DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Iowa’s request for more time to appeal the agency’s decision rejecting flood aid to five counties along the Missouri River. Gov. Terry Branstad says he received word Thursday that the deadline has been extended to Oct. 7. FEMA notified the state on Aug. 4 that activation of the Federal Individual Assistance Program for Fremont, Harrison, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury counties was denied. The program helps homeowners, renters and businesses by providing grants and loans.

Iowa had 30 days to appeal. Branstad asked for an extension because the flood water is slowing recede and more damage will surface.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – An interchange on Interstate 29 in Sioux City has reopened, nearly three months after it was closed because of flooding on the Missouri River. The Iowa Department of Transportation says in a news release Thursday that the I-29 and Hamilton Blvd. interchange has fully reopened to traffic. Transportation officials say the roadway has been cleaned and repainted, and all traffic control devices restored. The ramps on the south side of the interchange had been closed since June 4.

ATLANTIC – Cass County Health System will be hosting a Women’s Health Expo on Tuesday, September 13, 2011.  The free event is open to the public and will be held in the Cass County Memorial Hospital Atrium from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.  Light refreshments will be served, and there will be several doorprize drawings.

Historically, women have been the primary healthcare decision makers for families, but often don’t take time to maintain their own health.  Throughout the country, hospitals are developing women’s health programs to address a broad spectrum of health issues.  The CCHS event will feature over 20 women’s health services, all provided either at CCHS or within the Cass County community.  The event is designed as an open house, so participants can come and go at their own pace. There are two scheduled events during the evening, hospital tours (6:00 and 6:45 pm) and bra fitting demonstrations (5:45 and 6:30 pm).

“Some people don’t realize that we offer most of the major women’s health services right here at home,” noted Diann McLaren, RN, Co-Coordinator for Women’s Health Services.  “We’re working to correct that by providing more community outreach on these important health concerns.”

In an effort to address a wide range of women’s health needs, the CCHS women’s health team has invited several community partners to participate in this event to showcase some of the non-medical services available for women.  “We really are interested in addressing the broad definition of health,” Diann noted.  “It is well known that stress and lifestyle habits affect our physical health, so it is important to look at all aspects of health together.”

Atlantic Police said today (Thursday), no injuries were reported following a two-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon, near the intersection of 8^th and Cedar Streets. Officials say a vehicle driven by William Bennett, of Kimballton, struck the door of a legally parked car registered to Paige Boken, of Atlantic, as Bennett was traveling south on Cedar. The accident happened at around 2:20-p.m.

Damage from the mishap amounted to $7,000. No citations were issued.

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Branstad today released two letters he has sent to United States Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe regarding the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) plan to close rural post offices and processing centers in Iowa. Gov. Branstad has asked Postmaster General Donahoe to consider numerous options as they seek to overcome financial challenges.

“Under the USPS’s current plan, Iowa would see 17.9 percent of our state’s post offices closed, compared to 11 percent of proposed closures nationally,” said Branstad. “I am concerned that the Postal Service’s current plan is disproportionate and puts too much of the burden on rural Iowans.”  

Branstad suggests there are many options to close the USPS budget shortfall, like having postmasters serve multiple locations, reducing service hours or permitting the Postal Service to sell non-postal products. Many of the rural communities, their citizens and their business owners rely on the services of the Post Offices. Closing the Post Offices would put the communities at an economic disadvantage, stated Branstad.

Gov. Branstad and Lohrville Mayor Donny Hobbs co-wrote a letter to Postmaster General Donahoe requesting a meeting with senior USPS officials. They also encouraged the creation of a commission to reconsider closure recommendations and called for a moratorium on closure of postal facilities.

Additionally, Gov. Branstad co-authored a letter with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn requesting a meeting to explore all cost saving options that both fits the USPS’s business model and serves Iowa and Illinois’ rural citizens.

“I would like to personally thank Iowa’s entire congressional delegation for voicing their constituents’ concerns to federal leaders,” said Branstad. “Iowans understand the need for fiscal discipline and a balanced budget, but they also believe the Postal Service should consider reasonable alternatives suggested by the people and communities affected by the closures.”

For more on information, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.