(Radio Iowa) – Artificial intelligence or A-I could play a larger role in caring for Iowa’s 182-thousand military veterans. Dr. Mahsaw Mansoor is a resident physician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Through her work in the Veterans Affairs health care system, she says they’re testing the use of A-I technology to recognize eye degeneration in people with diabetes, all without a physician being present.

Mansoor says, “If we can deconstruct that work, especially in a state like Iowa where the majority are coming from rural areas, small towns, I think it’s hard to imagine a reality where we are not going to be improving the status quo.” Mansoor made her comments during a hearing Monday in Iowa City that was called by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who chairs a House subcommittee that looks at veterans’ healthcare. Miller-Meeks, who was an ophthalmologist before going to Congress, says she supports tools that can get Iowans the care they need, especially given the state’s shortage of health care workers.

“You want to have access to healthcare, even if you live in a rural area, so how do you do that,” Miller-Meeks says, “and one of the ways to do that is to leverage AI.” During the hearing, Mansoor said the V-A is also testing the use of A-I to flag veterans who might be at higher risk of suicide.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak say a man was arrested this (Tuesday) morning in the 200 block of W. Washington Avenue. 35-year-old Chase Michael Samples, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 5-a.m., for Domestic Abuse Assault while displaying a dangerous weapon – an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Samples were being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

(Creston, Iowa) – An accident Sunday afternoon on eastbound Highway 34 in Union County caused an estimated total $7,000 damage, but no one was injured. According to the Union County Sheriff’s Department, 59-year-old Michael Joe Podliska, of Ottumwa, was driving a 2023 GMC Acadia SUV that was pulling a camper trailer. When Podliska went to pass a vehicle, the camper blew apart and hit both sides of the SUV. The top of the camper came apart and separated from the bottom part of the trailer.

Authorities say Podliska was able to drive away. The camper and trailer were later picked-up, and towed away.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  An official with Vision Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, says the organization is at the forefront of driving economic development within Atlantic. With a strategic focus on housing, childcare and quality-of-life enhancements, the organization operates under the guidance of a seven-member board. The late Bob Camblin serves as co-founder and honorary board member. Vision Atlantic Board President Christina Bateman, says “Our mission is to empower growth, enhance lives and create a thriving community together. We’re poised to transform Atlantic for generations to come.”

Bateman said after thorough research with community partners over recent years, Vision Atlantic has identified three critical areas that are pivotal for stabilizing and enhancing Atlantic’s population: expanding housing, childcare facilities, and amenities. Collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, generous donors, and foundational support channel an estimated $75.5 million into these vital projects. This includes $48 million directed towards new housing, $11.5 million for a state-of-the-art childcare center and $16 million for the expansion of the current YMCA facility.

Contributions towards a $30 million fundraising goal have been robust, with over $7.6 million pledged by local donors. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation has committed a remarkable $8.6 million, significantly supporting the childcare center and YMCA expansion. An additional transformative pledge of $23 million from the Foundation will serve as the catalyst, igniting the rapid development of new housing in the community.

Steve Wild, President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, says “Atlantic isn’t just waiting for a brighter future, they’re building it. Our investment and Vision Atlantic’s bold leadership are the catalysts propelling this community into an era of prosperity.” Bateman said “We are extremely grateful to the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and all our local businesses and residents who have already committed financial support to help make this once-in- a-lifetime project a reality.”

Under the leadership of President Christina Bateman, Vice-President Nick Hunt, Secretary Melissa Ihnen, Treasurer Debbie Waterbury and directors Keith Harlan, Jessie Shiels and Liz Hunt-Reid, Vision Atlantic has established a project committee. The team of community leaders has worked diligently over the past year to bring the project to fruition. The committee chairs include: Christina Bateman, Dan Haynes, Nick Hunt, Paul Gude, Duane Acker, Bailey Smith, Bob Sharp, Keith Harlan, Liz Hunt-Reid, Billie Hoover, Debbie Waterbury, Ted Robinson, Brad Henningsen, Jill Euken, Ardith Gillepsie, Dianna Williams, Jackie Sampson and Nick Zimmer.

The committee is currently looking for volunteers to join this transformative project. If you are interested in contributing to the growth and development of Atlantic, please contact Christina Bateman at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Your involvement can make a significant difference.

Vision Atlantic remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a vibrant future for Atlantic, fostering a community where economic growth and quality of life go hand in hand.

(Radio Iowa) – Several dozen veterans from 55 Iowa counties will board a chartered jet for a trip to Washington D-C next week on the region’s latest Honor Flight. Mary Lou Walker, who serves on the Brushy Creek Honor Flight committee, says they’ll spend the day visiting memorials. “The first ones that we’ll go to will be Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam. Then they will arrive at the World War Two Monument. They will also visit Arlington National Cemetery, observe the changing of the guard, and then go for Iwo Jima Monument after that point. They also will visit the Air Force Memorial.”

Walker says they’ll have 163 people on the trip, including all of the veterans, medical personnel and support staff. She notes many of the veterans who will be on this flight served in one of two conflicts. “We have Korean veterans, and people that are in between Korea and Vietnam, and Vietnam veterans,” she says, “so we’re talking anybody between June of 1950 through May 7th of 1975.”

Image from honorflight.org.

The charter will fly out of Fort Dodge Regional Airport early on the morning of May 22nd and return home late that night. The group’s next Honor Flight is scheduled for September 18th.