(Radio Iowa) — Iowa Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer thinks the Governor isn’t going far enough in restricting the movement of Iowans to address the coronavirus outbreak. The Democrat from Dubuque has sent a letter to the governor, asking her to issue a statewide stay at home order.

Finkenauer says she has been talking with the governor throughout this week — and decided to send her letter after talking with doctors from Dubuque — who have also sent a letter to the governor.

She says the governor feels the actions the state is taking are enough to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Finkenauer says she not only represents her district — but on the federal level has to speak for the rest of the nation — as she’s concerned that the national food supply could be hurt.

Finkenauer says she could not sit back and not say something publicly after seeing the two additional deaths in her district. The two latest COVID-19 deaths reported Friday, happened in Allamakee and Poweshiek County. The first death was reported in Dubuque County.

Officials with Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, reported Friday, that a case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Shelby County. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.

Myrtue Medical Center’s Public Health Director Lori Hoch said “We encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority.” 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.

It’s no joke….The Atlantic City Council will hold it’s first-ever electronic meeting 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, April 1st, “In order to discourage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” The meeting will be conducted through “Zoom,” a remote conferencing service that combines video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration.

There is a lot on the Council’s Agenda. Here’s a brief rundown:

• A Public Hearing on the Adoption of the Final Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Budget for the City of Atlantic. (The Council passed the preliminary FY21 Budget March 4th)
• A Resolution “Adopting the [FY21] Budget” (which calls for lower property taxes, but increased costs in labor & health insurance) [Total tax levy rate per $1,000 valuation on regular property= $16.56/$1,000; on Agricultural land= $3.00/$1,000]
• A Public Hearing on the Adoption of the 10-year CIP (Capital Improvement Plan).
• A Resolution “Adopting the Proposed [FY21] CIP.”
• A Resolution “Setting Salaries for Appointed Officers and Employees of the City of Atlantic.” (Basically, wage adjustments for the Police Chief, Library Director, Parks & Rec Director, Street Superintendent and City Administrator, plus a 2.4% increase for all employees, keeping in-line with other cities of similar size, as well as Union agreements)
• The Council will also act on a Resolution “Setting the Seasonal Wages for Atlantic Parks & Recreation Department for 2020.”
• Action on a Resolution for a “Temporary [suspension] of Certain Personnel Policy Requirements in Order to Address the COVID-19 Emergency.”
• A Resolution “Setting the date for a public hearing on designation of the expanded North Urban Renewal Area and on [an] Urban Renewal Plan Amendment,” as it pertains to the City’s 2017 development agreement with the Whitney Group.
• And, a public hearing on a proposal to enter into a General Obligation Refunding Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder, with regard to recent changes in the bond market.

To view/listen to the City Council meeting, tune to the local access cable channel (here in Atlantic), or join via Zoom using the following:

Only Mayor Jones, City Administrator Lund, City Clerk/Treasurer Barrick, Administrative Assistant Amanda Martin, Police Chief Dave Erickson, Council Members Dick Casady and Pat McCurdy and Cable TV Operator Nick Kern will be allowed to be physically present at Atlantic City Hall, 23 E. 4th St.   The Council Chamber doors will be locked.

(Radio Iowa) — Iowa’s governor grew emotional today (Friday), when addressing claims that the threat of COVID-19 is being overblown. Governor Kim Reynolds says she’s well aware of those claims.

Reynolds was asked this afternoon during her daily news conference about critics who say business closures are an over-reaction. Reynolds says she has had to make some hard decisions in the midst of a pandemic.

Reynolds says these orders are a necessity.

Reynolds says she’s hoping the FEDERAL stimulus package that just passed congress this afternoon will help many Iowans get through these really tough times. Most every American will get a 12-hundred dollar check and unemployment benefits will be expanded.

LEMARS, Iowa – A man from northwest Iowa arrested Thursday, and charged with three counts of Purchasing/Possessing Depictions of a Minor in a Sex Act. The charges are aggravated misdemeanors.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says 39-year old Aaron Matthew Henry, of Remsen, was arrested in Plymouth County, following an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, along with assistance from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A move by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to halt elective medical procedures during the coronavirus emergency has halted abortions in the state. The action comes as Iowa is experiencing a surge in new positive cases of coronavirus. Public health officials on Friday announced 56 new confirmed cases and two additional deaths.

Reynolds spokesman confirms her actions Thursday halt abortions until April 16. Iowa now has 235 positive cases and three deaths. One adult over age 81 in Poweshiek County died and another between 61 and 80 died in Allamakee County. Public health officials say 32 Iowa residents are hospitalized.

MAPLETON, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say they have made an arrest in the late January shooting death of a Mapleton teen. The Iowa Department of Public Safety says 17-year-old Jay Lee Neubaum was arrested Friday in Whiting, on a charge of first-degree murder in the Jan. 31st death of 16-year-old Joseph Hopkins. Neubaum was being held at a juvenile detention center on $1 million cash bond.

Mapleton police and medical crews found Hopkins’ body after responding to a 911 call about a shooting the night of Jan. 31. Mapleton is about 40 miles southeast of Sioux City.

Atlantic, IA — Cass County Health System is repurposing two of its satellite clinics to provide well-care exclusively to healthy children and expectant mothers. A well-care visit is defined as a visit for preventive care or management of a chronic condition, without acute symptoms.

Starting Monday, March 30, the Griswold Medical Center and Anita Medical Center will become well clinics staffed by Dr. Angela Weppler and Jessica Jackson, ARNP. Both providers have many years of experience in prenatal/OB and pediatric care, as well as general medical care. Dr. Weppler and Jackson will see obstetric patients as well as provide well-child checks by appointment only. Each provider will work two days each at both locations. The Griswold and Anita Medical Centers will be open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 to 4:30. We recognize that this may create inconvenience for patients traveling between communities and we appreciate the public understanding that these steps are necessary to help protect the health of our citizens.

Dr. Weppler and Jackson will also continue to care for healthy patients with chronic illnesses with those appointments done via telehealth services. Those who need to be evaluated in person will be carefully screened prior to coming into any clinic. Patients with acute illnesses will be directed to call Atlantic Medical Center to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Weppler and Jackson will temporarily cease providing care at Atlantic Medical Center. This is part of our effort to keep them away from any potential exposures to COVID-19, providing additional protection for our pregnant and pediatric patients.

All of our other providers will only work from Atlantic Medical Center and Massena Medical Center. Massena Medical Center will operate as usual until further notice. All patients with respiratory illnesses are being cared for in an isolated area of Atlantic Medical Center by a limited number of providers dedicated to that work space.

Although Rapid Care has temporarily been suspended, same-day care is readily available at the Atlantic Medical Center from Monday through Saturday. At this time hours remain the same: 7 am – 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm Friday and 8 am – 12pm on Saturday. Calling ahead for all appointments is encouraged. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms/fevers/cough should call 712-243-2850 before coming to Atlantic Medical Center.