(Griswold, Iowa) – A nursing home in Cass County (IA) could face sanctions for a woman’s death allegedly caused by the staff providing her with the wrong meal. According to a report in the the Iowa Capital Dispatch, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing recently cited the Griswold Rehab and Health Care Center in Cass County for failing to serve residents the appropriate prescribed diet. The agency proposed a $10,000 fine, which is being held in suspension while federal officials determine whether a federal penalty is warranted.

According to the agency, a female resident of the home had been prescribed a soft-textured diet due to issues with swallowing. On the evening of Aug. 28, the resident was served coleslaw that had not been minced as it should have been. Later, the staff noticed the woman was coughing continuously. Her lungs had gurgling sounds and her oxygen saturation level was in the 70% range – a dangerously low level since anything in the 80% range often requires immediate medical intervention.

About 21 hours later, a nurse aide noticed the woman was struggling to breathe and was coughing so hard that she had coleslaw coming out of her nose. The aide later told inspectors that after the director of nursing declined to assess the resident or check the woman’s vital signs, she approached a registered nurse who provided supplemental oxygen, called a physician, and sent the woman to the hospital. She was admitted for aspiration pneumonia, a condition that typically involves inhaling food or liquids into the lungs.

Two days later, the resident was reported to have died at the hospital of respiratory failure. Hospital x-rays showed the woman had aspirated an unidentified organism. The nursing home’s dietary manager later told inspectors she knew the woman should not have been served coleslaw, but her department had been “very low staffed” and she was serving meals by herself on the night in question with the help of a high school student. She told inspectors that an aide or nurse probably made a mistake and grabbed the wrong plate for the woman.

The facility was also cited for failing to adequately protect residents from abuse. A resident of the home told the staff he heard a worker tell his roommate 50 times to get dressed and then heard a slap and a thud against the wall, as if someone fell. The resident who fell was later treated for wounds to a finger, elbow and one knee, and later pointed out an aide and exclaimed, “She did it.” The aide denied any wrongdoing.

In addition to the citation for resident abuse, the home was cited for 10 other regulatory violations. In August 2022, the Griswold Rehab and Health Care Center was cited for failing to recognize that abuse had occurred and failing to protect residents from abuse. At that time, federal officials imposed a fine of $28,103.

The facility is owned by Griswold Care Center Inc., a for-profit company owned by Roger and Arlene Hinz. The facility has the lowest rating — one star on a five-star scale — from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services with regard to both inspection results and overall quality.

(Radio Iowa) – We are going to get our first taste of some cooler fall weather this weekend, including the possibility of frost. National Weather Service meteorologist, Ashley Bury says the first wave of frost could hit tomorrow (Saturday).

Bury says it will be enough of a frost that you might want to consider action to protect plants.

Things will get a little heavier into next week — and you may need a scraper for your car.

Bury says the daytime temperatures will be more normal for October.

She says there’s a potential for some precipitation by the end of next week, but the potential right now is not very high.

Ames, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Transportation (I-DOT) is in the running for a national award for its initiative to make traveling easier for people with disabilities. The DOT is in the second year of a four-year plan to put adult changing tables in all restroom facilities at rest areas throughout Iowa. Their efforts have been recognized by America’s Transportation Awards, and they are in the running for a $10,000 prize. If the Iowa DOT wins, the money will be donated to the Arc of Iowa’s Changing Spaces Campaign. The money will help raise awareness and help further their goal of getting adult changing tables in restrooms throughout Iowa and not just at rest stops.

In a social media post, the Iowa DOT said mentioned comments by a woman named “Jenny,” who is the mom of two medically complex children. She wrote, “I just wanted to say THANK YOU !! I live in SD, and was traveling home from vacation in Kentucky with one of my sons, and had to stop to use the restroom on I-29, south of Council Bluffs. I was absolutely thrilled when I saw the adult changing table symbol of the rest stop sign – and beyond excited to be able to change my 15-year-old son, without laying him on the bathroom floor or finding a quiet outdoor space! If every rest stop everywhere had one of these, what a life changer that would be!”

