Sara Konrad Baranowski

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Iowa was down over the last week, but hospitalizations were up again, by more than 17 percent, according to data published by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

The state ended its five-week decline in hospitalization numbers this week, with a 10 percent increase in the number of people who are hospitalized with the disease.

A four-week trend of declining COVID-19 cases in Iowa ended this week when state’s department of health and human services reported a slight uptick in infections.

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Iowa fell by 4.5 percent over the last week, while deaths from the disease increased by 10 percent.

Convergen Energy, which diverts non-recyclable products from landfills to turn it into pellets that can be burned as an alternative fuel, plans to open a new facility in Fairfax.

As the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 100G strike against Cedar Rapids’ Ingredion nears the three-month mark, it remains unclear when the two sides may be able to reach an agreement that would send union members back to work.