One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to quit smoking, and a survey finds 70-percent of Iowa smokers -want- to quit, while 50-percent will -try- to quit in 2024. There are mixed messages circulating about how vaping might be able to help smokers to kick the habit, messages that are blatantly false, according to Erika Sward, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association in Iowa.

The U-S Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarettes to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit, she says, and the Lung Association is urging smokers to step away from all tobacco and nicotine products, and not switch to vaping.

State health officials say about 17-percent of Iowa adults smoke and 10-percent of high school students. Surveys also find about five-percent of Iowa adults use e-cigarettes, while up to 22-percent of Iowa 11th graders vape. Breaking the addiction can be very difficult and the advice of a professional may be key.

Studies show the average smoker has to try seven times before they quit smoking for good.

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors will hold their 2024 Organizational session beginning at 9-a.m. Tuesday, January 2nd, in the Board Room at the Courthouse in Harlan. Here is the meeting agenda:

1. CALL TO ORDER/CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
2. FULLFILLING REQUIREMENT OF IOWA LAW FOR BOARD MEETINGS
3. NAME CHAIRMAN OF BOARD –Action Item
4. NAME VICE CHAIRMAN Action Item
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Action Item
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 19^TH, 20^TH and 21ST. Action Item
7. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS DECEMBER 31^ST Action Item
8. RECESS TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT-Action Item
9. EXIT RECESS-Action Item
10. Resolution 2024-9 Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Amendment-Action Item
11. CLAIMS AND TIME SHEETS PROCEDURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024-Action Item
12. 1% PERFORMANCE RAISES FOR EMPLOYEES WHO QUALIFIED-Action Item
13. GIS CONTRACTS HMU—CITY OF HARLAN-Action Item
14. BOND APPROVAL FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS-Action Item
15. TODD VALLINE SHELBY COUNTY CHAMBER REPORT
16. RESOLUTION 2024-1 FROM THE SHELBY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SUPPORTING THE SHELBY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.- Action Item
17. BRANDON BURMEISTER-SECONDARY ROADS-

a. APPOINT SOLID WASTE AGENCY BOARD MEMBERS Stacey Ferry& Gene Gettys Action Item

b.2024 FUEL BID-Action Item

c. RESOLUTION 2024-7 BRIDGE EMBARGO RESOLUTION-Action Item

d. RESOLUTION 2024-8 ROADWAY EMBARGO RESOLUTION-Action item

e. Utility Permit-Rural Water work in Right-of Way-Action Item

18. CONSERVATION BOARD MEMBER appointment- Janet Buman Action Item
19. AUDITOR AUTHORIZATION REGARDING PAYROLL-ACTION ITEM Action Item
20. RESOLUTION 2024-2 APPOINTING COUNTY DEPUTY OFFICIALS Action Item
21. WEED COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT Action Item
22. COUNTY HOLIDAYS AND MILEAGE CALENDAR 2024 Action Item
23. MEDICAL EXAMINER Action Item
24. COMP BOARD FOR CONDEMNATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY MEMBERSHIP

Action Item

25. OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR PUBLICATIONS-NAMED Action Item
26. RESOLUTION 2024-3 NON-DISCRIMINATION AFFIRMATION Action Item
27. BONDING BROKER CALENDAR YEAR 2024Action Item
28. SUPERVISOR AND OTHER COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOR CALENDAR

YEAR 2024 Action Item

29. AUTHORIZATION ANY SUPERVISOR TO SIGN FARM PROGRAM DOCUMENT

Action Item

30. RESOLUTION 2024-4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC PURPOSE STATEMENT Action Item
31. RESOLUTION 2024-5 PARTNERSHIP-S.W. IOWA TRUST FUND Action Item
32. RESOLUTION 2024-6 COUNTY INSTITUTIONS OF MONETARY DEPOSIT Action Item
33. COUNTY HEALTH INSURANCE RATES AND PROCEDURES FY2024-Action Item
34. Recess Action Item
35. Continue Department Budget workshops

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross is wrapping up 2023 much as it always does, with a critical need for blood donors as supplies are dangerously low during the holidays. Agency spokeswoman Sue Thesenga (thee-SING-guh) says she’s hoping the blood shortage in the new year makes people stop and think about what they can do to help year-round.

The Red Cross is in need of all blood types, especially those with type O, which is considered a universal type for transfusions.

To find a place to donate, visit redcrossblood.org.

DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds will be holding a public budget hearing Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. This meeting will serve as the annual open forum on the state budget and Iowans will have the opportunity to participate virtually. Details below:

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 
Gov. Reynolds to hold virtual public budget hearing
2:00 p.m.

***Members of the public should RSVP with Molly Severn by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday to receive information on how to participate, Molly.Severn@governor.iowa.gov***

West Des Moines, Iowa (KCCI) –  Owners of Danish toy company Lego say they’re opening Iowa’s first Lego store next year. It’ll be inside West Des Moines’ Jordan Creek Town Center, near the Lululemon store. Currently, the closest one is at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Iowa’s location should be ready for shoppers sometime in the second half of 2024.

Headquartered in Billund, Denmark, Lego has factories on three continents, including what it says is a new carbon-neutral factory in Vietnam. There are plans for another carbon-neutral factory in Richmond, Virginia.

Lego was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and its name is derived from the Danish words “leg godt,” or “play well.” The company opened 155 stores worldwide in 2022 and now has more than 900 locations across more than 130 countries.