CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa announced two more cases of bird flu in dairy cattle Thursday, bringing the total to 13. Now, the state is mandating testing before dairy cattle are moved to a fair or exhibition. The new testing requirements are in response to the up-tick of Bird Flu found in dairy cattle. Each dairy cow will have individual tests done and will have to get a test for every exhibition. Farmers will have to take samples from not only the cow but a milk tank sample from the farm as well. If the tests are negative, the farmer’s vet will draw health papers. Those papers are required to get into an exhibition. The test has to be done 7 days prior to the cows being transported the fairs they’re going to. If a cow tests positive there are implications on the farms. So far, the Linn County Fair has not received any positive tests and neither have any farms in Eastern Iowa.
EAST MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC/KCRG) – The letter Deere workers received this week didn’t mention “layoffs,” but one worker believes the signs are clear. TV6 Investigates obtained a company memo about a mandatory meeting at 6 a.m. Friday. It says Deere will tell workers about “adjustments” to its production. While it’s still unclear what will be discussed, workers we talked to are worried more layoffs are coming. Deere laid off 225 at the East Moline Harvester Works in September. It also said earlier this year that it expected to keep reducing staff as demand for farm equipment has declined. Harvester Works makes Deere’s premiere combines and typically employs about 2,300 people. One in every four local Deere employees works here.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – At approximately 11:03 a.m. Thursday, the Iowa State Patrol responded to a report of a motorcycle crash near Highway 18 and Jasper Ave in Clayton County. Officials say a 64-year-old from Mount Vernon was driving eastbound on Highway 18 when his motorcycle left the roadway near Jasper Avenue. The roadway was blocked off following the crash. The man was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries.
NORWAY, Iowa (KCRG) – Four people were hurt at a construction site in Iowa County on Thursday when a wind gust blew down trusses being placed by a crane. The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office said it happened at 2783 110th Street in rural Norway Thursday at approximately 10:00 a.m. Two of the four people suffered what officials called serious injuries. The other two had minor injuries. One of them was flown to University of Iowa Health Care by helicopter. The three others were taken by ambulance to area hospitals. No additional information has been released at this time.
