Iowa Third District Democrat Representative Congresswoman Cindy Axne made the rounds in southwest Iowa, Tuesday. One of her stops was in Atlantic, where she spoke with KJAN News with respect to a number of topics. Axne says Iowans are still “still hurting a lot,” from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. She said “Unfortunately we’re starting to run into some difficult times in regard to people not having what they need to put food on the table. Certainly State and local municipalities are losing a lot of revenue that is going to be needed to make sure that we can keep our teachers and our police officers employed, and all of those things that we rely on.”

She said “We’re all ready to have this COVID over, we all know that, but I certainly think people are buckling down trying to stay safe and in the mean time really knowing that if we don’t at least get one other good package through to assist with COVID, that we’re gonna be in a bad place this Fall.” She said with regard to the economic relief package, she’s “working hard to make that happen.”

Axne said with regard to a mandatory face mask policy in Iowa, “I think we should,” based on the scientific data available. “Data shows that we can reduce the transmission [of the virus]. President Trumps Administration has advised that Iowa does this. The [CDC] has advised that Iowa go to a mask mandate, so I’m gonna listen to the folks who do this for a living, who read the data, and who say that ‘if we put masks on, we can lower the spread.” She a national mask mandate should also be in-place. Axne says if a mandate and additional procedures had been in-place early on, “We could probably be back to a much more normal lifestyle by now, instead of seeing bars closed again, businesses get hurt again, because we didn’t want to ‘buckle down.”

When asked if she supports House Speak Nancy Pelosi’s bargaining position with the White House, with regard to a second pandemic relief package, Axne said she’s in favor of the House and Senate coming together on a final COVID bill. The problem, she says, is “We have people on both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats who have put fat into the bill. We have people who won’t come off a negotiation because of some pet project that they’ve gotten there. Instead of focusing on the big issues that we’re facing right now.

“People who need some money in their pockets because they’re unemployed, folks who are going to be kicked-out of their rental housing because they can’t afford it any longer, businesses that won’t be able to start-up again and provide money for their family, PPE for our teachers and our schools to make sure they can educate our kids…these are the things we should be caring about…not laptops for congressional workers that the Democrats have in the bill, and not a new FBI building the Republicans have in the bill. Let’s come to the table with the clean stuff, and let’s get this thing done.”

Pelosi has said she and the Democrats could compromise on a $2.2-Trillion limit, while the White House indicated its support for going up to $1.3-Trillion. Axne says she expects to see a package closer to the $2.2-Trillion by the time all is said and done.

And, with regard to the upcoming elections, Axne says she thinks the race between Republican Incumbent Senator Joni Ernst and her Democrat challenger Teresa Greenfield, will be “Really tough. I think that it was Joni’s to have, but unfortunately I think she’s slippin’ a little bit. She needs to be doing some stuff for Iowans, like stepping up and saying ‘I want ethanol literally listed as a recipient for support,” because our ethanol industry is dying by the wayside. Greenfield, she said, is “Getting a lot of traction, she understands the district.” She expects it to be a “toss-up.”

As for her own race against Republican David Young, Axne says her record shows she’s stood-up for Iowa and she’s hoping to continue working for Iowans and being the voice for their interests.

(Radio Iowa) — Former U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has some advice for current AG Secretary Sonny Perdue, who is scheduled to visit Iowa tomorrow (Thursday). “First and foremost Secretary Perdue obviously needs to visit a farm. He needs to talk to farmers and he also needs to hear the concerns that have been expressed by the biofuels industry about the waivers,” Vilsack says.

The oil industry is seeking exemptions from the Renewable Fuels Standard requirement that ethanol be blended into gasoline. Vilsack says Perdue can carry the message from farm country back to Washington. “He needs to hear the fact that the EPA is sitting on 98 waivers,” Vilsack says, “that they need to be acted on and denied.” Vilsack says four billion fewer gallons of ethanol have been produced over the last several years, pushing corn prices lower.

Perdue is scheduled to take a helicopter tour over fields leveled by last month’s derecho and visit agribusinesses in the Ames area. Perdue also plans to visit a farm where wetlands have been restored.

An open burning ban is in-place for Pottawattamie County, until further notice. The ban went into effect at 5-p.m. Tuesday, September 1st. It prohibits all open and controlled burning in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, including all incorporated city limits within the county.

Pott. County EMA

The current drought conditions throughout the county in combination with unharvested crops present an increased risk for the potential of rapid fire spread. Controlled fires can quickly become uncontrollable.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) program, Pottawattamie County is currently classified in the Severe Drought (D2) classification. More information on current drought conditions can be found at https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/iowa.

