(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Lottery C-E-O Matt Strawn says the independent review of an error that led to the wrong numbers being reported for a Powerball drawing last November is done. He says Lottery employees and the gaming company they use were involved. “It will lead to improvements in our respective job reporting processes and is something that is currently being implemented by both of the respective parties,” he says. The wrong numbers were manually entered for the Powerball drawing and the system for checking and cashing a Powerball tickets was shut down for several hours until the correct numbers were entered. Strawn says he cannot reveal the exact processes due to security concern.

“As much as we can remove human element from these processes I think that continues to instill confidence in lottery games going forward,” Strawn says. He says it was important to do a full outside review. “Because at the end of the day, every player needs to have a belief that these games are fair. And they are. And you know, the operation is one that has the utmost integrity attached to it,” he says. “So I’m confident that as those processes are going to be put into place that we won’t see the type of human error involved in reporting results.”

The Lottery’s spokesperson said at the time that the incorrect results were only available on the Lottery system from about 12:30 a-m until 7:15 a-m when there would not be a lot of people checking them.

(Radio Iowa) – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Iowa, and Sharon Miller, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, says they hope to raise awareness about the problem which prompts some 35-thousand investigations statewide each year. Miller says, “It’s really a time for us to focus on the efforts of prevention, to advocate, and promote the work with others who work tirelessly to help children and families in our communities thrive.” Miller says the biggest child abuse problem in Iowa is typically child neglect.

“It can manifest as food insecurity, it can manifest as children being left home alone too long, their parents are working multiple jobs,” Miller says, “they’re not having their critical needs taken care of.” State studies show about 59% of child abuse cases in Iowa involve neglect, followed by drug-related cases at 28%. Physical and sexual abuse make up a small fraction of cases, but a federal study finds sexual abuse is widely under-reported, with roughly one in four girls and one in 13 boys sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Miller says there is a message for the month, as they hope to promote positive childhood experiences and prevent the adversity children sometimes face.

“What we really would like folks to do is think about our neighbors because parenting is hard,” she says. “Raising children is hard, and what we know is that, the more connections and the more relationships that we have that can uplift and empower families, the better it is for the children.” The annual Child Abuse Prevention Conference will be held April 30th and May 1st at the F-F-A Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The state’s Child or Dependent Adult Abuse Hotline is 1-800-362-2178.

On the web at pcaiowa.org

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, during their meeting March 21st, adopted a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA with regard to 2024 Summer operation of the Sunnyside Pool, in Atlantic. YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes the agreement means the YMCA will hiring all the management and staff for the pool. And, an anonymous donor will pay for the first 10 people to take a YMCA-sponsored Life Guard class, and who plan to work for the YMCA at Sunnyside or the pool at the YMCA. The class normally costs $200 There is also a new $15 per hour or more starting wage for Life Guards, depending on experience. Life Guard candidates must be 15-years-old by the last day of the lifeguarding class, which is also open to adults.

The Red Cross Lifeguard class will be held April 17th, so you have time to compete the on-line portion of the class, according to Haynes. A pre-required swim will take place April 24th from 5-until 7-p.m. for lifeguard candidates. You may arrange for another time with instructors if needed, but the on-line portion of the class must be completed before attending the first session on May 3rd from 5-until 7-p.m. Additional classes will be held May 4th & 5th, from 9-a.m. until 6-p.m.

The Nishna Valley Family YMCA has also announced they will be hiring a three-month Seasonal Manager and Assistant Manager(s) for the Sunnyside Pool. Those positions will pay up to $25/hour, depending on experience. The Manager position requires leadership skills to organize a staff team, and provide a safe, fun, professional and encouraging atmosphere. The Manager position will come with a FREE one-year adult or family membership to the NV YMCA, and support the newly formed Aquatics Committee, made up of YMCA and community representatives.

For more information: Call Dan Haynes at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA (712-243-3924); Stop by the Y at 1100 Maple Street, or apply on-line at nishnavalleyymca.com under “about us” “Careers.”

Des Moines, Iowa – The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with Iowa law enforcement to launch a new campaign to combat an alarming trend: distracted driving.

Beginning April 1, motorists will see law enforcement efforts increase to educate overconfident drivers found illegally using an electronic device while driving. In order to lessen distractions, the bureau encourages Iowa drivers to start using the focus driving feature found on phones and begin utilizing hands-free driving devices.

