Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced during his last news COVID-19 news conference he signed an executive order suspending all previous executive orders issued during the pandemic.
The Governor is also ending the states participation in the $300 federal COVID-19 benefits, due to the low number of unemployed Nebraskans. The program ends on June 19th.
Nebraska is tied for the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.8%, along with South Dakota and a few other states.
Iowa plans to end federal benefits on June 13th and South Dakota on June 26th.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reported no new deaths due to complications of COVID-19. There were only 55 new cases with one in Woodbury County. Currently there are no patients being treated solely for the illness in Sioux City.
Meanwhile, officials with Siouxland District Health say more than 40 percent of people eligible to receive the vaccine in Woodbury County have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Almost 60% have one dose.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a grant program to fund expanded broadband.
The measure provides $100 million from the Iowa Legislature’s general fund to launch the grant program at the beginning of the state government’s next fiscal year on July 1st.
Prosecutors have rested their case against Cristhian Bahena Rivera, who faces a first degree murder charge in the death of Mollie Tibbetts in 2018. The state called its final witnesses today including some who detailed the autopsy of Tibbetts’ remains.
During questioning the state medical examiner testified that Tibbetts died of multiple stab wounds, including one that penetrated her skull.
Officers have testified that Bahena Rivera admitted to chasing Tibbetts and hiding her body in a cornfield. The jury is expected to begin its deliberations this week.
A western Iowa farmer plans to run for the U.S. Senate.
Thirty-seven-year-old Dave Muhlbauer of Manilla released a video Monday morning to make the announcement.
Muhlbauer is running as a Democrat for Senator Chuck Grassley’s seat.
Maulbauer is a former supervisor for Crawford County and raises cattle and hogs. His father and grandfather were state lawmakers.
Grassley, who has served in the Senate for almost 40 years, is expected to announced his re-election plans this fall.
Another Republican is already running for the GOP nomination next year, State Senator Jim Carlin, of Sioux City.
The city of Sioux City is gearing up for the summer.
Today, the Parks and Rec Department released its aquatic schedule.
The Riverside Aquatic Center opens for the three-day Memorial Day Weekend and then for the season on June 5th through August 15th.
Lief Erikson and Lewis pools will operate from June 12th through August 8th.
The city’s five splash pads open to the public on Saturday through Labor Day Weekend.
A big milestone for the Sioux City Public Library. Today, the final reopening since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Perry Creek Branch near Hamilton Boulevard opened for walk-in serve today. The location’s hours are 10:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m.
Curbside pickup service has ended.
The library’s director says they did a phased-in approach to provide a safe environment for patrons.
News release from the City of Sioux City:
RIVERSIDE FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER AND AQUATIC SEASON SCHEDULE
The Riverside Family Aquatic Center (RFAC) will be open Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 29, 2021 to Monday, May 31, 2021. The pool will re-open for the season Saturday, June 5 to August 15, 2021. The price of admission is $3.50 for children (2-17 years of age); $4.25 (18 years and older); children under 2 years of age are free. RFAC operating hours are daily from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Leif Erikson Pool and Lewis Pool will open for the season Saturday, June 12 through August 8, 2021. The price of admission is $2.25 for children (2-17 years of age); $3.50 (18 years and older); children under 2 years of age are free. Leif Pool and Lewis Pool operating hours are daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sioux City Splash Pads will open to the public Saturday, May 29, 2021 through Labor Day weekend. Splash Pads are located at: Dale Street Park, 913 15th Street (15th & Dale Streets); Rose Hill Park, 1431 Grandview Boulevard; Leeds Park, 3810 41st Street; Cook Park, 505 Market Street; and Cone Park, 3800 Line Drive. Splash Pads are available for use, daily, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
News release from the Sioux City Public Library:
Perry Creek Branch Library Reopens Monday, May 24
On Monday, May 24, Sioux City Public Library reaches the last step of its phased reopening plan when its Perry Creek Branch opens to the public for walk-in service. The branch location's hours will return to Monday - Friday from 10:30 am - 5:30 pm.
With Perry Creek reopening, all three of the Library's locations are now open to the public. The Library is also shifting back to regular aspects of Library service, which includes discontinuing its curbside pickup service and reopening meeting and study rooms to the public. Study rooms are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Meeting rooms require a reservation that can be made online or by calling the Library.
"The Library's phased reopening approach emphasized maintaining a safe environment for our patrons and staff," said Helen Rigdon, Sioux City Public Library Director. "We've gradually added back services over the past year, and while some services that require close contact between patrons and staff are still unavailable, we are thrilled to be at this point."