CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) -The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that 499 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported during the 24 hours prior to 10 a.m. Wednesday, bringing the state’s total since the pandemic began to 49,702. Twelve additional deaths had been reported since Tuesday morning’s total, increasing the overall death toll in the state to 949.

OSKALOOSA, IA (IRN) – A Mahaska County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed by an accidental gunshot wound on Tuesday. The victim was identified as Brian Rainey, 35, of rural Mahaska County. He was off-duty at the time.

LINN COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A 63-year-old bicyclist died after he was struck by one of several large trees that fell on a bike trail outside of Cedar Rapids near Ely during Monday’s storms. Thomas Rowland of Solon died at the scene.

IOWA (IRN) – Early estimates indicate that 10 million acres of farmland was flatted Monday during the derecho, according to Gov. Kim Reynolds. Estimates are at least one third of Iowa crops sustained damage during the severe storms. The devastation comes as another blow to Iowa farmers already dealing with a trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE MIDWEST (IRN) – There will be no Big 10 or PAC 12 football season this fall. The decision was made over the weekend as the U.S. crossed five million confirmed cases of COVID-19. The season has been postponed until spring.