(Radio Iowa) — At 86 years old, U-S Senator Chuck Grassley is among the older, more vulnerable Iowans who are supposed to be especially careful during the coronavirus pandemic. Grassley joined his colleagues in the U-S Capitol on Monday as lawmakers gathered in person for the first time since mid-March. The Republican from New Hartford says he’s following all the prescribed health guidelines. “So, I do wear a mask,” Grassley says. “I wear one of these homemade masks. I think it feels better and works better for me.”

Maintaining a six-foot social distance isn’t a problem, he says, as only one-fifth of his staff is in the office each day, Monday through Friday, and they’re working from home the other four days. Many Iowans who are considered “essential” have continued going to work during the pandemic, even though they likely didn’t want to do so, and Grassley sees himself as no different. “I’m elected as a senator for the people of Iowa and I have a job to do for Iowans,” Grassley says. “They need representation during this difficult time and I’m doing it. I think I’m taking all of the precautions.”

Grassley says he’s washing his hands “all the time” and using disinfectant on a regular basis. He says he’s back in Washington D-C because “the people’s work must go on.” “The virus has taken tens of thousands of lives and created a real economic mess,” he says. “Congress has already passed legislation totaling nearly three-trillion dollars to combat the virus and we’ll consider additional action if it becomes necessary.”

Caucus and committee meetings are starting today (Tuesday) in larger rooms and Grassley says they’ll spread out with just three senators each at tables that normally seat eight.

The Adair County Board of Supervisors will conduct an electronic meeting Wednesday morning, via telephone dial-in. On the agenda for their 9-a.m. session: is action on a township trustee resignation, and appointment; action on a Resolution directing the advertisement for sale, and approving the electronic bidding procedures for, nearly $4.5-million in General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds, Series 2020, and an Official Statement for the same.

County Auditor Mandy Berg will discuss and the Board will act on, Budget Amendments. County Treasurer Brenda Wallace will discuss topics that include a credit card machine, and wireless internet access. And, the Adair County Supervisors will continue to receive updates and hold discussion, with regard to COVID-19.

Members of the Public Wishing to listen to the proceedings, Wednesday, may call 605-313-6157, and enter access code 526272#

(Radio Iowa) — Iowa non-profits are hoping today’s (Tuesday’s) global focus on philanthropy boosts local budgets in the midst of escalating need. Like many organizations, the Food Bank of Iowa has a “Giving Tuesday Now” button on its website. Michelle Book, the president and C-E-O of the Food Bank of Iowa, says food banks and food pantries are serving tens of thousands Iowans who’ve been laid off recently because of the pandemic. “We have those folks who are now new to need,” Book says. “…On top of the 11-12% of the people we were already serving across the state of Iowa, we now have a new group of people.”

Book made her comments during a recent appearance on Iowa P-B-S. The Center for Financial Education, a faith-based non-profit based in Sioux Center, is making an appeal for donations today (Tuesday). Tricia Driesen, the center’s director, says this comes at a time when their services are in high demand as people who’ve lost their job try to figure out their options. “We can help them by establishing a plan, giving them some ideas on where to cut expenses” she says, “helping them negotiate with some of their creditors.”

Museums, community foundations and churches are the among many organizations around the state making pitches on this “Giving Tuesday Now.” Giving Tuesday is normally the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving and over the past eight years it has become a major driver of international philanthropy.

The City Council in Walnut will hold a public hearing this Thursday (May 7th) evening, on an amendment to the FY2019-20 Budget. There will also be discussion on the amendment, followed by action on the adoption of a Resolution amending the current budget for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2020. In other business, the Walnut City Council will discuss: City property closures; the Walnut Community & Fitness Center; the Walnut Antique Show and Optimist’s Antique City Car show. They will also act on approving a Law Enforcement Services contract with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department.

The meeting, which begins at 5-p.m., Thursday, will be held by the “Go To Meeting” electronic conferencing system. To access the meeting through your computer, tablet or smart phone, go to: https://www.gotomeet.me/WalnutCityCouncil1/public-hearingmay-city-council-meeting

To access the meeting over the phone in the United States, call: 1 (872) 240-3412. Use Access Code: 119-550-909