Michael Kennerley is the Director of the Design Bureau for the DOT. He said that being nominated for this national award is helping raise awareness for the necessity, which he believes is a true benefit because it can spread the design to other states and cities.

Anyone can vote online for the Iowa DOT’s adult changing facilities, and people can vote multiple times throughout the day.

(Iowa DNR News) – Fall in Iowa delivers a stunning spectacle of fall colors: red, yellow, orange, and purple leaves abound. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites you to “Enjoy a fall drive and take in all the beautiful colors!” In their weekly Fall Colors update, the DNR says:

• There are lots of vibrant colors in northeast Iowa from sugar maple, sumac, Virginia creeper, ash, walnut, basswood and cottonwood. This week and next will be best to enjoy a fall leaf-peeper road trip to the beautiful Driftless Region.
• Sumac, dogwoods, Virginia creeper, and poison ivy are showing red in north central and northwest Iowa. Hard maples are showing more orange and some red.
• Hard maples are showing red, yellow and orange in some areas in central Iowa. Sumac are bright red and crimson. Drought stress is causing some early leaf loss which will reduce overall colors.
• Scattered white ash are showing some purple in southeast Iowa. Urban maples are starting to show red, yellow, and orange.
• Coffee trees are starting to turn yellow in south central Iowa. Drought stressed maples are changing color, especially in urban areas.
• Shrubs and trees are turning color on drier slopes in west central Iowa. Fall prairie flowers are in bloom.
• White ash are turning purple in southwest Iowa, along with dry slope cottonwoods. Most species that turn yellow (cottonwood, silver maple, black walnut, hackberry, elm, buttonbush) have started to turn.

Crisp air and changing leaves bring an exciting new season of travel! Those looking for a last-minute autumn adventure to pick the perfect pumpkin, sip on local wine with a view or take a hike through the vibrant foliage should look no further than Iowa. For those travelers already looking to beat cabin fever, plan an exciting winter getaway complete with cozy cabins, snow fun and all the holiday lights needed to get into the festive spirit.  Check out the full list of top destinations and activities statewide in the new Fall and Winter Travel Guide. A good fall destination is filled with vibrant seasonal views. On the road, along a trail, from a campground or on the water, there is no shortage of last-minute fall fun in Iowa.

Hitchcock Nature Center allows visitors a bird’s eye view of the foliage from the top of a 45-foot-tall observation tower, with several hiking trails in nearby Loess Hills State Forest. Agritourism opportunities abound in the area – visitors can pick their own apples and find the perfect pumpkin at Deal’s Orchard or Ditmars Orchard.

Those who prefer taking the scenic route can set off on an idyllic fall road trip on one of Iowa’s many scenic byways. Recognized as one of the best byways in the United States, the Great River Road follows the winding Mississippi River along Iowa’s eastern border. Stop for a hike at Yellow River State Forest, enjoy a glass of wine and some live music at Wide River Winery or find charming lodging at one of the communities along the way.

For a one-of-a-kind view, Iowa also offers cruises along the Mississippi and Iowa rivers. Settle in for a multi-day sail on the authentic Victorian-era Riverboat Twilight, or opt for a day trip on the Scenic City Empress. For the adrenaline seekers, the first Midwest Rail Explorers location is in central Iowa. Visitors will strap into a pedal-assisted rail bike and travel 12.5 miles round trip along the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad for unobstructed views of the Des Moines River Valley.

Mark your calendars for these events and activities you won’t want to miss.

• Scenic Drive Festival, Villages of Van Buren, October 13-15
• Spirits in the Gardens, Ames, October 13-15, 20-22
  

  Spirits in the Garden in Ames

  

  Atlantic Grand Lighting

• 64th Annual Craft Carnival, Clarinda, October 21
• Downtown Grand Lighting, Atlantic, November 16
• Norwegian Christmas, Decorah, December 2
• Tannenbaum Forest, Amana Colonies, December 15-17
• University of Okoboji Winter Games, Okoboji, January 25-28

(Radio Iowa) – Marshalltown plans to install a free public Narcan dispenser next week, a box that represents a huge step in the city’s ongoing opioid awareness campaign. The city and its Youth and Shelter Services branch hope the free public access to the overdose-reversing drug will complement its existing community policing initiatives. David Hicks, the Y-S-S Director of Community Engagement for Marshall County, says it’s only the eighth free Narcan box in the state.