The traffic safety bureau says distracted driving is a primary law in Iowa which means that any officer can stop any driver who is texting, reading or using any portable electronic device unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off the roadways.

The bureau is a part of the Iowa Department of Public Safety that develops strategies to lessen deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.

“When talking with Iowa drivers, a common sentiment is believing they can manage things behind the wheel,” said GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “During one focus group, a participant said they drive better when texting because it forces them to pay attention to the road. This is ridiculous and not true. Driving requires our full attention. The reality is, No One is a Good DISTRACTED Driver.”

(Radio Iowa) – U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he hopes Iowa officials reconsider the decision to turn down additional federal food assistance in the summer for about 240-thousand Iowa children from low income households. “I’m hopeful that at some point in time the State of Iowa joins 37 other states that have made the decision to participate in the summer feeding program,” Vilsack says.

Under the program, families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school may receive an Electronic Benefits Card that allows them to buy an extra 40-dollars worth of food per child during the summer months when school is not in session. In December, Governor Reynolds announced Iowa would not participate in the program because of administrative costs to the state and because she says it does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic.

Republican governors in 13 other states announced similar decisions last year, but in February, Nebraska’s governor reversed course and announced Nebraska would accept 18 million dollars in additional federal food assistance for Nebraska children this summer. According to the U-S-D-A, the parents of 21 million children across the country will get the extra food assistance this summer. “We think it’s a real good opportunity for us to expand the support and help,” Vilsack says, “to ensure that youngsters are well fed.”

Vilsack discussed the summer feeding program during a stop last week in Clear Lake schools. “Teachers and professionals here know that if youngsters can maintain good nutrition throughout the entire year, they come back for the new school year ready to learn,” Vilsack said, “and ready to be what they were intended to be.”

The U-S-D-A had extended the deadline for states to sign up for the summer feeding program to mid-February, but has indicated it will work with all states that are ready to administer the program this summer

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (March 31, 2024) – The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation announced today the opening of its application cycle, which in 2024 will make more than $200,000 available to individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Applications are open now through May 31 for current long-term care employees, as well as high school seniors, veterans or individuals residing in rural Iowa counties who are pursuing an education in health care.

“With Iowa’s senior population on the rise and a growing demand for long-term care services, the IHCA Foundation remains dedicated to expanding its scholarship offerings to meet our sector’s evolving needs,” said IHCA Foundation Program Director Natalie Thompson. “Through our 2024 scholarship programs, generously supported by donors, we aim to empower driven individuals to pursue their career aspirations in long-term care.”

Scholarship Offerings
The IHCA Foundation is now accepting applications for the following scholarships:

* John W. & Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship Program – This $4,000 scholarship, made possible by the John R. and Zelda Z. Grubb Charitable Foundation, is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing an accredited RN degree or seeking to advance their nursing degree. A total of 40 scholarships are available.

* MolinaCares High School Scholarship Program – This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (MolinaCares), is for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year during the 2023-2024 academic year. This scholarship covers tuition fees to pursue a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), RN, or Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship is intended for those interested in a future career in long-term care. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Linda Juckette Family Rural and Veteran Scholarship Program – This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by the Linda Juckette Family Gift Fund, is for anyone residing in a rural Iowa county or is a veteran who is interested in pursuing a health care education, including nursing, health care administration degree programs or long-term care certification programs, with the goal of joining the long-term care profession. A total of five scholarships are available.

* Iowa Total Care Leadership Training Scholarship Program – This $1,500 scholarship, made possible by Iowa Total Care, is for leaders at IHCA member organizations accepted, or planning to enroll, into the 2024-2025 IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute. This program is specially designed for leaders who work in long-term care and includes the leadership fundamentals necessary to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in long-term care settings. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Care Initiatives Director of Nursing (DON) Scholarship Program – This scholarship, made possible by Care Initiatives, is for assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) or RNs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in pursuing the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) DNS-CT (Director of Nursing Services – Certified) certification, a DON certification program held at IHCA on Nov. 12-15, 2024. Scholarships will be offered to provide for the registration fee to participate in the AAPACN DNS-CT (DON Certification Program) held at IHCA.

* IHCA Member Employee Scholarship Program – This $1,500 scholarship is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing a nursing, health care administration or a physical or occupational training program. This scholarship is made possible by the Iowa Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC), IHCA Districts and Nurse Connect. A total of 13 scholarships are available.

