(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with Cass Health have announced Linda Edelman, RN, BSN is the newest recipient of The DAISY Award, which celebrates excellence in nursing. Edelman has been a nurse for 37 years, and she has worked primarily in public health, with several years of home health experience also. She says “While I was working on my BSN, I was doing my community health rotation in Council Bluffs and that’s when I first found my interest in public health. I loved being able to go into the community and being able to take care of people of all ages from young, pregnant women to my patients who were well into their 90s.” .

Edelman was nominated by Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen. In her nomination letter, Olsen said “My nomination is based specifically on the care she provides to our Pacific Island community members. Linda has taken the time to learn about their culture and wants to deeply understand the issues that this community faces each day. She meets them where they are and understands the deep and complex layers of working with an entire community whose culture and approach to healthcare is quite different than what an American nurse is trained for.

“Linda adjusts her works hours to accommodate their long and varying shift work, going above and beyond to meet their needs. It is not uncommon for Linda to work an evening, weekend or on her day off- if that is when the patient has time to meet with her. This community trusts Linda deeply with their healthcare needs. She is known as a resource for the entire community, helping with many things beyond her original intentions of connecting with these individuals. It’s not uncommon to see them greet her in the grocery store or for children to run up and give her a hug when they recognize her on the street.

Linda listens attentively to each concern she is presented with and seamlessly connects each individual and family to the care and services they need to have a better life and experience in Atlantic.” Edelman said, “I love what I do, and I am passionate about helping this community. There’s so much work to be done, and I really want these new residents to feel like this is their home, and we care about them. I really care about them, and I get back so much gratification from helping them.”

Linda Edelman, RN, BSN

As for the DAISY Award, Edelman said it was a huge surprise and shock. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen. It is a complete honor, and I want to make sure to say that I am so blessed to work with such wonderful people. I’ve worked with a lot of terrific people, a lot of departments, a lot of people in the community – and I’m just so lucky be part of an amazing team,” she said.

Nurses at Cass Health are honored twice annually with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.® The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. The DAISY Award committee at Cass Health thanks all nominators for their submissions. Each nurse who was nominated will be presented with a special pin and a copy of the nomination.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)  The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession.  Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org. An online nomination form is available at https://www.casshealth.org/daisy.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors have approved a request to abate Red Oak City-owned property taxes for parcels at 300 E. Market Street, 818 E. Nuckols Street, and 306 E. Elm Street. Auditor Jill Ozuna said the City has not provided her with details on plans for the use of the properties, including whether or not the houses on those lots will be demolished.

The Board discussed and then approved the abatement and refund of Red Oak City-owned property tax paid in error by Bruce Reich, for 210 N. 5^th Street, in the amount of $324.00. Jill Ozuna said…

The Supervisors in Montgomery County discussed the FY 25 County Budget w/regard to a revenue correction on the Long-Term Debt Schedule. Jill Ozuna explained no action was needed by the Board.

She said also, on the presentation she gave on the budget, the levy amounts are different than what was presented. The budget was corrected, with no affect on the actual budget.

And, the Board set June 11, 2024, at 8:30-a.m., as the date and time for a canvas of the June 4^th Primary Election results. Jill Ozuna reminds voters in Montgomery County, that in-person absentee voting for the June 4^th Primary, begins Wednesday, May 15^th. Montgomery County Engineer Karen Albert provided the Board with a weekly Secondary Roads Department report.

The next Montgomery County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 21^st, will include discussion and action on updating the County Ordinance pertaining to vendor permits for the July RAGBRAI® event.

(Hamburg, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), next month, is hosting a public meeting to discuss past and future management of the 1,317-acre Forney Lake Wildlife Area. The meeting takes place June 4th, from 6-8 p.m., at the Wa-Shawtee Lodge within Waubonsie State Park, located at 2635 Wa-Shawtee Rd., northwest of Hamburg.

Staff with the Iowa DNR will give a presentation on Forney Lake, and then listen to comments and concerns from the public.

