Mills County Public Health along with Mills County Emergency Management Agency today (Wednesday) announced the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The individual was in the age range of 61-80 and was the 42nd positive case in Mills County. The person passed away in a hospital setting. The disease was originally contracted by community spread.

Mills County Public Health Administrator Julie Lynes said “It is with a heavy heart I make this announcement and we wish to extend our sympathy to this individual’s family. Mills County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.”

Officials say preventive health measures are still the best defense against COVID-19. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces. Wear a face mask and maintain social distance when in public. If you are sick, stay home. Carefully consider whether certain social or recreational activities are worth putting yourself or your family at risk.If you or someone you were in close contact with tests positive for COVID-19 and told to quarantine, take it seriously.

By isolating yourself from others during the full 14-day incubation period you will be doing your part to effectively stop the spread of the virus. For further information on COVID-19, visit the Mills County Public Health webpage at http://covid19.millscoia.us.

For additional statistical data,in near real time, visit the Iowa Coronavirus webpage at https://coronavirus.iowa.gov

(12-p.m. News) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports two recent arrests and one property damage accident. Authorities say today (Wednesday), 32-year old Cory Robert Kyle,  of Avoca, was arrested on a Sheriff’s Office warrant for Theft 2nd Degree (D Felony) and Driving While Barred (D Felony). Kyle was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $7,000 bond. And, on Tuesday, 41-year old Shawn Glen Wolverton, of Atlantic, was arrested on a warrant for Parole Violation. Wolverton was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held without bond.

Sunday morning, just before 9-a.m. Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a one-vehicle accident on 670th Street in Cumberland. A 2014 Chevy Silverado owned and driven by 35-year old Christopher Anderson, of Cumberland, was northbound on 670th Street when Anderson lost control. The pickup entered the east ditch, but Anderson was able to move vehicle back onto the roadway. No injuries were reported. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $3,000. Anderson was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

The Harlan Police Department reports two recent arrests. On Tuesday, 27-year old Adam Paul Mason was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant. And, on Sunday, 34-year old Brian William Messinger, of Harlan, was arrested on an active warrant. Both men were transported to the Shelby County Jail.

There were also two, non-injury accidents in Harlan over the past week. The drivers in one of the collisions were identified as Michael Heithoff, of Harlan, and JoAnn Schuemann, of Avoca. In the other accident, a vehicle driven by Clara Milks-Zimmerman, of Harlan, hit a legally parked car registered to Peyton Schlater, of Irwin.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Democratic Party’s signature annual fundraiser will see a major change next month in the wake of a global coronavirus pandemic. For the first time since it began in 1972, the party’s Steak Fry event will be held as a drive-in. The Steak Fry will be held at the Airplane Field at Des Moines Water Works Park. Attendees will be able to watch the program on a large screen and listen in through the radio. Steak, chicken, and vegan dinners will be delivered directly to attendees’ cars. Social distancing rules will be enforced and face masks will be required when attendees are outside of their vehicles. The event drew more than 12,000 people last year.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports a woman from Fontanelle was arrested Tuesday morning in Adams County, on a Union County warrant for Failure to Appear. 21-year old Tommie Lynne O’Neal was released from the Adams County Jail on her own recognizance.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports 18-year old Adison Timothy Presley, of Glenwood, was arrested Tuesday night at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody on a warrant for OWI/1st offense, and held in the Mills County Jail on a $1,000 bond.