Briefs
Iowa Capitol closed to public through at least March 31
The Iowa Capitol closed to the public Wednesday and will be off limits until at least March 31 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, legislative staffers announced. Gov. Kim Reynolds declared an emergency Tuesday, closing bars, fitness centers, churches, theaters, casinos, and senior centers and limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery service. A spokesman said House […]
Des Moines, West Des Moines water works close offices to public
Both the Des Moines Water Works and the West Des Moines Water Works have closed their offices to the public, so payments will need to be made online or by phone or mail. Des Moines Water Works also has suspended home service calls except for emergencies. The utility serving nearly a half-million people also won’t […]
Regents president declares emergency, universities cancel commencement
Iowa Board of Regents President Mike Richards has declared an emergency at the institutions and has moved to make it easier for employees to take time off during the COVID-19 outbreak. All three state universities have canceled commencement and will only offer courses online for the rest of the spring semester, the schools announced. Many […]
Cedar Rapids waste agency suspends drop-offs
The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency has suspended residential drop-off services during the COVID-19 outbreak. The closure covers the facilities at 1954 County Home Road and 2250 A Street S.W. Curbside collections will continue on normal schedules.
Laid-off workers asked to file online for unemployment benefits
Iowa Workforce Development is encouraging workers impacted by COVID-19 closures to apply for unemployment benefits online to reduce large gatherings at the office. Customers who do not have online access can call the unemployment insurance customer service line at 1-866-239-0843 and staff can file claims for over the phone. Iowa Workforce Development announced earlier this […]
Iowa Secretary of State’s Office closes lobby; encourages online filing
The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office has closed its lobby in the Lucas Building in Des Moines through March 27 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The office is directing customers to its Fast Track Filing (FTF) system or its legacy filing system. The following can be filed through FTF (https://filings.sos.iowa.gov): certificate of organization, articles of […]
DOT delays driver’s license renewals
You won’t have to renew your Iowa driver’s license until after the COVID-19 outbreak passes, if it expired on Jan. 17 or later, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported. The same goes for vehicle registrations, titles and license plates. Driver’s license renewals are by appointment only until further notice. Trucks hauling food, medical supplies, cleaning […]
Des Moines closes city buildings; parks remain open
Des Moines has banned public access to City Hall and other major city buildings through at least April 12 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. All deadlines have been suspended indefinitely for city permits, licenses, certifications and fines. City parks remain open. However, the Fourmile and Pioneer-Columbus recreation centers are closed, as are restrooms at Gray’s […]
Des Moines area bus service giving free rides
The Des Moines area bus service DART has stopped taking fares temporarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The agency, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, asks riders to board the bus from the rear door if they are able. Riders are asked to stay 6 feet away from other passengers and the driver. The […]
Architectural index remained strong in February
An architectural services index used to gauge economic strength was strong in February but is expected to wane in March. The report by the American Institute of Architects showed rising demand for architects’ work for the sixth month in a row. The Midwest index was 53.6, slightly higher than the national score of 53.4. Anything […]
Iowa gains six more COVID-19 cases
Iowa has six more confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 29, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported. Three of the new cases were in Johnson County, and there was one each confirmed in Adair, Black Hawk and Dallas counties. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday declared an emergency, limiting restaurants to takeout and […]
Iowa business group launches survey to help in COVID-19 response
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is surveying area businesses to assess their needs, look for innovative approaches to the partial shutdown, and to share information, said CEO Jay Byers. “This is a time of unprecedented innovation and creativity,” Byers said. “What are the ways that businesses can pivot? Restaurants could adopt an aggressive takeout strategy, […]