The Cass County Memorial Hospital has received a grant from the University of Iowa to help develop a walking map that encourages more residents to get exercise by walking. The University of Iowa College of Public Health and its Business Leadership Network announced six award recipients under the third annual round of the Community Grant Program. The organizations received cash grants of up to $3,000.

The Cass County Memorial Hospital aims to expand and encourage walking as a way to connect family and friends while gaining health benefits. Through their Healthy Cass County division, they will work to provide walking maps with routes of varying lengths in each of the eight cities in the county to help residents become more active.   More

Edith Parker, professor and head of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at the UI College of Public Health, says “We are excited to support these locally initiated projects to improve community health. The grant program is one way the college is partnering with communities and business leaders across the state to increase the well-being of Iowans.”

The grant program funds, in conjunction with an equal cash match from another organization or business, will be used for public health-related initiatives and projects in the recipient communities. The first round of grant funding was awarded in 2015. This third year’s grant funding was available to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across Iowa. Details about the grant program, as well as additional information about the Business Leadership Network is available at: www.public-health.uiowa.edu/bln.

The College of Public Health provided the grants as part of its Business Leadership Network (BLN) initiative. Some of the funds for the grant program are provided by the UI Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The BLN, established in 2011, fosters ongoing, mutually beneficial relationships between the College of Public Health and small and medium-sized businesses and communities in Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The federal government has revoked the exhibitor license of a northeast Iowa roadside zoo that was previously accused of maintaining deplorable living conditions for its animals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in a decision filed Nov. 30 and made public Monday that Cricket Hollow Zoo, now known as Cricket Hollow Animal Park, has repeatedly violated federal animal welfare law.

The USDA also issued a $10,000 fine to owners Thomas and Pamela Sellner. They have 30 days to appeal. A USDA administrative law judge says the zoo in Manchester had “chronic violations.” It was cited for more than 100 violations between 2010 and 2015.

The zoo previously removed tigers, lions and lemurs from the facility after lawsuits by an animal rights group.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports today (Tuesday), Deputies have arrested 51-year old Timothy Duane Smith, of Audubon, on an outstanding Felony warrant charging him with Sexual Abuse in the 2nd Degree – a Class B Felony.

The charges stem from the investigation into an incident that allegedly happened in the 3100 block of Pheasant Avenue between 2009 and 2013. Smith was taken into custody at his residence in Audubon and transported to the Audubon County Jail.

He is currently being held on $10,000 bond. The incident remains under investigation.

Cass County Democratic Party Chair Sherry Toelle reports “The food and winter clothing drives, sponsored by the Cass County Democratic Party, were an incredible success.” Toelle said they delivered large boxes of clothing and bedding to the communities of Cass County on December 4th. She reports “We had a wide range of sizes in the clothing—from toddler to men’s 4X. Many items were brand new; there were at least 20 pair of brand new jeans donated. I was humbled by the response of the community who donated with such compassion and caring for their fellow citizens. We lost count of the items donated but I would guess that we had about 200 coats, over 100 pairs of gloves/mittens and caps for children as well as more for adults. We were surprised by the number of blankets and throws, probably about 40, to keep people warm within their homes.”

Clothing donations were distributed to West Central Community Action in Atlantic as well as the CAM Elementary Schools in Anita and Massena, and the Lord’s Closet in Griswold. Donated items will be given out free of charge to those who are in need. Food items were also donated and distributed to Care & Share in Cumberland, Anita Food Pantry, CAM Elementary Schools North (Anita) and South (Massena), and Atlantic Schools. The schools will use the donated foods in their weekend and holiday backpack programs.

Donations as they were sorted

Toelle said she wants to thank every person who donated to these drives. She added, “You are wonderfully compassionate, truly caring for your neighbors. I also want to express my gratitude to those who opened up their doors to house the drop-off boxes—Evangelical Free Church, Fire Station, and the YMCA in Atlantic; Lewis Library; Griswold Telephone Company, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, and Rolling Hills Bank in Griswold; Cumberland Telephone Company, Library, and City Hall in Cumberland; Library, FNB Bank, and the Economy Food Market in Massena; and City Hall and Library in Anita. Without these partners, the drives would not have been as successful as they were.”

Pets weren’t forgotten either with pet food, treats, and toys being shared. Toelle concludes by saying “There is truly a need within our county for food and warm winter clothing. It is my hope that we will again sponsor a county-wide clothing drive next year so please remember us when you clean out your closets or go shopping. I just want to reiterate that these activities are non-partisan; political affiliations has no part in this when donations are distributed. That is one of the reasons that we use community resources already in place for distribution. Again, thanks to all who helped us in this endeavor.”

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers says “The administrative phone lines at the police department & city hall are now working again.”  They were down for just a short time, earlier this morning.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a woman whose body was found by firefighters battling a blaze at her Mason City home. She’s been identified as 80-year-old Janet “Jan” Huey. The fire started around noon Friday. Officials it was caused by an electrical problem with a multiplug surge protector.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers reports the administrative telephone lines at Clarinda City Hall & The Police Department are not working. Technicians have been advised and are working on the problem. He will let us know when the phone system is operational.