A second Iowa correctional officer has died after contracting COVID-19. A spokesperson for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union told KCCI the officer worked at the Clarinda Correctional Facility. No other information has been released.

The Iowa Department of Corrections previously reported that a staff member at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville died on Nov. 16 due to a COVID-19 infection. Corrections officials say 10 inmates have died from COVID-19 complications.

DECORAH, Iowa (AP) — A northeastern Iowa teenager has been arrested after authorities there say he intentionally rammed a law enforcement vehicle while fleeing police, injuring a Winneshiek County deputy. Television station KCRG reports that the incident happened over the weekend, when deputies responded to a report of domestic assault. Deputies say 18-year-old Druey Hood, of Decorah, fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, leading deputies on a high speed chase.

Police also believe Hood was intoxicated during the chase. Officials say at one point in the chase, Hood turned his vehicle around and rammed a squad car, leaving a deputy with minor injuries. Police say Hood resisted arrest and faces several felony charges.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports four recent arrests. Today (Monday), 18-year old Gabriel Juan Sherry, of Glenwood, was arrested at the Pottawattamie County Jail, on a warrant for Theft in the 2nd Degree. Bond was set at $5,000. Friday night, 47-year old Cameron Ancel Campbell, of Omaha, was arrested for Driving While revoked and OWI/1st Offense. His bond was set at $2,000. Thursday night, 19-year old James Robert Dose, of Malvern, was arrested in Mills County for Possession of a Controlled Substance, and OWI/1st offense. Bond was set at $2,000. And, Wednesday Night, 44-year old William Edward Frazier, Sr., was arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree and Fraudulent use of Registration. Bond was set at $5,000.

(Radio Iowa) – Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s been cleared by his doctors to return to work after being in quarantine following a positive Covid test earlier this month.  Grassley, who is 87, says “the disease affects people differently,” and he did not experience symptoms. He took a Covid test after learning he had been exposed to someone else who tested positive for the virus.

In a written statement, Grassley cited “positive news” about a Covid vaccine, but Grassley said he’ll continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing and he urged Americans to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and others from the virus.

Iowa’s senior senator also said Congress “must do its part and pass long overdue relief legislation to help families, businesses and communities get through this crisis.”

(Radio Iowa) – Thanks in large part to the pandemic, this is expected to be the busiest Cyber Monday in history and Iowans are warned to be careful as they seek out sales online. Bao Vang, at the Better Business Bureau, says scams are on the rise at this time of year and she recommends using extreme caution as you mouse-click. Vang says, “If someone is splashing ‘Sale!’, ‘Limited-Time Deal,’ just think twice about whether this is luring you instead of actually being a legitimate sale.”

Vang recommends consumers do more reading, researching and checking on both the products and the sellers before buying anything online. “Beware fake websites,” Vang says. “Boy, there’s a lot out there, a lot of websites that are quickly made or can be put up relatively easily, will mimic other sites, can steal photos, images and products from other places.”

The National Retail Federation says consumers are predicted to spend just under $1,000 each this holiday season on gifts for friends and loved ones.

(Updated) The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Monday (Today), heard request from the Cass County Firefighters Association for support of their efforts to obtain a grant amounting to roughly $343,000, which if approved, would help to pay for 700 megahertz (MHz) radios, as part of the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS). Part of the grant requirement is a five-percent local match. CCFF President JC Wyman said the system is superior to what they departments currently use, judging by the few radios they have on-hand.

The combined efforts of all area departments, he said, makes their chances of getting a grant better than if they had tried individually. Wyman said the cost of 45 mobile radios with 14 handhelds, is $341,265. The Federal Government requires a five-percent local match, or $17,064.

Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon said the EMA and 911 Center fully support the grant application. He said the State built the system used by the State Patrol and DOT. Cass County he said, is taking steps to integrate the communications system into ISICS.

Getting the radios for the County fire departments, he said, would complete that process. Local law enforcement are already using the system. The Supervisors did not set a dollar amount for the County’s share during Monday’s meeting, did but unanimously support the CCFA’s application, and will act on a funding level during their budget meetings. The State has locked-in a price with Motorola, so regardless of when the radios are actually purchased, the price will not increase.

In other business, the Board approved (on a case-by-case basis), family farm credits, and agricultural land credits, in accordance with the Code of Iowa. Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken informed the Board the Secondary Roads Department is continuing with projects such as installing driveway pipes, tree clearances and ditch work, while the weather is still good. He said also, there’s been no word from the DOT, with regard to the proposed closing of 570th Street, under Interstate 80.

Supervisor John Hartkopf reported that the CABEDA (Cass Audubon Border Economic Development Agreement) Board met Nov. 19th to discuss a potential client for the Valley Business Park, and that there is another client interested in pursuing financing for the same area. If the two interests could be combined, Hartkopf that it would bring a lot of tax dollars to the County. Negotiations and other details are still being worked out.