SIOUX COUNTY – Governor Kim Reynolds announced on Tuesday the signing of a disaster proclamation for Sioux County, effective immediately through June 27th. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial layer chickens. This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. The recent influenza detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, according to a release, and the Governor’s Office says it remains safe to eat poultry products.

IOWA – Severe weather and flooding limited farmers across the state to just two suitable days for field work last week, according to the latest weekly report from the USDA and Iowa Department of Agriculture. Only three percent of the state reported short conditions for topsoil moisture, and 11 percent for subsoil. Despite several rounds of heavy rain, 88% of corn and 73% of soybeans were planted — both are behind the 2023 pace. Regardless, more than 3/4ths of the states crops are in good condition or better shape, and at least 95% are rated fair or higher.

DECORAH – A missing kayaker was found dead in Winneshiek County, according to KCRG-TV. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirms 39-year-old Justin Limkemann was recovered from the Upper Iowa River near Lundy Bridge Monday afternoon.