STATE -- The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) learned Tuesday of the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was an older adult, 61-80 years of age, and a resident of Dubuque County.    “Our hearts are heavy with the first loss of an Iowan to COVID-19. The thoughts and prayers of our state are with the family during this difficult time,” said Iowa Gov.

    NATION -- The federal government has delayed requirements that all Americans obtain a Real ID to travel, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.  The deadline had been October 1, 2020.    The law requires people to have the Real ID in order to board planes, enter federal buildings or gain access to nuclear plants.    The government has not set a new deadline date for Americans to obtain the Real ID.

    COUNTY – On March 20, Iowa Gov.

    COUNTY – The primary election still will be held June 2, but local and state officials are urging voters to consider absentee ballots this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.    Shelby County Auditor and Elections Commissioner Mark Maxwell said this week Secretary of State Paul Pate issued a directive this week that extends the absentee voting period to 40 days for Iowans who choose to vote by mail in the June primary.    The directive also

    HARLAN -- The Feed the Children meal program offered by the Harlan Community Schools is going strong.    HCS Director of Wellness, Food and Nutrition Ellen Walsh-Rosmann said Tuesday they are serving about 450 meals per day, with 350 of those being delivered to people’s doors.    “Our most important goal is to make things as normal as possible for children and to provide at least two meals a day to them,” said Walsh-Rosmann.    “They are g

    HARLAN – In conjunction with the free meal program for kids being coordinated and offered for the Harlan Community Schools, there is a sharing table of donated items kids/families can grab on their way out.    During the grab-n-go meal service, a table is provided with a number of fresh, ready-to eat items for participants to take home for supplemental food. Items will be kept at appropriate food safety temp.

    NATION -- The purpose of this FEMA page (https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control) is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.    Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, stay informed with the updated myth vs.

    STATE -- Governor Reynolds this week announced the launch of a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.    The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 in addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest.    “Sma

    STATE -- This week, Governor Kim Reynolds announced that first quarter unemployment tax payments that are due April 30  will be delayed until the end of the 2nd quarter, July 31, 2020.      Eligible employers include those employers with 50 or fewer employees.

    STATE -- Secretary of State Paul Pate is extending the absentee voting period to 40 days for Iowans who choose to vote by mail in the June primary. He is also encouraging Iowans to cast ballots by mail, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Recorder’s Office is open for business.  While the doors to the courthouse remain locked, the office still is available for local residents via calling for an appointment, calling for information or doing business online.  The phone number is 712-755-5640, prompt 4 or email ggreer@shco.org or thaake@shco.org.    “We are in no way saying yo

    HARLAN -- Myrtue once again has been named one of the 100 highest-ranked Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.    This annual award is in its 10th year of honoring rural hospital performance. Myrtue is the only Iowa hospital to receive this award nine years in a row and is among only seven other CAH hospitals in the U.S. that have received nine times.

    STATE -- On March 21, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Public Health released updated isolation guidance for all Iowans.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Utilities on Friday, March 20 re-assessed its operational decisions as related to the COVID-19 pandemic.    CEO Ken Weber made this statement:    “HMU operations continues to comply with federal and state recommendations regarding the coronavirus.     “We said in our release of March 17th we would assess where we stood with the office closing and issue new information today.     “The HMU office will remain cl

    COUNTY -- Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation on March 19, that waives late penalty on property tax payments through April 16, 2020, to help give some assistance to Iowans dealing with the impact of COVID-19’s arrival in our state, says Shelby County Treasurer, Carolyn Blum.    Payments must be postmarked by April 16, 2020 or paid online at www.iowatreasurers.org by April 16, 2020 to avoid a