TAMA, Iowa (AP) — A beef processing plant in one of Iowa’s coronavirus hot spots has suspended production after several workers have become infected. National Beef announced that its Iowa Premium plant in Tama will be idled until April 20. The company said numerous employees had contracted COVID-19 and that others were exhibiting flu-like symptoms. It’s at least the second meat processing plant in Iowa to suspend operations after workers have become infected. Tyson Foods last week idled its Columbus Junction pork plant. Tama County has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus in Iowa, with 86 confirmed cases and two deaths

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Experts working to develop models to help Iowa public health officials predict and manage the coronavirus pandemic are racing against time. A contract shows the Iowa Department of Public Health and the University of Iowa College of Public Health didn’t reach a formal agreement to work together to create Iowa-specific pandemic models until April 7. The agreement calls for the college to produce predictive models within two weeks of receiving the department’s coronavirus data, or on another mutually agreed upon schedule. The goal of the models is to help Iowa public health officials and Gov. Kim Reynolds predict the severity of the outbreak and make decisions about specific mitigation strategies.

Authorities in Creston say a Creston Police Officer on patrol last Thursday morning, observed damage to campers parked on Cedar St. The Officer made contact with owner Casey Barber, who, after checking on his property, advised that two windows had been broken out of the campers. It’s not clear when the vandalism occurred. The damage was estimated at $200.

Police in Council Bluffs are looking for a man suspected of being involved in a shooting incident that took place early this (Monday) morning. 43-year old Robert Brokman, of Council Bluffs, is believed to be traveling in a maroon or purple SUV. He is also believed to still be armed and dangerous, so if you see him, do not make contact. If you know where Brokman is, call Council Bluffs Police at 712-328-4728 or Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867(STOP).

Robert Brokman

Authorities say at around 2:11-a.m. (April 13) officers were sent to the 700blk of So. 32^nd for a possible shooting. When they arrived, police located a white female suffering from minor injuries, and four shotgun shell casings at the scene. The victim, 37-year old Taiela Garcia, of Council Bluffs, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa sheriff has been arrested and charged with domestic abuse and assault. The Des Moines Register on Sunday reported Calhoun County Sheriff Scott Anderson’s arrest. Jail staff confirmed to the newspaper that Anderson was admitted to Webster County Jail. He’s since been released on bond. Court records show Anderson’s ex-wife filed a petition for relief of domestic abuse in October but was denied. Anderson is up for re-election this year.