Good morning, Iowa City.

Houses Into Homes is partnering with DVIP/RVIP to assemble furniture for victim survivors (a video online explains how local volunteers can get involved).

Lori Kowalke, a long-time Hy-Vee employee, had her picture unveiled on a semi-trailer at the North Dodge Street store Thursday as part of the company’s tradition that began in 1997 to honor long-serving staff.

The celebration marked over 45 years of her service.

Iowa DNR reported that 16 state beaches remain unsafe for swimming due to high E. coli levels — slight changes occurred since last week with some beaches improving while others still exceed health standards.

The U.S. Drought Monitor report shows that Iowa’s dryness covers 45% of the state based on 8 a.m. Aug.

4 data, with 26% facing moderate drought (18% abnormally dry and 55% with no dryness). Heavy rains in western Iowa have eased abnormal dryness by 6 percentage points since July 30.