Month: August 2020

Census takers are now working across all areas of Iowa to visit households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census from now through September 30.

How to identify census takers?  

• Census takers wear a valid government ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date on the badge
• Census takers will also have official U.S. Census Bureau phones
• To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public in Iowa may contact the Chicago Region Census Center:  312-579-1500

Under Title 13 federal law, census taker work is confidential, to protect the privacy of households responding to the census – so news media are NOT allowed to follow census takers at work.

Why is it important to respond to the 2020 Census?  

A complete and accurate count of each community ensures that community receives its fair share of representation in Congress and the state legislature and its fair share of billions in federal funds distributed each year to state and local communities for many programs, such as emergency response services, hospitals and clinics, schools, job training, roads, highways and more. Census data is important for decisions by businesses, nonprofits and all levels of government.

Who will census takers be visiting?  

Households that have not yet responded.

2020 Census response rates are updated daily on this interactive map:

2020Census.gov/response-rates  

The majority of households have already responded. In Iowa, 69% have responded – which is about one million households. That means almost one in three households will need census taker visits.

Can you still respond in your own to the 2020 Census?  

Yes – Those that respond on their own will not need to be visited to obtain their census response.

Ways for responding to the 2020 Census

• Online – visit 2020Census.gov
• Phone – call 844-330-2020 – phone lines are open 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Central – seven days a week
• If a census taker visits your home or calls you, please answer their questions.
• The Census Bureau is also sending emails to low-responding blocks. The email is sent from 2020Census@subscription.census.gov. Please respond.
• For non-English language support: 2020Census.gov/languages.

More info on census takers:  2020Census.gov/census-takers  

 What can households expect when a census taker visits?  

• In most cases, census workers will make up to six attempts at each housing unit address to count possible residents. This includes leaving notification of the attempted visit on the door. The notification will include reminder information on how to respond online, by paper or by phone. In addition, census workers may try to reach the household by phone to conduct the interview.
• Census takers will go to great lengths to ensure that no one is missed in the census. After exhausting their efforts to do an in-person interview with a resident of an occupied housing unit, they will seek out proxy sources — a neighbor, a rental agent, a building manager or some other knowledgeable person familiar with the housing unit — to obtain as much basic information about the occupants as they can.
• Census takers are hired from local communities. All census takers speak English, and many are bilingual. If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the household may request a return visit from a census taker who does. Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language.

Following local public health guidelines  

Census takers have completed training on social distancing and safety protocols, will follow local public health guidelines, and will be required to wear a face mask when conducting follow-up visits.

On Aug. 6, the Census Bureau and Centers for Disease Control issued a joint statement stating:

Participation in 2020 Census interviews should present a low risk of transmission of COVID-19. Census takers are trained to rigorously and universally follow these CDC recommendations to mitigate risk of transmission:

• Wearing of face masks.
• Maintaining social distance of 6 ft. or more.
• Practicing hand hygiene.
• Not entering homes, and conducting interviews outside as much as possible or practical.

Census Takers Contacting Some Households By Phone  

In order to minimize the need to send census takers to households in person, the Census Bureau is training census takers to follow up with households by phone. Using information provided to the Census Bureau and third-party purchased data, the Census Bureau has a strong contact list for both landlines and cellphones assigned to houses on the Census Bureau’s address list. These phone calls will enable the Census Bureau to have maximum flexibility for conducting field operations, and is one more method that census takers can use to reach nonresponding households. Phone calls will be used on an as-needed basis and when in-person contact attempts have not resulted in an interview. If a voicemail is available, the census taker will leave a message asking the household to call one of the Census Bureau’s call centers.

About the 2020 Census – The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone who lives in the United States on April 1, 2020 (Census Day).

The Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa will be hosting the 34^TH year of Bike Van Buren on August 15 & 16.  Bicycling enthusiasts will pedal their way through our historical villages during the two-day event in Southeast Iowa. The Villages will welcome the bikers with free refreshments and outstanding hospitality! All of the routes will lead you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Iowa!  Register for Bike Van Buren online at www.villagesofvanburen.com or walk-up registration will be held at the Keosauqua City Park, Saturday 7-8:30am, Sunday only rider registration is 7:30-8:00am. Two day registration fees: Adults: $45, Children under 18 years: $37. Single day registration: Adults: $35, Children $27.

Two routes will be offered on Saturday and one route on Sunday. Riders can create their own route as well. All routes will begin and end at the Keosauqua City Park, and all are clearly marked with large colored arrows. Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness of Burlington will provide technical support and sag wagons will be en-route with the riders at all times. Phone numbers for support crews are provided on the maps riders will receive upon registration. Riders are encouraged to carry a cell phone. All support crews will be equipped with free cold bottled water, courtesy of Dutchman’s General Store in Cantril, and limited first aid.

