Government

Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration. The proclamation permits health care providers to begin the process of resuming some elective surgeries and procedures through a phased approach, permits farmers markets to begin limited operations with appropriate public health precautions, and provides other relief to Iowans affected by this disaster.

The DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14, 2020 to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. State parks and forests remain open for day-use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups.Facilities that will remain closed through May 14 include:Campgrounds, including youth and group campsBathrooms, including pit latrines and port-a-pottiesPlaygrounds Cabins, shelters and lodgesVisitor centers and museumsAll programs and events at state parks are cancelled or postponed through at least May 14, 2020.

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The Benton Development Group was able to share with the Vinton City Council that while the Small Business Relief Grant is now closed, a few area businesses were able to gain assistance.The first round of grants began on April 7th. Since then the following businesses have or will receive awards:Bobby T's Inc. $25,000 (Atkins)Bully's Angle Inn $25,000  (Walford)The Vinton Pizza Ranch $25,000 Keystone Turners $15,000 La Reyna of Vinton $10,000Jolyne's City Looks $7,000 (Vinton)Drahos Shoe Store $15,000 (Belle Plaine)Early Beginnings Inc.

Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 107 additional positive cases for a total of 3,748 positive cases. There have been an additional 522 negative tests for a total of 24,496 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.   According to IDPH, an additional 7 deaths were also reported, 272 are currently hospitalized, and 1,428 Iowans have recovered.

 The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.  Peter Deegan, U.

To listen to the meeting at any of the following numbers: 1-646-558-86561-312-626-67991-301-715-85921-346-248-77991-669-900-91281-253-215-8782or go to zoom.us/j/96484879363Click to view the agenda. Click to view the packet of information, which makes it easier to follow along.For those unable to view the agenda here are the highlights:Renewal of liquor licenses for the American Legion and Fareway.

Are you wondering which Senate candidate to support in the June 2 primary?Join Rob Hogg (Senator-IA33) as he hosts a virtual forum with the 5 candidates running to be the next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate:Michael Franken, Kimberly Graham, Theresa Greenfield, Eddie Mauro, Cal WoodsSunday, May 3, 2020 3:00-4:30 pmZoom event: Register to participate at https://forms.

Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 482 additional positive cases for a total of 3,641 positive cases. There have been an additional 1,313 negative tests for a total of 23,974 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. According to IDPH, an additional 4 deaths were also reported, 214 are currently hospitalized, and 1,293 Iowans have recovered.

Click to view meetingVinton Municipal Communications Utilities began the meeting last Tuesday evening via Zoom. Sailing through the beginning of the meeting approving minutes, agendas and etc., the meeting quickly moved to an update from Dave Fridley of Farr Technologies. iVinton should have all of the conduit and have every home that has signed up ready to receive fiber to their homes by the end of May.