(Iowa News Service) – Iowa doctors are assessing how a new medication is working for moms with postpartum depression. That’s timely right now, as more babies are born in the fall than any other time of year. Researchers say roughly one in five new moms faces symptoms of postpartum depression – and of those, 20-percent experience symptoms so dire they report considering suicide or self harm. University of Iowa epidemiologist Nichole Nidey says postpartum depression is a problem statewide, but can be especially serious in rural Iowa, where access to mental health care can be limited.

Psychiatrists have started prescribing zuranolone – the first pill approved by the U-S Food and Drug Administration to treat postpartum depression. The F-D-A fast-tracked its approval after clinical trials proved highly successful. 

Psychiatrists say zuranolone can be effective within days, but UnitedHealthCare O-B/G-Y-N Dr. Donna O’Shea says it’s still important for new moms to know and understand the risk factors and symptoms of postpartum depression.

O’Shea says people from under-served communities are at higher risk than those who aren’t. Not all new moms experience postpartum depression, but for those who do, O’Shea says zuranolone is a vast improvement over previous treatments – including intravenous infusions that took as long as 60 hours.

• Pathfinders RC&D Region: Pathfinders RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development) serves five core counties in Southeast Iowa, with additional services reaching more than 20 counties in the region. Through the Leveraging Access for Underserved Networks and Capital for Hope (LAUNCH) program, Pathfinders aims to impact small businesses in 21 rural communities across the five core counties. LAUNCH seeks to bridge the gap in economic development resources between smaller towns and larger cities like Ottumwa by promoting regional collaboration and providing customized support to strengthen the small business environment, boost job creation and revenue, and build a more resilient economy. 

• Perry Chamber of Commerce: The city of Perry took a hit in July when Tysons closed its local pork packing plant, which employed more than 1,200 workers.  But community leaders acknowledge there have been small business challenges leading up to that announcement and they have a plan to move ahead.  Perry seeks to revive a pandemic-era business grant program for small businesses in need of capital for products, services, marketing, or improvements, as well as providing invaluable connections to resources for skill building and networking.

• West Branch Main Street: West Branch’s historic downtown is home to 47 small businesses, which face several looming economic challenges. The eastbound exit to I-80 is closed for construction and the westbound exit is set to close next year, affecting access for 25,000 vehicles daily. Also, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum will close soon for renovation, creating other short-term challenges. West Branch Main Street has an effort, the Rising Tide Initiative, aimed at helping small businesses by enhancing street appeal, updating signage, renovating facades, increasing accessibility, and optimizing inventory.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A regular meeting of the Cass County Board of Supervisors will be held 8:30-a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1st, at the courthouse in Atlantic. On their agenda [Agenda, Amended – 2024.10.01 for Publication] is a public hearing to consider an application by the Farmer’s Electric Cooperative for a zoning change in Lincoln Township, from General Agricultural to Light Industrial (as approved by the Cass County Zoning Commission), with regard to the construction of an electric substation. Following the hearing, the Board will vote on approving the zoning change.

The Supervisors will also discuss and act on approving a commercial lease to the Fourth Judicial District/Dept. of Corrections Services, for county-owned property at 601 Walnut Street, Suite 1, in Atlantic.  In addition, they are expected to act on: Federal-Aid Agreements for two Cass County bridge projects (Bridges 168 & 269); Approving a tax abatement on certain parcels owned by the City of Massena (as requested by the Cass County Treasurer and allowed under the Code of Iowa); Approval of a County-held Tax Sale Certificate for the sale of a parcel in Lewis, to Colton Erickson, who will pay a;; taxes, interest and penalties owed.

The Board is expected to receive a presentation by County Recorder Mary Ward, with regard to the Recorder’s Fee Modernization Project that will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session. And, they will receive a monthly report for Cass County Community Services Director/Mental Health Advocate, Debbie Schuler, as well as a regular report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken.

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You may listen to and/or join the meeting electronically or over the phone:

Join Electronically https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVWHpMUT09
Meeting ID: 289 919 5216
Passcode: 012064

Call In 312-626-6799, press *9 to indicate you wish to speak.

A study by the Better Business Bureau shows the number of complaints about bogus investment schemes has overtaken complaints about online shopping scams. Bureau spokeswoman Lisa Schiller (SHILL-er) says these financial con artists have done their psychological homework and know how to push people’s buttons.

Schiller says anyone trying to offer you a fantastic chance to get in on a new business venture or a “sure thing” for your portfolio is likely trying to rip you off,
even if it seems legit.

Unlike the online shopping scams, Schiller says an increasing number of investment scams are being carried out in person.

Examples of scams include new cryptocurrencies, business loans or startups, or foreign currency. As always, Schiller says to do your research before writing anyone a check, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if someone is demanding money right away, or won’t let you think about the investment, walk away.