“Pass the Pork” Program to Help Feed Iowans

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 1:32 pm CDT

Governor Reynolds, Secretary Naig, Iowa Pork Producers Association Launch “Pass the Pork” Program to Help Feed Iowans

Partnership with Iowa Food Banks, Meat Processors Delivers Pork to Iowans in Need

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 27, 2020) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced a new “Pass the Pork” program to connect Iowa pig farmers with food insecure Iowans. The program is an initiative of Gov. Reynolds’ Feeding Iowans Task Force led by Lt. Gov. Gregg.

Through “Pass the Pork,” Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship are helping Iowa pig farmers donate pigs to Iowa food bank feeding programs. Local meat processors are extending their hours of operation to process and package the pork donations to help meet the growing demand for food bank and food pantry resources. Iowa food banks are getting the pork into the hands of those in need.

“From family farms to the family’s dinner table, our entire food supply chain has been impacted by COVID-19,” said Gov. Reynolds. “‘Pass the Pork’ is an innovative partnership to put Iowa pork on the tables of families in need of food security while creating a new destination for pork which might otherwise go to waste. I’m grateful to Iowa’s pork producers, processors and others for stepping up to make this possible.”

“At a time when Iowa pig farmers face market challenges and supply chain disruptions, they continue to look for opportunities to help those in need,” said Secretary Naig. “We are proud to partner with Iowa pig farmers, food banks, and meat processors to ensure all Iowans have access to a locally produced, high-quality protein source.”

“Pass the Pork” will officially begin when the first donated pigs are delivered on May 1. Processing will continue in May and for as long as processing capacity and funds remain.

“The supply chain issues are challenging Iowa’s pig farmers, but we also see our friends and neighbors struggling with jobs and wondering how they will put food on the table, too. This program will help bring pork to our local communities when they need it most,” said Mike Paustian, the Walcott farmer who is IPPA president.

“Food banks across our state are working every day to help Iowans facing food insecurity,” said Lt. Gov. Gregg. “With the dramatic increases food pantries are seeing in demand during this pandemic, this initiative is going to play an important role in making sure Iowa families have the food they need in these challenging times.”

 

How to Get Involved

The pigs for “Pass the Pork” are being donated by Iowa pig farmers. However, there are costs associated with the processing, storage, and delivery of the pork to food banks and pantries. Iowans can contribute to the Iowa Food Bank Association to help cover these costs and future purchases of Iowa-produced pork for food bank programs.

To donate funds to help support this program, visit the Iowa Food Bank Association website at donorbox.org/passthepork.

Iowa pig farmers and meat processors who are interested in participating in the program should contact the Iowa Pork Producers Association at (515) 225-7675.

A summary of food resources available to those in need is available at coronavirus.iowa.gov.

Robert S. “Doc” Wettach

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 11:11 am CDT

Robert S. “Doc” Wettach, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, IA died Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant, IA.

 

A private, family service and interment will be held in Forest Home Cemetery.  A public gathering is being planned for a later date.  Memorials have been established to the Mt Pleasant First United Methodist Church or Henry County Health Center Foundation and dropped off or mailed to Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box, 656, Mt. Pleasant, IA, 52641.  On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.

 

Robert “Bob” Stewart Wettach was born February 15, 1928, the only child of A.M. “Pete” and Ruth Grimes Wettach in Ames, Iowa.

 

Bob was baptized at Nashua’s “Little Brown Church” and lived in Montrose, Iowa and Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  He graduated at Mt. Pleasant High School and attended the Iowa State University until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy  as a codes and ciphers specialist at Oahu, Hawaii.

 

After two years in the Navy, Bob enrolled at Iowa Wesleyan College where he met his future wife.  On August 6, 1950, Bob married Betty Elaine Preuss of New London at the New London Methodist Church.  Two years later, he graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College.  He then attended the College of Medicine at the University of Iowa, received his M.D. Degree in 1956 and followed with a one year internship at Broadlawns County Hospital in Des Moines.

 

In 1957, the Wettach family returned “home” to Mt. Pleasant and Bob began a very fulfilling career in a profession he enjoyed, in a state and town he loved, among people whom he understood and cared for, and who loved him as well. Bob set up his family practice office on the east side of the square on the 2nd floor and later built an office on North Main Street by the public library.  In 1990, he joined Family Medicine P.C. of Mt. Pleasant as a staff physician. During Bob’s medical career, he delivered 1,500 babies, most of whom were born to mothers in and around Mt. Pleasant.  Bob was committed to helping the community and practiced medicine for 50 years.

