Officials at Cass County Memorial Hospital have announced the new entrance and parking lot for Rehabilitation Services patients will open Monday, July 29th, 2013.  Access to the area is by the Ambulance Drive off 10^th Street, at the west end of the hospital.  Pat Markham, CEO says the new parking area provides direct access into the Rehabilitation Services reception area, and that they are “Very pleased to open this access which will provide a close, flat entrance for the Rehab patients who often have mobility issues.”

The next step in the construction process will be to create an MRI suite in the former west lobby.  This will require the closing of the west parking lot and entrance (along 10^th Street, across from Atlantic Dental Center) from August 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, in order to ensure patient, visitor and staff safety during the remodeling.  MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a service of the CCMH Diagnostic Imaging Department.  MRIs are currently available three days a week on a mobile unit.  The CCMH Board of Trustees made the decision to move the MRI inside as a permanent unit to enhance patient convenience by being having more flexibility in scheduling and not having to go outside in the winter for MRI exams.

Authorities in Page County are on the lookout for person allegedly involved in an assault late Wednesday night. According to Sheriff Lyle Palmer, at around 10-p.m., deputies were dispatched to 1672 A Avenue (approximately 1.5 miles north of Shenandoah), for a disturbance at the Valerie Kay Kalkas and David Ryan residence. The incident allegedly took place between Kalkas, Ryan, and another family member.  When Law Enforcement arrived, it was determined that the other family member involved had allegedly physically assaulted Ryan and Kalkas. 

The suspected family member left the scene, and was last seen by Ryan walking south from the residence on A Avenue towards Shenandoah.An extensive search of the area was conducted by Law Enforcement for the individual.  The search also continued to locations within the city limits of Shenandoah, but the individual was not located.  The investigation is ongoing and further information will be released when it is available.  

Assisting the Page County Sheriff’s Office in the search with personnel or equipment were officers with the Shenandoah, Clarinda and Red Oak Police Departments, the Omaha Police Department’s helicopter unit,  Cass, Fremont and Montgomery County Sheriff’s  deputies,  and the Shenandoah Fire Department

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Congressman Steve Pearce says a fellow Republican congressman’s comment comparing young college-age immigrants to drug mules are “unproductive” and “divisive.”  The Albuquerque Journal reports that the New Mexico Republican criticized recent remarks made by Representative Steve King and said he disagreed with Iowa congressman.

King drew fire from Latino activists this week after he told a conservative news website that many immigrants brought illegally to the U.S. as kids are actually running drugs.  Pearce represents New Mexico’s border with Mexico and is viewed by the GOP as a key figure is helping attract Latino voters to the Republican Party.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s economic development director says it will be hard to meet Gov. Terry Branstad’s goal of 200,000 new jobs unless the state gains more workers. The Des Moines Register reports that economic development director Debi Durham noted the state can’t meet the 200,000 goal simply by putting unemployed people to work. Iowa’s unemployment rolls now stand at about 76,500 workers.  Durham says, “We’ll have to grow Iowa’s population to get there.”

She made her comments at time when the state has regained the number of jobs lost during the recession. Iowa State University economist Peter Orazem says Iowa is seeing stronger job growth than in the 1990s, but he’s skeptical the state can reach Branstad’s goal. He says jobs creation comes first and will lead to population growth.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three people were arrested, Wednesday. 37-year old Regina Jolene Meyers, of Pacific Junction, was arrested at around 5:20-p.m. in Pacific Junction, on a charge of driving while revoked, and for Possession of a controlled substance. Meyers was being held in the Mills County Jail on $2,000 bond.

19-year old Dakota David Kempton, of Malvern, was arrested Wednesday in Mills County, for driving under suspension and possession of a controlled substance. He was being held in the jail on $1,300 bond.

And, 22-year old Aaron Michael Burris, of Sidney, was arrested Wednesday, on a charge of OWI/1st offense. His bond was set at $1,000.

Two men were arrested in Lenox Wednesday afternoon, following an investigation into a physical altercation. Officers were called to the Lenox trailer court at around 3:30-p.m.  Upon their arrival, officers found a man with blood running from facial wounds, outside a residence, and the Taylor County Ambulance was contacted for assistance.

Shaun Sanden

An investigation revealed 34-year old Shaun R. Sanden, of Lenox, and 33-year old Jose R. Cerda, of Lenox, had become involved in a dispute which led to a fight.

Jose Cerda

Both men suffered  injuries during the incident. Both men were subsequently arrested and charged with serious assault/domestic. They were transported to the Taylor County Jail for processing