MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown says it’s eliminating several positions and closing its intensive care unit and a cafe. The company cited financial struggles and low usage of the care unit. UnityPoint Health regional marketing director Laura Rainey says the Marshalltown operation is running a $7 million deficit. The closure of the ICU and cafe will affect 15 employees. The hospital says the 15 may be able to find employment elsewhere within the UnityPoint system.

Rainey says the closest intensive care units after the Nov. 30 Marshalltown closing are in Ames and Waterloo.

Police in Creston say a woman in the 800 block of W. Jefferson Street reported over the weekend, that someone had stolen the battery out of her truck, which was parked near the residence. The incident happened sometime between midnight and 7-a.m., Saturday. The loss was estimated at $125.

The General Election takes place tomorrow (Tuesday). Here in Cass County, there are local and State races to watch. Locally, Republican Mark T. O’Brian faces a challenge from fellow Republican Pat McCurdy in the race to fill the District 2 seat on the Cass County Board of Supervisors. Both men are from Atlantic. In District 3, Republican John Hartkopf is being challenged by Dana Halder, who is running as Nominated By Petition (NBP). Hartkopf defeated Halder in a close run-off for June Primary, when Halder ran as a Republican. And, while the other main County offices are uncontested, there are six candidates running for five seats on the Agricultural Extension Council, including Chad Becker, David York, Kristi Plagman, Todd Weppler, Brad Pellett and Jeb Peck.

In the State arena, Republican Ray “Bubba” Sorensen, of Greenfield, faces a challenge from Democrat Warren Varley in the race to succeed Clel Baudler as State Representative in District 20. In District 11, incumbent Republican Tom Shipley is being challenged by Democrat Sara Ramsey. Incumbent Tom Moore is being challenged by Democrat Denise O’Brien, for House District 21, and incumbent Republican 3rd District U-S Congressman David Young is being challenged by Democrat Cindy Axne, Libertarian Bryan Jack Holder, Green Party candidate Paul Knupp, Legalize Medical Marijuana candidate Mark Elworth, Jr., and Joe Grandanette.

With the help of Radio Iowa, we’ll also be watching closely the race for Iowa Governor, Auditor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer and Secretary of Agriculture. Straight-ticket voting has been eliminated.  Each position on ballot must be individually voted. Identification (ID) must be provided prior to voting. The polls will be open in Cass County from 7-a.m. until 9-p.m.

THE VOTING CENTERS FOR THIS ELECTION WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:

1 Atlantic 1st Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zion Lutheran Church (811 Oak St)

2 Atlantic 2nd Ward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atlantic Public Library (507 Poplar)

3 Atlantic 3rd Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cass County Community Center (805 W 10th)

4 Atlantic 4th Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United Church of Christ (1607 Hazel)

5 Atlantic 5th Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heritage House (1200 Brookridge Circle)

6 Bear Grove, Cass Twp/Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lewis Public Library (412 W Main St, Lewis)

7 Benton, Franklin Twp/Wiota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiota City Hall (311 Center St)

8 Brighton, Grove, Pymosa, Washington Twp/Marne . . . . Cass County Community Center (805 W 10th)

9 Edna, Victoria Twp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Massena Public Library (122 Main St, Massena)

10 Grant, Lincoln Twp /Anita. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anita Community Center (805 Main St)

11 Noble, Pleasant Twp/Griswold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Griswold Community Bldg. (601 2nd St)

12 Massena Twp/City of Massena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Massena Public Library (122 Main St, Massena)

13 Union Twp/City of Cumberland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumberland Community Bldg. (200 W 2nd)

Red Oak Police report the arrest of a woman Sunday afternoon, for Fraudulent Use of a license and no insurance. 43-year old Tracey Elizabeth Farlin, whose city of residence was not listed, was also cited for speeding. She was taken into custody at around 4:35-p.m. Sunday, and held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $2,000 bond.

A traffic stop in Adams County just before 1-a.m. today (Monday), resulted in two people from Union County being arrested on drug charges. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports the driver of the vehicle, Shane White, of Creston, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension and Operating a vehicle without a required interlock device. A passenger, Tashina Martwick, also of Creston, was arrested for Possession of Paraphernalia.