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Governor says Iowa food banks, summer feeding sites would distribute ‘food boxes’ next summer

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says she has not opted out of a federal program to provide food to needy Iowa child next summer, she’s just waiting to see if the U-S-D-A will let her use the money to set up a new system in Iowa for distributing it.

Iowa was one of 13 states that did not participate in THIS summer’s U-S-D-A program which provided families with an extra 140 dollars in grocery money for each child who qualifies for free or reduced price school lunches. Reynolds has drawn up a plan to distribute the 29 million dollars in benefits by having the state buy the food and box it up.

The governor says the boxed up food would be distributed by the state’s 12-hundred food banks and food pantries as well as the 500 sites around the state — mostly schools — that provided summer meals this summer. Critics say giving Iowa parents electronic benefits cards lets them address the nutrition needs of their family and avoid foods their kids are allergic to. Reynolds says the emphasis in her alternative is on healthy food.

Reynolds made her comments during a news conference yesterday (Thursday), but has not said whether she will opt out of the Summer feeding program next year if the U-S-D-A does not fund her food box alternative. The governor’s Health and Human Services director says she’s had a couple of productive conversations with a top U-S-D-A official about the governor’s waiver request.

YVONNE NUCARO, 85, of Pleasant Hill [formerly of Adair] – (Svcs. 8/31/24)

Obituaries

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

YVONNE NUCARO, 85, of Pleasant Hill [formerly of Adair], died Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Funeral services for YVONNE NUCARO will be held at 11-a.m. on August 31st, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

An open visitation with no family present will be on August 30th from 9-a.m. until 4-p.m., at the funeral home; Visitation with the family present will be held on August 31st, from 9:30-until 10:30-a.m., also at the funeral home.

Burial is in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

YVONNE NUCARO is survived by:

Her son – Clifton Johnson, of Adair.

Her daughter – Lori (Rich) Rhodes, of Pleasant Hill.

4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Iowa HHS Announces First West Nile Virus Case for 2024 is in Harrison County

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) –  Officials with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Thursday evening (8/22) announced the first case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection reported in 2024, is an older adult (61-80 years) from Harrison County. The case was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Lab.

Warm summer weather means Iowans are spending more time outside which increases the risk of mosquito bites. Bites from infected mosquitos are the primary method in which humans are infected with the virus.

For the best protection against the virus, Iowans should use an insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535. Insect repellent lowers the risk of mosquito bites.

  • Always read and follow label directions. Consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products on children.
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus and Para-menthane-diol should not be used on children younger than 3 years, and DEET should not be used on infants younger than 2 months.
  • If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

    Additional steps Iowans can take to protect themselves include:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks outdoors when possible.
  • Look for standing water in buckets, cans, pool covers, used tires, pet water dishes, and other areas water may collect.
  • Clear standing water from around your home where mosquitos reproduce.

Iowans infected with WNV may not experience any signs or symptoms of the virus. Some people experience minor symptoms like fever and mild headache. Others, however, can develop serious symptoms such as a high fever, headache, disorientation, and muscle weakness.

People who experience mild signs and symptoms of a WNV infection generally recover on their own. But illness that includes a severe headache, disorientation, or sudden weakness require immediate medical attention.

In 2023, 17 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus, with one death.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/west-nile-virus.

Atlantic School Board approves the hiring of six persons

News

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board met in a short Special Session, Wednesday afternoon via Zoom. According to the meeting minutes provided by Board Secretary/Director of Finance, Lisa Jones, following discussion, the Board passed a motion by Jodi Goodrich, to approve the following hires:

  • Elizabeth Williams – Special Education Paraeducator
  • April Zarbano, Jeanne Redler, Ma Kyi and Katie Ryan – Nutrition Dept. Cooks, and
  • Julie Phippen – Middle School Football Cheer Sponsor.

The next meeting of the Atlantic School Board is a Work Session at 5:30-p.m. on August 28th, in the Achievement Center Conference Room.

Boil Order issued in Massena

News

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

[Updated 7:26-p.m.] (Massena, Iowa) – Officials with the City of Massena report the City is currently under a BOIL ORDER until further notice. The Order was issued after a chemical pump malfunctioned, causing chlorine residual levels to become low.  The city has replaced the chlorine injection pump, and the affected area is being disinfected and flushed. City officials are notifying residents via Facebook, public notices and door to door contact.

Officials say there is no reason to believe water quality has been compromised, but as a precaution, customers are encouraged to boil water that will be consumed or used for food preparation. Water should be boiled for two minutes and allowed to cool before use. Water is safe to use for showering, laundry, general washing and outdoor use without boiling.

Two sets of bacteria samples will be collected for testing once residual chlorine levels have returned to normal. The boil advisory will be lifted once two consecutive sets of bacterial samples have tested negative for bacteria.

Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during a BOIL ORDER:

  • If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
  • Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
  • Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.
  • Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option. If you formula feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if possible.

Handwashing

  • In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials.
  • Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Bathing and showering

  • Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
  • Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Brushing teeth

  • Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.

Washing dishes

  • If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
  • Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if:
    • The water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66°Celsius), or
    • The dishwater has a sanitizing cycle.
  • Sanitize all baby bottles.
  • To wash dishes by hand:
    • Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
    • In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
    • Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
    • Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

Laundry

  • It is safe to wash clothes as usual.

Cleaning

  • Clean washable toys and surfaces with:

Caring for pets

  • Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people. Give pets bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
  • If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.
  • Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).
  • Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.

Caring for your garden and houseplants

  • You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

Ryan, Sandeen Named to B1G Preseason Watch List

Sports

August 22nd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa cross country student-athletes Will Ryan and Miriam Sandeen were named to the Big Ten Cross Country Preseason Watch List, the conference announced on Thursday.

Ryan, a native of Waukee, Iowa, holds the program’s seventh-fastest 6,000-meter time (18:17.4). Last season, he scored in four of the five meets he competed in, including a fifth-place finish at the Hawkeye Invite. Ryan holds personal records of 18:17.4 (6K), 25:20.5 (8K) and 32:53.7 (10K).

Sandeen enters the 2024 cross country campaign after a strong finish to the outdoor track season. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native has careers bests of 14:38.8 (4K), 17:54.2 (5K) and 21:51.3 (6K). Sandeen is a four-time academic all-Big Ten selection and three-time letterwinner.

The Hawkeyes open their cross country season on Friday, Aug. 30, with the Hawkeye Invite at the Ashton Cross Country Course in Iowa City. The meet begins at 6 p.m. (CT). Admission is free.

Kirk Ferentz reacts to suspension for NCAA violation

Sports

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz took responsibility for an NCAA violation that has led to a University imposed suspension for the season opener against Illinois State. Receiver coach Jon Budmayr is also suspended. The violation involves improper contact with a player before he entered the transfer portal.

Ferentz says the NCAA investigation is ongoing but at this point they felt a suspension was the right move.

Ferentz did not name the player involved but did call it a unique situation.

Ferentz will not be with the team on game day.

Iowa AD Beth Goetz says they were notified about a potential violation by the NCAA.

Goetz says Ferentz took ownership of the violation.

Various reports say the violation involved Hawkeye quarterback Cade McNamara and his transfer from Michigan in late 2022.

Iowa’s Aaron Graves on his expanded role

Sports

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa defensive lineman Aaron Graves says it is about upholding a standard and not living up to expectations for the Iowa defense. The former Southeast Valley star moves into a starting role this season for a Hawkeye defense that finished fourth in the nation in points allowed in 2023.

Graves on what that standard is.

Graves says having played in 26 games the past two seasons will help him transition into an expanded role.

Iowa opens August 31st at home against Illinois State.

Ultra-processed foods may be ultra-bad for your health

News

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Many of us woof down an occasional hot dog, but a health care professional is urging Iowans not to make a steady diet of what are known as ultra-processed foods. Cindy Lueck, a registered dietician at Gundersen Health System, says there are whole aisles of ultra-processed foods in many supermarkets. Besides hot dogs, the list includes soft drinks, deli meats, packaged cookies, other packaged desserts and more.

Lueck wouldn’t go so far as to say these foods are dangerous, but she says they’re miles from being close to beneficial.

Cindy Leuck (Gundersen photo)

Having a packaged cookie or a soft drink now and then won’t likely do much harm, but Lueck says if you make a routine of eating this type of food, the bad habit will eventually catch up to you.

For most of us, it’s tough to completely avoid ultra-processed foods, but she says it can become a problem is someone makes a practice of eating that type of food all the time.

New state website tracks child care openings

News

August 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has unveiled a state website that lists child care openings.

A couple of years ago, the state created an online platform that licensed child care providers could use to track enrollment and manage payroll. The governor says the 35-hundred child care providers using that system are now part of this new website that shows child care openings and the range of services provided.

State officials believe Iowa is the first state to offer this kind of real-time data in one place online. The website is called Iowa Child Care Connect.

The price for child care is not included, but the site’s designed for smart phone use, so parents can click on a phone numbers and call a provider.

Gov. Reynolds talks about Iowa Child Care Connect (8/22/24 Radio Iowa photo)

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services director Kelly Garcia says the site gives parents a way to drill down into the types of child care available nearby.

 

Governor Reynolds says she and other policymakers will be able to use the website to pinpoint communities that are child care deserts.

For example, Reynolds says they may discover unmet demand for infant care.