DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista County in northwest Iowa. The proclamation is effective immediately and will be in place until November 19, 2023. The USDA has confirmed a commercial turkey flock in the county tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Land Stewardship and others, to help with tracking, monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal and disinfection. Additionally, the proclamation suspends certain regulations concerning commercial vehicles that are responding to affected sites. There is no immediate public health concern regarding HPAI, and it is still safe to consume poultry products. If poultry producers notice any signs of HPAI in their flocks, they are advised to contact their veterinarian immediately.
IONIA, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — On Sunday an Ionia Volunteer Firefighter was injured after an accident between a fire truck and Polaris Ranger UTV used for fighting fires. Authorities say the crash happened on Exeter Avenue North of 215 Street in Ionia at 4:00 p.m. when the Ionia Volunteer Fire Department was responding to a fire. That’s when the Iowa State Patrol says both vehicles were attempting to pass a slow moving tractor when the fire truck hit the back of the UTV, causing it to lose control, roll and ejecting the driver of the UTV. The Driver had to be air lifted to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. The extent of the drivers injures were unclear at this time and the names of everyone involved are being withheld during the investigation. The cause of the crash still remains under investigation.
SCOTT COUNTY, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — An Iowa woman who falsely claimed to have cancer and documented her “battle” on social media will stay out of prison after a judge gave her probation and a suspended sentence. Madison Russo, 20, never had pancreatic cancer, leukemia nor the football-sized tumor wrapped around her spine she that claimed in postings on TikTok, GoFundMe, Facebook and LinkedIn. But over 400 people sent her donations. As part of the 10-year suspended sentence handed down Friday, she was ordered to pay $39,000 in restitution and a $1,370 fine. If she stays out of trouble for three years of probation, she’ll stay free. The Bettendorf woman pleaded guilty in June to first-degree theft. In court on Friday, Judge John Telleen declined a defense request that would have wiped the conviction off her record if she completes probation successfully. He said people who deal with her in the future should know that she once engaged in a “criminal scheme,” and that “serious crimes must have serious consequences.”
NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — An eastern Iowa pumpkin patch was named one of the top ten in the nation. USA Today ranked Colony Acres Family Farm of North Liberty in their top ten list of favorite spots this year. On their website, they praised the farm’s variety of fall activities and their corn mazes. Besides the activities, the Colony Acres Family Farm showcases more than 40 different pumpkin varieties to pick out. The family farm has been in the community for nearly 100 years and it is currently owned and ran by Dean and Katie Colony. “It’s very humbling,” said Colony. “It’s this reason right here that makes us keep doing this. But to win the award, is just fantastic to be nominated for that. People that come out and visit us ever year, they nominated us so, it’s a great privilege.” The farm is open every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, Colony said the farm will host their Miles in the Maze 5k run on Saturday, Nov. 4.
