(Radio Iowa) — One of north-central Iowa’s largest employers is suspending most production activities at its facilities in Iowa and nationwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. Forest City-based Winnebago Industries says the actions at the company’s Winnebago, Grand Design RV, Newmar and Chris-Craft facilities is in response to the national spread of COVID-19 and unforeseeable change in business circumstances that have accompanied it. The steps are designed to lower the probability of coronavirus exposure to employees and adjust future production output relative to a fast-changing demand landscape for the company’s products.

Production will be suspended starting this week and based on present conditions through at least April 12th. Winnebago CEO Michael Happe says their top priority is the health and well-being of the company’s employees, business partners, customers and communities. He says the company is also seeing demand for their products shift dramatically as the nation takes appropriate action to curb the spread of coronavirus.

To support employees and their families affected by the temporary production suspension, the company is providing base pay and benefits for the first two weeks.

DURING THE CLOSURE OF THE CASS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, DUE TO COVID-19, YOU MAY STILL APPLY FOR A PERMIT TO CARRY OR A PERMIT TO ACQUIRE. YOU MAY ALSO RENEW YOUR CURRENT PERMIT, HOWEVER THE EMERGENCY DECLARATION HAS EXTENDED THE EXPIRATION DEADLINE. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY MAIL ONLY.
Applications must printed out and completed. The applications are on the link below noted as Application Forms. You will need to mail the completed application, along with a copy of your training (if applying for a permit to carry) AND a copy of your driver’s license with your current address. You will need to remit the fee as noted below in the form of a check or money order. Do not forget to fill out every section of the form, answer all of the questions, sign and date it. Any incomplete form will be returned with further instruction.

APPLICATION FORMS: https://dps.iowa.gov/…/administrative-servic…/weapons-permit

PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPONS INFORMATION:
The cost is $50.00 for a plastic permit card. This is a uniform card that will be issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This card will be mailed directly to the mailing address provided by the applicant.
Must be 21 and a resident of Iowa.

TRAINING REQUIREMENT:
*Handgun safety training course utilizing an instructor certified by a state law enforcement agency;
*Handgun safety training course utilizing an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association;
*Completion of a hunter education program approved by the Natural Resource Commission, if handgun safety training is noted on the certificate of completion.
*Armed forces small arms training (for those released or retired from Active Duty) – requires documentation of honorable discharge OR general discharge under honorable conditions (DD-214, DD-256, NGB-22, or similar).
*Armed forces small arms training (for those on Active Duty) – requires certificate of completion of basic training or similar.
*Handgun safety training course for security guards, investigators, or special deputies, if such course has been approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
*TRAINING EXEMPTION – Documentation that applicant holds or held an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons issued on or after 01/01/2011.
Applicant must apply in county you reside in.
Applicant must have driver’s license or ID with applicant’s current address on it.
Payment must be made at time of application by check or money order.
Permit is good for 5 years.

PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPONS RENEWAL PROCESS:
Permit holders may apply for renewal within 30 days before or after their expiration date. The application must be filled out again and a $25.00 fee is payable at that time.
When the permit holder is earlier or later than 30 days of expiration, the regular fee of $50.00 applies.
Applicant must renew in county you reside in.
Applicant must have driver’s license or ID with applicant’s current address on it.
Payment must be made at time of application.
Permit is good for 5 years.

PERMIT TO ACQUIRE INFORMATION:
Must be 21 and a resident of Iowa.
The cost is $25.00 for a plastic permit card. This is a uniform card that will be issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This card will be mailed directly to the mailing address provided by the applicant.
There is no training required.
Applicant must apply in county you reside in.
Payment must be made at time of application.
Applicant must have driver’s license or ID with applicant’s current address on it.
Permit is good for 5 years.

MANCHESTER, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a battery manufacturer in eastern Iowa has been fined $42,000 for workplace safety violations. The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Exide Technologies was cited for five different violations and originally faced a penalty of more than $70,000. The Manchester-based business later reached a settlement with the department to pay $42,000.

The Telegraph Herald reports that safety inspectors said company officials exposed employees to a “potential racking system collapse,” exposed two employees to “airborne contaminants” and exposed employees to various hazards.

Officials with the Atlantic Community School District are reminding parents and guardians of students, that  backpack lunches will be served between 9-and 11-a.m., beginning today. The meals will be served by volunteers, under the catwalk at the Washington Elementary School. Adults are asked to please pull your vehicle up to the table. One person can get out of the vehicle and grab the needed amount of food. Each backpack contains two lunches and two breakfasts.

Justin Williams, CCEOC Lead Instructor, says “Our plan is to keep this going Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the school shut down.” If you can not get yourself to this event we will have a delivery service for people in need of it. Please contact jwilliams@atlanticiaschools.org or Pastor Ben Winford @ 712-254-3928, prior to 9-a.m. Williams says “We will keep delivering to people who have already contacted us.”