Riders will have the option to purchase a lunch band at registration ($10 adults, $7 youth). Saturday’s lunch will be held at the Lunch Box Café in Douds and Sunday’s lunch will be held at the Bridge Café & Supper Club in Farmington. Registered riders will take advantage of 100% complimentary refreshments at each hospitality stop. Hospitality stops will be spread out more this year but will include some fascinating sites such as the Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Lodge, The Stone House in Bentonsport, Pearson House Museum Complex in Keosauqua and the Log Cabin Restoration located next to the Birmingham City Park Shelterhouse.

We will hold a drawing at the completion of the event this year, in lieu of the annual Poker Run. All registered riders for the weekend will be included. First prize is $50 cash. Second prize is a free registration towards next year’s Bike Van Buren. Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness in Burlington will provide prizes for the remaining place winners. The drawing will be held on Monday and winners will be contacted by phone.

Saturday’s ride will conclude at the Pearson House Museum Complex where riders will have the opportunity to try some 1840s snacks.  Be sure to ask to tour the Underground Railroad safe house and see where escaping slaves hid under the floorboards during the Civil War on their journey to freedom. The Pearson House will also be open on Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm.

Hotel Manning will be offering grab and go breakfast burritos both mornings during registration.  Saturday 7:00-8:30am, Sunday 7:30-8am. Big N Slims food truck will be available Saturday starting at 5:00pm at the Hotel Manning courtyard.

For more information contact: Villages of Van Buren 800-868-7822 / 319-293-7111 www.villagesofvanburen.com

On July 1, 2020, the Lower Skunk River Water Quality & Soil Health Initiative Project was funded to continue its efforts in water quality and soil health for an additional three-years. The Lower Skunk River Water Quality and Soil Health Initiative supports the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and the Iowa Water Quality Initiative by working with producers in the project area to implement conservation practices. The project demonstrates and accelerates the adoption of conservation practices that have been proven to be most effective in reducing nitrate-N and phosphorus-P in streams, providing cost share assistance to implement practices such as cover crops, bioreactors, saturated buffers, wetlands, and terraces implemented with alternative tile outlets.
The project has expanded its original area into Henry and Lee counties, adding Des Moines county for the first time. The previous project area included parts of Henry, Lee, Jefferson, and Van Buren counties, totaling approximately 135,000 acres with 46% of those acres in row crop. The expansion of the project will bring roughly 204,000 acres, making the total project area nearly 339,000 acres, increasing the farmable acres to almost 70%. This will provide over $6 million in funding opportunities including state, partner, and farmer contributions to implement conservation practices in Southeast Iowa. As remarked by Miranda Haes, LSR Project Coordinator, “By expanding the project area we are able to build on what we have learned over the past six years, creating momentum and increasing the use of nutrient management practices, benefiting not only Southeast Iowa water quality and soil health goals, but also the entire state.”
Farmer participation has increased nearly two-fold since the beginning in 2014. To date there have been 14,378 acres of cover crops implemented, nearly 170,000 feet of terraces built, 3 alternative tile outlets, 1 saturated buffer, 1 bioreactor, 1 wetland creation, and 3 grade stabilization structures installed. Additionally, 1 saturated buffer and 2 grade stabilization structures are planned for this coming fall.
Sabrina Pidgeon, LSR Steering Committee member and project landowner states “I’m proud to know the Lower Skunk River Watershed Project has been approved for another 3 years and even extended its territory. This project plays a major role in educating and providing financial resources to everyone within the watershed to protect the soil and sustain the environment. Our family farms, fishes, kayaks, swims and explores in this watershed. It is in our best interest to protect it for today, for tomorrow, and for our children’s future.”
For more information on the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Water Quality Initiative, and the Lower Skunk River Water Quality & Soil Health Initiative, please visit www.cleanwateriowa.org or contact Miranda Haes, PC at 319-385-2824 Ext. 3 – miranda.haes@ia.nacdnet.net

AMES, Iowa – Iowans still are managing the uncertainly and anxiety produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drought related conditions have added another layer of stress for agriculture producers in many areas of the state. And now, many individuals and communities are facing the aftermath of an unusually powerful derecho – a widespread, straight-line windstorm – that surged through Iowa. Iowans may begin to wonder how much more stress they can take.

Some individuals may also start to experience distressing thoughts and anxious feelings or responses, such as having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Such strong reactions are common with such extreme events, said David Brown, behavioral health specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“How do we maintain our resilience in the face of these challenges? Fortunately, there are a number of actions a person can take to restore their emotional wellbeing and increase their resilience,” Brown explained.

Brown offered the following suggestions:

• Remember other hardships you managed well during different times in your life and tap into those same skills.
• Take a break from the news and social media. All those pictures and videos of downed trees and damage can make your stress even greater.
• Make time to talk to friends, family members and coworkers. This is important, since the COVID-19 pandemic has already weakened many support outlets.
• Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, meditation/prayer or practicing mindfulness, may also make it easier for a person to sleep.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Maintain routines in the home and school as much as possible.
• Engage in fun activities, including exercise or hobbies.
• Identify what your top priorities are and make a plan that breaks down the tasks into simple steps.
• Help others in any clean-up effort.