 

Bob was affiliated with the American Academy of Family Physicians (charter fellow), Henry County Medical Society, Iowa Academy of Family Practice (board of directors for 2 years), and Iowa Medical Society.   Bob was the Henry County Hospital chief of staff, Iowa Wesleyan College physician, and Henry County Medical Examiner.

 

Bob volunteered for the Hospital Clinic Service at Castaner, Puerto Rico; Indian Health Clinic, Gallup, New Mexico; and National Health Service Corps, Downieville, California.

 

Bob supported the community by being on the Mt. Pleasant Community School Board, Iowa Wesleyan College Board of Trustees, Henry County Industrial Development Commission, Boy Scouts of America Scout Master, First United Methodist Church member and counselor (with his wife) for the Jr. High and Sr. High MYF. Bob showed his appreciation to the State of Iowa with the contribution of 57,000 photos taken by his father, A.M. Wettach, well known agricultural photographer, to the Iowa State Historical Society at Iowa City.

 

Interests have been his grandchildren, fishing in local ponds and lakes, reading, University of Iowa  football, and St. Louis Cardinal Baseball.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty of 60 years.  Survivors include his five children, all residents of Iowa, Dr. Steve (Dr. Mary) Wettach of Mt. Pleasant, Dr. David (Sandy) Wettach of Muscatine, Jeff (Barb) Wettach of Decorah, Leigh Ann (Paul) Huser of Sac City, and Jody Wettach of Urbandale.  He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Megan (Beau) Bergmann, Kelsey (Will) Van Hoorn, Lauren (Taylor) Mansfield, Matthew Wettach, Chloe (Jim) Wallace, Taylor Wettach, Paige (Charles) Kane, Sam (Madi) Wettach, Molly (Jeremy) Redmond, and Collin Wettach. Three great-grandchildren Olive Wallace, Alexandra Bergmann and Willow Wallace.

 

A special thank you to the Savannah Heights staff for supporting and caring for “Doc”.

Leo E. Chapuis

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 11:04 am CDT

Leo E. Chapuis, 87, of New London, died Monday, April 27, 2020 at New London Specialty Care.  Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

 

 

Marshall R. Coleman

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 27th, 2020 at 8:41 pm CDT

Marshall R. Coleman, 56, of Lowell, died Monday, April 27, 2020 in the Emergency Department at Great River Medical Center, West Burlington. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

 

James Joseph Cordes

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 27th, 2020 at 8:40 pm CDT

James Joseph Cordes, 89, of New London, died Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Great River Medical Center, West Burlington.  He was born September 27, 1930 in Howard County, Iowa to Joseph James and Florence Long Cordes.  On January 5, 1979, he married Louise M. Laneville at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant.

Following high school graduation in Waterloo where he wrestled, he served in the Navy during the Korean War.  He was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and New London VFW Post 7641.  For many years, Jim provided all of the tomatoes for VFW Taco night.  After leaving the service, Jim became a car salesman and eventually a car dealer owning a Pontiac dealership in Waterloo and GM, Dodge and Ford dealerships in Waterloo, Mt. Pleasant and New London.  Besides work, he loved horses, all sports, cheering for the Cubs, Bears and Hawkeyes, and was an absolutely #1 devoted fan of the New London Tigers.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his children; Cathy Cordes of Dallas, Texas, Susan (Rick) Miller of Waterloo, Tony Cordes of Waterloo, Steven (Lori) Sproul of Ft. Madison, Mary (John) Phillips of San Tan Valley, Arizona and Joseph James (Kelsey) Cordes of Gilbert, Arizona; grandchildren; Jack Miller, J.W. (Blaire) Phillips, Shelby (Troy) Henning, Anika Sproul, Drew Nolting, Megan Nolting and A.J. Nolting, Hudson Cordes; great-grandson Dash Henning; one brother John Cordes of Waterloo; one sister Mavis Differding of Jesup; and nieces.  He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

In keeping with the Governor’s executive order during the COVID-19 health crisis, a Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.  According to his wishes his body has been cremated.  A memorial has been established for VFW Post 7641.  Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Additional COVID-19 cases in Iowa, additional deaths confirmed

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 27th, 2020 at 6:17 pm CDT

DES MOINES – Monday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 349 additional positive cases for a total of 5,868 positive cases. There have been an additional 1,668 negative tests for a total of 32,282 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 9 deaths were also reported, 300 are currently hospitalized, and 2,021 Iowans have recovered. At this time, 1 in 82 Iowans have already been tested.

