The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:05-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.
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The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:05-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.7MB)
Subscribe: RSS
The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Monday, 10-a.m.), reports there have been 601 new, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in test results received since 10-a.m. Sunday, for a pandemic total to-date, of 284,866. IDPH reports 46 additional deaths since Saturday (none were reported Sunday), with the total to date 3,992. Of Iowa’s pandemic-related deaths, COVID-19 is reported as the underlying cause for 3,658 deaths, while 334 are listed as a contributing factor. In southwest Iowa, there was one death each reported in of Harrison, Montgomery and Shelby Counties, and four more deaths in Pottawattamie County.
The Iowa DPH today reports 105 COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities in the state (1 less than previously reported). Those outbreaks account for 4,363 of Iowa’s current positive cases. COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities account for 1,139 of the state’s total deaths. Health officials say 2,959 LTC patients/staff have recovered from the virus.
Iowa DPH reports hospitalizations were down from 577 Sunday to 571 today. There are: 117 patients in an ICU; 60 were admitted to hospitals, and 55 patients are on ventilators. Hospitals in western/southwest Iowa (RMCC Region 4) report: 38 hospitalized; 17 are in an ICU; 2 people were admitted to a hospital, and 8 people are on a ventilator.
According to the state’s website, 1,365,704 Iowans have been tested for COVID-19, to-date. Iowa’s average reported positivity rate for the last 14-days is 13.3%, compared to 13.1% a day earlier. The health department says 244,620 Iowans have recovered from COVID-19.
In the KJAN listening area, here are the current number positive cases by County; The # of new cases since yesterday {+} – if any; and the total number of deaths in each county to date:
(Clarinda, 8:37-a.m.) — Page County authorities say a missing Clarinda Academy student has been returned to campus.
Authorities in Clarinda are searching for a student who left the Clarinda Academy campus overnight. The student left campus around 1:45 a.m. and traveled in an unknown direction. The student was described as being a 15-year-old white male, wearing a gray hoodie and blue sneakers. No other description was available.
Anyone with information on the student is urged to call their local law enforcement agency.
The Adair County Board of Supervisors will conduct an in-person and electronic meeting 9-a.m. today (Via dial-in at (605)-313-6157, access code 526272#). Among the items on their agenda are organizational procedures, including: The election of a Board Chair and Vice Chair; Approve Deputy Clerk appointments by County Auditor and Attorney; Action on a Travel Policy Resolution; Action on a Master Matrix Resolution (for livestock confinement facilities); and the appointment of Board members to area boards/commissions, and their alternates.
In other business, the Board will hold a Public Hearing on an FY21 Budget Amendment, following by action on a Resolution to approve the amendment, and an Appropriations Resolution. They will also hear from Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, with regard to a Jail Administrator new hire, and County Engineer Nick Kauffman. He will discuss several matters with the Board, including: Empowerment of County Engineer; A Right-of-way and temporary easement purchase; A Bridge Weight limit Resolution, and other, Secondary Roads Dept. matter.
During their meeting last week, the Adair County Supervisors voted to continue current Adair County Courthouse COVID-19 mitigation measures through at least the end of this month. That means the courthouse will remain locked and services will be conducted at a window outside the building. Beginning today, the Supervisors will meet in person for budgeting purposes. Everyone else will participate by phone conference (by using the numbers above).
Officials say visitors are asked to enter the west door elevator entrance window. They are asked to call the courthouse, and employees can help them from that particular window. If someone must enter the facility, the staff will take their temperature. Otherwise, the driver’s license services are by appointment only.
FOR SALE: I have several tree slice end tables for sale. Call Tim at 712-249-9242.
FOR SALE: Restored 1936 John Deere A, great shape, runs, all new tires, new paint and decals. $3,500. 712-210-2259 (Atlantic)
FOR SALE: 1. A Black helmet for motorcycle riders and it has shield and comes with cover. Asking $25. 2. A new bottle of men’s cologne. Asking $22 (VAQUERO brand.) Bought it new at $35.
Call or text 712-304-2951.
FOR SALE (PRICE REDUCED to sell!): Turbo charged 2005 Mazda, modified car with open hood, 5 speed, 4 cylinder, running lights in front, won 2nd place at AtlanticFest last year, only selling because no garage to keep it in, currently in a friends garage in Atlantic so has been kept dry. $5000 Firm. 651-376-8696.
FOR SALE: John Deere 522 snowblower, 5 hp, 22″ cut, electric start, with chains. $400 obo. 712-268-2609.
WANTED: Can someone let me know of a place in Atlantic that I can take clothes to? Ever since the Salvation Army store closed I have no idea where to take things….please text me at 865-963-7499 if you can help.
WANTED: Looking for 1973-1975 Anita School Yearbooks. Willing to pay $10 each or a little more if in good condition. Call 712-769-2557.
WANTED: Oversized recliner. 712-254-6609 in Atlantic.
