Latest Virus Numbers in Iowa

By Theresa Rose · Monday, May 4th, 2020 at 11:09 am CDT

Additional COVID-19 cases in Iowa, additional deaths confirmed

 

DES MOINES – Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 534 additional positive cases for a total of 9,703 positive cases.Henry County has one newly reported case for a total now of 33.  In the surrounding counties….Louisa-277, Washington-148, Des Moines-18, Lee-13, Van Buren-8, Jefferson-6. There have been an additional 3,441 negative tests for a total of 47,458 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. 85 percent of new positive cases today are in the 22 counties where restrictions remain in place.

According to IDPH, an additional 4 deaths were also reported, 389 are currently hospitalized, and 3,486 Iowans have recovered. At this time, 1 in 55 Iowans have already been tested.

According to IDPH the additional 4 deaths were reported in the following counties:

  • Appanoose County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
  • Jasper County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
  • Poweshiek County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
  • Wapello County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

The state of Iowa has released an updated dashboard on coronavirus.iowa.gov that will be updated daily to include comprehensive tracking of COVID-19 in Iowa. The new dashboard includes cases, deaths, and tests conducted in each county. The state is now providing demographic information that was not previously provided as well as Iowa’s epidemiological curve.

Wapello County Fair Will Not Be Held

By Theresa Rose · Monday, May 4th, 2020 at 10:56 am CDT

The Wapello County Fair Board Members announce that the 2020 Wapello County Fair will NOT be held this year. All events and entertainment will be postponed until 2021. Those who have purchased Chris Janson Concert tickets will be notified by individual e-mail; tickets will be refunded or made good for our 2021 Wapello County Fair according to each purchaser’s choice.
Much effort has gone into consultation with the Association of Iowa Fairs (AIF), the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE), the State of Iowa with the special assistance of Mary Gaskill – Iowa State Representative from the 93rd District, Wapello County Board of Supervisors – Jerry Parker, liaison to our Fair Board, and Wapello County Emergency Management – Tim Richmond Coordinator. The Wapello County Fair Board of Directors has given unanimous support to the Mandate Not to Hold the 2020 Wapello County Fair issued by the Wapello County Board of Supervisors. We thank each of those involved in making this difficult decision!
Even though our entire Wapello County Board of Directors has put much effort into planning for an outstanding 2020 Wapello County Fair, our Board of Directors is unanimous that this decision to postpone until 2021 is the best choice we have at this time considering the issues with COVID 19. Our major concern is for the health of Wapello County Fair attendees and volunteers. And we also want to protect the financial stability of our Wapello County Fair.
This Mandate Not to Hold the 2020 Wapello County Fair DOES NOT apply to car races at the Eldon Speedway. Races are still planned for the 2020 season and will be held upon approval of our local authorities.
Jim Sloan, President
Wapello County Fair, Inc.

Sherry Bertsch & Mike Shannan

By Theresa Rose · Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 at 2:19 am CDT

Sherry Bertsch, 58, of rural Washington, IA, and owner of Country Charm Flowers in Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Saturday, May 2, 2020, at her home as a result of a fire.

Mike Shannan, 66, of rural Washington, IA, formerly of Fairfield, died Saturday, May 2, 2020, at his home as a result of a fire, along with his companion, Sherry Bertsch.

Arrangements for both are pending at Olson ~ Powell Memorial Chapel of Mt. Pleasant.

 

 

Owner of Mount Pleasant Business Dies in House Fire

By Theresa Rose · Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 at 2:19 am CDT

Country Charm owner Sherry Lynn Bertsch and 66-year-old Michael Lee Shannan died early Saturday morning in a house Fire on Wayland Road. According to the  Washington County Communications Office, at 2:30 a.m. emergency officials were notified of a house fire at 2687 Wayland Road, south of Washington near the Coppock Road turnoff. The Washington and Wayland Fire Departments responded to the scene along with the Washington County Ambulance, Washington County Rescue, Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, Washington Police Department, and the State Fire Marshal’s office.

 

HCHC Board Meets in Special Session

By Theresa Rose · Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 at 2:39 am CDT

The Henry County Health Center Board of Trustees met Friday afternoon in Special Session.  The purpose of the meeting was to approve moving forward with the application for a loan thru the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.  So far HCHC has been given the green light to continue the process that could mean up to four million dollars for the local hospital. Chief Financial Officer Dave Muhs (mews) said he is unsure if they are eligible for the loan. It will depend on the bank.  He also said they are working at the State and Federal level to help secure the money and will know by the May 19th board meeting if the loan is approved.

Randy Ford

By Theresa Rose · Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 at 2:15 am CDT

Randall W. “Randy” Ford, 60, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at his residence.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date after restrictions of gathering of the COVID-19 Pandemic have been lifted. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for decisions to be made at a later time. On line condolences may be left at www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.

Randall Wayne “Randy” Ford was born October 31, 1959 in Mount Pleasant. He was the son of Wayne Henry “Barney” and M. JoAnn “Jo” (Snow) Ford. Randy graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School in 1978.

For 27 years, Randy was employed by the Iowa Department of Transportation in the Maintenance Department and as a snow plow operator.

Survivors include 2 daughters and their husbands – Stephanie and Josh Klinzman of Marengo, IA and Sara and Adrian Unger of Burlington; his mother, Jo Snow of Burlington and 2 grandsons – Taylor Prather and Colt Klinzman.

Randy’s father precedes him in death.

 

Additional COVID-19 cases in Iowa, additional deaths confirmed

By Theresa Rose · Friday, May 1st, 2020 at 7:57 pm CDT

DES MOINES – Friday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 739 additional positive cases for a total of 7,884 positive cases. Henry County reports 32 confirmed positive cases, Louisa County 274, Washington County 144, Des Moines County 16, Lee County 9, Van Buren 8 and Jefferson County 6. There have been an additional 2,186 negative tests for a total of 37,708 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. The number of positive cases will continue to grow as Test Iowa sites open and additional surveillance testing of large businesses and nursing home staff continues.

 

According to IDPH, an additional 8 deaths were also reported, 345 are currently hospitalized, and 2,899 Iowans have recovered. At this time, 1 in 69 Iowans have already been tested.

 

According to IDPH the additional 8 deaths were reported in the following counties:

  • Bremer County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
  • Linn County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)
  • Muscatine County, 1 older adult (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)
  • Polk County, 2 elderly adults (81+)
  • Scott County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

The state of Iowa has released an updated dashboard on coronavirus.iowa.gov that will be updated daily to include comprehensive tracking of COVID-19 in Iowa. The new dashboard includes cases, deaths, and tests conducted in each county. The state is now providing demographic information that was not previously provided as well as Iowa’s epidemiological curve.

HCHC Trustees Special Meeting

By Theresa Rose · Friday, May 1st, 2020 at 3:06 pm CDT

SPECIAL MEETING
MEETING OF HENRY COUNTY HEALTH CENTER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Friday, May 1, 2020
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Zoom Meeting Audio Only
Dial-in instructions:
Call in phone number: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 940 4264 6713

III. COVID-19 Financial update □ ♦
IV. Approve loan agreement for Small Business Administration’s Payment Protection Program □ ♦ *
IV. ADJOURNMENT