Thousands of Iowa elementary schoolers will be improving their physical and mental health — as well as their self-esteem — through a program called the Kids Heart Challenge. Amy Knoll (NOLE), school engagement director for the Iowa chapter of the American Heart Association, says the program gets kids moving through things like dance, jumping rope and basketball, while teaching them life-saving skills.

The program employs eight colorful creatures, with each one teaching a lesson, including:

Youngsters taking part in the program can earn digital badges as well as keychains that feature the critters.

In addition to the C-P-R training, kids learn how to spot a stroke, ways to combat stress, and ideas for healthy eating. Knoll says studies find that kids who are regularly active will feel better, have improved mental health, build self-esteem, and are less likely to develop anxiety and depression.

There’s clear evidence the hands-on C-P-R program works, as Knoll says a five-year-old on the East Coast who recently took the course helped save the life of a man who collapsed from cardiac arrest while at church. The program runs throughout the school year and Knoll says more Iowa schools are welcome to sign on at: www.heart.org/getstarted

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, September 15, 2023, in honor and remembrance of Kevin Cram of the Algona Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 13, 2023. Cram was attempting to arrest a suspect when he was killed. Cram was a 10-year veteran of Iowa law enforcement, a husband, and a father. He was 33 years old. 

“Officer Kevin Cram died a hero, protecting his community and upholding the rule of law. Kevin and I are praying for his family, the Algona Police Department, and all the law enforcement officers in Kossuth County,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “As flags are lowered across the state, Iowans honor Officer Cram’s legacy and stand united with his brothers and sisters in uniform. We will never forget his service and sacrifice.”

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.    

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.     

(Radio Iowa) – Cedar Rapids lost around two-thirds of its tree canopy in the 2020 derecho and today (Thursday) was awarded millions of dollars from the U-S-D-A Forest Service grant program. U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack joined Cedar Rapids officials to announce six million dollars for the city’s reforestation plan.

Other cities in Iowa will receive a total of six and half million dollars for its trees. The funding comes for the Inflation Reduction Act. The federal government’s traditional budget for funding urban tree planting is 36 million dollars each year for the entire country — but has increased that to one-point-five billion dollars with the Inflation Reduction Act money.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Police in Council Bluffs report warrants have been requested for the arrest of a man involved in a serious injury accident that took place the night of Aug. 10, 2023. Authorities say 24-year-old Bryce Tyree Smith of Council Bluffs, is wanted for Serious Injury by Vehicle-OWI, No Insurance – Accident related, and Failure to Yield Upon Left Turn.

During an investigation, police determined Smith tested at more than twice the legal limit for alcohol at the time of the crash near S. 24th Street and 23rd Avenue, in Council Bluffs.

Bryce Tyree Smith

The collision between a motorcycle and an SUV happened at around 9:27-p.m.  As we previously reported, a 2017 Grom motorcycle operated by 18-year-old Kaden Desantiago, of Council Bluffs, was eastbound on 23rd Avenue, when a 2003 Chevy Tahoe driven by Smith, made a left turn in front of the cycle.

Following the crash, Desantiago was transported to an area trauma center for treatment of life threatening injuries.