Hicks says the box will be placed outside the Y-S-S building. He says it helps everybody in the city, from its police force to its hospitals to its taxpayers.

Y-S-S has embedded two social workers within Marshalltown’s police force and has brought on a dedicated addiction counselor.

(Radio Iowa) – After about two-and-a-half years on the job, Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney has stepped down, with his resignation taking effect immediately. City Manager Chad Bird says for the time being, he will not appoint an interim chief.

Bird says he will talk to the city council, police department staff, and citizens about the department’s future and the qualities they would like to see in a police chief. He says Denney did not give a reason for his resignation.

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office today (Friday), issued a report on arrests conducted from Sept. 16th through the 30th. Most recently, on Sept. 30th:

43-year-old Jose Misael Rivera, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop at 12th St and Morningview Drive, in Harlan. Rivera was charged with Driving while License is Suspended, and Failure to Maintain or Use Safety Belt. And, 39-year-old Kyle James Yost, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop Sept, 30th at 12th St and Industrial Ave., in Harlan. Yost was charged with Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Improper Registration Plate Lamp.

On Sept. 29th, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 47-year-old Sherry Lee Musich, of Oakland. Her arrest followed a traffic stop at 12th and Walnut Streets, in Harlan. Musich was charged with Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On the 28th, 38-year-old Tiffanie Ann Newcomb, of Kirkman, was arrested following an investigation. Newcomb was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving while Barred, and Theft 2nd.

There were two arrests Sept. 27th, in Shelby County: Deputies arrested 28-year-old Daniel Jacob Brown, of Elk Horn (IA), and 43-year-old Faith Merritt Peterson, of Harlan, were arrested on separate, active Shelby County warrants for Violation of Probation. There were also two arrests on Sept. 26th: 61-year-old William Joseph Daeges, of Harlan, was arrested in Harlan for Violation of a No Contact Order. Daeges was previously arrested Sept. 25th, for Interference with Official Acts and Public Intoxication; 60-year-old Barbara Kleymann, of Portsmouth, was arrested Sept. 26th on active Shelby County warrants for Violation of Probation, and Failure to Appear.

Others arrested in September include:

• 34-year-old Jesse Eugene Hutton, of Harlan, for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense.
• 58-year-old Randall Josepeh Schwery, of Earling, for Child Endangerment and on two counts of Intimidation with a dangerous weapon.
• 25-year-old Jeffery John Stephens, JR., of Dow City, was arrested in Shelby County for Failure to Maintain Control and OWI/2nd offense.
• 36-year-old Allen Ray Newell, of Harlan, was arrested for Interference with official acts.
• 40-year-old Brent Michael Swisher, of Avoca, was arrested in Shelby County on active Shelby County warrants for 4 counts of Failure to Appear.
• 24-year-old John William Erlbacher, of Harlan, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense.
• 43-year-old Faith Merritt Peterson, of Harlan, was arrested Sept. 21st, on an active Shelby County warrant for Failure to Appear.
• 38-year-old Amber Lea Nelson, of Denison, was arrested on active Shelby County warrants for 3 counts of Failure to Appear.
• 60-year-old Kevin Raymond Reisz, of Dunlap, was arrested in Shelby County, for Failure to Obey a Stop Sign, Open Container, and OWI/1st offense.
• 31-year-old Obed Martinez Martinez, of Kirkman, was arrested in Harlan for OWI/1st offense, Open Container, OWI/1st offense. He was also cited for Improper rear lamps.
• 19-year-old Ian Austin Hill, of Harlan, was arrested by Shelby County Deputies for Criminal Mischief.
• 47-year-old Brian Scott White, of Harlan, was arrested for Driving while license suspended.
• On Sept. 16th, Shelby County Deputies arrested 61-year-old Jeffrey Richard Pape, of Emerson, on an active Shelby warrant for Failure to Appear for Sentencing. And, 32-year-old Melissa Marie Allmon, of Omaha, NE, was arrested following a traffic stop in Irwin. Allmon was charged with Operating a Non – Registered Vehicle, Failure to provide Proof of Financial Liability, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and 2 counts of Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug.