Pott. County Emergency Management Director Doug Reed says “Pottawattamie County has seen the devastating effects of fire in extreme conditions and we want to do everything we can to help mitigate incidents like that from occurring.” During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agricultural ground and set-asides or other items during the ban.

Small recreational camp fires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fire place of brick, metal or heavy one-inch wire mesh. Any camp fire not in an outdoor fire place is prohibited.

The Glenwood Police Department reports two separate arrests. Authorities say 33-year old William Meredith was arrested on Monday, on two counts of Domestic Abuse Assault. Meredith was being held without bond pending an appearance before the magistrate. And, 33-year old Angelo Boggs, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was arrested Sunday, in Glenwood, for OWI and Child Endangerment. Boggs was held on a $3,000 cash or surety bond.

Officials with the Harlan Police Department report 54-year old Jeffrey Allen Rowland, SR., of Harlan, was cited Friday, for Driving While Suspended. And, on Sunday, 26-year old Dylan Scott Rowland, of Harlan, was arrested for Public Intoxication.

Authorities said also, no injuries were reported following an accident in the 1100 block of Chatburn Avenue, on Aug. 27th.  A 2017 SUV driven by Elyse Sorensen, of Harlan, was traveling west in the outside lane next to another vehicle. A 2007 Chevy Monte Carlo, drive by Enya Fleshaman, of Harlan, made a left-hand turn into the Dollar General entrance, in front of Sorensen’s 2017 Ford Explorer. Sorensen didn’t see the Chevy until it was obstructing the traffic flow.

JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) — Authorities in central Iowa have identified a 3-year-old boy who was fatally hit by a car in a Johnston apartment complex parking lot. Police in the Des Moines suburb say Clayton Lloyd was killed in the Sunday afternoon accident. Police say officers and medics were called around 1:15 p.m. Sunday to the parking lot of the Cadence Apartments for reports of a child hit. Police say a car driven by a 23-year-old Johnston resident hit the child. No other details of the crash have been released, and no imminent charges were announced.

Des Moines – The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Cumberland Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation, as outlined “In service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.” State Librarian Michael Scott says “The director and board of trustees of the Cumberland Public Library and the City of Cumberland are to be commended for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community.”

Officials say achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. The Cumberland Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations, including governance and funding, staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access, and facilities. The accreditation is valid through June 30, 2023. Of Iowa’s 542 public libraries, 377 – including the Cumberland Public Library – are accredited.

Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s Enrich Iowa program. They also receive a Certificate of Accreditation, signed by the Governor and other Iowa officials.

ATLANTIC– September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and Cass County Health System’s Senior Life Solutions is working to raise awareness and educate the community on the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. Talk of suicide should never be dismissed. If you, or someone you know, are thinking of suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy and teletherapy program designed to meet the unique needs of senior adults living with symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one.

Karmen Roland, Senior Life Solutions Program Director said, “It is important to reach people early. We know it can be difficult to ask for help, but by educating our community we hope we can show people that it is okay to reach out and ask for help for themselves or a loved one.” According to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide and they are important to be aware of. Several risk factors may include:

• A preexisting mental disorder
• Alcohol or substance use disorder
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• Major physical illness
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Access to lethal means
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

Roland added, “The stigma associated with asking for help and a lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment can also pose as risk factors to an individual. We work to lessen the stigma and increase access to behavioral healthcare.” The Suicide Prevention Lifeline also states that knowing these warning signs may help determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

For more information, or if an older loved one is in need of help, call CCHS Senior Life Solutions program at 712-250-8100.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of business leaders released Tuesday shows economic improvement in nine Midwest and Plains states. That includes improvements in employment and economic outlook amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and the devastation from a rare wind storm earlier in the month. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the survey’s employment index moved above growth neutral 50 for the first time since January, coming in at 54.8 for August, compared with 48.5 in July.

The overall index for the region improved to 60 in August from July’s 57.4. Any score above 50 suggests growth. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is actively recruiting Iowans who can assist voters at the polls on Election Day. Poll workers check-in voters, make sure they have the correct ballot, answer questions, and help ensure elections run smoothly in each precinct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Iowa’s regular poll workers are unavailable this year. Today is National Pollworker Recruitment Day. Pate says “We need healthy Iowans to step up and serve their state and nation on November 3rd. It’s an important job, you’ll be helping your community, and you get paid.”

Polls will be open in all 99 counties on November 3. The Secretary of State’s Office is providing masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, social distancing markers and other materials to every precinct to protect voters and poll workers from the risk of spreading COVID-19. Additionally, a statewide mailing of absentee ballot request forms will go to active registered voters in Iowa soon. This will help reduce crowds and wait times at the polls.

This instructional video details the tasks poll workers are required to perform. For more information and to sign up, visit Pollworker.Iowa.gov.