Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz is encouraging all eligible Iowans to register to vote today in honor of National Voter Registration Day.

Iowans can download the State of Iowa Official Voter Registration Form from www.sos.iowa.gov and return it to your local county auditor’s office or visit your local county auditor’s office to fill out a paper copy.

The Iowa Secretary of State’s office also offers a comprehensive app called Iowa SOS available for both Android and Apple devices to ensure resources are at voter’s fingertips.  From the Iowa SOS app, Iowans can do the following:

• Check voter registration information
• Fill out the State of Iowa Official Voter Registration Form
• Find the correct polling place
• Request an absentee ballot
• Track an absentee ballot
• Set email or calendar reminders for upcoming elections
• Report voter fraud
• Contact local County Auditors
• Contact the Iowa Secretary of State’s office

The Harlan Police Department reports they were called to the scene of an assault Sunday (9/22) in the 1000 block of 6th Street in Harlan.  Officers arrived on scene and discovered Michael Clarkson of Remsen lying on the sidewalk unconscious and bleeding.  Clarkson had a large laceration on his head and was being attended to by a citizen.

Witnesses stated that the subject Clarkson had been fighting with had left the scene.  Clarkson was transported by Medivac Ambulance to Myrtue Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries.

Officers have a complaint into the Shelby County Clerk of Court for the assailant identified by several witnesses and have requested a warrant be issued for his arrest.  More details will be released once the assailant has been apprehended.

The Harlan Police Department reports two separate incidents last week.  The first incident was a report of damage done to a vehicle owned by Clinton Scheffler of Harlan on Tuesday, September 17th.  The vehicle was parked at his residence in the 1000 block of Park Street and was sprayed with green spray paint.  Officers took photos and the case remains under investigation.

Harlan PD also reports a burglary arrest on Wednesday, September 18th.  Police were called to the 1400 block of 6th Street for a report of someone in a building whom did not belong there.  Officers discovered and arrested 31-year-old Elwin Jenkins of Harlan.  Jenkins was taken to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Burglary 3rd Degree and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

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.