There are also resources available. In collaboration with COVID Recovery Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will begin offering, “I Worry All the Time: Resources for Life in a Pandemic.” This virtual program is designed to provide education about anxiety and offer practical tools to manage worry. Opportunities for discussion also will be provided.

“We are all facing circumstances and challenges we never have before and there are no certain answers as we move through this pandemic,” said Andrea Gustafson, a crisis/outreach counselor with COVID Recovery Iowa.

“I Worry All the Time: Resources for Life in a Pandemic” (and in the aftermath of storms) will be offered during both lunch hours and evening hours to accommodate a variety of busy schedules. Each program will last for one hour. Those dates and times are as follows:

• Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 27 at 12 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m.

This program will be open, at no cost, to anyone interested in learning more about this topic. To register, go to https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences//events?filter= and select the program, date and time you are interested in. Registered participants will receive a unique URL prior to the program to access the Zoom hosted program. For more information, contact Andrea Gustafson at andreag3@iastate.edu.

Other resources

Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Or, email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.

COVID Recovery Iowa offers a variety of services to anyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual counselors and consultants provide counseling, family finance consultation, farm financial consultation, referral information and help finding resources for any Iowan seeking personal support. Iowans of all ages may join groups online for activities and learn creative strategies for coping with the effects of the pandemic. COVID Recovery Iowa will announce upcoming programs on the website and via all social media to help Iowans build coping skills, resilience and emotional support. To request support, go to https://www.COVIDrecoveryiowa.org or call 1-844-775-WARM.

Fort Madison, IA (August 11, 2020) – Unfortunately Hardy will not be at the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison on Thursday September 10, as previously announced. The planning committee is excited to announce that a replacement has already been secured. On Thursday September 10, the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison will be welcoming NELLY!

Ranked as the fourth best-selling rap artist of all time by the Recording Industry of America, Nelly has become a symbol of rap’s crossover success in mainstream pop music. With over 21 million albums sold in the US alone, his pop-infused hip hop and unique vocal delivery have earned him six Top 10 albums and made him a live concert favorite. His seventh studio album, 2012’s M.O., features hit singles “Hey Porsche” and “Get Like Me,” a collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Pharrell. Born Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. in 1974, Nelly got his first taste of musical success with the St. Louis hip hop collective St. Lunatics. In 2000, he launched his solo career with No. 1 debut album Country Grammar, which showcased his signature Southern drawl mixed with a Midwestern twang. 2002 follow-up Nellyville also peaked at No. 1 and included the international smash ” Hot in Herre,” which earned him a Grammy in 2003 for Best Male Rap Solo Performance.

All tickets previously purchased for Thursday Night will still be honored, there is no action needed from purchasers. Tickets remain on sale at www.tristaterodeo.org.

Mount Pleasant Police, the Fire Department and the Utilities were all called to 309 W. Washington Street at 7:15 Wednesday morning.  A low hanging power line caught on the top of a semi tractor trailer as the driver, Jordan Fisher of Oskaloosa, was attemping to make a u-turn in the Gas Land parking lot.  The wire was pulled from the building and started a small fire. No one was injured.

An arrest warrant with a $50,000 cash only bond has been issued for Mary Bella Brooks, age 42, following an incident in Washington early Sunday, August 2, 2020. Brooks lists an address in Des Moines.
The Washington Police Department has identified Brooks as the driver of a vehicle stopped near the intersection of North 15th Ave and East 2nd Street about 12:25am on August 2nd.
After learning the vehicle driven by Brooks was stolen from Des Moines, the officer asked Brooks to exit the vehicle. Instead, she drove away from the scene, dragging the officer with the vehicle. The officer received minor injuries and was treated and released from the Washington County Hospital. Brooks provided the officer with false information regarding her identity during the traffic stop.
She later abandoned the stolen vehicle in Washington and is believed to have stolen a tan 2007 Ford Escape. The Ford Escape was recovered by Des Moines Police about 3am on August 10, 2020.
With assistance from the Iowa Department of Corrections Probation/Parole and the Des Moines Police Department, the Washington Police Department identified Brooks as the driver of the vehicle and the following felony charges have been filed:
Theft Second Degree (Possession of Stolen vehicle)
Assault While Participating in a Felony
Assault on Peace Officer using a Dangerous Weapon
Interference with Official Acts Using a Dangerous Weapon
In addition, Brooks is charged with an Aggravated Misdemeanor charge of Interference with Official Acts Causing Bodily Injury and four traffic violations.
The investigation continues and additional charges are pending the receipt of DCI Lab results.
Anyone with information on the location of Brooks is asked to contact Washington County Communications at 319-653-2107 or their local law enforcement agency. She has a unique star-shaped tattoo on her upper left forearm.
NOTE: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.