The Adair and Guthrie County hospitals and public health agencies have teamed up to create a new local healthcare coalition called “Adair/Guthrie Prepares”.  The coalition was formed in order to comply with new requirements to apply for grant funds.

The coalition was formalized in June, 2013 and includes Adair County Memorial Hospital, Adair County Home Care, Guthrie County Public Health & Nursing Services and Guthrie County Hospital, with Adair/Guthrie Emergency Management as a founding partner.  The Adair County Board of Supervisors will serve as the fiscal agent for grants awarded to the coalition. 

The coalition applied for a Hospital & Public Health Preparedness Grant in July and was notified of an award totaling $51,567.00.  That grant money was finalized on September 18th. With the grant the hospital and public health members of the coalition will be able to receive reimbursement for time and supplies used to improve their disaster capabilities and training. 

Stephanie Claussen of Adair County Home Care is serving as the coalition chairman and Lisa Chiodo of Guthrie County Public Health & Nursing Services is the vice-chairman.

Crews working on a street in Massena struck a line and caused a gas main leak around 10:30am on Monday (9/23). Utility crews responded quickly to the leak at 3rd and Cedar Streets. A gas shutoff crew from Council Bluffs was called in and the situation was reported to be under control about 2 hours later.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests over the past weekend.

On Saturday (September 21, 2013) the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28-year-old Thomas Lee Curtis of Griswold on a charge of Driving Under Suspension. Curtis was taken to the Cass County Jail where he plead guilty and was released the following day on his own recognizance.

On Sunday (September 22, 2013) the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Mathew Douglas Minnick of Adair on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Interference with Official Acts. Minnick was taken to the Cass County Jail where he plead not guilty and was released later that day on his own recognizance.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Supreme Court has agreed to review the case of a Davenport man serving 60 years in prison for a 2011 shooting death. The court will hear the appeal of Aki Malik Ross. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Authorities have said Ross shot Joevante Howard during a confrontation.

NORTHWOOD, Iowa (AP) – Authorities in northern Iowa are investigating the death of a man who was being detained on suspicion of beating a woman. The Worth County Sheriff’s Department subdued Michael Zubrod after they responded to a domestic assault call. He became unresponsive while he was handcuffed. He was later pronounced dead.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A groundbreaking ceremony is planned today for the transformation of a former department store in Des Moines into housing and retail space. The Younkers Building is a 114-year-old landmark that has been vacant since 2005. Alexander Company is receiving about $15 million in state and federal historic tax credits for the project.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – Dubuque’s fire department is conducting a live demonstration on fire safety. Firefighters plan to set fire to two structures that look like a typical home. Only one of the structures will have a fire sprinkler. Officials say the event aims to teach residents about the importance of fire safety technology.