Stories from Friday, August 21, 2020

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds pushed back last week against criticism that she has been slow to respond to a wind storm that devastated the state, and promised more help soon for tens of thousands of residents struggling through their (now 11th) day without electricity...

Although not certified until Oct. 1, enrollment figures for Cherokee Schools were reviewed at Monday’s School Board meeting, showing 1,162 K-12 students registered for the 2020-21 school year starting Monday. Those numbers will change as additional students sign on, including six more registering that very day (Monday) at Roosevelt Elementary. Exact PK numbers are also in flux and actual totals unknown at this time, according to Superintendent Kim Lingenfelter...

We like Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. She’s smart, courageous, hard-working, and pretty. And she has a fondness for Cherokee. As Iowa’s chief administrator in the public arena, we have frequently praised and sometimes criticized her in the past. None can deny the constant chaos of seemingly insurmountable problems dumped on her plate in this tormenting, taxing Year 2020, full of strife and calamity fostered by the “damnpendic,” businesses and schools closing and reopening, derechos, unemployment and drought hammering her state.. ...

River Valley Community School District, like all other schools, has an extensive Return-to-Learn Plan. There is a multi-staff member planning team and the district has used its CARES funding to purchase PPE, including three electrostatic sprayers, sneeze guards, masks, and technology to assist with remote learning...