Even though there is a positive case of COVID-19 at an elementary school in Sioux City, summer school will continue. A spokesperson for the Sioux City Community School District says a positive COVID-19 case was reported at Morningside STEM Elementary. The person who tested positive and others who came in close contact have been told to self-isolate or self-quarantine. Tomorrow (Friday) is the last day of summer school for certain and in the district.
Head Start programs will start in-person learning on September 2nd. The Executive Director of the Community Action Agency of Siouxland says it is vital for a child’s development to be in the classroom and learn from their teachers. Children three and four-years-old will wear masks throughout the day, except when they are outside, eating or resting. The Community Action Agency operates 29 Early Head State and Head Start classrooms throughout Sioux City. They were closed back in the middle of March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some classrooms were reopened over the summer to help students prepare for Kindergarten in the fall. Last school year, more than 425 students attended Head Start programs. This year, the number will be reduced to 350.
A new report by the Sierra Club, finds that MidAmerican Energy’s two coal plants near Sioux City have lost $27.5 million for its customers over the last five years.
The Sierra club says low energy prices in this year have only worsened the performance of these plants near Port Neal, which are the most expensive in MidAmerican’s coal fleet in Iowa.
The report, which is based on analysis of MidAmerican’s own data, shows that by committing to retire both plants by 2023, MidAmerican could save customers $92 million.