MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – A northern Iowa hospital plans to construct a $9.78 million building that will be able to serve more behavioral health patients. The Globe Gazette reports that officials from Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason announced details about the 27,200 square-foot facility Wednesday.

Senior vice president of Mercy Clinics, Dr. Theresa Mock, says the hospital can usually see just over 20 patients at a time in its behavior health center. The new facility will have space for more than 30 behavior health service patients. Mock says the hospital had to turn away 3,000 patients last year because of resource shortages.

The project will be funded by donations from the Jan Again Foundation and through a reinvestment of the hospital’s funds and capital. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall and is expected to be completed by 2019.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa is seeking federal approval to cut a key Medicaid health care benefit for the elderly and poor in an effort to save money. The state has asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to eliminate a provision that allows a person to get Medicaid coverage three months before he or she submits an application to join the program. The provision ensures a care facility receives retroactive payment for treating some patients who are suddenly sick or in an accident.

The policy would impact new Medicaid patients. The Iowa Department of Human Services says the GOP-controlled Iowa Legislature mandated the cut in a bill with cost-containment measures. DHS estimates $36.7 million would be saved, including $9.7 million for the state.

DHS told The Des Moines Register it hopes to implement the changes on Oct. 1.

The Harlan Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn citizens and businesses about the possibility of SCAMS arising from the flooding and relief efforts in Texas. Officials said in a statement, “We, as Iowans, are very caring and giving when it comes to helping other people that are experiencing such heartache and devastation as we are all witnessing in Texas.  As such, we are targets for people looking to take advantage of our generosity.”

Authorities urge everyone to be vigilant with phone, email, and Facebook solicitations wanting money for flood relief. The H-PD says “We have been informed that NO legitimate charities will be soliciting funds by phone, email or Facebook. If you feel the need to help, please stick with legitimate charities that you can check out i.e. American Red Cross, Salvation Army.

Never send anyone cash or gift cards. The legitimate ones don’t work like that. If a local organization, that you are familiar with, or a local church, is fundraising, feel free to help. This should be done in person, if possible so that you are confident that your dollars are going to the victims.

If you aren’t sure of a solicitation, feel free to contact your local law enforcement prior to committing any funds.

A traffic stop Wednesday morning on Interstate 80 near mile marker 7 in Pott. County, resulted in the arrest of the driver on drug charges, and the recovery of 91 pounds of marijuana. Sheriff’s officials say a deputy stopped a 2017 Hyundai Elantra for speeding at around 10:20-a.m., on I-80 eastbound in Council Bluffs.

A Sheriff’s K9 was deployed and conducted a “free air sniff” around the vehicle. The dog alerted to odor of narcotics inside the vehicle, and the driver, 21-year old Gabriel James Swisher, of Glendale, WI., was given a warning for speeding. Swisher, who is a student at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, was then asked for permission to search the vehicle. He refused, but a probable cause search was conducted based on the indications given by the K9. During the search, several vacuum sealed packages of marijuana were located and seized into evidence. Swisher was arrested for Drug Possession/Delivery of Marijuana.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Office said also, a man whose vehicle ran out of gas Wednesday afternoon in Pottawattamie County, flagged down a Sheriff’s Deputy and then turned himself in for Driving While Barred. 32-year old Nicholas John Horgdal, of Henderson, was on the way to see his girlfriend, when the 1997 Ford F-250 truck he was driving, ran out of gas. After his status of being barred from driving was confirmed, Horgal was placed under arrest and the owner contacted to retrieve

And, a records check on man who was visiting an inmate at the Pott. County Jail, Wednesday, resulted in the visitor being arrest, after it was determined he had a warrant for 5th degree Theft. 26-year old Justin Lee Renk, of Carter Lake, had his visit cut short. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the jail.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office today (Thursday), said 36-year old Luke Ahrens Jensen, of Glenwood, was arrested Tuesday night, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $300.

And, on Wednesday, 23-year old Justin Aaron Hammers, of Glenwood, was arrested at the sheriff’s office on a  warrant for Child Endangerment. His bond was set at $2,000.

And, no injuries were reported following an accident Wednesday afternoon, in Mills County. Authorities say a 1998 Lexus driven by 21-year old Ronald Nelson, of Council Bluffs, was traveling east on Highway 34 at around 2:20-p.m. and slowing for the intersection with 195th Street to make a right hand turn, when his vehicle was struck by a 2012 Buick, which was also eastbound.

The Buick was driven by 24-year old Chelsea Harvey, of Goldfield. Authorities say Harvey was following too closely and merging into the left travel lane, when the accident occurred. The woman was cited for following to close.

The Cass County Conservation Board has several events set to take place over the next few days. The “Mysterious Monarchs” program will be held at various locations this Friday and Saturday, and again in Atlantic on Sept. 9th.

The events allow you to discover Monarch Butterflies before they begin their journey south, and includes tagging of the butterflies. If you want your own tagging kit, pre-register by calling 712-769-2372. The program will be held:

Friday, Sept. 1st: 4:30-p.m. at Lake Anita State Park Campground Loop; Saturday, Sept. 2nd: 2-p.m. at the Cold Springs State Park Campground Shelter, and 4-p.m. at the Outdoor Educational Classroom near Massena (get there by following Highway 148 south of Massena, turning left onto Tucson Road and proceeding 1.5 miles to the park, which will be on the right); Saturday, Sept. 9th: Camblins Addition Shelter at Sunnyside Park, in Atlantic.

The Conservation Board is also holding a “Movie in the Park” Campground program, featuring “Princess Bride,” 9-p.m. Friday, Sept. 1st, at Cold Springs State Park, in Lewis.

And, a “Stand up Paddleboard” demonstration will be held Sat., Sept. 2nd, at the COld Springs State Park beach, from 9-a.m. until Noon. The fun, total body work out offers a unique perspective when it comes to being on the water. After a quick demonstration, you can try out the board for yourself. If you do not bring a life jacket, one will be provided for you. Children must be 16 years or older.  There are 10 spots available.: 9-a.m., 5 spots and 10:30-a.m., 5 spots.  Call to pre-register your spot at 712-769-2372.

All the events are free and open to the public, not just campers.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Police in Creston, late Wednesday morning, arrested a man on a Department of Corrections warrant for Violation of Probation. 19-year old Kane Farlow, of Creston, was also taken into custody on a Union County warrant for Theft in the 2nd Degree and Eluding. Farlow was being held without bond, in the Union County Jail.

And, 41-year old Carrie Porter, of Creston, was arrested at around 1:10-a.m. today (Thursday) in Creston, for Public Intoxication. Porter was being held in the Ringgold County Jail on a $1,000 bond.

The latest area news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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A man who served one term on the Cass County Board of Supervisors, has died. An obituary notice from Steen Funeral Homes says 79-year old Bill Behnken died Wednesday, at Caring Acres Nursing Home, in Anita.

Behnken served on the Cass County Board of Supervisors from 2004-to 2008. He entered the 2004 race as a Democrat, and won the election in November of that year by defeating Republican incumbent Kenneth Waters. Behnken lost his bid for re-election in November, 2008, when he was beaten by Republican Frank Waters, of Cumberland.