ATLANTIC, IOWA – Cass County Health System (CCHS) has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by The Des Moines Register.  This is the third consecutive year the health system has been honored. Officials say this year, CCHS was ranked 25th among mid-size employers across the state, up eight spots from 2016. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.

Doug Claffey, CEO of Workplace Dynamics, said in a press release that “The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits. But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together.” Claffey adds, “Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”

Brett Altman, CEO for CCHS says “We have great bricks and mortar and top-of-the line equipment, but the secret sauce is our people. This award is a reflection on our great staff and their commitment to providing a superior experience for our patients and families.” Cass County Health System is a regional healthcare provider located in Atlantic. It brings together medical providers, clinics and a hospital to provide a well-coordinated, comprehensive local healthcare system. With more than 350 staff members from over 20 surrounding communities, the health system is the largest employer in the county.

Audubon Police Chief Matt Starmer reports three recent arrests. On Sept. 3rd, 23-year old Kyler Jay O’Brien, of Atlantic, was arrested on an active warrant.  O’Brien was turned over to Council Bluffs authorities. On Sept. 13th, Audubon Police arrested 25-year old Chae Thomas Michael Malone, of Audubon, for Disorderly Conduct.  Malone was cited and released on promise to appear later in court. And, today (Tuesday), 64-year old Thomas Duane Vogelzang, of Hamlin, was arrested in Audubon, for Shoplifting.  Vogelzang was arrested and transported to the Audubon County Jail where he pleaded guilty before a magistrate.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports four people were arrested Monday evening following the execution of two search warrants in Gray. 33-year old Brandon Donald Nichols and 26-year old Samantha Jean Bartlett, were each charged with Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and two counts of Child Endangerment, after a search warrant was executed at 408 Main Street, in Gray.

51-year old Rodney Ryan Nichols and 49-year old Jessica Lorraine Nichols, were charged with Possession of Marijuana with the intent to deliver (within 1,000 feet of a public park), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs, and Child Endangerment, after a search warrant was executed at 103 4th Street, in Gray.

Audubon County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted in their search by K-9 Axel, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol. The incident remains under investigation.

The Cass County Memorial Hospital’s Obstetrics (OB) Department has announced the “Love Steps Up” walk will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 10 am at the Atlantic High School track. Love Steps Up is an initiative created by the OB Department to raise awareness and support for families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. The annual walk is held in October, and a support group meets monthly at the hospital.

Registered Nurse Kate Nachtman says “As OB nurses, we work directly with patients who suffer miscarriages and still births. But we’re also moms who have experienced losses, too. During the event, we share a few of our personal stories, which is incredibly difficult, but we know that by being brave, another family out there won’t feel so alone. Coming together, honoring our babies, and sharing our stories all help us heal and raise awareness in the community about just how many families this touches.”

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 10 am at the Atlantic High School. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the AHS gymnasium. Participants will gather for brief remarks, walk, and then the event will conclude with a balloon release. There is no registration or fee for the event, but you can order a Love Steps Up t-shirt at www.casshealth.org through September 21st. Any questions can be directed to the CCMH OB Department at 712-250-8862.

CCHS OB-Team

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa sheriff’s office is warning residents about a scam involving callers who demand money from people to take care of outstanding arrest warrants. The Polk County sheriff’s office said Tuesday that the perpetrators are using the names of current Polk County sheriff’s employees and telling residents they need to pay money to avoid being arrested.

The sheriff’s office says that’s not the right procedure for taking care of warrants. Authorities say they generally do not discuss or take care of valid warrants over the telephone. The sheriff’s office says anyone who receives such a call should contact Polk County Dispatch at 515-286-333 or local law enforcement. A few weeks ago, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office posted a similar warning on their social media page.

Following last Tuesday’s School Elections, area School Boards are dealing with administrative matters as we head into the new school year. In the Exira-Elk Kimballton School District, Board Secretary Tami Jacobsen says their Board re-elected Kevin Petersen as President, and chose Board member Tami Fahn as Vice President. And, Pat Greving was sworn-in as a new Board Member at Exira-EHK. Other than that, they dealt with standard organizational matters at their meeting Monday evening, including approving an allowable growth request to the State for Special Education, in the amount of $36,429.