COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (Nov. 13, 2018) — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter. During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.

Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services, says “This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity. From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop for the holidays. People can give back – and help those in need – by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come.”

An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally – and 140 blood drives in this area – are needed in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

How to help: Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass, are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Cass County Health System are now accepting nominations for the 2018 Angel(s) of Christmas. The Angel of Christmas is a tradition in Atlantic recognizing and thanking area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long – putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “Sometimes we forget the true meaning of the season and I think celebrating people who put others first and spread holiday cheer all year long deserve to be recognized.”

In 2017, Bob Boots was named the Angel of Christmas, demonstrating the true meaning of the season by offering his time and talents as a tireless volunteer to the community. Bob spends his time volunteering at many organizations including the American Legion. He can be found leading flag retirement ceremony’s, repairing flags that are donated to organizations, creating beautiful wood carvings and balloon animals for kids. There isn’t a task Bob can’t conquer without a smile on his face.

Please nominate the Christmas Angel you know to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by November 26th. This year’s angel will be announced at the Holiday Concert on December 2nd at 3 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Nominate by submitting brief comments about this person to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. You can find a nomination form on www.christmasinatlantic.com.

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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EARLVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are investigating the death of a northeast Iowa woman who fell at her farm. First responders were sent around noon Saturday to the farm about 4 miles (7 kilometers) northwest of Earlville. They found 39-year-old Amy Mullis injured. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office says Mullis was taken to a hospital in Manchester, where she died. Details about the fall have not been released.

Police in Creston said today, a woman from Creston reported that sometime between 5-and 6-p.m. Sunday, someone stole the laptop issued to her daughter by the Creston Schools. The Laptop was taken out of the girls’ personal belongings that had been left in a hallway at the school. The loss was estimated at $230

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) — A northern Iowa woman has been accused of injecting her mother with insulin in an attempt to kill her. Floyd County District Court records say 44-year-old Jennifer Bean is charged with attempted murder. Bean’s next court hearing is scheduled for Friday.

A court document says Bean injected her mother on Nov. 6 in Charles City. The document says the insulin caused the woman to have low blood sugar that, if not treated, could have resulted in the woman’s death.
The documents also say Bean struck and pushed her mother and took away a phone when her mother tried to call 911 for help.

(Radio Iowa) — The head of the Environmental Protection Agency says U.S. drivers WILL have access to E15 gasoline next summer. Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler is trying to alleviate concerns about the timeline his agency has proposed for moving to year-round sales of E15. “We will be able to go to year-round E15 by next summer. This is a commitment by President Trump,” Wheeler said.

The published agenda by the EPA shows E15 rule making will begin in February. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and other ethanol supporters say that timeline would make it difficult to deliver E15 for the 2019 summer driving season. Wheeler insists the normal rulemaking process will be completed in time. “So, that does take a little bit of time but our people are already working on it and we’ll be putting out the proposal and getting those comments and then finalizing it before the driving season,” Wheeler said.

The Renewable Fuels Association has said the EPA should expedite the rulemaking process so drivers and the industry have the assurance of next summer’s E15 availability. According to Wheeler, all deadlines will be met for it to be available.

(Radio Iowa) — The administrators of state agencies soon will begin presenting their budget outlines for NEXT year to Governor Kim Reynolds in a series of hearings. The leaders of nine state agencies will make their cases to the governor this (Tuesday) afternoon at the statehouse. Reynolds, a Republican, spent much of the summer and fall out on the campaign trail and won a four-year term in office a week ago today (Tuesday). “It’s nice to be back in the office and start to catch up on some of that stuff,” Reynolds says.

The next state budgeting year starts July 1st. Reynolds will present a proposed outline for state spending to legislators in January. The governor says tax receipts appear steady and reserve accounts are full. “It’s a much better place than we’ve been in for the last two legislative sessions and I’m looking forward to that,” Reynolds says. Lawmakers made mid-year budget cuts in each of the past two years after state tax collections slipped below expectations.

Police in Creston say a distracted driver caused a property damage accident in Creston, Monday night. 18-year old Clayton Calvin Koenen, of Creston, was turning from the stop sign at the intersection of Wyoming Avenue and S. Division Street, when he turned to look at his friends’ house. Koenen didn’t see a legally parked 1999 Pontiac Grand Am. His 1997 Dodge pickup struck the car, causing $3,000 damage to the Pontiac, and $200 damage to the pickup truck. No injuries were reported, and no citations were issued. The accident happened at around 9-p.m., Monday.