How to Apply 
Eligibility requirements, application guidelines and materials are available online at iowahealthcare.org/foundation. Completed applications are due by May 31. Winners will be announced in July.

About the Iowa Health Care Association Foundation
Founded in 1988 by the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA), the mission of the IHCA Foundation is to foster excellence in long-term care for Iowans by building a stronger workforce. The IHCA Foundation carries out this mission by empowering individuals to reach their career goals in the long-term care profession through scholarships, career education and career access programs. IHCA Foundation programs help support career opportunities available in the long-term care continuum, including nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living programs, residential care facilities, senior living communities and home health agencies.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors will meet at 9-a.m. on Tuesday, April 2nd, in their Atlantic Courthouse Board Room. Some items on their agenda include:

• Discuss/Approve the Second Amendment to Ambulance Services Agreement Between City of Atlantic, Cass County Memorial Hospital (Cass Health), Cass County and Midwest Medical Transport Company, LLC for April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024 and July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
• Approve Resolution 2024-08 Setting Weed Control Program for 2024
• Discuss an ARPA funding request for $14,000 to replace a drone for the sheriff’s department
• Approve Resolution 2024-09 Secondary Roads Five-Year Construction Program
• Approve Secondary Roads Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
• Approve hiring a jail staff member

The meeting will be for viewing. Join Electronically https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVW
HpMUT09
Meeting ID: 289 919 5216
Passcode: 012064
For those who wish to Call-In, do so at 312-626-6799, press *9 to indicate you wish to speak.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors are set to discuss and pass a resolution with regard to bonds for Courthouse Improvements. The matter will come before the Board during their meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m.* Tuesday (April 2nd), in their courthouse Board Room. (see the agenda below)

In other business the Board will hear from Jackie Laire, with Montgomery County E911 Communications, with regard to a Dispatch Headset Project and the use of ARPA funds.

They are also expected to set the date for a Public Hearing on a Fiscal year 2024 Budget Amendment for the Courthouse Improvement Project. Following their regular meeting (**and at around 9:30-a.m., Tuesday), the Board will hold the first Public Hearing on the FY25 Budget, including the proposed FY 25 Property Tax Levy.

Their second regular meeting begins at 9:45-a.m., Tuesday***, and includes a county employee Health Insurance update, and set the date for a 2nd hearing on the FY25 Montgomery County Budget.

*Please note, this is a public meeting; however, it may be conducted via ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411; Or, Dial by your location   +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.

**Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.

***Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak

Regular Meeting, 8:30 A.M., Tuesday April 02, 2024

Tentative Agenda

1. Call meeting to order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll call of members

4. Approval of Agenda – Order at discretion of Chairman

5. Read minutes as presented. Chairman to call for any additions/corrections to said minutes.

6. Board chairman will ask the audience for any comments, limited to two minutes per person.

7. Supervisors: Weekly committee/assignment updates

8. Secondary Roads Update

9. Nate Summers, UMB Bank- General Obligation Courthouse Improvement Series 2024

1. 1. Discuss and approve – Resolution 2024-16 authorizing and approving a Loan Agreement, providing for the placement and issuance of General Obligation Courthouse Improvement Bonds, Series 2024 and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same

   2. Discuss and approve – Loan Agreement and Registrar and Paying Agent Agreement

10. Jackie Laire, E911 Communications – Dispatch Headset project

    1. Discuss and approve PSAP Agreement with HSEMD for NG911 Shared Services RFP0917005031 MA18258 in the amount of $30,679.53 and FirstWireless, Inc. quote QTE11270 in the amount of $3,050.65 to be paid with ARPA funds.

11. New Business

1. 1. Set the date for Public Hearing for FY24 Budget Amendment Courthouse Improvement Project

   2. Approve Villisca Golf Club Inc. Class C Retail Alcohol license permit

   3. Approve Family Farm Tax Applications

2. Discuss and start agenda items for next meeting

3. Announcements – The next 2^nd regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 02, 2024, 9:45 a.m., following the 1^st Hearing FY25 Budget Tax

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak arrested a man on an assault charge, Saturday afternoon. Authorities say at around 12:30-p.m., Red Oak Police Officers arrested 26-year-old Josiah Ivan Prokes, of Red Oak, was taken into custody for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense. He was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail, pending an appearance before the Magistrate.