The National Weather Service-Des Moines has announced that hot conditions will dominate our forecast throughout this work week. Daily highs from 95 to 105° are expected for all of Iowa with heat index values topping out from 105 to 115 during the afternoon and early evening hours each day. Overnight lows in the 70s to around 80° will provide little relief from the heat.

With this heatwave expected to last through the work week, Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon says facilities in Cass County have opened their doors this Monday thru Friday to people who need a break from the extreme heat. Libraries throughout Cass County will be available as cooling stations during their regular operating hours. In Atlantic, the Nishna Valley YMCA at 1100 Maple Street is open until 8:30pm thru Thursday and until 6:30pm on Friday. SWITA will also be available to transport individuals to and from these facilities by calling 712-250-1200 or 712-243-4196 for rural residents.

The extreme heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses so be sure to take precautions to protect yourself from the heat by staying hydrated and limiting your outdoor activities, especially during peak heating hours of the afternoon into early evening.

Heat related deaths are preventable. Protect yourself and others from the impacts extreme heat. Heat stroke is an emergency…call 9-1-1.

***UPDATE***

The clogging quartet of Nelley Pelzer, James Brown, Kylie Templeton and Drayce Moore of Atlantic placed fifth in the senior division, winning $750.

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A group of Atlantic  youngsters will compete in the Sunday finals of the Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.  The quartet, “Happy” includes Nelley Pelzer, Kylie Templeton, Drayce Moore and James Brown.  They perform a clogging routine.  The group is the first from Atlantic to make it into the finals of the show since John Jorgensen made it to the finals of the Bill Riley Talent Contest in 1973.  The finals will air at 8:00 pm Sunday on Iowa Public Television.

Photo provided

A Des Moines Register N-B-C News Iowa Poll shows former President Donald Trump has the support of 42 percent of likely Iowa Republican Caucus-goers.

The poll was conducted last week, from Sunday through Thursday. Pollster Ann Selzer says the fourth indictment filed against Trump helped him, as the polling shows an uptick in Trump’s support after the Georgia indictment was announced.  Trump’s closest competitor is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who had 19 percent in the Iowa Poll.  No other candidate had double digit support.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott was in third in this latest Iowa Poll.  Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence tied for fourth.  Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has not campaigned in Iowa, but Christie registered in fifth place.  Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy was in sixth place with four percent support.

Sixty-five percent of likely Iowa Republican Caucus-goers surveyed said it’s most important to pick a candidate who shares their views on issues, while 29 percent said the most important thing is for Republicans to pick a candidate who can beat President Biden.

Montgomery County Memorial Hospital & Clinics (MCMH) is pleased to announce its decision to bring all Emergency Department providers under its direct employment. In a significant move, the hospital has on boarded six new providers, comprising of medical doctors and advanced practice providers. This move assembles an eight-member team of experienced emergency medicine providers. These providers are seamlessly integrated into the MCMH Medical staff, embodying a dedication to providing top-tier care to our patients.

Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Kerchner, Medical Director of Inpatient & Emergency Medicine, the newly formed team comprises both familiar faces and new faces, all of who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the ED. The team is comprised of Angela Kerchner, MD; Scott Hoffman, DO; Steve Lapke, MD; Chris Lindgren, MD; Tu Anh Luong, MD; David Owens, MS, ARNP (Lead Hospitalist & Emergency Medicine); Leah Rowell, PA-C, and Tom Schmadeke, PA-C (Primary Care & Emergency Medicine).

CEO Ron Kloewer expressed his enthusiasm for the latest development stating, “We are thrilled about the addition of MCMH employed providers in our Emergency Department. Dr. Kerchner has done a wonderful job assembling a team of dedicated physicians and advanced practice providers. This marks an important step in our continued commitment to our patients and community.”
This strategic shift from previously contracted ED providers to an MCMH employed team represents MCMH’s dedication to ensuring continuity, stability, and a high level of medical care. Perhaps most notably the transition will create an enhanced relationships and strong communication between the ED providers, the hospitalist team, primary care providers, and our patients.

“The inclusion of both familiar faces and new talent signifies our unwavering commitment to building long-term relationships with our staff, patients, and community members,” Dr. Angela Kerchner explained. “This approach will allow us to have a much closer connection between the providers in the Emergency Department, our inpatient providers and primary care providers creating a seamless continuum of care across all stages of our patients’ medical journeys.”

With the addition of these dedicated providers, MCMH remains steadfast in its commitment to being a trusted resource within the community. The hospital’s pursuit of excellence in patient care and outcomes continues to be a driving force in its operations.

On Saturday, 8-19-23 at 10:24 pm, 19 year old Jordyn Marie Gonzales of 1303 Clayton Road was arrested in the 1300 block of North Cherry.  Gonzales was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense (Other scheduled I,II,III,IV and V CS).  Gonzales was taken to the Union County Jail where she was later released on $1,000 cash or surety bond.

On Sunday, 8-20-2023 at 3:39 am, 42 year old  Faustino Reyes of Texas was arrested at Supertel.  Reyes was charged with Assault causing bodily injury.  Reyes was taken to the Union County Jail where he is being held on $1,000 cash or surety bond.

Also, on Sunday at 8:38 pm, 36 year old Brandon Hurshel Whitfield of 813 North Sycamore was arrested at his residence.  Whitfield was charged on 2 Union County Warrants.  1st warrant is Violation of Probation original charge Domestic Abuse Assault a serious misdemeanor.  2nd warrant is Violation of Probation original charge Eluding an aggravated misdemeanor.  Whitfield is being held on no bond.