and are seeking more details from people who were part of the event organized by the Iowa Freedom Riders civil rights group.

Video of the incident was posted online. Organizers said Friday’s march was planned to demand additional action from Iowa City leaders.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports one arrest occurred over the past week. On Friday (Aug. 21st), a pickup truck driven by 19-year old Troy William Brown, of Clearfield, was pulled-over at around 7:25-p.m., for speeding nearly 80-mph on Henry A. Wallace Road, near 310th Street.

After an investigation, Brown was taken into custody and transported to the Adair County Jail. He was charged with OWI/1st offense, after a BAC (Breath Alcohol Concentration) test registered .132, or nearly twice the legal limit for intoxication.

Brown was also cited for Minor in Possession and speeding, before being released.

Red Oak Police report one person was arrested early this (Sunday) morning, and one was arrested Saturday evening. Authorities say at around 2:41-a.m. (Sunday), 36-year old Billy Lyn Leeper, of Red Oak, was arrested at the intersection of 1st and Reed Streets, for Public Intoxication. His bond was set at $300. And, at around 6:31-p.m. Saturday, 30-year old Mildred Helenora Douglas, of Red Oak, was arrested in the 1800 block of N. 4th Street, in Red Oak, for Simple Assault, Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree, and Public Intoxication. She was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports two people were arrested early this (Sunday) morning on drug charges, following a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle. At around 1:32-a.m., A Fremont County Deputy pulled-over an unplated Nissan Versa northbound on Interstate 29 near the Thurman exit. The Fremont County K9 Roby was deployed and alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle. During a subsequent search, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and prescription pills were located.

Leanthony Carey

Jamie Leigh Conn

Aistrope says 29-year old Leanthony Carey, of Gretna, NE., was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 22-year old Jamie Leigh Conn, of Plattsmouth, NE., was charged, with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Pills. Carey was being held at the Fremont County Jail on a $300 bond. Conn was being held on a $2,300 bond.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and K9 Unit with the call.