Immigrant Voices

After more than two months of mostly staying at home and practicing social distancing, I had to take my grandson to the doctor this past week. I made sure he wore a face mask and gloves. We waited in the car until we were called. Once inside the clinic, I was constantly checking that he…

Iowa’s neighbors to the west are urging Nebraska meatpacking plants to be more transparent with positive COVID-19 cases and for better treatment to workers that are deemed essential. The fight has implications for Iowa; a massive outbreak at the Dakota City, Nebraska Tyson plant, the severity of which was kept from the public for weeks,…

When the coronavirus pandemic first struck Iowa, the initial local outbreaks had clear causes. The early spread in Johnson County originated from Iowans returning from a cruise in Egypt. Surrounding counties in Eastern Iowa soon had positive case numbers in the double-digits. Population centers like Polk County quickly followed. But as attention was focused on…

When the coronavirus pandemic first struck Iowa, the initial local outbreaks had clear causes. The early spread in Johnson County originated from Iowans returning from a cruise in Egypt. Surrounding counties in Eastern Iowa soon had positive case numbers in the double-digits. Population centers like Polk County quickly followed. But as attention was focused on…

When the coronavirus pandemic first struck Iowa, the initial local outbreaks had clear causes. The early spread in Johnson County originated from Iowans returning from a cruise in Egypt. Surrounding counties in Eastern Iowa soon had positive case numbers in the double-digits. Population centers like Polk County quickly followed. But as attention was focused on…

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has been tough for everyone. For some of us, the pandemic has disrupted our lives to the point that we all are suffering from cabin fever in springtime. But for others, it has been the worst time of their lives. Many families in our community are grieving the loss of their…

The human element is getting lost among the testing and unemployment data of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alexa Zarate and her family are getting the full experience. Zarate is a senior at Perry High School with parents recovering from COVID-19. Her father is almost 60 years old and works at the Tyson plant in Perry, where…

According to new state testing data, 221 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at Tyson’s Columbus Junction location, making it one of the state’s largest known coronavirus outbreaks. About 26 percent of employees tested were found positive for the virus. After closing down for two weeks, the Columbus Junction plant reopened for limited operations on…

According to new state testing data, 221 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at Tyson’s Columbus Junction location, making it one of the state’s largest known coronavirus outbreaks. About 26 percent of employees tested were found positive for the virus. After closing down for two weeks, the Columbus Junction plant reopened for limited operations on…