Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she’ll do a full review of the health care bill that passed the U-S House today (Thursday). “We will take a thorough look at whatever comes to us and whatever that package may look like. Again, stressing the fact that we need to take a look at it and make sure it is the right way to move,” Ernst says. The Republican from Red Oak says it’s an issue that impacts many Iowans.

“What I am seeing occurring in Iowa right now with many of our insurance companies deciding that they won’t provide individual policies, that is concerning to me,” Ernst says, “and knowing that we could very shortly have many families that have absolutely no options.” Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Aetna are planning to stop providing individual policies through the state’s insurance exchange in 2018. The remaining provider, Medica, is considering withdrawing, as well. Ernst says Iowa is an example of why there needs to be a change.

“We know we need to have to address it. And that means addressing it sooner rather than later,” according to Ernst. “But again, we can’t just rush something through. We do have to move in a thoughtful many and make sure that it is the right way forward.” President Donald Trump signed an executive order on “religious liberty” today (Thursday). Ernst says she hasn’t had time to fully review it.

“That text was not released to use ahead of time, so I do need to go through it,” Ernst says. “But I do know he is very intent on protecting those religious liberties. So, I’ll have to review the text, but I know where he stands on that issue. He has been very clear about that throughout his campaign, and I applaud him for taking a look at that issue.”

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa’s three Republican congressman today (Thursday) voted for the health care bill that cleared the U.S. House. Congressman Steve King invited FORMER Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachman onto the House floor. King says that means the two of them were able to press the “yes” button together.

King and Bachmann were the first Republicans in congress to introduce bills seven years ago that called for repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Republican Congressmen Rod Blum of Dubuque and David Young of Van Meter also voted for the G-O-P’s health care law, designed to replace “ObamaCare.”

Democrats were quick to criticize, saying the G-O-P’s replacement is a “scam” that will hurt millions. Republican groups praised the action, saying it shows the G-O-P is following through on its campaign promises.

The lone Democrat in Iowa’s congressional delegation voted against the bill today (Thursday). Congressman Dave Loebsack of Iowa City says the legislation put more than 171-thousand Iowans “in jeopardy” of losing their health insurance coverage. Loebsack also says the bill “opens the door to eliminating the guarantee” that Americans cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

(Radio Iowa)

Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope today (Thursday), said one person was transported to the hospital and another treated at the scene, of an accident that took place Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 2 and 211th Avenue, in Percival.

Aistrope says 47-year old Crystal Anderson, of Hamburg, was driving a 2001 Chevy Silverado west bound on Highway 2.  24-year old Hannah Boehm, of Elkhorn, Nebraska was driving a 2002 Chevy Tahoe, and attempting to make a left turn from 211th Avenue onto Highway 2.  The Sheriff says Boehm’s vision was blocked by a semi turning on to 211th Avenue. When she entered the intersection, her SUV collided with Anderson’s pickup.

Afterward, Anderson was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City, by Percival Rescue. Boehm was uninjured, and a passenger in Boehm’s SUVe was treated and released on the scene by EMS providers. The Iowa State Patrol and Percival and Sidney Fire and Rescue Departments assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the call.

Sheriff Aistrope reports Wednesday’s accident was the third such injury accident to have taken place at that intersection, since February 28th.

The Atlantic Police Department will hold its Annual Summer Campout for boys and girls ages 9-to 11, June 23rd through the 25th, at Lake Anita. Applications may be picked up at, and turned in to the Atlantic Police Department, by no later than 4-p.m. Thursday, May 25th.

There is a limit of eight boys and eight girls who will be chosen to attend the campout. All applications will be read and chosen by the Officers conducting the campout, and Police Chief Dave Erickson.

For additional information, call the Police Department administrative line at 243-3512.

The Griswold Community School District’s Facilities Committee will hold a work session 5:30-p.m. Friday in the Middle School/High School Library. The purpose of the work session is to assess the current educational facilities. Afterward, available school board members will attend a Community Meeting in the Middle School/High School Auditorium, where members of the Facilities Committee will share details with the public, about a potential elementary building project.

The Community meeting gets underway at 7-p.m., Friday.