If you have special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, please contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

(Radio Iowa) – Artificial intelligence or A-I could play a larger role in caring for Iowa’s 182-thousand military veterans. Dr. Mahsaw Mansoor is a resident physician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Through her work in the Veterans Affairs health care system, she says they’re testing the use of A-I technology to recognize eye degeneration in people with diabetes, all without a physician being present.

Mansoor says, “If we can deconstruct that work, especially in a state like Iowa where the majority are coming from rural areas, small towns, I think it’s hard to imagine a reality where we are not going to be improving the status quo.” Mansoor made her comments during a hearing Monday in Iowa City that was called by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who chairs a House subcommittee that looks at veterans’ healthcare. Miller-Meeks, who was an ophthalmologist before going to Congress, says she supports tools that can get Iowans the care they need, especially given the state’s shortage of health care workers.

“You want to have access to healthcare, even if you live in a rural area, so how do you do that,” Miller-Meeks says, “and one of the ways to do that is to leverage AI.” During the hearing, Mansoor said the V-A is also testing the use of A-I to flag veterans who might be at higher risk of suicide.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak say a man was arrested this (Tuesday) morning in the 200 block of W. Washington Avenue. 35-year-old Chase Michael Samples, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 5-a.m., for Domestic Abuse Assault while displaying a dangerous weapon – an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Samples were being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

(Creston, Iowa) – An accident Sunday afternoon on eastbound Highway 34 in Union County caused an estimated total $7,000 damage, but no one was injured. According to the Union County Sheriff’s Department, 59-year-old Michael Joe Podliska, of Ottumwa, was driving a 2023 GMC Acadia SUV that was pulling a camper trailer. When Podliska went to pass a vehicle, the camper blew apart and hit both sides of the SUV. The top of the camper came apart and separated from the bottom part of the trailer.

Authorities say Podliska was able to drive away. The camper and trailer were later picked-up, and towed away.

CLIVE, IOWA – Pork producers across Iowa donated more than $43,000 worth of pork to local food pantries during the past few months. It was done in conjunction with the Pork in the Pantry program, organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). Now in its second year, Pork in the Pantry provides funding of up to $1,000 to each county pork producer organization that participates. Counties are responsible for purchasing the pork and donating it, and IPPA reimburses them. This year, 38 county producer organizations participated in Pork in the Pantry. IPPA President Matt Gent says “Food insecurity remains a major issue in Iowa and these donations to local food pantries will help. Pork producers care a lot about their communities, and this is one of the many ways we show it.”

Along with donating much-needed protein to local food pantries, many county producer organizations purchased the pork from local vendors. So not only is Pork in the Pantry helping those in need, the program is also supporting local businesses. Food pantries are frequently short of meat products, so this is a great way to get nutritious protein into the diets of food-insecure Iowans. Iowa Food Bank Association Executive Director Linda Gorkow says “Hunger is rising in Iowa,” and “This Pork in the Pantry program is an incredible opportunity to ensure greatly needed protein is provided to families, individuals and seniors who don’t have enough food to eat. Protein is one of the highest requested items at food banks and pantries across the state so every ounce of the pork donated to the pantries serving Iowans will make an incredible impact.”

The $43,000 worth of pork will provide an estimated 55,000 servings of protein for Iowans who are facing food insecurity. Last year’s Pork in the Pantry program resulted in more than $40,000 worth of pork being donated to local food pantries.

Among the county pork producer organizations that participated in Pork in the Pantry in 2024, were those in Adair, Adams, Madison, Page, Ringgold and Taylor Counties.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  An official with Vision Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, says the organization is at the forefront of driving economic development within Atlantic. With a strategic focus on housing, childcare and quality-of-life enhancements, the organization operates under the guidance of a seven-member board. The late Bob Camblin serves as co-founder and honorary board member. Vision Atlantic Board President Christina Bateman, says “Our mission is to empower growth, enhance lives and create a thriving community together. We’re poised to transform Atlantic for generations to come.”

