DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say more than 12,000 Medicaid service providers have signed necessary paperwork to offer care under the state’s proposed privatization plan. Gov. Terry Branstad’s office said Thursday the four private companies scheduled to oversee Medicaid services on Jan. 1 signed the contracts since Nov. 1st.

The Iowa Department of Human Services says there are more than 17,200 active providers available to offer Medicaid services. Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, said the figure shows low participation. He and other Democrats have been public about seeking a delay of the switch. They question the state’s preparedness, while Branstad and other state officials have said Iowa will be ready on time.

Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program provides care to low-income and needy people, including children and disabled individuals.

The Harlan Police Department has released a report on arrests that took place last week On Nov. 10th, 63-year old Gary Lee Anderson, of Harlan, was arrested following a confrontation with Magistrate William Early at the Shelby County Courthouse. Anderson was arrested the next day and taken to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with assault – displaying a dangerous weapon.

And on Nov. 13th, 31-year old Michelle Longcor, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. Longcor was charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs. Longcor was cited, given a court date and released.

Nicholas Hunt, Chair of the Cass County Community Foundation, has announced that $28,800 was awarded this week to Cass County nonprofit agencies. With these grants, the Cass County Community Foundation has distributed more than $1.2 million in grants and scholarships over the last 15 years.

The following nonprofit organizations, which submitted applications to the Cass County Community Foundation by the September 1st deadline, were awarded grants by the Cass County Board of Directors:
Organization                                Project                                                   Grant

• Anita Child Care Center – Playground sound wall and picnic tables $1,000
• Anita Health & Wellness Center – Nustep Cross Trainer machine $1,500
• Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center – Replace worn toys and furniture $5,000
• Atlantic Rock Island Society – Install suspended ceiling in American Legion Memorial Hall for donated lighting $2,000
• Cass County Historical Museum – Install hinged storm windows and repair cornices $2,500
• City of Anita – Construct food pantry building $3,500
• Cumberland Public Library – Bookshelves and folding table $1,000
• Friends of the Griswold Public Library – Laminator and cart $3,000
• Friends of the Outdoor Classroom – Complete educational building improvements $4,300
• Massena Historical Society – Repair roof of Heritage Park one-room schoolhouse $2,000
• Kids Come First Child Care – Install a playground shade $2,000
• Southwest Iowa Mental Health Center – Automated blood pressure cuffs $1,000

The total includes $1,500 for the Cass County Historical Museum and $1,125 for the Friends of the Griswold Public Library from the Griswold Community Development Endowed Fund, and $500 from the Triumph Endowed Fund for Cass County for the Friends of the Outdoor Classroom.

All grantees met the criteria as Cass County nonprofit agencies or organizations with charitable missions in the areas of civic, cultural, health, education and social services. Only organizations providing services in Cass County were eligible. Cass County agency representatives received their checks on November 18th.

For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact any of the Board Members, or call Dennis Nissen, Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458.