Note: Criminal charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff’s Office Disclaimer: All arrests reported on the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page (and to the media) are arrests made by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office with charges originating from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. If an arrest originated by another Agency (Iowa State Patrol, Division of Criminal Investigations, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Department of Natural Resources, Etc.) but the individual was brought to the Shelby County Jail that arrest would not be reported on the social media page. Additionally, a person arrested on an arrest warrant from another County and brought to the Shelby County Jail to be held until picked up by a different County/Agency would not be reported on the page.

(Radio Iowa) – What’s billed as a celebration of the freedom to read, a Des Moines bookstore is hosting a Banned Books Festival this weekend. The event will feature readings by authors, panel discussions, and even a banned books trivia contest. Jan Danielson Kaiser, spokeswoman for Beaverdale Books, says there’s a real buzz over this topic and they decided to devote a full day to discussing and debating this hot-button topic. “We’ve had people who stopped into the store recently and they’re looking for titles for their book clubs to read,” she says, “and they specifically are looking for books that have been challenged or banned just so that they can speak more intelligently about maybe why they shouldn’t be banned.”

While it may be obvious from the covers why some books have raised controversy, Danielson Kaiser says it’s mystifying why other titles are being vilified, like “Charlotte’s Web.” “We’re featuring the authors of, ‘And Tango Makes Three,’ which is a delightful board book for kids,” she says. “It’s the story of two male penguins who are raising a chick and it’s based on a true story that happened in Central Park Zoo. It’s a beautifully illustrated little book.”

The festival will run from 10 A-M to 5 P-M on Saturday at the Franklin Events Center in Des Moines, and Danielson Kaiser says the store will have a wide selection of banned books available to browse and buy. She says one of the managers started making a list and was quickly overwhelmed. “He’s guessing we probably will have about 600 books for sale, now you know there’ll be duplicates,” she says, laughing, “but there’s going to be a lot of books there!”

Danielson Kaiser says she’s heard about one Iowa publisher who’s suggested he’d like to see one of the books he’s printed get banned, as the publicity almost guarantees a boost in sales. “The other funny thing is that when books are challenged, the schools oftentimes have to buy more copies just so that they can review, you know, they have a panel that reviews them, so that might help book sales that way as well.”

The daylong fest will feature a reading of banned poetry, story time for kids, a panel discussion on “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and a chat with Ashley Hope Perez, author of “Out of Darkness.” The event is free.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa farmers are making progress on the fall harvest, but some say their combines have been dirty, dusty, and becoming black in color when they’re done harvesting corn for the day. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist Angie Rieck-Hinz says some farmers may think that black coating is what’s called “tar spot,” but that’s likely not the case. “When we get to this time of year and that corn matures, those leaves get infected with a saprophytic fungi, which just means they feed on dead tissue and those fungi are actually what breaks down our crop residue in the field. So they’re not a bad thing. They don’t cause any big concern for livestock feed.”

Rieck-Hinz offers some advice for those harvesting corn. “You can always take a look at those leaves. Tar spots pretty easily distinguish even still at this time of year. That black, dark spot is bigger than those saprophytic fungi spots. It’s darker in color and it’s actually raised. The saprophytic fungi does not exhibit those characteristics. So if you’re concerned, just take a leaf and look before you run that combine through those fields.”

Rieck-Hinz says she has heard of corn yields between 140 and 240 bushels an acre, while soybean yields have been between 40 and 75 bushels an acre.