Bateman said after thorough research with community partners over recent years, Vision Atlantic has identified three critical areas that are pivotal for stabilizing and enhancing Atlantic’s population: expanding housing, childcare facilities, and amenities. Collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, generous donors, and foundational support channel an estimated $75.5 million into these vital projects. This includes $48 million directed towards new housing, $11.5 million for a state-of-the-art childcare center and $16 million for the expansion of the current YMCA facility.

Contributions towards a $30 million fundraising goal have been robust, with over $7.6 million pledged by local donors. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation has committed a remarkable $8.6 million, significantly supporting the childcare center and YMCA expansion. An additional transformative pledge of $23 million from the Foundation will serve as the catalyst, igniting the rapid development of new housing in the community.

Steve Wild, President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, says “Atlantic isn’t just waiting for a brighter future, they’re building it. Our investment and Vision Atlantic’s bold leadership are the catalysts propelling this community into an era of prosperity.” Bateman said “We are extremely grateful to the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and all our local businesses and residents who have already committed financial support to help make this once-in- a-lifetime project a reality.”

Under the leadership of President Christina Bateman, Vice-President Nick Hunt, Secretary Melissa Ihnen, Treasurer Debbie Waterbury and directors Keith Harlan, Jessie Shiels and Liz Hunt-Reid, Vision Atlantic has established a project committee. The team of community leaders has worked diligently over the past year to bring the project to fruition. The committee chairs include: Christina Bateman, Dan Haynes, Nick Hunt, Paul Gude, Duane Acker, Bailey Smith, Bob Sharp, Keith Harlan, Liz Hunt-Reid, Billie Hoover, Debbie Waterbury, Ted Robinson, Brad Henningsen, Jill Euken, Ardith Gillepsie, Dianna Williams, Jackie Sampson and Nick Zimmer.

The committee is currently looking for volunteers to join this transformative project. If you are interested in contributing to the growth and development of Atlantic, please contact Christina Bateman at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Your involvement can make a significant difference.

Vision Atlantic remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a vibrant future for Atlantic, fostering a community where economic growth and quality of life go hand in hand.

(Radio Iowa) – Several dozen veterans from 55 Iowa counties will board a chartered jet for a trip to Washington D-C next week on the region’s latest Honor Flight. Mary Lou Walker, who serves on the Brushy Creek Honor Flight committee, says they’ll spend the day visiting memorials. “The first ones that we’ll go to will be Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam. Then they will arrive at the World War Two Monument. They will also visit Arlington National Cemetery, observe the changing of the guard, and then go for Iwo Jima Monument after that point. They also will visit the Air Force Memorial.”

Walker says they’ll have 163 people on the trip, including all of the veterans, medical personnel and support staff. She notes many of the veterans who will be on this flight served in one of two conflicts. “We have Korean veterans, and people that are in between Korea and Vietnam, and Vietnam veterans,” she says, “so we’re talking anybody between June of 1950 through May 7th of 1975.”

Image from honorflight.org.

The charter will fly out of Fort Dodge Regional Airport early on the morning of May 22nd and return home late that night. The group’s next Honor Flight is scheduled for September 18th.

(Radio Iowa) – Planting progress was slowed again last week by wet conditions. The U-S-D-A crop report says there just two days suitable for field work due to the rain. The amount of corn planted went from 47 to 57 percent — which is now one week behind last year — after being just two days back the week before. Soybean planting moved from 30 to 39 percent complete, and is now also one week behind last year’s pace.

While the rain has slowed planting, it has helped continue to push back the drought conditions. D-N-R Hydrologist Tim Hall says the timing of the rain has been important. “We haven’t gotten you know a month’s worth of rain in one day. We’ve had several significant rainfall events that have been spaced out far enough so that moisture has time to get into the system,” Hall says. He says there has been some flooding, but the lack of soil moisture has kept that down. “The fact that the soil has been very dry has really taken the hard edge off some of the flooding,” he says.

The U-S-D-A weekly report shows 92 percent of topsoil moisture is now adequate or at a surplus — compared to 73 percent that showed adequate or surplus moisture one week ago.