New data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates more Iowans are living in poverty now than at the beginning of the recession.  Nearly 380-thousand Iowans were living below the poverty line last year. That’s 12-point-seven percent of the state’s population or nearly one out of every eight Iowans. The poverty rate for 2013 was the same as it was the previous year, but higher than it was in 2007. Six years ago an estimated 11 percent of Iowans were living at or below poverty level.

The poverty line is considered 12-thousand dollars in annual income for an individual. For a family of four, it’s a little less than 24-thousand dollars a year. Iowa’s poverty rate is still below the nation rate of nearly 16 percent. The Census Bureau estimates the median income in Iowa was just over 52-thousand dollars in 2013. It was over a thousand dollars more at the start of the recession in 2007.

(Radio Iowa)

A state health official says Iowa has not seen any changes involving the outbreak of a virus that has hit over one dozen state. Deputy State Epidemiologist, Ann Garvey, says the enterovirus is common this time of year, but this particular strain known as D-68 has caused concern in other states. “Here in Iowa we know that this strain is circulating — we are hearing about respiratory illnesses across the state — but we are not hearing that any of our health care community is overwhelmed with cases, unable to meet patient need,” Garvey explains. “While it’s circulating we’re not seeing the numbers that some of our neighboring states are seeing.”

Enterovirus is not a disease that the state or federal health officials track, so Garvey says they don’t have a concrete set up numbers on the cases. “We’re still getting calls from health care providers, just anectdotally we’re hearing some of the health care providers are seein the cases slow. But that’s just few of the locations that we’ve spoke to,” Garvey says. Garvey says the impact of virsuses is always hard to determine, and this one is no different.

“As far as why we are having less activity, there’s not a way to predict that or tell you why. We’re just not seeing it,” Garvey says. There is no treatment for entero other than rest. “So we’re just trying to recommend that Iowans take those kind of common sense measures that we use with all respiratory viruses like influenza,” Garvey says. “Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, get plenty of rest, and if we are ill, stay home.” Garvey says most people who come down with the virus will not have serious symptoms.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey suggests economic growth in rural areas of 10 states in the Plains and the West will continue slowing down in the next few months. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said Thursday that crop prices are significantly lower than last year, and that’s a drag on the economy in rural areas.

The overall economic index from the monthly survey of bankers declined to 48.2 in September from August’s already weak 48.3 reading. The survey indexes range from 0 to 100. Any score below 50 suggests decline in the months ahead.

The bankers continue to doubt the economy. The confidence index fell to 33.4 in September from August’s 39.9.

Atlantic High School Guidance Counselor Craig Fredin reports the Iowa Association for College Admissions Counseling will sponsor a College Fair on Tuesday, September 23th, at Atlantic High School from 2:00-3:15 PM. Fredin, who serves as the site coordinator for the event, announced that 60 representatives from post-secondary institutions will be present to speak about opportunities at their colleges, vocational and technical schools, and military services.

The Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling has established 30 College Day/College Night programs throughout the state to provide a supportive environment for students to obtain information and appropriate counseling helpful in their college selection process.

Students, parents, or interested adults from Atlantic and surrounding communities are invited to attend.