Officials with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), report SWIPCO is seeking two more applicants for a housing rehabilitation program in the City of Elk Horn. Up to $24,999 in home repairs per home, with additional money for lead abatement, is available for the five year forgivable loan.

Applicants must live in the target area, be income qualified, be the homeowner of record, and live in the residence. SWIPCO staff is available to help all homeowners through the application, income qualification, and rehabilitation process.

Community Development Director Amber Carcel says “This program allows us (SWIPCO) to do so much for homeowners. With the large amount of funds available per home we can help repair a leaking roof, replace windows, put on new siding, or whatever the most pressing need is for that particular home.”

The funds are made possible by a Community Development Block Grant the City of Elk Horn received from the Iowa Economic Development Authority in 2015. Elk Horn was awarded $304,000 for the repair of eight homes. Six homes have been approved and are in the rehabilitation process.

Interested applicants should contact SWIPCO at 712-243-4196 for more information.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – An Avoca woman has been accused of injuring a little boy. The Daily Nonpareil reports 23-year-old Tanisha Pallaya has been charged with felony child endangerment causing injury. Her attorney, Bill McGinn, said Friday that Pallaya would be pleading not guilty.

A court record says the child, who was born in 2012, was taken to an Omaha hospital in May. Doctors say the child’s bruises and abrasions on his back, abdomen, head, arms and elsewhere on his body appeared to have been caused by blunt force and didn’t appear To have been the results of an accident or accidents. Pallaya’s next court date is set for Aug. 5th.