FOR SALE: 2018 8320 R John Deere tractor, 5 year warranty, loaded, only 10 hrs. Asking $285,000. Side screen for 55 Series John Deere mechanical front tractor, $300.00. 712-269-7725.
FOR SALE:an older stationary bicycle, works just fine. Asking $40. Call 712-250-4021. SOLD!
FOR SALE: Firewood, split, delivered in stock. 712-420-3016.
FOR SALE: Boer cross weather goat, born Nov 5th. Been giving his CDT shot and booster also have been given a copper bolus pills. Dehorned November 14th. Will be weaned Feb 5th. Been eating hay and grain very well! Asking $250 obo cash only. Call or text 712-249-9194.
FOR SALE: 2 full-face helmets. One is an HJC, black and blue with visor for snowmobiling. The other is a 509 flat white. Will take $100 for the pair. Call 712-254-6167.
FOR SALE: 24 inch wide Snapper snowblower $300. Call Jay 712-307-2193
FOR SALE: Pair of heavy duty 12 ton jack stands. $50 for the pair. 243-4914. SOLD!
FOR SALE: Football & baseball cards from the 1970-80’s. 212 Topps cards and 170 Panini, over 400 cards. $200. 712-243-4914.
FREE: treadmill, 5 ft. in length, exercise bike SOLD! Also, have two white utility cabinets, 5 ft. with 4 shelves, and a 5 drawer chest of drawers, all free. Call 712-563-2039.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Shanquan Hemphill had 17 points to lead five Drake players in double figures as the Bulldogs won their 12th straight game to open the season, defeating Southern Illinois 73-55. D.J. Wilkins added 14 points for the Bulldogs. Roman Penn chipped in 11, Joseph Yesufu scored 10 and Darnell Brodie had 10. Lance Jones led the Salukis with 18 points.
(Radio Iowa) – One in every dozen Iowans has asthma and wintertime can be their worst time of the year, since just breathing cold air can trigger an asthma attack. With the pandemic and the chilly weather keeping most of us indoors, exposure to triggers like pet dander and smoke can make matters worse. Allergist Dr. David Slade suggests a few ways to keep your asthma symptoms under control. “If at all possible, try not to use or be around things like wood-burning stoves, even kerosene heaters or fireplaces, just to avoid the strong odors or chemicals they that they produce,” Dr. Slade says. “It’s also important to avoid things like irritating sprays, hairspray, indoor air fresheners.”
Slade says asthma sufferers and those around them can take some simple steps to make it easier to breathe. “Ask your family members to try to limit their use of perfumes or anything with a strong scent,” he says. “The most important thing is that if you have asthma and you smoke, the best thing you can do is quit and ask people not to smoke around you.” Just going outside and having the cold air hit your lungs could bring on an episode. If you’re not already wearing a face mask, it’s important to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when you’re outdoors, Slade says, especially on very cold, windy days. “If you’re thinking of fun things to do outside this winter, try to plan them when you’ll have the least exposure to your asthma triggers,” Slade says. “Keep an eye on the weather so that you can monitor your asthma by tracking days that symptoms most occur.”
Slade says to have a frank talk with your doctor to create a plan that keeps your symptoms under control and set up a routine that works best for you.
(Radio Iowa) – The 11-week shut down of the 2020 Iowa legislative session due to the pandemic delayed a debate about tax policy that’s likely to be front-and-center of the 2021 session. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a Republican from Ankeny, said “I’ve said this many times, but as long as I’m the leader of the Senate and as long as we’re in the majority, we’re always going to continue to work on tax relief.” Whitver says Senate Republicans want to pursue an “aggressive” reduction in taxes.
“What that looks like and what the details are is still to be determined,” Whitver says. “We have really taken some big steps over the last four years to improve our tax climate. We’re not where we need to be yet.” The ultimate goal for some Republicans would be the elimination of the state income tax. Whitver suggests this year’s target is reducing the tax rate.
“Reducing the individual income tax is really important because it not only affects every single person in the state of Iowa, it also affects most of the businesses in the state of Iowa because most of the businesses don’t pay a corporate tax,” Whitver says. “They pay the individual income tax and so when you’re talking about pro-growth, pro-job policies, individual income tax is at the top of the list.”
Last February, Republican Governor Kim Reynolds proposed a 10 percent reduction in income taxes, along with a one percent increase in the state sales tax to find more money for water quality projects and mental health services. Whitver says a sales tax hike has been and will continue to be a hard sell. House Speaker Pat Grassley of New Hartford says the Republican-led legislature passed the largest tax reduction package in state history in 2018 and he says it’s critical to craft a state spending plan with enough in reserve to trigger the next round of cuts outlined in that 2018 law.
“From my perspective that is the number one priority when it comes to tax policy. I’m sure there are other pieces that come up. We’ve had some child tax policy that we’ve been working on,” Grassley says. Grassley says legislators also are waiting to see whether Governor Reynolds proposes the same “Invest in Iowa” package she did last February, or if she makes major adjustments. “We have to be careful to rush to judgement on anything we’ve seen in the past until we’ve seen what the new proposal may look like,” Grassley says. “We have 14 new members that haven’t even seen the old proposal, let alone if there’s something new.”
