(Emerson, Iowa) – Numerous fire departments, crews and equipment are battling a major field fire this (Sunday) afternoon, and additional help was being requested, as of 5:35-p.m. About three-to four miles of field was on fire northeast of Emerson, in the area of Highway 34 and A Avenue. Traffic was being blocked by emergency personnel and law enforcement in that same area. Residents are being evacuated as well.

Help is coming from as far away as Griswold, Lewis and Marne. Other agencies include Emerson, Hastings, Oakland, Macedonia, Stanton and Carson, to name a few. Some units are staging at 150th and A Avenue.

A farmer with a tractor and disc was also assisting in this major blaze.

(Malvern, Iowa) – The Principal for the East Mills Junior/Senior High School said in a social media post, Saturday, that “Grief counselors and members of our school counseling team will be on hand to meet with students individually and in groups tomorrow, Sunday October 23 from 1-3 PM at the East Mills Jr/Sr High School. Over the next few days and weeks support services will be available to help them cope with this terrible tragedy. You may also wish to speak with your student about this.” Principal Dale Scott said also, “We will do everything we can to support you in doing so. Please don’t hesitate to contact your building principal or school counselor, if you have questions or concerns.”

Students and staff are in mourning over the loss of a 17-year-old female classmate from Emerson, who died during single-vehicle rollover accident Friday afternoon, near Malvern. According to the Iowa State Patrol, a 1998 Honda Civic the teen was driving, went out of control on eastbound on Noyes Avenue at around 4:05-p.m., after it crossed the intersection with 290th Street.

The vehicle left the road and rolled several times before coming to rest on its wheels, in a field. The teenage driver was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt. As of Saturday afternoon, her name had not officially been released.

Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted the State Patrol at the crash site.

(Des Moines, IA) The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced two initiatives focused on healthy habits, nutrition and addressing food insecurity for Iowa families. “Though these programs have different goals and execution, helping Iowa families and communities lead healthier lives is deeply embedded in the HHS mission. Food insecurity, exacerbated by the rising cost of food and an increasing rate of obesity in Iowa drive the need for HHS to focus our attention on nutrition and health education. Through these programs, we reach Iowans in in 20 counties with programming that is collaborative, targeted and measurable,” said HHS Director Kelly Garcia.

Iowa Stops Hunger Pilot Program: 

The Iowa Stops Hunger is a statewide initiative formed by Business Publications Corporation (BPC) in 2020 to bring awareness and inspire action to combat food insecurity in Iowa. With the support of Presenting Sponsor Hy-Vee and Supporting Sponsor Mom’s Meals, Iowa Stops Hunger has explored hunger in Iowa, created ongoing media content and events to discuss food insecurity in Iowa, showcased actions taken by businesses, and connected participants from the business and nonprofit communities across the state.

The dialogue generated throughout 2020 and 2021 sparked interest in further action. A small group led by Hy-Vee, Mom’s Meals and HHS, facilitated by BPC, have joined forces in a public/private coalition to reduce food insecurity in Iowa through targeted programming. The Iowa Stops Hunger Coalition will launch a pilot program targeting women between the ages of 21-44 who are food insecure but may not qualify for SNAP, WIC or Free and Reduced Lunch programs. Many of these women are young mothers who are in the workforce at low-wage jobs or who have left the workforce, making this project of particular relevance to Iowa employers.

The pilot project timeline is being finalized by the public/private coalition. Managed Care Medicaid providers Amerigroup Iowa, Iowa Total Care and Molina Healthcare will provide outreach and coordination of services with community-based nutrition partners including each of the Iowa area Food Banks. Hy-Vee and Mom’s Meals will be providing coordination, food and nutrition education and support. BPC is assisting with Coalition facilitation and communications support. Iowa Medicaid will administer the pilot.

The program includes short-term food insecurity stabilization and resources and longer-term food and nutrition access and education. The pilot will focus on women ages 21-44 in eight Iowa counties who have indicated that they are experiencing food insecurity. Among the counties included, are Pottawattamie and Woodbury. Participating counties were identified by HHS through analysis of screenings which showed a higher-than-average rate of food insecurity for residents. The selected counties represent a statewide cross section of rural and urban populations. An estimated 23,000 individuals are identified as part of the pilot. Specifically targeting moms with kids will help address the systemic challenges families often face.

HHS also announces $265,000 in grants to 15 counties across Iowa through 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! : An evidence-based prevention framework for early care and education programs, K-12 schools, out-of-school programs and health care practices to encourage Iowa kids to adopt healthy habits. First year, $30,000 awards went to Dallas and Woodbury Counties in our area. And a Third-year, $8,000 award went to both Woodbury and Madison Counties.

(Villisca, Iowa) – Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies, Tuesday night in rural Villisca, arrested a wanted fugitive. Authorities says Sheriff’s Deputies were looking for 35-year-old Jessie Bruce Fitzwater, of Villisca, at 3262 150th Street. When they arrived at the house, Fitzwater attempted to run but was taken into custody. During the investigation, Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence, which resulted in Fitzwater being arrested for two Class-D Felony counts of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and a Class-D Felony charge for Possession of Meth/3rd Offense.

Also arrested was 24-year-old Ashley Nicole Fitzwater, of Villisca. She faces two aggravated misdemeanor charges for two counts of Child Endangerment, and Possession of Meth/1st offense, a Serious Misdemeanor.

Both subjects were transported to the Montgomery County Jail.