According to IDPH the additional 9 deaths were reported in the following counties:

  • Black Hawk County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
  • Bremer County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
  • Dubuque County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
  • Polk County, 3 elderly adults (81+)
  • Poweshiek County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
  • Washington County,  1 elderly adult (81+)

NOTE:  Yesterday’s new case numbers reported a small number of serology test results along with diagnostic test results. The positive serology test results have been removed and today’s new case numbers are updated to reflect this change.

Here are the numbers of positive cases identified in the counties in the KILJ listening area:

Henry 32

Louisa 267

Washington 136

Des Moines 17

Van Buren 8

Jefferson 6

Lee 5

 

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.

Henry County Won’t Be Allowed to Re-Open, Yet

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 27th, 2020 at 5:13 pm CDT

Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration

DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration until May 27, 2020. The proclamation loosens social distancing measures in 77 Iowa counties effective Friday, May 1 and continues other restrictions until 11:50 p.m. on Friday, May 15.

In the 77 counties, the proclamation permits restaurants, fitness centers, malls, libraries, race tracks, and certain other retail establishments to reopen in a limited fashion with public health measures in place. In addition, the proclamation lifts the restriction on religious and spiritual gatherings so long as churches and other gathering hosts implement reasonable public health measures. All other regulatory relief previously provided to affected Iowans is also extended until Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

SECTION ONE.  I strongly encourage all vulnerable Iowans, including those with preexisting medical conditions and those older than 65, in all counties of the state to continue to limit their activities outside of their home, including their visits to businesses and other establishments and their participation in gatherings of any size and any purpose.

REOPENING OF BUSINESSES AND ESTABLISHMENTS

(All counties except Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Washington, or Woodbury County)

SECTION TWO.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144 (3), and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby order that effective at 5:00 a.m. on May 1, 2020 and until 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2020:

  1.   Restaurants: A restaurant may reopen to serve food and beverages on its premises, but only to the extent that it complies with the following requirements:

(1)  Capacity limited: The restaurant must limit the number of customers present at indoor or outdoor spaces to 50% of its normal operating capacity to ensure adequate spacing of groups.

(2)  Groups limited: The restaurant must ensure that no group of customers seated together in the restaurant is larger than six people.

(3)  Social distancing: The restaurant must ensure at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining alone.

(4)  Self-service prohibited:  The restaurant must not have any self-service of food or beverages, including buffets or salad bars.

(5)  Social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures: The restaurant shall also implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each restaurant to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

This paragraph does not reopen a bar, which must remain closed to the public except as provided in section 2, paragraph A of this Proclamation.

  1. Fitness centers: A fitness center, health club, health spa, or gym may reopen, but only to the extent that it complies with the following requirements:

(1)  Capacity limited: The establishment must limit the number of customers present to 50% of its maximum legal occupancy capacity.

(2)  Social distancing: The establishment must ensure that all equipment, such as treadmills, bikes, weight machines, benches, and power racks, are spaced at least six feet apart or take other appropriate measures to ensure that more closely spaced equipment is not used.

(3)  Group activities: Any group activities or classes must be limited to ten or fewer people and all people participating must maintain a distance of six feet apart at all times.

(4)  Social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures: The establishment shall also implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each establishment to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

  1.   Malls: An enclosed mall may reopen, but only to the extent that it complies with the following requirements:

(1)  Capacity limited: The mall must limit the number of customers present to 50% of its maximum legal occupancy capacity.

(2)  Common seating areas: All common seating areas, such as food courts, shall remain closed. Restaurants in food courts may operate on a carry-out basis.

(3)  Play areas: Any play area or playground must remain closed.

(4)  Social distancing, hygiene, and public health measures: The mall shall also implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each mall to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

  1.   Libraries: A library may reopen provided that it limits the number of patrons present to 50% of its maximum legal occupancy capacity and implements reasonable measures under the circumstances of each library to ensure social distancing of employees and patrons, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
  2. Race tracks: A speedway or race track, other than a track conducting horse or dog races, may reopen its operations provided that it does not permit any spectators to attend its events in person.
  3. Other retail establishments: A retail establishments that was previously ordered to be closed statewide, and is now ordered to be closed only in certain counties under section 5, paragraph I, may reopen, but only to the extent that it limits the number of customers present to 50% of its maximum legal occupancy capacity and implements reasonable measures under the circumstances of each establishment to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

This section shall apply only to businesses and establishments located in an Iowa county other than Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Washington, or Woodbury counties.