ISU Extension in Cass County is excited to partner with the Nishna Valley Family YMCA to offer “On Their Own and OK!,” a course to help youth gain the skills and confidence to stay home alone. The program will be held on Thursday, December 28 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA in Atlantic. The program is open to any interested youth who are currently in 4-8th grade. Topics covered throughout the day will include handling emergencies and basic first aid, safety and privacy with electronics and other appliances, daily routines and responsibilities, and dealing with siblings and friends when home alone. In addition, youth will learn the basics of healthy meals and snacks, including preparing their own meal and snack during the class! Participants will also get a workbook to help start a conversation about family rules, activities and more when home alone.

There is no charge to attend this program, and all materials are provided, but pre-registration is required and the class size is limited to 25 youth. To register, call the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132 or email xcass@iastate.edu. A registration form with more course details can be picked up at the Cass County Extension Office or YMCA, and is also available on the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.

Iowa News Service/DES MOINES, Iowa — The shopping, decorations, baking and parties during the holiday season can leave some folks feeling more misery than merriment. Clinical psychologist Amanda Johnson of Newton said the holiday blues are not uncommon, and those who already are experiencing stress and sadness in other areas of their lives are especially vulnerable. She said a lot of life conditions can trigger negative feelings. “People are either dealing with having to be around family that are very difficult, or not having the family because people passed away; and also, they’re under a lot of financial stress,” Johnson said. “And so, a lot people are experiencing anxiety, depression, in a little more severe manner than they normally are.”

Johnson recommends putting yourself first, making sure to get plenty of sleep and physical activity. She also suggests examining your priorities, crossing some items off the to-do list and asking others for help. She said a sure-fire way to shift the focus back to what really matters is taking time to volunteer to help those in need. Johnson noted there is a difference between the holiday blues, which often are temporary and go away once the season ends, and more serious conditions such as depression, seasonal affective disorder and anxiety disorders. So, look for changes in your behavior. “When you’re either sleeping way too much, not enough, you’re becoming very irritable, maybe snapping at family members way more than you normally would, overeating or not having an appetite at all,” she said. “If you notice that your habits are changing a lot, it’s probably impacting you more than is healthy.”

She also suggested discussing your troubles with a trusted friend or family member, and offering to listen to others who may seem to be struggling with negative feelings, too. “Even the best intended advice sometimes comes across in the wrong way if people aren’t sure what to say,” she observed. “So even offering just to be a listening ear can be the most helpful thing.” If the holiday blues persist, Johnson advises folks to seek out a trained counselor or psychiatrist who can offer strategies to develop healthy behaviors and address emotional issues.

More information and resources are available at APA.org/HelpCenter.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CST

KNOXVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Two days after a jury found him civilly liable in his mother’s death, a Knoxville man was charged with first-degree murder in her death. The Marion County sheriff’s office says 45-year-old Jason Carter was arrested Sunday afternoon. On Friday, a jury ordered Carter to pay $10 million in the June 2015 shooting death of 68-year-old Shirley Carter at her home.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Mason City man accused of killing a 19-year-old woman is scheduled to go to trial on Monday. Sixty-one-year-old Larry Whaley is charged with second-degree murder in the December 2016 death of Samantha Teeter. Prosecutors say Whaley shot Teeter in the head through his apartment door. In letters he sent to a judge, Whaley claimed he fired into the door because he believed two people he knew were breaking into his apartment.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A homeless shelter in eastern Iowa is facing a growing demand for beds, despite federal figures showing a drop in homeless populations statewide and in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports that the Dubuque Rescue Mission has set up beds in hallways and a laundry room to deal with demand. The shelter’s director says the rising demand is a result of chronic mental health and substance abuse issues.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s only independent lawmaker plans to run for re-election in a rural, conservative district as a “no-party” candidate and if he wins, he’d be the first state senator unaffiliated with the two major political parties to do so in more than 90 years. David Johnson, a lifelong Republican, is betting that principle trumps party and that his deep roots in northwest Iowa and long legislative history will win him enough voters to fend off a Republican challenger.

A few area school district Boards of Education have regular monthly meetings set to take place Monday evening. The Griswold School Board meets at 5:30-p.m. in the Central Office at the Middle School/High School Building. The meeting begins with a Public Hearing with regard to a School Addition and Renovation. Present to answer any questions, will be representatives with KPE Architects and/or Estes Construction.

The Griswold School Board is slated to receive an update from KPE/Estes later in the meeting, as well, and vote on approving the second reading of 507-series Board Policies. Afterward, they will receive a presentation and possibly approve the purchase of a school sign and separately, a van. Other action includes approval of the plans, form of contract and cost estimates for the Building Project, approval of a car purchase and the early graduation list.

The CAM School Board meets 6:30-p.m. Monday in the High School Media Center. Discussion and/or Action items on their agenda include: Open enrollment applications; Resignations/contracts; Discussion about the Iowa Report Card; Early Retirement Incentive policy; early graduation requests; Capital Projects; Bids for school vehicles, and other matters.

The Audubon School Board meeting will be held 7-p.m. Monday in their Board Room at the High School. Their agenda includes: The second reading of Policies pertaining to Foreign Students and Board Code of Ethics; Approval of a Mid-Term Graduate and other administrative matters. The Board will also Discuss the Iowa School Report Card, Weight Room Improvements, and act on a Policy Review Committee recommendation.

The Elk Horn-Kimballton School Board will also meet at 7-p.m., Monday. Their meeting, which takes place in the Conference Room at the Elk Horn Building, includes discussion with regard to the FFA National Conference and a presentation from the Marketing Class. New Business will cover, among other matters, Approval of the sale of a bus, a Sick Leave request, and the approval of hires…transfers and resignations.