Democrats say they’ll push for specific legislation to help Iowans get through the pandemic. Representative Jennifer Konfrst, a Democrat from Windsor Heights who is the assistant House Minority Leader, says “We want to make sure we’re focused on long-term recovery efforts to get the economy rolling again. We want to make sure we’re using aggressive plans to help families, businesses, schools and health care workers recover over the next several years.”
“We don’t feel like it’s one or the other. We feel like Covid recovery works toward building Iowa’s economy and building a better life for Iowans,” Konfrst says. “It’s all just part of the same process, so we see this as a long term goal and one that we look forward to working with Republicans on accomplishing.” The 2021 legislative session begins next Monday, January 11th.
(Radio Iowa) Five of the six Iowans serving today (Monday) in the U.S. Congress were sworn into office yesterday (Sunday). Third district Congresswoman Cindy Axne, a Des Moines from West Des Moines, has started her second term in the U.S. House. Axne stood on the Capitol steps and recorded a statement that was posted on Twitter.
“I am looking forward to getting to work for Iowans once again, making sure that we address the issues, of course, with Covid and get people back to a health state and put money in their pockets,” Axne said. “Of course we’ve got to make sure coming out of that that our country can thrive.” Axne is the dean of the Iowa delegation since the other three representatives from Iowa are all starting their first terms in the House.
First district Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion posted a video on Twitter that she recorded as she walked toward the capitol. “I’m so excited. I’m ready to serve you, spent my day today getting my office up and running,” Hinson said. “We’re taking as many calls as we can already.”
Fourth district Congressman Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, issued a written statement, saying on he looks forward to finding conservative solutions that will create a booming economy for taxpayers. Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottumwa — from Iowa’s second congressional district — was sworn in as a provisional member of the House. Democrat Rita Hart is asking a House committee to order another recount in the second district race after Miller-Meeks won by just six votes.
Miller-Meeks, in a written statement, said in congress she’ll do her best to help Iowa workers and businesses get back to work and get children safely back to school. On the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol, the vice president administered the oath of office to Republican Joni Ernst, who has started her second term in the U.S. Senate.
Senator Charles Grassley stood behind Ernst as she was sworn into office, but didn’t take the oath. Grassley has two more years remaining on his 7th term in the U.S. Senate.
Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Justin Herbert threw for 302 yards and accounted for four touchdowns against a team of mostly Kansas City backups, and the Chargers rolled to a 38-21 victory. The Chiefs turned their attention to the postseason and Los Angeles will now focus on the precarious future of coach Anthony Lynn. The Chiefs already had wrapped up the No. 1 seed and the AFC’s lone first-round bye, so coach Andy Reid chose to take rest over reps by sitting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, safety Tyrann Mathieu and several of his best players. Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Lynn could be fired as soon as Monday, despite the Chargers winning their final four games.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Joanne Allen-Taylor scored 16 points to lead a balanced attack that included Charli Collier’s double-double and No. 19 Texas defeated Iowa State 74-59. Collier and Karisma Ortiz both scored 14 points with Collier grabbing 14 rebounds. Ortiz, who had four 3-pointers, hit one to give the Longhorns a 36-33 lead at the half. Allen Taylor hit a 3 and a short jumper as Texas quickly pushed the lead to 10 to open the third quarter. Ashley Joens scored 19 points for the Cyclones but the conference’s leading scorer (25.9) went 4 of 17 from the field.
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Breece Hall ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns, Brock Purdy accounted for two scores and No. 12 Iowa State grinded out a 34-17 win over No. 25 Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl. The Cyclones used their ball-control offense to dominate the time of possession and keep Oregon’s offense off the field for long stretches to win their first New Year’s Six bowl. Hall, an AP All-American, had 34 carries and his ninth 100-yard game this season. Purdy, who went to high school in nearby Gilbert, threw for 156 yards and a touchdown on 20-of-29 passing, adding a touchdown on the ground.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Shanquan Hemphill had 17 points to lead five Drake players in double figures as the Bulldogs won their 12th straight game to open the season, defeating Southern Illinois 73-55. D.J. Wilkins added 14 points for the Bulldogs. Roman Penn chipped in 11, Joseph Yesufu scored 10 and Darnell Brodie had 10. Lance Jones led the Salukis with 18 points.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Shamar Givance scored a career-high 22 points, including key free throws with 23 seconds left, and Evansville defeated Northern Iowa 70-64, completing a weekend sweep of the Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorites. Evan Kuhlman had 14 points for Evansville. Jawaun Newton added 11 points and six rebounds. Samari Curtis had six rebounds. Austin Phyfe had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Panthers. Trae Berhow added 11 points and seven rebounds. Berthow helped close a 12-point gap, scoring eight in a 16-11 run that brought Northern Iowa to within five, 67-62 with 1:21 left.